Current Affairs 29 November 2024

CONTENTS

1. Supreme Court Upholds Use of EVMs, Dismisses PIL for Ballot Papers
2. India Tests Nuclear-Capable K-4 Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat
3. India Levies Heavy Fines on Automakers for Emission Norm Violations
4. High Seas Treaty
5. OPCW- The Hague Award
6. Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology

Supreme Court Upholds Use of EVMs, Dismisses PIL for Ballot Papers

Context:

The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the reintroduction of ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). The court emphasized that challenges to the reliability of EVMs typically arise following electoral losses, suggesting that such claims might be driven by dissatisfaction with election outcomes rather than substantive issues with the voting technology.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Controversy Surrounding EVMs
2. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
3. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines:
4. Challenges with VVPAT machines

Controversy Surrounding EVMs

The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India has been a subject of debate, with political parties and stakeholders questioning their reliability and raising concerns about potential tampering.

Key Issues Raised

• Allegations of Tampering:
  • Political parties, often after election losses, have alleged that EVMs were tampered with, casting doubts on the voting process.
  • Specific instances of controversy:
    • 2009 General Elections: The losing party raised concerns about the credibility of EVMs.
    • 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: Opposition parties questioned the integrity of EVMs after the elections concluded.
    • 2020 Assembly Elections: Allegations resurfaced following elections in five states.

Election Commission’s Defense

• Reliability of EVMs:
  • The Election Commission (EC) has consistently maintained that EVMs are secure and cannot be tampered with.
  • Cited studies by technical experts affirming the machines’ robustness against hacking or manipulation.

Supreme Court’s Position

• Safeguards in Place:
  • The Supreme Court noted that technical safeguards and stringent administrative protocols effectively prevent tampering.
• Rejection of Ballot Paper Proposal:
  • The plea to revert to traditional ballot papers was dismissed as impractical and unsound.

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

• Electronic voting is the standard means of conducting elections using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India.
• The government-owned Electronics Corporation of India and Bharat Electronics designed and tested the technology in the 1990s.
• They were gradually incorporated into Indian elections between 1998 and 2001.

What are Remote EVMs?

• Multiple constituencies can be handled by a single remote polling booth using remote electronic voting machines (RVMs).
• Voter portability will be used as a pilot project in nine states’ upcoming 2023 Assembly elections.
• Voter portability could therefore be fully introduced in the general elections of 2024 if the pilot is a success.

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines:

• VVPAT is an independent verification printer that is attached to electronic voting machines (EVMs).
• Its purpose is to allow voters to verify that their votes have been recorded accurately.
• As soon as a voter presses the button on the EVM, the VVPAT machine prints a slip containing the name and symbol of the party they voted for, which is visible to the voter for around 7 seconds.
• VVPAT Machines were first introduced in India during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to increase transparency and eliminate doubts about the accuracy of EVMs.
• Only polling officers have access to the VVPAT machines.
• According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), EVMs and VVPATs are separate entities and are not connected to any network.

Challenges with VVPAT machines:

Technical malfunctions:

• Possibility of technical malfunctions is a primary concern with VVPAT machines.
• Malfunctions can result in inaccurate printing or no printing of the paper receipt of the vote cast by the voter.
• Verification of paper trails:
• Verification of paper trails generated by the VVPAT machines is another challenge.
• It is not always clear how this record can be verified, especially in cases of discrepancies between electronic and paper records.

Public confidence:

• Recent reports of defective VVPAT machines have eroded public confidence in the electoral process.
• Lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the EC has raised questions about the fairness and accuracy of elections.

Legal mandate:

• The Supreme Court in Dr. Subramanian Swamy v ECI (2013) held that VVPAT is an “indispensable requirement of free and fair elections”.

India Tests Nuclear-Capable K-4 Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat

Context:

India has successfully tested the K-4, a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile, from the INS Arighaat, a recently commissioned nuclear-powered submarine. The test was carried out off the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal. The K-4 missile, which is solid-fueled, boasts a striking range of 3,500 kilometers and was launched from a 6000-tonne submarine. This significant achievement enhances India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, underscoring its advancement in submarine-based ballistic missile technology.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. K-4 Missile Test
2. K-4 Missile Specifications
3. Strategic Importance of INS Arighaat

K-4 Missile Test

The K-4 missile test conducted from an operational submarine marks a pivotal advancement in India’s defense capabilities, particularly in its strategic maritime strength. Here are the key details about this event and the missile’s specifications:

K-4 Missile Test Highlights

• Operational Launch: For the first time, the K-4 missile was launched from an operational submarine rather than submersible pontoons, showcasing enhanced operational capability.
• Test Analysis: The outcomes of this launch will undergo detailed examination to verify if the missile met its designated performance criteria.
• Notification and Safety: India issued a public area warning and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the scheduled missile test in the Bay of Bengal from November 27 to 30, ensuring safety and transparency.

K-4 Missile Specifications

• Development: The K-4 missile is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), based on the Agni-III land-based missile.
• Capabilities:
  • Range: It has a significant range of 3,500 kilometers, covering strategic targets in Pakistan and parts of China.
  • Size and Weight: The missile measures 10 meters in length, with a weight of 20 tonnes and a diameter of 1.3 meters.
  • Payload: Capable of carrying a 2-tonne payload, suitable for nuclear warheads.
  • Guidance System: It employs an advanced guidance system combining inertial navigation with GPS/NavIC for mid-course updates and terrain contour matching for precise terminal guidance.
  • Propulsion: Powered by a two-stage solid rocket motor using solid rocket propellant.

Strategic Importance of INS Arighaat

• Enhanced Nuclear Deterrence: INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered submarine, significantly bolsters India’s nuclear deterrence posture.
• Capability Upgrade: This submarine represents an upgrade over INS Arihant, as it can deploy more advanced K-4 missiles, enhancing India’s strategic reach up to 3,500 km.
• Operational Advantage: The ability to launch K-4 missiles from submarine platforms provides India with a credible and secure second-strike capability, essential for maintaining strategic balance in the region.

India Levies Heavy Fines on Automakers for Emission Norm Violations

Context:

The Indian government has identified eight automakers, including prominent companies like Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, and Honda, for exceeding the mandated fleet emission levels during the financial year 2022-23. Due to non-compliance with the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, these companies face an estimated total penalty of ₹7,300 crore. Hyundai alone is subjected to fines exceeding ₹2,800 crore.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. CAFE Norms
2. Penalties for Non-Compliance
3. Significance of CAFE Norms
4. Industry Challenges and Contentions
5. Conclusion

CAFE Norms

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms are regulatory standards introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2017 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. These norms are designed to regulate fuel consumption and curb carbon emissions for passenger vehicles in India.

Key Objectives

• Reduce oil dependency.
• Minimize air pollution by improving vehicle efficiency.

Scope

• Covers passenger vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg.
• Includes vehicles powered by:
  • Petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG.
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).

Implementation Phases

1. CAFE Norms Stage I: Effective from 2017-18.
2. CAFE Norms Stage II: Enforced from 2022-23, with stricter compliance criteria.

Compliance Criteria for FY 2022-23

• Fuel Consumption: ≤ 4.78 litres per 100 km.
• Carbon Emissions: ≤ 113 grams of CO₂ per km.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Financial Year 2022-23 Updates:

• Stricter enforcement led to significant financial penalties for automakers failing to comply with the standards.

Specific Penalty Structure:

• ₹25,000 per vehicle for shortfalls below 0.2 litres per 100 km.
• ₹50,000 per vehicle for exceeding the threshold.
• Base penalty: ₹10 lakh.
• Example: Hyundai’s penalty amounted to approximately 60% of its FY23 profits.

Significance of CAFE Norms

• Promotes Sustainable Transportation:
  • Incentivizes automakers to produce EVs, hybrids, and CNG vehicles.
  • Discourages reliance on fossil fuel-driven cars through penalties.
• Alignment with National Goals:
  • Supports India’s objectives to reduce emissions and foster sustainable mobility.

Industry Challenges and Contentions

• Automaker Concerns:
  • Argue that stricter penalty norms were implemented only from January 1, 2023.
  • Claim retroactive application of penalties for FY23 vehicles is unfair.
• Government Response:
  • Data shows eight carmakers failed to comply in FY23, while all 19 automakers adhered to the norms in FY22.
  • Compliance assessed using real-world simulations in accredited labs.

Conclusion

• Commitment to Regulation:
  • The penalties highlight the government’s dedication to enforcing stricter emissions standards.
• Industry Challenges:
  • Ongoing debates and delays in compliance reporting underscore the difficulty of balancing enforcement with industry readiness.

High Seas Treaty

Context:

India signed the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, in September 2024, marking a major milestone in international ocean governance. 

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About UN High Seas Treaty
2. What are High Seas?
3. Significance of the High Seas Treaty for India

About UN High Seas Treaty:

The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), represents a significant international effort to address environmental challenges in the high seas. Here are the key aspects and significance of the treaty:

Key Aspects of the High Seas Treaty:

• Legal Framework and Objectives:
  • UNCLOS Framework: Operates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), addressing gaps in the governance of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.
  • Conservation and Sustainability: Aims to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable use of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Key Objectives:
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishes MPAs to regulate activities and conserve marine ecosystems.
  • Equitable Benefit-sharing: Ensures fair distribution of benefits from marine genetic resources, balancing scientific research and commercial exploitation.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandates EIAs for activities with potential impacts on the marine environment, regardless of jurisdiction.
• Status of Adoption:
  • International Support: As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the treaty, with 8 having ratified it. It becomes legally binding 120 days after ratification by 60 countries.

Significance of the High Seas Treaty:

• Global Commons Stewardship:
  • Addressing Environmental Challenges: Mitigates resource overexploitation, biodiversity loss, and pollution (e.g., plastic waste) in the high seas, covering 64% of the ocean.
• Comparative to Paris Agreement:
  • Parallel to Climate Efforts: Likened to the Paris Agreement, the treaty aims to safeguard the oceans’ health and promote sustainable resource use.
• Alignment with UNCLOS:
  • Implementing UNCLOS: Provides specific guidelines under UNCLOS principles for equitable resource usage and biodiversity protection.
• Managing Emerging Challenges:
  • Deep-Sea Mining and Plastic Pollution: Addresses emerging threats like deep-sea mining, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution through robust governance.
• Institutional Framework and Cooperation:
  • Enhanced International Cooperation: Establishes mechanisms for international cooperation and decision-making on ocean governance.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Supports SDG 14 by promoting conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Significance for India:

• Global Environmental Leadership:
  • Commitment to Sustainability: Demonstrates India’s leadership in ocean governance and sustainability, particularly through initiatives like Marine Protected Areas.
• Economic and Strategic Benefits:
  • Blue Economy Goals: Aligns with India’s Blue Economy aspirations, offering economic opportunities from marine genetic resources.
• Regional and International Positioning:
  • Indo-Pacific Engagement: Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, supporting a sustainable maritime environment through initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

What are High Seas?

High seas refer to the areas of the oceans that are beyond the national jurisdiction of any country. Here are some key points to note:

• The high seas begin at the border of countries’ exclusive economic zones beyond 370 km (200 nautical miles) from a country’s coastline and extend up to the outer limits of the continental shelf.
• All countries have the right to use the high seas for shipping, fishing, and scientific research.
• The high seas comprise more than 60% of the world’s oceans by surface area.
• Due to a lack of regulation and monitoring, activities on the high seas are often vulnerable to exploitation, making it important to protect them through international treaties and agreements.

Significance of the High Seas Treaty for India

The High Seas Treaty holds immense significance for India, particularly given its dependence on the blue economy and commitment to sustainable development. This international agreement aims to regulate activities on the high seas, fostering marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use.

Economic Implications

• Contribution to the Economy:
  • India’s blue economy contributes 4% of GDP, with sectors like eco-tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture supporting millions of jobs, especially in coastal states like Kerala.
• Protection Against Exploitation:
  • Countries like India, with fleets primarily operating within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), face threats from overfishing and exploitation by foreign fleets in international waters.
  • The treaty provides a framework to regulate fishing in international waters, ensuring sustainability and protecting local industries.

Support for Fisheries Sector

• Alignment with Domestic Initiatives:
  • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to boost the fisheries sector through modernization and sustainable practices.
  • Signing the treaty would reinforce these efforts by safeguarding fish stocks and fostering sustainable marine industries.

Environmental and Climate Resilience

• Marine Ecosystems as Carbon Sinks:
  • The treaty’s focus on marine ecosystems as critical carbon sinks is vital for combating climate change.
  • Healthy marine ecosystems act as natural buffers against:
    • Coastal erosion.
    • Extreme weather events.
    • Rising sea levels.
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS):
  • Promotes initiatives like seascape restoration and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
  • Crucial for protecting coral reefs, which face collapse due to global warming.
  • India’s participation could significantly support efforts to reverse coral reef decline.

Alignment with Global Commitments

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • Ratifying the treaty aligns with:
    • SDG 13: Climate Action.
    • SDG 14: Life Below Water.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
  • Reinforces commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015).
• Key National Initiatives:
  • Supports Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the SAGAR Initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

India’s Role as a Global Leader

• Leadership in Sustainability:
  • Ratifying the treaty positions India as a key player in global efforts for marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• Strengthening Diplomatic Standing:
  • Demonstrates India’s proactive stance on international environmental and sustainability issues.

OPCW- The Hague Award

Context:

The 2024 OPCW The Hague Award was conferred upon the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at a ceremony during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at Hague.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About OPCW-The Hague Award
2. About the Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
3. Key Facts About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

About OPCW-The Hague Award

The OPCW-The Hague Award was established in 2014 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague. This award recognizes exceptional contributions toward the goal of a chemical weapons-free world.

Key Features:

• Objective:
  • To honor significant contributions by individuals and organizations from various sectors such as academia, research, the chemical industry, and civil society.
• Award Details:
  • Recipients are awarded:
    • A medallion.
    • A certificate.
    • A share of the €90,000 award fund.

About the Indian Chemical Council (ICC)

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is India’s premier body representing the chemical industry, established in 1938.

Key Functions:

• Representation:
  • Serves as the apex national body representing all branches of India’s chemical industry, including:
    • Organic & inorganic chemicals.
    • Plastics and petrochemicals.
    • Petroleum refineries.
• Export Facilitation:
  • Authorized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to issue Certificates of Origin for exporters through its offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Initiatives:

• Nicer Globe Initiative:
  • Enhances chemical transportation safety with:
    • Real-time monitoring.
    • Emergency response capabilities.
• Responsible Care (RC) Programme:
  • Promotes chemical safety and security.
  • Introduced the Security Code of Responsible Care to improve safety standards.

Key Facts About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

• Role:
  • Implements the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
  • Fosters international cooperation in chemistry for peaceful purposes.
• Responsibilities:
  • Receives declarations from member states on:
    • Chemical weapons-related activities or materials.
    • Relevant industrial activities.
• Recognition:
  • Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
• Headquarters:
  • Located in The Hague, Netherlands.

Significance of OPCW’s Mission

The OPCW’s efforts aim to:

• Eliminate the threat of chemical weapons globally.
• Promote safe and peaceful applications of chemical science.
• Foster international collaboration for chemical security.

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology

Context:

Recently, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recognized Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology under the Hydro Category to drive innovations and explore alternate technologies.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) Technology

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology is an innovative approach to renewable energy generation that utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing water. Unlike conventional hydroelectric systems, SHKT does not rely on the potential energy created by large civil structures such as dams or barrages.

Key Features of SHKT Technology

• Energy Generation:
  • Directly harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero potential head.
  • Eliminates the need for extensive civil structures like dams or weirs.
• Applications:
  • Can be deployed in various water infrastructures such as canals, hydropower tailrace channels, and natural water bodies.

Advantages of SHKT Technology

• Renewable Energy for Remote Areas:
  • Addresses growing demand for base-load, round-the-clock renewable energy in regions with limited or poor grid accessibility.
• Ease of Installation:
  • Simple and cost-effective to deploy compared to conventional hydropower systems.
• Sustainable Energy Generation:
  • Offers a solution beneficial to both renewable energy buyers and generators by providing a clean and reliable energy source.
• Leverages Existing Infrastructure:
  • Utilizes India’s extensive water infrastructure, such as canals and hydropower tailrace channels, without additional environmental impact.
• Scalability and Growth Potential:
  • Has the potential to be scaled up to GW levels, opening significant opportunities to harness renewable energy for broader development of the power sector.

Significance for India

• Renewable Energy Goals:
  • Supports India’s transition to sustainable energy by adding a new, environmentally friendly option to the renewable energy mix.
• Economic and Social Impact:
  • Enhances power availability in rural and remote areas, contributing to economic growth and social equity.
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Avoids ecological disruption typically associated with traditional hydroelectric projects.