Daily News Analysis: 16 December 2024

1. PM Recalls 1948 Debate on Uniform Civil Code

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reignited discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), referencing the 1948 Constituent Assembly debates led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and K.M. Munshi.

• What is UCC? A unified set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, irrespective of religion.
• Historical Context: Article 44 of the Constitution directs the state to endeavor toward a UCC.
• Arguments For: Promotes equality before the law, gender justice, national integration, and modernization.
• Arguments Against: Risks infringing on cultural diversity, religious freedom, and could polarize communities.

The PM emphasized that implementing UCC requires societal consensus while balancing modernity with India’s cultural diversity.

2. Implementation of POSH Act to Political Parties

The Supreme Court has directed petitioners advocating for the application of the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) to political parties to approach the Election Commission of India (ECI).

• Key Features of POSH Act: Defines sexual harassment, mandates Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), and ensures workplace safety.
• Challenges in Political Parties: Decentralized structures and lack of employer-employee relationships complicate enforcement.
• Way Forward: Amendments to include political entities explicitly under the POSH Act are essential for fostering gender equality in politics.

This move highlights the need for accountability and safer work environments within political institutions.

3. UK Joins Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

The UK became the first non-original member of CPTPP on 15 December 2024.

• Significance for UK: Opens access to a market comprising over 500 million people and reduces reliance on European markets post-Brexit.
• Economic Impact: While GDP gains are modest, long-term trade diversification is expected.
• Strategic Implications: Strengthens UK’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region while countering China’s influence.

India could consider joining similar trade agreements like CPTPP to boost exports and integrate into global value chains.

4. Switzerland Suspends MFN Clause with India

Starting January 2025, Switzerland will suspend India’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status under their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

• Impact: Dividend tax rates for Indian companies will double from 5% to 10%.
• Reason: A Supreme Court ruling clarified that MFN benefits require formal notifications under India’s tax laws.
• Future Implications: This decision may prompt renegotiations in India’s tax treaties with other nations.

The suspension underscores the importance of clear treaty interpretations to avoid financial uncertainties.

5. Jalvahak Scheme to Boost Inland Waterways

The government launched the Jalvahak scheme to promote cargo movement via National Waterways (NW) such as Ganga (NW1), Brahmaputra (NW2), and Barak River (NW16).

• Incentives: Up to 35% reimbursement for cargo transport exceeding 300 km.
• Significance: Reduces logistics costs, decongests roads/railways, and promotes eco-friendly transport.
• Challenges: Infrastructure gaps and competition from road/rail transport remain barriers.

This scheme aims to transform inland waterways into a cost-effective logistics alternative.

6. Public Distribution System (PDS) in India

A recent CAG report highlighted inefficiencies in Karnataka’s PDS operations.

• Overview: PDS provides subsidized food grains to economically weaker sections.
• Challenges: Leakages, poor storage conditions, exclusion errors, and corruption persist.
• Reforms Needed: Digitization, social audits, and inclusion of nutritious items like pulses can enhance effectiveness.

PDS remains a cornerstone of India’s food security framework despite ongoing challenges.

7. Eklavya and Its Ethical Lessons

Rahul Gandhi invoked Eklavya’s story from Mahabharata as a metaphor for resilience among youth and small businesses.

• Lessons from Eklavya:
  • Dedication: Self-taught mastery despite societal barriers.
  • Sacrifice: Prioritized greater good over personal gain.
  • Respect: Honored his guru despite being denied formal training.

Eklavya’s values resonate as timeless lessons in perseverance and humility.

8. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Legacy

On his death anniversary, tributes poured in for Sardar Patel—India’s “Iron Man.”

• Contributions:
  • Integrated over 560 princely states into India post-independence.
  • Established All India Services to uphold national unity.
  • Led Bardoli Satyagraha, earning him widespread acclaim.

His vision continues to inspire efforts toward national unity and governance reforms.

9. Potti Sriramulu: Architect of Andhra Pradesh

Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice led to the creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953.

• Key Events:
  • Advocated for Telugu-speaking regions’ autonomy.
  • Died after a prolonged hunger strike demanding statehood.
  • His efforts paved the way for linguistic reorganization of states in India.

Sriramulu remains a symbol of selfless dedication to regional identity.

10. Santa Ana Winds: A Natural Hazard

Santa Ana winds are dry, warm winds originating from California’s Great Basin region.

• Impact on Wildfires:
  • Hot winds desiccate vegetation, increasing fire risks.
  • Climate change exacerbates wildfire frequency/intensity in affected areas.

These winds highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient disaster management strategies.

11. SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0: Industry Transformation

SAMARTH centers promote Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics in manufacturing.

• Achievements:
  • Smart factories established in Pune and Bengaluru.
  • Online tools launched for MSMEs’ Industry 4.0 readiness assessments.
• Future Goals: Expand digital transformation across industries nationwide.

This initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

12. Revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Delhi-NCR’s GRAP was updated to tackle worsening air quality during winters effectively.

• Key Changes:
  • Stricter measures at lower AQI thresholds.
  • Hybrid classes instead of school closures during severe pollution levels.
  • Ban on non-compliant buses entering Delhi at earlier stages.

These revisions aim to mitigate health risks associated with air pollution proactively.

13. National Energy Conservation Day

Observed annually on December 14, this day emphasizes sustainable energy use practices.

• Initiatives by BEE:
  • National Energy Conservation Awards recognize energy-efficient practices across sectors.
  • Awareness campaigns promote responsible energy consumption habits among citizens.

Energy conservation remains crucial for achieving India’s climate goals while ensuring economic growth sustainability. This detailed analysis captures significant developments from December 16, highlighting their implications across various sectors globally and nationally.