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Current Affair - 19 November 2024 -
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Current Affair – 19 November 2024

Mentorship India

Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356

Why in News?

The state of Manipur is currently experiencing extreme sectarian violence, which has led to the breakdown of law and order. This situation warrants the invocation of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President to dissolve the state government and impose President’s Rule when the government of a state cannot be conducted according to the provisions of the Constitution.

Legal Framework: Article 356

Article 356 empowers the President of India to intervene in the governance of a state if it is determined that the government of that state cannot function as per the Constitution. This article does not necessarily require a report from the Governor; the President can act if satisfied that the situation warrants such intervention.

Historical Context and Constitutional Debate

The Constituent Assembly discussions on Article 356 were contentious. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the need for a provision to maintain the Constitution’s integrity, while H.V. Kamath opposed it, viewing it as a violation of states’ autonomy. Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar defended the article, stating that the Union government must intervene when a state’s constitutional machinery breaks down.

Why Manipur is Different

The ongoing violence in Manipur is not just the result of insurgency or external threats but also due to ordinary citizens being forced into violence for self-protection. This marks a significant difference from past instances of violence in states like Nagaland or Jammu and Kashmir, where violence was largely perpetrated by insurgent groups or terrorists.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The Supreme Court of India has been involved in the Manipur violence case. Although the court made efforts to monitor the situation and urged the government to take proactive steps, it found the response to be slow. The court highlighted severe human rights violations, including sexual violence against women, and stressed the need for the government to act decisively to restore law and order.

Violence and Casualties

Between May 3, 2023, and November 11, 2024, over 250 people were killed, and more than one lakh people were displaced in ethnic violence. The situation continues to deteriorate, with ongoing atrocities and destruction. Despite intervention by the Supreme Court, the violence remains unabated.

Necessity for President’s Rule

Given the gravity of the situation, the imposition of Article 356 in Manipur has become increasingly necessary. While the provision has been historically abused in some instances, its invocation in Manipur could be seen as a necessary step to restore peace and governance in the state.

Article 355: Duty of the Union

Article 355 obliges the Union government to assist states in times of crisis, ensuring the security of the state and its citizens. However, despite intervention, the situation in Manipur remains unresolved, indicating a failure of central measures.

No ‘X factor’ — reconciling freedom and accountability

Why in News?

The relationship between freedom of speech and accountability is central to the functioning of democracy. Freedom of speech should not be viewed as a laissez-faire notion, where anything is permissible. Instead, it is a tool that enables democratic discourse while upholding the values of truth and accountability. Recent developments, especially concerning social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have highlighted the complexities of balancing free expression with responsibility.

The Guardian’s Exit from X (Twitter)

The Guardian, a prominent British media outlet, made headlines by halting its social media engagement with X in 2023, citing concerns over the toxic content and influence of the platform’s owner, Elon Musk. The media organization issued a statement that raised concerns about the spread of far-right conspiracy theories and racism on X, especially during politically charged events like the U.S. Presidential Election.

This decision is not isolated. National Public Radio (NPR) and PBS in the U.S. had similarly ceased using the platform earlier in 2023, citing concerns about the platform’s management under Musk. These decisions have highlighted the increasing concern among legacy media about the ethical implications of engaging with a platform that has allowed hate speech and misinformation to proliferate unchecked.

The Role of Social Media in Modern Discourse

While traditional media, such as newspapers and public broadcasters, continue to face financial pressures, social media platforms like X offer technology-enabled reach and influence. However, these platforms have come under scrutiny for their role in amplifying misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.

The argument put forth by Musk and other platform owners about freedom of speech often overlooks the responsibility to curb harmful content. This clash between freedom and accountability is at the heart of current debates on the role of social media in democratic societies.

Issues with Social Media Algorithms and Fake News

Studies have shown that social media algorithms often prioritize engagement over truth, resulting in the widespread dissemination of fake news. Platforms such as X have been criticized for promoting content that is partisan or sensationalist, contributing to societal polarization and eroding trust in the media ecosystem. A key concern is that these platforms often weaponize the idea of freedom of speech, allowing unchecked content that undermines public trust and accountability.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a prominent watchdog, also quit X in protest of the platform’s toxic environment and the changes to its terms of service that could hinder legal recourse against harmful content.

Legacy Media’s Struggles and the Rise of Social Media

Legacy media, despite its financial challenges, remains an important pillar of democratic accountability. The relationship between a vibrant democracy and credible information is intrinsic. Traditional media outlets are committed to providing evidence-based information that helps citizens make informed decisions.

In contrast, social media platforms often rely on technological manipulations that prioritize engagement over accuracy, thus distorting public discourse. The reliance on social media has led to significant changes in how journalism operates, with platforms like X setting the agenda for mainstream media and influencing the content they produce.

A Study on Social Media’s Influence on Journalism

Research conducted by Julia Cagé, a professor at Sciences Po Paris, has shown how platforms like X influence mainstream media. The study found that journalists’ reliance on these platforms can distort information and that citizens may be better informed in the absence of such platforms. This raises important questions about the impact of social media on both journalism and democracy.

The Need for Accountability

Ultimately, the role of freedom of speech in a democracy should be balanced with accountability. The unchecked spread of misinformation on social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, undermines public discourse. The Guardian’s decision to cease its engagement with X represents a potential first step towards restoring accountability in digital platforms.

End logjam for EPFO pensioners

Why in News?

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently announced the successful pilot of the Centralised Pension Payments System (CPPS) under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995. This new system, effective from January 1, 2024, is set to ease the pension process for future pensioners by allowing them to receive payments from any bank branch in India. While this development is positive for new pensioners, there remain several unresolved issues, particularly concerning higher pension applications, minimum pension revisions, and universal applicability of EPS.

Key Issues in the Current EPFO Pension System

1. Slow Processing of Pension on Higher Wages

2. Minimum Pension and Wage Ceiling

3. Sustainability of the Pension Fund

Revised Measures and Solutions for EPFO Pensioners

How can design help a building be more climate-resilient?

Why in News?

As climate change accelerates and urbanization expands, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to build sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient structures.

Introduction: High-performance buildings (HPBs) are at the forefront of this effort, designed to consume less energy, conserve resources, and withstand unpredictable weather patterns. They represent a critical part of the solution to the challenges posed by global warming, resource depletion, and urban growth.

What Makes a Building Climate-Resilient?

High-performance buildings (HPBs) incorporate a range of features and strategies that make them more energy-efficient, resource-conserving, and climate-resilient. To achieve this, HPBs rely on integrative design processes, sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and climate-responsive construction methods. The key factors that contribute to the climate resilience of HPBs include:

1. Integrative Design

The integrative design process is a collaborative approach that involves architects, engineers, building owners, and sustainability experts working together from the earliest stages of design. This process focuses on setting measurable performance goals to optimize building systems and minimize energy use.

Key Elements of Integrative Design:

2. Sustainable Materials

HPBs prioritize the use of sustainable materials that are durable, energy-efficient, and non-toxic. These materials should have low embodied carbon, which refers to the carbon emissions generated during manufacturing, and high recycled content. Additionally, materials that promote indoor air quality by reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are preferred.

Examples of Sustainable Material Choices:

For instance, the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) campus in Bengaluru is evaluating materials using a life-cycle cost analysis to assess comfort, durability, and energy efficiency over a 50-year period.

3. Energy Efficiency and Reduced Consumption

Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption. To address this, HPBs implement both passive and active strategies to reduce energy usage.

A notable example is the Infosys Hyderabad campus, which incorporates radiant cooling systems and daylighting controls to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, HPBs aim for net-zero energy performance, where the building generates as much or more energy than it consumes, often through solar power or wind energy.

4. Water Conservation

Water scarcity is a growing concern, and HPBs address this by incorporating water-saving technologies and efficient water management practices.

Water Conservation Features in HPBs:

For example, Infosys campuses in India recycle 100% of their wastewater, earning zero-discharge status.

5. Monitoring Performance

Continuous performance monitoring ensures that HPBs operate as efficiently as designed. By tracking energy consumption, water usage, and indoor air quality in real-time, HPBs can identify inefficiencies and adjust operations accordingly.

Examples of Monitoring Systems:

How Do HPBs Address Climate Risks?

HPBs are built to withstand unpredictable weather events such as extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and floods. Some of the key features that enhance their resilience include:

For instance, the Infosys Crescent Building in Bengaluru serves around 8,000 people but consumes significantly less energy than typical office buildings, with advanced cooling systems and energy-saving designs that help maintain comfortable temperatures even in extreme heat.

Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV)

Diabetes in India

Tuna Export Hub in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tuna Market Scenario

India’s First Long-Range Hypersonic Missile

Specifications of the Missile:

Applications:

Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Initiative

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

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