5th October 2024

Article: 5^th October, 2024

Topic: Cruise Bharat Mission

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Infrastructure

Source: PIB

Context

• From Mumbai port, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways began the five-year Cruise Bharat Mission.
  
  

About

• The mission is to advance India’s vision to become a major global cruise hub and to position the nation as the world’s top cruise destination.
• It entails raising the number of passengers on river cruises from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3, and the number of passengers on sea cruises from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million.
• Under the mission, it also entails building five marinas, 100 river cruise terminals, and 10 sea cruise terminals.
  
  

Phases of Mission Implementation

The Mission will be implemented in three stages between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2029:

• Phase 1: Work on updating current cruise ports, marinas, and destinations is combined with research endeavors, master planning, and the formation of cruise alliances with surrounding countries.
• Phase 2: Seek to establish more cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to attract high-potential cruise routes and locations.
• Phase 3: To indicate the maturity of the ecosystem, keep adding cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations while integrating all cruise circuits throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
  
  

Three Areas of Cruise Travel

• Ocean & Harbour Cruise: This category covers sailing and yachting trips from different harbors, as well as ocean cruises, coastal, and deep-sea excursions.
• River & Inland Cruises: These trips concentrate on river and inland passages, examining creeks, backwaters, and canals.
• Island Cruise: Provides inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, live-aboard excursions, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.
  
  

Importance of the Mission

• Promotion of Tourism: The goal is to use cruise tourism to fully realize the potential of India’s extensive coastline and waterways while also transforming the country’s maritime landscape.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: By 2029, it hopes to increase cruise travel to one million passengers in India and generate 400,000 new jobs.
• Environmental Sustainability: By encouraging river and coastal cruises, the mission also seeks to build environmentally friendly tourism infrastructure.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Cruise Bharat Mission

1. It seeks to realize India’s vision of becoming the world’s premier cruise destination and to establish the nation as a global cruise hub.
2. One of the financial strategies suggested to assist the Mission is raising port fees for cruise ships.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: a

Explanation

The Cruise Bharat Mission seeks to establish India as a premier cruise destination worldwide and to maximize its potential as a global hub for cruise tourism. Establishing Cruise Alliances with nearby nations like the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia is the goal of the mission.
Major ports will implement a cruise development cess in order to raise money for the mission’s special fund. Contributions from the industry will also support this fund, which is in line with the larger objectives of enhancing cruise tourism infrastructure and services in India.

Mains Model Questions Q. Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (UPSC PYQ 2023)

Introduction:

Given their rich biodiversity and the abundance of resources they offer for transportation, seas are vital to both the environment and humankind. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, strives to reduce ship pollution and enhance the safety and security of international shipping.

Body:

Environment Protection

• Ballast Water Management Convention: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) established and standardized rules for the handling, purification, and release of ballast water, which is stored in ship tanks for stability.
• The MARPOL Convention is an international agreement designed to stop pollution from ships, including chemical and oil spills.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Ships are subject to strict sulfur and nitrogen oxide emission limits. These contribute to lessening pollution, particularly in coastal regions.
• EEXI and CII: In an effort to lower the environmental cost of the shipping industry, the IMO adopted the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
  
  

Security and safety in the maritime environment

• ISPS Code: Ship and port facility security measures are outlined in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS, mandates that the design, functionality, and equipment of ships be compatible with its guidelines.
• The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW Convention, guarantees that seafarers receive standard training and certification in order to attain a minimum level of competency.
• Search and rescue, or SAR, is a vital component of maritime navigation safety. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) SAR Plan guarantees the availability of SAR services worldwide, saving lives.

Conclusion: Operating within the framework of multiple conventions and enforcing multiple codes, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a key player in environmental protection as well as improving maritime safety and security.

Article: 5^th October, 2024

Topic: Should Election Commission ensure internal democracy in political parties?

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Polity

Source: The Hindu

Context

• Since individual charisma is often at the centre of India’s multi-party democracy, it is unclear if the Election Commission can maintain internal democracy within political parties.
  
  

Background

• The application of democratic norms and practices within a political party’s internal structure and operations is referred to as “internal democracy.”
• It entails involving every party member in decision-making procedures, choosing the party’s leadership, developing its policies, and making sure the party’s leadership is answerable to its constituents.
  
  

Causes of the absence of internal democracy

• Weak Organizational Structures: Centralization of control is made possible by the absence of clear procedures for choosing leaders in many parties.
• Dynastic politics: Opportunities for new talent are limited because a small number of people or families control the majority of the leadership.
• Limited Member Participation: Elections within a party are only symbolic resulting in the grassroots members’ disenchantment and disengagement.
  
  

The necessity of internal democracy

• Developing a democratic culture: When in power, parties with robust internal democratic processes are more likely to preserve democratic principles, guaranteeing openness, responsibility, and responsiveness.
• Democratic parties promote competition and meritocracy, which facilitates the ascent of younger and more competent leaders through the ranks. This fosters leadership development.
• Grassroots Member Empowerment: Internal democracy makes sure that party employees’ and regular members’ opinions are heard during decision-making processes.
  
  

Election commission guidelines

• Representation of the People Act: ECI has periodically reminded parties to hold elections and to make sure that their leadership is renewed, changed, or re-elected every five years by using guidelines issued for party registration under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

• No “Permanent President” for a Party: ECI opposes the idea of a “permanent president” in political parties because it goes against the ideas of fair representation and rotating leadership.
• Party constitution: A copy of the party constitution must be submitted by the applicant, according to the EC’s guidelines for parties registering under the Act.
• Issues with De-Registration Only in Fraudulent Cases: In 2002, the Supreme Court decided that although the Election Commission is able to register political parties, it can only deregister a party under limited circumstances.
• De-registration of political parties: ECI has previously requested the authority to de-register political parties from the Law Ministry, but the request has not yet been carried out.
  
  

Way Forward

• Improving the nation’s overall democratic fabric depends on maintaining internal democracy within political parties.
• Although the Election Commission has made progress in this regard, its authority is constrained. Comprehensive reform is required, maybe in the form of legislation, to give the Election Commission the authority it needs to better uphold internal democracy.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to deregister any national or state political party for constitutional violations under article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
2. Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 governs political party registration.
3. In accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI has the authority to order political parties to hold regular elections for party officials.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: b

Explanation

Parties cannot be deregistered by the ECI on the grounds that they violated the Constitution or the commitment they made when registering.
Under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951, ECI is able to register parties; however, it is not able to deregister parties that are no longer in existence.
A party may only be de-registered in the following situations: if the Central Government declares the party to be illegal; if the party modifies its internal constitution and notifies the ECI that it can no longer adhere to the Indian Constitution.
The ECI lacks the authority to order political parties to hold regular elections of party officials in accordance with the terms of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss about the different disqualification clauses in the Representation of the People Act. Do you think these provisions has helped in decriminalising Indian politics?

Introduction:

In India, democracy is manifested through popular representation. It is the legislative branch’s responsibility to represent the interests and concerns of the people it represents.

Body:

• If lawmakers in India continue to be a burden on society and treat the country with corruption, democracy’s basic spirit and goals may be lost. Furthermore, India has an unsettlingly high proportion of individuals with criminal histories who have tainted Indian politics. The Representation of Peoples Act of 1951 contains provisions regarding disqualification, but criminalization of politics remains a problem in India.

Disqualification provisions under the 1951 Representation of Peoples Act:

Section 8 addresses representatives’ disqualification upon conviction for specific offenses. A person may be excluded for the reasons listed below:

• disqualification following a conviction for specific electoral offenses and election manipulation.
• an individual found guilty of any crime and given a minimum two-year prison sentence.
• disqualification for engaging in corrupt activities.
• Disqualified from being fired for betraying or being corrupted.
• Disqualification for office under Government Company.
• Being disqualified for neglecting to submit an election expense report.
• Disqualification for inciting hatred between disparate groups or for engaging in bribery.
  
  

Revocation under the 1951 Representation of the People Act and criminalization of politics:

• The Representation of People Act lays out the conditions that must be met for someone to be excluded from contesting an election.
• Candidates with criminal records may be disqualified based on their conviction in relevant cases. When legal proceedings drag on for years, a conviction-based disqualification loses its effectiveness.
• In these cases, low conviction rates exacerbate the issue. In a 2014 report, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated that only 0.5% of current MLAs and MPs had been found guilty of any crime in a court of law, while 30% of them were the subject of criminal proceedings.
  
  

Conclusion: Therefore, decriminalizing politics in India has not been achieved by simple disqualification under the RPA. Free and fair elections are the hallmark of a well-functioning democracy. Although we should be proud of our democracy, there are still a lot of things that need to be improved before we can fully grasp its potential. There is an urgent need for substantial changes to our electoral system, from the way candidates are chosen to the way money is raised and spent during campaigns. A strong system is required in India to keep criminals out of the political system.

Article: 5^th October, 2024

Topic: SC’s remark on freedom of expression

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Polity

Source: Livemint

Context

• The Indian Supreme Court recently decided that journalists cannot be charged with a crime for simply voicing their criticism of the government.
  
  

About Press Freedom

• It is essential to democratic societies because it permits the unrestricted exchange of ideas and information and keeps those in positions of authority responsible. It is an essential component of a democratic society and acts as the people’s news gathering agency.
• Press freedom in India is regarded as a component of the freedom of speech and expression that the Constitution’s Article 19 (1) (a) guarantees.
• In a number of significant rulings, the Indian Supreme Court has upheld it.

Limitations on the Freedom of the Press

• This right may be subject to reasonable limitations in the benefit of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence, as mentioned in Article 19 (2) of Constitution.
• As a result, media freedom is not unqualified.
  – Although the Constitution guarantees press freedom, it also requires press responsibility.
  
  

Press freedom Present situation

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published the World Press Freedom Index in 2023, and India’s position fell sharply to 161 out of 180 nations. This downturn is a part of a larger regional trend; many Asia-Pacific nations are going through comparable difficulties.
• This decline is attributed to a number of factors in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report, including increased political interference, economic pressures, and threats to the safety of journalists.
  
  

The Difficulties Journalists Face

• Political Pressure: Political organizations frequently exert pressure on media organizations, which can result in biased reporting and self-censorship.
• Economic Restraints: Editorial independence is further curtailed when political ties in business conglomerates purchase media outlets.
• Safety Concerns: There is a climate of fear and intimidation due to the startlingly frequent threats and attacks against journalists.
• Focus on Non-Issues: It’s been said that the media frequently shifts its focus from important issues like healthcare, unemployment, and poverty to less important ones, failing to address the actual concerns of the vast majority of people.
  
  

Way Forward

• The preservation of press freedom must be given top priority as India forges ahead.
• Maintaining the independence and safety of journalists is about more than just defending a career—it’s about defending the democratic principles that serve as the cornerstone of the country.
  
  

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. Press freedom is not specifically mentioned in Article 19(1)(a).
2. Article 19(2) prohibits reasonable restrictions on the freedom of the press.
3. In India, the primary legal principle for accusing someone is “Due Process of Law.”

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: b

Explanation

The Indian Constitution’s Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which courts have construed to include press freedom. It doesn’t, however, specifically address it.
Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions on press freedom, which is part of the greater freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). The principle in question in India is “Procedure Established by Law.” However, elements of “Due Process” have been incorporated into judicial interpretation, especially after the Maneka Gandhi case (1978), to ensure that the procedure is fair and just.

Mains Model Questions Q. “No nation can give up the invaluable right to press freedom.” Examine the current status of press freedom in India in light of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, and discuss about the obstacles and possible solutions to preserve this basic right.

Introduction:

In the current global context, Mahatma Gandhi’s statement that “freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego” is highly relevant. In India, having a strong and independent press is essential to democracy as it serves as a watchdog, a channel for information, and a forum for a range of viewpoints. It is also recognized as a fundamental right under the Constitution.

Body:

India’s Press Freedom Situation Right Now:

• The media landscape in India is varied and includes print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Although there is a great deal of freedom, questions have been raised about the press’s objectivity and integrity.
• Press freedom is under threat due to incidents of censorship, self-censorship, political meddling, and assaults on journalists.
  
  

Problems:

• Political interference: Biased reporting and the silence of dissenting voices are frequently the outcomes of the relationship between politicians and media outlets.
• Threats and Attacks: When covering sensitive topics like corruption, human rights abuses, or intergroup strife, journalists are more likely to experience physical violence, harassment, and intimidation.
• Legal Difficulties: Laws like the Information Technology Act, sedition laws, and defamation laws are occasionally abused to stifle journalists’ free speech and limit their freedom.

Conclusion: Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged that a free press is necessary for a robust democracy to operate. Even though India has a thriving media environment, press freedom still faces many obstacles. Together, the public, media outlets, civil society organizations, and the government must work to address these issues. India can fortify its democratic foundation and guarantee that the opinions of its people are heard without fear or favor by maintaining press freedom.

Article: 5^th October, 2024

Topic: National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy

Source: PIB

Context

• The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) was authorized by the Union Cabinet with the goal of achieving edible oil self-sufficiency and boosting domestic oilseed production.

The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

• The goal of the project, which runs from 2024–2025 to 2030–2031—is to increase the output of important primary oilseed crops, including sunflower, sesamum, groundnut, soybean, and rapeseed–mustard.
• Enhancing the efficiency of gathering and extracting materials from secondary sources such as cottonseed, rice bran, and tree-born oils will also be a priority.
• Goal: By 2030–31, primary oilseed production will have increased from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes, or roughly 72% of our estimated domestic requirement.

• Implementation: By encouraging the use of intercropping, expanding cultivation into rice fallow areas, and encouraging the adoption of high-yielding, high oil content seed varieties.
• The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) was authorized by the Union Cabinet with the goal of achieving edible oil self-sufficiency and boosting domestic oilseed production.
• Crop Diversification: By focusing on rice and potato fallow areas, encouraging intercropping, and fostering crop diversification, the Mission also aims to increase oilseed cultivation by an extra 40 lakh hectares.
• Dietary Awareness: The Mission will use an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise public awareness of the suggested dietary guidelines for edible oils.
  
  

Indian Production of Oil Seeds

• India ranks fourth globally in terms of oilseed production, trailing only the United States, China, and Brazil.
• It accounts for 10% of global production and 20.8% of all cultivated land worldwide.
• The states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana are the biggest producers of oilseeds in India.

• Demand: Over the previous few decades, the nation’s per capita edible oil consumption has increased.
• Due to the dramatic increase in demand over domestic production, imports are heavily relied upon to meet industrial and domestic demand.
• Import: Only 40–45% of India’s needs for edible oils were met by domestic production in 2022–2023, with 16.5 million tonnes (MT) imported.
  
  

Way Forward

• The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was established by the Indian government as part of a series of initiatives to increase domestic edible oil production in order to reduce dependency and encourage self-sufficiency.

• To guarantee oilseed farmers receive fair prices, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for required edible oilseeds has also been raised considerably.
• By means of price support and price deficiency payment schemes, the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) will continue to guarantee oilseed farmers MSP.

• Edible oils are subject to a 20% import duty in order to safeguard homegrown producers from low-cost imports and promote regional farming.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds

1. The seven-year implementation period, from 2024–2025 to 2030–2031 is planned.
2. The mission will use an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness of suggested dietary guidelines for edible oils.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: b

Explanation

The seven-year implementation period is from 2025–2026 to 2030–2031.
The mission will use an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness of suggested dietary guidelines for edible oils.
Its goals were to increase domestic oilseed production and attain edible oil self-sufficiency.

Mains Model Questions Q. India will become less dependent on imports and more self-sufficient in edible oil thanks to the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm. Critically discuss.

Introduction:

A National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was declared by the Prime Minister, involving a five-year investment exceeding Rs 11,000 crore. A new Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being proposed, with the goal of expanding palm oil production to 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025–2026.

Body:

Its goal is to become self-sufficient in edible oil and triple domestic palm oil production to 11 lakh MT by 2025–2026. Domestic edible oil prices are currently set by costly imports of palm oil.

Importance of the Program

• Increase Farmers’ Income: It is anticipated that this will encourage the production of less palm oil, reduce dependence on imports and help farmers cash in on the huge market.
• The palm is an invasive species that is not a naturally occurring forest product in northeastern India. As such, even in non-forest areas, its effects on biodiversity and soil conditions need to be examined.
• Consumer health is also at risk because oil palm requires 300 liters of water per tree per day and is heavily pesticide-used in areas where it is not a native crop.
• Farmers Not Receiving Fair Price: The biggest problem with oil palm farming has been farmers’ inability to get a fair price for fresh fruit bunches, which are extremely perishable and must be processed within 24 hours of harvest.

Conclusion: Oilseeds, which are native to India and well-suited for dryland agriculture, can contribute to achieving self-reliance by reducing reliance on oil palm if subsidies and support are given to them. Furthermore, import taxes on crude palm oil will have an impact on the mission oil palm’s success.