R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1: A new water harvesting model promises to help Rajasthan’s farmers

• Background:
  • The arid region of Rajasthan is prone to water scarcity, impacting agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
  • Traditional water conservation methods have been insufficient to address the widespread issue.
  • A significant financial commitment of ₹10 crore is available for this new initiative.
• The Situation Now:
  • A new "jal sanjivan" (water harvesting) model has been implemented in Kukas village, Jaipur, based on 50 scientifically designed climate-resilient farm ponds.
  • The model has shown success, with 25 ponds completed and 25 more underway, aiming to provide sustainable water supply to 50,000 villagers in the region.
  • An additional 250 ponds are being dug in Dausa district, building on a successful installation in Amber block, Jaipur.
  • The initiative involves constructing 10-foot-deep, plastic-lined ponds on 5% of each farmer's land, which are reinforced with fencing.
  • These ponds capture rainwater, ensuring year-round irrigation for both kharif and rabi crops and enhancing the reuse of sustainable water resources.
  • The model helps farmers diversify into more profitable and water-efficient crops, leading to better yields and income.
  • Mr. Goyal, from NITI Aayog, and a two-wheeler manufacturer are contributing to the funding for ponds in Kukas.
• Way Forward:
  • The continuous irrigation provided by the model will help recharge groundwater.
  • The success of this model could lead to its expansion to other water-scarce regions in India.
  • Replicating this model could improve agricultural resilience and farmer income across similar dryland regions.
  • The partnership between government and multilateral agencies is crucial for expanding the project's reach and impact.

• Background:
  • The Census is a fundamental exercise for understanding India's population and socio-economic changes.
  • It plays a crucial role in the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, which determines political representation.
  • The 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Concerns exist about the potential impact of new population data on the political landscape, particularly regarding the distribution of power.
• The Situation Now:
  • The next Census is likely to be completed around 2029, with the delimitation process expected to follow.
  • The population data from the 2011 Census is currently used for delimitation, but the new census will necessitate a redrawing of constituency boundaries.
  • Southern states and some smaller states, which have successfully controlled population growth, fear losing political representation (seats) to states with higher population growth, particularly in the northern and central regions.
  • This concern stems from the fact that representation is currently based on the 1971 Census figures, with the delimitation frozen until 2026.
  • There are calls for a recalculation of financial resource devolution based on the new census data, which could impact revenue sharing between states.
  • The policy debate is ongoing, with arguments for and against the potential shifts in political power.
• Way Forward:
  • The Census data must be collected and used transparently to ensure equitable representation and resource allocation.
  • A new delimitation commission will be formed to redraw constituencies based on the new population figures, aiming for completion by April 1, 2026.
  • There is a need for consensus and robust debate on how to address the concerns of states that fear losing political significance.
  • The concept of "one person, one vote" is seen as crucial for upholding democratic principles, but its implementation in the context of varying population growths presents challenges.
  • The BJP's strategy of focusing on national identity and a population-based delimitation could significantly reshape political dynamics, making it essential to find a way forward that addresses regional disparities and ensures fairness for all.

• Background:
  • Women play a crucial but often undervalued role in agriculture globally, especially in India, where a significant portion of agricultural workers are women.
  • Despite their contributions, women farmers face systemic barriers, including limited access to land, credit, technology, and training.
  • Food security is a critical global challenge, and empowering women in agriculture is seen as a key strategy to address it.
• The Situation Now:
  • The UN General Assembly and the International Year of the Woman Farmer highlight the importance of women in agriculture and their role in food security.
  • Women in India face challenges in accessing land rights, credit, technology, and market information, leading to low productivity and vulnerability.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW) allocates 30% of its budget for women farmers, and schemes like the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) aim to improve their access to resources.
  • Climate change disproportionately affects women farmers, increasing their responsibilities and exposure to risks.
  • The ENACT project in Assam has successfully engaged women farmers in climate-resilient agriculture and technology transfer.
• Way Forward:
  • Implement policies and designs that prioritize women's empowerment in agriculture, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
  • Invest in gender-data collection and analysis to inform targeted interventions and measure progress.
  • Strengthen women's collectives and self-help groups to facilitate access to finance, training, and support networks.
  • Promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop diversification and improved seed varieties, to enhance resilience to climate change.
  • Recognize and celebrate the role of women farmers globally, as emphasized by the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, to foster economic prosperity and promote sustainability.
  • Invest in information technology for farmers, providing timely weather advisories and market information.

• Background:
  • The process of delimitation, which involves redrawing electoral constituencies, is crucial for ensuring fair political representation.
  • Currently, delimitation is based on population figures, leading to disparities between states that have controlled population growth and those with higher growth rates.
  • The 2021 Census (though delayed) will likely trigger a new delimitation exercise.
• The Situation Now:
  • The article argues for an alternative approach to delimitation that prioritizes the number of electors (voters) rather than total population.
  • This approach would mean "one person, one vote" is more closely aligned with "one value, one vote," addressing the democratic ideal.
  • Under the current population-based method (using 1971 Census figures), states like Uttar Pradesh have a significantly higher number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency compared to southern states.
  • Using elector data would potentially lead to a more equitable distribution of seats across states, reducing the advantage currently held by states with higher population growth.
  • The Southern states are particularly apprehensive about losing seats in the Lok Sabha based on the new population data, as they have successfully implemented population control measures.
  • Concerns are also raised about the inclusion of minors and non-citizens in population figures used for delimitation.
• Way Forward:
  • Initiate a robust discussion on adopting a voter-centric approach to delimitation instead of solely relying on population.
  • Amend the Census Act, 1948, to ensure that the electoral rolls are the primary basis for delimitation.
  • Ensure that the delimitation exercise is conducted in a transparent and fair manner, addressing the concerns of all states.
  • Consider the implications of any changes for the representation of different communities and social groups.
  • The upcoming delimitation process, expected after the 2021 Census (likely by 2029), offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the current methodology and potentially implement a more equitable system.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Cargo Vessel Ablaze Off Kerala Coast; 4 Crew Missing, 18 Saved A Singapore-flagged container vessel, M.V. Wan Hai 503, caught fire and exploded off the Kerala coast, 88 nautical miles from Beypore. A joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy rescued 18 crew members, but four are missing, including citizens of Taiwan, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

India's First E-Waste Recycling Park to be Built in Delhi: Sirsa Delhi is set to establish India's first e-waste recycling park in North Delhi's Holambi Kalan. The facility, spanning 11.4 acres, will process up to 51,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, generate ₹350 crore in revenue, and create 1,000 "green jobs." The park aims to promote a circular economy and responsible e-waste management.

Foreign Aid and Financial Woes: Kerala's Standoff with Centre Kerala's Chief Minister is challenging the Centre's refusal to allow foreign aid for flood relief and financial borrowing, claiming discrimination. The state faces significant financial hardship due to central policies and unfulfilled commitments, with the issue escalating to the Supreme Court. Political parties are gearing up for upcoming elections amid these financial disputes.

How Extracting and Producing Nickel Can Be More Sustainable New research highlights methods to extract and produce nickel more sustainably, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Innovations like using hydrogen plasma instead of carbon, producing nickel from serpentinites, and employing electro-arc furnaces offer pathways to greener nickel production. This is crucial as nickel is vital for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

California to Sue Trump for 'Illegal, Immoral' National Guard Deployment; Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Boat with Thunberg California's Governor Newsom plans to sue the Trump administration over the "immoral" deployment of the National Guard against protestors in Los Angeles, citing violations of civil liberties. Meanwhile, Israel seized a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying 12 activists, including Greta Thunberg, preventing them from breaching the blockade and citing humanitarian concerns.