The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : The Misplaced Move of ‘One Nation One Election’

 GS-2 Mains Exam 

Revision Notes

Context

The proposal for simultaneous elections in India has been presented as a solution to streamline electoral processes. However, the frequent elections currently held in India provide several positive benefits.

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the idea of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies to minimize disruptions caused by frequent campaigns. The ongoing election cycles were demanding on political leaders, potentially prompting this proposal.

High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections

• A high-level committee was formed, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, including notable members like Home Minister Amit Shah and others.
• The committee submitted its report in March 2023, making recommendations public before the 2024 general elections.
• The proposal aligns with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto, which may pose challenges for acceptance if the party does not secure a majority in the upcoming elections.
• The committee’s report is extensive, comprising 18,626 pages, reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Legislative Process and Challenges

• The proposal necessitates constitutional amendments, particularly affecting the fixed tenures of State Assemblies.
• The introduction of the amendment bill in the Lok Sabha is crucial, as is the consideration stage, where a special majority is required for passage.
• Currently, the ruling National Democratic Alliance has around 292 members, far short of the 362 votes needed for a special majority.
• Opposition to the ‘one nation one election’ idea complicates the government’s ability to gather the necessary support.

Arguments for Simultaneous Elections

1. Cost Savings:

1. • Proponents argue that holding elections once every five years would significantly reduce expenses.
   • However, the costs associated with elections are already budgeted by Parliament, with ₹466 crore allocated for the 2024 general election.
   • The financial implications for state governments and political parties also need to be considered, as savings may not translate to investments in infrastructure.

2. Development Disruption:

1. • Another argument is that frequent elections disrupt government developmental plans due to the model code of conduct.
   • However, historical data suggests that elections have not halted development momentum.

Federalism Concerns

• Aligning State Assembly tenures with the Lok Sabha undermines the federal structure of India.
• State Assemblies function as autonomous bodies, and their fixed tenures are crucial to maintaining federalism.
• The proposed amendments might alter the Constitution’s basic structure, raising legal and constitutional concerns.

Positive Aspects of Frequent Elections

Frequent elections provide several benefits:

• Accountability: They keep elected representatives in touch with their constituents, fostering accountability and responsiveness.
• Engagement: Regular elections encourage dialogue and deliberation among various stakeholders, enhancing democratic engagement.

Conclusion

In summary, moving to a system of simultaneous elections risks diminishing the connection between representatives and the public. It may lead to political apathy and reduced accountability. Frequent elections allow governments to gauge public sentiment and adapt their policies accordingly. Ultimately, while the proposal may aim for efficiency, it could disrupt the federal balance and does not align with the priorities of ordinary Indians.

 

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : China’s Warning Shots: Minerals That Run the World

 GS-2 Mains Exam 

Revision Notes

Context

China has adopted a strategy of restricting access to strategic resources, making it increasingly significant on a global scale.

Introduction

On August 15, 2023, China announced its decision to restrict the export of antimony, a critical mineral used in defense and other important sectors. This move was justified on the grounds of “national security” and will take effect from September 15. It is part of a series of countermeasures that began in August 2023.

China’s Leadership and Supply Chain

• China is not only a major player in critical minerals but also a leader.
• It controls the entire supply chain for these minerals, including mining, extraction, refining, and processing.
• China holds approximately 60% of rare earth production and 80% of global processing.

Global Security Implications

• Decisions made by China have profound implications for global security, leaving countries like the European Union, India, Japan, and the U.S. strategically vulnerable.

2010 Chinese Trawler Incident

• China’s intimidating behavior gained international attention in 2010 when a Chinese trawler collided with Japanese Coast Guard boats, leading to a halt in exports of rare earth elements to Japan. This incident raised global concerns about dependency on China for strategic minerals.

Recent Antimony Restrictions

• The recent export restrictions on antimony reaffirmed Western beliefs that China is willing to use critical minerals as a coercive tool.
• China announced these restrictions alongside U.S. export control measures, reflecting rising tensions.
• These actions included curbs on the export of gallium and germanium, crucial for semiconductor production.

Hardening Foreign Policy Posture

• China’s strategy includes controlling strategic resources, reminiscent of the U.S. oil embargo against Japan in 1940.
• This strategy has shifted from mere intimidation to becoming a central part of China’s foreign policy objectives.
• China aims to remind the West of its dependency on Chinese minerals while responding to U.S. actions that threaten its mineral supply chains.

Targeting Dual-Use Applications

• China has focused on critical minerals used in dual-use applications, such as those required for building Virginia-class submarines and F-35 fighter jets.
• This shift indicates a more aggressive and retaliatory approach as China moves away from cooperative strategies.

India’s Vulnerabilities

Like its Quad partners—Australia, Japan, and the U.S.—India remains vulnerable due to its strategic reliance on China. India is heavily dependent on imports of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, which resulted in an import cost of approximately ₹34,000 crore in FY23. As demand for minerals rises, so will import costs, increasing India’s vulnerability. This situation should serve as a wake-up call for India to strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries and invest in developing alternative supply chains.

Conclusion

China’s control over the export of critical minerals is affecting global balance. India must take steps to reduce its mineral dependency and invest in alternative supply chains to enhance its security.