Daily questions
16 December 2024
1. "The practice of one candidate contesting from multiple constituencies undermines democratic principles and creates unnecessary financial burden." Critically examine this statement. (15 marks)
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/lets-talk-about-one-candidate-multiple-constituencies/article68989069.ece,
Short notes:
Background:
- Constitution provides for 5-year regular elections
- RP Act 1951 initially had no limit on constituencies
- 1996 amendment limited to 2 constituencies
- 44 by-elections in November 2024 due to resignations
Challenges:
1. Financial Burden
- 2024 Lok Sabha election cost: ₹6,931 crore
- Per seat cost: ₹12.76 crore
- Political parties' spending: ₹1,35,000 crore
- Additional by-election costs
2. Democratic Issues
- Favors ruling party in by-elections
- Undermines representation
- Violates spirit of "government by the people"
- Creates voter confusion and apathy
- Goes against Article 19(1)(a)
Advantages:
- Safety net for candidates
- Ensures leadership continuity
- Helpful in leader-centric politics
International Practice:
- Pakistan: No limit
- Bangladesh: Limited to 3 seats
- UK: Banned since 1983
- European democracies: Mostly phased out
Suggested Reforms:
1. Ban OCMC through RP Act amendment
2. Recover by-election costs from candidates
3. Delay by-elections by one year
4. ECI and Law Commission recommend banning
Key Cases:
- Mamata Banerjee (2021)
- Pushkar Singh Dhami (2022)
- Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad seat (2024)
Legal Framework:
- Section 33(7) of RP Act 1951
- Section 70 of RP Act
- Section 151A for by-elections
- 255th Law Commission Report (2015)
2. "How can India effectively reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals while ensuring sustainable mineral security through its diplomatic initiatives?"
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-firmer-attempts-at-mineral-diplomacy/article68989047.ece,
India's Mineral Diplomacy: Key Notes
Context:
- India heavily dependent on critical minerals imports
- China dominance poses strategic concern
- Need for mineral security
Two-Pillar Strategy:
1. Joint Ventures:
- KABIL established (2019)
- Australia: MoU for lithium and cobalt
- Argentina: $24M lithium exploration pact
- Kazakhstan: IREUK Titanium Limited
- Bolivia & Chile: Active negotiations
2. International Engagement:
- Partnerships with Quad, IPEF, MSP, G-7
- MoU with International Energy Agency
- Focus on global best practices
- Knowledge sharing initiatives
Key Partnerships:
- Bilateral: Australia, Argentina, US, Russia, Kazakhstan
- Multilateral: EU, South Korea, Quad members
- Regional: Central Asia Rare Earths Forum
Challenges:
1. Limited private sector involvement
2. Weak diplomatic capacity
3. Insufficient sustainable partnerships
4. Lack of clear supply chain strategy
5. Slow domestic initiatives
Recommendations:
- Develop comprehensive supply chain strategy
- Create dedicated mineral diplomacy division
- Strengthen diplomatic missions
- Enhance private sector participation
- Focus on sustainable partnerships
December 16, 2024 456 4
