GIST OF ATICLES -The HINDU – 9 DEC 2024

M Venkaiah Naidu writes: Don’t disrupt the House of debate

Article Published : The Indian Express ( 09/12/2024)

Important for –GS 2/GS IV/Essay

Gist/ Summary of the Article:

Decline in Parliamentary Standards:

• Recent disruptions in Parliament and state legislatures undermine democratic functioning and public trust.
• Instances like unruly behavior, sloganeering, and lack of decorum detract from meaningful debates and deliberations.

Erosion of Democratic Values:

• Disruptions compromise the sanctity of parliamentary debates, essential for democratic decision-making.
• Members engaging in disruptive acts fail to set a good example for society and governance.

Need for Deliberative Democracy:

• Democracy should prioritize debate, discussion, and decision-making over disruption.
• Constructive engagement and mutual respect are essential for effective governance.

Responsibilities of Political Parties:

• Political parties must ensure their members uphold parliamentary dignity and democratic values.
• They should foster accountability, mutual respect, and a commitment to sound debates.

 Government and Opposition Roles:

• The government must welcome constructive criticism and engage with purposeful suggestions.
• The Opposition must refrain from obstructionist tactics and offer meaningful alternatives.

Consensus-Building across Party Lines:

• Adversarial politics should give way to cooperation and consensus on critical national issues.
• Trust and dialogue between political sides are prerequisites for legislative progress.

Impact on Public Trust and Democracy:

• Disruptions erode public confidence in politics and governance, increasing disillusionment.
• A dysfunctional Parliament harms India’s global image and leadership role.

Inspiration from Iconic Parliamentarians:

• Youth in politics should emulate the conduct and values of exemplary leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and others.
• Ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability enhance legislative effectiveness and public respect.

Call to Action for Inclusive Governance:

• Political players must rise above differences to strengthen India’s democratic framework.
• Collaborative efforts are essential for creating a more inclusive and responsive governance model.

 Urgency for Change:

• The time for action is now, as the future of Indian democracy depends on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold decorum, constructive dialogue, and consensual politics.

Death by contamination: on Indian cities and unsafe drinking water

Article Published : The Hindu ( 09/12/2024)

Important for – GS 1 /GS 3

Gist/ Summary of the Article:

Incident of Contaminated Water in Chennai:

• Three people died, and 34 others were hospitalized in Pallavaram, Chennai, due to suspected consumption of contaminated piped water.
• The contamination highlights the gap in ensuring potable water, even in urban areas with established water supply systems.

Insensitive Response by Officials:

• Tamil Nadu State Minister T.M. Anbarasan blamed residents for unhygienic conditions, a response deemed insensitive and irresponsible.

Wider Issue of Unsafe Urban Water:

• Similar incidents of contamination, often involving coli, have been reported in cities like Bengaluru, Kochi, Noida, and Vizianagaram.
• Urban congestion and strained infrastructure exacerbate the problem.

Chemical Contamination in Groundwater:

• Arsenic and fluoride contamination are widespread in India, affecting 230 districts in 25 States and 469 districts in 27 States, respectively.

Global Perspective on Unsafe Water:

• According to WHO (2022), 1.7 billion people worldwide use water contaminated with feces, contributing to one million annual deaths from waterborne diseases like diarrhea.

Recognition of Water as a Human Right:

• In 2010, the UN General Assembly declared access to clean water and sanitation a human right, emphasizing the need for chemical-free and safe water sources.

Tamil Nadu’s Vision for Safe Water Supply:

• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s 10-year vision includes goals to:
• Increase annual per capita water supply from 9 lakh liters to 10 lakh liters.
• Reduce water wastage from 50% to 15%.
• Expand recycled water distribution from 5% to 20%.

Call to Action for Governments:

• The incident underscores the urgent need for governments to not only expand access to piped water but also ensure its safety.
• Addressing chemical and biological contamination in water must be prioritized as a non-negotiable aspect of public health policy.

The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions

 Article Published : The Hindu ( 09/12/2024)

Important for –GS 3

Gist/ Summary of the Article:

Economic Growth and Environmental Concerns:

• India’s economy has experienced robust growth over the past few decades.
• Economic growth has traditionally been linked with environmental pressures, including increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Claim of Decoupling in the Economic Survey 2023-24:

• The Economic Survey (2023-24) asserts that India has decoupled its economic growth from GHG emissions.
• Between 2005 and 2019, India’s GDP grew at a CAGR of 7%, while emissions increased at a lower CAGR of 4%.

Understanding Decoupling:

• Decoupling refers to breaking the traditional link between economic growth and environmental degradation.
• Historically, economic growth has been positively correlated with increased GHG emissions, making decoupling a significant milestone for sustainable development.

Global Context and Climate Imperatives:

• The need to reduce emissions while maintaining economic growth has become a global priority in the face of the climate crisis.
• Decoupling is essential to achieving sustainable development goals and combating climate change.

Implications of India’s Claim:

• If validated, the decoupling indicates India’s potential to grow sustainably without proportionately increasing environmental harm.
• It raises questions about the methods and policies that enabled this outcome and their scalability or replicability in other sectors or countries.

Sustainable Development Focus:

• The article underscores the importance of sustainable practices and green technologies to maintain the trajectory of economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.
• By highlighting these points, the article provides a critical examination of India’s claim and its relevance to the broader discourse on sustainable economic development.