Multiparty System in India’s Political Landscape

Why in news?

The recently Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union
government to initiate dialogue with it’s elected representatives for the restoration of
special status.

What is a political party?

Political party – A political party is an organized group of individuals who come

together to contest elections, secure political power, and implement policies aligned
with their ideology or agenda.
Political parties serve as intermediaries between citizens and the government,
articulating public demands and shaping governance.
Recognition of political parties – In India, the Election Commission of India (ECI)
recognizes political parties based on their electoral performance.

Criteria for National party Criteria for State

recognition party recognition
• 6% of the valid votes polled in the assembly
election and 2 seats in the assembly of the state.
• 6% of the valid votes polled in lok sabha
• 6 %of the votes cast in four or more
election and win 1 seat.
states and 4 seats in Lok Sabha or state
• 3% of seats or 3 seats in the assembly in the
assemblies.
legislative assembly whichever is more.
• 2% of the Lok Sabha seats from 3
• Winning 1 seat for every 25 seats in the lok
states.
sabha from the state concerned.
• Recognized as state party in 4 states.
• 8% of the total valid votes polled in the state at
lok sabha or state assembly general election. This
condition was added in 2011.

National parties in India – As on 2024, 6 parties are recognized as national parties.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
National People's Party (NPP)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

State parties in India – As on 2024 there are 58 parties recognized as state parties.
What are the factors contributed for rise of regional parties?

Linguistic reorganization of states – The creation of states based on language in

1956 fueled regional identities, providing fertile ground for regional parties to thrive.
Growth of regional consciousness – Regional identity has grown due to historical,
cultural, and linguistic differences which fueled demands for autonomy, recognition,
and greater resource allocation.
Uneven development – Disparities in economic and social development among states
have led to emergence of regional parties.
Caste-based political mobilization – The mobilization of caste groups to cater the
specific needs of the communities.
The “sons of the soil” movement – It demanded local employment and resources for
native people of the state, especially in states with significant migration.
Ethnic differences – Ethnic diversity, particularly in the northeastern states, has led
to the rise of regional parties addressing local ethnic and cultural aspirations.

Political scientist Paul Brass argued that most of the national parties are
 regional parties spread over a few states. Hence, he called the party system in
India an ‘unstable fragmented multiparty system’.

What is the role of regional parties in reshaping India's political landscape?

Emergence of multiparty system – Rise of regional parties in the states led to a

multiparty system in India’s political landscape.
Coalition politics – Regional parties play a pivotal role in coalition governments,
shaping national policies by negotiating their regional demands.

In the 1980s, state assembly elections elevated the electoral presence and
influence of regional parties.

The recent Lok Sabha election also proved that no single party can secure a majority
without the support of regional parties.
Balance of power – The rise of regional parties has loosened the strong centered
nature of constitution by balancing the power between the center and states.
Decentralization - Regional parties tend to work towards decentralization of power in
national politics.
Strengthened federalism – Regional parties have ensured that state-specific issues
are prioritized, balancing central policies with local needs.
Cooperative federalism – The multi-party system has strengthened cooperative
federalism, as the center must negotiate with regional parties to pass legislation.
Institutions like the NITI Aayog have become platforms for collaborative policy-
making.
Political inclusiveness – Coalition politics facilitated political inclusiveness, allowing
regional parties to represent their constituencies effectively at the national level.
Policy innovation – Successful welfare programs like Tamil Nadu’s mid-day meal
scheme and Odisha’s KALIA scheme highlight the impact of regional parties on
governance.
Strained central-state relations – The rise of regional parties has decentralized
power, enabling states to assert their autonomy.

Conflicts over resource allocation, legislative matters, and the role of governors have
strained centre-state relations.
Unequal economic growth – The witnessed competition among states for attracting
foreign direct investments, which widened the existing income and consumption gap
between states.
Competition among states for investments after the 1991 economic reform, has
widened disparities, leading to grievances about uneven devolution.
Centre state relation commissions
• Sarkaria Commission (1983) - Chaired by Justice R S Sarkaria (B Sivaraman and S R
Sen were other members).
• The commission submitted its report in 1988 and made 247 recommendations.
• Reccomendation
• Foster cooperative federalism
• Non-partisan governors.
• Establishment of a Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution to facilitate
coordination of relations between the centre and states.
• Punchhi Commission (2007) – Chaired by Madan Mohan Punchhi, along with four
other members.
• The submitted its report in 2010 and made 273 recommendations.
• Recommendations
• Creation of a national integration council
• Amendments to state emergency provisions (Articles 355 and 356)
• Non-partisan appointment of governors
• Consultation with states before legislating on matters in the Concurrent List

What lies ahead?

Balance between autonomy and unity by negotiation and cooperation.

Transparent and equitable allocation of financial resources to maintain harmony
between the center and states.
Inclusion of Regional Aspirations to ensure that diverse communities are represented,
fostering inclusive democracy.

Reference

The Indian Express | Multiparty System in India’s Political Landscape

Autonomy for Major Ports

Why in news?

In a recent proposal Government looks to reduce red tape and reduce port infrastructure
delays.

What are the ports reform proposal by Government of India?

Ports in India – With a coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, India is home to 12 major
ports and over 200 non-major ports.
Proposal – The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is considering expanding
the autonomy of major ports in making decisions.
Expand financial powers – India’s 12 major ports to undertake capital expenditure
(capex) at their discretion only on using their internal resources.
Categorize ports – Government plans to categorize India’s 12 major ports into four
groups based on the size of operations and other factors.
It will determine the ceiling for capex that can be undertaken without the need
for approval.
Elevating to enterprise model – This is part of a broader initiative to bring major
ports onto the same operating field as central public sector enterprises.

In 2023-24, major ports handled 721 million tonne (mt) of cargo, marking an 11.8
per cent growth year-on-year, while non-major ports handled 817 mt, growing by
4.4 per cent.
Legislations governing ports in India
• Port trust - A port trust is a statutory authority in India that manages trade and
shipping through a commercial seaport.
- The first Port Trust Board was established in 1870 for Calcutta Port.
• The Major Port Trusts Act of 1963 – It established port authorities for some
major ports in India for the administration, management, and control of those
ports.
- The act brought the administration of Port Trust Boards under the national
government.
• The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 – The act aims to make major ports in
India more competitive with private players, and to improve the governance of
ports.
• Significance – The act gives major ports more autonomy, and vests their
administration, control, and management with the Boards of Major Port Authorities.
- Ports can approve up to Rs 100 crore independently.
- Spending over Rs 500 crore needs clearance from inter-ministerial bodies such
as the GatiShakti Network Planning Group, the Public Investment Board, and the
Union Cabinet.
Other initiatives
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) – A blueprint to accelerate and
harmonize the growth of India's maritime sector over the next decade.
• Sagar Mala project – A program launched in 2017 to invest $123 billion in 415
projects related to port modernization and new port development.
• Distriparks – Areas where companies are established to perform trade and
transport-related value-added services.

What are the significances of enhancing port autonomy?

Port development – Major ports may self-fund capital projects without ministry
approval.
Reduce bureaucratic hurdles – It allows the ports to execute the critical projects in
swift manner.
Boost competitiveness – It increases the efficiency of cargo handling in major ports
like Paradip, Vizag, and Kandla.
Economic growth – Improved port infrastructure reduces logistics costs, enhancing
trade volumes and bolstering India's position in global trade networks.
Boosting regional trade – Improved port operations can position India as a hub for
regional trade, enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries.
Reducing turnaround time – Streamlining operations reduces cargo handling
delays, improving efficiency and reliability in trade logistics.
Providing level playing field – Autonomy enables state-owned ports to compete
effectively with private ports, which often enjoy operational flexibility.

What lies ahead?

Improve infrastructure and streamline operations to compete with leading global

ports.
Reduce logistics costs and boosting efficiency to attract higher trade volumes.
Strengthening regional connectivity improve their capacity and efficiency.

Quick facts
Ports in India are categorized based on their administration, cargo handling capabilities,
location, and functions.
• On the basis of administration
- Major ports - Ports administered directly by central government.
- Non-major ports - Ports that administered by state governments.
• On the basis of Cargo handled
- Industrial ports - It handles large-scale industrial shipments specializes in bulk cargo
like grain, ore, oil, and chemicals.
- Commercial ports - Which handles a wide range of consumer goods and containerized
cargo
• On the basis of location
- Inland ports - Located away from the sea, but connected to it by a river, canal, or lake.
Inland ports are often used for storing and dispatching cargo.
- Outports – It is located in deep waters that serves the main port to handle large ships.
• On the basis of specialized functions
- Oil ports – Also known as oil terminals that store, process, and ship oil products.
- Ports of call – It is an intermediate stop for ships to transshipment of cargo or fuel
refilling.
- Packet stations – It is also known as ferry ports that is exclusive for transportation of
passengers and mail.
- Entre port – A collection center for goods from different countries that are then
exported
- Naval ports – Ports which have only strategic importance. These ports serve warships
and have repair workshops for them.

Reference

Business Standard |Government Proposal to Increase Port Autonomy

UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 23-11-2024

Indian Peafowl

Recently, scientists from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
indicated an exponential rise in the population of peafowl in Tamil Nadu.

Indian peafowl are a species in a group of birds called pheasants.

Scientific Name – Pavo cristatus.
Family -Phasianidae.
It is known as the common peafowl or blue peafowl.
Sex – Male - It is a Peacock.
Appearance – Blue-coloured head with a fan-shaped crest and is best known for
its long train.
Size – Tail length of 100–230 cm to the end of a fully grown train.
Female - It is a Peahen.
Appearance - Brown in color, with a white face and iridescent green lower neck,
and lacks the elaborate train.
Size – Tail length around 38 cm.
 Together, they are peafowl.
Habitat - Scrub forests and forest edges, which prefer moist, dry deciduous and semi-
arid habitats.
Distribution – Indian peafowl are native to India and Sri Lanka, in South Asia.
Diet – It is omnivorous and feeds on grass, seeds, flower buds, fruits, insects, small
reptiles and snakes, and on a wide range of crops in cultivated areas.
Breeding - It spread out over the entire year and is more common during the
monsoon months of June to August.
Conservation Status
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule-I.
CITES - Appendix III.
IUCN – Least Concern.
Threats - Pesticide poisoning, electrocution, and vehicular accidents were the top
causes of peafowl mortality.

Reference

The Hindu| Indian Peafowl

Raorchestes asakgrensis

Recently, scientists from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
discovered a new frog species, Raorchestes asakgrensis.

It is a newly discovered frog species in Meghalaya.

Family – Rhacophoridae.
It is also known as Asakgre bush frog.
Nomenclature - It is named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, where it
was discovered.
It is a nocturnal individual of bush frogs, which are most active at night.
Features - Found at an elevation of 174 meters in Eman Asakgre, this small arboreal
 frog is distinctive for its pointed snout and visible tympanum.
Size – Male – It measures about 20.49 mm in snout-vent length.
Female – It slightly has a larger snout at 22.8 mm.
Calls - Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with calling
activity peaking after the first monsoon rains.

Distribution - Found at the sites of Garo Hills and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, New
Delhi and Bangladesh.
Other species - Raorchestes garo – Found in Daribokgre Community Reserve,
Meghalaya.
Appearance - It has orange-hued hind limbs and externally visible tympanum
Raorchestes kempiae - Found in Mikadogre Community Reserve, Meghalaya.
Appearance – It has concealed tympanum and yellow-spotted ventral colour.
Conservation Status – It has not yet been concluded.

Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

• Location – Anaikatti in the Western Ghats, Coimbatore.
• Established by - The Ministry of Environment and Forest and Bombay Natural History
Society.
• It is an ideal place for researchers to study more about the multiple ecosystems in this
area.
• It has 402 species of flowering plants, 177 species of birds and 107 species of butterflies.

References

1. The New Indian Express| Raorchestes asakgrensis

2. Miami Herlad| Raorchestes asakgrensis
3. Hubnews| Raorchestes asakgrensis

Saiga Antelope

Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List updated the
status for the Saiga Antelope from critically endangered to near threatened category.
 It is an ancient species with a distinctive oversized nose.
Scientific name - Saiga tatarica.
It is a medium-sized hoofed mammal that lives in herds in treeless steppe country.
Unique Feature - Swollen snout with downward-directed nostrils.
This peculiar bulbous nose helps it endure the harsh conditions and extreme seasonal
temperature fluctuations of its native habitat.
It act as air filters, keeping out dust while cooling the blood during the scorching, dry
summers.
It also functions like radiators, warming the frigid air before reaches the lungs during
winter.
The saiga also adapts to the seasons with a dense winter coat, which it sheds as the
temperatures rise.

Native - Steppes and semi-arid regions of Central Asia, has roamed the Earth since
the Ice Age.
Distribution - Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan.
Diet - Graze in semi-deserts, steppes, grasslands, and possibly open woodlands, eating
several species of plants, including some that are poisonous to other animals.
Breeding - Females give birth in late April and May.
Conservation Status
IUCN – Near Threatened.
CITES - Appendix II.
Threats – Climatic variability, Hunting, poaching and blood diseases.

References

1. Times of India| Saiga Antelope

2. Britannica| Saiga Antelope
WOH G64

European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO’s VLTI)

recently observed WOH G64, which revealed some crucial details about its activity and
surrounding layers.

The WOH 64 is a giant star that dwells in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf or
satellite galaxy that orbits Milky Way.
Discovered by - Bengt Westerlunds, Olander, and Hedin in the 1970s.
Incidentally, the WOH in its name is the acronym for the names of its three
discoverers.
The star is believed to be around 1,60,000 light years away from Earth.
Size - The star is classified as a red supergiant owing to its size, which is roughly
2,000 times that of the Sun.
In 2005 and 2007, the team reportedly used European Southern Observatory’s Very
Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO’s VLTI) in the Atacama Desert of Chile to
ascertain the features of the star.
To get an accurate image, the team had to wait for the development of GRAVITY, a set
of VLTI’s second-generation instruments.
Red super-giants like WOH G64 shed their outer layers, which are mainly gas and
dust, in the final stages of their lifecycles.
This process can continue for thousands of years.
This star is one of the most extreme of its kind, and any drastic change may bring it
closer to an explosive end.
According to the team, the materials that are being shed could be responsible for the
dimming of the star and the unusual shape of the dust cocoon around it.

Reference

Indian Express | WOH G64

Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated new 100 tons per day cattle dung based
Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.

Compressed Biogas (CBG) - It is produced by anaerobic digestion of biomass

and waste sources like agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud,
municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc.
Consists - Mainly methane more than 90% and other gasses like carbon dioxide less
than 4%.
Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant - It is India's first modern, self-sufficient gaushala
that houses a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant.
It is the first CBG plant in Madhya Pradesh.
Vision - Waste to Wealth initiative.
Ministry - Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
 Location - Adarsh Gaushala, Laltipara, Gwalior.
It is the Gwalior's largest cowshed over 10,000 cattle live here.
Operated by - Gwalior Municipal Corporation.
Plant Mechanism – The biogas will be prepared from cattle dung and garbage such
as vegetable and fruit waste materials collected from mandis and homes.
It transforms cow dung, an often-underutilized resource, into Bio CNG and organic
manure.
It will generate 2 tons of compressed Biogas daily from 100 tons of cattle dung.
It produces 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, a valuable by-product for organic
farming and also produces 2-3 tons of Bio-CNG daily.
It promoting sustainable practices while reducing carbon emissions.
Significance – It providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and
helping reduce carbon emissions.
It helps curb carbon emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, making a valuable
contribution to climate change mitigation.
It also creates employment opportunities for locals, boosting the economy while
promoting skills in green energy and sustainable practices.

Reference

PIB| Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant