POLITY

Property is real, and so should the ‘compensation’

Source: The Hindu

Context

• The article discusses the evolution of property rights in India post-independence, emphasizing the struggle between the judiciary and the legislature, leading to constitutional amendments and landmark court decisions.

Details

Key Points

• Evolution of Property Rights:
  • Property rights evolved post-independence, transitioning from fundamental to constitutional rights, marked by judicial scrutiny and legislative interventions to balance individual and state interests.
• Judicial Scrutiny:
  • Courts interpreted constitutional provisions like Article 31(2), leading to debates on compensation adequacy and scrutiny of legislative principles guiding property acquisition.
• Legislative Responses:
  • Legislative amendments, notably the 44th Amendment Act, responded to judicial rulings, reshaping property rights and compensation frameworks amidst changing political landscapes.
• Political Dynamics:
  • Political shifts, exemplified by the 44th Amendment Act, reflected in repositioning property rights as constitutional guarantees, aligning with evolving societal and governmental ideologies.
• Intellectual Influence:
  • Eminent jurists and scholars contributed to the discourse, arguing for the protection and relevance of property rights amidst legal and political transformations.
• Judicial Emphasis:
  • Recent Supreme Court rulings emphasized fair compensation and procedural fairness, underscoring the state's obligation to uphold property rights within the framework of justice and equity.
• Reinstatement of Principles:
  • Principles established in landmark cases, such as Bela Banerjee, resurfaced, reinstating the significance of just and reasonable compensation, ensuring continuity in property rights jurisprudence.

Sources:

The Hindu

ENVIRONMENT

Heat Proofing the City

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Rising temperatures in Indian cities highlight the need for comprehensive urban planning and climate-responsive policies to manage heat stress and improve resilience against climate change impacts.

Details

Key Points

• Climate Change Impact on Urban Areas:
  • Rising Air Temperatures: Urban centres like Delhi are witnessing consistent increases in summer temperatures, indicating a shift in climatic patterns.
  • Increased Relative Humidity: Higher humidity levels compound the heat stress, leading to a more severe impact on public health and comfort.
• Urban Heat Island Effect:
  • Built-Up Area Expansion: The increase in built-up areas, such as in Bengaluru, contributes to higher land surface temperatures.
  • Decreasing Green Cover: Lack of green spaces exacerbates heat accumulation, with shaded areas significantly cooler than unshaded ones.
• Urban Planning and Resource Management:
  • Insufficient Green Spaces: Most urban areas do not meet the minimum green space requirements, which could mitigate heat.
  • Waterbody Loss: Cities like Delhi and Pune have lost significant portions of their surface water, reducing natural cooling.
• Equity and Vulnerability:
  • Impact on Poor Populations: Heat stress maps overlap with areas where poorer communities reside, highlighting socio-economic vulnerabilities.
  • Health Risks for Vulnerable Groups: The elderly and children are particularly at risk, with heat-related deaths expected to rise significantly.
• Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:
  • Underutilized Regulatory Instruments: Tools like the Environment Impact Assessment for buildings and urban plans are not fully leveraged for heat management.
  • Lack of Enforcement: Existing policies lack enforceable mandates and performance metrics to ensure effective implementation.
• Heat Action Plans:
  • Emergency Response Focus: Current plans mainly address immediate responses to heat waves rather than long-term strategies.
  • Need for Systemic Changes: Effective heat action plans should include comprehensive measures to reduce overall heat risks sustainably.
• Need for Comprehensive Strategies:
  • Year-Round Actions: Continuous efforts, not just during heat waves, are necessary to mitigate urban heat, such as enhancing green spaces and water bodies.
  • Leveraging Regulatory Instruments: Urban planning regulations need to be effectively implemented and monitored for thermal comfort.
• Data and Monitoring:
  • Climate Data Platforms: Establishing platforms to track ambient heat, surface absorption, and land use changes can guide policy decisions.
  • Thermal Performance Audits: Regular assessments of buildings and materials for their heat management capabilities are crucial.
• Funding and Implementation:
  • Performance-Linked Funding: Financial incentives tied to the successful implementation of heat management measures can drive action.
  • Cross-Sector Coordination: Aligning efforts across different sectors ensures a holistic approach to urban heat mitigation.

Sources:

Indian Express

AGRICULTURE

Next Steps in Agriculture

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The agriculture sector faces formidable challenges in adapting to changing climate, unfair global trade practices, and inherent structural issues, necessitating urgent policy reforms for sustainable growth and inclusivity.

Details

Key Points

• Climate Change Impact:
  • Irreversible climate change impacts crop production and livelihoods.
  • Erratic climatic events threaten agricultural sustainability.
• Global Trade Dynamics:
  • WTO's iniquitousness poses challenges for Indian agriculture.
  • Manipulation of dispute-settlement mechanisms by powerful nations affects Indian interests.
• Structural Issues:
  • Dominance of small land holdings limits farmers' ability to earn dignified livelihoods.
  • Pressure to maintain low food prices compromises farmers' incomes and environmental sustainability.
• Water Scarcity:
  • Depleting aquifers and growing demand for water pose threats to irrigation and drinking water availability.
  • Unsustainable water use practices exacerbate water scarcity challenges.
• Policy and Governance Challenges:
  • Inadequate investments in agricultural research and extension services hinder productivity growth.
  • Inequitable agricultural markets and populist policies hamper sectoral development.
  • Public debt constrains financial flexibility for long-term planning and sustainable subsidies.
• Governance and Accountability:
  • Inept governance and lack of accountability hinder effective management of agricultural policies.
  • Attitude of top officials towards governance contributes to policy inefficiencies.
• Inclusive Growth Imperative:
  • Sustainable productivity gains and inclusive growth are essential for agricultural development.
  • Urgent policy reforms are needed to address structural challenges and ensure broad-based growth.
• Call for Immediate Action:
  • Government procrastination and policy errors narrow future policy options.
  • Leadership at the highest levels is crucial for enacting meaningful reforms in agriculture.
• Need for Fundamental Changes:

Mere tinkering with existing frameworks will not suffice; fundamental changes in policy formulation processes are necessary for sustainable agricultural development.

Sources:

Indian Express