Know, what special status is Ladakh demanding?
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Context
Prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained at the Delhi border while he was leading a protest demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The demand calls for greater autonomy for Ladakh, like other tribal areas in India. Wangchuk's protest reflects a broader call for constitutional reforms regarding tribal autonomy.
Background
The Indian Constitution provides for asymmetric federalism, where some states and regions enjoy greater autonomy. This is particularly relevant for regions with higher tribal populations, such as areas governed under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. These schedules aim to protect indigenous rights and allow regional self-governance.
Why in the news?
The demand for inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule has gained momentum, along with similar demands from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Wangchuk's detention has drawn attention to these ongoing struggles for regional autonomy and protection of tribal rights.
Asymmetrical federalism in India
India practices asymmetrical federalism, in which some states and territories are granted more powers. This is in contrast to symmetrical federations such as the US or Australia, where all states have equal powers.
The Indian model allows for special provisions for tribal areas, giving them greater autonomy under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
Historical Context: Tribal Autonomy and Resistance
Historically, the tribal population in India enjoyed autonomy over their lands until British policies began restricting their rights.
This led to a series of tribal revolts, which led the British to adopt a policy of secession, which was formalized in the Government of India Act, 1935, which laid the foundation for today's Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
Fifth and Sixth Schedules: Special Provisions for Tribal Areas
The Fifth Schedule applies to 'Scheduled Areas' in 10 states, where Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs) are established. The Sixth Schedule governs the 'tribal areas' in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, where Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have greater executive, legislative and financial powers to manage local affairs, particularly those of tribal communities.
Problems associated with implementation of autonomy provisions
Although the Fifth and Sixth Schedules are designed to provide autonomy, their implementation often falls short.
Laws and regulations in these areas are subject to approval by governors or the central government, limiting their practical effectiveness. Additionally, many tribal areas are not recognised as 'scheduled areas', depriving them of constitutional protections.
Ongoing demands for reform and inclusion
There is a growing demand to include parts of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur under the Sixth Schedule. The 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill (2019), which aims to increase the powers of the ADCs, is still pending. These reforms are essential to ensure better governance and protection for tribal communities.
Expansion of tribal rights across India
Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which recognises the traditional land rights of tribal populations, should be fully implemented in all Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas to protect tribal autonomy and forest rights.
Conclusion
Although the Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide mechanisms for tribal autonomy there are significant obstacles to their implementation. The recent protests by Sonam Wangchuk and others highlight the ongoing demand for constitutional reforms to ensure that the rights of tribal populations are protected.
Way Forward
To address these concerns, the government should expedite the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill and expand recognition to 'Scheduled Areas'.
It should also ensure effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act to protect tribal rights across the country. Additionally, clear guidelines are needed to maintain the autonomy of these sectors and ensure that they function as intended.
Disruptions at US East Coast ports may impact exports from India
Context
A significant strike has halted operations at 36 major ports on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, threatening international trade, especially to countries highly dependent on U.S. port traffic.
Background
The strike, initiated by the International Longshoremen's Association, is the first such large-scale labor action since 1977. The ports involved handle about 55% of all U.S. container traffic, including imports and exports.
Why in the news?
Moody's Analytics released a report warning of potential widespread disruptions to global trade, especially for Asian countries such as India, Indonesia and South Korea, which rely heavily on these ports for exports to the U.S.
Impact on U.S. ports and global trade
The strike affects 14 of the largest ports in the U.S., which account for 100 million tons of U.S. cargo. The US accounts for more than 20% of all Asian exports to the US. The disruption could delay shipments and cause bottlenecks in key industries such as petroleum and electronics.
India's export reliance on US ports
India, along with Cambodia and Indonesia, is highly dependent on disrupted US ports. India is a key hub for exports to the US, making it vulnerable to prolonged delays.
Possible long-term consequences
If the strike lasts more than a few weeks, the consequences will spread across supply chains, leading to shortages and price hikes for essential goods such as crude oil and electronics.
Economic outlook if the strike continues
While the short-term impacts may be limited, a prolonged strike could translate into serious economic consequences. Moody's predicts supply chain backlogs, increased inflation and significant disruptions to global trade.
Conclusion
The strike poses a major challenge to global trade flows, with India and other Asian countries at risk of export delays and economic losses.
Way Forward
A prompt negotiated resolution is critical to avoid prolonged disruptions. US authorities and international trading partners should continue to monitor the situation closely and develop contingency plans to minimize potential economic damage.
Why is Brazil's coast eroding faster than ever as the Atlantic Ocean rises?
Context
Brazil's extensive Atlantic coastline is becoming increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion caused by climate change. Communities living along the coastline are facing the devastating effects of these environmental changes, threatening homes and ecosystems.
Background
Global warming and changes in river dynamics, such as silting up of the Paraíba River, have worsened coastal erosion along Brazil's 8,500-kilometer-long coastline. These combined factors have destroyed hundreds of homes in areas such as Atafona, north of Rio de Janeiro.
Why in the news?
The destruction of Sonia Ferreira's home by the rising Atlantic Ocean has brought attention to the larger issue of climate change-induced coastal erosion in Brazil. Her home, which stood for 45 years, was destroyed by waves in 2022, symbolizing the vulnerability of coastal communities.
An emotional return to ruins
Eighty-year-old Sonia Ferreira recently looked at what's left of her home - a pile of rubble after it was destroyed by rising waves. Her emotional attachment to the property she built over decades underscores the personal toll of climate change.
Coastal erosion and rising sea levels
Coastal erosion is accelerating in Atafona, with 500 homes already destroyed. A U.N. report shows that sea levels in the region have risen 13 cm in the past 30 years and could rise another 16 cm by 2050.
Increasing ocean reach
Experts estimate that the sea could move up to 150 meters inland in areas like Atafona in the next 28 years. The combination of climate change and a reduction in sand flow from rivers is causing irreversible damage to these areas.
Coastal communities at risk across Brazil
Other coastal areas, such as the popular beach resort of Ponta Negra, are also experiencing significant shoreline loss. Over the past two decades, Ponta Negra has lost 15 meters of beach, prompting costly restoration efforts.
Amazon River at risk
The Amazon River, which is experiencing one of its worst droughts ever, is seeing saltwater move upstream, threatening biodiversity. This shift endangers local fish species and affects communities dependent on the river.
Accelerating sea level rise
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels are rising faster than ever before. The rate has more than doubled over the past 10 years to 0.48 cm per year, compared to 0.21 cm per year in the 1990s.
Conclusion
Brazil’s coastal and river regions are facing a dire situation, as climate change is accelerating sea level rise and increasing coastal erosion. Homes, ecosystems and livelihoods are at risk across the country.
The Way Forward
Comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, including protective infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, are urgently needed. International and local efforts should focus on mitigating the impacts of climate change to protect Brazil’s coastal communities and natural resources.
