Understanding India's Emergency Provisions: Fifty Years Post-1975

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Why in News?

On June 25, India commemorated fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency, a significant period from 1975 to 1977 when civil liberties were curtailed, press freedom restricted, mass arrests conducted, elections cancelled, and governance was executed by decree.

Emergency Definitions and Legal Framework According to the Constitution of India, there are three types of emergencies:

1. National Emergency (Article 352): Triggered by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion, allowing the President to declare a national emergency if he perceives a threat to the nation's security.
2. President’s Rule or State Emergency (Article 356): When governance in a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
3. Financial Emergency (Article 360): If the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened.

Procedures and Duration A national emergency, declared under Article 352, must be laid before both houses of Parliament and approved by a special majority within one month. If approved, it normally remains in effect for six months but can be extended indefinitely with parliamentary approval every six months. The process ensures both immediate responsiveness and legislative oversight.

Impacts of a National Emergency

• Executive Power: Central government can direct any state government on how to use its executive powers.
• Legislative Authority: Parliament gains the power to legislate on matters in the State List, which are normally reserved for state legislatures.
• Financial Control: The President can alter the distribution of revenues between the Union and states.
• Extension of Legislative Terms: The life of Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be extended beyond their normal term up to a maximum of six months after the emergency ends.

Rights and Liberties During Emergency

• Article 358: Automatically suspends the six fundamental rights under Article 19 during emergencies due to war or external aggression.
• Article 359: Allows the President to suspend the right to move any court for the enforcement of other fundamental rights, except for Articles 20 and 21 which guarantee protection in respect of conviction for offenses and protection of life and personal liberty.

Revocation of Emergency The President can revoke the emergency without the need for parliamentary approval, though any extension requires a special majority in Parliament.

Historical Instances

• 1962 Indo-China War: Marked the first national emergency in India.
• 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: This was the second instance when emergency provisions were invoked.
• 1975 Internal Emergency: Distinctly noted for its basis on internal disturbances, this period is often criticized for its severe impact on democratic structures and civil liberties in India.

Enhancing Rural Mobile Connectivity: The Role of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard

Introduction to Rural Mobile Connectivity Issues:

Mobile devices are integral to daily life, offering connectivity for transactions, communication, and access to information. However, there is a significant disparity in mobile network deployment and usage between urban and rural areas. Urban areas enjoy a robust 127% teledensity compared to just 58% in rural regions, largely due to the economic constraints that make mobile services less affordable for rural populations.

IEEE 2061-2024 Standard and Its Implementation:

The IEEE 2061-2024 standard introduces a wireless network architecture aimed at providing affordable broadband access in rural areas. Approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), this standard advocates for a multi-hop wireless connectivity network. It effectively bridges the gap where traditional networks fall short, especially in areas lacking optical fiber links.

The Frugal 5G Network Concept:

Defined within the IEEE 2061 framework, the Frugal 5G network (also known as the middle-mile network) is designed to extend connectivity in economically challenging rural areas. This model utilizes a series of intermediate nodes that amplify the network’s reach beyond the limitations of traditional single-hop systems. The middle-mile setup includes various transmission types, such as macro-BS and Wi-Fi, to deliver extended coverage.

Operational Dynamics of the Frugal 5G Network:

The network operates by allowing seamless connectivity transitions between different network types—including 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi—thus ensuring that even in the remotest areas, users can access consistent and reliable internet services. The technology employs direct connectivity from core networks through edge nodes, ensuring that even unconnected regions can link to the global internet backbone without direct fiber links.

Impact and Benefit:

The IEEE 2061-2024 standard is poised to significantly alter the landscape of rural connectivity in India by offering a scalable solution that integrates various network types. This approach not only enhances connectivity but also offers a cost-effective solution tailored for the diverse geographical and economic landscapes of rural India.

ICEA's Recommendation on Tariff Reduction for Electronic Inputs

Why in News?

The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) has urged the government to consider reducing import duties on electronic manufacturing inputs. This recommendation was directed towards the Finance Ministry as a key demand in the upcoming Union budget. The ICEA, which represents domestic electronics manufacturers, highlights that this measure is crucial to enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers against their counterparts in countries like China and Vietnam, where tariffs on electronic components are considerably lower.

Rationale behind the Recommendation:

The call for lower tariffs comes at a time when India's electronic production sector is experiencing sustained growth, transitioning from being solely dependent on domestic demand to becoming a significant player in the global market. The ICEA President, Pankaj Mohindroo, pointed out that lowering duties would not only reduce the cost of raw materials but also allow Indian companies to leverage global market opportunities more effectively. He noted that the current tariff structure inadvertently places Indian manufacturers at a disadvantage by elevating the net prices of inputs, thus impacting their ability to compete on price in both domestic and international markets.

Impact of Current Tariffs on Market Dynamics:

The association argues that the high input costs due to current tariff rates make it challenging for Indian electronic component manufacturers to price their products competitively. This is especially significant considering a large portion of fresh production in the sector is intended for export, implying that international competitiveness is essential for the growth of the industry.