Daily Editorial Analysis – 20th November 2024

Here is your Daily Editorial Analysis – 20th November 2024

1. Prison Tag: On a Viable Means of Decongesting Prisons

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Governance and Internal Security
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice)

Why in News?:

The editorial discusses the potential use of electronic tracking devices as a strategy to alleviate overcrowding in Indian prisons by facilitating bail and reducing the inmate population.

Analysis:

• Overcrowding in Prisons:
  • Indian prisons are operating at an average occupancy rate of 115%, leading to severe congestion and substandard living conditions for inmates. The Hindu
• Electronic Tracking Devices:
  • Implementing GPS-enabled ankle monitors for undertrial prisoners could allow for their release on bail while ensuring they remain under surveillance.
  • This approach has been adopted in various countries to monitor individuals awaiting trial, thereby reducing the burden on prison facilities.
• Benefits:
  • Decongestion: Reduces the number of inmates, improving living conditions and resource allocation within prisons.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Monitoring individuals electronically is less expensive than housing them in prison.
  • Human Rights: Allows undertrial prisoners to maintain societal ties and livelihoods, upholding their rights and dignity.
• Challenges:
  • Privacy Concerns: Continuous electronic monitoring may infringe on individual privacy rights.
  • Implementation: Establishing the necessary infrastructure and legal frameworks for effective monitoring.
  • Equity: Ensuring that such measures are accessible to all eligible undertrial prisoners, regardless of socioeconomic status.
• Way Forward:
  • Pilot Programs: Initiate pilot projects to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of electronic monitoring.
  • Legal Framework: Develop comprehensive guidelines to address privacy concerns and operational protocols.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involve judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society in the planning and implementation process.

Source: The Hindu

2. A Consistent Response: On Air Pollution Responses in Delhi

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Environment and Public Health
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS III (Environment and Ecology)

Why in News?:

The editorial emphasizes the need for a sustained and coordinated approach to tackle the recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi, which poses significant health risks to its residents.

Analysis:

• Severity of Air Pollution:
  • Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently reaches ‘severe’ levels, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health complications among the population. The Hindu
• Contributing Factors:
  • Vehicular Emissions: High number of vehicles emitting pollutants.
  • Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants releasing harmful emissions.
  • Construction Dust: Ongoing construction projects contributing to particulate matter.
  • Stubble Burning: Agricultural residue burning in neighboring states exacerbating pollution levels.
• Current Measures:
  • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of emergency measures activated based on pollution levels, including restrictions on construction activities and vehicular movement.
  • Odd-Even Scheme: Regulating vehicular traffic based on license plate numbers to reduce emissions.
• Challenges:
  • Implementation Gaps: Inconsistent enforcement of pollution control measures.
  • Inter-State Coordination: Lack of effective collaboration between Delhi and neighboring states to address transboundary pollution sources.
  • Public Awareness: Limited public engagement and adherence to pollution mitigation practices.
• Recommendations:
  • Long-Term Strategies: Develop comprehensive policies focusing on sustainable urban planning, promotion of public transportation, and adoption of cleaner technologies.
  • Regional Cooperation: Establish a robust framework for collaboration among states to tackle sources of pollution beyond Delhi’s borders.
  • Public Participation: Enhance awareness campaigns to encourage community involvement in pollution reduction efforts.

Source: The Hindu