Current Affairs 07-JAN-2024 (The Hindu)

Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai

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Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai

Early life:

• Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai
• Born on 5th September 1872, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
• Graduated - Caldwell College, Tuticorin.
• Entered politics in 1905 after the partition of Bengal.
• 1905 - drawn closer to Swadeshi Movement initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai.

Role in Freedom movement:

• Initiated Swadeshi movement in Tirunelveli district.
• 1906 - established Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.
• Aided by Swadeshi Sangam or ‘National Volunteers’.
• Established institutions like Swadeshi Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, National Godown, Madras Agro-Industrial Society Ltd, and Desabimana Sangam.
• 1908 - Tuticorin Coral Mills strike.
• 9th March 1908 – Rally to celebrate the release of Bipin Chandra Pal from jail and to hoist the flag of Swaraj.
• 12th March 1908 – arrested and charged with sedition.
• 1911 - ships were auctioned to their competitors and his company was liquidated.
• SS Gallia - Swadeshi navigation company’s first ship was sold to a British shipping company.

China Plus One strategy

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China Plus One strategy

• Business approach adopted by multinational companies.
• Diversifying manufacturing or production facilities beyond China.

Aim:

• To reduce risks associated with solely relying on China for production.
• To mitigate geopolitical tensions, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, or trade uncertainties.
• To expanding operations to other countries and exploring new markets.

Measures taken:

• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
• Single-window clearance system.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme

Practice Question – Prelims

In the context of international trade and manufacturing, what is the core objective behind the "China Plus One Strategy"?

(a) To exclusively rely on China for manufacturing needs.

(b) To reduce dependency on China by seeking alternate trade partners.

(c) To prioritize China as the trade partner for manufacturing smartphones.

(d) To counter China's dominance in global supply chains.

Simultaneous Elections

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Practice Question – Mains GS - II

“Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people” Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)

Simultaneous Elections

Introduction:

• Simultaneous elections or 'One Nation One Election’ was a norm until 1967.
• Disrupted due to premature dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies.
• Frequent elections - deviates attention of lawmakers from core issues to campaigning for elections.

Advantages of simultaneous elections:

• Saves public money and helps in reducing the burden on administrative set up and security force.
• Reduction of policy paralysis caused by the imposition of a model code of conduct during election time.
• Reduce the opportunity for political parties to choose political convenience over public interest.
• Bring States on par with the Centre.
• Increase voter-participation.

Disadvantages of simultaneous elections:

• No guarantee that expenditure of the political parties will reduce.
• Article 83(2) and Article 172 - Lok Sabha & State legislatures be in existence for five years from the date of its first meeting, “unless dissolved earlier”.
• Negates the concept of ‘no confidence motion’.
• Face logistical challenges – man power shortage issue.

Conclusion:

• Provisions should be approached with caution.
• Ensure efficiency gains do not compromise the essential democratic principles of transparency, responsiveness, and the people's right to express their will regularly.
• A gradual.well-thought-out approach with the involvement of all political parties and stakeholders is essential.