Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Error On Commission – on appointment of election commisioners
• In ‘demolition raj’, the High Courts as beacons
• Think, Then Act – Proposed criminal codes need serious deliberation
• The rise of bulldozer governance
• India’s TB problem and the right to treatment
• On Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Error On Commission – on appointment of election commisioners

News– Recently, GOI tabled a bill governing the appointment of election commissioners in Rajya Sabha.

Why is the SC ruling on appointment of Election Commissioners significant?

Firstly, there is a conflict of interest, if the political executives manage the selection of Election Commissioners. Because, these Commissioners are responsible for supervising elections.

Secondly, it’s crucial for the Election Commission to maintain an impartial image in the eyes of all parties involved. Hence, it’s imperative that the procedure for appointing Election Commissioners doesn’t undermine the trustworthiness of the Commission’s rulings.

Way forward

In practical terms, the significance of the Leader of the Opposition can be negated. It is undesirable as it can lead to accusations of favoritism in appointment process

There is a need to ensure unanimous decisions by the selection committee. Providing the LOP with a substantive role will ensure that the Commission’s credibility is upheld.

For more reading- https://forumias.com/blog/s-y-quraishi-on-the-collegium-bill-how-to-make-election-commission-credible/

In ‘demolition raj’, the High Courts as beacons

News– In the districts of Gurugram and Nuh in Haryana, there have been clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities. The Haryana government has taken to demolishing the houses of persons suspected to be involved in the violence without notice.

What are issues with the demolition drive by the Haryana government?

It’s evident that only the homes belonging to a particular section of population are singled out for demolition. This targeting is both deliberate and exclusive in nature.

The principle of rule of law which guarantees legal equality and equal protection has been disregarded.

Why is SC being questioned for its silence on demolition drive?

When the bulldozers were causing destruction in Uttar Pradesh, the matter was brought before the Supreme Court of India. The court’s reaction was lukewarm.

It heard the government’s assertion that these constructions were unauthorized and legal procedures were being followed. The court’s response observed that proper protocols must be adhered to.

Court should have asked stringent questions about targeting a specific community and the reason behind the swift and abrupt demolitions.

The Supreme Court could have taken suo motu action.

What are criticisms against the working of SC in recent times?

The Supreme Court appears to be yielding more ground. This is evident in the repeated extensions granted to the Director of the Enforcement Directorate.

The SC has not established clear boundaries and administered consequences for each violation. The established boundaries will be breached continuously with impunity without these types of actions.

The examples of prolonged delays in hearing cases are the modification of Article 370, electoral bonds, demonetization, legislative immunity under Article 194, the validity of the Assam Accords, and amendments to the Citizenship Act.

These situations have led to the emergence of an adjudication doctrine where the alleged illegality has persisted for such an extensive period.

Furthermore, notable legal practitioners have been nominated by the collegium for positions as High Court judges. However, the government’s inertia in processing these appointments remains. The Court does not assertively address this issue.

Why is the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling being appreciated in this case?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court questioned whether it is an act of ethnic cleansing. It is a scathing indictment of the prevailing authorities.

The court went beyond mere inquiry and promptly halted the demolitions. It confronted the State Home Minister’s rationale for the demolitions and promptly reminded him of Lord Acton’s dictum that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Significantly, this course of action was undertaken suo motu, initiated by the court itself. Kudos to the esteemed Justices for their praiseworthy action.

Way forward-

The actions of a former Chief Justice of India have triggered significant concerns due to his newfound uncertainties about the basic structure of the Constitution following his appointment to the Rajya Sabha.

This is a moment for us to revisit the wisdom of our legal luminaries, internalize their insights, and live by the principles they advocated.

It’s an opportune time for the High Courts to rise to their vital role, as conferred by Article 226 of the Constitution.

Think, Then Act – Proposed criminal codes need serious deliberation

News: Recently, three bills, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 have been introduced in the Parliament that aim to replace IPC, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act.

What are the concerns with the Bill?

1. Despite claims of repeal, offences like sedition still persist under a different chapter.
2. The inclusion of a separate provision for mob lynching where the punishment for a mob could involve death, creates a perplex situation.
3. Marital rape is still not criminalized.
4. Criminal defamation still remains in the Bill.
5. Requiring forensic teams to visit crime scenes for serious offenses seems unrealistic due to the existing backlogs even in metropolitan labs.

What can be the way ahead?

No drafts were released in the public domain before the Union home minister introduced the bills in Lok Sabha. The reforms committee which worked on these bills also lacked transparency.

Hence, instead of rushing there are various shortcomings that need to be addressed. The parliamentary standing committee, to which the bills have now been sent, must look into these issues.

The rise of bulldozer governance

News: In this article author discusses how India’s democracy is shifting, with governments using more forceful methods like bulldozers and police encounters. These actions often target the poor and marginalized. The government is also bypassing standard democratic procedures in the legislature. The author suggests this trend is worrisome and challenges the true essence of democracy.

How is India’s democracy shifting?

India’s democracy is shifting in the following ways:

Bulldozer Governance: Governments are using force, symbolized by bulldozers, to assert their power. Examples include demolitions in Haryana following communal violence.

Decreased Regulation: Despite the ideal of minimal government intervention, there’s an increased use of physical coercion to maintain law and order.

Surveillance: Governments are using advanced techniques like drone surveillance and facial recognition without much legislative oversight.

Police Power: States are increasingly giving the police a “free hand,” resulting in encounter killings, like the Telangana police incident in 2019 (killing suspected rapists)

Legislative Functioning: There’s less discussion and vetting of bills, with some being pushed through as Money Bills, limiting proper democratic debate.

Executive Dominance: The executive branch is gaining more control, even intervening in state matters, challenging the federal principle.

This shift, seems to be moving away from democratic ideals.

What are the major concerns of this shift?

Citizen Concerns:

The use of force, like the bulldozer incidents in Haryana, affects the marginalized the most.

Advanced surveillance techniques such as facial recognition threaten citizen privacy.

Governance Concerns:

The government’s assertive actions, like not properly vetting bills, reduce transparency.

Leaders assert dominance, sometimes bypassing federal principles to intervene in state matters.

Judicial Concerns:

The judiciary often remains a silent observer, not intervening in cases of potential overreach.

The direction of governance primarily targets less privileged sections, without adequate checks.

Social Concerns:

Media might not consistently challenge high-handed governance.

Terms like “bulldozer baba” highlight societal acceptance of forceful governance.

Idea of Democracy:

Bypassing democratic procedures in the legislature erodes democratic norms.

The rising belief in a leader’s ultimate wisdom weakens the need for democratic checks and balances.

What should be done about it?

Strengthen Oversight: Enhance judicial involvement to ensure government actions align with democratic principles, as seen with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s intervention in Nuh.

Legislative Reforms: Encourage thorough vetting of bills and promote discussions to avoid bypassing democratic procedures.

Enhance Accountability: Ensure surveillance techniques, such as facial recognition and drones, are used with proper legislative oversight.

Promote Media Vigilance: Media should consistently highlight and critique instances of high-handed governance.

Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of checks and balances in a democracy.

Emphasize Federalism: Respect the federal principle to maintain the balance of power between the central and state governments.

Restore Democratic Ideals: Prioritize citizens’ rights and well-being over forceful measures, ensuring democracy serves all.

India’s TB problem and the right to treatment

News: The author highlights the challenge of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in India. While new diagnostic tools and treatments exist, India often relies on outdated methods. The WHO recommends modern solutions that are more effective and cost-saving. The author urges India to adopt these to prevent DR-TB deaths and suffering.

What are India’s achievements in relation to drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB)?

Detection: India identified 64,000 MDR/RR-TB cases in 2022, a significant number though below WHO estimates.

Molecular Tests: Several Indian companies manufacture advanced molecular tests for DR-TB detection.

Investment: India heavily invested in molecular platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, which can be repurposed for TB.

Cost-effective PCR: Many Indian companies made affordable PCR (polymerase chain reaction) components during the Covid-19 crisis.

Treatment Time: India has treatments that reduce DR-TB treatment duration from 24 months to 6 months.

Drug Supply: India is the global supplier of pretomanid, a crucial drug in the BPaL(Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid)regimen for DR-TB.

What are the challenges of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in India?

High Cases: India accounts for a quarter of the world’s DR-TB cases, with 119,000 new cases estimated yearly by WHO.

Underreporting: Only 64,000 MDR/RR-TB cases were reported in 2022, missing a substantial number.

Delayed Diagnosis: Rapid diagnosis of DR-TB is limited, leading to treatment delays.

Old Diagnostic Methods: 77% of suspected TB patients were diagnosed using traditional sputum smear microscopy, an outdated method.

Treatment Adherence: India uses a mix of DR-TB treatments, many of which are hard to follow.

Reliance on Injectables: Over 22,000 MDR/RR-TB patients in 2021 received treatments with injections, despite WHO’s recommendation against it.

Incomplete Treatment: Only 68% of the MDR/RR-TB patients initiated on treatment in 2020 completed it.

Limited Access: Only 53% of MDR/RR-TB patients in 2022 received the WHO-recommended shorter bedaquiline regimen.

What should be done to address these challenges?

Enhance Reporting: Increase efforts to identify and report all MDR/RR-TB cases.

Adopt Rapid Tests: Embrace rapid molecular diagnostics as the initial test for suspected patients.

Increase Molecular Testing: Aim for all suspected TB patients to undergo the recommended molecular tests.

Update Treatment Protocols: Adopt WHO’s recommendation of the BPaL regimen for DR-TB.

Phase Out Injectables: Heed WHO’s advice to stop using injectable treatments from 2019.

Expand Access: Increase the number of patients receiving the bedaquiline-containing regimen and BPaL regimen.

Utilize Resources: Repurpose molecular platforms from the Covid-19 era for TB testing.

On Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

News: In this article author discusses two possible futures for India’s digital landscape that is “Barbenheimer” future and an equitable digital future India’s current decisions will determine its path.

What are the potential digital futures of India?

Potential Digital Futures of India

The “Barbenheimer” Future:

This is named after an internet phenomenon combining “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”In this scenario sees India heavily leaning on technology.

In this future, an elite group dominates the tech decisions. Privacy might often be compromised for perceived national benefits.

For escape, citizens could immerse themselves in virtual worlds, like a Barbie-themed metaverse, where tech corporations dictate experiences.

Equitable Digital Future:

Here, the emphasis is on citizen rights and privacy. Strong data protection laws would be the foundation. Instead of broad exceptions in the name of security, there would be robust checks on surveillance, with judicial oversight ensuring citizen privacy.

This future envisions universal digital access, clear rules for AI, and encrypted data processing. It’s a world where digital rights are central, and open engagements prioritize human rights, accountability, and trust.

Why are these futures important?

Decision Making Impact: The choices India makes now in digital governance will shape its digital landscape for the next 25 years. Opting for one future over the other can drastically change societal structures and individual freedoms.

Citizen Rights: The “Barbenheimer” future could see reduced individual rights, with elites and tech giants dictating terms.

National Interests: Balancing privacy with perceived national benefits is critical, especially in a tech-dominated future.

Public Engagement: An equitable digital future emphasizes open engagements, prioritizing human rights and accountability.

Technological Trajectory: These futures determine India’s tech direction, impacting areas like AI governance and data protection.

Economic & Social Implications: The direction India takes will influence its global tech position, economic prospects, and the well-being of its citizens. Ensuring an equitable future means prioritizing societal welfare and progress.

GS Paper 3

The Tasks That Will Protect India’s Tuskers

News– The article explains the steps taken by Indian government for elephant conservation

What are some facts about elephants in India?

India takes great pride in its substantial elephant population. There exist three distinct species of elephants.

While elephants inhabit a total of 13 countries, it is noteworthy that India alone hosts over 60% of the worldwide wild elephant population.

The elephant population within India is spread across various regions including the southern, northeastern, east-central, and northern parts of the country.

What are steps taken by the Indian government for conservation of elephants?

India has declared elephants as the National Heritage Animal. It grants them protection under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Project Elephant was initiated during 1991-92 as a centrally funded program. It aimed to safeguard and conserve elephants, their natural habitats and corridors.

The elephant population in India has experienced a substantial increase, reaching approximately 30,000 individuals.

Protecting corridors-

Elephant habitats and forests are intersected by roads and railway tracks. It forms obstacles for the movement of elephants and other wildlife. Obstruction caused by railways leads to habitat fragmentation.

The government is consistently collaborating with state governments to mitigate the detrimental effects of existing railway lines on elephants and other wildlife.

Recent developments include the identification of 110 critical sites spanning over 1,800 kilometers along existing railway lines.

The Ministry of Railways has adopted measures such as constructing underpasses, overpasses, enforcing speed limits, establishing level crossings, and building ramps to facilitate elephant movement.

The Ministry of Railways is actively engaged in coordination with the MoEF&CC.

For instance, the Southern Railway has implemented inventive measures like constructing underpasses to reduce elephant fatalities on the Coimbatore-Palakkad route connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Similarly, the Northeast Frontier Railway is in the process of building an elevated corridor in Assam’s Deepor Beel to prevent elephant accidents.

In states like West Bengal and Uttarakhand, pilot projects such as the Intrusion Detection System using optical fiber cables, seismic sensors for animal movement detection, and infrared thermal cameras have been initiated.

Minimising human-animal conflict-

India has established a formalised process known as Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE). It displays proactive engagement in evaluating its national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves.

MEE procedure has been initiated for elephant reserves located in various regions: Uttarakhand’s Shivalik Elephant Reserve, Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, Odisha’s Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, and Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve.

The Ministry has enhanced natural habitats through activities like augmenting water sources and planting fodder trees, as well as regenerating bamboo growth.

To mitigate conflicts, specific areas of significant importance for elephants are designated as Elephant Reserves. Presently, a total of 33 ERs have been established across 14 states where elephants reside.

India has initiated the creation of a genetic database specifically for captive elephants. This comprehensive database encompassing over 326 captive elephants has been developed and documented using the Gaj Soochna App.

This DNA profiling initiative aims to counter the unlawful transfer of elephants between states or individuals.

A comprehensive field manual designed for frontline staff to manage human-elephant conflicts has been introduced in multiple languages.

The Ministry conducts Land Use Land Cover analysis of Elephant Reserves in various states.

India needs a new economic policy

News: The National Statistical Office (NSO) has released the fourth-quarter GDP growth rate figures for 2022-23. The current NSO data, when compared to the previous year, present a more pessimistic outlook.

Further, analyzing NSO data since 2014-2015 yields three important conclusions.

What conclusions can be made after analyzing NSO data since 2014-2015?

First, the GDP growth rate has been decreasing each year since 2015-16, and it has now dropped in the fourth quarter to a level of 3.5%.

Second, this growth is similar to the Hindu Rate of Growth observed during the 1950-77 socialism era.

Third, the economic reforms taken under the leadership of P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh led to increase in GDP growth to 6% to 8% annually, from 1991 to 1996 and 2004 to 2014.

However, recent years have seen a worrying and ongoing drop-in GDP growth rates since 2016.

What measures can be taken to boost the growth rate of GDP?

First, abolishing personal income tax and eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are crucial steps to encourage investors and earners.

Second, the government should raise funds through indirect taxes and by printing currency notes, which can be circulated by paying wages to the employment generated in extensive public works.

Third, the government should set fixed-term savings interest at around 9% to boost middle-class purchasing power, and limit loan interest rates for small and medium industries to 6% to increase production and employment.

Fourth, India also requires a comprehensive new economic policy with clear objectives, priorities, a strategic approach to achieving goals, and a transparent resource mobilization plan.

Fifth, in India, the market system operates under rules and isn’t entirely free. However, market capitalism thrives on incentives and capital, driving innovation, factory productivity, and GDP growth. China also embraced this free market approach, despite being a totalitarian.

However, it doesn’t imply full deregulation. Government intervention is needed for safety nets, affirmative action, addressing market failure, and ensuring a level-playing field.

Must Read: India’s GDP Growth for FY2021-22 – Explained

What can be the way ahead?

Balancing public sector and deregulation, along with selling unprofitable units, boosting employment through affirmative action, and ensuring access to social security will help the poor in India.

This will also foster fairness in competition, ensures transparency, accountability, philanthropy, and corporate governance, legitimizing profitable operations that drive the market system.

PM Modi reopens security debate

News: In this article author discusses the challenges faced by India during the 1960s. He consider 1960s the most tumultuous decade post-independence due to multiple internal insurgencies, wars with neighbors, political instability, and economic hardships. He also touch upon the 1980s for comparison.

What challenges did India face from its early post-independence years until the end of the 1960s?

Pakistan as an Adversary (1947-1952): Soon after gaining independence, India confronts Pakistan as a military threat.

Naga Insurgency:

Starts in the late 1940s.

Intensifies by the mid-1950s with China’s support.

Military operations and resettlement initiatives like “Protected and Progressive Villages” lead to human rights issues.

Emergence of China as a Threat:

By the mid-1950s, China’s looming presence becomes concerning.

The Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959 strains relations.

Indian and Chinese forces clash in Hot Springs, Eastern Ladakh in 1959.

Liberation of Goa (1961):

India launches a military operation against Portuguese-controlled Goa.

War with China (1962): India faces a major military conflict with China.

Kashmir Tensions (1963): The Hazratbal incident sparks unrest in the region.

Political Transitions:

Nehru’s death in 1964 creates a leadership vacuum.

Lal Bahadur Shastri takes over, facing multiple no-confidence motions before his sudden death in 1966.

India-Pakistan War (1965): A significant military conflict between the two nations erupts.

Rise of Mizo Insurgency (1966): Following Shastri’s demise, the Mizo National Front proclaims sovereignty, leading to internal strife.

Political and Economic Challenges:

Punjabi Suba movement and Dravidian secessionist impulses emerge.

India grapples with famines, economic downturns, and food aid dependencies.

These challenges highlight India’s tumultuous journey from its early post-independence years through the 1960s.

What challenges did India face during 1980s?

Punjab Insurgency:

Radical insurgency emerges in Punjab.

Operation Blue Star takes place in 1984, targeting Sikh militants inside the Golden Temple complex.

Kashmir Unrest:

Return of terrorism in Kashmir.

Hindus face targeted killings.

Mutinies in the Army: Sikh units in the Indian Army revolt after Operation Blue Star.

Massacres: Mass killings of Sikhs in Delhi and other regions following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): A deadly gas leak in Bhopal causes thousands of deaths.

Border Tensions:

Near-war situation with Pakistan over Exercise Brasstacks.

Stand-off with China over the Sumdorong Chu region.

IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka: Indian Peace Keeping Force sent to Sri Lanka faces challenges.

Internal Political Instability:

Turbulence in politics, especially post-Bofors scandal.

These events marked India’s challenges and struggles during the 1980s.

What lessons should India learn from these challenges?

Negotiation over Force: Nehru’s delay in military intervention, hoping talks would resolve the Naga insurgency, emphasizes the importance of early dialogue and negotiations.

Internal Stability and National Security: The political transitions of the 1960s and the 1980s, like Nehru’s death without a clear successor and the challenges faced by Shastri and Indira Gandhi, underscore the interconnectedness of internal politics and national security.

Human Rights Concerns: The “Protected and Progressive Villages” initiative, which led to significant rights abuses, teaches the need for oversight and ethical considerations in security operations.

Vigilance with Neighbors: The Chinese threat in the late 1950s and early 1960s reminds India to maintain vigilance and regular diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries.

Preparedness and Resilience: The sudden Mizo insurgency at a time of national crises emphasizes the importance of always being prepared for unforeseen challenges.

National Unity during Crises: The diverse challenges faced, from the Punjab insurgency to the Kashmir unrest, highlight the need for promoting national unity and harmony.

Incorporating these lessons can provide India a holistic approach to handle current and future national security challenges.

A cycle of Reversal – on India’s Protectionist Policies

News– The article explains the significance of competition for businesses. It also explains the impact of protectionist policies on Indian consumers in the pre-liberalisation era.

What is the impact of competition on businesses?

In the absence of competition, businesses tend to become complacent. Service providers often lower their standards, and manufacturers may compromise on quality.

Businesses charge higher prices than warranted, and take advantage of guaranteed markets and the lack of competition.

How protectionist policies in the pre-liberalisation era impacted Indian consumers?

Between 1947 and 1991, the country’s economic policy exhibited a distinct trend toward isolationism. The introduction of red tape through licensing increased, import tariffs rose, and the prohibition of various imported goods was common practice.

During this period, only a handful of companies held manufacturing licenses, and innovation was stifled.

Even minor inventions, like a new design for a bicycle lamp, required licensing. Additionally, major sectors like banking, aviation, mining, and telecommunications were nationalized and transformed into government monopolies. This further restricted competition.

Indian consumers had just two car models to choose from. Potential car buyers were obliged to place a deposit and endure months of waiting for delivery. Obtaining a new telephone connection took up to three years to become operational

In case of air travel, Indian Airlines was the sole option. It imposed higher fares compared to other prominent global airlines.

The telephone service was expensive, was also of poor quality and one of the priciest globally. Almost everything manufactured in India exhibited subpar quality. Plugs wouldn’t fit into outlets correctly.

Most household appliances were absent. Microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers, high-performance bicycles, fashionable designer attire were non-existent.

Importing goods posed considerable challenges. Stringent controls were imposed on foreign exchange, and a significant number of items were prohibited. Indians traveling abroad were only allowed an annual allowance of $50.

Even individuals who earned scholarships to pursue education abroad struggled with obtaining foreign exchange for their studies.

How things changed after liberalization?

Remarkably, quality improvements were noted in various sectors as competition was permitted. New players differentiated themselves by offering higher quality products at lower prices.

Telecom market, swiftly transformed into the most affordable. Consumers gained access to over 100 models from numerous automobile companies.

Students could secure loans from private banks to pursue education abroad, even if they didn’t come from affluent backgrounds.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

New Soil Health Card Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “New Soil Health Card Scheme”  published in PIB on 11th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has informed Lok Sabha about the Soil Health Cards (SHCs) Scheme.

What is a Soil Health Cards (SHCs) Scheme?

The Soil Health Cards (SHCs) Scheme was initiated in the fiscal year 2014-15 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Aim: To aid State Governments in distributing soil health cards to all farmers across the nation. 

– These cards furnish farmers with information about their soil’s nutrient composition, along with recommendations for applying the appropriate amount of nutrients to enhance soil health and fertility.

Features: Soil Health Card provides two sets of fertilizer recommendations for six crops including recommendations of organic manures.  

– Farmers can also get recommendations for additional crops on demand. They can also print the card as their own from the SHC portal. SHC portal has a farmers database of both the cycles and is available in 21 languages for the benefit of the farmers.

What are the new changes made to the Soil Health Card Scheme?

Firstly, the scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) cafeteria scheme as its one component under name ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23.

Secondly, the government has made some technological interventions in the Soil Health Card Scheme. The Soil Health Card portal has been revamped and integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system so that all the test results are captured and seen on a map. 

What is the significance of the Soil Health card scheme?

National Productivity Council (NPC) carried out a study on ‘Soil Testing Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of Soil Health Card in India’ in 2017. The study was conducted in 76 districts in 19 States. It was found that: – 

– Application of fertilizer and micronutrients based on Soil Health Card (SHC) recommendations resulted in 8-10 % of savings.

– Overall increase in the yield of crops to the tune of 5-6% reported by adopting the SHC recommendations.

Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines

Source: The post is based on the article “Steps taken for Promotion of Generic Medicines”  published in PIB on 11th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has informed Lok Sabha about the steps taken by the Government for the promotion of Generic Medicines.

What are the steps taken by the government to promote Generic Medicines?

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): It is a program implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), which operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 

– The program aims to provide affordable and high-quality generic medicines to the public. 

– It has established around 9,512 dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).These centers offer quality generic medicines at affordable prices. Prices of medicines sold through these outlets are 50-90% less than that of branded medicine prices in the open market.

Janaushadhi Sugam: It is a mobile application that provides information to the public about the location of kendras, helps them search Janaushadhi medicines and compare the maximum retail price of Generic vs. Branded medicines, etc.

Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002: It prescribes that every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters.

Directorate General of Health Services has directed all Central Government hospitals to prescribe generic medicines only. Similar instructions also have been issued to ‘prescribe drugs with generic name legibly’ to all CGHS Doctors and Wellness Centres.

Under the free drug initiative of National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided for provision of essential generic drugs free of cost in public health facilities.

In order to ensure quality of the products, the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) procures medicines only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers. 

– Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).Only after passing the quality tests, the medicines are dispatched to PMBJP Kendras.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) have taken steps to ensure the quality of generic medicines:

– To make sure medicines work effectively, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 were changed. Now, when applying for a license to make oral drugs, the applicant must include results from a bioequivalence study.

– The Principal/Health Secretaries of all States/UTs were directed to ensure that licenses for manufacturing drugs are granted or renewed using proper/generic names.

Powerful sun storm knocks out radio transmissions across North America

Source: The post is based on the article “Powerful sun storm knocks out radio transmissions across North America”  published on Space.com on 8th August 2023.

What is the News?

A powerful solar flare disrupted radio and navigation signals across North America.

What are Solar Flares?

Solar flares are energetic flashes of radiation that explode from magnetically dense, cool regions on the sun’s surface known as sunspots. 

Traveling at the speed of light, the photons from these flares arrive at our planet in eight minutes. 

As the radiation from the flares interacts with particles in Earth’s ionosphere, the region of the atmosphere at altitudes between 50 and 400 miles (80 and 650 kilometers), it supercharges them. These changes then affect radio and satellite signals that pass through this region. 

What are Geomagnetic Storms?

A geomagnetic storm refers to the disruptions to the Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar emissions.

When a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) or a high-speed solar stream reaches our planet, it slams into the magnetosphere. The Earth’s magnetosphere is created by our magnetic fields and it usually protects us from the particles emitted by the Sun.

When a CME or a high-speed stream arrives at Earth, it peels open the planet’s magnetosphere, kind of like an onion. This allows energetic solar wind particles to stream down and hit our atmosphere over the poles. 

Solar weather events like this can also supercharge auroras, sometimes making them visible in places where they wouldn’t have been otherwise.

Kerala govt to launch ‘Athidhi Portal’ on Monday for registration of migrant workers

Source: The post is based on the article “Kerala govt to launch ‘Athidhi Portal’ on Monday for registration of migrant workers”  published in Economic Times on 7th August 2023.

What is the News?

Kerala Government will be launching the Athidhi Portal.

What is Athidhi Portal?

Launched by: Kerala Government 

Purpose: It is a user-friendly web portal to expedite the registration for migrant workers in Kerala.

Key Features: Contractors, who bring migrant workers to the state and employers can register the workers in the portal. It also allows workers to register themselves individually as well.

– The enrolling officer will examine the details entered in the portal and issue a unique ID to each worker.

– The portal will also ensure that they have social security,

Significance of the portal: The portal has been launched in the wake of two recent sexual crimes against children, which were allegedly carried out by migrant workers.

Centre to overhaul British-era IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre to overhaul British-era IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act”  published in The Hindu on 11th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Home Minister has introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha to repeal the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Background:

The Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020 had constituted a committee to review the three codes of criminal law. It was headed by Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, former Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Delhi.

The mandate of the committee was to ‘recommend reforms in the criminal laws of the country in a principled, effective and efficient manner.

What are the three bills introduced to repeal the IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act?

Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 will replace Code of Criminal Procedure(CRPC), 1898

Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita Bill 2023 will replace the Indian Penal Code(IPC),1860

Bhartiya Sakshya Bill 2023 will  replace the Evidence Act 1872

These bills have been brought to provide speedy justice and create a legal system that keeps contemporary needs and aspirations of the people.

What are the key provisions of these bills?

– Separate provision for Mob Lynching, punishable with 7 years or life imprisonment or death penalty;

– Formal provision for ‘Zero FIR’- this will enable citizens to lodge a FIR with any police station, no matter their jurisdiction;

– ‘Deemed Sanction’ to prosecute civil servants, police officer accused of criminal offences in case of authority’s failure to respond within 120 days days of application;

– Digitization of complete process starting from registration of FIR to maintenance of Case Diary to filing of Charge sheet and delivery of Judgment;

– -Separate provisions penalizing rape of woman under false pretext of marriage, job, etc.

– Complete trial, including Cross-examination, appeal, to be facilitated via Video conferencing;

– Videography while recording statement of victims of sexual crimes mandatory;

– Punishment for all types of Gang Rape- 20 yrs or life imprisonment;

– Charge sheet to be mandatorily filed within 90 days of FIR.Court may extend such time by further 90 days, taking the total maximum period for winding up investigation to 180 days;

– Courts to finish framing of charges within 60 days of receiving charge sheet;

– Judgment to be mandatorily delivered within 30 days after conclusion of hearing.

What will happen now to these bills?

The bills have now been referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee. The committee will  discuss the bills, clause by clause.

After it has sufficiently deliberated on the Bills, the Committee will deliver a comprehensive report to the government and provide recommendations. These recommendations are not binding on the government.

After the committee sends in its recommendation, the government will decide whether to incorporate them, and which specific recommendations to incorporate.

If there are not many recommendations to be incorporated, the government simply introduces changes to original bills through amendments. After the bills, in their final form, are back in the Lok Sabha, they will be up for debate and passed in both the houses.

Chinese military ship docks at Colombo Port for a ‘formal’ visit

Source: The post is based on the article “Chinese military ship docks at Colombo Port for a ‘formal’ visit”  published in The Hindu on 12th August 2023.

What is the News?

A Chinese warship, the Hai Yang 24 Hao, has arrived in Sri Lanka and will be docked at the Colombo Port.

This visit comes after India-Sri Lanka ties had witnessed tensions in the wake of the Chinese warship’s visit to Hambantota Port in 2022. India and the U.S had voiced concern over the ship’s visit. 

Why is India concerned with the Chinese Ship in Sri Lanka?

Firstly, Chinese Ship in Sri Lanka means that several ports in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh could be on China’s radar. Reports have claimed that several vital installations in South India could be under threat of being snooped upon.

Secondly, Chinese ship in the Colombo Port fits right into China’s ‘string of pearls’ strategy to surround India in the Indian Ocean through increasing land and maritime footprint.

What has been China’s response to India’s concerns?

China had reacted strongly following concerns voiced by India. It has said that 

Firstly, Sri Lanka is a transportation hub in the Indian Ocean. Scientific research vessels from various countries including China have made port calls in Sri Lanka for replenishment.

Second, Sri Lanka is a sovereign country. It has the right to develop relations with other countries based on its development interests. To have normal cooperation is the independent choice made by our two countries. It serves the shared interests of both sides and does not target any third party.

GI tag to Mushkbudji will transform farmers of Sagam into entrepreneurs

Source: The post is based on the article “GI tag to Mushkbudji will transform farmers of Sagam into entrepreneurs”  published in Greater Kashmir on 12th August 2023.

What is the News?

Mushkbudji Rice received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

What is Mushkbudji Rice?

Mushkbudji Rice is short, bold aromatic rice grown in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley.

The cooked rice is unique and possesses a harmonious blend of taste, aroma and rich organoleptic properties.

The consumption of aromatic rice in Kashmir has now been limited to special occasions, marriages, and festivals.

In 2007, the government announced a revival program of the Mushkbudji rice variety in Sagam village of Kokernag. This precious and aromatic variety had fallen out of cultivation in the 1970s due to blast disease.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: Elephant conservation: Explained, pointwise