Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• The power of an acronym
• The custody question
• Mediation Bill: An incomplete settlement
• A ‘fab’ way to conduct India-Japan tech diplomacy

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The power of an acronym

News: In this article author discusses the evolution and relevance of the BRICS group, highlighting its inconsistencies and China’s increasing influence, and questions India’s position given its differing interests and relationships compared to other BRICS nations.

About evolution of  BRICS.

Origin: Coined by Goldman Sachs, representing Brazil, Russia, India, and China as future dominant economies.

Performance: China and India thrived, entering top five economies. Russia and Brazil lagged; Russia isn’t in the top 10 anymore.

Addition of South Africa: Diluted the initial economic focus, as its economy is much smaller.

Initiatives by BRICS:

BRICS nations hold regular summits to discuss collaboration.

One significant achievement is the “BRICS bank”, established to support development projects, though its impact has been limited.

Proposals were made for a dedicated data cable to ensure secure communication, but progress has been slow.

New currency arrangements were discussed to challenge the dominance of the dollar, but haven’t been implemented.

What is the relevance of BRICS in today’s world?

Economic Clout: China and India are now among the top five economies, highlighting BRICS’ economic significance.

Alternative Voice: BRICS is seen as a potential counter to Western-dominated global structures.

Developmental Initiatives: The establishment of the “BRICS bank” aims to support developmental projects.

Diplomatic Platform: Over 40 developing countries have shown interest in joining, suggesting its growing diplomatic importance.

How is China influencing BRICS?

Push for Expansion: China is advocating for an increase in BRICS membership. They’re keen to have more countries join, extending the group’s reach.

Diplomatic Strategy: With limited regional allies like North Korea, Cambodia, and Myanmar, China sees BRICS as a way to gain broader diplomatic support.

Countering Western Influence:  China aims to use BRICS as a platform to challenge and break Western dominance in global affairs.

Engagement with Other Groups: BRICS has initiated talks with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated group, furthering China’s influence within BRICS.

Potential Data Control: China’s involvement in the proposed BRICS data cable raises concerns about its ability to access and control communication, given its technological prowess.

Where does India stand?

Economic Performance: India has prospered, now ranking among the top five global economies.

Relationship with China: India has an adversarial relationship with China, blocking imports, investments, and market access for Chinese technologies.

Diplomatic Challenges: Many countries seeking BRICS membership, like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, pose diplomatic issues for India. Blocking them could strain relations.

Membership Criteria: India advocates for clear criteria for new BRICS members, highlighting the existing inconsistencies within the group.

Alignment with Western Nations: India is increasingly aligned with Europe and the US in defense, technology, and people movement, contrasting with China and Russia’s stances.

Political System: India’s political system is more open than China’s or Russia’s, potentially leading to differences in governance perspectives within BRICS.

The custody question

News– The central government has introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha to reform criminal law: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

What are some positive changes introduced by Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?

The entire lifecycle of a new case, starting from the first information report will now be documented online using digital recordkeeping.

This transition will greatly enhance the security of case records and enable faster access when needed.

When searches are conducted in our residences and items are seized, these actions must be accompanied by mandatory video recording. It safeguards against the planting of evidence and can be utilised by the defence to contest alleged seizures.

The Protection Code also includes the concept of a “zero FIR.” This type of FIR is filed when a police station receives a complaint about an alleged offence that falls under the jurisdiction of another police station.

In this scenario, the original police station initiates the FIR and subsequently transfers it to the appropriate police station for further investigation.

What are the concerning aspects of the bill?

Protection Code allows trials in absentia under specific circumstances. This occurs when the judge is convinced that the physical presence of the accused in court is unnecessary or when the accused persistently disrupts the court proceedings.

The broad discretion granted to judges in determining the presence of the accused opens the door to potential misuse of this provision.

Protection Code authorises magistrates to approve extended periods of detention in police custody. It surpasses the current 15-day limit and extends up to 90 days.

This prolonged detention up to 90 days is applicable to offenses punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years.

The Protection Code allows individuals to be held in police custody for a maximum of 60 days. It is for “other offences” that carry shorter prison sentences than those outlined for the 90-day detainment offences.

Prolonged detention is detrimental to fundamental rights such as the right to life, health and a fair trial.

Ninety days of uninterrupted police custody would make any accused highly susceptible to coercion and intimidation.

Mediation Bill: An incomplete settlement

News– On August 1, the Mediation Bill, 2021 was passed by the Rajya Sabha.

What are some positive aspects of the Bill?

The Bill has reduced the mediation period from 180 to 90 days. It has transformed the pre-litigation mediation from obligatory to voluntary. It was also highly necessary, considering that voluntariness constitutes an essential principle of mediation.

The support for the validation and implementation of settlement agreements stemming from mediation is the right step. It aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation.

What are the concerning aspects of the Bill?

There are limited grounds listed in the Bill to challenge the enforcement of a settlement agreement and a period of 90 days is given to raise the challenge. It needs a relook.

A settlement agreement is essentially a contract between the parties. Sometimes, grounds for challenging are detected at a later stage.

There are also some technical flaws. Clause 8 of the Bill entitles a party to move the Court, before the commencement or during mediation, for interim relief, only in “exceptional circumstances”.

The phrase “exceptional circumstances” is lacking in definition within the Bill. It also deviates from the established norms of seeking interim relief in civil courts.

Moreover, there is no remedy of appeal available against an order passed under this proposed section. Even our arbitration regime provides an appellate recourse.

The Bill introduces the concepts of “online” and “community” mediation. A recent Niti Aayog report reveals that only 55% of India have access to the internet and only 27% possess compatible devices.

As for community mediation, the Bill makes it mandatory to have a panel of three mediators. This requirement is unnecessary and impacts the flexibility that mediation brings.

Government is the biggest litigant in the country. Limiting the government’s willingness to engage in mediation processes solely to “commercial disputes” contradicts the intent behind the legislation.

Way forward-

The standing committee has recommended that government-related disputes be included in the Bill. The Bill provided a golden opportunity to the government to change that perception.

This will inspire confidence amongst all stakeholders and help in reducing the pendency of backlog.

Mediation should be promoted as a preferred and voluntary mode of securing justice. The Bill is prescriptive.The regular individual will now need additional guidance and support to attain justice.

For online mediation, there is a need to scale the bandwidth accessibility to remote parts of the country. Setting up legal aid or access to justice clinics with adequate IT infrastructure could address this issue.

A ‘fab’ way to conduct India-Japan tech diplomacy

News: In July 2023, India and Japan reached an agreement to cooperate on semiconductor technology.

What is the agreement about?

The collaboration aims to establish a stronger supply chain for semiconductors and jointly develop the semiconductor ecosystem.

The partnership will focus on five areas: 1) semiconductor design, 2) manufacturing, 3) equipment research, 4) establishing resilience in the semiconductor supply chain, and 5) talent development.

The partnership encourages sharing technical knowledge, research, and innovation between Indian and Japanese semiconductor industries, keeping Japan and India at the forefront of semiconductor progress.

The partnership aims for technology transfer, semiconductor research collaboration, and reciprocal trade. It also prioritizes human resource development through skill exchange programs, workshops, and training.

What measures have been taken by both countries in promoting semiconductor technology?

Both countries support semiconductor manufacturing and research through their policies. India’s “Make in India” and Japan’s “Society 5.0” share self-reliance and innovation-driven growth goals.

Both countries value semiconductors for innovation, growth, and security.

Japan leads in chip production, while India’s IT sector is growing with increasing demand for semiconductors. This provides a solid foundation for their partnership.

Must Read: On the India and Japan relationship and challenges from geopolitical issues

What is the significance of this partnership?

Tackling Technological Challenges: India-Japan partnership holds a key role in shaping the global semiconductor landscape. Their collaboration addresses evolving tech challenges like miniaturization, AI, and quantum computing.

Diversification: In January 2023, Japan and the Netherlands joined the U.S. to restrict chip material exports to China, affecting Japanese chip firms. Thus, the India collaboration becomes vital for Japan in diversifying the semiconductor industry.

Supply Chain Challenges: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues underscore the need for diverse semiconductor supply chains and global cooperation.

Hence, collaborative research efforts help in pooling resources to tackle complex semiconductor challenges, driving innovation and solutions.

Unity Among Indo-Pacific Partners: This partnership comes after a recent US-India technological alliance which supports the development of interconnected semiconductor ecosystems.

Hence, bilateral agreements with India by the US and Japan showcase unity among Indo-Pacific partners in critical technology, reflecting shared geostrategic and security interests.

What can be the way ahead?

The agreements demonstrate Quad countries’ trust in India, highlighting India’s semiconductor growth.

Hence, agreement between India and Japan holds significance as it would combine Japan’s tech skill and India’s innovation, fostering advanced electronics, connectivity, and shared technology progress.

GS Paper 3

Express View on RBI studies: Carrying hope

News: The National Statistical Office will soon release GDP growth estimates for the first quarter (April-June). The RBI predicts an 8% growth. Despite global slowdowns and a drop in exports, India’s economy shows positive signs like increased private consumption and investment. However, some sectors, like auto sales, are weak.

What are the major outcomes of the RBI’s State of the Economy report?

RBI’s State of the Economy Report Outcomes:

1. GDP Growth Prediction:

The RBI expects 8% economic growth for April-June.

2. Global Recovery Status:

The global economic recovery is slowing down.

3. Export Situation:

Exports decreased by around 16% in July.

Merchandise exports were at a nine-month low of $32.25 billion.

4. Positive Economic Indicators:

Private consumption and investment activity might balance the decline in exports.

E-way bill volumes showed strong growth.

FMCG sales increased.

Cargo at major ports and railway freight traffic rose in July.

Steel and cement consumption went up.

5. Areas of Economic Concern:

Automobile sales, excluding three-wheelers, are low.

More households/individuals are seeking MGNREGA work than last year.

Non-oil imports decreased, indicating weak domestic demand.

Uncertainty about how much investment will increase.

6. Investment Intention Study:

In 2022-23, plans for 982 projects with Rs 3.5 lakh crore were made.

In 2021-22, it was 791 projects worth Rs 1.96 lakh crore.

60% of these projects, funded by banks and institutions, are in infrastructure.

Major areas: power, roads, bridges, SEZs, biotech, and IT parks.

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have more than half the project cost.

7. Future Investment Cycle:

Strong bank and corporate balance sheets suggest a good future for investment.

Climate crisis has hit home

News: In this article, the author discusses the severe climate changes in India, leading to disasters such as landslides and floods, and the impact on agriculture and living conditions. The author also emphasizes the need for policy changes and a stronger political will to address the environmental and climate crisis.

About the  2023 climate crisis in India.

1. Severe Weather Events:

Devastating landslides in Himachal Pradesh resulted in 70 deaths.

Uttarakhand faced extreme weather, leading to 13 casualties.

Shimla, a popular tourist destination, severely impacted with 11 deaths in a temple.

2. Erratic Monsoon Patterns:

The monsoon in India showed inconsistent behaviors. June had a 65% rainfall deficit, but by July’s end, it changed to a 4.8% surplus. By August 18, a 6% deficit was recorded.

What are the three distinct dimensions of the climate crisis in India?

Three Distinct Dimensions of the Expanding Crisis in India:

1. Uncontrolled Development in Himalayan States:

The Himalayan states face risks due to unchecked development.

Thousands of lives are endangered.

The Union government hasn’t shown intentions to revisit development models.

Two controversial environmental laws prioritize business and national security over environment.

2. Changes in Weather Impacting Livelihoods:

Altered weather affects crop patterns and food security.

Quality of living is compromised.

Anomalies in rainfall patterns are intensifying.

Policymakers must adjust policies to the changing climate.

3. Need for Social and Political Will:

Addressing the crisis requires strong political commitment.

The environment currently lacks priority in the political arena.

What should be done?

Revisit Development Models: Rethink unchecked development in Himalayan states.

Strengthen Environmental Policies: Balance business and national security with environmental needs.

Adjust to Rainfall Anomalies: Incorporate changing weather patterns into policies.

Upgrade Infrastructure: Ensure it adapts to the changing climate.

Prioritize the Environment Politically: Recognize its importance in the electoral arena.

Foster Political Will: Address environmental challenges with urgency.

Engage the Public: Generate social will to push for environment-centric policies.

Where prices are hurting

News– As the Reserve Bank of India has released its August monthly bulletin.

What are the inflation prospects of the country?

The inflation for July 2023 reached a 15-month peak of 7.44 percent. It indicates that the issue of inflation remains unresolved.

Supply chain pressures are gradually easing and wage growth is slower than anticipated. The conditions are becoming favorable for a reduction in core inflation.

Geopolitical tensions have increased the prices of agricultural commodities, metals, and energy. It has raised concerns about food and energy security and the potential impacts on core inflation.

This marks the third time when the retail inflation rate is higher than the upper boundary of the RBI’s medium-term inflation target range of 4+ /–2 percent in this calendar year.

What are the main revelations of the recently released RBI bulletin?

The inflation rate has risen, particularly for essential items like vegetables, cereals, pulses, milk, and dairy products. This increase in prices has impacted both retail and wholesale inflation levels.

In the month of July, India experienced a retail inflation rate of 7.44 percent, reaching its highest point in 15 months.

Among the 36 states and Union Territories, 15 of them registered a retail inflation rate surpassing the national rate of 7.44 percent in July. Additionally, 24 states and UTs had an inflation rate exceeding 6 percent.

The eastern regions and Jammu & Kashmir along with Ladakh exhibited better outcomes.

States in eastern and Northeastern India, excluding Manipur and Tripura, saw a retail inflation rate lower than 6 percent in July 2023.

Food and beverages observed a significant surge in inflation. It reached 10.57 percent in July compared to 4.63 percent in June.

The inflation rate for cereals and related products has remained in double digits for eleven consecutive months. It was 13.04 percent in July.

Pulses have experienced inflation of over 5 percent for the last four months. It has escalated to double digits since June.

After contracting for eight months, vegetable prices surged to 37.34 percent in July.

How rising inflation is impacting households?

The upward trajectory of food prices is expected to place additional strain on household budgets.

A recent Crisil report highlighted that the cost of preparing a “thali” meal at home increased significantly for the third consecutive month in July, primarily due to the price of tomatoes.

Material consideration: On the LK-99 ‘superconductor’ episode

News: Recently, scientists found that the material called LK-99 is not a room-temperature and ambient-pressure superconductor.

What is LK-99?

LK-99 has been claimed by South Korean scientists as a superconductor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, currently scientists have discarded their claims.

What are the reasons behind discarding LK-99 as a superconductor?

First, when superconductors get cold, they push away magnets, causing repulsion below their transition temperature. The South Korean video showed LK-99 partly repelling a magnet. However, independent researchers found that the material was an insulator whose impurities could be magnetized.

Second, the South Korean scientists saw less resistance in LK-99 around 104°C, which could mean it’s a superconductor. However, researchers found that this drop occurred due to the copper sulphide impurities present in the material.

Hence, as per the scientists, no formal confirmation aligns with the initial declaration that this material can conduct electricity without resistance in regular conditions.

Must Read: Beyond the hype: Independent verification is crucial on claims about material LK-99

What lies ahead?

The LK-99 case raises concerns over misunderstandings caused in the open science competition. However, this misunderstanding shouldn’t stop open collaboration.

Moreover, now, the burden lies on South Korean group to show evidence for their claim.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

9 more supercomputers to be added under National Supercomputing Mission, list of four current fastest machines in India

Source: The post is based on the article “9 more supercomputers to be added under National Supercomputing Mission, list of four current fastest machines in India”  published in TOI on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has recently approved an extension of the Digital India programme.

The programme also proposes nine more supercomputers to be added under the National Supercomputing Mission.

What is the National Supercomputing Mission?

Click Here to read

Which are the fastest Supercomputers in India?

India’s fastest supercomputers are AIRAWAT, PARAM Siddhi, Pratyush and Mihir.

AIRAWAT: It is installed at the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune.

– It stands as India’s largest and fastest AI supercomputing system, with a remarkable speed of 13,170 teraflops (Rpeak).

– It has been manufactured by Netweb Technologies.

– It ranked number 75 at the International Supercomputing Conference in Germany and was listed as such in the 61st edition of the Top 500 Global Supercomputing list.

PARAM Siddhi-AI: It is installed at Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune.It is ranked at No. 131 position:

– It aims to serve as AI / HPC specific Cloud Computing Infrastructure for INDIA subsuming academia, R&D institutes and start-ups.

Pratyush supercomputer: This supercomputer is installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. It is a Cray XC40 machine.It is ranked at No.169 position.

Mihir supercomputer: It is installed at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting in Noida.It is also a Cray XC40 machine.It is ranked at No.316.

India’s first 3D-printed post office inaugurated in Bengaluru: How does 3D printing work?

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s first 3D-printed post office inaugurated in Bengaluru: How does 3D printing work?”  published in Indian Express on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

India’s first 3D-printed post office was inaugurated in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout.

Multinational company Larsen & Toubro Limited built the post office with technological support from IIT Madras.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional objects layer by layer. 

It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity and color.

How is 3D printing done?

To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer. All they need to do is design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’.The 3D printer does the rest of the job.

3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.

These machines are capable of printing anything from ordinary objects like a ball or a spoon to complex moving parts like hinges and wheels.

What are some of the notable examples of 3D Printing?

3D printing is being used in a host of different industries like healthcare, automobile and aerospace.

In May 2023, aerospace manufacturing company Relativity Space launched a test rocket made entirely from 3D-printed parts, measuring 100 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide.However, shortly after its take off, it suffered a failure.

At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the healthcare industry used 3D printers to make much-needed medical equipment, like swabs, face shields, and masks, as well as the parts to fix their ventilator.

Number of Jan Dhan Accounts Cross 50 Crore

Source: The post is based on the article “Number of Jan Dhan Accounts Cross 50 Crore”  published in PIB on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The total number of Jan Dhan accounts have crossed 50 crore as on 9th August 2023.

What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana(PMJDY)?

National Mission on Financial Inclusion popularly known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched in 2014.It has completed almost 9 years. 

It offers multiple advantages to account holders such as a bank account without requirement of minimum balance, free of cost RuPay debit cards with inbuilt accident insurance of Rs. 2 lakh and overdraft facility of up to Rs. 10,000.

Significance: The scheme has been successful in changing the financial landscape of the country and has brought near saturation in bank accounts for adults. 

– The success of PMJDY also lies in the comprehensive nature of the scheme with an attempt to connect the last mile with the formal banking system through technology, collaboration and innovation.

Click Here to read more

What are the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana(PMJDY)?

As per the latest reports submitted by banks, the total number of Jan Dhan accounts have crossed 50 crore as on 9th August 2023. 

Out of these accounts 56% accounts belong to women and 67% accounts have been opened in Rural / Semi-urban areas. 

The deposits in these accounts are above Rs. 2.03 lakh crore and about 34 crore RuPay cards have been issued in these accounts free of cost. 

The average balance in PMJDY accounts is Rs. 4,076 and more than 5.5 crore PMJDY accounts are receiving DBT benefits.

Why the RBI has directed lenders not to levy penal interest on borrowers

Source: The post is based on the article “Why the RBI has directed lenders not to levy penal interest on borrowers”  published in Indian Express on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a fresh set of guidelines for banks and other regulated entities (REs) on the imposition of penal charges on loan borrowers. 

These guidelines have been issued after it was reported that many banks use penal rates of interest over and above the applicable interest rates in case of defaults / non-compliance by the borrower with the terms on which credit facilities were sanctioned. 

What do RBI guidelines say?

According to RBI guidelines, penalties charged for default on interest payments or non-compliance of material terms and conditions of loan contract by the borrower would now be accrued as ‘penal charges’ instead of ‘penal interest’.

To put it simply, lending entities would not be able to levy an ad-hoc additional penal rate of interest over and above the applicable rate of interest. 

For perspective about penal interest: say the borrower’s EMI payment for the month of April is Rs 1,000 at 10% interest rate.They default on making a timely EMI payment which subjects them to an additional interest payment of 24% per annum (or 2% per month) over and above the interest component (at 10% of principal amount) already payable that month.

RBI guidelines direct that ‘penal interest’ (at 2% p.a. in the example) be replaced with an ‘penal charge’, with no additional component to the rate of interest.

There shall be no capitalisation of penal charges, that is, it shall be levied separately and not be added to the principal outstanding amount.

The quantum of penal charges must be proportional to the defaults or non-compliance of material terms and conditions of a loan contract up to a certain threshold.

This is to be determined by the lending entities themselves and must not be discriminatory within a particular loan/product category.

What will be the impact of these guidelines on consumers?

Supervisory reviews have indicated divergent practices amongst the regulated entities(REs) with regard to levy of penal interest/charges leading to customer grievances and disputes.

Now, REs will have to disclose the quantum and reason for penal charges clearly to the customers in the loan agreement and most important terms and conditions/Key Fact Statement (KFS).

These will also be displayed on the website of REs under interest rates and service charges section.

Revolutionizing Animal Feed: TDB-DST partners with Chemlife Innovations for Innovative Bio-Trace Minerals Project

Source: The post is based on the article “Revolutionizing Animal Feed: TDB-DST partners with Chemlife Innovations for Innovative Bio-Trace Minerals Project”  published in PIB on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The Technology Development Board (TDB), part of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has partnered with Chemlife Innovations Pvt. Ltd to launch Innovative Bio-Trace Minerals Project.

What is the Innovative Bio-Trace Minerals Project?

Aim: The project aims to revolutionize the manufacturing of bio-trace minerals for animal feed particularly targeting the livestock and poultry/dairy sectors.These minerals are essential for animals’ health.

Financial Support: TDB is giving ₹84 lakh to this project which is a big part of the total cost.

Technology used: Chemlife Innovations is using new technology called ‘Accelerated Natural Bio Transformation’ (ANBioT) to make these special minerals.

– The project also utilizes pupa proteins which are rich in hydroxy amino acids.This will be an economical alternative to imported ligands like yeast hydrolysate and Methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA).

– The project also contributes to the circular economy by repurposing silkworm pupae meal, reducing waste from the silk industry.

Significance: This project aligns harmoniously with the National Livestock Mission.The mission aims to enhance livestock productivity, optimize feed and fodder resources and infuse technology into livestock management.

Amid trade slump, signs of investment pick-up

Source: The post is based on the article “Amid trade slump, signs of investment pick-up”  published in The Hindu on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

India’s merchandise exports have faced a decline.But the growth in imports of electronics and machinery suggests domestic demand and investments are picking up.

India’s Trade and Investment Figures:

Decline in exports: India’s exports fell by 15.9%.This decline in exports appears broad-based and the slowdown in demand is not just stemming from the West, but also from emerging markets, especially the Asia-Pacific, India’s largest regional export destination. 

Imports Growth: India’s exports has fallen.But the imports of electronics and machinery has hit a record high at $4.7 billion.This suggests increased domestic demand and private investments.

– For instance, five out of fifteen key import categories saw growth. Electronics grew by 14.9%, and machinery reached a record monthly import of $4.7 billion.

Trade Deficit: The trade deficit in July rose to $20.7 billion.Some economists caution that the trade deficit could grow more in the future due to rising commodity prices and export restrictions on agricultural products.

Bills seeking to replace IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act referred to Standing Committee

Source: The post is based on the article “Bills seeking to replace IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act referred to Standing Committee”  published in The Hindu on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023 have been referred to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

These bills seek to replace the Indian Penal Code,1860; Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 and the Indian Evidence Act,1872.

What are the key highlights of the three bills?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023:

The bill seeks to replace the IPC by repealing 22 of its provisions, proposes changes to 175 existing provisions and introduces eight new sections. It contains a total of 356 provisions.

The punishment for all types of gang rape will now include 20 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment. 

The punishment for the rape of a minor will include the imposition of the death penalty. Various offences have also been made gender neutral.

For the first time capital punishment has been introduced for the offence of mob lynching apart from the offence being made punishable with 7 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment.

The bill repeals the offense of sedition, which was widely criticized as a colonial relic that curbed free speech and dissent.However, upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the provision has been introduced under a new name and with a more expansive definition for the offence.

The bill introduces community service as a form of punishment for specific crimes, which can help in reforming offenders and reducing overcrowding in prisons.

The Bill also criminalizes sexual intercourse under the false pretext of marriage or by deceitful means.A maximum of 10-year imprisonment has been proposed for the offence.

The provision for the offence of adultery has also been omitted.This is in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2018 in the case of Joseph Shine v. Union of India, where Section 497 of the IPC, which criminalized adultery, was held to be unconstitutional.

The provision legalising marital rape has however been retained.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023:

The Bill will replace the CrPC by repealing nine of its provisions.It proposes changes to 160 provisions and introduces nine new provisions.It contains a total of 533 sections.

Section 230 has been introduced to ensure that a copy of the FIR is made available to the accused and the victim free of cost and within fourteen days from the date of production or appearance of the accused.

The Bill also permits the filing of a zero FIR from any part of the country.It also allows the facility for an accused person to be examined through electronic means, like video conferencing.

Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023:

The bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act.It proposes changes to 23 provisions and introduces one new provision.It contains 170 sections in total.

The Bill permits the admissibility of an electronic or digital record as evidence and will have legal validity as documentary evidence. 

The ambit of what constitutes secondary evidence has also been expanded in the bill.

Govt planning skill training for 2 crore women under ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt planning skill training for 2 crore women under ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme”  published in The Hindu on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

Government is planning skill development training for two crore women under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme.

What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

Aim: To provide skill development training to women to encourage them to establish micro-enterprises so that they can earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually.

Target: Government’s goal is to create two crore “lakhpati didis” (prosperous sisters) in villages through women self-help groups(SHGs).

Skills covered: The women would be trained in skills like plumbing, LED bulb making and operating and repairing drones among others.

– Initially women in around 15,000 self-help groups (SHGs) would be trained to fly and repair drones.

– This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills.

What are Self-Help Groups(SHGs)?

Click Here to read

WHO South-East Asia Region commits to further enhance efforts to end TB, adopt Gandhinagar Declaration

Source: The post is based on the article “WHO South-East Asia Region commits to further enhance efforts to end TB, adopt Gandhinagar Declaration”  published in DD News on 19th August 2023

What is the News?

The WHO South-East Asia Region has committed to further accelerate efforts to end tuberculosis by 2030 with member countries adopting the Gandhinagar Declaration. 

What is the Gandhinagar Declaration?

The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted by the WHO South-East Asia Region member countries at the meeting held to follow up on the progress made to end Tuberculosis(TB) in the region.

The declaration calls for the establishment of high-level multisectoral commissions in each country to coordinate efforts and monitor progress toward ending TB and other diseases. These commissions can also strengthen health systems and universal health coverage.

It also emphasizes the use of science and technology to provide equitable TB services accessible to everyone, regardless of social, cultural, or demographic differences. 

It underscores the need for resources to meet TB coverage goals and address underlying social factors.

The declaration also urges WHO to continue prioritizing TB and providing leadership and technical assistance for sustained progress.

About TB Cases in WHO South-East Asia (SEA) Region:

The WHO South-East Asia Region has 11 Member States – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste. 

This region is home to 26% of the world’s population.But about 43% of all TB cases in the world are in this region (according to the WHO Global TB Report 2021). 

In 2020, around 4.3 million people got sick with TB and about 700,000 died because of it.This is more than half of all the TB deaths globally, which were about 1.3 million in that year. 

TB deaths have been increasing for more than ten years and are now close to what they were in 2015. 

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: