Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• The dangers in the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill
• C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business
• Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The dangers in the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

Source– The post is based on the article “The dangers in the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill” published in the “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights

News– The government is set to introduce the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill in Parliament.

What is the importance of the Right to Information Act?

It has been a tool to empower millions of Indian citizens since 2005. Access to information is necessary for governments accountability in a democracy.

According to the Supreme Court of India, individuals have the right to access information about wilful defaulters and the specifics of Non Performing Assets held by public sector banks.

In democracies, voter lists containing names, addresses, and other personal information are regularly made public to facilitate public scrutiny and prevent electoral fraud.

Poor and marginalised people can enjoy the benefits of government schemes and welfare programmes, if they must have access to relevant information.

What are the issues related to the draft Data Protection Bill?

Exemptions under RTI Act– The RTI Act includes a provision to protect the privacy of people. It contains an exemption clause under Section 8(1)(j).

Personal information is exempt from disclosure if it is not related to public activity; or any public interest. The information is also exempted if it leads to invasion of privacy.

Therefore, data protection law does not require any amendment to the existing RTI law. The Justice A.P. Shah Report on Privacy also mentions it.

However, the DDP Bill 2022 includes an amendment to Section 8(1)(j). It exempts all personal information from disclosure. This is not good for the transparency and accountability regime in the country.

Excessive power to executive– A primary objective of any data protection law is to curtail the misuse of personal data, including for financial fraud.

Government is the biggest data repository. It should not have wide discretionary powers under the data protection law.

The DDP Bill, 2022, grants extensive authority to the executive to formulate rules and notifications covering a wide array of matters.

For example, the central government holds the power to exempt any government or private sector entity from adhering to the law’s provisions by issuing a notification.

This raises the possibility of the government selectively exempting entities like the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

In contrast, smaller non-governmental organisations, research institutions, associations of individuals, and Opposition parties would be required to establish systems to comply with the stringent responsibilities of a data fiduciary.

Data Protection Board– it is critical that the oversight body set up under the legislation is adequately independent.

The draft Bill does not ensure the autonomy of the Data Protection Board. The strength and composition of the board, and process of selection and removal of its chairperson and other members will be decided by central government

Government will have power to appoint the chief executive responsible for managing the board.

Data Protection Board has power to impose fines up to ₹500 crore. It can be misused by the executive to target the political opposition and those critical of its policies.

C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business

Source: The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business” published in The Indian express on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighborhood-relations.

News: In this article author talks about India’s growing economy and its potential positive effect on South Asia. They discuss how regional integration, influenced by economic reforms, can overcome political disputes. Despite challenges, there are new factors accelerating this process, including India’s increasing economic ties with neighbors, economic openness in the region, and support from Western countries. Ultimately, the author suggests India’s economic growth can benefit all South Asian countries.

How India’s growing economy and its potential positive effect on South Asia?

India is emerging as the third-largest economy and a major tech hub.

Effects on South Asia

Trade Increase:

Intra-regional trade grew from 2% in 1990 to 6% now.

India’s exports: $16 billion to Bangladesh, $6 billion to Sri Lanka, and $8.5 billion to Nepal in 2022.

Regional Integration:

Leaders from Nepal and Sri Lanka are showing interest in deeper economic ties with India.

Cross-border projects like rail, road, and energy are gaining momentum.

Great Power Influence:

The US and allies are focusing on India as a counter to China, helping promote India’s ties with its neighbors.

Japan is promoting connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

How South Asian regional integration can overcome political disputes?

Trade as a Bridge:

Intra-regional trade in South Asia grew from 2% in 1990 to 6% currently.

As trade benefits economies, it encourages nations to resolve political issues.

Leadership Engagements:

Visits by Nepal’s PM and Sri Lanka’s President to India have led to stronger economic commitments.

Such direct discussions can pave the way for resolution of disputes.

Economic Alliances:

Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka show increased interest in economic ties with India.

Economic interests can overshadow past political differences.

External Influence:

Japan’s effort in promoting India-Bangladesh connectivity is an example of foreign nations pushing for regional unity.

The US’s $500 million grant to Nepal for energy and road connectivity emphasizes regional collaboration.

Alternative Cooperation Routes:

Instead of relying solely on SAARC, nations are pursuing bilateral and sub-regional cooperations, bypassing traditional hindrances.

Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance

Source: The post is based on the article “Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance” published in Business standard on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: This article discusses the potential expansion of the BRICS group. China wants more countries like Russia to join. India and Brazil prefer democracies like Indonesia over autocracies like Saudi Arabia. This reflects BRICS’ challenges in staying relevant as its original purpose has shifted. India wants a careful, consensus-based expansion approach. The upcoming August summit will address these issues.

About BRICS current situation

BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

They discuss global economic matters.

China wants countries like Russia to join.

India and Brazil prefer democracies joining, like Indonesia.

There’s debate over Saudi Arabia’s potential membership.

BRICS’ relevance has changed over time.

China’s growth and anti-Western stance influenced this change.

India now values the Quad and G20 more.

The August summit will discuss BRICS’ expansion.

India seeks a consensus-based approach to expansion.

What are the challenges faced by BRICS?

Differing Expansion Views: While China wants countries similar to Russia to join, India and Brazil lean towards democracies like Indonesia.

Potential New Members: The debate on including Saudi Arabia highlights differing priorities. While its addition would favor China, India remains cautious.

Shift in Relevance: Originally, BRICS was a stage for large emerging economies. However, China’s economic growth and its anti-Western approach have changed its focus.

China’s Dominance: The risk of BRICS becoming a “China-plus” grouping can reduce its balanced influence.

Balancing Act: India wants to stay independent of Sino-Western tensions, affecting its commitment to BRICS.

Alternate Forums: China has developed other platforms for engaging emerging countries, overshadowing BRICS.

Relevance Concern: With India valuing the Quad and G20 more, BRICS’ importance is questioned.

What should be done?

Consensus-based Expansion: All BRICS nations should agree on new members.

Objective Criteria: Use clear criteria for adding new members, not just geopolitical shifts.

Avoid Dominance: Prevent BRICS from becoming a “China-plus” group.

Value Democracy: Prefer established democracies like Indonesia over autocracies like Saudi Arabia.

Re-establish Purpose: Refocus on BRICS’ original goal of shaping the global geo-economic order.

Consistent Approach: Decisions should not be influenced by temporary geopolitical events.

GS Paper 3

Core comfort – On Infrastructure development in India

Source– The post is based on the article “Core comfort” published in the “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Infrastructure

Relevance: Core sector of economy

News– Output at India’s eight core sectors strengthened in June.

What are some facts and statistics related to core sector output?

The overall year-on-year growth in production estimated at a five-month high of 8.2%.

Seven of the sectors, including steel and cement and electricity, achieved high growth. Steel was the best performer. Steel output was increased by 21.9%.

The growth in Cement sector was in double-digit. It reflects the continuing momentum in demand.

Steel grew 15.9% and 12.2%, respectively, over the April-June period in the fiscal first quarter. Infrastructure sector is key factor in growth of these two sectors

As per Controller General of Accounts data, total capital expenditure by the Centre in June increased by 62% year-on-year to ₹1.10 lakh crore.

Electricity growth was strongest in four months despite a cyclonic storm that impacted Gujarat and reduced the demand.

Coal output also increased by 9.8% in June. The growth in first-quarter’s production was 8.7%.

What are areas of concern?

The country is still heavily dependent on crude imports for its overall fuel needs. The crude oil production contracted by 0.6%.

Crude oil, in addition to refinery products, carries the most significant weight of 28% on the index. It experienced a consecutive decline. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the entire oil sector due to regulatory inconsistencies.

Climate finance adds another layer of inequity to climate change

Source– The post is based on the article “Climate finance adds another layer of inequity to climate change” published in the “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Environment – Climate Change

News– The article explains the position of various countries on carbon dioxide emissions, investment in climate related activities and climate vulnerability.

What are facts and statistics related to carbon dioxide emissions of various countries?

According to the Institute for European Environmental Policy, the target baseline for carbon dioxide emissions to restrict global warming to 1.5° Celsius is 2.3 tonnes per capita.

However, the current global average emissions per capita have been twice this target. It has remained above 4.7 tonnes per capita since 2010. Notably, Africa and India have consistently maintained emissions below this target.

China surpassed the global average in 2004 and steadily increased its emissions to 8 tonnes per capita by 2021. It is now at par with Europe and Oceania.

The overall emissions of the UAE and the U.S. have declined. But these countries still had the highest emissions per capita. These are 21.8 tonnes and 14.9 tonnes, respectively.

What is the position of countries on investment in climate activities?

In 2019 and 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa led in climate-related investments. They allocate 1.3% of its GDP to such activities.

East Asia and the Pacific followed closely with 1% of their GDP. South Asia allocated 0.9%. The U.S. and Canada had the lowest proportionate investment. They dedicate only 0.3% of their GDP to climate-related initiatives.

A significant portion of the funds for climate mitigation and adaptation in the Global South originates from international multilateral climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund and the Clean Technology Fund.

These funds mainly come from economically developed countries. However, there have been some discrepancies in the disbursement of funds. For instance, since 2003, $3.3 billion was approved for South Asia, but only $1.3 billion was disbursed.

What is the position of various countries on climate vulnerability and debt stress?

Climate vulnerability index by country is calculated annually by the Notre-Dame Global Adaptation Initiative.

It is calculated by a country’s exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt to climate change.

The risk of debt distress is based on the International Monetary Fund’s Debt Sustainability Framework reports.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of countries facing debt distress. It is also the region most vulnerable to climate change.

Generally, countries categorized as high risk or in debt distress are more susceptible to the impacts of climate change. In South Asia, three out of the eight countries fall into this category.

Forest law amendments: Rich in rhetoric, poor in substance

Source– The post is based on the article “Forest law amendments: Rich in rhetoric, poor in substance” published in “The Indian Express” on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environmental Conservation

News – The government is introducing the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023.

What led to the introduction of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980?

It originated in the belief that state governments were very liberal in diversing forest land for non-forest activities, particularly for cultivation.

The 42nd constitutional amendment brought forests into the concurrent list. It enabled the passing of a central Act .

The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (FCA) was introduced due to concerns that state governments were excessively allocating forest land for non-forest purposes.

It mandated that states should seek approval from the central government before diverting forests for non-forest activities.

What was the effectiveness of FCA in reductions of forest diversion?

In the beginning, there was a notable decrease in diversions. However, after 1991, the pressure to permit diversions for development projects grew. Only diversions for agriculture were restricted.

Despite this, the regulatory process did have some impact in slowing down diversions.

The compensatory afforestation requirement, while seeming significant, often resulted in failed plantations.

What was the stand of SC ON forest conservation and its impacts?

In 1996, the Supreme Court, in the TN Godavarman case, raised concerns about the consistent application of the Forest Conservation Act to all forested areas.

There were regions across the country where land covered by natural forests had not been officially classified as “forest” under any law. It led to unregulated diversion without FCA oversight.

The Court ruled that the actual vegetation present on the land should determine the applicability of the FCA. This decision led to the establishment of a new legal category known as “deemed forest” land.

What is the effectiveness of the Forest Rights Act in 2006 in forest conservation?

The Forest Rights Act in 2006 provided rights over the forests to the local community. In the Niyamgiri case in 2013, the Supreme Court affirmed the local community’s right.

However, the development lobby has consistently opposed such regulations. Since 2014, there has been a concerted effort to weaken the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and other environmental regulations significantly.

A narrative emphasizing “delays in clearances” was constructed to exert pressure. The absence of clear thresholds or criteria in the FCA regarding permissible diversions was exploited opportunistically.

The Forest Advisory Committee was openly influenced to prioritize developmental and national security concerns above all else. Despite the Niyamgiri judgment, consent from local rights-holders was frequently disregarded.

In many instances, district collectors allegedly certified the absence of community rights, even when the process of community rights recognition under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) had not been initiated.

Moreover, “linear projects” like railways and highways were exempted from obtaining community consent by the Environment Ministry.

What are the issues with FCA Amendment Bill 2023?

One amendment restricts the scope once again to land that is officially “recorded as forest,” effectively. It nullifies the impact of the Godavarman order.

Another amendment grants complete exemption for “linear projects” categorized as “strategic projects of national importance and concerning national security” within 100 kilometers of the national border.

Almost anything can be labeled as “strategic” and of “national importance.”

A third amendment exempts security camps in districts affected by Maoist insurgency, despite the emerging issue of deforestation caused by such camps in the Bastar region.

A fourth amendment categorizes the establishment of zoos and safaris as still falling under a forestry purpose.

What the data hides and shows

Source: The post is based on the article “Madan Sabnavis writes: What the data hides and shows” published in The Indian express on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning.

News: In this article author discusses the reliability of economic indicators in India. The Purchasing Managers Indices (PMI) and other data often suggest strong economic health, but actual growth rates can be different. Issues arise from limited sample sizes, unaccounted informal sectors, and biases in monthly figures. While data availability has improved, its accuracy for policymaking remains questionable.

How high-frequency economic data add value to economic understanding?

Timely Insights: High-frequency data like PMI is available on the first of every month, offering quick snapshots of the economy compared to other data released with a 40–45-day lag.

Sectoral Performance: PMI informs about the state of industry and services monthly, providing sector-specific insights.

International Comparisons: PMI and similar indices are available for many countries, allowing for international economic comparisons and understanding global trends.

GST Collections: They give insights into tax compliance and the extent of formalization in the economy.

Indication of Demand: While they might have limitations, high-frequency data can still hint at consumption trends and sectoral demand, aiding in economic analysis.

Why do high-frequency economic data tend to be misleading in India?

Limited Sample Sizes: One problem is the limited sample sizes in surveys. For instance, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is based on only 400 businesses. Such a small number doesn’t represent India’s diverse and massive economy well. So, while PMI might show strong growth, the real GDP growth can be much lower, as seen last year.

Unaccounted Informal Sector: India’s economy has a big informal sector. However, many economic indicators do not account for this. For example, the National Statistical Office’s data, released 40-45 days later, mainly covers the organized sector, leaving out a large portion of the economy. This omission can lead to inflated growth rates.

Biases in Monthly Figures: Monthly data like export numbers, industrial production, or GST collections can be affected by temporary factors such as commodity prices, compliance changes, or logistical issues. They may not reflect long-term trends, leading to erroneous conclusions if extrapolated.

Over-reliance on Announcements: Investment announcements by companies and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed at summits often don’t materialise. Despite this, they’re taken as positive economic indicators, which can be misleading.

Killer On The Train: Why was a railway cop his bosses say was suffering mental health issues, put on armed duty? RPF committee must answer

Source: The post is based on the article “Killer On The Train: Why was a railway cop his bosses say was suffering mental health issues, put on armed duty? RPF committee must answer” published in “Times of India” on 2nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

News: An RPF jawan assigned to the train shot dead his superior and three others with his assault rifle. The RPF claims the jawan had mental health issues.

What are the reasons for jawans having mental health issues?

The Central Armed Police Forces have reported instances of fratricide linked to personal issues.

The job within such forces is acknowledged as stressful.

What are the implications of having jawans on duty with mental issues?

Implications of Having Jawans with Mental Issues on Duty:

Increased Violence Risk: An RPF jawan with mental concerns killed four aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Express.

Threat to Passengers: The jawan targeted specific community members, causing panic.

Potential Fratricide: GOI stated personal issues often lead to such incidents in Armed Forces.

Public Trust Erosion: Incidents like these can diminish faith in security forces.

What should be done to address this?

Regular Health Checks: Mandatory mental health evaluations for all personnel.

Training Programs: Sensitize forces about mental health issues and their impacts.

Immediate Off-Duty: Temporarily relieve those identified with severe issues.

Support Systems: Establish counseling and therapy facilities.

Review Protocols: Consider private security options in light of the 2015 suggestions of a railway reform commission chaired by Bibek Debroy.

Digital public infrastructure ought to girdle the globe

Source: The post is based on the article “Digital public infrastructure ought to girdle the globe” published in Mint on 2^nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure

Relevance: About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

News: Last year, India and the US jointly stated that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI could establish a new norm for public-private digital partnerships.

However, during the recent PM’s visit to the US, no discussions were held on this matter.

How is infrastructure usually funded?

Historically, the public sector has been responsible for funding physical infrastructure such as road and rail networks. However, public-private infrastructure partnership has become the new standard.

For example, in India, the public sector has less than a 10% share in India’s telecom and internet infrastructure.

Similarly, many infra-like elements of online apps necessitate a public-private interface. It can aid in the establishment of ‘public’ digital infrastructure.

Moreover, India’s DPI experience is now part of its G20 presidency agenda but doubts about DPI persist among several G20 countries.

What are the G20 countries’ concerns?

These countries have little clarity about India’s DPI. Hence, an open discussion is needed about the advantages and possible shortcomings of the DPI with those countries.

What are some of the advantages of the DPI that could be highlighted during the discussion?

First, DPI can reduce market entry barriers and pave the way for the emergence of new industries. PhonePe, Google Pay, and PayTM are three instances that account for more than 95% of all UPI transactions.

These apps have taken use of UPI’s open architecture and offered users a service level that ensures high adoption rates.

Second, DPI set-ups are also inclusive by design. Civil society stakeholders play a key role in their development.

For instance, the ‘Modular Open-Source identification Platform’ (MOSIP) is an open-source architecture for establishing identification systems

Several countries including Burkina Faso and Madagascar have signed up with MOSIP to design and deploy population-scale identity schemes.

However, new infrastructural paradigms often raise concerns, especially when the public interest is involved.

For this reason, the Indo-US Joint Statement expresses a bilateral commitment to “protect privacy, data security, and intellectual property (IP)” in DPI deployment.

Must Read: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and associated challenges – Explained

How can privacy and data security concerns with the DPI be addressed?

The model where consent managers, intermediaries who collect approval from website and app users to use and process their personal data can be considered. They also allow users to cancel their consent.

This model empowers users while also holding intermediaries accountable for preventing data leaks and unauthorized third-party surveillance.

Moreover, India, like the US, has robust IP protections and is a signatory to the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights. 

Therefore, if a business demonstrates significant skill and creativity in the compilation and organization of a database, it can claim copyright protection of it.

What can be the way ahead?

G20 presidency since 2016 emphasized digital technologies’ role in inclusive and sustainable economic development, but adoption has been limited.

Therefore, India’s willingness to co-conceptualize the principles that encourage DPI adoption is a positive sign.

Axe the oil windfall tax: It’s outlived its rationale

Source: The post is based on the article “Axe the oil windfall tax: It’s outlived its rationale” published in Live Mint on 2^nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Growth & Development

Relevance: concerns with windfall tax

News: According to a recent government notification, India’s windfall tax on petroleum crude has increased significantly to ₹4,250 per tonne from ₹1,600, and diesel now incurs a levy of ₹1 per litre, which was previously nil.

Are these windfall taxes justified?

The windfall tax was first introduced in India’s oil sector in mid-2022, shortly after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. At that time, it was considered justifiable as it aided in the fiscal recovery of the nation after the pandemic.

Since the extra profits earned by the oil companies arose from external factors rather than any strategy, windfall taxes appeared reasonable and beneficial for the government.

However, despite the economic recovery, these taxes persist, worsening the tax situation in India.

Must Read: Explained | What is windfall tax and why are countries imposing it on the energy sector?

What are the concerns with these windfall taxes?

First, these taxes are being levied even though price of crude has decreased below early war levels, representing normalcy.

Second, the fortnightly tax review on oil and diesel is perceived as a means to extract revenues from the sector.

This state intervention results in business uncertainty and distorts not only the oil industry’s operations but also India’s energy outlook.

Third, state intervention also raises concerns about attracting investments for the green transition in India, given the lack of policy stability.

Hence, the state intervention to control retail fuel prices has failed to allow market forces to reshape the sector. Any such reform becomes more complex due to the frequent changes in windfall taxes.

What can be the way ahead?

First, taxes tend to become permanent. Therefore, it has been more than a year since the windfall taxes, and it requires them to be rolled out.

Second, the hydrocarbon sector should be protected from other taxes and integrated into the GST regime.

Third, a system of carbon pricing should be implemented in the oil sector. However, before implementing such a system, there is a need to address the current complex tax liabilities in the sector.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

WHO report on tobacco control: Key findings, how India fares

Source: The post is based on the article “WHO report on tobacco control: Key findings, how India fares”  published in Indian Express on 2nd August 2023

What is the News?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently released a report on tobacco control measures.

This was the ninth WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic. It tracks the progress made by countries in tobacco control since 2008.

What are MPOWER measures?

In line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), WHO had introduced the MPOWER measures in 2008. 

MPOWER are a set of six cost-effective and high impact measures that help countries reduce demand for tobacco.

These measures include: 1) Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies 2) Protecting people from tobacco smoke 3) Offering help to quit tobacco use 4) Warning about the dangers of tobacco 5) Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and 6) Raising taxes on tobacco.

What are the key findings of the WHO report on tobacco control?

MPOWER: In the 15 years since the MPOWER measures were first introduced, 5.6 billion people in the world – or 71% of the entire population – remain protected by at least one of the measures. This has increased from just 5% of the population in 2008.

Countries implementing MPOWER measures: The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased from 44 countries in 2008 to 151 in 2022.

However, there are at least 44 countries in the world that still do not implement any MPOWER measure.

Harmful effects of e-cigarettes: E-cigarettes are harmful to both the people using them and those around them, especially when used indoors.

The tobacco industry is aggressively promoting E-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes. This is undermining the progress made on tobacco control.

Controlling second-hand smoking: The report focuses on controlling second-hand smoking (being in the presence of someone who is smoking).

It talks of creating smoke-free public areas and also de-normalising the act of smoking in the society.

Of the estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year, 1.3 million are of non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

Moreover, severe asthma, respiratory tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome are more common among children exposed to second-hand smoke.

What does the WHO report say about India?

India has the highest level of achievement when it comes to putting health warning labels on tobacco products and providing tobacco dependence treatment.

With 85% of cigarette packs carrying health warnings both on the front and back, India figures among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of health warnings. The cigarette packets in the country also carry a toll-free number for a quit-line.

India has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes, and banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

India is also implementing warnings on OTT platform content when actors are seen using tobacco products. This would make India the first country in the world to do so.

Panel submits report on sub-categorisation of OBCs after 6 years

Source: The post is based on the article “Panel submits report on sub-categorisation of OBCs after 6 years”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023

What is the News?

The report of a Rohini Commission set up to examine the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has been submitted to the President.

However, the contents of the report have not been made public as yet.

What is the need for sub-categorisation of OBCs?

OBCs get 27% reservation in central government jobs and admission to educational institutions. 

There are more than 2,600 entries in the Central List of OBCs but over the years only a few affluent communities among them have benefited from the quota. 

Therefore, there is an argument that a “sub-categorisation” of OBCs — quotas within the 27% quota — is needed in order to ensure “equitable distribution” of the benefits of reservation.

What were the terms of reference of the Rohini Commission?

Examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List.

Work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs  and

Take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.

How did the work of the commission proceed till now?

In 2018, the commission analyzed the data of 1.3 lakh central government jobs under the OBC quota over the preceding five years, and OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, including universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs and AIIMS, over the preceding three years.

The analysis showed 97% of all jobs and education seats have gone to 25% of OBC castes and 24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities. 

As many as 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total — were found to have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions and 994 OBC sub-castes had a representation of only 2.68% in recruitments and admissions. 

However, this analysis suffered from limitations due to the absence of updated population data.

Tamil Nadu’s Jaderi ‘namakatti’, chedibutta saree and Kanniyakumari Matti banana get GI tag

Source: The post is based on the article “Tamil Nadu’s Jaderi ‘namakatti’, chedibutta saree and Kanniyakumari Matti banana get GI tag”  published in The Hindu on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the GI tag to three famous products from Tamil Nadu.

What are the products from Tamil Nadu which got GI Tag?

Jaderi namakatti: These are clay sticks that are white in colour. They are usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture.

They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants.

The namakatti is made up of the rich deposit of hydrous silicate minerals that form fine grain particles of clay The clay is processed and shaped in a finger-like structure. 

The production of namakatti depends on the climatic condition as it needs a lot of sunlight to dry.

Kanniyakumari Matti banana: Matti banana is a traditional table banana cultivar of medicinal value.

The fruit is highly fragrant, sweet with sub-acid flavour, firm texture and powdery nature.

The Matti banana fruit looks like the mouth of a crocodile hence it is also called ‘Crocodile Finger Banana’.

Chedibutta Saree: It is a handloom saree which depicts the Chedibutta design in art silk and cotton mix fabric.

The name ‘Chedibutta’ is a combination of two Tamil words- ‘Chedi’ (plant) and ‘Butta’ (repeated motif or design).

The iconic ‘plant and flower’ motif is woven on the border and pallu (edge of the saree).

The Sowrashtra community are the primary weavers.

What are the other products that got the GI Tag?

The seven other products from across India were also given GI tags. These products are: 1) Agra leather footwear 2) Rajasthan’s Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting 3) Kashmir’s Mushqbudji rice 4) Bihar’s Marcha Rice 5) Jammu Kashmir’s Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft 6) Agsechi Vayingim (Agassaim Brinjal) of Goa and 7) Sat Shiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) also known as Okra, vegetable crop of Goa.

Government introduces Delhi services Bill in the Lok Sabha amid vociferous protests

Source:  The post is based on the article “Government introduces Delhi services Bill in the Lok Sabha amid vociferous protests”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023

What is the News?

The Government has introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha.

What is the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023?

The Bill establishes the National Capital Civil Services Authority(NCCSA) which consists of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Principal Home Secretary of Delhi.  

The Authority will make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor(LG) regarding transfers and postings of officials and disciplinary matters. 

The Bill empowers the LG to exercise his sole discretion on several matters including those recommended by the National Capital Civil Services Authority and the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

It authorizes department secretaries to bring to the notice of the LG, the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary any matter that may bring Delhi Government into controversy with the Central Government.

What are the issues with the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023?

Firstly, conferring powers over the transfer and posting of officers to the Authority may break the triple chain of accountability that links the civil services, ministers, the legislature and citizens.  This may violate the principle of parliamentary democracy, which is a part of the basic structure doctrine.

Secondly, the LG has been granted sole discretion in several matters including when the Legislative Assembly will convene. This implies that the Chief Minister may be unable to convene a session needed for essential government business.

Thirdly, department secretaries will bring certain matters directly to the LG, Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, without consulting the concerned minister. This may go against the collective responsibility of the Cabinet, as the concerned ministers cannot provide his inputs.

World’s Largest Food/ Grain Storage Plan

Source: The post is based on the article “World’s Largest Food/ Grain Storage Plan”  published in PIB on 1st August 2023.

What is the News?

The Minister of Cooperation has informed Lok Sabha about the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector”.

What is the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector?

Aim: To create various agri infrastructure at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level, including warehouses, custom hiring center, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. by leveraging the ‘whole-of-Government’ approach.

Funding: The plan will be implemented by the convergence of 8 schemes:

– Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM).

– Ministry of Food Processing Industries: Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).

– Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Allocation of food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Procurement operations at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Monitoring body: Ministry of Cooperation has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) with Minister of Cooperation as its chairman and Ministers and Secretaries of Ministries concerned as its members for smooth and effective implementation of the Plan.

Implementing agency: National Cooperative Development Corporation(NCDC) with the support of NABARD, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), Food Corporation of India (FCI) etc is implementing the Pilot Project in 24 PACS of 24 different States/ UTs.

Expected Benefits of the Project: The creation of decentralized storage capacity ranging from 500 MT to 2000 MT at PACS level would reduce food grain wastage by creating sufficient storage capacity, strengthen food security of the country, prevent distress sale of crops and enable farmers to realize better prices for their crops.

What can the amended Forest (Conservation) Act change?

Source: The post is based on the article “What can the amended Forest (Conservation) Act change?”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023.

What is the News?

Lok Sabha has passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023.

How does the Bill restrict the scope of the Act?

The Bill stipulates that only those lands that were notified as ‘forest’ under the Indian Forest Act 1927, any other relevant law or were recorded as ‘forests’ in government records will be acknowledged as ‘forests’ under this Act as well. 

This revision stands in stark contrast to the wide applicability of the extant Act at present. 

A Supreme Court judgment in 1996 had reiterated such a broad application. It said that a ‘forest’ includes all land recorded as such in government records regardless of ownership as well as “deemed forests”, which are not officially classified as ‘forests’ but satisfy the dictionary meaning of the word: any large area with significant tree cover and undergrowth.

What is the exemption for border Infrastructure provided in the bill?

The Bill seeks to exempt linear infrastructure projects like roads and highways from seeking forest clearance permissions if they are located within 100 km of the national border. 

Experts have raised concerns because “strategic linear projects of national importance” is an undefined term and can thus be misused to push through infrastructure projects that are devastating for the local ecology.

Did the Joint Parliamentary Committee(JPC) raise any concerns with the Bill?

The JPC did not propose a single change to the Bill in its report despite receiving objections from tribal groups, conservationists, environmental lawyers, activists, and citizen groups.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs also raised concerns about the amendment’s implications on community rights enshrined in the Forest Rights Act 2006.

The holocene climate anomalies

Source: The post is based on the article “The holocene climate anomalies”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023.

What is the News?

Recently, a study has claimed that a particular day in July was the warmest in more than 100,000 years. However, it is scientifically impossible to make such a claim.

Why is it scientifically impossible to claim that a particular day was the warmest in more than 100,000 years?

Temperature estimates from before thermometers existed rely on “palaeo proxies,” which have limitations in accuracy and timescale.

The “paleo proxies” can provide insights into temperature anomalies over longer timescales such as centuries or thousands of years. 

However, they cannot accurately determine daily temperatures due to mixing processes in oceans and lakes.

Hence, making such alarmist claims without scientific basis damages trust in climate action initiatives and scientists’ credibility.

What is Paleoclimatology? 

Paleoclimatology is the study of past climates. Since it is not possible to go back in time to see what climates were like, scientists use imprints created during past climates, known as proxies, to interpret paleoclimate. 

Organisms, such as diatoms, forams, and coral serve as useful climate proxies. Other proxies include ice cores, tree rings, and sediment cores 

What is the Holocene epoch?

The Holocene is the name given to the last 11,700 years of the Earth’s history — the time since the end of the last major glacial epoch or “ice age.”

Since then, there have been small-scale climate shifts — notably the “Little Ice Age” between about 1200 and 1700 A.D. — but in general, the Holocene has been a relatively warm period in between ice ages.

Roadmap to making India a $5 trillion economy

Source: The post is based on the article “Roadmap to making India a $5 trillion economy”  published in PIB on 1st August 2023.

What is the News?

Government has informed the Lok Sabha about the steps taken to make India a $5 trillion economy.

What is the roadmap of the government to make India a $5 trillion economy?

Government’s roadmap to achieve a $5 trillion economy involves focusing on macro-level growth while ensuring comprehensive welfare at the micro level. 

The roadmap also includes promoting digital economy and fintech, technology-enabled development, energy transition, climate action, and relying on a virtuous cycle of investment and growth.

What are the major steps taken by the government to make India a $5 trillion economy?

Reforms undertaken: The major reforms include Goods and Services Tax (GST), Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), a significant reduction in the corporate tax rate, Make in India and Start-up India strategies and Production Linked Incentive Schemes.

Increase in Capital Investment: Government has focused on a capex-led growth strategy to support economic growth and attract investment from the private sector by increasing its capital investment outlay substantially during the last three years. 

– The Central Government’s capital expenditure has increased from 2.15% of GDP in 2020-21 to 2.7% of GDP in 2022-23.

Union Budget 2023-24: It has taken steps to sustain the high growth of India’s economy. These include a substantial increase in capital investment outlay for the third year in a row by 33% to ₹10 lakh crore (3.3% of GDP). Direct capital investment by the Centre is also complemented by Grants-in-Aid to States for the creation of capital assets. 

Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions can be averted through Green Hydrogen: New & Renewable Energy Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions can be averted through Green Hydrogen: New & Renewable Energy Minister”  published in PIB on 1st August 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy has informed Rajya Sabha about the Green Hydrogen.

What are the steps taken by the Government to promote Green Hydrogen?

G20 Energy Transitions Ministers Meeting under India’s G20 Presidency: At this meeting, the members discussed the importance of building a sustainable and equitable global hydrogen ecosystem that benefits all nations, and affirmed High level Voluntary Principles on Hydrogen.

– These principles include promotion of free and fair trade of hydrogen produced from zero and low emission technologies and its derivatives.

National Green Hydrogen Mission 

– Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme: It is a major financial measure under National Green Hydrogen Mission. The programme consists of two distinct financial incentive mechanisms to support domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and production of Green Hydrogen.

Benefits of National Green Hydrogen Mission: The mission is expected to lead to development of 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production capacity per annum by 2030.

– It is estimated that nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions can be averted through production and use of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen.

Single pill strategy to beat cardiovascular diseases

Source: The post is based on the article “Single pill strategy to beat cardiovascular diseases”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023.

What is the News?

The World Health Organization has included three fixed dose combinations of cardiovascular medicines or Polypills on its revised Model Lists of Essential Medicines 2023 for use in cardiovascular diseases.

What are Polypills?

A polypill is a type of drug combination consisting of a single drug product in pill form and thus combines multiple medications. 

The prefix “poly” means “multiple”, referring to the multiplicity of distinct drugs in a given “pill”.

About Polypill strategy to treat cardiovascular diseases:

Polypills are a safe and effective strategy to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

For instance, a 2000 research has shown that a polypill which combined two or more blood pressure lowering drugs plus a statin and aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.

They demonstrated that the polypill reduced the risk of future heart attacks and strokes by about 40% to 50%.

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Explained, pointwise