9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 30th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Crash test for BNCAP – Enforcement & education are the key

Source: The post is based on the article “Crash test for BNCAP – Enforcement & education are the key” published in Business Standard on 30^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies & Intervention

Relevance: concerns with Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) norms.

News: The introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) norms is a step in the right direction for passenger safety in India. However, there are some concerns with the norms.

What are the concerns present with BNCAP norms?

The norms are voluntary, which could allow manufacturers to bypass safety tests.

In the US, Global NCAP norms are mandatory, while they are voluntary in Europe. However, in Europe, customer demand ensures that nearly 80% of cars undergo safety tests before coming in the market.

However, safety has been a low priority for Indian car manufacturers, with only about seven out of over 50 “Made in India” cars tested achieving five-star ratings.

Carmakers in India have often complained about government mandates for basic safety features, arguing that Indian buyers are unwilling to pay more for safety features.

However, the growing middle class is now shifting towards prioritizing safety.

What are the differences between BNCAP and GNCAP?

The BNCAP norms are almost similar to the GNCAP norms in many ways. However, there are some differences between the two.

For example, the BNCAP norms do not award any points for seat-belt reminders and give a three-star rating or higher only for front-seat belts.

This is despite the fact that back-seat belts were made mandatory in 2005 and the transport ministry recently mandated back-seat belt reminders.

Another difference is the price of the tests. The BNCAP is far cheaper than the GNCAP.

This raises the question of whether India-made cars can qualify for the export market if they have undergone BNCAP tests (current export-ready vehicles need to pass GNCAP assessments).

Must Read: The dopiness Bharat NCAP cannot solve

What lies ahead?

The Indian NCAP norms could make domestically produced cars safer, but they are unlikely to significantly reduce road accidents in India.

This is because most road fatalities involve helmet-less two-wheeler riders, passengers, and pedestrians crossing the road.

Therefore, a comprehensive road safety education program and stricter helmet manufacturing norms are needed. Imposing a duty on imported helmets is not the right way to promote self-reliance.

Vikram Patel on TB among the vulnerable: When food is a vaccine

Source– The post is based on the article “Vikram Patel on TB among the vulnerable: When food is a vaccine” published in “The Indian Express” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Social Issues – Issues related to development and management of health

News– Recently, RATIONS study, describing the results of research addressing the effectiveness of food supplementation for patients with TB in 28 public clinics in Jharkhand has been published in the Lancet journal.

What are important findings of the RATIONS study?

The first study observed that a 5% gain in weight in the initial months of food supplementation was associated with a 60 percent reduced risk of dying in case of TB.

The second second study found that providing food to the family members of the infected individual was associated with a 50% reduction in the occurrence of TB infection in these household members.

What are important observations from this study?

The largest declines in TB incidence and mortality in the Western world occurred in the first half of the 20th century, before TB antibiotics had been discovered.

The reason was a massive reduction in poverty in those countries contributing to more hygienic living conditions and secure food supplies.

If food supplementation is effective for TB, then such benefits may be seen across all infectious diseases.

Working on the social determinants of disease through the health care system may offer better outcomes for all diseases associated with deprivation and disadvantage.

What did these studies mean for the India TB programme?

The government has launched the Nikshay Poshan Yojana in 2018 to offer food supplementation or cash transfers to buy food for TB patients.

The RATIONS studies should give renewed impetus to enhance the impact of the scheme by ensuring that food supplementation is delivered with medication. There is need to expand the coverage of this benefit to all household members of the patient.

Gig Workers Bill: reading between the lines

Source: The post is based on the article “Gig Workers Bill: reading between the lines” published in The Hindu on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. & GS3- Employment

News: The article talks about Rajasthan government’s bill to give social security to gig workers. It mentions problems with definitions, rules, and how it’s done, which could make it less effective in protecting workers.

What are the provisions of the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023?

Read here: Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023

What are the issues with the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023?

1. Ambiguous Definitions: The Bill’s definitions for “gig worker” and “aggregator” are unclear. This uncertainty means aggregators might not treat gig workers as employees.
2. Exclusion from Labour Laws: Because the Bill doesn’t label gig workers as employees, they might miss out on benefits from existing labour laws. In 2022, major Indian platforms scored zero in Fairwork India ratings, showcasing the gap in worker benefits.
3. Database Issues: The Bill suggests a permanent gig workers’ database. Yet, it doesn’t address the changing nature of their jobs. There’s no protection against platforms using this data to possibly limit worker opportunities, especially those working for multiple platforms.
4. Undefined Social Security: The Bill wants to offer social security via a welfare board but doesn’t specify what this entails. Decisions are left to the board, raising concerns about the dominant say of powerful platform representatives versus worker representatives.

This Bill, despite its good intentions, has potential pitfalls that may hinder its success in protecting gig workers.

What should be done?

Clearer Definitions: Reframe definitions to specify the roles of “gig worker” and “aggregator”, possibly aligning with global standards like California’s ABC Test or the U.K.’s Uber driver classification.

Integrate Labour Laws: Amend the Bill to ensure gig workers are entitled to benefits under existing labour laws. Use the Fairwork India 2022 ratings as a benchmark to elevate worker rights.

Flexible Database: Revise the database proposal to account for the dynamic nature of gig work. Implement data privacy measures to prevent misuse, especially for workers on multiple platforms.

Specify Social Security: Clearly outline what constitutes “social security”. Instead of solely relying on the welfare board, draw inspiration from laws in Australia and New Zealand that focus on worker safety without rigid “employer-employee” terms.

Fali S Nariman writes: Why we need Basic Structure

Source: The post is based on the article “Fali S Nariman writes: Why we need Basic Structure” published in “The Indian express” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian Constitution (Basic Structure)

News: This article discusses India’s “basic structure” doctrine of the Constitution. In 1973, a Supreme Court decision introduced this principle, which limits Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution’s fundamental nature. There were attempts to challenge and overturn this doctrine, but it was repeatedly upheld by the Court.

What is the “Basic Structure” Doctrine?

Origin: The doctrine emerged in India from the landmark Supreme Court decision in the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973. In this case, by a slim 7:6 majority, the Court held that Parliament cannot alter the fundamental nature of the Constitution, even with its amendment powers.

Definition: It restricts Parliament from changing the Constitution’s core principles.

Inspiration: Influenced by German expert Dietrich Conrad’s 1965 speech, emphasizing that a constitution’s foundational pillars shouldn’t be modified by the governing entity.

How has the “Basic Structure” Doctrine been upheld over time?

Upholding the “Basic Structure” Doctrine Over Time:

1975 Challenge: The doctrine was tested in 1973 and faced a challenge in 1975. Chief Justice A N Ray formed a 13-judge bench to reconsider it, but the bench disbanded without changing the doctrine.

Indira Gandhi’s Election: In 1975, a crucial case involved PM Indira Gandhi’s election. An amendment, Article 329A (4), aimed to support her election despite court rulings. However, the Court found this amendment unconstitutional, violating the basic structure doctrine. This ruling reinforced the doctrine’s significance.

Minerva Mills Case (1980): The doctrine’s strength was highlighted when the Supreme Court upheld it, invalidating parts of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment and stressing Parliament’s limited amending power.

IR Coelho Case (2007): A vital judgment by a nine-judge bench solidified the doctrine’s importance. The Court ruled that any law added to the Ninth Schedule (which avoids judicial review) after 1973 would undergo the basic structure test.

Parliamentary Acknowledgment: The Constitution 44th Amendment Act 1978 accepted the doctrine, affirming that specific constitutional rights couldn’t be suspended, even during emergencies. This act showcased Parliament’s recognition of the doctrine’s supremacy.

India, Kenya sign MoU for shipbuilding collaboration

Source: The post is based on the article “India, Kenya sign MoU for shipbuilding collaboration” published in “The Hindu” on 30th August 2023.

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

News: Goa Shipyard Limited in India and Kenya Shipyard Limited have agreed to work together on ship design and construction. They’re also talking about boosting defense cooperation and maritime security between India and Kenya.

What are the key outcomes of the meeting between India’s Defense Minister and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defense?

Collaboration on Shipbuilding: Goa Shipyard Limited and Kenya Shipyard Limited signed an MoU for mutual work in ship design and construction.

Evolved Defense Ties: The defense relationship between India and Kenya expanded from primarily training-focused to encompass strategic aspects.

Maritime Security: Both ministers emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation in safeguarding the Indian Ocean region.

Gift Exchange: As a sign of friendship, India presented Kenya with 15 pairs of parachutes, manufactured by Gliders India Limited, for the Kenyan forces. Additionally, India pledged support to establish an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya.

Training Initiatives: There was a suggestion for the ‘training of trainers’ of the Kenyan forces by Indian armed forces’ instructors. They also decided on joint training in counter-insurgency and UN peacekeeping.

Acknowledgment of Indian Defense Industry: Mr. Aden Bare Duale appreciated India’s growing defense industry and pointed out areas where India can cater to Kenyan forces’ needs.

The Election Commission — autonomy in the crosshairs

Source: The post is based on the article “The Election Commission — autonomy in the crosshairs” published in “The Hindu” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

News: The article discusses the recent conflict between India’s government and judiciary over the appointment process of the Election Commission of India (ECI) officials. The government introduced a bill to change the Supreme Court’s directive on the appointment process, potentially giving the government more control over the ECI.

What is the recent conflict over the appointment process of ECI officials?

Read – Appointments to the Election Commission – Proposed changes

What past suggestions have been made for reforming the appointment process of ECI officials?

Constituent Assembly Debates (1949): Appointment of the CEC should be subject to confirmation by two-thirds majority in a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

Committees’ Suggestions: Various committees, including the V.M. Tarkunde Committee in 1975 and the Dinesh Goswami Committee in the 1990s, along with the second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2009, emphasized a more inclusive appointment process. They recommended that the selection shouldn’t be left to the government alone but should involve a broader collegium.

B.B. Tandon’s Suggestion (2006):

A seven-member committee should select the CEC and other ECs. The committee should consist of:

Prime Minister

Lok Sabha Speaker

Opposition Leaders in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Law Minister

Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha

A Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI

BJP’s Previous Stand (2006 & 2012): Prominent BJP leaders like Arun Jaitley and L.K. Advani supported a representative collegium that included the CJI for appointing top electoral officials.

What are the implications of this bill?

Reduced Judiciary Influence: By replacing the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister, the judiciary’s say in the appointment of ECI officials is effectively eliminated. The new composition gives the ruling government a dominant role in the selection process, potentially allowing it to have greater sway over the ECI.

Historical Context: Previously, suggestions from multiple committees and even from the current ruling party (BJP) emphasized the importance of including the CJI to ensure the ECI’s independence.

Democratic Concerns: The bill could be perceived as an attempt to make democratic institutions more compliant to ruling government, leaving structures in place but potentially altering their core functionality.

Erosion of Trust: Given the ECI’s reputation as a trustworthy institution, changes that give the appearance of partisanship might erode public confidence.

GS PAPER - 3

Rising climate risks

Source: The post is based on the article “Rising climate risks” published in Business Standard on 30^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment – Climate change

Relevance: About increasing climate risks.

News: The article explains the current situation of climate change and measures required to address it.

What are some of the consequences resulting from climate change?

Global temperatures hit record highs in June and July 2023. Forest fires, ocean temperatures, and extreme weather events are on the rise.

Despite 30 years of climate action, greenhouse gas emissions increased from 30 to 48 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 1990 and 2019.

What are the causes of increasing GHG emission?

Developing countries are the major contributors to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

However, this is not a violation of the UNFCCC because it recognizes the legitimate needs of developing countries to achieve sustained economic growth and eradicate poverty.

The Berlin mandate of the UNFCCC recognized that developed countries have emitted more greenhouse gases historically, and they need to take the lead in reducing emissions.

However, China’s emissions should not be included in the developing country emission estimates.

Why should China’s emissions be excluded from developing country estimates?

China’s per capita emissions have increased significantly since 1990, accounting for 54% of the global emission rise and surpassing Western Europe’s per capita emissions. Hence, China should be excluded from the category of developing countries.

However, between 1990 and 2020, emissions from developed countries have also decreased significantly.

What factors have led to the reduction in emissions in developed nations?

GHG emissions fell by 2724 million tonnes CO2e from 1990 to 2020. This drop is mainly due to industry collapse in Russia and East Europe, rather than climate-friendly policies.

Therefore, developed countries and China remain primary concerns for climate risk management because their per capita emissions are higher than India and other developing countries.

Moreover, the current efforts taken for climate justice is also not efficient.

Must Read: On climate change, wealthy nations must show the way and The economics of climate change in India

What is causing the lack of effectiveness in current climate mitigation efforts?

Climate justice hasn’t influenced global climate diplomacy. The Paris Agreement changed diplomacy by easing pressure on developed nations and including developing countries in mitigation commitments.

The net-zero announcements of high-emitting developing countries are also not fair because to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, total emissions should be averaging at 1.8 tonnes per capita until the net-zero target.

Globally, India is the only country that is on track to meet the 1.8 tonne target.

What can be done to mitigate climate change?

First, major changes are needed in production and consumption patterns to prevent climate change.

In developed countries, the challenge is greater because the present production and consumption patterns enhance climate risks. Whereas, in developing countries, it is easier to reorient the future development patterns.

Second, developing country activist groups and research organizations need to increase their pressure-generating efforts, especially in India.

Third, there is a need to project the significant shortfall in commitments from the US, China, and other developed countries. This projection should align with fair distribution of mitigation responsibility.

India’s G20 presidency: Financing the green transition

Source– The post is based on the article “India’s G20 presidency: Financing the green transition” published in “The Indian Express” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment

News– The article deals with the issue of climate finance.

What are challenges in regard to climate finance at global level?

The current commitments made by developed nations are significantly inadequate.

The initial allocation of $100 billion for projects in developing countries, determined about 13-14 years ago, lacked a solid foundation and logical reasoning. Even during its original estimation, it was insufficient given the actual requirements.

Developing nations have been expressing dissatisfaction that the sum of $100 billion annually has not been provided by the developed countries.

The developed nations have been manipulating data to argue that nearly $80 billion was delivered to the developing world for climate finance in 2020.

However, critics contend that the true resource transfer likely falls within the range of $19-22 billion only.

The developed world is factoring in regular commercial debt for climate-related initiatives in their calculations. This approach is misleading. The intended $100 billion is supposed to be in the form of concessional finance or grants.

The current requirement for climate finance is estimated at $4.35 trillion to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. However, the actual expenditure in this area is only about one-seventh of this total.

Climate finance comprises two primary components: mitigation and adaptation.

The majority of funds allocated to climate finance are directed towards mitigation projects. It is approximately 93%. Mitigation initiatives often generate a revenue stream. It makes them viable for financial institutions to offer loans based on market terms.

On the contrary, adaptation projects come with substantial upfront costs, extended gestation periods, and no clear income source. They are viewed as risky ventures by banks and financial organisations.

What is the way forward for climate finance?

It is now an opportune moment for nations to introspect and arrange funds for climate finance. This would necessitate collaboration among various institutions that can complement each other.

Financial establishments must support commercially established technologies, such as wind and solar, as well as invest in electric mobility.

The government should take the lead in backing technologies that are not yet commercially viable, such as green hydrogen.

For adaptation strategies, involving the private sector is crucial. But, government intervention is required to facilitate this.

Worldwide, the primary portion of adaptation funding is sourced from multilateral development banks through loans. Less than 2% coming from private sector engagement.

The private sector hesitates due to the perceived risks, along with concerns about information disparities concerning climate matters. There is a lack of incentives for the private sector to participate in adaptation initiatives.

Co-financing adaptation projects with the government can mitigate risks. But, this will require additional resources. Possible means of generating these resources include implementing carbon taxes, issuing green bonds, and utilising catastrophe (CAT) bonds.

Hence, for climate finance, nations must predominantly rely on their own resources.

Our DPI success could guide an energy transition too

Source– The post is based on the article “Our DPI success could guide an energy transition too” published in the “mint” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Environment

News– During its G20 presidency, India has forcefully promoted digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a modern solution to many of the challenges faced by developed and developing countries alike.

How has India been able to promote DPI in the G20 forum?

One of the contributing factors to this achievement is the widespread adoption and utilisation of the Digital Public Infrastructure within the nation.

India has created digital identity for over 1.3 billion individuals. More than 9 billion digital transactions are occurring every month.

It has captured the attention of other nations dealing with similar challenges.

Promotion of DPI  required coordinated and persistent diplomatic efforts. This was aided by the fact that several countries in diverse international scenarios perceived India as an impartial mediator.

How India has potential to promote its leadership role in the area of climate change and sustainable energy?

India stands out as a significant emitter of greenhouse gases. But, it has ambitious growth goals that necessitate a diverse energy portfolio. Consequently, the choices it makes carry substantial weight.

The solutions proposed by India have the potential to find traction in numerous other countries within the Global South.

India’s determined actions can serve as a safeguard against the potential scenario of other nations refraining from taking necessary measures. This aligns with the responsibilities that come with global leadership.

What is the way forward for India to show leadership in the area of climate change and sustainable energy?

The effective strategy employed by India should work on functional systems and products that could be efficiently scaled up to tackle challenges.

There is a need for devising indigenous solutions and extending them to the international arena. A notable advancement in this path has been India’s expensive renewable energy program.

India should find out trustworthy solutions to finance the energy transition that can be both evaluated and implemented on a global scale.

Research suggests that India might necessitate $7.2 trillion of green investments by 2050.

The transformation of the steel sector alone would require an additional $16.4 billion annually.

To realise the nation’s aspirations in renewable energy investments in the power sector must surge fivefold.

The world possesses enough private capital to support India’s energy transition. To tap into it, India must rapidly construct a portfolio of products, mechanisms, and business models tailored to its unique transition requirements.

A variety of strategies for managing risks, like currency hedging tools, insurance products, and payment guarantee offerings, are necessary in numerous sectors of the economy.

Policy mechanisms such as carbon trading as outlined in the Paris Agreement hold significant potential on a large scale. These mechanisms could bridge the funding gap for crucial technologies like battery storage.

India might explore locally-appropriate financial arrangements under the Just Energy Transition Programme to accelerate the process of transitioning its power grid to renewable sources.

These efforts will demand extensive and rigorous collaboration among Indian thinkers both inside and outside of the government.

A domestic discourse on energy transition finance models will be necessary. This endeavour should be accompanied by a significant diplomatic campaign to share concepts internationally.

Jan Dhan 2.0: Consider a universal basic income

Source– The post is based on the article “Too Few Seats For The Kotas” published in the “mint” on 30th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Indian Economy – Inclusive growth. GS2- Government policies and interventions

Relevance: Issues related to social safety net and financial inclusion

News– The article explains the successful implementation of Jan Dhan Yojana. It also explains the concept of Universal Basic Income.

What are some successful accomplishments of Jan Dhan Yojana scheme?

In less than ten years through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, the Indian government has successfully established over five hundred million Jan Dhan accounts.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently highlighted that more than 55.5% of these bank accounts belong to women.

The scheme has facilitated the direct transfer of cash benefits to various recipients. It has also provided a formal credit avenue, and saved many poor individuals from the clutches of moneylenders.

The scheme empowered the government to swiftly provide aid during times of crisis. In 2020, for instance, the Jan Dhan scheme proved instrumental in responding to the COVID-19.

The monthly relief of ₹500 for three months, allocated to each of the 200 million Jan Dhan accounts held by women, played a crucial role in alleviating panic.

What are some facts about Universal Basic Income (UBI)?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a very straightforward form of redistribution. It places every individual under the government’s financial support.

The idea is that in addition to its traditional roles of governance, the state should allocate public funds to provide each adult a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis for personal use.

The typical objection to this concept is that it has potential for moral hazard. The concern is that it might lead to a lack of motivation to work.

The outcome is influenced by the actual size of these monthly transfers. Modest transfers are unlikely to distort the incentives in the labor market.

Providing support to those in need could actually support an economy driven by an increasing demand for goods and services.

The next significant question revolves around the feasibility of the government implementing such a program.

While the ultimate aim of a UBI is comprehensive coverage, the list of beneficiaries doesn’t necessarily need to be truly “universal.”

High-income individuals would certainly be excluded. Even if nearly 68 million people who filed income tax returns last year are excluded, there would still be more than a billion Indians to account for.

A modest monthly UBI of ₹1,000 per person would result in an annual fiscal expenditure of ₹12 trillion.

This amount exceeds the budget allocated for infrastructure in the current year by about ₹2 trillion. It makes it a less attractive proposition at this current juncture.

Way forward-

If the economy continues to grow at a rate of 6% or more annually, it could potentially alter the financial calculation within a decade or even sooner.

As poverty decreases and our tax revenue expands, the demand for financial transfers would decrease as well.

It’s prudent to subject the concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to a comprehensive assessment. Its broader economic effects would require thorough examination in advance.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

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