9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 10th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Expand the food safety net without any more delay
• The G-20 can be the UN Security Council alternative
• Supreme Court on charity and conversion: The answer may lie in the words of Mahatma Gandhi
• Women & elections: Low female voting is exception. Few female MLAs is norm

GS Paper 3

• Defence industry perks up: India’s decades-old ambition and its paradoxes

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Why have countries failed to meet their biodiversity goals?
• Three Himalayan medicinal plants enter IUCN Red List
• ILO declaration urges countries to ensure labour protection
• Seek to decolonise: Why we need to restructure the district collector’s role
• NMCG Launches Project on ‘Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging Community and Local Resources Based on Technology’ Under Arth Ganga
• Centre introduces Bills to modify ST list in four States
• Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid opposition and chaos
• Climate change likely to increase rough wave days in Indian Ocean, northern sector of Arabian Sea, & central Bay of Bengal
• Parliament passes Wildlife Bill: Questions remain on elephants, vermin

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Expand the food safety net without any more delay

News: The article explains the exclusionary challenges associated with NFSA, 2013.

The National Food Security Act, 2013, through the PDS, provides a crucial safety net for roughly 800 million people. Even critics of the PDS appreciated its services during the COVID-19 lockdown.

What are the exclusion-related challenges created by NFSA?

The exclusion problem could be due to the freeze in coverage in absolute terms (around 800 million).

Section 3(2) of the NFSA 2013 states that the entitlements of eligible households shall extend up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population.

Section 9 of NFSA required that the total number of persons to be covered shall be calculated on the basis of the population estimates as per the census of which the relevant figures have been published.

Between the last Census in 2011 and today, population increase has not been accounted for in determining the number of ration cards. Even a decadal update has not happened due to the indefinite postponement of the 2021 census.

What is the stand of SC on exclusion?

The Supreme Court of India has also agreed that the prayer to increase coverage seems to be genuine and justified. It directed the Union of India to come out with a formula, so that the benefits under NFSA are not restricted as per the census of 2011.

What is the position of the central government on the SC stand?

The central government filed a delayed response. It states that Section 9 of the NFSA requires that coverage be determined on the basis of the latest census published. In the wake of the unavailability of the latest Census data, any change or revision in the number of beneficiaries would necessitate an amendment in the Act.

The government response states one of the prime concerns while fixing the ceiling at the time of enactment of the NFSA. It was that “as the standard of living of people would improve over a period of time, the coverage may be reduced”.

The central government attempts repeatedly to shift the blame to State governments.

Are state governments responsible for the exclusion of people?

States are responsible for identifying people for PDS ration cards, once they are given the numbers to be covered by the central government.

Several State governments have used their own resources. This includes poor States such as Chhattisgarh and Odisha to expand coverage beyond the centrally determined quotas.

According to estimates, in 2020, there were 809 million NFSA PDS beneficiaries supported by the central government. An additional 90 million people had access to the same benefits from the PDS as NFSA beneficiaries through their State governments. States were subsidising another 51 million people. But their entitlements were less than those of NFSA beneficiaries.

What needs to be done by the SC?

The Supreme Court should direct the Government for additional coverage of roughly 100 million across States, so that the States can start identifying new ration card beneficiaries.

Poor people should not pay the price for the state’s failure in conducting the 2021 Census

The G-20 can be the UN Security Council alternative

News: The article explains the significance of G20 as an alternative to UNSC. It also explains India’s role in promoting G20 as an alternative.

As India begins its presidency of the G-20, there is a certain reluctance on its part to try to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This position is because of the fear of failure, especially because of the position India has taken not to condemn Russia.

Why has UNSC proved to be a failure?

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UNSC’s credibility hit rock bottom.

Any reform of the UNSC, particularly the expansion of its permanent membership, will be strongly resisted. The permanent members and a large majority of the General Assembly will resist because it does not benefit anyone except those who aspire to be permanent members.

Among the proposals made in the last three decades, there is none that can command the votes of the five permanent members as well as two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly.

Why G20 can be an alternative to UNSC?

G-20 addresses major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

Its composition is such that it looks like it is an expanded Security Council. It is representative of all the significant countries of the 21st century. It is balanced between developed and developing countries.

The present permanent members and declared aspirants have been included while Africa and Latin America have also been represented. The EU represents a very important segment of the global power structure. A consensus decision of G-20 should be universally acceptable.

How will the G20 be transformed?

A gradual transformation of the G-20 from an economic body to a political body can be initiated on the basis of the Bali Declaration.

Bali declaration constitutes the consensus in the group on the Russia-Ukraine war. If the G-20 emerges as a peacemaker in Europe, it will attain legitimacy as a group to promote international peace and security.

The most important difference will be that no one can prevent its meetings by use of the veto. Care should be taken not to isolate anyone and promote a solution, which is acceptable.

How can India contribute to strengthening the G20?

The first step for India to take is to highlight the Bali Declaration and present a road map during the preparatory process for the G-20. It should persuade the sherpas to take it on its agenda.

This will enhance India’s capacity to deal with the crisis in a formal way within the G-20. It will accomplish India’s ultimate goal of securing the reform of the UNSC.

Once the basic work is done, the UNSC can formalise the decision and implement it for international peace and security.

Why is India best suited to promote the G20 as an alternative platform?

India has been an honest broker in international peace and security. It has taken strong positions on decolonisation and rights of the developing countries. It has promoted a balanced outcome.

India was the author of several landmark resolutions of the UNSC on the question of Palestine. India was a part of efforts made to prevent the expulsion of Egypt from the Non-Aligned Movement at the Havana summit when the Arabs turned against Egypt.

Flexibility in negotiations even while being principled in its national position gave an advantage to India.

Supreme Court on charity and conversion: The answer may lie in the words of Mahatma Gandhi

News: The article explains the issue of religious conversion. It also explains the viewpoint of various ruling dispensations and organs of government on this issue. 

What do the UDHR and the constitution say about religious conversion? 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 provides for the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes the freedom to change his religion or belief, and to manifest his religion or belief. 

The Constitution of India recognised the fundamental right to propagate, profess and practice one’s religion. 

What has been the view of the apex court on this matter? 

In two cases decided in 1954, the apex court observed that Article 25 covered every individual’s right to propagate his religious views for the edification of others.  

It is the propagation of belief that is protected, no matter whether the propagation takes place in a church or monastery, or in a temple or parlour meeting. 

What was the policy of rulers in the pre-independence era? 

The British rulers of India, who were never shy of introducing measures to facilitate the conversion of others to their faith. They enacted in 1866 a Native Converts Marriage Dissolution Act to provide the facility of divorce to married Indians who converted to Christianity and were thereupon deserted by their non-converting spouses.  

Several princely states of the pre-Independence era had enforced anti-conversion laws. 

What is the policy on religious conversion in the post-independence era? 

After Independence, the Law Commission of India recommended that Native Converts Marriage Dissolution Act be revised to make it a general law on the effect of post-marriage change of religion. The government did not take any action on it. It was eventually dropped from the statute book by the Repealing and Amending Act of 2017. 

During 1967-68, state legislatures in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh enacted anti-conversion laws. 

These were challenged in SC court in Rev. Stanislaus, 1977 case. It held that Article 25 granted not the right to convert another person to one’s own religion but only to transmit and spread one’s religion by an exposition of its tenets. 

The Constitution Bench decision inspired some other states to enact similar laws. Arunachal Pradesh passed the Freedom of Religion Act 1978.  

Today there are such laws in about half of our states. Some of these have been either newly enacted or made more stringent. All of them prohibit converting people from one to another religion without their free will. 

What is the way forward on religious conversion? 

India should follow the advice of Mahatma Gandhi on this matter. He once said that “all faiths are equally true though equally imperfect”. Instead of converting others to one’s own faith, our innermost prayer should be that a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim and a Christian a better Christian”. 

Women & elections: Low female voting is exception. Few female MLAs is norm

News: The article discusses the dismal conditions of the women in the legislative bodies despite of high percentage of voting.

What is the current percentage of female voters?

The current Gujarat election saw a lesser number of female voters than men. However, there has been an overall increase in the number of female voters.

For example, the percentage of women was higher in the elections of Himachal Pradesh. The voter gender gap ratio also improved in every state in the five assembly elections earlier this year.

Even in the 2019 Lok Sabha election women’s turnout was at 67.18% compared to men which were at 67.01%.

Even though there has been an increase in the percentage of female voters, their representation in the legislative bodies is dismal.

What are the reasons behind low female legislators?

There has been less effort in providing women equal representation in the legislative bodies. For example, the women’s reservation bill lapsed despite being passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010.

One-third reservation has been provided to women in the local body but there is no such efforts for female panchayat leaders to enter into legislative assemblies and Parliament. Further, women also get fewer election seats than men in fighting elections.

Therefore, there is a need to look into the issue and provide equal representation to women in the legislative bodies.

GS Paper 3

Defence industry perks up: India’s decades-old ambition and its paradoxes

News: The article explains the scope of defence production in India. It also explains the challenges faced by the defence production sector. 

What is the current situation of defence manufacturing in India? 

India is the second-largest importer of defence hardware.  

India has the third or fourth-largest budget for defence research and development. The money spent is a lot less than by either the US or China. It is bigger than the defence R&D budgets of the UK, Germany, and France, all of which make frontline defence weaponry in a way that India does not.  

In fact, for leading public sector defence companies in aerospace and electronics, R&D has accounted for a bigger share of total expenditure than the international average. 

Defence production has been more or less static in dollar terms. This is also the case with defence exports. 

What are some steps taken by the government for boosting defence manufacturing? 

The government is opening up the defence sector to private manufacturing. The finance minister in her last Budget speech said that a quarter of defence R&D spending funded by the government would be done by private industry and in non-government institutions. 

The C-295 transport aircraft will be made by a Tata-Airbus joint venture. Howitzers are being made by Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Forge.  

On the R&D front too, the government has set up a Defence Innovation Organisation. Its executive arm has funded well over a hundred R&D projects in the field of drones, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials.  

In addition, some start-ups produce dual-use products for image recognition, wearable technology, and the like.  

What are the issues faced in defence production? 

The defence procurement system remains a stumbling block for many. The armed forces take too long to accept products based on domestic R&D.  

The standard practice of going for the cheapest bidder does little to encourage vendors who have developed technology with government funding. 

What is the scope for defence production in India? 

Production-linked incentive scheme has just been announced for the manufacture of drones and drone components might make a difference. 

Private participation in defence exports: Tesla is said to have shown interest in locally developed materials technology for the faster charging of batteries. Two companies have won export orders for the Pinaka rocket firing system. Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics for the Tejas fighter this year. 

The government no longer claims ownership of the intellectual property created with government-funded research. Companies are therefore better positioned to raise capital for moving to the production stage. Defence Research and production could emerge as a genuine export story for India. 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Why have countries failed to meet their biodiversity goals?

Source: The post is based on the article “Why have countries failed to meet their biodiversity goals?” published in The Indian Express on 10th December 2022.

What is the news?

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets expired in 2020 and according to a UN assessment in 2020, no single country met all 20 Aichi Targets.

What were the Aichi Biodiversity Targets?

The Aichi Targets were adopted during the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) summit in Nagoya, Japan.

Goals: It included goals such as reducing deforestation by at least half during the coming decade and curbing pollution so that it no longer harmed ecosystems.

Implementation: Countries after the adoption of the target were expected to come up with their own national biodiversity strategies that would help in achieving the goals laid out by Aichi.

What progress is made in Aichi Biodiversity Targets?

Some progress was made towards the objective of conserving 17% of all land and inland waters and 10% of the ocean by the end of the decade.

Six of the targets, including the land and ocean conservation target, were deemed “partially achieved”.

However, most of its targets were not achieved by the world and Aichi was deemed a failure by the United Nations. This is because, at a global level, none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets was met or achieved.

What are the reasons for the failure of Aichi Biodiversity Targets?

-The targets have vague language and did not hold countries to a specific action.

-Nearly all parties created their own national biodiversity strategies, but many of them were never fully implemented it.

The other reasons include a) lack of finance, b) lack of robust monitoring, planning, reporting and reviewing framework and c) lack of clearly defined metrics.

What will be the future of biodiversity conservation?

The CBD secretariat called on parties to come up with another guiding document to direct biodiversity conservation efforts through 2030 and beyond.

Three Himalayan medicinal plants enter IUCN Red List

Source: The post is based on the article “Three Himalayan medicinal plants enter IUCN Red List” published in The Hindu on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

Three medicinal plant species found in the Himalayas have made it to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Which are these three Himalayan plant species?

Meizotropis pellita

It is commonly known as Patwa. It is a perennial shrub with restricted distribution that is endemic to Uttarakhand. 

– The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the species possesses strong antioxidants and can be a promising natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries

– IUCN Status: Critically Endangered 

– Threats: The species is threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation and forest fires.

Fritillaria cirrhosa (Himalayan fritillary)

It is a perennial bulbous herb. In China, the species is used for the treatment of bronchial disorders and pneumonia. The plant is also a strong cough suppressant and source of expectorant drugs in traditional Chinese medicine.

– IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Salampanja)

It is a perennial tuberous species endemic to the Hindu Kush and Himalayan ranges of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal.

– It is extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative systems of medicine to cure dysentery, gastritis, chronic fever, cough and stomach aches. 

– IUCN Status: Endangered

– Threats: It is threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change.

ILO declaration urges countries to ensure labour protection

Source: The post is based on the article “ILO declaration urges countries to ensure labour protection” published in The Hindu on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

The 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organisation(APRM of ILO) has adopted the Singapore Declaration.

What is the Singapore Declaration?

The Singapore Declaration was adopted to deal with the issue of dwindling wages of workers, inflation and unemployment.

The declaration accepted that social dialogue is essential to address labour market challenges and finding solutions in crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and economic uncertainty.

The declaration has given several suggestions such as:

Ensure labour protection for all through the promotion of freedom of association

Recognition of the right to collective bargaining, including for workers in vulnerable situations and workers in the informal economy as enabling rights for decent work

Closing gender gaps, increasing women’s labour force participation, promoting equal pay for work of equal value, balancing work and responsibilities, and promoting women’s leadership.

Develop and implement inclusive labour market programmes and policies that support life transitions and demographic shifts.

Pursue collective and determined efforts to promote and accelerate a smooth and sustained transition from the informal to formal economy

Strengthen governance frameworks and respect for freedom of association to protect the rights of migrant workers. This includes improved accommodation, protection of wages and extension of social protection and enhanced bilateral labour migration agreements between both sending and receiving countries.

Seek to decolonise: Why we need to restructure the district collector’s role

Source: The post is based on the article “Seek to decolonise: Why we need to restructure the district collector’s role’ Under Arth Ganga” published in Indian Express on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy has released a book titled “From Rule by law to the Rule of Law”, with a subtitle “25 Reforms to Decolonise India’s Legal System”.

One of the reforms suggested by the book is the role of the district collector. 

Who is the District Collector?

A District Collector, often abbreviated to Collector, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in charge of revenue collection and administration of a district in India.

What does a District Collector do?

The 15th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) lists the following: One, head of land and revenue administration; Two, district head of the executive magistracy and overall supervision of law and order and security and some say, police matters; Three, licensing and Regulatory Authority (such as Arms Act); Four, the conduct of elections; Fifth, disaster management; Sixth, public service delivery; and Seventh, Chief Information and Grievance Redressal Officer. 

What does the Vidhi Centre book say about the District Collector?

As opposed to the popular democracy that is envisaged in the Indian Constitution, State laws promote ‘Collector Raj’. The lack of devolution of powers and responsibilities to local governing bodies is an indication of the vested interest in mystifying governance.

Hence, for decentralization to realize its true potential, the following reforms need to be considered: 

Firstly, reconfigure the role of the district collector as a district-level land revenue functionary by devolving their powers to responsible local bodies. 

Secondly, empower representative local bodies while continuing to utilize the administrative skills of the district collector. 

Thirdly, rework relevant land revenue laws at the State level as well as the laws that empower PRIs, so that they can function more effectively as units of local self-government.

NMCG Launches Project on ‘Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging Community and Local Resources Based on Technology’ Under Arth Ganga

Source: The post is based on the article “NMCG Launches Project on ‘Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging Community and Local Resources Based on Technology’ Under Arth Ganga” published in PIB on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) has launched the project ‘Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging Community and Local Resources Based on Technology’ under Arth Ganga.

What is the “Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging Community and Local Resources Based on Technology”?

Launched under: Arth Ganga

Aim: To develop new need-based skills for the future amongst the local community along River Ganga and provide alternative solutions to the community members under Arth Ganga.

Objectives of the Project: To empower the Ganga Basin’s local communities by working towards their economic upliftment through ecological perceptions. 

– To establish Arth Ganga Centres (AGC) and three Ganga Resource Centres (GRC). 

– To source the latest technologies and disseminate economically and ecologically viable interventions for the community. 

Implementing bodies: National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) and Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization(HESCO).

Centre introduces Bills to modify ST list in four States

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre introduces Bills to modify ST list in four States” published in The Hindu on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

The Government of India has introduced four separate bills in the Lok Sabha to revise the list of Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh via amendments proposed in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.

What are the changes in the ST list the government is planning to bring through these four bills?

Tamil Nadu: The Bill seeks to add the Narikoravan and Kuruvikkaran hill tribes to the ST list of Tamil Nadu. The demand for their inclusion dates to before 1965 and even the Lokur Committee had in its report of that year recommended its inclusion.

Himachal Pradesh: It has proposed granting tribal status to the Hatti community living in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh. 

Karnataka: Include Betta-Kuruba as a synonym for the already categorised Kadu kuruba in the ST list of Karnataka.

Chhattisgarh: The bill seeks to add a number of synonyms in Devnagri script for the already categorized Bhariya Bhumia tribe in the ST list of Chhattisgarh. 

— As per the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, they are all part of the same tribe but had been kept out of the list just because they are pronounced and spelt their names differently.

Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid opposition and chaos

Source: The post is based on the article “Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid opposition and chaos” published in Livemint on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

A private member’s Bill to implement the Uniform Civil Code in India was introduced in Rajya Sabha.

What is Uniform Civil Code?

Uniform Civil Code is envisaged to provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.

Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution says that the state “shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”. Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

What does the private member Bill on UCC seek to achieve?

The Bill seeks to provide for the constitution of the “National Inspection and Investigation Committee” for the preparation of the Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout the territory of India.

Why have several MPs opposed the introduction of the Bill?

Firstly, the Indian Constitution “gave protection to all sections of people”. Hence, before bringing such legislation, there should be wide consultation with different communities, and people from different religions, or else it shall create differences between people.

Secondly, the 21st Law Commission had concluded that a Uniform Civil Code was neither necessary nor desirable,” and that the legislation if subsequently enacted shall be against the very “spirit of the Constitution.” 

Thirdly, the bill is against Articles 26(b) and 29(1) of the Constitution and it was in order to protect the rights of minorities that the Constituent Assembly decided to not have a Uniform Civil Code for the country.

Climate change likely to increase rough wave days in Indian Ocean, northern sector of Arabian Sea, & central Bay of Bengal

Source: The post is based on the article “Climate change likely to increase rough wave days in Indian Ocean, northern sector of Arabian Sea, & central Bay of Bengal” published in PIB on 10th December 2022

What is the News?

According to a study, the Indian Ocean, the northern sector of the Arabian Sea and the central Bay of Bengal are likely to experience an increase in rough wave days in the near future.

About the study

In a changing climate, extreme wave events can pose a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of the coastal population, infrastructure, and ocean-related activities.

A study was conducted by the Department of Applied Sciences, National Institute of Technology Delhi; IIT Kharagpur and others to understand these extreme wave events and make future projections.

What are the key findings of the study?

The study has shown that the Indian Ocean, the northern sector of the Arabian Sea, and the central Bay of Bengal are likely to experience an increase in rough wave days in the near future. 

This information could help provide timely warning and planning to prevent major impacts on life and property, especially in coastal areas.

Parliament passes Wildlife Bill: Questions remain on elephants, vermin

Source: The post is based on the article “Parliament passes Wildlife Bill: Questions remain on elephants, vermin” published in Indian Express on 9th December 2022

What is the News?

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill 2022 has been passed by Rajya Sabha.

The Bill has invited scrutiny on two major issues: the exemption made to allow the transfer of captive elephants, and the sweeping powers given to the Centre to declare species as vermin.

About the Elephant Protection

In 1897, the Elephants Preservation Act prohibited the killing or capture of wild elephants unless in self-defense or to protect property and crops, or under a license issued by the district collector.

In 1927, the Indian Forest Act listed the elephant as ‘cattle’, prescribing the highest fine of Rs 10 for every impounded jumbo — in comparison, a cow attracted a fine of Re 1 and a camel of Rs 2.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA),1972 identified the elephant along with the bullock, camel, donkey, horse, and mule, as a “vehicle”. Given the highest legal protection in 1977, the elephant was the only animal in WLPA’s Schedule-I that can still be owned legally — by means of inheritance or gift.

In 2003, WLPA was amended to prohibit trade in all captive wildlife and any (non-commercial) transfer across state boundaries without permission from the concerned chief wildlife warden.

Now, the Wildlife Protection Bill,2022 permits the transfer or transport of a captive elephant for a religious or any other purpose by a person having a valid certificate of ownership.

What are the objections to the present amendment? 

The sweeping ambit of “any other purpose” in the present amendment will empower elephant traders, put wild populations at greater risk of capture and defeat the very purpose of WLPA. Instead, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended that it should be limited to temple elephants kept for religious purposes.

– However, there is also a counter view that prohibition on commercial transfer only drove the live elephant trade underground as traders switched to dressing up commercial deals as gift deeds to bypass the 2003 amendment.

What is the stand of the new Bill on Vermin Species?

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 makes a significant amendment as it reduces the number of schedules from six to four. The Bill seeks to do away with Schedule V for vermin species entirely.

This gives the Centre direct power to declare any species to be ‘vermin’ and make way for them to be freely hunted. Thus, declaring any species as vermin becomes easier.