9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 21st, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Upholding the autonomy of the Election Commission
• The new normal in the Indo-Pacific contestation
• India’s G20 presidency: An agenda for healthcare
• The profound ramifications of one amendment
• Fluid boundaries – Inter-State disputes resolution lies in a political culture respectful of diversity
• India’s China problem: Tawang clash: Sixty years on, why doesn’t India have a China-specific strategy?
• India’s edtech ecosystem: Let our learning curve be hybrid, holistic and hyper-personalized
• How Not To Teach – Too many schools are still tolerating corporal punishment. This must end

GS Paper 3

• The Biodiversity Commitment
• Why the proposal to raise import duties on non-essential items must be abandoned
• India’s cyber threats: Defending against cyber threats

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Social Progress Index(SPI) for States and Districts received by EAC-PM, released
• Vadnagar, Sun Temple of Modhera and Unakoti: Three more sites added to tentative list of UNESCO
• Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar sanctuary gets protection from plan to reduce its size
• LAUNCH OF ‘ARNALA’, FIRST SHIP OF ASW SWC(GRSE) PROJECT
• Explained | How can mRNA vaccines help fight cancer?
• Fifth Scorpène-class submarine Vagir delivered to Navy
• Status of centres of excellence scheme ‘AYURSWASTHYA Yojana’
• Explained | A new global biodiversity framework
• Year End Review 2022- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• With 9 new additions, registered Geographical Indications (GI) rise to 432

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Upholding the autonomy of the Election Commission

News– The article explains the issue of appointment of Election Commissioners.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India heard a crucial case about the method by which the Election Commission of India is constituted, and Election Commissioners appointed. It has reserved its judgement.

What is the classical understanding of modern democracy?

According to the classical understanding of modern democracy, there are three wings of state: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.

The task of the Constitution is to allocate powers between these three wings, and to ensure that there is an adequate degree of checks and balances between them. Elections are believed to fall within the executive domain.

What has changed in contemporary times for modern democracy?

It is now commonly accepted that healthy constitutional democracies need what are known as fourth branch institutions or “integrity institutions”. The reason is that basic rights and guarantees cannot be effective without an infrastructure of implementation.

Take the example of the right to information. Without an infrastructure of implementation, the right to information will remain only a paper guarantee. We need an information commission that is adequately staffed and funded to oversee its on-ground enforcement.

These tasks involve elements of the judicial function as well as the administrative function. Therefore, it cannot only be performed by the judiciary but needs bodies such as commissions.

These institutions need to be functionally independent from the political executive. This is because they are the vehicles for implementing rights against the executive.

What are the practices followed by other countries?

South African and Kenyan Constitutions have dedicated constitutional provisions for fourth branch institutions such as Human Rights Commissions, Election Commissions.

The appointments process for such bodies normally involves multiple stakeholders from different wings of the state.

What is the case of India democracy?

The Indian Constitution also provides for such similar fourth branch institutions.The examples include ECI, CAG, UPSC. The Constitution goes to some degree to protect the independence of fourth branch institutions. But the problem is that the power of appointment lies exclusively with the executive.

Indian constitutional history as well points to the problem. The collegium system for the appointment of judges arose as a response to executive abuse and attempts to control the judiciary.

In the landmark Vineet Narain case, the Supreme Court held that the appointment of the CBI Director would have to be ratified by a three-member body that included the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India.

The appointment process is difficult to create simply by judicial decree. It is something that needs political consensus, public deliberation, and, perhaps, a carefully crafted legislation.

Court must be careful to avoid band-aid solutions. One possible alternative is for the Court to put into place certain interim guidelines. It should leave a more permanent, structural solution up to the legislature.

It is for the Court to decide how best that might be achieved. But the guiding principles must be functional and effective independence from the executive, from the moment of appointment to the retirement.

The new normal in the Indo-Pacific contestation

News– The article explains the changes in the strategic scenario of the Indo-pacific. It also explains the future of geopolitics in this region.

What are the steps taken by China to increase its outreach in the Indo-Pacific region?

The contest for South Asia and the Indian Ocean is not new. China has long tried to mark its influence in these regions and enhance its strategic ambitions. It is trying to limit Indian influence and sustain its energy supply and economic growth.

Beijing’s outreach in South Asia increased manifold in the early 2000s with its economic boom. It began to further its strategic ends in the region through loans, financial incentives, and mega-infrastructure projects. This became more institutionalised with the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.

These investments enabled Beijing to access the Indian Ocean, promote political and security ties in the region. It has harboured military vessels and submarines, and taken certain islands and ports on lease in the Indian ocean.

What are the actions taken by India and other Quad members to counter Chinese influence?

After Galwan, New Delhi has re-energised diplomatic efforts in its backyard. In the Maldives, New Delhi is reciprocating President Ibrahim Solih’s ‘India First’ policy with massive economic assistance, grants, and infrastructure projects. It is also cooperating on maritime security.

In Nepal, Prime Minister Cuba’s government has attempted to improve Nepal’s overall bilateral relations with India.

In Sri Lanka, India, this year alone, has provided economic and humanitarian assistance and investments worth $4 billion.

India’s leading efforts in South Asia and the Indian Ocean have also attracted other Quad members. They are offering genuine alternatives to the BRI.

They have also assisted Sri Lanka throughout the crisis. Japan is also finalising its talks with Sri Lanka on debt restructuring.

In the Maldives, Australia and the U.S. have committed to opening their embassies and new areas of cooperation. In 2020, the U.S. signed a defence and security framework with the Maldives. Nepal has also ratified the U.S.’s Millennium Challenge Corporation.

How are these actions perceived by India and China?

It is only with the Galwan clashes in 2020 that the Indian strategic thinking is deeming Beijing as a bigger threat than that of Islamabad.

The possibility of a two-front war persists. But Pakistan’s strategic isolation, economic and political fallout, and border and terror challenges emanating from Afghanistan have minimised the likelihood of its aggression.

The recent success of India and its partners is unlikely to deter China from furthering its presence in the region. Recently, the Chinese surveillance vessel Yuan Wang-5 re-entered the Indian Ocean.

Beijing also hosted its first-ever China-Indian Ocean Region Forum, to institutionalise its presence in the region and challenge new initiatives such as the Quad and the Colombo Security Conclave.

What will be the strategic implication of these acts for the future of this region?

Beijing will continue to leverage its economic and political influence in South Asia.

South Asian countries would also hesitate to completely move away from China as they want balancing with China and India. It will essentially make this competition a ‘new normal’.

Such a balancing outcome is very likely. Most South Asian countries are now facing economic and political turmoil. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have continued to haunt the region.

Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan are struggling with depleting forex reserves. Energy shortages, inflation, and negative or slow economic growth are also disrupting day-to-day activities in these countries. Ongoing protests in Bangladesh are a mere indication of such upcoming challenges.

India’s G20 presidency: An agenda for healthcare

News– The article explains the agenda of healthcare for the 21st century which should be adopted by G20 under the Indian presidency. It explains the concept Universal Healthcare and

PHC-with-UHC approach.

What are the initiatives by G20 for the healthcare system?

It has been one of the priority areas for G20 deliberations. The first meeting of health ministers of G20 countries was organised in 2017 by the German presidency.

The G20 now has health finance in its financial stream and health systems development in the Sherpa stream. An annual G20 meeting of health ministers and a joint health and finance task force reflects the seriousness the subject has gained.

The Berlin Declaration 2017 of the G20 health ministers provided a composite approach focusing on pandemic preparedness, health system strengthening and tackling antimicrobial resistance. The Indonesian presidency in 2022 made it the major focus.

What is the concept of Universal Healthcare?

The concept of UHC was born in the 2000s. It was meant to prevent catastrophic medical expenditures due to secondary and tertiary level hospital services by universalising health insurance coverage. It was also adopted in 2015 as the strategy for SDG-3 on ensuring healthcare for all at all ages.

However, the limited impact of this narrow strategy was soon evident. Expenditures on outdoor services became catastrophic for poor households. It prevented access to necessary healthcare and medicines. Many unnecessary medical interventions were being undertaken.

How has the PHC-with-UHC approach developed?

In 2018, the Astana Conference organised by WHO and UNICEF put out a declaration stating that primary healthcare is essential for fulfilling the UHC objectives. In 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted the combined UHC-PHC approach as a “political declaration”.

The World Bank published a report in 2021. The dominant hospital-centred medical system is becoming unaffordable even for the high-income countries. However, these global vision documents, while adding primary level care to UHC, are not addressing the nature of hospital systems themselves and their linkages.

What is the PHC-with-UHC approach?

It means strengthening primary level care linked to non-medical preventive action through whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches. It extends the “PHC principles” to secondary and tertiary care services.

It must additionally include the more recent initiatives that can be clustered together under five themes–

First, making health central to development in all sectors. One health that links animal and human health should be adopted.

Second, is health systems strengthening. There is a need to design PHC-with-UHC for diverse contexts. It should be conceptualised as a continuum of care — from self-care in households to community services, to primary level services and to all hospital services.

Third, appropriate technologies should be adopted as a norm. It should be done by strengthening health technology assessment, ethics of healthcare, equitable access to pharmaceutical products and vaccines, integrative health systems using plural knowledge systems rationally.

Fourth, health and healthcare should be looked at from the perspective of the marginalised. Gendered health care needs, Health care of indigenous peoples globally, occupational health, mental health and wellbeing, healthy ageing should be promoted.

Fifth, decolonisation and democratisation of health knowledge is needed with interests and perspectives of low-middle-income countries.

What are pioneering initiatives by India that can contribute to the PHC-with-UHC discussion?

Lessons from the National Health Mission for strengthening public health delivery.

The HIV-control programme’s successful involvement of affected communities and a complex well-managed service structure.

Pluralism of health knowledge systems, each independently supported within the national health system.

Health personnel such as the ASHAs, mid-level health providers and wellness centres, Traditional community healthcare providers with voluntary quality certification;

Research designed for validation of traditional systems.

Pharmaceutical and vaccines production capacity.

Developments in digital health and social insurance schemes and people’s hospital models by civil society.

What is the way forward for strengthening the global healthcare system?

There is a requirement of the drafting of PHC-with-UHC with a broad global consensus and commitment to a more sustainable and people-empowering health system.

Pursuing such an agenda would involve much dialogue within countries, regions and globally. This process could be kick-started by working through the G20 Indian presidency. It should call for organising a global conference on rethinking healthcare systems that moves a Declaration on Sustainable and Empowering Health Care for the 21st Century.

The profound ramifications of one amendment

News– The article explains the issues related to draft Data Protection Bill and its impact on good governance and fundamental rights

What are issues with the draft Data Protection Bill?

Independence of DPAI– Under the draft law, the Data Protection Authority of India (DPAI) will have great independent authority in a regulative area. The selection committee for DPAI consists of the CJI or her nominee, the Cabinet Secretary, and one person with expertise and repute in the data technology field. The unfettered power of the executive over the DPAI only serves to defeat the autonomy of the institution.

DPAI will be entrusted with monitoring and enforcing legal affairs and policy setting, research and awareness, inquiries, grievance handling, and adjudication. It is expected to guard fundamental rights. So, it is important to have a certain degree of separation between the executive and the regulatory body.

In addition, the DPAI also performs adjudicatory functions. The appellate adjudicatory officers are to be appointed by the board members of the DPAI who are solely appointed by the executive members. Such appointments could undermine the independence of the authority.

Exemptions from RTI and impact on freedom of speech– A major concern is the provision in the Bill which seeks to deny providing any personal information on administration officials under Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act. It cites the protection of individual privacy. This poses a serious problem with the right of privacy vs the right to freedom of speech. It will impact the freedom of speech guaranteed under the constitution.

The Bill justifies the exemption from the RTI in the interest of the “sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognizable offence relating to the preceding sub-clauses”.

Deterrent for providing information– This Bill enhances the penalty provisions for entities which fail to protect individuals from data breaches. In the name of protecting individuals, the government threatens to impose a fine of up to ₹250 crore. This will prove a deterrent for filing any genuine complaints.

Fluid boundaries – Inter-State disputes resolution lies in a political culture respectful of diversity

News: The dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra over areas that both States claim to be theirs has led to violence recently. Both the Maharashtra and Karnataka legislative assemblies are prepared to pass resolutions that frame a hardening of their respective stances. The centre asked the states to wait for the Supreme Court to adjudicate the matter.

What is the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute?

In 1957, Maharashtra claimed 814 villages and the three urban settlements of Belagavi, Karwar and Nippani in Karnataka. Karnataka on the other hand claim areas in Kolhapur, Sholapur and Sangli districts in Maharashtra.

What are the challenges in resolving inter-State disputes?

a) Many boundary disputes originated along with the 1956 linguistic reorganisation of Indian States. Hence, it is not easily amenable to technical and legal solutions, b) Not only Belagavi, but many other border towns and villages also have multilingual populations. Hence, carving out a political area that neatly fits with various linguistic groups is impossible in India. Further, almost all States have linguistic minorities that are accorded special rights.

What should be done to resolve inter-State disputes?

-India’s fluid political and cultural boundaries crisscross the entire landscape of India. So, harmony can be achieved only by embracing and promoting a political culture that is respectful of diversity that cannot be neatly demarcated.

-States should understand that language has been central to the formation of social identities, it became a marker of state boundaries only after Independence. So, the state boundaries were expected to be soft borders that allowed bilingual or multilingual communities to flourish, as they did in the past.

India’s multilingualism cross-fertilised the production of literature in Indian languages and ensured the seamless transfer of ideas across linguistic subcultures. It is time for our states to ensure and embrace multilingualism.

India’s China problem: Tawang clash: Sixty years on, why doesn’t India have a China-specific strategy?

News: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1962 India-China War. The recent clash between Indian troops and PLA soldiers in the vicinity of Tawang should serve as a harsh reminder of the close call that Arunachal Pradesh (then known as the North-Eastern Frontier Agency or NEFA) had in 1962.

About the 1962 China-India war

The Chinese PLA advanced along two axes 500 miles apart — Tawang and Walong. They overran NEFA in three weeks. Later, China declared a ceasefire and PLA troops withdrew 20 km behind the McMahon Line.

Due to faulty intelligence and military incompetence, the Indian army faced challenges.

Why India’s China problem is worrying?

1) Despite India’s advancement in military capabilities in the past 60 years, China has seen phenomenal economic, technological and military growth and competes with the USA for the global “pole-position”, 2) China has imposed a huge economic burden on India’s defence budget by forcing the “counter-mobilisation” of 50,000-60,000 extra Indian troops, 3) India’s post-Covid financial situation and depressed GDP growth rates will not permit any significant hike in defence expenditure, 4) India’s liabilities with the “pay and pension” system makes modernisation and re-equipment of the armed forces not possible, 5) India’s defence budget at present is 2.1% of the GDP. Schemes like Agnipath and bans on the import of military hardware do not save instant money and do not bring instant self-reliance, and 6) India not only lacks a China-specific strategy, but also a national security strategy (NSS).

How India can solve India’s China problem?

a) Resumption of robust economic growth is the only solution for India’s “guns vs butter” dilemma. For this, India should work on effective savings by cutting down on wasteful/non-essential government expenditure, reducing vote-garnering subsidies, or disinvesting/monetising idle assets, b) India must acquire absolute clarity about China’s larger objectives and work on military to seek tactical advantage, c) India’s diplomatic policy should shift from “reactive” to “proactive” and start working on reducing Sino-Indian trade deficit of $70 billion, d) India should canvass international opinion via the UN, G20 and other international forums to pressurise China to come to the negotiating table, and e) The Sino-Indian Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement is now 30 years old, so the government should rework on that agreement to control present aggression.

India’s edtech ecosystem: Let our learning curve be hybrid, holistic and hyper-personalized

News: The edtech ecosystem has turned pandemic challenges into an opportunity and taken digital learning to the masses. It is time for them to move to next level.

What type of digital technologies can aid the growth of India’s edtech ecosystem?

Digital India and other ambitious government programmes such as Swayam, Atal Labs and PM e-Vidya are bringing together world-class pedagogies and technologies to unlock the true potential of India and its students.

The following digital technologies can aid the growth of India’s ed-tech ecosystem.

Deeper integration of hybrid and ‘phygital’ formats: Hybrid learning will probably emerge as a preferred learning tool for better engagement and flexibility across all levels of education. The ‘phygital’ model, combining digital learning with hands-on learning and instructor interventions will also improve in future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ‘gamification’: AI has the ability to create impactful solutions for learning. AI can foster real-time collaborative learning experiences between different student communities, thereby overcoming the traditional constraints of space, time and geography.

Simulated labs, experiential centres and ‘gamified’ content can become the preferred modes for students to explore academics.

What are the advantages of India’s edtech ecosystem?

The emergence of entrepreneurial mindset training: India is featuring among the top entrepreneurial economies in the world and is home to 250+ million school-going children. Edtech systems can focus on how education systems can foster creativity and entrepreneurial thought among children through academic and non-academic interventions.

Increased inclusivity in the learning ecosystem: The effort towards inclusive and accessible digital learning is enshrined in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Edtech platforms can include the previously excluded student communities into mainstream learning.

Educating the educators: Teachers globally have experienced a steep upward curve where they have learnt how to integrate technology into their classrooms. As this trend continues, there will be a concerted effort to upskill teachers in the use of tech-enabled pedagogical techniques.

Moving from STEM to STEAM: There will be a sharper focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programmes that help students develop competencies holistically. By being at the intersection of media, technology and education, edtech is well-positioned to lead this trend.

Social and emotional learning in mainstream education: Edtech can provide tools that help students and teachers remain connected to each other virtually. By leveraging tech-enabled collaboration tools, edtech can help educators design projects and coursework that can inculcate better social skills in their classrooms.

This will extend the efforts of creating a safe, healthy and functional social community within schools and institutions of learning.

Overall, India’s edtech ecosystem is set to create a billion-plus lifelong self-learners in India.

How Not To Teach – Too many schools are still tolerating corporal punishment. This must end

News: Two different news reports in recent times highlights that corporal punishment (CP) is still prevalent in schools to ensure student discipline.

What is corporal punishment?

It is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort. CP cannot help students educationally or psychologically instead it only damages them.

There are clear legal injunctions against the use of force, including through RTE 2009 and the Juvenile Justice Act 2015. But despite the legal ban, these punishments are continuing in schools.

How can India remove corporal punishment altogether?

a) Civil societies and school administrations needs to do more concerted work to remove the CP, b) As envisaged by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, schools need clear protocols to help teachers deal with various possible student behaviours through positive disciplining, even parental engagement, and c) Schools need systems for monitoring teachers’ mental health.

GS Paper 3

The Biodiversity Commitment

News: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been concluded in the Montreal, Canada recently. The Montreal meeting was the 15th edition of this conference also known as COP15.

What is CBD?

It is a 1993 agreement that meet every two years to work on a global plan to halt biodiversity loss and restore natural ecosystems.

It is not just about conservation and restoration of ecosystems. It is also about sustainable use of natural resources, and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of these resources. It was formed in the Rio Earth Summit 1992.

Read here: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

What were the three major climate conventions that were formed in the Rio Earth Summit 1992?

The three conventions were – a) The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), b) The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and c) the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD).

All the three environmental conventions seek to address the issues that overlap among them and the success of any one helps the cause of the others too.

For example, climate change is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss while changes in land and ocean use have an impact on climate change. Land degradation appears as a cause as well as effect in both climate change and biodiversity loss.

Therefore, the issues overlap, even though all the three hold their separate CoPs.

What are the outcomes of the current Montreal meeting?

Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – It contains four goals and 23 targets that need to be achieved by 2030. It is being compared to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change that is guiding global climate action.

The four goals and 23 targets in the GBF is commonly referred to as the 30×30 target. It means to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s lands, oceans and coastal areas by 2030.

Restoring/Maintaining the natural ecosystem – The overall goal is to ensure that all natural ecosystems are either maintained, enhanced or restored substantially with an overall increase in the area of natural ecosystems by 2050.

Reduction in Extinction – Another goal is to ensure a ten-fold reduction in extinction rate of species, A recent report said that about 1 million species face extinction if urgent action is not taken.

Reducing food wastage – A commitment has been made to reduce global food wastage by half, reduce the risk of pesticides and other chemicals by half, and cut at least US$ 500 billion every year from subsidies that harm biodiversity.

Note: The meeting in Montreal that concluded was the second part of COP15, the first part was held in Kunming in China last year. Kunming was supposed to hold the entire COP15 but due to Covid-19 restrictions, it could only organise a hybrid event in October last year.

What were the previous agreements of the CBD and what are the challenges?

There were two supplementary agreements – a) the Cartagena Protocol of 2003 and b) the Nagoya Protocol of 2014.

Cartagena Protocol – The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect biodiversity from genetically modified organisms by ensuring their safe handling, transport and use. For example, the interaction of GM crops with nature are not yet fully understood which is why they are cultivated on a separate farm.

Nagoya Protocol – the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing deals with the commercial utilisation of biological and genetic resources.

It asks the host countries to provide access to its genetic resources in a legal, fair and non-arbitrary manner and offers them a fair and equitable share of benefits arising out of the utilisation of those resources.

Moreover, countries in 2010, at COP10 in Nagoya, Japan had agreed to a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity containing 20 targets also known as the Aichi targets.

However, a recent report showed that none of these targets were achieved at the end of the decade (2010-20). Therefore, implementing the GBF and the current targets will remain a challenge.

Why the proposal to raise import duties on non-essential items must be abandoned

News: The government is planning to raise import duties on all non-essential items. The recent trend also shows that there has been an increase in the import duties which is not good for the nation.

What has been the recent trends on the import duty?

India’s customs duty on non-agricultural products had come down from 150 per cent to 10 per cent between 1991-92 and 2007-08.

However, this trend has been reversed and the country’s average applied import tariff which stood at 13.5 per cent in 2014 rose to 18.3 per cent in 2021.

The last 4-5 years have also seen an seen an increase in the import duty in a range of products such as solar modules and cells, mobile phone parts, etc.

Further, the government is again planning to increase the import duty which is not good.

Why is the recent plan to increase import duty on non-essential items is not a good idea?

The government is trying to increase duty on those products which are fully grown in the market such as Giorgio Armani perfumes, Johnnie Walker single malts, etc. The decision shows the protectionist nature of the government.

It also takes India back in the pre reform era and Nehruvian era where import duties were imposed to protect the domestic industries. However, things have changed now.

The problem with this is that it favours one industry over the other and what may be output for one is input for another. Thus, it affects the overall growth of the nations.

Further, the focus of the businesses also shifts to those products that are giving higher returns and has a greater market. Thus, impacting a balanced growth and the consumers and user industries being the losers.

What is the way ahead?

India is heading towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. It means India should produce not just for itself but also for the world and earn foreign exchange to be able to import things it cannot produce competitively.

Therefore, atmanirbharta should never act as a door for protectionism and government should rethink its plan on raising import duty.

India’s cyber threats: Defending against cyber threats

News: The recent cyberattack at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a stark reminder that no entity is safe from cyber threats.

About India’s cyber threats

-Based on the data from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 1.2 million cybersecurity incidents were reported in 2020, 1.4 million in 2021, and 0.67 million up to June in 2022.

-Google in contrast stated that India witnessed 18 million cyberattacks and 200,000 threats a day in the first quarter of 2022 alone.

-The World Economic Forum, in its 2022 Global Risk Report, identified cyber threats as among the top five global risks.

How EU is tackling cyber threats?

EU’s General Data Protection Regulations(GDPR): The EU expects companies to maintain the integrity of critical infrastructure, systems, and services, and is steadily upping the requirements through its Network and Information Security directives. Further, the EU has put in place guidelines regarding the reporting of data breaches.

What are the various recommendations to tackle India’s cyber threats?

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): a) It proposed amendments to its Cybersecurity Rules and put out two papers for discussion, b) Highlighting Cybersecurity Governance, the SEC expects companies to disclose the extent of the board’s oversight of cybersecurity risks, and the management’s role in assessing and managing cybersecurity-related risks, and in implementing the company’s cybersecurity policies, procedures, and strategies.

The Kotak committee: The committee put the onus of dealing with cybersecurity on the risk management committee of the board.

What needs to be done to reduce India’s cyber threats?

Follow proper cyber risk management: This includes not only preventing breaches but also placing guidelines regarding the process to be followed once there is a cyberattack. This will help minimise financially and mitigate reputational damage when a breach occurs.

There should be clarity regarding reporting data breaches: The board members must have financial acumen, familiarity, and skills to understand cyber reporting and the ability to interact with third parties and internal resources to effectively oversee the organisation’s cybersecurity architecture.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Social Progress Index(SPI) for States and Districts received by EAC-PM, released

Source: The post is based on the article “Social Progress Index(SPI) for States and Districts received by EAC-PM, released” published in PIB on 21st December 2022

What is the News?

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released the Social Progress Index(SPI).

What is the Social Progress Index(SPI)?

Prepared by: Institute for Competitiveness and Social Progress Imperative and was mandated by the Economic Advisory Council- Prime Minister(EAC-PM).

Purpose: It is a comprehensive tool that can serve as a holistic measure of a country’s social progress at the national and sub-national levels. 

Parameters: The index assesses states and districts based on 12 components across three critical dimensions of social progress:

Ranking: Based on the SPI scores, states and districts have been ranked under six tiers of social progress with the Tier 1 indicating Very High Social Progress while the Tier 6 indicating Very Low Social Progress.

Note: The report dwells on India’s performance based on the global Social Progress Index(SPI) that is brought out by Social Progress Imperative since 2013. In its 2022 report, India has been ranked 110th (out of 169 nations) on the index and India’s aggregate SPI score of 60.2 in 2022 is slightly lower than the world average of 65.2.

What are the key findings of the Social Progress Index(SPI)?

States ranking: Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Goa have emerged as best-performing among all States and Union Territories in the index while Jharkhand and Bihar as worst.

District wise: Aizawl (Mizoram), Solan (Himachal Pradesh) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) have emerged as the top 3 best-performing districts.

Aspirational District Programme(ADP): Around 27 out of 112 districts under the ADP have scored above the national average on the SPI.

What is the significance of Social Progress Index(SPI)?

Firstly, by evaluating change in the performance of some key social indicators since 2015-16, the report presents a broad picture of the social progress in India.

Secondly, GDP is an incomplete measure of progress and endeavours such as the SPI, that weave in sociological factors into economic progress provides more robust and reliable analysis.

Thirdly, the findings in the report will pave the way for policymakers to make informed decisions. 

Vadnagar, Sun Temple of Modhera and Unakoti: Three more sites added to tentative list of UNESCO

Source: The post is based on the article “Three more sites added to tentative list of UNESCO” published in The Hindu on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

Gujarat’s Vadnagar town, the iconic Sun Temple at Modhera and the rock cut sculptures of Unakoti in Tripura have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Which are the three sites added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Sun Temple of Modhera

The Sun Temple of Modhera is located in Gujarat. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya.

River: It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.

Built by: It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty(Solanki dynasty).

Features: The temple complex is built in Māru-Gurjara style (Solanki style).The temple consists of the main temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or assembly hall (rangamandapa) and a sacred pool (Kunda) which is now called Ramakunda. This east-facing temple is built with bright yellow sandstone.

Significance: The temple is the Monument of National Importance and is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Vadnagar 

It is a municipality under Mehsana district of Gujarat. The history of Vadnagar stretches back to nearly 8th century BCE.

The town has evolved with time and has an early historic fortified settlement, hinterland port, centre for industries of shells and beads, late medieval town, religious centre/temple town, a significant junction on trade routes and mercantile town.

Vadnagar was visited by a Chinese traveler named Hiuen Tsang, who wrote about the township in his travelogue 1400 years ago.

Unakoti

It is located in the northeastern region of Tripura. It is known as an ancient holy place associated with Shaiva worship. 

The site is a massive gallery set in a forested area displaying a number of towering low relief images in a unique style, making it a masterpiece of human creative genius.

Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar sanctuary gets protection from plan to reduce its size

Source: The post is based on the article “Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar sanctuary gets protection from plan to reduce its size” published in The Hindu on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Rajasthan has received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its eco-sensitive zone.

What is Tal Chhapar Sanctuary?

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in Rajasthan.It is situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert.

The sanctuary is a distinctive shelter of the most graceful Antelope seen in India, “the Blackbuck”. 

Geography: The sanctuary has nearly flat territory and a combined thin low lying region this has got open and wide grasslands with spread Acacia and Prosopis plants that offer it a look of a characteristic Savanna.

Fauna: The sanctuary is host to about 4,000 blackbucks and other wild animals, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds. 

The raptors, which include predators and scavengers, are on top of the food chain and control the populations of small mammals, birds and reptiles as well as insects.

Issues faced by sanctuary: The issues confronting the sanctuary include hyper-aridity, grazing pressure, the invasive weed Prosopis juliflora, salt mines in the vicinity and insufficient area for its large blackbuck population.

LAUNCH OF ‘ARNALA’, FIRST SHIP OF ASW SWC(GRSE) PROJECT

Source: The post is based on the article “LAUNCH OF ‘ARNALA’, FIRST SHIP OF ASW SWC(GRSE) PROJECT” published in PIB on 21st December 2022

What is the News?

Indian Navy Ship(INS) Arnala was launched at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T’s) Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai.

What is INS Arnala?

INS Arnala is the first of the eight indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASW-SWC).

Purpose: To undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters.

Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)

Named after: The ship has been named ‘Arnala’ to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Arnala, located about 13 kilometers north of Vasai, Maharashtra by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Replaces: Arnala class of ships will replace the Abhay class ASW Ships of the Indian Navy.

Features: The ships have a displacement of 900 tonnes with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles(NM).

– It will also have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units.

Explained | How can mRNA vaccines help fight cancer?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | How can mRNA vaccines help fight cancer?” published in The Hindu on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

The results of a trial of an experimental mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer vaccine made by Moderna and MSD (Merck & Co.) taken along with immunotherapy drug Keytruda has shown promising results against advanced melanoma, a kind of skin cancer.

What is mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer vaccine?

It is a personalised cancer vaccine which means it is tailor-made for every patient.

To build the vaccine, researchers took samples of patients’ tumours and healthy tissue. 

After analyzing the samples to decode their genetic sequence and isolate mutant proteins associated only with cancer, that information was used to design a tailor-made cancer vaccine.

Note: This vaccine uses the same messenger-RNA technology that was used to produce the COVID vaccine. 

How does the vaccine work?

The personalised cancer vaccine works in concert with Keytruda, to disable a protein called Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), which helps tumours to evade the immune system.

When injected into a patient, the patient’s cells act as a manufacturing plant, producing perfect copies of the mutations for the immune system to recognise and destroy the cancer cells.

What is the significance of this vaccine?

The vaccine has shown a 44% reduction in the risk of dying of cancer or having cancer progress. Hence, this could lead to new ways to fight other types of cancers too.

Fifth Scorpène-class submarine Vagir delivered to Navy

Source: The post is based on the article “Fifth Scorpène-class submarine Vagir delivered to Navy” published in The Hindu on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

The fifth Scorpène-class conventional submarine, Vagir was delivered to the Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited(MDL).

What is INS Vagir?

INS Vagir is the fifth submarine under Project 75 for the Indian Navy.

What is Project – 75?

Project – 75 includes the construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. 

Built by: These submarines are being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.

Six submarines: The first submarine INS  Kalvari was commissioned in 2017, second submarine INS  Khanderi in 2019, third one INS  Karanj in 2021 and the fourth one INS  Vela joined service in 2021.

– The sixth Scorpène-class submarine, Vagsheer, was launched in April 2022 and is expected to be delivered to the Navy by end 2023.

Features: This class of submarines have Diesel Electric transmission systems and are attack submarines also known as the ‘hunter-killer’ type, which means they are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels.

– They also have the capability of operating in a wide range of Naval combat including anti-warship and anti-submarine operations, intelligence gathering and surveillance and naval mine laying.

– The submarines can reach the highest speeds of 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged.

How many submarines does the Indian Navy have currently?

The Navy currently has 15 conventional and one nuclear submarine in service.It includes seven Russian Kilo class submarines, four German HDW submarines, four Scorpene class submarines and the indigenous nuclear ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant.

Status of centres of excellence scheme ‘AYURSWASTHYA Yojana’

Source: The post is based on the article “Status of centres of excellence scheme ‘AYURSWASTHYA Yojana’” published in PIB on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

Minister of Ayush has informed Rajya Sabha about the AYURSWASTHYA Yojana.

What is AYURSWASTHYA Yojana?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ayush

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Merged schemes: This scheme was launched by merging two erstwhile schemes (i) Central Sector Scheme of Grant-in-Aid for Promotion of AYUSH Intervention in Public Health Initiatives(PHI) and (ii) Central Sector Scheme for assistance to AYUSH organizations engaged in AYUSH Education/ Drug Development & Research for upgradation to Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Components of the scheme: The scheme consists of two components: 

– AYUSH and Public Health (PHI): Under this, AYUSH interventions are rolled out for common public health issues related to communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, MCH, Geriatric care, mental health etc.

– Centre of Excellence (CoE): Under this, financial assistance is provided to eligible individual organizations/institutes for establishing and upgrading their functions & facilities and/or for research & development activities in AYUSH.

Explained | A new global biodiversity framework

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | A new global biodiversity framework” published in The Hindu on 21st December 2022

What is the News?

The 15th Conference of Parties(COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF).

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF)?

Aim: To address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights.

Focus of GBF: 

GBF goals and targets do not prohibit the use of biodiversity, but call for sustainable use and a sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

It emphasizes respect for the rights of indigenous communities that traditionally protect forests and biodiversity, and their involvement in conservation efforts.It advocates similar roles for women and local communities.

Agricultural practices also find a strong focus. Besides emphasizing sustainable practices in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry, the agreement calls upon members to adopt biodiversity-supporting methods such as agroecology and sustainable intensification. 

What are the key targets under GBF?

GBF features 23 targets to achieve by 2030, including: a) Restoration of 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, b) Reduce to near zero the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance and high ecological integrity, c) Halving global food waste

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Monitoring of the Framework: GBF has specific provisions on implementing and monitoring. Member nations need to submit a revised and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan in the conference to be held in 2024. Further, the parties to the CBD should submit national reports in 2026 and 2029 to help prepare global reviews. High level discussions on the progress reviews should be held in 2024 and 2026.

Funding: By 2030, the GBF hopes to see at least $200 billion raised per year from all sources — domestic, international, public and private — towards implementation of the national action plans. 

– In terms of international funding, developing countries should get at least $20 billion a year by 2025 and at least $30 billion by 2030 through contributions from developed countries. 

– The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has been asked to establish in 2023, and until 2030, a Special Trust Fund to support the implementation of the GBF. 

What is the significance of this framework on biodiversity?

Needed to prevent extinction of species: According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a quarter of the plants and animals it assessed for the 2019 Global Biodiversity Outlook are threatened which translates to about one million species facing extinction. 

Aligned with SDG Goals: GBF is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, three of which directly deal with the environment and thus with biodiversity: Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 14 on life below water and Goal 15 on life on land.

What is the major challenge to protecting biodiversity?

The major challenge to protecting and expanding biodiversity conservation is the use of GDP as the chief determinant of development. 

This is because GDP is based on a faulty application of economics that excludes “depreciation of assets” like nature which is degraded by relentless extraction of resources. 

The UN’s effort to measure wealth more broadly through its “Inclusive Wealth” (IW) report showed in 2018 that although 135 countries did better on inclusive wealth in 2014 compared to 1990, the global GDP growth rate considerably outpaced IW: an average of 1.8% per year for IW compared to 3.4% for GDP per year during the period.

Year End Review 2022- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Source: The post is based on the article “Year End Review 2022- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy” published in PIB on 21st December 2022

What is the News?

The Ministry of Minority of New and Renewable Energy has launched several initiatives and schemes in 2022.

What are the schemes and initiatives launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in 2022?

Renewable energy installed in India: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. 

– So far, a total of 172 GW of capacity from non-fossil fuel sources has been installed in the country. This includes 119 GW RE, 46 GW Large Hydro and 6 GW Nuclear Power capacity. This has a share of 42.26% of the total installed generation capacity in the country.

– As per the REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 4th in Solar Power capacity.

Solarisation of sun-temple and town of Modhera, Gujarat

National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules

National Bioenergy Programme

Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

PM KUSUM SCHEME

 Green Energy Corridor

Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY): It provides for the installation of solar street lights in remote, rural and semi-urban areas.

Offshore Wind Energy

National Green Hydrogen Mission

International Solar Alliance

With 9 new additions, registered Geographical Indications (GI) rise to 432

Source: The post is based on the article “With 9 new additions, registered Geographical Indications (GI) rise to 432” published in AIR on 20th December 2022

What is the News?

Nine new items from various states of India such as Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, Raktsey Karpo Apricot of Ladakh, Alibag White Onion of Maharashtra have been given the Geographical Indication(GI) Tag.

With this, the total number of GI Tags in India comes to 432.The top five states holding the maximum number of GIs are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.  

What are the items that have been given GI Tag recently?

Assam Gamosa

Gamosa is an article of significance for the people of Assam. It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth.

Made of: The most common material for making gamosa is cotton yarn. But on special occasions, they are also made from Pat silk.

Uses: It can be used at home as a towel (uka gamosa) or in public functions (phulam/floral gamosa). This is also used to felicitate dignitaries or celebrities.

Significance: Gamosa is also known as Bihuwaan, as it is an essential part of Bihu festival of Assam.

Telangana’s Tandur Red Gram

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Alibag White Onion of Maharashtra

Alibag White Onion is known for its unique sweet taste, no-tear factor, and medicinal properties. 

Reason: The soil of Alibaug taluka has low sulphur content & its geo-climatic conditions make it unique compared to other white onion-producing areas. 

Benefits: White onions are an excellent source of antioxidants that contain more than 25 different types of flavonoids which lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Raktsey Karpo Apricot of Ladakh

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