9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – February 4th, 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship

GS Paper 3

• Fiscal management during a pandemic
• Regarding the budget: 4 Choices, No Free Lunch
• A less taxing state
• Frequent marine heatwaves in Indian Ocean disrupt India’s monsoon pattern
• Financial inclusion is integral to holistic development
• A bigger, not better, defence budget

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Indian diplomats to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics
• NAL SE JAL SCHEME
• New method can efficiently transform phenol to a key ingredient for manufacturing food preservatives, pharmaceuticals & polymers
• India’s first Graphene Innovation Centre to come up in Kerala
• Courts must come to children, says SC
• A border move that will only bolster China
• Union Budget 2022-23: Why CSE disagrees with government’s proposal on coal gasification
• High Court stays Haryana’s 75% law for reservation to locals in private jobs
• ISRO conducts breakthrough demonstration of hack-proof quantum communication
• KVIC’s “Charkha Kranti” Created a Buzz on Gandhian Values; Finds Mention in the President’s Address

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship

News: Recently, Rahul Gandhi blamed the central government for weakening the country and bringing Pakistan and China together.

How does Pakistan and China relations develop?

Recognition: Pakistan had recognised the People’s Republic of China after India and established diplomatic ties in 1951. But, due to Pakistan’s membership in SEATO and CENTO – US-led anti-communist military pacts,  it was seen as part of the non-Soviet bloc. While China is part of the soviet.

War: Both countries developed close relations during the India-China war of 1962. China also supported Pakistan diplomatically in the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

Boundary Agreement: In a boundary agreement, Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley or the Trans Karakoram Tract to China. It is part of the Hunza-Gilgit region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is a territory of India but controlled by Pakistan. The agreement laid the foundation of the Karakoram highway, built jointly by China and Pakistan in the 1970s.

Nuclear cooperation: China has played a significant role in helping Pakistan develop its nuclear energy technology, especially after India tested its nuclear device in 1974. In 1986, both countries signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of civil nuclear technology. In 1991, China agreed to supply Pakistan with its indigenously developed Qinshan-1 nuclear power plant.

Kashmir: India’s move to abrogate Article 370, bring both countries closer.

Economic: Pakistan’s economic dependence on Beijing has increased in recent years. China also invested a lot in CPEC under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative.

Defence: The Pakistan Army has procured Chinese-made battle tanks, combat drones. Pakistan endorses China’s position on core issues including the South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet.

Afghanistan angle: China saw an opportunity in Afghanistan. China also held that Afghanistan should not be used as a base for East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) attacks. For this, China needs support from Pakistan.

India-China relationship

Both countries adopted the same anti-colonial, non-aligned approach and gave slogans like Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai. The 1988 rapprochement saw a shift of China policy where it now saw India from an economic lens and focused on trade, while separately talking to India on the border dispute.

In 1996, the then Chinese President didn’t mention Kashmir explicitly in his speech. During the Kargil conflict of 1999, China advised Pakistan to withdraw troops and solve conflicts through peaceful means. China also asked both countries to respect the line of control in Kashmir and resume negotiation as per Lahore declaration.

A similar cautious approach was adopted by China after the Parliament attack in 2002, the Op Parakram buildup, the Mumbai terror attack, Balakot airstrikes. China also acknowledge blocking Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar’s designation as a global terrorist in March 2019 at the UNSC summit.

But, with US-India nuclear deal and close relationship, there was a change in China stand. Since 2013, China indulges in border stand-offs in Depsang, Chumar, Doklam and eastern Ladakh.

GS Paper 3

Fiscal management during a pandemic

News: India’s actual growth performance for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 was above the projections made by the Finance commission. Even for the fiscal year 2022-23, the economy is projected to grow at 11% (at current prices) compared to 9.5% projected by the Commission. 

What is the effect of this improved growth performance? 

Higher growth performance is also reflected in higher revenue mobilisation, thus creating fiscal space for higher spending. Govt has also introduced higher capital expenditure as a way to generate demand and employment in the economy.  

Why Government’s decision to improve allocation for capital expenditure is perfectly timed? 

It is very imperative that government makes capital investment in such uncertain times to achieve a strong and sustainable recovery from the pandemic, specially when private and household investments have been negatively affected by the pandemic. 

However, as two-thirds of the general government’s capital expenditure is undertaken by states, so the announcement of the Rs 1 lakh crore interest-free loans to the states to increase public investment has been a significant step. 

How this increased allocation to states will be helpful for the economy? 

Since in the year 2021-22, many states had reported revenue deficit in their accounts, this loan facility can prevent the risk of reduction in capital expenditure at the state level. 

Also, since it is meant for capital spending, it cannot be diverted to finance revenue deficit and thus has the potential to augment capital spending at the state level and thereby the overall capital spending in the country.   

Effective utilization of this facility to states will also be critical for higher public investment.  

What has been the scenario on the revenue side of the budget? 

Although there has been an increase in taxes in both the 2020-21 (the first year of the pandemic) and 2022-23, but revenue deficit continues to be more than 55% of the fiscal deficit. 

This needs to be kept in consideration while deciding for revenue expenditure, that is, interest payments and allocation under various centrally sponsored and central sector schemes.   

It is also important to consider central sector scheme (CSS) especially when it is contributing to the high revenue deficit of the central government and binding state resources for matching contribution, thereby increasing states’ deficit. 

What should be government’s stance on fiscal consolidation to ease this deficit? 

Although the fiscal deficit for the year 2022-23 is higher than what was recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission, but it still is on the decline. 

Government should focus on the direction of fiscal consolidation rather than a specific reduction, especially in an unprecedented time like these. 

Regarding the budget: 4 Choices, No Free Lunch

News: The government has followed a capital expenditure strategy in the recent budget, but there are certain questions associated with the government’s strategy.

What is the dilemma the government is facing?

On the one hand, the economy still needs fiscal support to drive growth and employment. On the other hand, the global backdrop has become much more risky. For instance, the Fed is set to deliver a series of rate hikes in 2022 (already spilling over into Indian bond yields) and crude prices are close to $90. In addition, public debt/GDP has climbed towards 90% and the current account deficit has widened past 2% of GDP.

How did the budget support growth while consolidating the deficit?

The Budget pegs this year’s deficit at 6. 9% of GDP. If Govt introduced more growth, the fiscal deficit will widen. But this is not the case because

– The Government introduced a fiscal impulse of up to 3. 1% of GDP last year. But this year the government has planned to withdraw subsidies up to 1.6% this year.

–  The government has automatic stabilisers in the form of higher-than-expected direct tax collections.

Hence, the Fiscal consolidation in FY 2023 will be more modest at 0.2% of GDP, due to with drawl of significant stimulus packages.

The debate of income support versus capital expenditure tradeoff

Components of demand (private consumption and investment) will take time to recover, some sectors got severely hit because of the pandemic. Only a perceived increase in permanent income (ie a job) can induce households to spend. Introducing employment is therefore absolutely key to livelihoods and future consumption prospects. So, the capital expenditure will provide the required benefits.

How does the budget facilitate the creation of fiscal buffers?

Every budget will focus on creating a buffer against global and domestic shocks, either by ex-ante (before the shock) or by ex-post (after the shock).

In the present budget, the government decided to work on ex ante. This is done by conservative tax accounting for next year. According to the budget, the Tax buoyancy is pegged at just 0. 4 next year vis-à-vis an expected outturn of 1. 8 this year. Hence, the tax collections are likely to exceed budgeted targets, with a buoyancy of 1 delivering an extra 0. 5% of GDP to the Centre.

This fiscal buffer will be used to deal with shocks. e.g. If oil surges, excise duties can be cut, if fertilizer prices remain high, its subsidy allocation can be increased.

What should be done to facilitate near-term growth and simultaneously preserve medium-term stability?

The long term stability has been managed by capital expenditure and job creation. To bring short term stability, the government has introduced various borrowing programmes. It is now the time for RBI to ramp up monetary policy in parallel to balance the fiscal policy of the government by normalising the inflation rates.

A less taxing state

News: India has had a very high rate of tax litigation. Therefore, Government has recently announced that the overarching aim of direct tax policy reform is to move towards a simpler regime, without exemptions and low rates.  

What has been the status of tax litigation in the country? 

In 2014-15, about Rs 2.1 lakh crore had been under dispute for a duration between one and two years. By 2020-21, it had increased more than threefold to Rs 6.6 lakh crore. This also limits the tax collection. 

How a simpler tax regime for corporate tax is helpful? 

Sovereign governments face limitations in setting tax rates on companies because capital is mobile. Therefore, a shift to a simpler tax regime will reduce the incidence of litigation and, thereby, attract more investment.  

How personal income tax can be made more appropriate as per the current economic situation? 

Around 75% of the returns filed are for income below Rs 5 lakh. Therefore it is important to reform this aspect of revenue collection as well. 

The current threshold for tax, which is Rs 2.5 lakh, needs to be indexed to inflation. The current floor has been in place since July 2014. Inflation has effectively lowered the tax threshold over succeeding years. Linking it with inflation makes it fairer. 

Also there is a need to decide a timeline when everyone can be moved to a regime without exemptions except the retirement savings, and also the process of filing returns should be made more simple.  

Frequent marine heatwaves in Indian Ocean disrupt India’s monsoon pattern

News: A phenomenon called Marine heat waves (MHW) have increased significantly in the past few decades in the Indian Ocean region. This is also impacting the Indian monsoon. 

What are marine heatwaves and why they occur? 

These are periods of increased temperatures over seas and oceans.  

They are caused by an increase in the heat content of oceans, especially in the upper layers.

Marine heat waves are one of the major result of human-induced global warming, as around 90% of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the oceans. 

What is the impact on the oceans? 

These events cause habitat destruction due to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction and loss of kelp forests, affecting the fisheries sector adversely. 

An underwater survey showed 85% of corals in the Gulf of Mannar near the Tamil Nadu coast got bleached after the marine heatwave in 2020. 

How are they impacting the Indian monsoon? 

The recent increase in marine heat waves in the Indian Ocean was due to rapid warming and strong El Niño events.  

In the Indian Ocean, the worst-affected area was its western part and northern Bay of Bengal. This reduces the monsoon rainfall over central India while increasing rainfall over the southern peninsular area. 

Climate model projections suggest further warming of the Indian Ocean in the future, which will very likely intensify the marine heatwaves and their impact on the monsoon rainfall. 

What is the way forward? 

It is important to update current weather models to skilfully predict the challenges presented by a warming world and also enhance ocean observational arrays to monitor these events accurately. 

Financial inclusion is integral to holistic development

News: India is working on the path to achieving the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas“, a vision enshrined by the Prime Minister of India. Recently budget also shows that the government is focused on boosting financial inclusion.

What steps does government initiate to achieve financial inclusion?

Financial system: Reserve Bank of India has constituted an innovation hub to address the challenges of financial inclusion and efficient banking. The government took the initiative to resolve stressed assets worth ₹2 trillion via the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL).

The government also introduces various steps to strengthen the financial system. e.g. An asset-quality review in 2021, reported that the gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of public sector banks had decreased by 31.2%. The reforms launched under this government have helped recover about ₹5 trillion from financial defaulters.

Expanding the banking system: In the recent budget, the government announced to bring 100% of India’s 150,000 post offices into the core banking system. The government has also provided infrastructure and policy support for the fintech sector to prosper. India has witnessed a 72% rise in the number of digital payments processed in 2021 over 2020.

The government has also launched bank mobile vans. It helps provide banking and ATM services to spread financial awareness and educate people

Schemes: The government introduced JAM Trinity, to increase financial inclusion and reduce leakages. In 2020-21, ₹2.1 trillion was sent directly to people’s accounts under various schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the public distribution system, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and others.

A bigger, not better, defence budget

News: Even as the total allocation for defence under the current budget has increased, it has fallen as a percentage of GDP.

About the recent budget allocation in the defence sector

The government allocated Rs 5.25 trillion to the Ministry of Defence, out of the total government outlay of Rs 39.45 trillion. This accounts for 13.31% of total government spending.

Navy: Among these, the Navy received a significant rise in its capital allocation. The navy’s capital budget has been enhanced by about 43 % in comparison to FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23. It will be used for the acquisition of new platforms, like six air-independent propulsion (AIP), a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2), 57 twin-engine deck-based fighters (TEDBFs), etc.

Coastal Security: The capital budget of the Indian Coast Guard has been enhanced by over 60% in FY 2022-23.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO): The capital budget of the BRO has been augmented by 40% from the current year to FY 2022-23.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO):  The DRDO’s capital budget allocation is up by 5.3%. This denotes a limited boost to indigenous R&D projects.

Why the defence allocation under Budget 2022-23 is not enough?

First, The present allocation is the lowest in percentage terms since the 1950s. Also, as a percentage of GDP, the defence allocation amounted to just 2.03%. This is a reason of concern, especially in times when China claims many parts of Indian territory as their own.

Second, India is focusing on military modernisation and border infrastructure development for its national security. There has been a 76% rise in the defence capital outlay from 2013-14 to 2022-23. Although it seems like a healthy growth rate, it actually amounts to less than 5 %, compounded annually.

Third, seven new defence public sector undertakings(DPSUs) were incorporated under the defence ministry after the dissolution of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). They require a huge sum for their planned modernisation.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Indian diplomats to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics

Source: This post is based on the article “Indian diplomats to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics” published in The Hindu on 4th Feb 2022.

What is the news?

India has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics just ahead of the opening ceremony.

What is the Beijing Winter Olympics?

The ​​2022 Winter Olympics is an international winter multi-sport event scheduled to be held in Beijing, China. 

However, the event has been diplomatically boycotted by several countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, UK, India among others.

These countries will send their athletes for the event, but no ministers or officials will attend.

Why India and other countries diplomatically boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics?

India is boycotting the servant due to China’s decision to pick a Chinese soldier involved in the Galwan incident as an Olympic torch-bearer.

The other countries are boycotting due to the atrocities by China on Uyghur Muslims and human rights abuses in China.

NAL SE JAL SCHEME

What is the News?

The Indian government has allocated Rs. 60,000 crore to the “Har Ghar Nal se Jal” Yojana for the financial year 2022-2023.

This significant allocation highlights that providing potable water to households remains a top priority of the Government.

What is Har Ghar Nal se Jal Scheme?

It was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.It is a component of the Government’s Jal Jeevan Mission.

Aim: To provide tap water supply to every rural household and public institutions in villages like schools, anganwadi centres, tribal residential schools, health centres, Gram Panchayat building by 2024.

Implementation: The scheme is being implemented by the Central Government in partnership with state governments. 

The scheme is based on a unique model where paani samitis (water committee) comprising villagers will decide what they will pay for the water they consume. 

The tariff they fix will not be the same for everyone in the village.Those who have large households will pay more while poor households or households where there is no earning member, will be exempted.

What is the status of the Har Ghar Nal se Jal Scheme?

Around 8.7 crore households (nearly 45%) have so far been covered under the scheme.

Several states and union territories have already achieved 100% coverage of tap water connections under the scheme.

These include Goa, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Haryana.

However, there remains a disparity among states and UTs.For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, just above 13% of rural households have been provided tap water connections.States like Rajasthan and West Bengal have also seen low coverage.

Source: This post is based on the article “NAL SE JAL SCHEME” published in PIB on 3^rd Feb 2022.

New method can efficiently transform phenol to a key ingredient for manufacturing food preservatives, pharmaceuticals & polymers

What is the news?

Indian researchers have found that electrolysis is an effective method for the oxidative transformation of phenol to 1,4 hydroquinone.

What is Phenol and its products used for?

Phenols is an organic compound. The oxidative products of phenols like 1,4 hydroquinone, catechol or resorcinol play an important role in the synthesis of medicinal and industrial organic compounds.

The product 1,4 hydroquinone is used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of food preservatives, pharmaceuticals and polymers. 

What was the issue?

Currently, phenol oxidation is carried out by chemical methods using catalysts involving precious metals, metal oxides, and enzymes along with hazardous oxidants. 

But these methods suffer from many disadvantages, including incomplete conversion of starting material and lack of product selectivity, along with environmental hazards.

Due to lack of efficient processes for conversion of Phenol, India currently imports 1,4 hydroquinone at a heavy cost.

What have Indian researchers found out?

Indian researchers have found that electrolysis is an effective method for the oxidative transformation of phenol to 1,4 hydroquinone.

What is the significance of this method?

This research can be industrially adopted to reduce the dependence of India on other countries for oxidised phenol compounds. 

Moreover, the electrolysis method does not involve the release of environmentally hazardous agents, and it is more efficient than the chemical methods. 

Source: This post is based on the article “New method can efficiently transform phenol to a key ingredient for manufacturing food preservatives, pharmaceuticals & polymers” published in PIB on 3rd Feb 2022.

India’s first Graphene Innovation Centre to come up in Kerala

What is the news?

The Kerala government has announced the country’s first Graphene Innovation Centre.

What is Graphene?

Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. 

It is the thinnest, most electrically and thermally conductive material in the world. It is also flexible, transparent and incredibly strong. 

Application of Graphene

Biomedical: ​​Graphene’s unique properties allow for ground-breaking biomedical applications. Targeted drug delivery; improved brain penetration; DIY health-testing kits and ‘smart’ implants.

Composites and Coatings: One of the simplest and most effective ways of harnessing the potential of graphene is to combine it with existing products – so-called composite materials.

Electronics: Graphene has the potential to create the next-generation of electronics, currently limited to sci-fi. Faster transistors; semiconductors; bendable phones and other electronics.

Battery: Graphene could dramatically increase the lifespan of a traditional lithium-ion battery, meaning devices can be charged quicker – and hold more power for longer. 

Graphene Membranes: Graphene oxide membranes are capable of forming a perfect barrier when dealing with liquids and gasses. They can effectively separate organic solvent from water and remove water from a gas mixture to an exceptional level. 

Sensors: Ultra-sensitive sensors made from graphene could detect minute dangerous particles, helping to protect potentially dangerous environments.

Source: This post is based on the article “India’s first Graphene Innovation Centre to come up in Kerala” published in Indian Express on 3rd Feb 2022.

Courts must come to children, says SC

What is the news?

The Supreme Court has directed that video conferencing facilities be established across the country for child witnesses, especially victims of trafficking, to remotely testify against their attackers.

What was the case about?

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court arguing that victims of child trafficking, mostly based in far-flung and under-developed areas of the country, should not be made to travel long distances to trial courts to testify against their attackers.

This is because of the following reasons: 1) usually trial courts are located in metros 2) there is a fear that they may be again held by their captors and 3) due to Covid situation.

What has the Supreme Court said?

The Supreme Court has directed that video conferencing facilities be established across the country for child witnesses, especially victims of trafficking.

This facility for child witnesses should not be limited to the pandemic period alone, but should be a regular feature in cases involving child witnesses. 

The court also agreed with a standard operating procedure (SOP) prepared by its amicus curiae recording the evidence of child witnesses through videoconferencing. 

What are the key features of SOP prepared by amicus curiae?

Firstly, a child can testify either at the ‘court point’, that is, cities or places where the trial has to take place, or at the ‘remote point’, which is his or her place of residence.

Secondly, video conferencing facilities should be created in every district, especially in States where incidence of child trafficking cases are high. 

Thirdly, compliance of the “best practices” mandated by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Rules, 2020, while recording the evidence of child witnesses.

– These will include ensuring that the child witness is provided diet money on the basis of the distance travelled by him or her to reach the remote point, the presence of a police officer at the remote point to make certain that the child witness does not come in contact with the accused (if out on bail) or any relative of the accused, etc.

Source: This post is based on the article “Courts must come to children, says SC” published in The Hindu on 4th Feb 2022.

A border move that will only bolster China

Source: This post is based on the article “A border move that will only bolster China” published on 4th January 2022.

News:  Indian Army Chief, in a recent interview, said that out of the six friction points (in Ladakh), five have been solved.

Why the statement is a cause of concern?

Friction points which Army Chief talks about are Depsang, Galwan, Hot Springs, Gogra, North bank of Pangong Tso, Kailash Range, and Demchok. According to him, only Hot Springs or PP15 needs to be solved. This is worrying as he implicitly ruled out Depsang as an area to be resolved.

What is the importance of Depsang?

Depsang is an enclave of flat terrain that the Army classifies as Sub-Sector North (SSN). It provides land access to Central Asia through the Karakoram Pass. Army has identified the Depsang as a critical area and has devised plans to tackle the Chinese challenge. Daulat Beg Oldi provides direct access to Aksai Chin. This area allows the use of mechanized warfare.

SSN lies east of Siachen, in between Saltoro Ridge on the Pakistan border and Saser Ridge on the Chinese border. This is one place where physical military collusion between Pakistan and the Chinese military can take place and the challenges of a two-front war can become real. If India loses this area, it will be nearly impossible to launch a military operation to seize Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan.

It is also seen as a viable launchpad for a mechanized force-based military offensive launched by India inside Aksai Chin.

What is the India-China standoff at Y-junction?

The Chinese army has blocked Indian patrols since early 2020 at a place called Y-junction or Bottleneck, denying it access to five PPs: PP10, PP11, PP11A, PP12, and PP13.

Y-junction is around 18 km on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control. Satellite images confirm Chinese deployments at the Y-junction: two PLA Ground Force camps with six infantry fighting vehicles split between two positions, while a small Indian Army forward camp is stationed 1.2 km west of the Y-junction.

Indian forward camp with permanent deployment was created after the 2013 standoff at Y junction. Though India stopped Chinese patrols, the Chinese managed to encroach 1.5 km (Burtse) in 2015. Earlier India had access to five patrol points which has been reversed since early 2020.

Since May 2020 the security establishment has tried to bury any discussion on Depsang, calling it a legacy issue. 2013 standoff was resolved diplomatically after negotiations led to a reversal of Indian forces and bunker construction on the Chinese side in Chumar while the PLA stepped away from the Y-junction.

Union Budget 2022-23: Why CSE disagrees with government’s proposal on coal gasification

What is the News?

In the Union Budget 2022-23, the Union Finance Minister has announced four coal gasification-pilot projects will be set up. However, this announcement is contrary to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)’s assessment about the coal gasification process not being attractive from a climate change point of view.

What is Coal Gasification?

Coal gasification is a process in which coal is partially oxidised with air, oxygen, steam or carbon dioxide to form a fuel gas. This gas is then used instead of piped natural gas, methane and others for deriving energy.

China has the biggest number of coal gasification projects in the world. 5% of China’s total coal consumption is from its gasifier. The US also has some coal gasification plants running.

Click Here to read more

Why is the Coal Gasification process not good from a climate change point of view?

Firstly, Coal gasification actually produces more carbon dioxide than a conventional coal-powered thermal power plant.

– According to CSE estimates, one unit of electricity generated by burning gasified coal generates 2.5 times more carbon dioxide than what would result when burning the coal directly.

Secondly, coal gasification plants are costlier than conventional power plants.

Thirdly, since coal is the main feed for gasification, it in no way helps India’s decarbonisation goals.

Source: This post is based on the article “Union Budget 2022-23: Why CSE disagrees with government’s proposal on coal gasification” published in Down To Earth on 4th February 2022.

High Court stays Haryana’s 75% law for reservation to locals in private jobs

What is the News?

Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the Haryana government’s law guaranteeing 75% reservation to locals in private sector jobs.

What was the local reservation law passed by the Haryana Government?

Haryana Assembly has passed The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Bill, 2020. The Bill provided for 75% reservation for local people in private sector jobs offering a monthly salary of less than Rs 30,000.

Click Here to read more about this 

Why was the Bill being opposed?

Firstly, the “sons of the soil” law was in violation of a) Article 14 of the Constitution pertaining to equality before the law b) Article 19 (1)(g) which provides for the protection of certain rights to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business and c) Article 16 (2) of the Constitution which provides that no citizen shall be ineligible for or discriminated against in respect of employment on the grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of them.

Secondly, the law is against the basic principle of meritocracy that was the foundation for businesses to grow and remain competitive.

What were the Haryana Government’s arguments in support of the law?

The law merely makes a geographical classification, which is permitted under the Constitution.

The law was enacted in the compelling situation of increasing unemployment in the state.

The law does not discriminate against any person on grounds of place of birth or residence, but provides employment to local candidates on the basis of domicile.

Source: This post is based on the following articles 

– “High Court stays Haryana’s 75% law for reservation to locals in private jobs” published in The Hindu on 4th Feb 2022.

– “Explained: What is Haryana’s private sector quota law that the HC has stayed?” published in Indian Express on 4th Feb 2022.

ISRO conducts breakthrough demonstration of hack-proof quantum communication

What is the News?

Scientists from Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory have successfully demonstrated Quantum Entanglement. 

What is Quantum Communication?

Quantum communication is one of the safest ways of connecting two places with high levels of code and quantum cryptography that cannot be decrypted or broken by an external entity. 

If a hacker tries to crack the message in quantum communication, it changes its form in such a manner that would alert the sender and would cause the message to be altered or deleted.

What is Quantum Entanglement?

Quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon that occurs when a group of particles are generated, interact, or share spatial proximity in a way such that the quantum state of each particle of the group cannot be described independently of the state of the others, including when the particles are separated by a large distance.

What is Quantum Superposition?

Imagine a person is exercising in his/her living room. The person cannot turn left and right at the same time, not without splitting himself in two, at least). 

However, if the person is a quantum particle, then he/she can have a certain probability of facing left and a certain probability of facing right due to a phenomenon known as superposition (also known as coherence).

Only quantum systems like ions, electrons or superconducting circuits can exist in the superposition states that enable the power of quantum computing.

Source: This post is based on the article “ISRO conducts breakthrough demonstration of hack-proof quantum communication” published in India of Today on 4th February 2022.

KVIC’s “Charkha Kranti” Created a Buzz on Gandhian Values; Finds Mention in the President’s Address

What is the News?

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)’s Charkha Kranti Initiative has been mentioned by the President in his address to the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.

What is Charkha Kranti?

The Charkha Kranti is an initiative launched by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to popularize Charkha and the symbolism of Charkha across the globe.

Note: Mahatma Gandhi ingeniously deployed the charkha or spinning wheel as an important tool against British rule by using it as a metaphor of ‘ancient work ethics’ and as a symbol of economic and social reaction to British Rule.

Must Read: Solar Charkha Mission

How is the Charkha being popularized by KVIC?

– World’s largest wooden Charkha WAS installed at IGI Airport, New Delhi.

– The Biggest Ever Charkha distribution in Independent India was held at Ludhiana, Punjab.

– Pietermaritzburg station in South Africa sported a Khadi look and trains draped in Khadi fabric. It was the first such program sponsored by KVIC on foreign soil.

Note: In Pietermaritzburg Railway Station Gandhi ji was thrown off a train for refusing to give up his seat in a first class, “whites-only” compartment in 1893.

– Stainless Steel Charkha was unveiled in Bihar to commemorate Champaran Satyagrah centenary celebrations.

– World’s Largest Wall Mural of Mahatma Gandhi Made of terracotta Kulhads unveiled at NDMC building in New Delhi.

– A grand wall mural of Mahatma Gandhi made of clay Kulhads was installed at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmadabad. This is India’s 2nd and Gujarat’s first wall mural of this kind.

– World’s largest Monumental National Flag made of Khadi Fabric and weighing 1400 KG, unveiled in Leh.

Source: This post is based on the article “KVIC’s “Charkha Kranti” Created a Buzz on Gandhian Values; Finds Mention in the President’s Address” published in PIB on 4th February 2022.