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

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Stricter policy for accreditation of journalists, and the concerns
• Rights of the weak, duties of the powerful
• ‘NEET is discriminatory,against social justice’
• The case for easing our identity proof insistence
• What arguments in marital rape case reveal about insecurity of patriarchy
• Why opinion polls need regulation
• Tax incentives for Philanthropy
• Why we ought to replace legalese with plain language

GS Paper 3

• Back to nature: Immense need for crop diversification and role of agroforestry
• INDIA’S FRAMEWORK FOR CRYPTO TAX STILL NEEDS WORK
• RBI shouldn’t rush the launch of India’s official digital rupee
• Reducing edible oil imports
• Safeguarding childhoods from online harm during COVID-19 and beyond
• Step up agri-spending, boost farm incomes

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• NITI Aayog and USAID Collaborate to Accelerate Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India
• Power Minister Launches Powerthon-2022 for Enabling Advanced Technology in Power Distribution
• Explained: What is West Bengal’s ‘Paray Shikshalaya’, an open-air classroom initiative?
• Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram declared as India’s first OECM site
• India to help Sri Lanka launch its version of Aadhaar
• Meet India’s newest mammal: White Cheeked Macaque
• Govt expedites FDI from neighboring countries
• Scientists develop new technology platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 by fluorescence readout
• Report on MGNREGA: Raise guaranteed days of work, says House panel
• J&K becomes the first Union Territory to be integrated with National Single Window System

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Stricter policy for accreditation of journalists, and the concerns

News: Recently, the government has issued a new policy on accreditation of journalists, drafted by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B).

What does the policy say?

One, it lays down guidelines on how PIB accreditation will be granted to journalists.

Two, it has introduced a new section about reasons that can result in the suspension of the accreditation. For example, if a journalist is charged with a “serious cognisable offence”.

Three, applications for accreditation will be checked by a Central Press Accreditation Committee headed by the DG, PIB. Also, mandatory security check is conducted by the Home Ministry.

What are the eligibility criteria for accreditation?

One, a journalists should have a minimum five years’ professional experience as a full-time working journalist or a cameraperson in a news organization, or a minimum of 15 years as a freelancer to become eligible. Veteran journalists, with over 30 years of experience and who are older than 65 years of age, too are eligible.

Two, a newspaper or a periodical need to have a minimum daily circulation of 10,000, and news agencies must have at least 100 subscribers.

Three, rules are applicable on foreign news organizations and foreign journalists also. The policy has introduced a provision that journalists working with digital news platforms are also eligible if the website has a minimum of 10 lakh unique visitors per month.

How does accreditation help?

It recognizes them as a “professional working journalist”. It does not confer any special status, but there are some advantages. Only accredited journalists are allowed to report from the premises where VVIPs or dignitaries such as the President, the Vice President or the Prime Minister are present.

It allows the journalist to protect the identity of his or her sources. Also, the accreditation card is valid for entry into buildings under MHA security zone. The journalist and his or her family get certain benefits, such as inclusion in the Central Government Health Scheme and some concessions on railway tickets.

What are the concerns associated with these rules?

One, vague and broad terms can be misused to threaten journalists. For example, the frequently used tool by powerful people is filing defamation and now this has been mentioned as ground of cancellation of accreditation.

Two, the new provision about acting “in a manner which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality or “incitement of an offence” is subjective and has scope of being misused.

Three, there is no clarity on who will define the terms mentioned and decide whether the journalist’s conduct violates any of the conditions.

Four, government is bound by democratic norms to provide access to journalists to do their job. Also, If the government is deciding what a journalist can do or cannot, it means the policy is violating article 19.

Rights of the weak, duties of the powerful

News: Rights and duties of the citizens are correlative to each other, which means that rights have real meaning if individuals perform duties.

What is the relationship between rights and duties?

Rights and duties are complementary. If a person has a right to something, it necessarily implies that someone else has a corresponding duty. For example, If a person has a right to free speech, then it is the duty of the state to prevent its infringement. So, people are rights as well as duties bearing individuals.

How do one pit duties against rights?

The framework of rights and duties should be grounded in an egalitarian setup. In a deeply hierarchical inegalitarian society, only a few people have rights. For example, In patriarchal families, the father alone has the right to make decisions.

Similarly, a hierarchical caste system distributes rights and duties unequally. Any infringement of rights of an upper-caste brings heavy penalties to the lower caste.
In monarchies, the King has absolute unrestricted rights. Those at the bottom have a maximum number of duties.

It is revealed that in egalitarian societies people with power have rights while those without it have duties. Equality of duty and rights can be insured when there is equal distribution of power.

Can duties be beyond rights?

The importance of duty as a moral discourse cannot be denied. Duties that do not oppose rights, in fact, go beyond them. For example, a Doctor guided by a moral sense of duty would go beyond prescribing medicines and interact with the patient and the family to provide a sense of assurance. A society that has people who take virtue-based, solidarity-infused duties seriously is much better than where duties are not valued.

Duties are not antagonistic to rights. They are moral and non-justifiable. Many such duties are mentioned in the Indian constitution –
1) To preserve composite culture  2) Not destroyed natural environment  3) Develop scientific temper  4) Safeguard public property  5) Protect India’s sovereignty and integrity.

Though these duties are not legally enforceable, they impose an obligation on all citizens to go beyond the call of rights-based duties.

‘NEET is discriminatory,against social justice’

News: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in his speech argued about the negatives of NEET and its impact on the future of students.

Constitutionality of NEET

NEET is not a system established by the Constitution, so is not made a part of the Constitution. The Medical Council of India mandated the creation of NEET.

Why the Tamil Nadu state is opposing the NEET exam?

Federalism is a fundamental idea that truly safeguards the ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of India. NEET goes against the principle of social, justice and encroaches upon the federal rights of states.

According to AK Rajan committee established by TN state, NEET has limited the diversity of community representation in MBBS and higher medical courses by obstructing the desire of those underprivileged of receiving medical education and favouring the socio-economically rich sections.

According to the survey, government school children, those whose parents’ annual income is less than ₹2.5 lakh, the backward (BC), the most backward (MBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are the most affected. According to the research, those who studied in the Tamil medium in government schools are also harmed.

What is the purpose of introducing the NEET exemption bill?

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a Bill to dispense with the NEET. This bill is passed based on the recommendation of the high-level committee led by retired judge AK Rajan. According to it, NEET is beneficial mostly to private training institutes and the rich section and is not beneficial to the poor section.

But, recently, the bill was returned by the governor.

What is the observation of the Supreme Court?

In Modern Dental College vs Madhya Pradesh government, SC said that the State government has the power to legislate on student admissions to higher education institutions.

In another judgement delivered by Justice Banumathi in the same case, the court ruled that the law regulating student admission was within the jurisdiction of the State government.

So, by introducing NEET exemption bill, the TN government is using the legislative power of the State legislature.

The case for easing our identity proof insistence

News: The government of India has informed the Supreme Court that it had provided covid vaccination to 8.7 million people without asking for identification.

What are the steps initiated by the government of India?

Apart from Aadhaar, the government allowed citizens to use eight alternative documents to register themselves on Co-Win, a website for vaccine allotment. But, at the same time, the government also relaxed the ID proof requirement for sadhus and saints of all religions, those leading nomadic lives, inmates of prisons and mental health institutions, and others with none of these nine identity documents.

Given the state has the responsibility for everyone’s well-being, basic rights like health cannot be made dependent on establishing identity. So. this is the most sensible decision by the government in a time when the country is fighting to put an end to the pandemic.

Why government should remove ID requirements from its programs?

Personal safety overlaps with the public interest in vaccine delivery. They should be extended to all food handouts. This would also lead to nutritional security.
Plugging any such leakage should be the goal of the Aadhaar. So, providing food handouts should not be made dependent on the possession of ID.

Similarly, health ID cards for online access to the central database should remain optional. The national digital health ecosystem should not erect barriers. Hence, the Aadhaar should be made voluntary.

What arguments in marital rape case reveal about insecurity of patriarchy

News: Recently, hearings are going on a petition to criminalize marital rape.

What arguments have been presented against marital rape?

Some call it anti-civilizational law. The argument of its misuse is also presented. Many cases of false filing of cases of sexual abuse have been reported by NCRB. A study by Rukmini S showed that 40% of complaints of consensual sex were later criminalized by parents.

Many cases of filing false dowry accusations have come to light recently. Women do it as cases are often referred for mediation, and these cases help attend them better bargaining power. Thus, the criminalization of marital rape opens up the battle between law and morality. The power relations within families will now come out in open.

But the petition against marital rape has been an opportunity for India to make marital rape a crime and unravel some of the unspoken norms on sexual crimes and marital relations.

Why opinion polls need regulation

News:  Despite EC’s efforts, the broad consensus from political parties, opinion and exit polls continue to undermine elections.

What is the stand of the Election Commission of India on opinion polls?

ECI feel that opinion polls interfere with free and fair elections due to sponsored paid news which is normally biased. Such polls are non-transparent, as they provide very little information about the methodology used to conduct these polls. This results in spreading disinformation and influencing the audience for their own agenda, which is also an Electoral offence under IPC section 171(c).

So, ECI called two all-party meetings in 1997 and 2004 for the ban on opinion polls. Although there was unanimous demand for a ban, the question was whether the ban should apply from the announcement of the poll schedule or the date of notification.

In 1998, the ECI issued guidelines that were challenged in the SC. The court questioned ECI on how it would enforce the guidelines in the absence of a law. So, later on, ECI withdrew the guidelines.

In 2008, the matter resurfaced when political parties approached ECI to ban on opinion and exit polls. The ECI advised them to raise the matter in Parliament, as it required legislative amendment. Parliament then banned exit polls but not opinion polls (126A, RP Act).

In 2013, the debate on banning opinion polls was revived when the law ministry advised the ECI to once again seek the view of all political parties.

What are the other stakeholders who want a ban on the opinion polls?

Apart from ECI and political parties, the Press Council of India also supported the ban. It believed that the print media is being exploited by certain individuals or groups. These groups misguided the voters on the basis religion, caste, ethnicity etc.

In a sting operation by a television news channel in 2014, 11 polling companies were caught red-handed fraudulently manipulating surveys.

What is the viewpoint of the Supreme Court on opinion polls?

In Union of India vs ADR, 2003, SC has emphasised, “Democracy cannot survive without free and fair elections”

In PUCL vs Union of India, 2003; NOTA judgment, 2013, it said that Free and fair elections is the basic structure of the Constitution.

In Mohinder Singh Gill vs CEC of India, 1977, Court said that “The heart of the parliamentary system is free and fair elections”

What is the approach adopted by other countries on opinion polls?

In most democracies, opinion and exit polls are common during elections. However, restrictions are also imposed in many countries, extending from 2-21 days prior to the poll like Canada, France, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Argentina, etc.

What is the way forward?

Self-regulatory body:  India can adopt an independent regulator, like the British Polling Council. Under which all polling agencies should disclose for scrutiny the sponsor, methodology, time frame, quality of training of research staff, etc.

Tax incentives for Philanthropy

News: Civil society plays a key role in development of the society. Hence, it is important to study various aspects that affect its functioning.

Despite this, impact of tax incentives on charitable donations has not been systematically studied in the Indian context. 

Is there any global in-depth research on the role of tax incentives in supporting civil society? 

No. The role of tax incentives in supporting civil society is poorly studied in most countries. 

Although there are some studies from the U.S. and the U.K., but here too, the non-monetary impact of tax incentives is not deeply examined. 

For example: Does the legal relationship that tax incentives create between the state and the civil society as a sector impact its financial health and stability? 

Why the issue of tax incentive to civil society is critical for the development ?  

Civil society organisations have historically played an irreplaceable role in social development. Many government programmes have emerged due to a harmonious relationship with NGOs that have implemented an innovative idea.  

Governments have provided the scale and state support, while the NGOs have provided the ideational energy and community experience.

For example: The activity-based learning approach developed by Rishi Valley in Tamil Nadu during the early 2000s.  

Why are tax incentives are important? 

Many NGOs in India are small and operate with budgets of less than ₹15 lakh a year and most work in areas like health and education which are critical for society’s progress. 

For these small NGOs in remote areas or those working in areas that are less recognised, the tax incentives may still be significant for establishing legal recognition with the community, government entities and donors. 

The most essential role of tax incentives is the ‘signalling effect’. It denotes that the state supports philanthropic activity and, through its revenue forgone, actively encourages private actors to engage with public problems. 

What is the way forward? 

There is an urgent need for a  systematic study of the impact of tax incentives. 

Government may reintroduce wealth and inheritance tax so that charity-focused tax incentives can benefit the non-profit sector. 

There is need for some changes to the new tax regime dilutes the state-civil society relationship by giving donors the option to opt out of incentives for lower tax rates. As this will spur the growth of research and study in the area. 

Why we ought to replace legalese with plain language

News: Recently, judges of India’s Supreme Court were unable to comprehend a judgement of Himachal Pradesh high court due to its dense legal language.  

Why is there a use of such dense language in legal documents? 

The justification given is that it is the only way to ensure that every possible consequence is adequately addressed.

Lawyers do this to prevent their clients’ suffering if things are left unsaid actually become a problem.

Similarly they are used in judgement to make them effectively counter any doubts that emerge. 

What are the consequences of this? 

In a world that has increasingly prioritized the democratization of access, this stops citizens to become a part of policymaking.  

More here. 

What is the situation in other countries? 

A number of countries have enacted legislations that impose plain-language obligations on government functionaries, requiring them to communicate in words that can be easily understood.

In the US, the Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal government agencies to promote clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.  

What is the way forward? 

Apart from simplifying the language of our laws, government needs to follow some additional measures as well. 

All government departments should be required to publish on their websites a complete list of all laws, rules and regulations that apply to those over whom they have authority, and only enforce those laws. This will prevent any misapplication of any fine on citizens. 

Efforts should be made to consolidate all these regulations into a single, easy-to-understand code that presents a comprehensive snapshot of all applicable regulations. Reserve bank of India do this for its circulars. 

Along with every law that is enforced, the government should publish an official note that describes, in plain language, what that law covers, who it applies to, and the obligations they are required to meet.  

Government Should only collect new information from regulated entities to reduce the burden of compliance. 

For some more suggestions,read here. 

GS Paper 3

Back to nature: Immense need for crop diversification and role of agroforestry

News: This article discusses how crop diversification can help in dealing with numerous issues faced by the Indian agriculture and how agroforestry can add to it.

What are the issues associated with Indian Agriculture?

One, farmers face numerous challenges and climatic vagaries during agricultural production, such as untimely rainfall, stone hail, drought, flood etc. Other challenges include post-harvest losses, storage and unavailability of proper marketing which increases the problem.

Two, the human-wildlife or human-crops conflict, forest fires, organic matter deficit soil, monoculture, plant disease and infestation, migration are a new set of problems. Also, the mono-cropping pattern reduces resource-use efficiency.

Three, other issue is rising input cost. Increase in input, increases the productivity initially but then progressively declines. Also, Green Revolution has changed the cropping pattern resulting in nutrient deficiency along with a declined population of microfauna.

How traditional approach of ‘crop diversification’ can help?

One, crop diversification is a strategy applied to grow more diverse crops from shrinking land resources with an increase in productivity.  It helps in breaking the mono-cropping pattern by the introduction of diverse crops which helps in reviving the soil health and increasing the resource-use efficiency.

Two, it is more stable and pro-nature. For example, in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India, Barahnaja is a crop diversification system for cultivating 12 crops in a year.

Three, the persistent use of chemicals, weedicides and insecticides in mono-cropping pattern reduces productivity, resource-use efficiency, result in accumulation of chemical residue and deteriorates soil health.

How agroforestry can help in sustaining crop diversification?

 First, integration of trees in the cropping system is known as agroforestry. It is a part of primitive and tribal agriculture which includes indigenous technical knowledge

Second, agroforestry balances both ecological and economic interactions of biotic and abiotic components for efficient utilisation of available resources.

 Third, agroforestry can generate food, feed, fruits, fibre, fuel, fodder, fish, flavour, fragrance, floss, gum, resins and other non-wood products for food and nutritional security. It can also support livelihoods and promote productive, resilient agricultural environments.

For instance, in North America, farmers preferred agroforestry over agriculture to improve their economic gain and natural resource conservation.

Major agroforestry practices in India include multifunctional improved fallows, home gardens, plantation crop-based mixed-species production systems, alley cropping, woodlots, windbreaks, protein banks, shifting cultivation and Taungya.

Fourth, agro-forestry enhances biodiversity by creating diverse habitat for macro and micro-organisms and maintains landforms for future generations.

Sixth, it integrates traditionally grown crops with other commercial crops such as cereals, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, fruits in agri-horticulture, horti-silviculture, silvolericulture, silvo-floriculture, silvi-medicinal, agri-hortisilviculture, aqua-forestry, silvi-pasture, horti-pasture.

Seventh, trees also increase the resiliency in the cropping system and reduce negative externalities. Hence, it promotes crop diversity.

What is the way forward?

First, there is an urgent need to adopt modified cropping system, agroforestry and integrated cropping pattern with changing agronomical practices. It will help in adaptation to the climate change and promote sustainable cropping to support small and marginal farmers.

Second, there is need to promote integrated farming system which advocates diversification of the agri-production with other associated secondary and tertiary agriculture practices.

INDIA’S FRAMEWORK FOR CRYPTO TAX STILL NEEDS WORK

News: The recent decision to tax Cryptocurrency by 30% has received mixed reactions. A more robust regulatory framework is needed.

Has India legitimized Cryptocurrency?

No. Tax law, by nature, cannot legitimise transactions or commodities. The understanding that India has proposed a tax on cryptocurrency and hence legitimized it, is, therefore, flawed.

How Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) have been defined and issues with the definition?

– Read here

Exception: Indian and foreign currencies have been excluded from the definition of VDAs.

Issues:

– Debit card or credit card holders earn reward points generated through electronic means. Generally, not taxable, but by virtue of the broad definition of VDAs, experts think that they may be taxed.

– As per the Govt, any income from the transfer of any VDA shall be taxed at 30%. But it is unlcear whether the ‘transfer’ would include coin rewards for mining and staking. A mining reward, sometimes in the form of coins is paid to the miners. The coins are not paid by an entity but are won on the network. Therefore, there is no transfer or transferor per se.

Is Bitcoin a foreign currency?

Since Bitcoin was adopted by El Salvador as a legal tender (currency) there was some confusion whether definition of VDAs would include Bitcoin or not.

But, even if Bitcoin is adopted as a currency in foreign countries, it still will come under the purview of a VDA because any instrument must be a currency first and then only can it be foreign currency.

What is the policy approach wrt NFTs and the associated issues?

Only NFTs specifically notified by the government will be covered by VDAs. This approach seems quite tedious because every NFT will have to be notified first and can only then can it be taxed.

The second approach, wherein characteristics will be laid out for NFTs in the notification, seems much more apt. Until a notification spelling out these characteristics are not laid out, they cannot be taxed at 30%.

What is the way forward?

To have a more robust taxation framework for cryptocurrencies, the government must:

– Clarify that cryptocurrencies whether recognised as legal tender in other jurisdictions or not will be covered by the definition of VDAs

– Clarify whether mining rewards in the form of coins are taxable under section 115BBH

– Notify preferably, the characteristics of NFTs that will be covered under the definition of VDAs

– Introduce the framework for taxing cryptocurrencies under goods and services tax law to offer tax certainty.

RBI shouldn’t rush the launch of India’s official digital rupee

News: Rushing the implementation of a digital rupee is fraught with unnecessary risks.

What are the advantages and associated issues of a CBDC?

Advantages:

– As researcher Bhargavi Zaveri observes, depositors at 21 Indian lenders have been restricted from withdrawing their funds due to bank distress in the last few years. A CBDC will mitigate the risk of losses that Indian depositors face when dealing with commercial banks.

– A CBDC could eliminate the need for an expensive network of correspondent banks to settle cross-border payments. For Indians working abroad, sending money home will become simpler and cheaper.

Issues:

– Threat to financial stability: If e-cash becomes popular and RBI places no limit on the amount that can be stored in mobile wallets, weaker banks may struggle to retain low-cost deposits. Their less-liquid balance sheets could leave them vulnerable to bank runs.

– Moreover, as purchases go online, the basis of trust in demand deposits, that they convert to cash at face value, may get reduced.

– Transactions conducted with CBDCs may not be visible to payment apps, and fintech firms may lose access to some data being mined for cheap loans to those who don’t have collateral.

What is the global situation wrt a digital currency?

Sweden: In India, banknotes account for about 15% of money supply, compared with 1% in Sweden. Yet, Riksbank is in no hurry to embrace a CBDC. After five years of weighing options, the Swedish monetary authority is still to take a final decision on whether to issue an e-krona.

USA: The US Fed is seeking the public’s views on whether to provide an official tender to compete against private stablecoins.

Europe: A digital euro is in a 24-month investigation. If all goes well, the European Central Bank may offer it by 2025. Japan may delay a call to 2026.

Why has India set an early deadline to launch a CBDC?

India recently announced that its central bank will issue a digital currency as early as 2022-23.

– India’s rushed deadline seems to be at least partly a response to rising popularity of cryptocurrencies.

– Another reason for hurry, may be a desire to compete with China’s e-CNY, which by early November had some 140 million individuals signed up for its e-CNY. But China has no national roll-out date, and Alipay and WeChat Pay retain their stranglehold on digital payments.

What is the way forward?

A digital rupee may not be a bad idea for the monetary authority to use technology to put out a message for the bank managements that they need to stop taking depositors for granted.

Still, that lesson is probably best administered after lenders have put the covid-related stress on their balance sheets behind them.

Besides, RBI must do its homework. The technology, blockchain or otherwise, will need to balance the often-conflicting goals of speed, scalability, auditability, security and privacy, something the Fed is trying to do as part of its Project Hamilton.

Given India’s vast digital divide, a protocol for offline use has also to be worked out.

Reducing edible oil imports

News: Government has extended the stockholding curbs on oilseeds and edible oils. This may prove to be harmful for India’s vision of boosting the output of oilseeds to reduce dependence on imports for edible oils. 

Why is this step harmful for the economy’s health? 

Wrong signal to market: Economic Survey has also cautioned against such knee-jerk reactions that arise due to sudden policy changes. They may lead to price fluctuations of essential items and send wrong signals to domestic producers. 

This along with step like abolishing import duties and drastically slash the agri-cess on edible oils will only lead to an increase in import of the commodity. 

There has been a bumper rabi harvest of oilseeds. Any restraint on stock holding at this stage would tend to keep the buyers away from the market, thereby, depressing the prices during the post-harvest marketing season to the detriment of the growers.  

Low price realisation would deter the farmers from raising oilseeds production in the next kharif as well, thus perpetuating the dependence on purchases from abroad. 

Why India’ dependence on imports for oilseeds is not a good long term policy? 

Oil is an essential kitchen component, and depending on imports to such a large extent may have negative consequences in the future. Any disruption in supplies can pose problems for India.  

What is the way forward? 

India has the potential to grow enough oilseeds and edible oils to meet its needs, it just needs a right strategy. 

The Oilseed Technology Mission, set up in the mid-1980s had given some positive results for the sector, but it was abandoned in the 1990s. India can adopt a similar policy now to increase domestic production for the benefit of all stakeholders, that is producers, processors and consumers. 

Safeguarding childhoods from online harm during COVID-19 and beyond

News: Recently on 8^th February, safer internet day was celebrated. It reminds to analyse internet’s impact on children while providing uninterrupted learning during the pandemic but also exposing them to several online risks

How pandemic has increased online risks for children?

One, during the lockdown, children did not have option of outdoor games, and it made them to explore online games. But the competition during game sometimes results in violent behavior and change in behavior pattern while affecting their psycho-social wellness.

Two, as per Internet Watch Foundation, 2021 was the worst year on record for child sexual abuse online.

Three, CRY ‘Online Safety and Internet Addiction’ study revealed that half of the respondents displayed some level of addiction to the Internet.

Four, longer hours on the internet makes children vulnerable to risks like online sexual abuse, grooming / sexual solicitation, sexting, exposure to pornography, production and circulation of child sexual abuse material, cyber-bullying, online harassment and cyber-victimisation.

For instance, NCRB (2020) data says there is a sharp increase of about 400 % in cyber-crimes committed against children in comparison to the last year.

Also, according to Interpol pandemic has changed the trends of child sexual exploitation around the world. Offenders will adapt and change their online environments to avoid detection and to target platforms that are popular with children.

Five, the pandemic has also limited access to community support and services which are important in addressing child sexual exploitation, which makes children more susceptible.

What is the way forward?

First, there is a need to study online trends and risks faced by children. For example, Child Rights and You (CRY) are conducting regular sessions to build awareness about cyber-safety for children.

Second, all the stakeholders including the government, the civil society and the parents should also fulfil their responsibility in safe-guarding children’s safety.

Three, there should be adequate budgetary allocations to implement a robust mechanism towards ensuring children’s online safety. For example, child protection budget has marked an increase of 44 per cent in budget 2022-23, but there should be clarity in terms of what portion of that will go to address online safety of children.

Step up agri-spending, boost farm incomes

News: The present budget (2022-23) has increased allocation towards the agricultural sector by 4.4%.

What is the issue with the current budgetary allocation for agriculture?

First, the current rate of increase in budget is lower than the current inflation rate of 5.5%-6%. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, the government expenditure on agriculture in India is 7.3% of its total expenditure. But, India lags behind several low-income countries such as Malawi (18%), Mali (12.4%), Bhutan (12%), Nepal (8%).

Second, there is no visible increase in capital investment, which is more crucial than price support programs. For instance, Allocation for rural development was 5.59% in the previous Budget, which has been reduced to 5.23%.

Third, flow of funds towards important schemes has also been reduced. For example, allocation towards Market Intervention Scheme and Price Support Scheme (MIS-PSS) is 62% less than the previous budgets.

How Agriculture Orientation Index (AOI) ranks India?

One, AOI was developed as part of the Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It measures the ratio between government spending towards the agricultural sector and the sector’s contribution to GDP.

As per this index, India spends lowest towards the agricultural sector, which is not in line with the sector’s contribution towards GDP.

Two, India’s AOI is lowest in Asia and among several other middle-income and upper-income countries. Also, lower income African countries such as Zambia spend more despite being a landlocked country.

Three, India is an agrarian economy where a large population depends on it, but it holds only the 38th rank in the world while being one of the largest producers of several crops.

Four, larger spending is associated with greater productivity. For example, the total cereal yield in India is only around 3,282 kilograms per hectare compared to 4,225 kg per hectare in Asia. Eastern Asia has the highest cereal yield of 6,237 kg per hectare. In China, the average land holding size is lower than in India, but the crop yield is much higher than India.

What is the way forward?

First, there is need to increase government spending towards the agricultural sector to attain the sustainable development goals of higher agricultural growth and farm income.

Second, as suggested by National Commission on Farmers, there is a need to develop irrigation facilities, urban infrastructure, national highways, rural infrastructure, rural transportation facilities, and increase the number of markets. It will integrate small and marginal farmers into the agricultural supply chain to a greater extent.

Three, AOI suggest increasing investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, development of technology to enhance agricultural productivity and eradication of poverty in middle- and lower-income countries.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

NITI Aayog and USAID Collaborate to Accelerate Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India

What is the news?

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a new partnership under the Sustainable Access to Markets and Resources for Innovative Delivery of Healthcare (SAMRIDH) Initiative.

What is the SAMRIDH Initiative?

In 2020, USAID and other stakeholders from the Indian government, academia and the private sector developed the SAMRIDH initiative. 

The initiative blended finance facility to combine public and philanthropic funds with commercial capital to create and rapidly scale market-based health solutions.

Note: Blended finance is an approach towards financing where catalytic funding (e.g., grants and concessional capital) from public and philanthropic sources is utilized to mobilize additional private sector investment to realize social goals and outcomes. 

How will the collaboration between AIM and USAID help the SAMRIDH Initiative?

The collaboration aims to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare for vulnerable populations in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and rural and tribal regions.

It will enhance SAMRIDH’s efforts to reach vulnerable populations by using AIM’s expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

It will also focus on innovations across the healthcare landscape. The common goal will be to mount an effective response to the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 and build health system preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks and health emergencies.

Source: This post is based on the article “NITI Aayog and USAID Collaborate to Accelerate Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India” published in PIB on 8th Feb 2022.

Power Minister Launches Powerthon-2022 for Enabling Advanced Technology in Power Distribution

What is the news?

The Union Minister for Power has virtually launched Powerthon-2022.

What is Powerthon-2022?

Powerthon-2022 is a hackathon announced by the REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) in collaboration with IIT Bombay.

The hackathon is being organized under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme(RDSS).

Aim: To find technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems in power distribution and to ensure quality and reliable power supply.

The nine themes for the hackathon are: demand/load forecasting, AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) loss reduction, energy theft detection, prediction of DT (Distribution Transformer) failure, asset inspection, vegetation management, consumer experience enhancement, renewable energy integration and power purchase optimization.

What is Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)?

RDSS is a Reform-based and Result-linked Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Power.

Objectives of the scheme: a) Reducing AT&C losses to 12-15% by 2024-25 b) eliminating the ACOS-ARR gap by 2024-25 and c) improving the quality & reliability of the power supply to build a robust power sector.

Components: The scheme has the following components:

– Part A – Financial support for Prepaid Smart Metering & System Metering and up-gradation of the Distribution Infrastructure.

– Part B – Training & Capacity Building and other Enabling & Supporting Activities.

Note: The Scheme also lays special emphasis on using Advanced tech to analyze data generated through IT/OT devices to increase operational efficiency & financial sustainability of DISCOMs.

Source: This post is based on the article “Power Minister Launches Powerthon-2022 for Enabling Advanced Technology in Power Distribution” published in PIB on 9th Feb 2022.

Explained: What is West Bengal’s ‘Paray Shikshalaya’, an open-air classroom initiative?

What is the news?

The West Bengal government has launched ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ Initiative.

What is the ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ Initiative?

It is an open-air classroom initiative for students from class 1 to 7. 

Aim: To encourage students who dropped out of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic to continue their education.

Under the initiative, schools which have open-air spaces held the classes there. But the schools which do not have open-air spaces conducted the classes in neighborhood parks and grounds.

Students are being called in batches and arrangements for mid-day meals have also been made for the students taking these classes.

Why was this ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ Initiative launched?

The West Bengal Government opened schools for classes 8 to 12. However, students studying in lower classes continued to take the online classes. 

But a section of doctors and parents were in favor of reopening schools for Class 1 to 7. In view of the rising demand for physical classes, the state government reopened schools and also launched this initiative.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: What is West Bengal’s ‘Paray Shikshalaya’, an open-air classroom initiative?” published in Indian Express on 9^th Feb 2022.

Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram declared as India’s first OECM site

What is the News?

Aravalli Biodiversity Park was declared India’s first “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECM) site.

What are the other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) Sites?

The OECM tag is given by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The tag is conferred upon areas that have achieved effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity, but are outside protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries.

The OECM tag does not bring any legal, financial or management implications but designates the area as a biodiversity hotspot on the international map.

Note: The proposal to declare Aravalli Biodiversity Park an OECM site was sent by the National Biodiversity Authority to the IUCN in 2020.

What is Aravalli Biodiversity Park?

The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is located in Gurugram. It has semi-arid vegetation with lots of native plants, trees, shrubs and several species of birds.

The park was transformed into a city forest from a 40-year-old mining site through the efforts of citizens, ecologists and scientists along with the help of the urban local body of Gurugram.

Source: This post is based on the article “Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram declared as India’s first OECM site” published in Hindustan Times on 3^rd Feb 2022.

India to help Sri Lanka launch its version of Aadhaar

What is the news?

India has agreed to provide a grant to Sri Lanka to implement a ‘Unitary Digital Identity framework’.

What is the Unitary Digital Identity framework (UDIF)?

UDIF is apparently similar to India’s Aadhaar card.

The proposed UDIF is expected to introduce a:

– Personal identity verification device based on biometric data

– Digital tool that can represent the identities of individuals in cyberspace and

– Identification of individual identities that can be accurately verified in digital and physical environments by combining the two devices.

What is the significance of this development?

India has been providing substantive economic assistance to Sri Lanka totalling $ 1.4 billion since the beginning of this year.

This is being done to help Sri Lanka overcome its dollar crunch, and import food, medicines and fuel amid frequent shortages.

Source: This post is based on the article “India to help Sri Lanka launch its version of Aadhaar” published in Hindustan Times on 9th Feb 2022.

Meet India’s newest mammal: White Cheeked Macaque

What is the News?

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have found a new mammal species named “White Cheeked Macaque” from central Arunachal Pradesh.

What is White Cheeked Macaque?

Scientific Name: Macaca leucogenys

It was first discovered in 2015 by a group of Chinese scientists from southeastern Tibet.

This macaque is distinct from other macaques found in the region as it displays white cheeks, long and thick hairs on the neck area and a longer tail.

It is also the last mammal to have been discovered in Southeast Asia.

Note: Arunachal macaque, as well as the White Cheeked Macaque, exist in the same biodiversity hotspot in the eastern Himalayas.

What is the significance of this discovery?

Firstly, with this discovery, India’s mammal count increases from 437 to 438.

Secondly, this discovery will lay the foundation of the species being covered by the Wildlife Protection Act of India, which presently doesn’t cover it simply because we didn’t know it existed in India.

Source: This post is based on the article “Meet India’s newest mammal: White Cheeked Macaque” published in The Hindu on 9th Feb 2022.

Govt expedites FDI from neighboring countries

What is the News?

The Government of India is fast-tracking the approval process for Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) from countries that share a land border with India.

Background

In April 2020, the Government of India had made prior government approval mandatory for foreign direct investments(FDI) from countries that share a land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment is situated in such country.

This was done to curb opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and amid rising tensions with China.

What is the Government doing now?

The Government of India is expediting the approval process for Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) from countries that share a land border with India. For example, pending investment proposals from these countries have shrunk to a third over the past four months.

Further, the Government is also considering a 25% “beneficial ownership” threshold for investments from these countries to determine if they need to go through an approval process at all.

However, India is also cautious of Chinese investments. The tensions between India and China escalated in 2020 after soldiers clashed on the disputed Himalayan border. India has since then clamped down on Chinese investments, especially in sensitive industries, and banned several Chinese phone apps among other steps. 

Source: This post is based on the article “India to help Sri Lanka launch its version of Aadhaar” published in Hindustan Times on 9th Feb 2022.

Scientists develop new technology platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 by fluorescence readout

Source: This post is based on the article “Scientists develop new technology platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 by fluorescence readout” published in PIB on 9th Feb 2022.

What is the News?

A team of Indian scientists have developed a new technology platform for fluorometric detection of pathogens such as viruses by measurement of fluorescent light emitted.

Background

Viruses are a major global threat to human health, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to inflict catastrophic effects on all aspects of our lives. 

This unprecedented transmission rate of RNA virus has necessitated rapid and accurate diagnosis to facilitate contact tracing (prevent spreading) and to provide timely treatment.

RT-q-PCR (Quantitative reverse transcription PCR) test has been the gold standard for accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). However, this test is not very reliable and takes a longer time to give results.

What have Indian Scientists developed now?

Indian Scientists have developed Noncanonical nucleic acid-based G-quadruplex (GQ) topology targeted-reliable conformational polymorphism (GQ-RCP) platform to diagnose Covid-19 clinical samples.

This platform detects viruses by measuring the fluorescent light that is emitted.

This platform can also be used to detect other DNA/RNA pathogens such as HIV, influenza, HCV, Zika, Ebola, bacteria, and other mutating pathogens.

Report on MGNREGA: Raise guaranteed days of work, says House panel

What is the News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has submitted its evaluation report on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(MGNREGA).

What are the recommendations given by the committee on MGNREGA?

Firstly, it has recommended an increase in guaranteed days of work from 100 to 150 under the MGNREGA.

Secondly, the budgetary allocation of the scheme should be done in a more “pragmatic manner” so that there is no dearth of funds in mid-year and flow of funds for payment of wages and material share is maintained seamlessly.

Note: In Union Budget 2022-23, there has been no increase in the allocation for the MGNREGA.

Thirdly, the committee highlighted the inordinate delay in the payment of wages to the MGNREGA beneficiaries. Hence, it has asked the Department of Rural Development to take all possible measures to clear the wage liabilities as soon as possible.

Fourthly, the committee has recommended increasing the wage rates under MGNREGA by linking it with an index commensurate with inflation.

Source: This post is based on the article “Report on MGNREGA: Raise guaranteed days of work, says House panel” published in Indian Express on 9th Feb 2022.

J&K becomes the first Union Territory to be integrated with National Single Window System

What is the News?

Jammu & Kashmir became the first Union Territory to be onboarded the National Single Window System(NSWS).

What is the National Single Window System(NSWS)?

The National Single Window System(NSWS) was launched in 2021 by the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.

It is a digital platform that serves as a guide for investors to identify and apply for approvals as per their business requirements. 

The platform eliminates the need for investors to visit multiple platforms/offices to gather information and obtain clearances from different stakeholders.

The Know Your Approval (KYA) module on NSWS guides investors to identify approvals required for their business based on a dynamic intuitive questionnaire.

Twenty Ministries / Departments have been integrated into NSWS including the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare amongst others.

14 States/UTs onboarded on NSWS include Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Source: This post is based on the article “J&K becomes the first Union Territory to be integrated with National Single Window System” published in PIB on 9th Feb 2022.