Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Bibek Debroy writes: Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper
• Express View on SC order on ED chief: State’s strong arm
• Christophe Jaffrelot writes: What the Indo-French relationship needs
• Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions
• Is it possible to have partial app bans?
• Weakening autonomy – on ED’s tenure extension

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Bibek Debroy writes: Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper

Source: The post is based on the article “Bibek Debroy writes: Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper” published in “The Indian Express ” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Function and responsibility of various constitutional bodies & GS-3 -Government budgeting

News: The article talks about the work of India’s Finance Commissions, which give advice on how money should be moved between the national and state governments. The article says that this advice often doesn’t get followed because it’s too complicated or not a priority.

What is the Role of Finance Commissions?

Finance Commissions (FCs) in India are established under Article 280 of the Constitution. They primarily handle three responsibilities:

1. Vertical devolution, which involves transferring funds from the Union to states.
2. Horizontal distribution, which concerns distributing funds between states, based on specific formulas.
3. Grant-in-aid, regulated under Article 275, provided to states in need of assistance.

What Was the Impact of the 13th and 15th Finance Commissions?

The 13th FC was set up in 2007 and made recommendations for the period 2010 to 2015. A focus of the 13th FC was on grants-in-aid, which are significant parts of FC transfers.

Two key areas for grant assistance highlighted by the 13th FC were justice delivery and the statistical system.

Despite optimistic expectations, the impact in these areas was disappointing. For instance, the FC hoped to dispose of a large number of pending court cases and enhance the justice delivery system with a funding of Rs 2,500 crore. However, the actual outcome was not as expected.

Similarly, the 15th FC made a number of reform suggestions for both Union and state levels, and performance-based grants. Yet, many of these recommendations, despite being comprehensive, were often ignored.

Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper?

Lack of compliance: Both the Union and state governments sometimes overlook or ignore the recommendations. They may not agree with them or have other priorities.

Complex reforms: Some of the suggested reforms can be complicated to implement. They require significant changes in government processes and policies.

Resource constraints: The governments, particularly at the state level, might face resource constraints. This can make it hard for them to put the recommendations into practice.

Policy prioritization: The governments often focus more on resource distribution. The recommended reforms may not align with their policy priorities.

Conditionalities: Some states object to the conditions attached to grants. They believe these restrictions limit their expenditure options.

Insufficient data: There can be a lack of necessary data to implement the recommendations. For instance, the 13th FC pointed out statistical gaps that hindered implementation.

Performance-Based Grants: The 15th FC proposed performance-based grants. However, this requires the establishment of clear and efficient performance metrics, which can be challenging.

What should be done?

For better results, the Finance Commission should make recommendations simpler and more practical. It should also work with governments to understand and overcome their challenges.

Governments should prioritize these recommendations, gather needed resources, adjust grant conditions, and fill data gaps.

Express View on SC order on ED chief: State’s strong arm

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on SC order on ED chief: State’s strong arm” published in “The Indian Express ” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Issues associated with the functioning of judiciary – Supreme Court

News: The Supreme Court has made a decision in the case of Sanjay Kumar Mishra. He is the chief of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court decided that two extensions to his term were not valid. Mishra must leave his job on July 31. This is four months earlier than planned.

What is the Supreme Court’s (SC) view in the Sanjay Kumar Mishra case?

The Supreme Court has shared its opinion on the matter of Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s tenure. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the Court’s perspective:

Separating procedural and political elements: The Supreme Court was cautious in differentiating between the procedural and political aspects in the challenge to Mishra’s appointment. It was clear in its stance that while political motivations might be involved, the focus should be on the legal procedures followed or violated.

Unlawful extensions: The Court announced the two tenure extensions received by Mishra as invalid. They instructed him to step down from his position on July 31, much earlier than the end of his original term.

Parliament’s authority to modify laws: The Court upheld the power of Parliament to amend laws. It stated that Parliament has the right to modify laws to extend the tenure of positions like the ED and CBI chief.

Warning against arbitrary power use: The Court also emphasized the importance of not using this power arbitrarily. It suggested that, while Parliament has the authority to change the laws, it should not be done randomly or without good reason.

Specific criticism in Mishra’s case: The Court expressed disapproval of how this power was used in the specific case of Mishra. It found fault with the government for extending his tenure, despite a previous Court direction against it.

Rejection of opposition’s claims: The Supreme Court declined to consider the Opposition’s plea. The Opposition had accused the central government of using the agency for its own political gains, but the Court did not entertain this.

Expectations from the agency: Lastly, the Court placed the onus on the ED to demonstrate its fairness and transparency. It expects the agency to convince its critics about its impartial and honest operations.

Christophe Jaffrelot writes: What the Indo-French relationship needs

Source: The post is based on the article

“Christophe Jaffrelot writes: What the Indo-French relationship needs” published in The Indian Express on 13th July 2023.

“French Connections” published in “Times of India” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: This article discusses the strategic and security-focused relationship between India and France. The article highlights their cooperation in balancing China’s influence, conducting joint military operations, forging big defence contracts, and their partnership in nuclear energy. The article also emphasises the future possibilities of their collaboration, like the International Solar Alliance and involvement in regional networks and minilateral forums.

What is the significance of India and France relations?

Economic relations: In the fiscal year 2022-23, the bilateral trade between India and France was valued at $12.56 billion. Despite this figure, there is potential for growth. Both countries are focusing on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to bolster their economic ties.

Role in global politics: In the current shifting global political scenario, both India and France can serve as significant balancers. This highlights the importance of their alliance not just bilaterally, but also for global stability.

Strategic and defence significance: India and France share a strong strategic relationship, with France being India’s second-most important ally after the US. They are commemorating 25 years of this alliance. Notably, France opposed sanctions on India following its 1998 nuclear test. In terms of defence, France was India’s second-largest supplier from 2018 to 2022, accounting for 29% of India’s imports. During PM Modi’s visit, purchases of 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines are expected, which will strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

Geopolitical importance: The geopolitical landscape has brought India and France even closer. After being excluded from the Trans-Atlantic alliance’s AUKUS pact in 2021, France has expanded its engagement with countries like India. This relationship is particularly significant in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries oppose China’s increasing dominance.

How nuclear and military cooperation between India and France helps in strengthening its relationship?

Nuclear Cooperation: Strengthening Strategic Ties

Providing crucial support: After the US imposed sanctions on India in 1974, France offered crucial support by supplying enriched uranium for the Tarapur nuclear plant. This helped maintain India’s nuclear energy capabilities.

Learning from experience: France, having developed its civil nuclear energy sector outside of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), provided valuable guidance for India, which was in a similar situation.

Against global sanctions: Unlike other countries such as the US and Japan, France did not impose sanctions on India following its nuclear test in 1998. This demonstrated solidarity and mutual understanding.

Military Cooperation: Building Trust and Sharing Resources

Sharing military facilities: In 2018, France and India agreed to share access to each other’s military facilities, an agreement that demonstrated a high level of trust and understanding between the two countries.

Joint military exercises: The ongoing “Varuna” joint naval exercises have helped strengthen operational cooperation and trust. These exercises include French and Indian naval units working together, which solidifies their military partnership.

Arms supply diversification: France has significantly contributed to India’s efforts to diversify its arms suppliers. The 2016 Rafale deal, where India bought 36 aircraft from France, is a noteworthy example of this cooperation.

What are the Future Possibilities for Indo-French Cooperation?

1. India and France need to continue strengthening their strategic and defense partnership, which includes possible procurement of Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines by India.

2.Both countries could give more impetus to the International Solar Alliance to boost global solar energy use, highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability.

3.They could create more minilateral groups in the Indo-Pacific region, broadening their cooperative network. To counterbalance the influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region, they should intensify their collaboration.

4.France’s participation in the Indian Ocean Commission, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association opens avenues for deeper collaboration with India in regional matters.

5.Reviving and strengthening trilateral forums like the France/India/Australia dialogue could enhance their collective regional influence.

6.New minilateral partnerships, like the one between France, India, and the UAE, could be further developed for broader regional cooperation.

7. Economically, there’s a need to boost their bilateral trade, which stood at $12.56 billion in 2022-23. For this, both nations should expedite efforts to actualize an India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions

Source– The post is based on the article “Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions” published in “The Hindu” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral and regional groupings

Relevance: India and Philippines relationship

News-. The Foreign Ministers of India and the Philippines met at the fifth meeting of the Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, in New Delhi, on June 29.

What were the important outcomes of the meeting?

It was decided to open the resident defence attaché office in Manila; and increased cooperation between the Coast Guards of the two countries.

Both agreed for acquisition of naval assets by Manila under a concessional line of credit from Delhi; expansion of training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster responses and commencing a maritime dialogue.

Most notable development was the agreement on regional and multilateral issues, particularly on the South China Sea.

While India restated its consistent stance of adhering to international law, including the United UNCLOS, it notably called for the respect of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. This marks a departure from India’s previous position.

What was the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in a case related to the South China Sea dispute to address conflicts with China?

The arbitration process considered various aspects, including maritime rights, the status of specific marine features, historical rights, and the legality of certain Chinese actions in the South China Sea, which Manila deemed as unlawful.

According to UNCLOS Article 296I, the tribunal’s decision is considered “final and binding.” The PCA rejected China’s claim of historical rights in the South China Sea and the unanimous decision favoured the Philippines.

The tribunal also declared that any previous claims to resources within the “nine-dash line” were not grounded on a legal basis.

It concluded that China’s development and land reclamation activities had significantly altered the reefs, which violated its commitments under UNCLOS.

The tribunal further criticised China for causing irreversible damage to the marine environment and destroying evidence of the natural condition of features in the South China Sea.

The tribunal found China guilty of violating the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from operating in the area.

The tribunal also determined that China had no legal basis to assert historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling under the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

What is the importance of the South China Sea?

The South China Sea holds significant importance as a crucial maritime passageway connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It plays a vital role in global geopolitics, economy, and strategic interests.

Maintaining free and stable maritime routes is essential for global trade and the world economy.

What is the way forward to resolve the South China Sea conflict?

Despite the ruling by the PCA, the actual situation on the ground remains unchanged, making it practically challenging to enforce the decision.

Recognizing that the South China Sea issue necessitates a political framework, dialogue becomes the key to resolving it.

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should pursue a political solution through “quiet diplomacy” since the prospects of resolving the matter purely through legal means are limited.

The responsibility of establishing a “political framework” and making progress towards a legally binding “code of conduct” primarily lies with ASEAN’s leaders. It is essential for ASEAN nations to foster greater understanding and unity among themselves.

Is it possible to have partial app bans?

Source– The post is based on the article “Is it possible to have partial app bans?” published in “The Hindu” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian Polity

Relevance: Right to Internet

News- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sought inputs on having “selective” app bans instead of internet shutdowns

What is the history of Internet shutdowns in India?

Internet shutdowns are imposed in States and districts across India from time to time to maintain law and order.

It has a straining effect on access to education, work, banking, and information. As such, the government has sought to impose restrictions rather than complete shutdown.

In Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Manipur, authorities have gradually loosened long-term restrictions.

How would the TRAI move work?

The approach suggested by TRAI would require telecom operators and messaging app firms like WhatsApp to cooperate with each other and stop access to services during a shutdown.

What are the past efforts towards app regulation?

In 2015 and 2018, the TRAI had held consultations on regulating messaging apps.

Telecom operators argued in favour as messaging apps bypass stringent security and surveillance regulations.

However, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and the TRAI rejected this argument. Later, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology amended the IT Rules, 2021 to trace the original sender of a forwarded message.

What about regulating or blocking VPNs?

The government has been showing concerns against Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) because of its encrypted nature.

VPN firms usually route data through servers located in another country, and change the IP addresses to evade detection and blocking.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) published directions in 2022 requiring VPN firms to retain records of users from India led to shifting of servers located in India.

However, Internet rights activists say that blocking VPNs would be a damaging move for online privacy specially for journalists, whistle-blowers and activists as it protects them from surveillance and censorship.

Weakening autonomy – on ED’s tenure extension

Source– The post is based on the article “Weakening autonomy” published in “The Hindu” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian Polity

Relevance: Institutional Autonomy

News – Supreme Court’s verdict in 2021 to allow multiple extensions of service to heads of investigative agencies is a setback.

What is the verdict all about?

The Supreme Court has supported changes made in 2021 that allow heads of investigative agencies to have multiple extensions of their service.

This decision is seen as a setback to protecting the independence of these agencies.

However, the court has also cancelled the two one-year extensions given to the Director of Enforcement, S.K. Mishra. As a result, Mr. Mishra has been asked to step down on July 31.

The court stated that although Parliament can change the basis for a judgement through legislation, it cannot nullify a court order.

Mr. Mishra was appointed for a two-year term in 2018, but in 2020, his appointment was retrospectively changed to a three-year term. Despite being past the retirement age, he received two annual extensions in 2021 and 2022.

The government ignored the court’s earlier suggestion that such extensions should only be granted in exceptional cases.

What are the impacts of judgements?

The Court’s endorsement of a tenure extension system will undermine their independence and against the rule of law.

The amendments violate fundamental rights as the government can instruct the Directors who can pick and choose what cases to investigate based on political instructions.

It also offends the rights of citizens to equal treatment and impartial investigation.

The misuse of government agencies against political opponents.

GS Paper 3

How the CPI basket conceals the inflation picture

Source: The post is based on an article “How the CPI basket conceals the inflation picture” published in The Hindu on 13^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Growth & Development, Monetary Policy

Relevance: concerns associated with the calculation of CPI

News The article discusses the issues present in calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

What are the issues present with the CPI basket?

Inclusion of Outdated Items: The CPI still monitors a wide range of items, including outdated technologies like torches, radios, tape recorders, CDs, DVDs, etc.

These items have minimal significance in the overall CPI calculation and no longer reflect our current consumption patterns.

Over-reliance on Food Inflation: The weightage of food in the CPI basket has decreased from 60.9 (in 1960) to 57.0 (in 1982) and to 46.2 (in 2001).  This gradual decline indicates that as the economy/income grows, the proportion of income spent on food decreases. This trend is known as Engel’s Law.

However, India still has a significant weightage of food in the CPI. This over-reliance on food inflation distinguishes Indian inflation from many other developed countries where the food weight is much smaller.

This shift in the developed countries imply that as people’s income rises, they tend to allocate a larger proportion of their spending towards non-food items such as housing, education, healthcare, personal care, etc.

Excessive Weightage to Cereals: Cereals are assigned excessively high weight of 9.67 in the CPI basket. This raises two issues –

1. as economies grow and societies evolve, people’s eating habits diversify. This includes moving towards a broader range of nutrient-rich options beyond cereals. This shift in food consumption patterns would have naturally occurred over the past decade, reducing the relative expenditure on cereals.
2. the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana has significantly decreased cereal expenses for a large segment of the population, potentially modifying consumption patterns and further reducing the relative expenditure on cereals.

Despite these changes, cereals still have excessive weightage in the CPI basket.

However, even though current evolving pattern of consumptions are included in the CPI, challenges would still remain.

What are the challenges present with updating CPI?

Weights for CPI can only undergo a significant shift after data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (CES) is available.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is currently conducting the CES, with the first round scheduled to conclude in July 2023 and the second round a year later in July 2024.

However, even when the CES results are published around December 2024, creating a new CPI based on this fresh data will take several more months.

Therefore, till then we will continue to rely on outdated parameters to assess inflation. This affects the accuracy of measuring the cost of living and economic well-being.

Moreover, the lack of the CES data has resulted in various issues such as – a) it has become difficult to determine the population under the poverty line accurately, and b) tracking inflation effectively.

What can be the way ahead?

It is crucial for the MoSPI to address these gaps promptly. Efficient data processing should be prioritized without compromise. 

Needed: Alert systems for the growing threat of humid heat

Source: The post is based on an article “Needed: Alert systems for the growing threat of humid heat” published in Live Mint on 13^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: concerns over rising heat related deaths

News: June was the Earth’s hottest month ever recorded. This has raised concerns over rising heat and its implications.

What are the concerns over rising temperatures?

Due to the rising temperature, heat related deaths have increased. According to a 2021 paper in the Lancet, about 469,000 people worldwide died from overheating.

Why do people die from heat?

Heat can be deadly because our bodies are composed of cells protected by membranes that can melt under extreme temperatures. Moreover, despite being warm-blooded, our bodies need to maintain a core temperature of around 36.6° C.

Our bodies cool down by sending blood to the skin, where it releases heat into the air. However, this process becomes less effective when the air temperature reaches around 35° C, and sweating becomes necessary to cool off.

The evaporation of sweat cools us down. However, when humidity is too high, sweat fails to evaporate, causing sweat drips and preventing effective cooling.

Furthermore, with 100% humidity and an air temperature of 35° C, humans can begin to experience the effects of their own body heat, and individuals who are more vulnerable can suffer from heatstroke at lower temperatures.

Moreover, the elderly and individuals with heart conditions are at greater risk of heart attacks as the body’s cooling mechanisms can create cardiovascular stress if pushed too hard.

Further, once the core body temperature rises above 40° C, the situation becomes dangerous, and if it goes above 41° C, heatstroke can be fatal.

People can adapt to heat over time by spending a few days in a hot environment. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can overpower these adaptive responses.

Moreover, factors such as humidity, wind velocity and direct exposure to sunlight, a person’s level of exertion, body size and clothes determine the severity of heat.

Must Read: Heat strokes in India: Reasons and Impacts – Explained

What preventive measures can be adopted to prevent heat related deaths?

Ollie Jay, a health researcher in Australia has developed a five-level ‘heat stress’ warning scale to notify people about the danger of heat.

This scale takes into account factors such as temperature, wind, sun exposure, and humidity to warn individuals when these conditions combine to create a deadly situation. Alerts could be sent to phones and sent out on television.

Adopting a science-based heat-risk scale can also inform workers about dangerous conditions and require employers to provide breaks for outdoor workers when their lives are at risk.

Jay further suggested that providing air conditioning for everyone is not a viable solution, as it contributes to heat generation in crowded cities, consumes significant energy, and emits carbon emissions.

Therefore, ACs should be established in common spaces like libraries and develop systems to transport vulnerable people to these locations during heatwaves.

What can be the way ahead?

Due to the rising global warming, city officials will need to adopt heat warning systems, establish public cooling centers, and enforce science-based regulations to prevent heat-related fatalities.

The China traps

Source– The post is based on the article “The China traps” published in the “Business Standard” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance: Chinese growth story and lessons for India

News- There is some disconnect between how China’s position as an economic power is portrayed and its actual trajectory.

What is the current economic scenario in China?

The Chinese economy’s recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been weak. Retail inflation had fallen monthly. The Chinese economy is facing deflation, driven by low demand and shrinking manufacturing output.

Over 20 percent of the mainland’s workers under the age of 24 in China were unemployed. This is a higher rate than in most comparable economies.

What are simultaneous and interlinked economic traps faced by the Chinese economy?

One of these is the deflationary trap, where the economy struggles with declining prices and a lack of consumer spending.

Another challenge is the investment trap. Policymakers have limited options to stimulate growth and employment. They are mainly relying on increasing public investment.

However, the returns on additional investment are diminishing, and the country already has a high level of public debt.

To address these challenges, it would require a significant structural shift in the economy, such as promoting private consumption over fixed investment. However, the Communist Party is hesitant to undertake such changes due to the political implications they may entail.

China also faces the hurdle known as the “middle-income trap,”. It occurs when a country reaches a certain level of income and development but struggles to progress further.

The mainland’s youth unemployment problem is a manifestation of this trap. Tech and start-up sector, which could have provided opportunities for young people, is not growing at the required pace.

What are lessons for India?

The current scenario is a result of deliberate decisions made by Beijing. It holds significant policy implications for New Delhi.

The decline of China’s tech sector due to a crackdown enforced by Party officials serves as a reminder of the risks associated with politically motivated and arbitrary regulations.

India must exert greater efforts to establish its regulatory framework as independent and impartial.

It is crucial for India’s economy not to become overly reliant on public investment decisions. Maintaining fiscal responsibility and actively working towards reducing debt should also remain key priorities for India.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Chandrayaan-3 launch: What are the different kinds of moon missions?

Source: The post is based on the article “Chandrayaan-3 launch: What are the different kinds of moon missions?” published in Indian Express on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is India’s third lunar mission and second attempt to make a soft landing on the surface of the Moon. 

It is one of the several space missions lined up to go to the Moon including Russia’s Luna 25 mission and NASA’s Artemis II.

What are the different kinds of moon missions that have been launched so far?

Flybys: These are the missions in which the spacecraft passed near the Moon but did not get into an orbit around it. These were either designed to study the Moon from a distance or were on their way to some other planetary body or deep space exploration and happened to pass by the celestial body. 

– Some early examples of flyby missions were Pioneer 3 and 4 by the United States and Luna 3 of the then USSR.

Orbiters: These were spacecraft that were designed to get into a lunar orbit and carry out prolonged studies of the Moon’s surface and atmosphere. 

– India’s Chandrayaan-1 was an Orbiter, as were 46 other Moon missions from various countries. Orbiter missions are the most common way to study a planetary body.Chandrayaan-2 mission also consisted of an orbiter, which is still operational and orbiting the Moon at an altitude of around 100 km.

Impact Mission: These are an extension of Orbiter missions. While the main spacecraft keeps going around the Moon, one or more instruments on board make an uncontrolled landing on the lunar surface. They get destroyed after the impact, but still send some useful information about the Moon while on their way. 

– One of the instruments on Chandrayaan-1, called Moon Impact Probe, or MIP, was also made to crash land on the Moon’s surface in a similar way. ISRO claimed that the data sent by the MIP had presented additional evidence of the presence of water on the Moon.

Landers: These missions involve the soft landing of the spacecraft on the Moon. These are more complicated than the Orbiter missions. In fact, the first 11 attempted lander missions had all ended in failure. 

– The first landing on the moon was accomplished on January 31, 1966, by the Luna 9 spacecraft of the then USSR. It also relayed the first picture from the Moon’s surface.

Rovers: Rovers are special wheeled payloads on the lander that can detach themselves from the spacecraft and move around on the moon’s surface, collecting very useful information that instruments within the lander would not be able to obtain. The rover onboard Vikram lander in the Chandrayaan-2 mission was called Pragyaan.

Human missions: These involve the landing of astronauts on the moon’s surface. So far only NASA of the United States has been able to land human beings on the moon. 

Union Minister inaugurates ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen Maritime sector

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister inaugurates ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen Maritime sector” published in PIB on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) called ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’.

What is Sagar Sampark?

Sagar Sampark is a terrestrial based enhancement system that corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and provides more accurate positioning information.

Features: Sagar Sampark is able to transmit corrections for both GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

– It improves the accuracy of GPS positioning by reducing errors caused by atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift and other factors.

– The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.

Significance: Sagar Sampark will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas.This will lead to the safe & efficient movement of vessels.

PAU develops new wheat variety to keep diabetes, obesity in check

Source: The post is based on the article “PAU develops new wheat variety to keep diabetes, obesity in check” published in Indian Express on 11th July 2023

What is the News?

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a new variety of wheat called PBW RS1.

What is PBW RS1?

PBW RS1 is a new variety of wheat.

Developed by: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)

Benefits: PBW RS1 has high amylose content and is resistant to starch. This ensures that glucose is released more slowly into the bloodstream. This can help in bringing down the prevalence of diet-related diseases including obesity and diabetes (especially type 2).

– Chapatis and biscuits from its flour taste just like normal wheat.

– It is also resistant to yellow rust and moderately resistant to brown rust fungal diseases.

Drawbacks: It has lower productivity compared to other wheat varieties of Punjab.

Fifth of suspected money mule cases involve under-21s’

Source: The post is based on the article “Fifth of suspected money mule cases involve under-21s” published in Independent on 11th July 2023

What is the News?

According to a report, young people under the age of 21 account for around one in five cases where money muling activity is suspected.

What is Money Muling?

Money muling is a type of money laundering. 

A money mule is a person who receives money from a third party in their bank account and transfers it to another one or takes it out in cash and gives it to someone else, obtaining a commission for it.

Even if money mules are not directly involved in the crimes that generate the money (cybercrime, payment and on-line fraud, drugs, human trafficking, etc.), they are accomplices as they launder the proceeds of such crimes. 

Simply put, money mules help criminal syndicates to remain anonymous while moving funds around the world.

Cabinet okays commercial mining of lithium, titanium

Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet okays commercial mining of lithium, titanium” published in Livemint on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow the commercial mining of six critical minerals.

Which are the six critical minerals where commercial mining will be allowed now?

The six critical minerals are: lithium, beryllium, niobium, tantalum, titanium and zirconium.

Till now, commercial mining of these critical minerals by private companies was prohibited. Only government agencies were allowed in exploration and mining operations. 

The amendment proposed to insert the provision of an exploration license in the law which will be granted through auction for undertaking reconnaissance and prospecting operations.

Companies will be allowed to suggest areas they want to explore, and eventually mine.This is a deviation from the usual practice where blocks or mines are defined by the government to to be taken up for auction.

What are the uses of these critical minerals?

1) Lithium is a key component for electric vehicles, batteries and other energy storage solutions. 2) Beryllium is used in aerospace, defence, IT, telecommunications and so on 3) Titanium is used in mobile phones, bicycles and prosthetics 4) Niobium is used in jet engines and rockets 5) Tantalum is used in electrolytic capacitors and corrosion resistant chemicals and 6) Zirconium is used primarily in fabrication and as an alloying agent.

What is the significance of this decision?

The changes are likely to incentivise private sector participation in all spheres of mineral exploration, with a focus on precious and critical ones. 

This will also help reduce India’s import dependence on critical minerals such as lithium.

What is the National Research Foundation?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the National Research Foundation?” published in The Hindu on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill in Parliament.

What is the National Research Foundation (NRF)?

The National Research Foundation(NRF) was one of the key recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020.

Objective: To act as a coordinating agency between researchers, various government bodies and industry, thus bringing industry into the mainstream of research.

– To provide research grants to individuals.

– To facilitate research in India’s universities, especially State universities, by funding research infrastructure and researchers.

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) created by an act of Parliament in 2008, will stand repealed and subsumed into the NRF.

Funding of NRF: The NRF will operate with a budget of ₹50,000 crore for five years, of which 28% will be the government’s share, and the remaining 72% will come from the private sector. 

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What are the steps that should be taken to help NRF facilitate the “ease of doing science”?

First, the time between applying for a research grant and receiving the money must be minimal, preferably within six months.

– The NRF draft mentions that the peer-review process will be completed within six months but releasing funds may take time.

Second, all the paperwork must be digitally processed without sending stacks of papers in hard copies to the NRF. 

Third, all finance-related queries, paperwork, approval and acceptance need to be between the NRF and the finance department of the university/research institution keeping the scientist free to focus on research. 

Fourth, the NRF needs explicit spending guidelines away from the General Financial Rules (GFR) and the government’s e-Marketplace (GeM) usage. 

Fifthly, participation of the private industry in the NRF is an important and welcome step.But it is unclear how the government will raise ₹36,000 crore from the industry. Hence, a more detailed plan and establishing mechanisms akin to escrow accounts will reassure the scientific community.

Finally, the release of money needs to be timely.The NRF draft mentions timely disbursal of funds but a mechanism needs to be in place to facilitate and implement this.

In UNHRC vote, India stands against desecration of Koran

Source: The post is based on the article “In UNHRC vote, India stands against desecration of Koran” published in The Hindu on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The UN Human Rights Council(UNHRC) has voted to condemn recent Koran burning incidents.

About UNHRC resolution condemning burning of Quran:

The United Nations Human Rights Council has approved a resolution that condemns and strongly rejects acts of desecration of the Quran.

This resolution has been adopted in the wake of the burning of a Quran in Sweden.

The resolution was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The resolution calls for the U.N. rights chief to publish a report on religious hatred and for states to review their laws and plug gaps that may impede the prevention and prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred.

Which countries supported and opposed the resolution?

India was among the 28 countries who voted in favour of the resolution.

– India stated that there was an increase in “phobias” against all religions. Hence, there is a need for the international community to recognize the instances of intolerance, prejudice, phobia, and violence against followers of all religions and work together to eliminate them.

China which is always under the scanner for its alleged treatment of the Uighurs Muslims supported the resolution

The resolution was strongly opposed by the United States and the European Union, who said that it conflicts with their view on human rights and freedom of expression.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Empowering the Elderly for a Dignified Life

Source: The post is based on the article “Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Empowering the Elderly for a Dignified Life” published in PIB on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana to empower senior citizens in India.

What is Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Renamed version of: National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc) had been revamped, renamed as Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY) and subsumed in 2021.

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active aging through providing support.

Sub Schemes/Components: 

– Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Under this, financial assistance is provided to eligible organizations for running and maintenance of Senior Citizen Homes/ Continuous Care Homes to improve the quality of life of the senior citizens.

– State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): Each State/UT is expected to plan and strategize taking into account their local considerations and frame their own State Action Plans for the welfare of their senior citizens.

– Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana(RVY) 

– Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity(SACRED) 

– Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR): Senior Citizens are encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which will provide them with a platform to share the time constructively with each other. To attain financial assistance under the scheme SHGs will function as AGRASR Groups.

– Senior-care Aging Growth Engine (SAGE)-Silver economy for Senior Citizens 

– Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizens 

– Channelizing the CSR fund for elderly care: It was launched with an objective to channelize the CSR funds in an appropriate manner for elderly care projects.Under Schedule VII of Section 135 of the Companies Act, setting up old age homes, day care centers and such facilities for Senior Citizens is an approved item for CSR funding. 

– Training and capacity building for senior citizens.

Adani-Hindenburg case: Lack of requirement to disclose ‘last natural person above every person’ owning economic interest in FPIs is the challenge, SEBI to SC

Source: The post is based on the article “Adani-Hindenburg case: Lack of requirement to disclose ‘last natural person above every person’ owning economic interest in FPIs is the challenge, SEBI to SC” published in The Hindu on 12th July 2023

What is the News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has clarified in the Supreme Court that the challenges it faced in the Hindenburg-Adani allegations case were from the lack of a requirement to disclose the ‘last natural person above every person’ owning an economic interest in the FPIs.

What was the issue before the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court had appointed a six-member committee headed by Justice Sapre to suggest measures to protect investors against the kind of market volatility seen after the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group.

The committee has said that the changes made by SEBI in Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) Regulations in 2019 made it difficult to identify beneficiaries of offshore funds which allegedly invested in the companies of the Adani Group.

However, SEBI has clarified in Supreme Court that the challenges it faced during the Hindenburg-Adani allegations case were not a result of the changes made in 2019 FPI regulations but due to lack of a requirement to disclose the ‘last natural person above every person’ owning an economic interest in the FPIs.

What is the Last Natural Person above every person?

It refers to the requirement to identify and disclose the ultimate individual who has control or ownership over a financial investment such as Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI). 

It means revealing the final person in the ownership chain who holds an economic interest in the FPI ensuring transparency and accountability in the investment structure.

What are the challenges in finding the Last Natural Person above every person?

SEBI said that the core problem lay in the fact that there had never been any requirement to disclose the last natural person above every person owning any economic interest in the FPI.

Even the Prevention of Money Laundering Act(PMLA) required Beneficial Owners(BO) identification only on the basis of control or ownership.

Moreover, the Financial Action Task Force had also identified ambiguity over the last natural person owning any economic interest in an FPI ” as a global challenge.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

1) The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

Source: Indian Express, Date: 13th July 2023

2) Sarkari Brains & Urban Drains

Source: Times of India, Date: 13th July 2023

7 PM Editorial of the day: Extreme rainfall events and urban floods: Explained, pointwise