Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• How to Draft A Uniform Civil Code

GS Paper 2

• Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue
• In The Wrong Court – Judges cannot decide sports selections. Sports bodies must develop grievance forums

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

How to Draft A Uniform Civil Code

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Society and diversity of India,

Source: This post is based on the article “How to Draft A Uniform Civil Code”, published in The Times of India on 24^th July, 2023.

News: The article emphasizes the importance of creating a UCC that is not biased towards any religion and ensures equality, liberty, and dignity for all citizens.

The UCC should be drafted in a way that it does not discriminate against women and should be inclusive of all gender identities.

Historical Background

The idea of a UCC was first discussed on March 30, 1947, by the Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights set up by the Constituent Assembly.

The members were divided on the issue, with some advocating for a UCC as a fundamental right, while others were concerned about the potential backlash from the Muslim League.

The result was a compromise where the state would “endeavour” to secure a UCC, but no actual code was drafted.

What are the gender related issues in present personal laws?

The current religious laws in India, including the Hindu Succession Act and the Muslim law of marriage, are discriminatory towards women.

Hindu Succession Act follows a patriarchal notion that a woman severs all ties with her birth family upon marriage. Similarly, the Muslim law of marriage, which allows a man to have up to four wives, while women is allowed to have only one husband.

Restitution of conjugal rights is an outdated concept. Under this law, a court orders a wife to return to her husband, in case a wife separates without divorce and without giving a reason.

What should be the key Features of the Proposed UCC?

The UCC should be comprehensive, inclusive, and gender-just. It should enhance the constitutional principles of equality, liberty and dignity of each member of the family. The Law Commission of India has an opportunity to frame a code with such features. For example;

The proposed UCC should distinguish between the legal and the sacred aspects of marriage.

The law should only tackle the question, whether the marriage is between two freely consenting adults who are not in an existing marriage. A simple registration process can prevent men from marrying multiple times.

The concept of “illegitimate” children should be discontinued, and children in atypical families, like those born to homosexual couples or outside wedlock should be treated the same as children in typical ones.

The law should also ensure equal shares for persons of all gender identities across religions in matters of inheritance.

GS Paper 2

Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue

Source: The post is based on the article “Arun Prakash writes: Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue — whatever the political situation” published in “The Indian express” on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighborhood-relations.

News: The article discusses the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear policies and comments made by Lt. General Khalid Kidwai. Kidwai speaks about Pakistan’s Full Spectrum Deterrence and its nuclear capabilities, which are aimed at India. The article highlights the potential dangers of this stance and compares it to Cold War-era strategies. It also touches on India’s response and its nuclear policy. The author emphasizes the importance of a nuclear dialogue between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions.

About India-Pakistan nuclear status

India’s Nuclear Status

Conducted “Shakti” nuclear tests in 1998.

Has a “no first use” policy.

India’s 2003 Nuclear Doctrine espoused a “credible minimum deterrent” and promised “massive retaliation” in response to a nuclear first strike.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Status

Celebrated 1998 tests as “Yom-e-Taqbir”.

Developed Full Spectrum Deterrence against India’s Cold Start Doctrine.

It has weapons ranging from “zero meters” to 2,750 km.

Has capability to directly target India’s nuclear arsenal.

Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue?

Past Actions: Both nations conducted significant nuclear tests in 1998, increasing tensions. These tests moved the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight, indicating global concern.

New Policies: Pakistan introduced the Full Spectrum Deterrence, specifically against India’s Cold Start Doctrine.

Changing Weaponry: Pakistan’s mention of weapons ranging from “zero meters” hints at development of tactical nuclear weapons, increasing the risk of a nuclear confrontation.

Cold War Resemblance: Pakistan’s nuclear approach mirrors the risky Cold War tactics of “flexible response”, which had potential for rapid escalation.

Counter Claims: Kidwai suggests that Pakistan can respond equally, if not more severely, to India’s “massive retaliation” strategy.

Direct Threats: Kidwai’s assertion that Pakistan can target India’s nuclear arsenal directly adds a dangerous dimension to their rivalry.

India’s Unchanged Stance: Despite regional nuclear advancements, India has maintained its nuclear doctrine, potentially requiring reevaluation.

Preventing Escalation: Given the ever-changing nuclear dynamics, dialogue can prevent misunderstandings, reduce tensions, and deter potential confrontations.

Transparency and Trust: Engaging in talks can foster mutual trust, leading to transparency about intentions, reducing chances of unwarranted aggression.

Why is there a need to “revise and update” India’s nuclear doctrine?

Pakistan’s Shift: Pakistan’s Full Spectrum Deterrence contrasts with India’s existing doctrine.

Tactical Weapons: Pakistan hints at developing tactical nuclear weapons, challenging India’s stance.

Counter Claims: Pakistan can match India’s “massive retaliation”.

Regional Advancements: Both China and Pakistan have modernized their nuclear arsenals.

Doctrine Stagnation: India’s doctrine has remained unchanged since 2003, potentially outdated.

Updating India’s doctrine ensures alignment with current regional threats and nuclear dynamics.

In The Wrong Court – Judges cannot decide sports selections. Sports bodies must develop grievance forums

Source: The post is based on an article “In The Wrong Court – Judges cannot decide sports selections. Sports bodies must develop grievance forums” published in The Times of India on 24^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Relevance: concerns associated with sports bodies in India

News: Recently, the Delhi High Court has rejected a petition by two professional wrestlers.

They challenged the exemption granted to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia from Asian Games by Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad hoc committee.

What did the court observe while rejecting the petition?

First, the court found that the IOA’s ad hoc committee’s decision to grant the exemption was not arbitrary or illegal but reasonable.

It was based on genuine concerns about potential injuries to the medal contenders and due to that insufficient time was provided for recovery before the tournament.

Second, the court noted that dismissing the request did not reflect on the talents and achievements of the petitioner-grapplers, who had also succeeded in wrestling.

Must Read: Sports sector in India: Issues and challenges – Explained

What are the problems with sports bodies in India?

Sports bodies in India lacks committees to handle conflicts and address complaints by the sportspeople.

The wrestlers’ protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh highlighted the inadequacy of Prevention of Sexual Harassment Committee (POSH) committees within sports bodies in India.

POSH committees are not present in even half of India’s 30-odd sports bodies.

Due to the absence and ineffectiveness of these committees, sportspersons often choose to move towards courts. However, they hardly know the procedure to file the cases and are unaware of the litigation mechanism.

Therefore, there is a need for sports bodies to develop grievance forums and address the complaint of the sportspeople as court is not a right forum to address their concerns.

GS Paper 3

Ethanol + petrol: How to blend more and blend better”

Source: The post is based on the article “Ethanol + petrol: How to blend more and blend better” published in Indian express on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure – Energy

News: The article discusses India’s growth in ethanol production in recent years. Ethanol, a fuel, can be made from sugarcane and grains like rice and maize. India now blends 20% ethanol with petrol. The government promotes diverse raw materials for ethanol by setting different prices. New technologies in distilleries reduce pollution and create useful by-products like fertilizers and animal feed.

How will India achieve its 20% ethanol blending target by 2025?

Diversified Feedstocks: India no longer relies only on sugarcane for ethanol. Mills/distilleries now use various feedstocks including B-heavy molasses, direct sugarcane juice, rice, maize, and other grains. For example, Triveni Engineering’s distillery uses both molasses and grains, allowing year-round operation.

Increased Production: The country’s ethanol supply to oil marketing companies (OMCs) rose significantly from 38 crore liters in 2013-14 to 559 crore liters in 2022-23. This growth indicates a robust production system in place.

Higher Yields from Grains: Grains give higher ethanol yields compared to molasses. For instance, rice produces 450-480 liters from one ton, while maize gives 380-400 liters. These higher yields can boost overall ethanol production.

Innovative Technologies: Some leading sugar companies — including Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd, DCM Shriram and Dhampur Sugar Mills — have installed distilleries with the flexibility to operate on multiple feedstocks and, hence, round the year. They use molasses from November to April and grains from May to October.

Environmental Benefits: Modern distilleries use technology to minimize pollution. By-products from these processes, such as fertilizers and animal feed, provide added value.

What is the government initiative in this direction?

Differential Pricing

The government introduced a policy of setting different prices based on the raw material used. Before 2018, a single price was set for ethanol regardless of the feedstock. However, from 2018-19, the Modi government began pricing ethanol from B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice higher to compensate mills for lost sugar revenues.

For 2022-23, the prices set by the government ranged from Rs 49.41/liter for C-heavy molasses to Rs 65.61/liter for sugarcane juice/syrup. This differential pricing encourages diverse feedstock use.

How not to tame inflation

Source: The post is based on the article “Ashok Gulati, Manish Kumar Prasad write: How not to tame inflation” published in “The Indian express” on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy (inflation)

News: In this article author discusses India’s rising inflation, particularly in food items like wheat, rice, tomatoes, and milk. The government’s actions, like export bans, aren’t effective. The author suggests adjusting import duties and updating the CPI basket weights as better solutions to control inflation.

What are the reasons for the rising food inflation in India?

1. Seasonal Factors: Erratic monsoon patterns (caused by El Niño), can influence crop yields. Like, tomato prices rose due to seasonal factors.
2. Disease and Feed Costs: Milk production faced challenges from rising feed costs and lumpy skin disease.

3.Reduced Production: Tur inflation soared because of lower acreage and production. Weather conditions might further reduce pulse outputs in regions that depend on rainfall.

Why is an export ban to curb inflation not an effective approach?

Export Bans and Stocking Limits

India banned wheat exports in May 2022 and imposed stocking limits on traders. An export ban was also placed on white rice.

Policymakers are using older strategies from the 1960s, which might not be suitable for current market dynamics. For example, despite the wheat export ban and stocking limits, wheat inflation is at 12.37%. Rice inflation is at 11.78%. These bans might not be favored by G20 countries.

What measures should be taken to address this issue effectively?

1. Adjust Import Duties:

Reduce the import duty on wheat from 40% to 10%.

Decrease import duties on skimmed milk powder from 60% to 10% and butter from 40% to 10%.

By lowering duties, cheaper imports can help control domestic prices.

2. Release Excess Stocks:

The government holds more than 40 million tonnes of rice, much above the buffer stock norms of 13.5 MT.

Unload excess stocks in the open market at lower prices than the current rates.

3. Update the CPI Basket Weights: The current weight for food in the CPI basket is based on a 2011 consumption survey and is outdated. The current weight is 45.9%, it should be around 38% in 2023.
4. Enhance Processing Capacity: Process 10-15% of items like tomatoes and onions to stabilize prices.

Tax can be an incentive-Voluntary tax transparency framework can attract capital, generate employment

Source: The post is based on the article “Tax can be an incentive-Voluntary tax transparency framework can attract capital, generate employment” published in The Indian express on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy – mobilization of resources

News: In this article author discusses the need for India to adopt a voluntary tax transparency framework to support its economic growth. This transparency can attract global investors, create jobs, and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. The younger generation values ESG, making transparency crucial for businesses.

How can tax transparency benefit India’s economy?

Tax transparency can offer multiple benefits to India’s economy:

Investor Attraction: Transparent tax strategies can draw in global investors who value responsible tax behavior, amplifying capital inflow.

Economic Growth: By attracting more investment, especially in sectors like infrastructure and green energy, there can be a significant economic expansion.

Job Opportunities: Increased capital from transparency can lead to job creation, benefiting the wider population.

Improved ESG Scores: Companies disclosing their tax approaches can enhance their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. High ESG scores can attract even more global investors.

Healthy Corporate Competition: A voluntary transparency framework can spur companies to willingly disclose their tax practices, promoting responsible behavior.

Alignment with Global Practices: Following global transparency norms, like the tax transparency report (TTR), strengthens India’s position in the international business community.

What are the global practices around tax transparency?

Tax Transparency Report (TTR): Many companies globally use TTR to share their tax strategies annually.

OECD’s BEPS Project: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) started the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project. This aims to fix gaps in international tax rules.

ESG Values: Globally, investors take a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores seriously, which includes tax transparency.

What should be done?

Adopt Tax Transparency: Introduce a voluntary framework for companies to disclose their tax strategies, promoting responsible behavior.

Link to ESG: Connect tax transparency to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. Higher scores can attract more investors.

Introduce Reporting Systems: Emulate the global Tax Transparency Report (TTR) model for consistent reporting.

Support Ease of Business: Ensure the transparency framework does not hinder business operations.

Promote Green Practices: Encourage businesses to report environmental taxes, pushing for eco-friendly measures.

Many Indian firms need more leverage

Source: The post is based on an article “Many Indian firms need more leverage” published in Business Standard on 24^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Growth & Development

Relevance: concerns associated with low debt scenario in India.

News: There has been a decrease in borrowing by India firms. This presents concerns for the Indian economy.

Why is less borrowing by firms not healthy for the Indian economy?

• Debt drives management to work hard, which eventually benefits shareholders and society.
• Borrowing improves return on equity, which is good for shareholders.
• Debt-ridden businesses fail, as part of Schumpeterian creative destruction, fostering a dynamic economy.

What has been the trend in borrowing by the Indian non-financial corporate sector?

Since the early stages of economic reform, the Indian non-financial corporate sector has reduced its borrowing. The debt-equity ratio, which was at its highest of 1.85 in 1991-92, has steadily declined, reaching 0.89 in 2021-22.

Why do Indian corporations follow this trend of low borrowing?

This has been low demand of loans due to – 1) the prevailing macroeconomic environment with low investment, 2) fears of bankruptcy, and 3) low supply of loans due to fear amongst bank employees because of a Supreme Court decision in 2016 over the application of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Moreover, some see India’s low or nearly zero debt level as a sound basis for long-term growth. However, there are various concerns associated with very low corporate debt.

What are the concerns associated with low levels of debt?

Debt as a disciplining device: There are usually conflicts between the interests of shareholders and the interests of managers. While managers want more money and less effort, shareholders want the firm to do well.

Therefore, in such a scenario, debt acts as a disciplining device for managers to work hard, regardless of whether they have shares in the company or not.

However, when there will be low debt or zero debt, managers will be less motivated to put in the required effort.

Creative destruction: Debt also plays an important role in the failure of the firms, which is essential for a healthy economy.

However, when debt is removed, many low-quality firms can survive indefinitely, leading to governance problems. This lack of a steady pace of firm failure is harmful for economic dynamism.

Return on equity: A successful business achieves a high return on equity by utilizing debt. However, many businesses in India have low debts, leading to poor returns for shareholders.

Therefore, a low rate of firm failures affects the economic dynamism, which ultimately impacts society at large.

Hence, while excessive debt is very harmful, so is zero debt. Therefore, a balance needs to be maintained. 

What can be the way ahead?

Implementing a strategy of moderate debt may encounter constraints due to the ineffective bankruptcy process and its associated costs.

Therefore, in order to reach moderate debt levels, enterprises and group-holding companies’ finance departments will need to have specialized skills in strategizing and implementing borrowing programs.

Managing the rivers

Source– The post is based on the article “Managing the rivers” published in “The Hindu” on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster management

Relevance: Issues related to flooding in cities

News- Recently, there was flooding in Delhi. The decision to release 350,000 cusecs of water after heavy rain further north seems to have caused the flooding.

What are factors responsible for recent flooding in Delhi?

There is the existence of multiple authorities with responsibilities for Delhi. It has impacted the preparedness for floods and proper accountability for errors.

The water took some time to travel downstream as far as Delhi. But, no alarm was raised. There were no emergency preparations.

Many flooded areas are situated on the floodplains of the Yamuna and are prone to flooding and to subsidence.

The extensive use of concrete in urbanised areas without considering the earth’s capacity to absorb excess water could further exacerbate the problem.

There are issues with the quality of urbanism and its administration.

What is the way forward to mitigate flooding?

The feasibility of consolidating barrages along the Yamuna and other major rivers under a unified authority should be explored.

State governments must maintain their jurisdiction over the flow of water within their territories. But they require assistance in managing riverine infrastructure.

The Union government should initiate a comprehensive examination of the Yamuna flood plan. It needs to ensure that infrastructure development is carried out in a manner that facilitates the harvesting, absorption, or downstream flow of excess water.

There is a need to plan for additional infrastructure, such as new channels, de-sedimentation facilities, and stronger embankments.

Dilemmas of India’s great power ambitions

Source– The post is based on the article “Dilemmas of India’s great power ambitions” published in “The Indian Express” on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS32- International relations

Relevance: Issues related to Indian foreign policy

News- The article explains the dilemma for India in projecting itself a global power.

What are the strengths of India on the economic and strategic front?

India’s foreign exchange reserves are around $600 billion. India is not worried about war with Pakistan.

There is higher GDP growth and significant poverty reduction has been achieved.

India is now ranked as the world’s fifth largest economy. It has one of the largest militaries in the world with over a hundred nuclear weapons.

Relationship with the US is strong. India has strong relationships with several powerful states around the world.

India is also one of the pivotal swing powers of the contemporary international system. It is strategically located.

There is talk of India’s role in world politics in the context of great power politics around the Ukraine. Both Russia and the West want India to be on their side.

There is demand for mediation by India in issue to bring an end to the war.

India employs the rhetoric of mediation during global crises. It positions itself as a connecting link between the north and south, as well as the east and west. This implies its significant role as a major player in world politics.

The nation’s national power has witnessed a remarkable rise. It is now a formidable force with the ability and aspirations to shape the international system.

What are the weaknesses of India on the economic and strategic front?

India GDP per capita was $1,947 in 2021. It was $2,227 for Bangladesh. It is more than that of India even though Bangladesh is only the 40th largest military in the world.

India faces major infrastructural and governance issues. Ease of doing business may have improved, but starting a business without a bribe is still not easy.

There exists regional, caste, ethnic and religious divisions. India’s domestic challenges will continue to distract the attention of its political leaders from global problems.

India’s political class will have to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of Indians living under the poverty line. It will divert its attention from external engagements.

When the political class has little concern about the country’s foreign and security policy, career bureaucrats manage them. They follow a traditionalist approach and don’t take risky decisions. The foreign policy tends to be on autopilot without political will.

A weak domestic economy prevents politicians from allocating adequate resources for foreign policy objectives.

As per the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, “despite an increase in the overall budget allocation, the allocation made to MEA in percentage terms is showing a downward turn during the last four years.

Such allocation does not take into consideration the country’s rising aspirations and growing global stature.

What is the way forward for Indian foreign policy?

India’s domestic inabilities will limit its ability to influence the world order.

If a country is not a rule shaper, it will be a rule taker. India will have to influence and shape the global order to meet its foreign policy objectives. It will impact its economic growth, security environment and geopolitical and geo economic interests.

India’s influence on the world order is undeniable. In today’s interconnected world, a nation’s global impact and its domestic growth are linked to each other.

India’s role in shaping international politics should be influenced by its domestic context. Its global involvement must prioritise the welfare of its citizens. Strategic isolation is not a viable choice.

India should combat loan sharks online with effective regulation

Source– The post is based on the article “India should combat loan sharks online with effective regulation” published in the “mint” on 24th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance: Issues related to financial system

News – The article explains the rise of lending by loan sharks.

What are some facts about shark lending?

It is described by excessively high interest rates and intimidating strategies. It focuses on vulnerable individuals.

It takes advantage of low-income individuals and those with restricted access to conventional banking services.

They operate through a network of physical establishments, online platforms, and mobile apps.

What has been the approach of the Indian government towards shark lending?

In August 2017, the RBI mandated that only NBFCs should operate peer-to-peer lending platforms. Despite this directive, only 22 companies had registered as NBFC-P2P lenders with the RBI. Around 1,100 online lending apps are unregistered and unregulated.

To address this issue, RBI established a working group in January 2021 to study digital lending activities by unregulated players. The group’s report, released in November 2021, recommended regulating digital lending.

The report proposes a three-pronged approach. These are legal and regulatory measures, technological advancements, and consumer protection initiatives.

It advocates for the creation of a nodal agency to verify digital lending apps, the recognition of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) to foster a healthier lending ecosystem.

The collection of borrower data with explicit consent and verifiable audit trails, the maintenance of a ‘negative list’ of problematic lenders by SROs, and the formulation of a recovery code of conduct in consultation with RBI are other suggestions.

What are the measures adopted by countries to combat loan sharking and protect borrowers?

Kenya– It has established a self-regulatory body composed of responsible digital lenders. It is called the Digital Lenders Association of Kenya (DLAK). It ensures fair lending practices, transparent interest rates and ethical debt recovery procedures.

Philippines– It has taken steps to differentiate legitimate fintech companies from loan sharks. Its Securities and Exchange Commission introduced regulations that require online lenders to obtain a licence and comply with fair lending practices.

What is the way forward for combating loan sharking?

India needs a comprehensive regulatory framework. It should be guided by a ‘LENDERS’ approach:

Licensing and registration: Implement a system to ensure legitimacy and ethical compliance of all lending entities.

Ethical interest rates: Enforce regulations to cap interest rates, preventing predatory practices and offering reasonable repayment terms.

Non-coercive practices: Prohibit coercive tactics and encourage respectful communication during debt collection.

Disclosure and transparency: Mandate clear and comprehensive information on rates, fees and terms to empower borrowers.

Education and awareness: Use financial literacy programmes to educate people on fair lending.

Redressal mechanisms: Establish accessible avenues for borrowers to report complaints and seek resolution.

Strong legal framework: Strengthen existing laws, introducing severe penalties and deterrents.

A case for a new pronoun for AI

Source– The post is based on the article “A case for a new pronoun for AI” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance: Issues related AI

News- The article explains the issue of use of pronoun for AI tools

What are some facts about chatbots?

Large Language Models are empowering chatbots to engage in conversations like human experts. In some cases, they outperform even the most skilled individuals.

To utilise LLMs effectively, we need to become proficient in using prompts. These prompts can be user-generated questions or instructions provided by software programmers to elicit specific responses from the algorithm.

Why is there a need for a pronoun for AI tools?

There is a shared agreement that misrepresentation of AI’s identity seems manipulative.

Experts propose that restricting AI from using first person pronouns and other human pronouns could decrease cases of AI mistaken identity. It will make it easier to distinguish machine-generated text.

This is crucial because pronouns play a significant role in defining identity in today’s context.

Even ChatGPT acknowledges that granting AI a distinct identity can help clarify its role and prevent confusion with human beings.

AI requires pronouns to establish an identity that is distinct from that of humans. For ethical and security reasons, human beings should know that conversing with a bot.

What are the prevalent practices by big companies having AI based products?

Apple has stereotyped Siri with a feminine-sounding voice, although it offers masculine and gender-neutral alternatives. The aim is to establish an emotional connection with users.

The original default version of Siri unintentionally reflected society’s gender assumptions. It is portraying a preference for a submissive feminine assistant.

Technology companies approach the use of pronouns with caution. Google’s Smart Compose technology, which automatically completes sentences on Gmail, avoids predicting pronouns to prevent unconscious gender biases in the AI model.

What is the way forward?

Regulators should seize the chance to address this issue proactively before conventional AI pronouns become widely established.

To achieve a systematic solution, regulators should collaborate with lexicographers and linguists to establish a standard for major languages from the outset. Pronoun guidelines can then be included in style guides for prompt engineering AI models.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

On ED’s power to arrest and seek custody

Source: The post is based on the article “On ED’s power to arrest and seek custody”  published in The Hindu on 21st July 2023.

What is the News?

The Madras High Court has upheld the legality of Minister V. Senthilbalaji’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in judicial custody in a money-laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam.

What are the observations made by the Madras High Court?

The central question before the Madras High Court was whether the ED has the power to seek custody of a person arrested. 

In this, the High Court accepted the argument on behalf of the petitioner that ED officials are not police officers as per the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary versus Union of India (2022). 

However, the court also held that the Supreme Court designated ED officials to not be police officers only for the reason that the statements given to the latter in any criminal case would not be admissible in evidence before the trial court under the CrPC whereas statements given to the former were admissible in evidence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

However, this observation could not be stretched to the extent of denying the ED an opportunity to subject the accused to custodial interrogation for unearthing crucial facts related to the alleged crime.

Hence, the court ruled that the ED can subject any person accused in a case booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to custodial interrogation.

What were the Supreme Court verdicts in the past about the PMLA?

Vijay Madanlal Choudhary versus Union of India,2022: In this judgment, the Supreme Court upheld various provisions of the PMLA which relate to the powers of arrest, attachment, search, and seizure conferred upon the ED. 

– The court was of the opinion that all the provisions under PMLA have a reasonable nexus with the objects sought to be achieved by the Act to effectively prevent money-laundering.

Chidambaram versus Directorate of Enforcement (2019): In this case, the Supreme Court rejected a prayer for anticipatory bail with respect to an offense of money-laundering and proceeded to grant custody to the ED. 

– The court reasoned that money-laundering cases involves ‘systematic and analyzed’ investigations which would be impacted if pre-arrest bail is granted.

Invasive weed threatens elephant habitats in Tamil Nadu

Source: The post is based on the article “Invasive weed threatens elephant habitats in Tamil Nadu”  published in The Hindu on 22nd July 2023.

What is the News?

An Invasive aquatic weed named “Ludwigia peruviana” is threatening elephant habitats in Tamil Nadu and reviving the risk of human-elephant conflicts in the region.

What is Ludwigia peruviana?

Source: Wikipedia

Ludwigia peruviana is an aquatic weed native to some countries in Central and South America, including Peru.

It is usually found in wetlands, swamps, marshes and along the edges of lagoons and slow-moving waterways (sometimes also floating on the water surface).

Why is Ludwigia peruviana an invasive plant?

Ludwigia peruviana is among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil Nadu. It was probably introduced as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers.

However, it is now challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas.

It is a fast growing aquatic weed. It forms dense colonies in slow-moving and static waterways.

This impacts the water flows in waterways, outcompetes native plants, reduces food and shelter for fish and other native aquatic animals and decreases light and water temperature.

Moreover, unlike other invasive plants, Ludwigia poses a unique challenge as it grows in swamps and there is little scope to use machinery which may further destroy the ecosystem.

Even if Ludwigia is pulled out manually, the soft plant easily breaks and it spreads again from the root or broken stems that fall in the swamp.

How is Ludwigia peruviana impacting elephant habitats?

In Tamil Nadu, Ludwigia peruviana has limited the growth of grass and native plants that is a source of food for elephants and other animals including gaur. This has revived the risk of human-elephant conflicts in the region.

India crosses a significant milestone for The National Tele Mental Health Programme of India

Source: The post is based on the article “India crosses a significant milestone for The National Tele Mental Health Programme of India”  published in PIB on 22nd July 2023.

What is the News?

Tele MANAS Initiative has reached a significant milestone. The toll-free service has received over 2,00,000 calls from various parts of the nation since the launch portraying a consistently progressive trend. 

What is the Tele MANAS Initiative?

Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare during October 2022. 

Aim: To provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

– The initiative maintains anonymity of the callers, thereby reducing the stigma generally surrounding mental health issues.

Nodal center: The initiative includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centers of excellence, with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) being the nodal center and International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology support.

Features: Tele-MANAS is organized in two tier systems: Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counselors and mental health specialists. 

– Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation.

Will generic supply of bedaquiline be accessible?

Source: The post is based on the article “Will generic supply of bedaquiline be accessible?”  published in The Hindu on 24th July 2023.

What is the News?

Johnson & Johnson’s patent on bedaquiline has expired recently. This long-awaited expiry will allow generic manufacturers to supply the drug, but J&J appears intent on maintaining its monopoly over the bedaquiline market.

What is Tuberculosis?

Click Here to read

What is the threat from Tuberculosis?

According to WHO, Tuberculosis was the world’s deadliest infectious disease before COVID-19 swept the world. 

Each year, nearly half a million people develop drug-resistant TB and nearly 10.4 million people develop drug-sensitive TB. 

One-third of the world’s population has latent TB, a version of the disease that can turn active as immunity falls. 

Nearly 2.8 million TB patients, the most in the world, live in India making it a national public health emergency.

What is Bedaquiline?

Bedaquiline is a medication used to treat active tuberculosis. Specifically, it is used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) along with other medications for tuberculosis.

It was developed by Janssen Pharmaceutical (a subsidiary of J&J) around 2002. 

Several of the phase I and II clinical trials of the drug were sponsored by public and philanthropic organizations such as the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the TB Alliance.

However, J&J has claimed sole ownership of it, protected by its aggressive patenting strategies.

What has Johnson & Johnson(J&J) done?

J&J has filed secondary patents over bedaquiline till 2027, which were granted in 66 low-and middle-income countries.

It includes 34 countries with high burden of TB, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and TB/HIV. Over the past week, J&J has faced public outrage for seeking to extend its patent on bedaquiline.

However in India, the Indian Patent Office has rejected J&J’s secondary patent which would have extended its monopoly for four more years. Indian manufacturers will now be able to supply affordable, quality assured generic versions of bedaquiline in India as the primary patent expired.

It is estimated that, with the introduction of competition from India, the price of bedaquiline will reduce in the range of $48-$102 for a six-month treatment course.

India hands over missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam

Source: The post is based on the article “India hands over missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam”  published in Indian Express on 24th July 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Navy has decommissioned INS Kirpan and handed it over to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN)—reflecting the growing defense ties and strategic partnership between New Delhi and Hanoi.

What is INS Kirpan?

INS Kirpan is a Khukri class indigenously-built missile corvette. It was commissioned in 1991.

The ship has been an integral part of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet and has participated in several operations.

It is manned by about 12 officers and 100 sailors and is 90 meters long and 10.45 meters in width with a maximum displacement of 1,450 tons.

The ship is fitted with a medium-range gun, 30 mm close-range guns, chaff launchers and surface-to-surface missiles.

What is the significance of India giving INS Kirpan to Vietnam?

The transfer of INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy symbolizes the status of the Indian Navy of being the ‘Preferred Security partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region and would be a catalyst for enhancing the existing bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.

This development is also significant amid a growing Chinese influence in the South China sea, which is giving rise to territorial disputes with Vietnam in the region. 

What are the other deals signed between India and Vietnam recently?

India and Vietnam recently signed a Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 and had inked a pact on Mutual Logistics Support to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between them.

India has also handed over 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam at a ceremony at the Hong Ha Shipyard.

India has also announced gifting two simulators and monetary grant towards setting up of Language and IT Lab at Air Force Officers Training School for capacity building of Vietnamese Armed Forces.

Banks write off bad loans worth Rs 2.09 lakh crore in 2022-23: RBI

Source: The post is based on the article “Banks write off bad loans worth Rs 2.09 lakh crore in 2022-23: RBI”  published in Indian Express on 24th July 2023.

What is the News?

According to the Reserve Bank of India, banks have written off bad loans worth over Rs 2.09 lakh crore during the year ended March 2023 taking the total loan write-off by the banking sector to Rs 10.57 lakh crore in the last five years.

What is a loan write-off?

Writing off a loan essentially means it will no longer be counted as an asset. By writing off loans, a bank can reduce the level of non-performing assets (NPAs) on its books. An additional benefit is that the amount so written off reduces the bank’s tax liability.

Why do banks resort to write-offs?

The bank writes off a loan after the borrower has defaulted on the loan repayment and there is a very low chance of recovery. The lender then moves the defaulted loan or NPA out of the assets side and reports the amount as a loss.

After the write-off, banks are supposed to continue their efforts to recover the loan using various options. They have to make provisioning as well.

Once recovered, the provisions made for those loans flow back into the profit and loss account of banks.

What do the RBI guidelines say on Loan write-offs?

The RBI guidance on write-offs says that in a deregulated credit environment, banks have been advised to take credit related decisions including waiving off bad loans as per their commercial assessment of the viability of the loans in terms of their board approved policies subject to prudential norms issued by the RBI. 

The policy on loan recoveries is required to lay down the manner of recovery of dues, targeted level of reduction (period-wise), norms for permitted sacrifice or waiver, factors to be taken into account before considering waivers, decision levels, reporting to higher authorities and monitoring of write-off and waiver cases.

However, the recovery process can take years as most of the loans involved in write-offs belong to wilful defaulters and shady promoters who generally don’t pay back to the banks.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti released Manual For Disaster Management Plan

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister for Jal Shakti released Manual For Disaster Management Plan”  published in PIB on 22nd July 2023. 

What is the News?

Union Minister for Jal Shakti has released the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP)

About the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP):

Developed by: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Aim: To ensure safety, uninterrupted supply and minimum loss of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assets and services involving stakeholders at national, state, district and village level.

Based on: The plan is developed based on the Advisory issued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) which under Section 37 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 desires every Ministry/ Department to develop its own disaster plan to counter and be prepared for any emergency arising in future.

Significance: The plan aligns with the two-flagship programmes on WASH implemented by the Department namely the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G).

What are the key provisions of the Disaster Management Plan (DMP) developed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation?

The plan explores the Disaster Management(DM) Cycle in four stages: 

Preparedness: Preparing WASH assets and services for disasters includes ensuring that the system is geared to respond swiftly and effectively to a disaster. The key elements of WASH Preparedness include the 5Ss: Standards, Supplies, Surge (additional personnel), Strategic alliances and Surveillance.

Response: Disaster response includes emergency services provided during or immediately after a disaster to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic needs. 

– In case of the WASH disaster response, this includes the immediate steps taken to restore water supply, correct water quality issues, and provide solutions for sanitation and hygiene.

Recovery and Reconstruction: Recovery and Reconstruction includes the restoration – and improvement where appropriate – of the facilities, livelihoods and living conditions of the affected communities. 

– In the context of WASH, this means the restoration of water, sanitation, and hygiene systems – not just to their pre-disaster levels, but to actually “build back beer” so that they are less vulnerable to future disasters of a similar nature.

Mitigation: Mitigation includes the steps taken to minimize the vulnerability of WASH infrastructure and services to future disasters.

Assessment: Three kinds of assessment need to be conducted

– Before the disaster: A Hazard-Vulnerability-Capacity mapping to guide the preparedness activities most needed.

– During Response: A Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) which can be completed in a day and point out the immediate needs of the affected population.

– During Recovery & Reconstruction: A detailed Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which highlights the long-term needs of the community and helps the administration “build back better” the damaged infrastructure and update the service delivery mechanisms to mitigate against future disasters.

India may build solar infra in Pacific island nations amid Chinese push

Source: The post is based on the article “India may build solar infra in Pacific island nations amid Chinese push”  published in Livemint on 20th July 2023.

What is the News?

India is considering expanding its solar STAR-C initiative to a number of Pacific Island countries.

What is the STAR-C Initiative?

The STAR-C Initiative is being led by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO) with funding from the Government of France.

Aim: To create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA Member States to enhance quality infrastructure (QI) for the uptake of solar energy product and service markets, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). 

– To boost solar power ecosystems in the poorest countries.

Activities under the initiative: Building solar workforces, standardizing products, setting up infrastructure and raising awareness among policymakers in developing countries.

Focus regions: STAR C project will initially focus on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Pacific Community (SPC)/Pacific Island Forum (PIF).

Significance: India’s expansion of the STAR-C initiative in Pacific Island countries demonstrates its commitment to promoting solar power ecosystems and addressing climate change in the region.

What is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

Click Here to read

India Climate Energy Dashboard(ICED)

Source: The post is based on the article “India Climate Energy Dashboard(ICED) ”  published in PIB on 20th July 2023.

What is the News?

NITI Aayog has launched the India Climate Energy Dashboard (ICED) 3.0.

What is the India Climate Energy Dashboard(ICED)?

Launched by: NITI Aayog in association with Vasudha Foundation

Purpose: It is a one-stop platform for near real-time data on the energy sector, climate and related economic datasets based on government published sources.

– The portal enables users to freely access and analyze datasets using an analytical engine. 

Significance: It will facilitate insights and enhance understanding about the energy and climate sectors while identifying the key challenges. 

– The portal will also be immensely useful in monitoring the progress of India’s clean energy transition journey.

Manipur violence: What is a Zero FIR and why it is registered

Source: The post is based on the article “Manipur violence: What is a Zero FIR and why it is registered”  published in Indian Express on 24th July 2023.

What is the News?

Of the nearly 6,000 cases of arson, violence, dacoity, and other offences registered in Manipur, nearly a third of them have been Zero FIRs.

What are Zero FIRs?

When a police station receives a complaint regarding an alleged offence that has been committed in the jurisdiction of another police station, it registers an FIR and then transfers it to the relevant police station for further investigation. This is called a Zero FIR.

After receiving the Zero FIR, the revenant police station registers a fresh FIR and starts the investigation.

When was the provision of Zero FIR established?

The provision of Zero FIR came up after the recommendation in the report of the Justice Verma Committee, which was constituted to suggest amendments to the Criminal Law in a bid to provide for faster trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women. The committee was set up after the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case.

Why was Zero FIR introduced?

The objective of a Zero FIR is to ensure the victim doesn’t have to run from pillar to post to get a police complaint registered. 

The provision is meant to provide speedy redressal to the victim so that timely action can be taken after the filing of the FIR.

What is FIR( First Information Report)?

Click Here to read

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS): Explained, pointwise