9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 5th, 2022

Posted on July 5th, 2022 Last modified on September 8th, 2022 Comments Views 9

Dear Friends,

We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
1. The Hindu
2. Indian Express
3. Livemint
4. Business Standard
5. Times of India
6. Down To Earth
7. PIB
We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
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Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

C Raja Mohan writes: With China’s expanding influence, Asia is also seeking to diversify its security partnerships

Source: This post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: With China’s expanding influence, Asia is also seeking to diversify its security partnerships” published in The Indian Express on 5th Jul 22.

Syllabus: GS2 – International Relations

Relevance: Impact of Chinese expansionism on Asia’s security relations

News: One of the many interesting features of last week’s summit of NATO in Madrid was the significant Indo-Pacific presence.

For the first time, the prime ministers of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand as well as the president of South Korea participated in a NATO summit.

The Russian and Chinese actions have helped to consolidate old alliances and give birth to new security coalitions in Asia.

How has NATO’s view of Russia and China evolved?

Previously

More than a decade ago, in 2010, when NATO agreed on a strategic doctrine, it was discussing it with its Russian partners. There was no reference to China in the 2010 strategic concept.

At that time, the West was trying to deepen ties with Russia and build expansive economic cooperation with China.

Present

In the backdrop of the Ukraine war, NATO has declared Russia “the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area”.

– NATO is determined to cope with the Russian threat.

The new focus on Russia has not meant ignoring the China problem. NATO has declared that China’s “stated ambitions and coercive policies challenge our interests, security, and values.”

How has the Russia-Ukraine conflict impacted NATO?

Russia’s actions in Ukraine have re-energized NATO, with its members promising to do more for security and more countries in Europe joining it as new members.

– Germany, which has long sought good political and commercial relations with Russia, has agreed to raise its defense spending and do more for European security.

– Sweden and Finland have ended their historic neutrality and decided to join NATO.

– The US is doubling down on its military commitments to Europe.

Why smaller European states are inclined to join NATO?

Most Central European states don’t want to rely purely on a European response to the Russian challenge.

They suspect France and Germany are more likely to accommodate Moscow at their expense than stand up to Russia.

For the Central Europeans, it is the US that offers a real balance against Russia.

This turning of European countries towards NATO is similar to India’s own turn to the Quad, which was a direct consequence of Chinese actions on the disputed bilateral frontier.

Has Asian NATO started to take shape?

The new engagement with NATO does not mean that we now have “Asia in NATO”. Nor is there any prospect of an “Asian NATO”— the creation of a pan-Asian military alliance.

Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand will not become formal members of the European military alliance.

Developing deeper institutional military ties to NATO is only one element of the Asian strategy to improve deterrence against Chinese aggression.

The creation of more sophisticated national military capabilities has been the first priority of some of Beijing’s neighbors.

Resolving mutual differences and strengthening security cooperation — for example between Japan and South Korea — has been another.

Boosting bilateral alliances with the US is yet another.

Way forward

Even as nations in the region reboot ties with the US, Asia is also seeking to diversify its security partnerships.

This has led to greater Asian engagement with Europe as well as the creation of new Indo-Pacific regional institutions – including the Quad, and the AUKUS.

Due to the expansionism of Russia and China, the strategic integration of the Asian and European geopolitical theatres has now begun.

Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent

Source: This post is based on the article “Vasudev Devadasan writes: The conflict between free speech and consent” published in The Indian Express on 5th Jul 22.

Syllabus: GS2 – Government policies and interventions

Relevance: Sharing of non-consensual intimate images

News: The Delhi High Court in Mrs. X v Union of India is confronted with a familiar problem. A woman whose nude photos were shared online without her consent approached the Court to block this content.

The case highlights the need for courts, law enforcement, and technology platforms to have a coordinated response to the sharing of non-consensual intimate images (NCII) online.

What are the legal provisions wrt NCII in India?

Publishing NCII is a criminal offence under the Information Technology Act 2000.

The Intermediary Guidelines 2021 provide a partial solution. They empower victims to complain directly to any website that has allowed the uploading of non-consensual images or videos of a person in a state of nudity or engaging in a sexual act.

– This includes content that has been digitally altered to depict the person as such. The website must remove the content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, or risk facing criminal charges.

What are the associated issues?

Issue with intermediary guidelines: The approach listed in these guidelines relies on victims identifying and sharing every URL hosting their intimate images.

– Further, the same images may be re-uploaded at different locations or by different user accounts in the future.

– While the Intermediary Guidelines do encourage large social media platforms to proactively remove certain types of content, the focus is on child pornography and rape videos.

– Victims of NCII abuse have few options other than lodging complaints every time their content surfaces, forcing them to approach courts.

Efforts by tech companies to tackle spread of NCII

Meta recently built a tool to curtail the spread of NCII (www.stopncii.org).

– The tool relies on a “hashing” technology to match known NCII against future uploads. The victim’s private images stay with them, with only the hash being added to a database to guard against future uploads.

Similar technology is already used against child-sex abuse material (CSAM) with promising results.

What are the concerns associated with use of image matching tech?

Image-matching technology could be used for surveillance or to simply remove unpopular (but not illegal) content from the internet.

– The CBI has already reportedly asked Microsoft to deploy its “PhotoDNA” tool (an image-matching software built to identify CSAM) for investigatory purposes.

The use of automated tools also raises free speech concerns that lawful content may accidentally be taken down. Automatic filters often ignore context. Content that may be illegal in one context may not be illegal in another.

Way forward

If well-designed and administered, other websites could eventually use Meta’s NCII hash database to identify illegal content they may be unwillingly hosting.

– Victims could report NCII abuse at a centralised location and have it taken down across a range of websites.

The government can also play a role in facilitating a redressal mechanism.

– For example, Australia has appointed an “e-Safety Commissioner”. He receives complaints against NCII and coordinates between complainants, websites, and individuals who posted the content – with the Commissioner empowered to issue “removal notices” against illegal content.

The government’s reported overhaul of the IT Act is an opportunity to develop a coordinated response to NCII-abuse that will provide victims meaningful redress without restricting online speech.

Going forward, courts may consider tasking a state functionary or independent body with verifying the URLs and coordinating with online platforms and internet service providers.

– If courts direct platforms to take down NCII, they should only do so where the NCII-content will be illegal in every foreseeable context.

India needs to scale up direct nutrition interventions

Source: The post is based on an article “India needs to scale up direct nutrition interventions” published in the “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS2 – Social Sector; Health Sector; Poverty and Hunger;

Relevance: Hunger and Nutrition; POSHAN 2.0

News: India’s is going to celebrate 75^th Anniversary of Independence, therefore, it is important to see India’s achievements on various fronts as well as areas where India has not performed well.

India’s Achievements

About Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition, or POSHAN Abhiyaan 2.0 (or National Nutrition Mission (NNM)

It aims to reduce malnutrition in women, children and adolescent girls. The MOWCD is the nodal Ministry to implement. It aligns with different ministries to work in tandem for the first 1,000 days in life.

It emphasizes on selected high impact essential nutrition interventions, combined with nutrition-sensitive interventions, which indirectly impact mother, infant and young child nutrition.

Key Indicators

As per the NFHS-5 2019-21, India has substantially improved in various indicators of women’s empowerment as compared to the NFHS-4 2015-16. The substantial improvements are:
(1) Antenatal service attendance (58.6 to 70.0%);

(2) women having their own saving bank accounts (63.0 to78.6%);

(3) women owning mobile phones that they themselves use (45.9 % to 54.0%);

(4) women married before 18 years of age (26.8 % to 23.3 %);

(5) women with 10 or more years of schooling (35.7% to 41.0%), and

(6) access to clean fuel for cooking (43.8 % to 68.6%).

Key areas still that still to be addressed even after seven decades of Independence (As per NFHS-5)

(1) There are gaps in direct nutrition interventions, like preconception nutrition, maternal nutrition, and appropriate infant and child feeding between NFHS4 and 5. For example,

(i) Child undernutrition remains high in the first three months. India has 20% to 30% undernutrition even in the first six months of life.

(ii) There has only been a marginal improvement in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). This has been despite the fact that there is a policy on infant and young child feeding, and also, there is a ban on sale of commercial milk for infant feeding.

(2) There are gaps in other nutrition intervention, like, complementary feeding practices, i.e., complementing semi-solid feeding with continuation of breast milk from six months onwards. This has been due to lack of awareness to start feeding at six to eight months etc.

What are the implications of poor nutrition?

It adversely impacts health, survival and diminishes the learning capacity, and leads to poor school performance.

In adulthood, it means reduced earnings and increased risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Way Forward

The government should create awareness at the right time with the right tools and techniques. For example, special care should be given in the first 1,000 days.

The POSHAN 2.0 should be given a push like was done to Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (SBA). For example, PM can use his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme to focus on the scheme.

The POSHAN 2.0 implementation agency should be overhauled to remove any flaws in its implementation.

The government should revisit the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) which is the nodal system for nutrition programme.

The supplementary nutrition supplied under ICDS can be alternatively supplied through the PDS as Take- Home Ration packets. Further, the ICDS anganwadi workers can be freed to undertake timely counselling on appropriate maternal and child feeding practices.

The government should combine the human resource of ICDS and health sector from village to the district and State levels to delivery of services in the first 1000 days of life.

The government should create awareness on EBF. A well-planned breastfeeding counselling should be given to pregnant women during antenatal check-up prior to delivery. The government should promote the technique of appropriate holding, latching and manually emptying the breast for the optimal transfer of breast milk to a baby.

A chaotic world, the perils of multilateralism

Source: The post is based on an article “A chaotic world, the perils of multilateralism”” published in the “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 International Organization; Bilateral Relations

Relevance: Bilateralism and Multilateralism

News: Recently, a Quad summit, a BRICS summit and a G-7 summit were convened across thew world. The world leaders exchanged ideas for seeking common ground on burning issues and recalibrating policy accordingly.

What are the challenges to multilateral negotiations?

Multilateral negotiations have become increasingly difficult in the present chaotic global. These organization have failed to make good attempts for collective bargaining.

BRICS

The BRICS’s joint statement did not indicate the beginning of a new relationship within BRICS. Its joint statements 2022 incorporated diverse statements rather than a real joint statement.

China attempted to hijack the grouping in its 14th virtual BRICS summit. Surprisingly, the BRICS was not meant to be a political grouping when it was established.

Russia and China are two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSCs). However, India, South Africa and Brazil are aspiring to become permanent membership. China strongly opposes any expansion of the permanent membership of the UNSC.

The BRICS members like India and China have border disputes. For example, China is trying to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It has halted the process of disengagement from certain sectors after Galwan Dispute.

The BRICS failed to determine the dynamics of the future course in the Indo-Pacific. For example, Both China and Russia do not favour even the change of nomenclature of the region from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific.

Russia and China have come close to each other since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Now, Russia is legally obliged to take the Chinese side in any future showdown between India and China. Russia is engaged in the war and China has failed to disengage from areas occupied in 2020. Both try to support each other at present.

China is unilaterally trying to expand the BRICS grouping. It has brough 13 like-minded countries for a high-level dialogue on global development in the recently concluded summit.

The G7

In the G7 Summit 2022, the members were preoccupied with its increasing involvement in the war through supply of money, sophisticated weapons, etc. It failed to produce any results on other major issues like climate change etc.

Way Forward

India should continue to participate in the grouping as the meeting provides the opportunity to interact with world leaders

Bilateral engagements may be much more productive at this point in history. India should work bilaterally with potential allies.

India can attain the status of a pole in the new world with steadfast friends and followers.

Shanthie Mariet D’Souza writes: A balancing act — In re-establishing Indian presence in Afghanistan, timing and tact are crucial

Source: The post is based on an article “A balancing act in re-establishing Indian presence in Afghanistan, timing, and tact are crucial” published in the Indian Express on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS2 – International Relations; Bilateral Relations

Relevance: India-Afghanistan Relations

News: Recently, India has re-established its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, after a strategic retreat from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

India’s engagement with Afghanistan Since Taliban Takeover

Even after the closure of its consulates and embassy, India has never abandoned Afghanistan.

India has continued to express concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the country and it has built regional consensus about the threat of terrorism

It has voiced its support for an inclusive government, and it has also provided aid and assistance to the people of Afghanistan. This has been in accordance to the Agreement on Strategic Partnership (ASP) 2011.

Recent efforts of India

(1) India sent a small technical team to Kabul to deal with the humanitarian crisis following the earthquake in Paktika and Khost provinces.

(2) India handed over relief materials for earthquake victims, to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in Kabul.

(2) In addition, India has also reopened its embassy in Afghanistan.

Significance: It is a signal that New Delhi is back to retrieve its lost leverage in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover.

The moves have the potency of securing many of India’s strategic interests in the long-term strategy.

Why has India changed its stand?

(1) There is a realisation that the Taliban regime is there to stay and would not be dislodged from power at least in the near-medium term. Therefore, India decided to build a working relationship.

(2) There is a belief that India should not complete detach, rather, it should engage to secure India’s huge strategic interests in Afghanistan. India should win over the moderates in Taliban and dilute the agenda of the hardliners. It should do business with the Islamic Emirate of the Taliban instead of turning it anti-India as was done in 1996 when India shut its embassy for five long years.

(3) New Delhi should not wait for an elusive international consensus to engage with Taliban. The Western world is preoccupied with the Ukraine war. Further, Indian adversaries may use this time for their advantage and to restart proxy warfare.

Way Forward

The Afghanistan earthquake provides a reason for India to revisit its 11-month-old policy. Its if important for both sides to engage.

The Taliban has followed up with two back-to-back statements on strengthening its defence relationship with New Delhi. It has also offered to give back jobs to the former members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) who were trained in India.

However, while smoothening relationship with Taliban, India needs to tread cautiously. India should keep the people of Afghanistan and not the current regime, at the centre of its declared Afghan policy. It means, the legitimacy and acceptance of the Taliban by the Afghan people should be the fulcrum of any such engagement.

For Taliban

Taliban should strive towards an inclusive government and frame a comprehensive long-term policy to engage with all the stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability return to Afghanistan.

The problem with our university vision

Source: The post is based on an article “The problem with our university visions” published in the “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 Social Sector; Education Sector

Relevance: Higher Education reforms

News: Recently, the global ranking systems such as the coveted QS World University Rankings were announced for the international rankings of higher education institutions (HEI).

The NEP 2020 Vision

It has envisaged all HEIs to become multidisciplinary institutions by 2040.

It aims to ensure that there is at least one large multidisciplinary HEI in or near every district by 2030. It means that single-stream specialised institutions will eventually be phased out.

About the QS World University Rankings 2022

It has ranked HEIs on the following components: (i) academic reputation (40%), (ii) employer reputation (10%), (iii) faculty student ratio (20%), (iv) citations per faculty (20%), (v) international faculty ratio (5%) and (vi) international student ratio (5%).

Performance of Indian HEIs in International Ranking

(1) Firstly, number of Indian institutes among the top 1,000 globally has risen to 27 from 22 last year

(2) The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has moved up 31 places to emerge as the highest ranked Indian institute in the 2023 edition,

(3) The Institutes of Eminence (IOE) dominated in the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings comes as no surprise. They performed well because they are granted more academic and administrative autonomy. Further, public IOEs get additional funding.

Issues of Concern

The prominent multidisciplinary universities such as JNU, Delhi University, the University of Hyderabad, and Jamia Millia Islamia have slipped in the QS World University Rankings.

However, single-stream specialised HEIs such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and IISc have performed better than their multidisciplinary counterparts. For example, 8 IITs are placed among the top 500 globally, in addition to IISc, Bangalore.

Other Important issues in HEIs in India?

There is an unequal and unfair system in the Indian higher education system. The State-sponsored HEIs are provided step-motherly treatment. They are positioned poorly vis-à-vis centrally funded institutions.

The central HEIs institutions get generous allocation of financial resources from the Indian Government. However, the financial support provided by State governments to State HEIs is far from adequate. They barely manage to pay salaries and pensions. This has been despite the fact that the number of under-graduate students is largest in State public universities.

Therefore, Centre perform better than their State-sponsored counterparts on all academic performance indicators — faculty strength, modernised laboratories, building infrastructure, digitised libraries, etc. Therefore, the academic and administrative infrastructure of the State-level HEIs has not been strengthened. For example, faculty positions are not filled, quality of teaching and research in HEIs has worsened.

Way Forward

For India to perform better on these rankings, we need to pay more attention to the State HEIs.

The Indian government should revisit the NEP focus on the multidisciplinary HEIs in the coming years because the specialised HEIs have performed well over multidisciplinary institutions in the QS World Rankings.

All HEIs should not be converted into multidisciplinary institutions. No study or data support the idea of transforming all the specialised institutions into multidisciplinary/multi-faculty universities.

India should develop our higher education system while taking into account Indian conditions and market demands.

GS Paper 3

Enforcing the single-use plastic ban

Source: The post is based on the article “Enforcing the single-use plastic ban” published in “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environmental pollution and degradation.

Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with the Single-use plastic ban.

News: India’s ban on select single-use plastic(SUPs) items came into effect from July 1, 2022.

Why does the government ban SUPs?

Unlike thicker and denser plastic material, single-use plastic objects being light and flexible are less amenable to being recycled.

About 99% of recycled plastic constitutes heavier plastics that are likely to be collected by ragpickers and plastic waste recyclers. Single use plastics do not provide an incentive enough for the effort needed to collect them and hence they lie around.

Hence, SUPs leach their toxins into the soil and cause environmental damage in both land and sea.

Must read: Ban on Single-Use Plastic – Explained, pointwise

How does the ban be implemented?

So far 32 States/UTs have reportedly constituted a dedicated Task Force to eliminate the use of single-use plastics. Of these 14 states/UTs and 12 Central Ministries had developed action plans describing how they would be enforcing this.

Penal provisions: According to the Environment Protection (EP) Act, violating the ban could invite “punitive action”. The EP Act says that violating the ban could invite five-year imprisonment and a fine of upto ₹1 lakh, or both. If the violations are repeated, it could mean additional fines of up to ₹5000 for each day.

There are different penalties for companies, organisations, and government departments under the EP Act.

Read more: Explained: Why is single-use plastic being banned in India from July 1

About the previous ban on plastics in India

At the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly in 2019, India piloted a resolution on addressing single-use plastic product pollution.

Before the amendments came into force, the Plastic Waste Management Rules only prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags and plastic sheets less than 50 microns in thickness in the country. There is a ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.

Since October 2021, there is a ban on the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than 75 microns.

Note: Plastic packaging waste is a major contributor to the much larger problem of plastic waste pollution. But this single-use plastic item is yet to be phased out.

Read more: Single-use plastic ban: Reading the fine print reveals ominous loopholes

What are the impacts of the ban?

The All India Plastic Manufacturers Association said that the ban would shutter 88,000 units in the plastic manufacturing business. These employ close to a million people and contribute to exports worth ₹25,000 crores.

Fast Moving Consumer Goods companies (FMCG) would be severely affected by the ban due to their dependence on plastic straws, and plates.

Read more: India’s ban on select single-use plastic items: A start but still a long way from blanket ban

About the Draft E-waste Management Rules, 2022: Right intent, confusing content

Source: The post is based on the article “Right intent, confusing content” published in “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environmental pollution and degradation.

Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with the Draft E-waste Management Rules, 2022.

News: This year marks a decade since the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules came into effect in India. The Rules have been amended a few times since. The most recent amendment is the Draft E-waste Management Rules, 2022.

What are the salient provisions of Draft E-waste Management Rules, 2022?

Read here: Draft Notification for Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Management

What are the advantages of the draft E-waste rules?

The rules propose a) expanding the definition of e-waste, b) more clearly specifying the penalties for violation of rules, c) introducing an environmental compensation fund based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle, and d) recognising the informal waste workers.

Read more: New opportunities for e-waste recyclers

What are the challenges associated with the draft E-waste rules?

First, large-scale recycling of e-waste is still in its infancy in India. Most of the recycling of valuable material is carried out within the informal sector using inefficient and unsafe technologies. Considering this, the target to recycle 60% of the e-waste generated in 2022-23 appears too optimistic.

Second, the government has to focus on existing formal and informal players if it wants to create better recycling facilities. But the draft rules are silent on regulating registered collectors, dismantlers, and producer responsibility organisations.

Third, the informal sector accounts for a vast majority of e-waste processed in India. Most e-waste policy debates have centred around the integration of the informal sector into the formal systems.

But the proposed regulations place the responsibility of such integration on the State governments without specifying what the incentives are for them to do this.

Fourth, based on European experience, the regulators face more difficulties in monitoring and enforcing recycling targets than the collection targets. But the present draft is silent on whether the rules will apply to the aggregate weight of e-waste or to every component of an e-product.

Fifth, the Steering Committee mentioned in the draft lacks representation in the Committee. For instance, there is no representation from science/academia and civil society organisations.

Read more: Time’s Running out-Is India ready to handle 34,600 tonnes of solar waste?

Hence, the core changes it proposes within the EPR framework require careful deliberation with all the relevant stakeholders before the Rules are finalised.

The long-term hurdles to India’s export growth

Source: This post is based on the article “The long-term hurdles to India’s export growth” published in Business Standard on 4th Jul 22.

Syllabus: GS3 – Indian economy – Issues related to growth and development

Relevance: India’s exports and related issues

Context: In FY21-22, Indian merchandise exports jumped 43.18% year-on-year, going up from $291.81 billion to $417.81 billion.

In this backdrop, the govt hopes that in the long term, exports can power India’s economic growth.

But, despite last year’s record performance, a close look at merchandise export trends of the past decade does not paint a very encouraging picture.

India’s merchandise exports trends

India’s merchandise exports stayed between $280 billion and $315 billion for a decade before its surge last year.

Even last year’s record performance did not see much volume growth — it was largely driven by higher prices/values, according to a report by India Ratings.

India, unlike the Asian Tigers, has never managed to be an export-driven economy.

India’s share in global merchandise trade has firmly remained below 2%.

What factors have primarily driven India’s economic growth?

Since the economic reforms were initiated in 1991, a) private investment b) domestic consumption,and c) government spending — have primarily driven India’s economic growth.

e) Merchandise exports have played only a supporting role.

f) Service exports —largely IT services — have been a redeeming factor in India’s export story.

Why has India failed to become a global merchandise power?

It is largely because India has not really become a hub for global manufacturing.

– Foreign manufacturers in India have largely focused on the domestic market, instead of treating it as a low-cost, high-quality manufacturing base for exports.

– Despite a realization among global companies that they need alternative hubs to reduce dependence on China, few of them have looked at India seriously.

Why India failed to become a global manufacturing powerhouse?

Three factors have played spoilsport to India becoming a global manufacturing power.

One, – rapid changes in policy and the uncertainty that investors have to face. Anyone putting millions to build a plant on the ground would like a stable policy regime, which has been missing for a decade now.

– Constant changes in tax rates, tweaking of rules and abrupt reversals following policy announcements have scared many investors.

– The changes in wheat, petroleum products and steel export policies or tariffs are recent examples.

Second – the cost and difficulty of doing business on the ground.

– This includes issues such as poor roads, higher cost of power, longer turnaround times at ports, dealing with local level officials, meeting myriad regulations at the state, district and city levels and other such problems.

These have often negated whatever cost benefits they have got from government incentives like the production-linked incentive scheme.

Third – poor quality standards set by Indian regulators and the government in almost every sector, and the even worse monitoring and implementation of these standards.

– In sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and drugs to automobiles to food and cosmetics — Indian manufacturers have a lower quality standard to meet than their global counterparts.

– Worse, there is little monitoring or penalty even if these low standards are not adhered to. Product recalls are almost unknown in the country.

An Indian automaker or a generics drug company exports higher quality goods to other countries than it sells in the Indian market.

Way forward

The govt should focus on removing hurdles that increase the cost of manufacturing or just doing business in India.

At the same time, it should set higher quality standards and monitor them stringently. This is an essential condition if India’s manufacturing needs to meet global standards.

That is the only way the country can become a major exporter of manufactured goods, not just software services.

The need for space sustainability

Source: The post is based on the article “The need for space sustainability” published in “The Hindu” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Awareness in the fields of Space.

Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with space sustainability.

News: The U.K. hosted the fourth summit for Space Sustainability in London in collaboration with the Secure World Foundation. During the summit, the UK launched a new ‘Plan for Space Sustainability’.

What are the challenges in achieving space sustainability?

Orbital crowding poses a big threat to space sustainability. This poses a direct threat to the operations and safety of a mission and is likely to cause legal and insurance-related conflicts.

Space debris: After the completion of a mission, an ‘end-of-life protocol’ requires space objects to be moved to the graveyard orbit or to a low altitude. Neither of the options is sustainable in the long run.

Solar and magnetic storms: These storms can potentially damage communication systems. Such space weather threats need to be addressed along with the efforts to identify the terrestrial carbon footprint of outer space missions.

Note: Outer space is considered a shared natural resource. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in 2019 adopted a set of 21 voluntary, non-binding guidelines to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

About the ‘Plan for Space Sustainability’

Aim:

-To set a global commercial framework for the insurability, licensing and regulation of commercial satellites.

-To reduce the cost for those who comply with the best sustainability standards and thus encourage a thriving ecosystem for the industry.

The plan also hopes to drive the sustainability factor internationally and provide an opportunity for the private sector to develop models that enhance operations’ safety and reduce debris footprint.

How does the plan propose to achieve space sustainability?

The U.K. calls for an “Astro Carta” for space sustainability, based on the Artemis Accords model for sustainable space exploration.

The plan proposes a) Active debris removal and in-orbit servicing, b) Encouraging space research and the development of technology to ensure the reuse and recycling of satellites at every stage.

Where does India stand on space sustainability?

India has always emphasised cost-effective and efficient missions with problem-solving applications. For example, India’s debris footprint is minuscule; India has 114 debris among the 25,182 pieces, of sizes larger than 10 cm, in the lower earth orbits. Apart from that, the recent activities of India on space sustainability are,

1) Project NETRA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated ‘Project NETRA’ to monitor space debris, 2) Earlier this year, India and the U.S. signed a new pact for monitoring space objects at the 2+2 dialogue, 3) Increased private participation: With Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACe), India expects an increased role of the private sector in India’s space activities, and

4) SPADEX: ISRO is developing a docking experiment to provide in-orbit servicing named SPADEX. It looks at docking a satellite on an existing satellite, offering support in re-fuelling and other in-orbit services while enhancing the capability of a satellite. Hence, the SPADEX can increase the longevity of a mission and also provide a futuristic option to combine missions/experiments.

What should be done to achieve space sustainability?

1) A collective effort by all space players, with the active role of the UN COPUOS or the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), is needed to set equitable standards for the ease of activities, 2) Many of the measures for sustainability are resource-consuming and expensive for medium-and-small space programs. Hence, there is a need for addressing the principles and rules that guide the activities in outer space with better clarity, and 3) Encourage the private sector with a set of sustainability guidelines to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and increase the safety and productivity of missions

Lingering notes: Cash seems to have a logic-defying appeal. Digitisation may eventually lessen that

Source: The post is based on the article “Lingering notes: Cash seems to have a logic-defying appeal. Digitisation may eventually lessen that” published in “The Times of India” on 5^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, and growth.

Relevance: To understand India’s increasing cash holding.

News: In the last two years, the volume of UPI transactions rose over threefold to 46 billion in 2021-22. But concurrently, Indians still hold a relatively large share of the cash.

Read more: RBI launches Digital payments index to track transactions

Why India’s cash holding is significant, and what are the global trends?

RBI estimates the annual currency requirement based on the forecast economic growth rate, inflation rate and disposal of soiled notes, among other things.

Present India’s cash holding is one of the highest in the world in relation to GDP. For instance, India’s currency per capita of Rs 22,752 is about 13% of per capita GDP. Currency in Circulation (CiC) as a proportion of GDP has also grown from 8.7% in 2016-17 to 13.7% in 2021-22.

A paper by ADB on the trend over 2000-18 in 11 advanced economies showed that Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the US showed a rising trend in CiC to GDP ratio. However, Denmark, Norway and Sweden deviated from this trend.

Read more: e-Rupi limit hike to promote offline digital payment push

What is the reason for increased cash holding in India?

1) Big shocks such as Covid or the 2008 financial crisis trigger risk aversion among individuals. A consequence is an increase in cash holding, 2) Since 2019, India’s inflation trajectory has trended upwards. This may partly explain the increase in CiC to GDP ratio to the pre-demonetisation level.

Read more: Report card of demonetization after one year

What should be done to reduce cash holding?

RBI should increase its focus on the digital payments landscape. Its policies should continue to be transformative at the grassroots level. Progress in digital mode will eventually loosen the grip of physical currency in payments.

Read more: Digital Rupee: Advantages and Challenges – Explained, pointwise

Red signals for green laws

Source: The post is based on article “Red signals for green laws” published in the Business Standard on 4^th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS3 – Ecology and Environment

Relevance: Environmental Protection Laws

News: Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed to amend the environmental protection law; and air and water pollution laws.

About the proposals

The government wants to decriminalize the provisions to remove fear of imprisonment for “simple” violations, proposal to raise the penalty from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, instead of the imprisonment for the first default (originally up to five years).

For a repeat offence the penalty would become more interpretational. It will be treated as equivalent to the damage caused.

If the defaulter fails to pay both the original and additional penalty, then imprisonment would follow.

The aggrieved parties can appeal to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the adjudicating officer’s order.

The government would create an environment protection fund where the penalty imposed by adjudicating officers under the amended rules will be deposited.

The fund will be used for the benefit of affected parties.

What are the issues?

The proposal’s aim is to dilute the penal provisions. They would lead to loosening of the environment protection laws and establish a business-friendly regime.

India is facing ecological challenges. For example, the country is among the world’s top climate-induced disaster-hit countries.

There are arguments to keep environmental protection laws as strict as possible.

Traditionally, India has been adherent to the principle of climate justice and keeping environment protection non-negotiable.

What are the other government initiatives that seem to be great cause of concern?

In 2014, the government allowed factories to be set up in eight critically polluted belts.

The mid-sized polluting industries were allowed to operate within 5 km of eco-sensitive areas instead of 10 km.

The effluent norms for thermal power plants were eased. Further, ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) were denotified and coastal regulation zones (CRZ) were loosened.

The amendments to the Forest Act were proposed which aims to enable safaris, zoos, mining and other non-forest use on forest land.

The government has strengthened its role in environmental decision-making bodies. For example, it has reduced the number of independent members on the National Board for Wildlife from 15 to three.

The government also tried to take a bigger role in the appointment of the chairman of the NGT. However, the decision was stayed by the Supreme Court.

Way Forward

The balance between growth and environment sustainability should be maintained at all times.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

PM launches year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Source: The post is based on the article “PM launches year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh” published in PIB on 4th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram,Andhra Pradesh.

Who is Alluri Sitarama Raju?

Alluri Sitarama Raju was born on 4th July 1897. He is remembered for his fight against the British, in order to safeguard the interests of the tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region.

He is referred to as “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungles) by the local people.

He had led the Rampa rebellion which was launched in 1922.

He laid down his life for the freedom of the motherland in 1924 at the young age of just 27 years.

What was the Rampa Rebellion?

The Rampa Rebellion is also known as the Manyam Rebellion. It was a tribal uprising, led by Alluri Sitarama Raju in Godavari Agency of Madras Presidency, British India.

Cause: The Rampa administrative area was home to about 28,000 tribes. These tribes followed the ‘Podu’ system of cultivation whereby every year some amounts of forest tracts were cleared for cultivation, as it was their only source of food.

While for the tribes, the forests were essential for their survival, the Britishers wanted to evict them so that they could plunder these areas for wood, which would eventually help in building their railways and ships.

To get the forests cleared, ‘The Madras Forest Act, 1882’ was passed, thereby restricting the free movement of the tribal communities and prohibiting them from engaging in their traditional Podu agricultural system. This oppressive order was the beginning of the Rampa Rebellion.

Ended in: The rebellion began in August 1922 and lasted until the capture and killing of Raju in May 1924.

Steps taken by Government to remember Alluri Sitarama Raju

Every year, the Government of Andhra Pradesh commemorates his birth date, the 4th of July, as a state festival

The birthplace of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Pandrangi in Vizianagaram district and Chintapalli Police Station (to mark 100 years of Rampa Rebellion – the attack on this police station marked the beginning of Rampa Rebellion) will be restored.

The government has also approved the construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu with a statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju in Dhyana Mudra, depicting the life story of the freedom fighter through mural paintings and AI-enabled interactive systems.

Home ministry amends FCRA rules; gives more time to declare funds

Source: The post is based on the article “Home ministry amends FCRA rules; gives more time to declare funds” published in Hindustan Times on 3rd July 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has amended certain provisions in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and its rules.

What are the key amendments made?

Firstly, it allowed Indians to receive up to Rs 10 lakh annually from their relatives abroad under FCRA. The limit earlier was Rs 1 lakh.

If the amount exceeds, the individuals will now have 90 days to inform the government instead of 30 days earlier.

Secondly, it has given individuals and organizations or NGOs 45 days to inform the ministry about bank account(s) that are to be used for the utilization of such funds. This time limit was 30 days earlier.

Thirdly, organizations receiving foreign funds will not be able to use more than 20% of such funds for administrative purposes. This limit was 50% before 2020.

Fourthly, the rules have done away with the provision where an organization/individual receiving foreign funds had to declare such contributions every quarter on its official website.

Now, anyone receiving foreign funds under the FCRA will have to follow the existing provision of placing the audited statement of accounts for every financial year beginning on the first day of April.

Fifthly, it has made five more offences under the FCRA “compoundable”, making 12 such offences compoundable instead of directly prosecuting the organizations or individuals.

Note: Compoundable offences are those offences where, the complainant (one who has filed the case, i.e. the victim), enters into a compromise and agrees to have the charges dropped against the accused. However, such a compromise should be a “Bonafide,” and not for any consideration to which the complainant is not entitled.

UN Ocean Conference: 198 countries adopt Lisbon Declaration

Source: The post is based on the article “UN Ocean Conference: 198 countries adopt Lisbon Declaration” published in Down To Earth on 4th July 2022.

What is the News?

At the UN Ocean Conference 2022, all 198 members of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Lisbon Declaration on ocean conservation.

What is the UN Ocean Conference?

Click Here to read about it

What is the aim of the Lisbon Declaration?

The Lisbon Declaration aims to scale up science-based and innovative actions taking into account the capacity challenges facing developing countries in particular Small Island Developing States and Least Developing Countries.

The actions range from strengthening data collection to recognizing the role of indigenous people in sharing innovation and practices to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime transportation, especially shipping.

They also agreed to promote innovative financing solutions to achieve sustainable ocean-based economies and encourage women and girls’ meaningful participation in the ocean-based economy.

Explained | China’s new high-tech aircraft carrier Fujian and its advanced catapult system

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | China’s new high-tech aircraft carrier Fujian and its advanced catapult system” published in The Hindu on 29th June 2022.

What is the News?

China has unveiled its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the new-generation Fujian (Type 003). With this, China now has the most number of aircraft carriers after the U.S.

What is Fujian?

Fujian is China’s “first fully domestically developed and constructed” aircraft carrier.

It has been named after China’s eastern coastal province which lies across from Taiwan.

This aircraft carrier joins two other carriers currently operated by China — Shandong (Type 001), commissioned in 2019 and the Liaoning (Type 002), bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998.

Features

The Fujian’s displacement is 80,000 tonnes, much more than the existing Chinese carriers, and comparable to the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

It also has a straight flat-top flight deck for take-offs and landings,

It has also been fitted with the latest launch technology — the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System(EMALS), first developed by the U.S. Navy.

What is an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System(EMALS)?

EMALS is a catapult system which helps to provide the extra push to aircraft. Once the catapult is released, the aircraft attached to the catapult moves forward with great speed in a short time, which helps it to gain the speed required to take off before it reaches the end of the runway.

Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery or CATOBAR is one such system. In this, an aircraft takes off from a completely flat deck with the help of catapults.

Types: There are two types of catapult systems — steam-powered, and electromagnetic ones called EMALS.

Steam-powered uses steam pressure to fire catapults. On the other hand, EMALS uses linear induction motors. The electromagnetic force generated is used to launch the aircraft.

Compared to steam catapults, EMALS is more reliable, requires less maintenance, recharges faster, doesn’t take up much space on a carrier and is energy-efficient.

What is India’s status on the EMALS system?

In 2017, the U.S. provided India with its EMALS technology, developed by the U.S. defence company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

India explored the possibility of installing the system, but the Navy dropped the plan due to budget constraints.

However, the state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited in Bengaluru is reportedly working on an EMALS model that could be tested for CATOBAR operations on Indian warships in the near future.

For instance, India’s second aircraft carrier named INS Vikrant, set to be commissioned later this year, will use the CATOBAR system to launch aircraft.

India is leading the world in digital revolution, asserts PM Modi

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated several portals during the seventh anniversary of the “Digital India” campaign.

What is the Digital India campaign?

Launched in: 2015

Purpose: It is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

How has the Digital India campaign helped India?

Digital India campaign has helped save Rs 2.25 lakh crore from falling into the wrong hands in the past eight years.

The transparency that has come due to Digital India has eliminated corruption at various levels adversely affecting the poor and the middle class.

In the last eight years, more than Rs 23 lakh crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) to beneficiaries.

Digital India helped the government tackle the crisis arising out of Covid pandemic. For example, CoWin and Aarogya Setu are two mobile applications that helped provide 200 crore vaccine doses.

What are the portals launched by the Prime Minister?

Digital India Bhashini: It aims to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages including voice-based access. It will also help in creating content in Indian languages.

– In addition to this, it will also focus on building AI-based language technology solutions for Indian languages along with the creation of multilingual datasets.

Digital India Genesis: Digital India Genesis is the short for Gen-next Support for Innovative Startups. Its purpose is to create a National Deep-tech Startup Platform, in a bid to discover, support, grow and make successful startups in tier-II and tier-III cities of India.

MyScheme: MyScheme is a service discovery platform facilitating access to Government Schemes. It aims to offer a one-stop search and discovery portal where users can find schemes that they are eligible for.

Meri Pehchaan: It is a user authentication service in which a single set of credentials provides access to multiple online applications or services.

Chips to Startup(C2S) Programme: Click Here to read

Indiastack.global: It is a global repository of key projects implemented under India Stack like Aadhaar, UPI, Digilocker, Cowin Vaccination Platform, Government e-Marketplace(GeM), DIKSHA Platform and Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission.

Source: The post is based on the article “India is leading the world in digital revolution, asserts PM Modi” published in The Hindu on 5th July 2022.

New IT rules likely to impact ease of business in India, says report

What is the News?

Internet and Mobile Association of India(IAMAI) has released a report titled “IT Rules, 2021: A Regulatory Impact Assessment Study”.

What is the purpose of the study?

The study assessed rules prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Codes) Rules,2021.

What are the key observations made by the report?

Originator Traceability provision: This provision was “technically infeasible” as implementing it on end-to-end encrypted platforms would break the encryption technology itself. Hence, they have recommended the removal of this provision.

Threshold of SSMI: According to rules, intermediaries having 5 million users are considered as significant social media intermediaries(SSMI). The report observed that the figure is too minuscule for a country with a population of 1.3 billion.

Data Retention: Experts have highlighted the inconsistency of the data retention mandate. Hence, they have suggested a 90+90 days approach where the intermediaries might store data for the original 90 days and would retain it after that only if needed.

Content Takedown: The singular timeline for the takedown of all grades of harmful content is burdensome. Hence, the study has recommended the creation of a risk-based content gradation mechanism to provide specific timelines for different grades of harmful content

SOPs on information assistance requests by LEAs: The majority of respondents from all stakeholder groups mentioned the need for clear Standard Operating Procedures to delineate the process and format of information requests by law enforcement officials.

Source: The post is based on the article “New IT rules likely to impact ease of business in India, says report” published in Business Standard on 5th July 2022.

More rainfall, snow in India in next 30 years: Report

What is the News?

Researchers in a study have estimated the time of the emergence of drought conditions and precipation under the impact of climate change.

What are the key findings of the study?

Global findings

Mediterranean regions, southern and central South America, Australia and Northern Africa are likely to see a decrease in precipitation. In contrast, India, China, Russia and Canada are projected to see an increase in precipitation.

Due to this, Mediterranean regions, southern and central South America, Australia and Northern Africa are likely to become drought hotspots within the next 30 years.

Findings related to India

India is currently a “drought hotspot”. But it is likely to see more precipitation (rain and snowfall) within the next 30 years. The country is likely to see a 15-30% relative increase in precipitation by 2050 under a high-emissions scenario.

By 2100, the majority of India will see a 30% relative increase in precipitation. However, drought frequency may slightly increase in northern India.

Source: The post is based on the article “More rainfall, snow in India in next 30 years: Report” published in Down To Earth on 4th July 2022.

New pathway to regulate nitrate absorption in plants

What is the News?

Researchers from the National Centre of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru(NCBS-TIFR) have found a new pathway that regulates nitrate absorption in plants.

How are Nitrates absorbed by roots?

Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients needed for the development of a plant. It is a part of chlorophyll, amino acids and nucleic acids, among others.

It is mostly sourced from the soil where it is mainly absorbed in the form of nitrates and ammonium by the roots.

What role do Nitrates play in the development of a plant?

Nitrates play a role in controlling genome-wide gene expression that in turn regulates root system architecture, flowering time, leaf development, etc.

Thus, while a lot of action takes place in the roots to absorb and convert nitrogen into useful nitrates, the absorbed nitrates in turn regulate plant development apart from being useful as a macronutrient.

What happens due to the overuse of Nitrates?

The overuse of nitrates in fertilizers leads to the accumulation of nitrates in water and soil. This accumulation adds to soil and water pollution and increases the contribution of greenhouse gases. To avoid this, there should be the optimal use of nitrates.

What is the method found by researchers to regulate nitrate absorption in plants?

Researchers have studied a target gene of miR444 called MADS27. It is a transcription factor which has not been studied before.

Note: Transcription factors are proteins involved in the process of converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA. Transcription factors include a wide number of proteins, excluding RNA polymerase, that initiate and regulate the transcription of genes.

Importance of MADS27: Researchers have found that this MADS27 has a three-pronged effect on the plant:

First, it regulates nitrate absorption by switching “on” proteins involved in this process.

Second, it leads to better development of the roots by regulating auxin hormone production and transport.

Finally, it helps in the abiotic stress tolerance by keeping the main stress player proteins “on.”

Hence, MADS27 provides an alternate means of regulating and optimizing nitrate absorption.

Source: The post is based on the article “New pathway to regulate nitrate absorption in plants” published in The Hindu on 3rd July 2022.

Chenkurinji Tree: Saving Chenkurinji from climate change

What is the News?

Chenkurinji Tree which was once abundant in the Aryankavu Pass in Kerala’s Kollam district has been fast receding from the area over the years.

About Chenkurinji

Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica) is a species of plant in the family Anacardiaceae.

It is endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

The Shendurni wildlife sanctuary in the Kollam district is named after this tree.

Flowering Period: Though the flowering of Chenkurinji usually happens in January. But of late, the plant species have reported a tendency to extend the process due to climate change.

Note: This is an adaptation strategy to increase the chances of germination and maintain a minimum viable population.

Uses: The tree is reported to have medicinal properties and is used to lower blood pressure and treat arthritis.

Threats:

Chenkurinji is very susceptible to climate change and the present condition of the species is quite bad with low regeneration performance.

Though there are seemingly enough trees, most are not productive, generating a negative trend in its population. Moreover, the majority of the trees are old with poor flowering and fruiting rates.

Source: The post is based on the article “Saving Chenkurinji from climate change” published in The Hindu on 2nd July 2022.