Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• India’s shield of privacy should reflect Article 21
• Express View on CPR losing its tax exemptions: Think tanked
• India’s strategic choices
• Limits of expansion – on Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)
• India needs a Uniform Civil Code
• Express View on data protection Bill: Personal is private”
• Our national surveys are based on faulty sampling

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

India’s shield of privacy should reflect Article 21

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s shield of privacy should reflect Article 21” published in Live Mint on 7^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: About new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill and associated concerns.

News: The monsoon session of the Parliament is likely to take up the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill.

About the New Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

Read Here: New Digital Personal Data Protection Bill in Monsoon Session and Cabinet gives nod to Data Protection Bill

What are the concerns with the New Digital Personal Data Protection Bill?

There are concerns over privacy due to the “deemed consent” clause in the Bill. The clause has been designed for emergency data access, however, there are also threats of the clause being misused by the authorities.

This is evident from the fact when the government attempted to break chat encryption for the sake of public security, raising suspicions over the privacy and potential of misuse by the government.

Hence, it is crucial to address the flaws in the bill to align it with its original purpose as defined by the judiciary. Else, privacy as a fundamental right would be weakened.

Read More: Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022: Benefits and Concerns – Explained

How can privacy as a fundamental right can be effectively implemented?

A Supreme Court ruling in 2017 recognized privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Indian Constitution.

However, basic rights hold value only if they are upheld against all forces, including the state. This also requires unbiased judicial procedures.

Therefore, privacy, as a key aspect of liberty, can be protected when no one is arbitrary arrested and unnecessary spying on individual also comes to an end.

Moreover, given the increasing digital realm, it is also crucial that individuals should be owner of their data by law.

They should be given rights to decide over sharing their data, and only necessary information should be made available to the state.

Further, given the alleged use of spyware like Pegasus, clear limits on intrusion by state agencies are also essential. Properly issued e-search permits may serve the purpose.

Express View on CPR losing its tax exemptions: Think tanked

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on CPR losing its tax exemptions: Think tanked” published in The Indian Express on 7^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – The Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

Relevance: concerns associated with the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)

News: The Centre for Policy Research (CPR), a prominent think tank has faced scrutiny from state agencies.

What steps has the government taken against the CPR?

A few months ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled CPR’s FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration. Now, the Income Tax department has cancelled CPR’s tax exemption status, which it has held since 1976. 

These decisions have been taken after a show cause notice was issued by the IT department in December last year. The notice stated that CPR was engaging in activities that were not in line with its registered objectives and conditions.

Must Read: Power against knowledge: On Centre for Policy Research FCRA licence suspension

What were the activities CPR was involved in?

In September last year, the IT department conducted surveys on the CPR regarding alleged tax discrepancies.

The IT department identified certain violations, including CPR’s involvement in the Hasdeo movement against coal mining in Chhattisgarh forests.

The investigation team of the IT department has also red-flagged funds provided by CPR to Jana Abhivyakti Samajik Vikas Sanstha, an organisation involved in the preservation of the environment.

The IT department claimed that funds were used to address issues related to litigation, mobilization of people, and funding for the Hasdeo movement, which falls outside CPR’s stated mandate.

What can be the implication of the measures taken by the government against CPR?

The CPR has worked on areas from analysing election data to evaluating the government’s flagship programmes such as PM Poshan.

This researched analysis contributes to policy debates and helps both state and non-state agencies to improve their decision-making processes.

Further, it is also difficult to expect the state planning boards or Niti Aayog to fill this task of both making and auditing public policy as well as do broad analysis of political and social trends.

Hence, many governments rely on think tanks to build capacities in decision-making. These think tanks in turn rely on donors.

Hence, disrupting the flow of funds to think tanks can severely impact their activities, potentially leading to their closure.

What can be the way ahead?

While CPR needs to address questions raised by the tax authorities, cancelling its tax exemption status, which is a key to its funding, is seen as an example of excessive regulation.

It also raises concerns about returning to the era of the license permit inspector raj.

Further, tax inspectors may succeed in forcing institutions to conform with the government’s goals and priorities. However, this approach will hurt policymaking and restrict the range of ideas that policymakers may discuss and debate.

India’s strategic choices

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s strategic choices” published in “Business Standard” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: Syllabus: GS 2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests & GS 3- Science and Technology- indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

News: the article talks about the issues associated with the outcomes of recent PM’s visit to Foreign Countries.

Why are the possible issues arising from recent deals?

prepares for another visit to Paris, there are speculations about a potential partnership with French engine-maker Safran to design and develop an engine for India’s futuristic, fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, this could stir controversy as the British firm, Rolls-Royce, has also offered to partner with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) for the same project.

Prior Commitment to US-Made Engines: The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already committed to using US-made General Electric (GE) engines for the Tejas fighter. This existing commitment adds another layer of complexity to the situation. If India now enters into a major agreement with Safran for the AMCA project, it might raise questions about the coherence of India’s defense procurement strategy.

Strategic Implications: The AMCA project has immense strategic importance for India, as it is expected to be a crucial component of the Indian Air Force’s fifth-generation fighter fleet. Thus, any controversy surrounding its development could cast a shadow on the broader procurement process and strategy of India’s defense sector.

What are the India’s limitations in co-developing defence equipment with US?

Capability differential: The primary constraint in US-India high technology cooperation has been the disparity in technological capabilities. Historically, the Indian side has had a more limited range of high-tech offerings compared to the advanced technology available in the US.

Limited co-development experience: India’s limitations in co-developing defence equipment have been an obstacle. Past collaborations have revealed challenges related to technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and infrastructure, which have constrained the depth of cooperation.

India has a long history of space collaboration with Russia. Indian scientists were traditionally trained in Russia, and the country played a significant role in India’s first astronaut mission in 1984. This historical connection with Russia in the space domain could potentially impact the dynamics of space collaboration between India and the US, as India’s past association with Russia might influence its approach to collaborations with other countries, including the US.

What can we conclude from the recent developments?

India’s Prime Minister  international engagements reflect India’s balancing act in maintaining diverse alliances. The India-US relationship is improving with new initiatives, notably in high-tech cooperation and space. Despite this, India’s historic ties with Russia and its commitment to multiple vendors in defence deals, such as Safran and GE, highlight potential complexities. Additionally, the lack of consensus at the SCO meeting signifies geopolitical constraints. However, through careful diplomacy, India aims to solidify its place in the international landscape by strengthening relationships and pursuing strategic partnerships.

Limits of expansion – on Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)

Source: The post is based on the article “Limits of expansion” published in “The Hindu ” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Government policies and intervention & GS 3 – issue related to poverty and hunger

News: The National Conference of Food Ministers failed to resolve the issue of the discontinuance of rice and wheat sales to States under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in view of the Centre’s restrictions.

Read – Lessons from the fracas over foodgrains

What was the aim of The National Conference of Food Ministers?

The aim was to discuss important topics such as creating an action plan for the procurement of coarse grains and placing a strengthened focus on food and nutritional security.

Why has this issue arisen?

The issue arises because a) the state government launched a large-scale scheme without having a comprehensive plan and mechanism in place, b) The Union Food Ministry halted the sale of surplus grain under the open market sale scheme, affecting the state ‘s plan to use OMSS to implement their scheme.

What are the lessons for the state from this issue?

Reduced dependency on the Centre for State schemes: States should not overly rely on the Centre or its agencies for implementing state-specific food sector schemes. This is underscored by the Food Corporation of India’s withdrawal from providing additional foodgrains for the Anna Bhagya 2.0 programme in Karnataka.

Resource identification and cost-effectiveness: States need to identify their own resources and implement food security schemes in a cost-effective manner. As demonstrated by the situation in Karnataka, finding an equivalent supplier at a feasible cost can be a challenge.

Feasibility of expanding entitlements: States should consider the feasibility of expanding entitlements, such as increasing the amount of foodgrain provided from 5 kg to 10 kg, considering their own resource constraints.

Advance planning: The states should undertake careful and advanced planning for their food security schemes. The situation in Karnataka brings into focus the pitfalls of ill-planned attempts to replicate Union government schemes without considering the states’ individual resources and contexts.

What should be done?

With potential El Niño impacts on foodgrain production and procurement on the horizon, the Centre and the states are urged to concentrate on strengthening the Public Distribution System. Instead of trying to expand existing schemes, the focus should be on making current systems more foolproof and efficient.

India needs a Uniform Civil Code

Source: The post is based on the article “India needs a Uniform Civil Code” published in “The Hindu ” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

What is UCC?

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed law in India that aims to replace personal laws based on scriptures and customs of each religious community with a common set of rules governing every citizen. It seeks to ensure equal justice and rights for all citizens by establishing common rules for issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion.

What are the constitutional debates on UCC?

The UCC has a deep-rooted history in the Constitution of India and its creation. Notably, discussions during the Constituent Assembly debates highlight the significance and need for a UCC.

Babasaheb Ambedkar, the primary architect of the Indian Constitution, strongly supported the UCC. He believed it was key to achieving gender equality and eliminating social issues. He voiced his confusion over why religion has been allowed to create barriers in the way of legal and social reform.

Several other notable figures like Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar and K.M. Munshi also expressed their support for UCC. They stressed that a UCC was needed to unify and secularize the nation’s way of life.

Despite the support, the Assembly did not reach a consensus, and the UCC ended up in Article 44 of the Directive Principles, making it a constitutional obligation for the state to implement it.

What is Supreme Court’s Stand on UCC?

India’s Supreme Court has also voiced its opinion on the matter. In the Shah Bano case, it regretfully remarked on the failure to bring Article 44 to life and expressed that a UCC would foster national integration. In the Indian Young Lawyers Association case (2018), the court ruled that religious freedom should align with the Constitution’s fundamental rights. Despite its views, the court refrained from issuing directives to the government, respecting the parliament’s legislative domain.

What is the significance of UCC?

Reduces social inequalities and discrimination: A UCC would safeguard fundamental rights, decrease social disparities, and curb gender discrimination. It represents a unified legal system that upholds constitutional principles, serving as a mechanism for promoting equality and justice for all citizens.

Promotes gender equality: The UCC is critical for empowering women and establishing gender parity in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. It would help abolish practices that deny women their rights and provide them with equal opportunities and protections.

Encourages national integration: The implementation of a UCC will help cultivate a sense of unity among India’s diverse communities, fostering social cohesion and national integration. It is a significant step toward building a new, inclusive, and egalitarian India.

Conclusion

The call for the UCC is a call for social reform, a code aligned with the principles of justice, equality, and an inclusive society. Thus, it’s crucial for citizens, religious leaders, and political parties to support its implementation, as it would represent a significant step toward a more equal and fair society.

Express View on data protection Bill: Personal is private”

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on data protection Bill: Personal is private” published in “Indian Express” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government policies and interventions for various sectors

News: The Union cabinet has approved the draft data protection Bill, which is set to be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming monsoon session.

This Digital Personal Data Protection Bill is a crucial part of the regulatory framework being introduced to govern India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Read – draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

What are the implications of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill?

The Bill may empower the central government to exempt any government agency from its purview.

The government may have the discretion to appoint members to the data protection board. It raises concern about the independence and autonomy of institutions. The board will be charged with ensuring compliance and dealing with grievances and disputes.

The legislation is likely to have shifted towards a blacklisting framework from a whitelisting approach for dealing with cross-border data flows. The shift towards a blacklisting framework for cross-border data flows could be influenced by the prevailing geopolitical environment.

The Bill prescribes penalties up to Rs 250 crore per instance, for failing to prevent a data breach. However, the word ‘per instance’ is not defined yet.

Our national surveys are based on faulty sampling

Source: The post is based on the article “Our national surveys are based on faulty sampling” published in “Indian Express” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government policies and interventions for various sectors

News: The article discusses the importance of data quality in surveys that inform policy decisions in India.

Policymakers in India typically rely on sample surveys of households to assess previous policies or to frame new ones.

However, the data quality related to the National Sample Survey (NSS), National Family Health Survey (NFHS), and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is inadequate due to outdated sampling frames and archaic survey mechanisms.

What are the Issues associated with the present surveys?

Surveys use outdated sampling frames and hence, are not representative

The surveys are said to grossly and systematically underestimate India’s progress and development, leading to misleading estimates.

For example, nearly all major surveys in India conducted post-2011 have overestimated the proportion of the rural population significantly. They have relied on 2011 for the sampling frame.

There is also a problem with the response rate, which is systematically correlated with wealth levels. The response rate falls with growth in income and wealth of households. No adjustment has been made for this error in the surveys.

If the polices are framed based on these estimates, they are not going to yield the desired results. This will result in a continuous gap between ground realities and survey estimates.

What should be done?

Statistical reforms should not merely focus on the availability, frequency, and largeness of data, but greater emphasis should be placed on data quality.

GS Paper 3

Should Internet shutdowns be used to maintain public order?

Source: The post is based on the article “Should Internet shutdowns be used to maintain public order?” published in “The Hindu” on 7th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.

News: Between 2016 and 2022, 60% of Internet shutdowns across the world took place in India.

Why India has more Internet shutdowns than any other country?

Around 40-50% of these shutdowns are implemented due to communal tensions.

Many shutdowns are enforced during protests to curb dissent and maintain public order.

Some are even imposed to prevent cheating during exams, and many during religious processions.

What is the constitutional and judicial view on the internet shutdown?

India’s Constitution does not directly address the issue of Internet shutdowns, but various provisions indirectly relate to it and have been interpreted by the judiciary in several important rulings.

Article 19 (Freedom of Speech and Profession): Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, and the right to practise any profession. These rights have been interpreted to encompass the freedom to access the Internet. In several rulings, the Indian Supreme Court has held that the right to access the Internet falls under the scope of Article 19.

Article 21(Right to Life and Liberty): Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty. Over the years, this has been interpreted by the courts to include the right to education and the right to access the Internet, among others. The Supreme Court, in the Anuradha Bhasin and Faheema Shirin rulings, has underscored the importance of preserving Internet access as an extension of the rights under Article 21.

Judicial interpretation and guidelines: The Supreme Court has ruled that Internet shutdowns should be temporary, limited in scope, lawful, and proportionate. These guidelines aim to balance the need for maintaining law and order and preserving individuals’ rights to freedom of speech, profession, and personal liberty.

What are the legal provisions related to internet shutdown in India?

India’s legislation does not directly address Internet shutdowns, but several legal frameworks are used to govern the practice.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): This section allows district authorities to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. However, after Anuradha Bhasin judgment by the Supreme Court, there has been a shift towards imposing Internet shutdowns under the more specific Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, rather than the broader and more general Section 144.

The Information Technology Act, 2000: The law allows for the blocking of websites that present threats to national sovereignty, integrity, or defence. This Act is often invoked as a legal basis for some Internet shutdowns, though the Act itself was designed for website blocking rather than entire network shutdowns.

Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017: It is the primary piece of legislation that governs Internet shutdowns in India. According to these rules, Internet services can be temporarily suspended in cases of public emergency or for public safety. The order for a shutdown must come from a government official not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India, and a review committee must assess the situation within five working days.

Read more: Internet shutdowns in India: impacts and way forward

What are the impacts of the internet shut down?

Economically, they can be devastating. Many businesses, particularly those reliant on the Internet, can be severely impacted, leading to lost revenues and potentially, job losses.

In terms of education, prolonged shutdowns can hinder students’ access to online learning materials and opportunities, potentially costing them scholarships or even academic years. This impact has become even more pronounced with the rise of digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare services can also be affected, as telemedicine and online health information become inaccessible during a shutdown. Additionally, essential services like food delivery or digital payments can be disrupted, affecting people’s everyday lives.

Moreover, the restriction on the free flow of information can curtail freedom of speech and expression, affecting democratic processes and potentially leading to human rights violations.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India and Asean top recipients of FDI, says UNCTAD report

Source: The post is based on the article “India and Asean top recipients of FDI, says UNCTAD report” published in Economic Times on 6th July 2023

What is the News?

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published its World Investment Report 2023.

What are the key findings of the World Investment Report 2023?

Globally: The global FDI fell by 12% in 2022 to $1.3 trillion mainly due to overlapping global crises: the war in Ukraine, high food and energy prices, and soaring public debt.

– The decline was felt mostly in developed economies where FDI fell by 37% to $378 billion.But flows to developing countries grew by 4% with a few large emerging countries attracting most of the investment while flows to the least developed countries declined.

– Investments in renewables have nearly tripled since 2015.But most of the money has gone to developed countries.

– Developing countries need renewable energy investments of about $1.7 trillion each year but attracted only $544 billion in clean energy FDI in 2022.

India: India was the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield projects in the world in 2022.

– The FDI flows into India rose 10 percent from $44.7 billion in 2021 to $49.3 billion in 2022.

– However, the total FDI inflows to India in 2022 was still lower than what was recorded in 2020, when India received $64 billion of foreign investments.

– India was also the second-largest recipient of international project finance in the world in 2022. International project finance is when international lenders provide debt or equity to infrastructure projects in various countries.

– Moreover, Indian multinational companies substantially increased their overseas investments in 2022.Indian companies’ invested about $42 billion overseas, a three-fold increase in total investments.

Govt unveils guidelines for green hydrogen production, electrolyser manufacturing

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt unveils guidelines for green hydrogen production, electrolyser manufacturing” published in The Hindu Business Line on 6th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued scheme guidelines for implementation of Strategic interventions for green hydrogen transition(SIGHT) programme.

What is Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme?

SIGHT is a major financial measure under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Objectives: 1) To maximize production of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in India 2) Enhance cost-competitiveness of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives vis a-vis fossil-based alternatives and 3) Encourage large scale utilization of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. 

Components: The programme has two distinct financial incentive components:

– Component I: It targets domestic manufacturing of electrolysers.

– Component II: It focuses on green hydrogen production 

Implementing Agency: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

Click Here to read

Secretary, DARPG launches the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) portal

Source: The post is based on the article “Secretary, DARPG launches the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) portal” published in PIB on 6th July 2023

What is the News?

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAPRG) Secretary has launched the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA).

What is National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA)?

The NeSDA framework was launched in 2018 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAPRG).

Objective: To measure the depth and effectiveness of existing e-Governance service delivery mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective.

The framework is based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of UNDESA eGovernment Survey. It has been customized for the Indian federal structure and the e-Governance landscape of the States and UTs.

DARPG undertakes NeSDA study biennially. It has successfully released 2 editions of NeSDA study: NeSDA 2019 was released in 2020 and second edition – NeSDA 2021 was released in 2022.

NeSDA 2023 Framework: The framework for NeSDA 2023 study has been elaborated under the following three dimensions: 

Portals Coverage: All Government Portals assessed during NeSDA are classified into two categories viz., (i) State, UT, Central Ministry Portal and (ii) State, UT, Central Ministry Services Portals.

– NeSDA 2023 framework proposes to evaluate the maturity of e-Government at the City level as well by assessing City Portal i.e., the official portal of respective City/Urban Local Body that provides a single window access to the information and links to the services being provided for the citizens and other stakeholders in the city.

– For City portal assessment, States/UTs may propose one of the 3 most populous cities.

Focus Sectors and Mandatory Services Coverage: The NeSDA framework covers G2C and G2B services across seven sectors: Finance, Labour Employment, Education, Local Governance Utility Services, Social Welfare (including Health, Agriculture, Home Security), Environment (including Fire) and Tourism sectors. 

– The framework for NeSDA 2023 proposes an expansion on focus sectors with an addition of Transport and Public Grievance.

Assessment Parameters: To make the NeSDA framework more robust and align with global digital government trends it is proposed to include three additional assessment parameters namely: Open Government Data (OGD), E-Participation and Leveraging Emerging Technologies.

3-Day International Conference on Green Hydrogen begins in New Delhi

Source: The post is based on the article “3-Day International Conference on Green Hydrogen begins in New Delhi” published in PIB on 6th July 2023

What is the News?

The three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) is being organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

What is the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023)?

Organized by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Aim: To explore how we can establish a Green Hydrogen ecosystem and foster a systemic approach for meeting the global goals for decarbonization through Green Hydrogen.

What are the key highlights from the conference?

India’s energy import dependence: Energy use has doubled in the last 20 years in India and is likely to grow by at least another 25% by 2030. 

– India currently imports over 40% of its primary energy requirements, worth over USD 90 billion every year. 

– Major sectors like mobility and industrial production are significantly dependent on imported fossil fuels. 

– This necessitates a shift towards technologies that enable enhanced share of renewable sources in the energy mix, to enable us to progressively reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

Non fossil fuel: India is the only major economy to source 40% of our energy from non-fossil fuel sources nine years ahead of the target of 2030. 

– Currently, around 42% of power generation capacity of India is based on non-fossil-fuels.

Green Hydrogen: As per the International Energy Agency, the world demand for hydrogen is expected to grow by 600% by the year 2050. 

– India is one of the biggest consumers of green hydrogen in the world, with a demand of 6 million tons per annum.

– The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and oil and gas PSUs have taken various initiatives for promotion of green hydrogen.Oil India Limited has started a pilot plant in Jorhat, Assam which produces 10 kg of green hydrogen per day.

– Projects have also been commenced for setting up 3.5 million tons of green hydrogen manufacturing capacity already.

– Indian Oil Corporation Limited has entered into an agreement with Tata Motors, for development of hydrogen fuel cells in India. 

Non-compliance of orders of the green court by governments is a serious issue

Source: The post is based on the article “Non-compliance of orders of the green court by governments is a serious issue” published in The Hindu on 7th July 2023

What is the News?

The chairperson of National Green Tribunal has given an interview on the performance of NGT.

What is the National Green Tribunal?

Click Here to read

What are the three main challenges to the environment in India?

The three main challenges to the environment in India are: 1) Waste management 2) Environmental safety and 3) Safety norms in industrial processes.

How did NGT perform in the last five years?

NGT received 15,132 new cases in five years and disposed of 16,042 cases, including pending ones.

It has achieved this due to zero adjournments and has also made procedures simpler.It is also accepting only online filing and has independent verification of facts. 

What are the challenges faced by the National Green Tribunal currently?

Non Compliance of NGT orders by governments continues to be a serious issue.

Lack of environmental finesse of its expert members.Usually, the expert members are specialists in one particular field and not on the environment as a whole.

Click Here to read more

Problem of manual scavenging eliminated, claims Union Social Justice Ministry panel

Source: The post is based on the article “Problem of manual scavenging eliminated, claims Union Social Justice Ministry panel” published in The Hindu on 5th July 2023

What is the News?

The Central Monitoring Committee of the Union Social Justice Ministry has concluded that the issue of manual scavenging has been eliminated.

The ministry claimed this despite noting that only 520 of the 766 districts across the country are free of manual scavenging.

This means that manual scavenging continues to be prevalent in nearly 34% of the districts in India even though the practice is banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act.

What is Manual Scavenging?

Click Here to read

Deaths due to Manual Scavenging:

In 2022, 48 people had died due to hazardous cleaning of sewers in 2022.This number was 49 in 2021, 19 in 2020, and 117 in 2019.

However, government has for the last few years insisted that manual scavenging no longer exists in the country and has made a distinction between such instances and deaths due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

What are the steps taken against Manual Scavenging?

NAMASTE Scheme

Scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers: Under this, the 58,000 identified sewer workers have been given a one-time cash payout of ₹40,000 each. 

– In addition, around 22,000 of them have been connected to skills training programmes. Subsidies and loans are also available to them if they want to set up their own business.

What are the provisions of the High Seas Treaty?

Source: The post is based on the article “What are the provisions of the High Seas Treaty?” published in The Hindu on 7th July 2023

What is the News?

The United Nations has adopted the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty. 

It became the third agreement to be approved under UNCLOS, after the 1994 and 1995 treaties, which established the International Seabed Authority and the Fish Stocks agreement.

What are the objectives of the High Seas Treaty?

To implement international regulations to protect life in oceans beyond national jurisdiction through international cooperation.

To address critical issues such as the increasing sea surface temperatures, overexploitation of marine biodiversity, overfishing, coastal pollution and unsustainable practices beyond national jurisdiction.

What are the key provisions of the High Seas Treaty?

Establishing marine protected areas to protect oceans from human activities through a three-quarterly majority vote which prevents the decision from getting blocked by one or two parties. 

Fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources: The treaty mandates sharing of scientific information and monetary benefits through installing a “clear house” mechanism.

– Through the mechanism, information on marine protected areas, marine genetic resources and area-based management tools will be open to access for all parties.

Capacity building and marine technology: The Treaty will provide funding for capacity building and implementation to help developing countries implement the Treaty, encourage cooperation, develop marine science and technical capability, as well as promote access to technology on fair terms.

Scientific and Technical Body: The body will be creating standards and guidelines for assessment procedures, and helping countries with less capacity in carrying out assessments. 

– This will facilitate the conference of parties to trace future impacts, identify data gaps, and bring out research priorities.

Which countries opposed the treaty?

Many developed countries opposed the treaty as they stand by private entities which are at the forefront of advanced research and development in marine technology (patents relating to marine genetic resources are held by a small group of private companies). 

Russia and China were also not in favour of the treaty.Russia withdrew from the last stage of reaching a consensus arguing that the treaty does not balance conservation and sustainability.

One Health: FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH launch research agenda for antimicrobial resistance

Source: The post is based on the article “One Health: FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH launch research agenda for antimicrobial resistance” published in Down To Earth on 4th July 2023

What is the News?

The ‘Quadripartite’ — comprising the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released the One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR).

What is One Health?

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. 

It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. 

The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at different levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems while addressing the collective need for healthy food, water, energy, and air, taking action on climate change and contributing to sustainable development.

What is the One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

The agenda aims to guide a variety of stakeholders in generating new evidence to address antimicrobial resistance, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.

It focuses on five key pillars:

Source: Down To Earth

– Transmission: It focuses on the environment, plant, animal, and human sectors where AMR transmission, circulation and spread occur.

– Integrated surveillance: It aims to identify cross-cutting priority research questions in order to improve common technical understanding and information exchange among One Health stakeholders.

– Interventions: It focuses on programmes, practises, tools, and activities aimed at preventing, containing, or reducing the incidence, prevalence, and spread of AMR.

– Behavioral insights and change: It focuses on research addressing human behavior that affects AMR, including ways to combat it.

– Economics and policy: It takes into account the cost-effectiveness of an AMR investment case, financial sustainability, and long-term financial impact.

Significance of the agenda: It will serve as a guide for countries, research institutes and funding bodies to support One Health AMR research. 

– It will also allow policymakers, researchers, and the multidisciplinary scientific community to collaborate across sectors.

High Courts not empowered to issue a direction for invocation of Article 355 of the Constitution, rule judges

Source: The post is based on the article “High Courts not empowered to issue a direction for invocation of Article 355 of the Constitution, rule judges” published in The Hindu on 5th July 2023

What is the News?

Madras High Court has held that the High Courts under Article 226 do not have the power to issue a direction to the Centre to invoke Article 355.

What is Article 355?

Article 355 of the Constitution deals with an emergency provision by which the Centre can intervene and protect a state against external aggression or internal disturbance.

It is part of emergency provisions contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution of India, from Article 352 to 360.

What was the case before Madras High Court?

A petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking orders to invoke Article 355 in Tamil Nadu in the wake of alleged failure to maintain public peace during the search and arrest of the minister.

The petitioner sought an order from the High Court to the secretary to the governor to forward a representation to the President’s office to invoke Article 355 so that the Centre could intervene in the affairs of the state government.

What did the Madras High Court rule?

The High Court dismissed the petition.

It said that the High Courts does not have the power to issue directions to the Centre to invoke Article 355 of the Constitution as it is part of the policy decision on the part of the Executive.

Any direction would be in violation of the theory of separation of power.

Article 355 appeared to have been inspired both by the US and the Australian Constitution.

The underlying principle behind the insertion of Article 355 was to ensure that the Centre would interfere in the administration of provincial affairs by and under a constitutional obligation. 

The court also held that the incident of IT officials being mobbed would not qualify as an internal disturbance under the purview of Article 355.

It said that the expressions: 1) ‘internal disturbance’ could only refer to a sense of domestic chaos (could take the colour of a security threat) and 2) ‘external aggression’ would require a large-scale public disorder (endangering the security and administration of the State).

National Research Foundation’s vision: A chance at genuine innovation

Source: The post is based on the article “National Research Foundation’s vision: A chance at genuine innovation” published in “Indian Express” on 7th July 2023.

News: The article discusses the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) as recommended by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020) in India.

Read – India’s National Research Foundation (NRF): Needs, significance and challenges- Explained, pointwise

The NRF is expected to seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of innovation throughout Indian universities, colleges, institutions, and R&D laboratories.

What are challenges that may still arise after the establishment of NRF?

First, India’s R&D spending is low, at only 0.65% of GDP, compared to over 2% in developed and East Asian economies.

Second, the majority of the government R&D funding is through core grants, with the DRDO, DoS, and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) being the top recipients. While only a small percentage (5.8% in 2016-17) is spent on extramural grants, vital for R&D in universities and institutions of higher learning. The extramural grants from DST-SERB and DBT have been the lifeline for R&D in the universities and institutions of higher learning in the country.

Third, the static extramural grant funding, despite a significant increase in institutes and doctoral students, has hampered quality doctoral training.

Fourth, India does not have a competitive grant system, despite global prevalence of such systems.

Moreover, there was underutilization of funds extramural grant funding in 2021-22 due to bureaucratic issues.

The mention of agriculture is missing from the stated goals, which seems like an oversight.

What should be done?

The success of the NRF will depend on its ability to manage a large number of projects in a timely and fair manner, and to secure funding from non-government sources.

A competitive grant system can expedite research in emerging interdisciplinary areas and encourage collaborative work.