Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• We need a better grasp of our oceanic see-saws
• Express View on RWAs and prejudice: Pettiness of power

GS Paper 2

• Transparency in governance
• New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity
• Laying the foundation for a future-ready digital India

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

We need a better grasp of our oceanic see-saws

Source: The post is based on the article “We need a better grasp of our oceanic see-saws” published in “Mint” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1 – Indian geography: Monsoon.

News: Accurate predictions of the Indian monsoon remain a challenge. Although the Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted a normal monsoon, a private company called Skymet has predicted a deficient monsoon. To enhance the accuracy of these forecasts, it is crucial to better understand the interplay between El-Nino, the IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole), and climate change.

What is El-Nino and its impact on monsoon?

During an El Nino event, the weakening of tropical trade winds causes warm waters in the Pacific Ocean to flow eastwards, from Asia towards the Americas.

As a result, the coast of the Americas experiences increased heat and low pressure, further aggravating the weakening of the trade winds in a feedback loop. This phenomenon leads to cooler and drier conditions with reduced rainfall in Asia, including India.

An El-Nino was indicated recently by high sea surface temperatures in Eastern Pacific (0.5° C more than the normal). Its probable severity and duration are under study. The estimates must also take into account the effect of global warming.

Data since 1950 reveal a clear link between El-Nino years and droughts in India.

What is IOD and its impact on monsoon?

IOD refers to warmer than usual waters in the western Indian Ocean than in its eastern part. It results in wetter East Africa and drier Indonesia.

Currently, the IOD has been neutral, but experts suggest that it may transition to a positive phase in the upcoming months.

As monsoon winds reach India from south-west, a positive IOD could have aided in rainfall in India and counter the effect of El-Nino.  For example, in 1997, there was an acute El-Nino but due to a highly positive IOD India got excess rainfall.

What should be done?

Understanding the interplay between El Nino, IOD and climate change is crucial as accurate forecasts can have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and broad economic policy decisions. Therefore, India must invest for a better understanding of factors which impact the monsoon.

Express View on RWAs and prejudice: Pettiness of power

Source- The post is based on the article “Express View on RWAs and prejudice: Pettiness of power” published in “The Indian Express” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Social issues. GS2- Vulnerable sections of the population

Relevance– Issues related to domestic workers

News- A housing society in Bengaluru has barred maids from using common areas.

What are significant issues raised by this notice?

The notice shows the elitist upper-class attitude towards workers.

The notice shows casteism, class prejudice prevalent in society. Their prejudices and bigotries are presented as concerns for “security” and “hygiene”.

Part-time politicians of the RWA impose their will on those who do not have the means to object.

Lord Acton was right when he said that “power corrupts”. Perhaps, petty power corrupts more absolutely.

GS Paper 2

Transparency in governance

Source: The post is based on the article “Transparency in governance” published in “Business Standard” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

News: The SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has set significantly higher standards of transparency and corporate governance for listed stocks by amending the LODR (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) and introducing several critical changes.

What are some of the changes?

KMP: The timeline for filling vacant positions of KMP (key managerial personnel) has been reduced to three months from the earlier six months. Also, interim appointments cannot be made to KMP. Also, reappointment of directors must be cleared by shareholder vote at least once every five years.

New ‘majority of minority’ rule: Minority shareholders will have a say (through vote) in the sale or transfer of an undertaking by a listed company through slump sales. Also, the object and commercial rationale for such transaction must be disclosed to shareholders through a special resolution at a general meeting.

“Material impact”: SEBI has also introduced quantitative thresholds for determining the “materiality” of events and transactions.

Fraud and default: SEBI has clarified the definitions of fraud and default. It has also enhanced disclosures for listed companies on fraud, or defaults, by a director or senior management, and for cybersecurity breaches, or any regulatory action affecting KMP.

Why may some provisions be practically difficult to comply with?

“Mainstream media” has been defined quite broadly to cover both registered newspapers and social-media platforms. SEBI has asked the top listed companies to confirm, deny, or clarify any rumour or information reported in such media within 24 hours.

The implementation of such a provision would place a significant burden on companies. Ensuring full compliance with this requirement would be extremely challenging due to the potential presence of mentions on lesser-known platforms or by obscure influencers.

What will be the impact of the changes?

Changes would mostly lead to tighter governance and protect the interests of minority shareholders. Corporations must disclose all communications from any authority, which would help in bringing more transparency.

However, the regulator should review the directives about responding to rumours in the media and it may need to fine-tune the definition of material impact.

New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity

Source: The post is based on the article “New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity” published in “Mint” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Important International institutions, agencies, and fora.

News: The recent resignation of the Canadian director for global communications at the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank), alleging influence by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party), has led the Canadian government to freeze ties and initiate an investigation. This situation prompts India to reconsider its involvement in Chinese-led economic organizations given their governance structure and China’s mercantilist approach to trade.

Why India participated in Chinese-led economic organizations?

India’s involvement in Chinese-led economic organizations was driven by a previous approach which aimed to separate the boundary dispute from other aspects of the India-China relationship.

India hoped that economic ties could make it easier to resolve more complex issues. However, the Galwan clashes and China’s mercantilist approach have challenged this belief.

India’s participation in such institutions, including the AIIB and NDB (BRICS New Development Bank), has been driven by conveying geopolitical signals to the West about India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ rather than purely economic benefits.

Arguing that the AIIB was expected to follow international standards and practices, India decided to join it in 2016 despite its strong opposition to China’s BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) of which the AIIB is a part.

Why should India rethink its approach to Chinese-led economic organizations?

The AIIB serves to divert attention from China’s more significant policy banks, which operate outside of international standards and play a central role in funding BRI projects.

AIIB is structured to promote Chinese influence. The AIIB’s Articles of Agreement suggest that China, as the largest shareholder, holds the equivalent of a veto over important issues such as admitting or suspending members.

Further, the AIIB has been headed from the start by a former Chinese finance vice-minister, and both the AIIB and NDB are headquartered in China. This comes with the risks of CCP influence and exposure of bank’s communications and data.

The AIIB and NDB have not succeeded in encouraging China to adopt more transparent international lending practices or improve governance. Furthermore, heightened financial engagement with China appears to introduce additional economic risks for financially vulnerable countries, as evidenced by the experiences of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Thus, given that India exercises no effective influence on Chinese behaviour, it ends up on the losing side even from the perspective of geopolitical signalling.

What should India do?

The current scandal in the AIIB gives India an opportunity to head for the exit. India has already achieved significant benefits through institutions like the World Bank, where it stands as the largest recipient of loans.

Considering its current geopolitical influence and the attention it receives from Western nations, India should explore alternative avenues to drive global institutional reforms, rather than relying on China.

Laying the foundation for a future-ready digital India

Source– The post is based on the article “Laying the foundation for a future-ready digital India” published in The Hindu  on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and issues arising out of implementation

Relevance: Issues regarding Digital Technologies

News- .The Ministry of Electronics and IT has been actively organising consultations on the proposed “Digital India Bill” to build conceptual alignment on a new law that will replace India’s 23-year-old Information Technology (IT) Act.

What are the issues in the present IT Act?

The definition of Social Media Intermediaries” (SMIs) is so broad that it can encompass a variety of services such as video communications, matrimonial websites, email and even online comment sections on websites.

The rules also lay down stringent obligations for most intermediaries, such as a 72-hour timeline for responding to law enforcement asks.

By virtue of being licensed, intermediaries are treated like conventional social media platforms not only adds to their cost of doing business but also exposes them to greater liability without meaningfully reducing risks presented by the Internet.

The European Union’s Digital Services Act is probably one of the most developed frameworks for us to follow.

What are Focus areas for India?

What we need, is a classification framework that creates a few defined categories, requires intermediaries to undertake risk assessments and uses that information to bucket them into relevant categories.

One way to do this would be to exempt micro and small enterprises, and caching and conduit services from any major obligations.

Another way is to clearly distinguish communication services (where end-users interact with each other) from other forms of intermediaries (such as search engines and online-marketplaces).

Alternative approaches to curbing virality, such as circuit breakers to slow down content, could also be considered.

Metrics for risk assessment and appropriate thresholds could help create a regulatory environment that helps achieve the government’s policy goal of creating a safer Internet ecosystem, while also allowing businesses to thrive.

GS Paper 3

Invest ahead of time. After a Caribbean cyclone an automatic payment is sent to scuba divers to immediately repair the reef

Source: The post is based on the article “Invest ahead of time. After a Caribbean cyclone an automatic payment is sent to scuba divers to immediately repair the reef” published in The Times of India on 27^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: About the role of CDRI and G20 in tackling disaster related concerns.

News: The article discusses the role of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and measures taken by the G20 in addressing disaster related concerns.

What is Disaster Resilient Infrastructure?

Disaster resilient infrastructure refers to the building or upgrading of structures while also understanding the ways in which natural and climatic events intersect with that infrastructure.

What measures are being taken by the CDRI in building disaster resilient infrastructure?

CDRI is designing infrastructure to sustain certain Richter scale events of earthquakes, taking pre-emptive measures to prevent collapse of infrastructures, and prevent loss of lives.

CDRI is also implementing capacity-building programs, and developing a curriculum on disaster risk in collaboration with institutes such as IITs.

What role is being played by CDRI in tackling the effects of climate change?

There are two important things associated with climate change – mitigation and adaptation.

While mitigation aims to limit global warming within a specific limit and focuses on achieving net-zero emissions, the adaptation accepts global warming as a reality and focuses on the impact of global warming, especially from an infrastructural point of view.

Hence, CDRI tries to analyse how the intersections between infrastructure and changing climatic patterns affect human lives and aims to reduce the risks from becoming disasters.

What is disaster risk financing and why is it needed?

DRF is about reducing the risk of disasters by investing ahead of time so that when hazards occur, the impact of the disaster is minimal and recovery can be made easily.

Risk pool mechanism set up in the Caribbean, a cyclone-prone region, is an example of DRF.

Under this mechanism, whenever a cyclone increases beyond a threshold, an automatic payment is sent to scuba divers, who immediately go and repair the coral reef. Because, coral reefs help in reducing wave strengths.

Hence, DRF can help in mitigating the impact of disaster.

How can awareness be raised about disaster-related events?

Technology plays an important role in increasing awareness. For instance, receiving messages on mobile phones about weather conditions enables people to take appropriate actions.

However, awareness alone is not sufficient and it is equally important for individuals to make informed decisions.

Hence, the Sustainable Development Goals initiative is one such programme which helps people in making decisions. Sharing and communicating information is also crucial.

What are key takeaways of the G20 meeting on disaster risk reduction?

Every member has expressed its concern towards disaster risk reduction and a roadmap is being developed.

Since the first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) meeting was held under India’s G20 Presidency, efforts are initially being taken about sharing the information to initiate the process. DRF is also being emphasized as a priority.

Must Read: India’s G20 presidency can show the way on disaster management

How can G20 play a role in financial risk management?

The G20 already emphasizes infrastructure investments through its Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) principles. However, disaster risks can also be included in financing mechanisms of the G20.

For this, G20 can work with the bankers and private investors to establish a framework for implementation. This can be done at a global stage with certain guidelines for the financiers.

Indo-US: Take 2

Source: The post is based on the article “Indo-US: Take 2 – India’s economic size has come mostly through adding physical capital. Intellectual capital needs a big boost” published in The Times of India on 27^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Growth & Development, Science and Technology

Relevance: India’s position in R&D investments and measures needed to boost investments.

News: The current phase of India-US engagement highlights the exchange in high technology areas. This exchange has the potential to boost India’s progress in science and technology.

How can India-US engagement boost India’s progress in science and technology?

It can be done by promoting knowledge transfer between the two nations beyond the areas of engagement.

For example, when China’s Zhonguanccun Science Park was established, it created space for universities as well as high technology overseas and domestic firms. It was designed to help diffusion of knowledge to a wider range of firms.

India should also adopt a policy approach that fosters such ecosystems. Research and development (R&D) can play an important role in this process.

However, despite being the world’s fifth largest economy, India’s track record in R&D is unimpressive.

What is the current position of India in R&D?

As per the observations made by the Niti Aayog, India’s R&D spending is around 0.7% of GDP, while most technologically advanced nations allocate over 2% of GDP. For instance, in Israel, it’s almost 5% of GDP.

Further, data by the World Intellectual Property Organisation shows that India’s economic output is not based much on intellectual capital.

For instance, India ranked 25th in 2021 while South Korea, China and Japan took the top three spots. This poor performance was due to the relatively low R&D investments when compared to other market-based economies.

Moreover, despite the government currently accounting for 55% of the total R&D budget, the investment by the private sector has not yet increased.

Further, India ranks ninth globally in terms of patent applications, which is mostly contributed by IITs and CSIR. Therefore, the private sector’s investment in R&D is crucial for improving India’s position in R&D.

Note: The World Intellectual Property Organisation’s database ranks countries according to domestic patent applications for every $100 billion of GDP.

Must Read: Research and Development in India: Status, Challenges and Recommendations – Explained

What can be the course of action?

A measure of an economy’s competitiveness is also derived from its human capital. 

Since India has done well in surpassing most countries in economic size, it will be the intellectual capital that will be crucial in boosting per capita GDP further.

Hence, the government should encourage Indian corporations to increase their R&D spending while also acting as an enabler.

A lifeline for Indian science

Source- The post is based on the article “A lifeline for Indian science” published in the “Business Standard” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance- Issues related to scientific research in India

News- In 2009, Ramaswamy Subramanian, a leading researcher in the US, set up the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) at National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru.

However, the original purpose of identifying five or six complex research problems in life sciences did not materialise.

What are the issues related to scientific research in India?

Outcome vs output: The central focus is on publishing academic papers in prestigious journals, rather than on discovering real-world applications.

Research grants only on paper: The government allocates research budgets. But, the funds are either not disbursed or experience delays in disbursing. Departmental secretaries are aware but helpless.

There were Financial advisors, usually at the level of an undersecretary. He has control over money matters and reports to the expenditure secretary in the finance ministry. Consequently, departmental secretaries seldom had the power to get the funds disbursed.

Without research grants coming through on time, the actual work remained shrouded in uncertainty. Over time, any ambitious research effort is impacted by bureaucratic red tape and long delays in importing reagents and expensive instruments.

The risks of raising external funding: Private donors are willing to contribute. On occasion, private donors made a significant contribution to the research budget.

But, the financial advisors in the bureaucracy would reduce the share of the government’s contribution. They would demand accountability for how the money was spent, even the portion that came from the private sector.

Family foundations that came forward to support research wanted updates on progress rather than details on how the money was being spent.

But the scientists themselves are reluctant to be accountable for outcomes. They simply furnish the same utilisation certificate that they were used to sharing with the bureaucracy. This is an endemic issue.

The result is that India spends a minuscule 0.6% of its gross domestic product on research, compared to the global average of 1.8%.

What is the silver lining visible in the field of scientific research?

A growing pool of philanthropic capital, both in India and in the Indian diaspora, is gradually coming into play.

Long-standing philanthropists like Nadir Godrej, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Smita Crishna, G V Prasad, Sunil Handa, Nandan and Rohini Nilekani are recognising the need to fund specific challenges that Indian science can address.

The obvious advantage is that it comes without any institutional baggage.

What is the way forward for boosting scientific research in India?

Younger generation of tech entrepreneurs in India don’t seem inclined to invest their wealth in scientific research. There is a need to tap new gen entrepreneurs in the Indian diaspora.

Reforming Multilateral Development Banks, advocating for the Global South

Source– The post is based on the article “Reforming Multilateral Development Banks, advocating for the Global South” published in “Indianexpres” on 27th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance: Multilateral Development Banks and the need to reform them

News –  President Joe Biden and PM Modi underscored the need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system to reflect contemporary realities.

What is the relevance of MDBs and the need to reform them?

World Bank Group (WBG)  was responsible for providing financial assistance for the post-war reconstruction and economic development of the less developed countries.

The WBG lends to low-and middle-income (LICs and MICs) countries , to the private sector and encourages private companies to invest in foreign countries.

These institutions are no longer suited in terms of the resources, cultural ethos and methods to address the emerging challenges. These relate to global public goods, climate change and pandemics.

MDBs are in a quagmire, trapped in their procedures, approach and methods of work and reticent to structural changes.

The new challenge is transboundary issues and the opportunities connected with climate change.

How do we secure credible sources of finance to meet these enhanced challenges?

The MDBs need to optimise their current balance sheets to create higher leverage from existing funds and to attract private capital.

They need to fix annual targets and judge performances by the outcomes secured in this altered framework of accountability.

De-risking approaches such as blended finance and guarantees aimed at tilting the balance do exist.

Financial channels for capital mobilisation need to be strengthened.

What is the way forward?

Broad and deep changes are required to significantly strengthen performance, such as first loss guarantees, realistic return targets and risk management.

For India, reforming MDBs would mean advocating the voice of the Global South.

Making MDBs more relevant for addressing 21st-century challenges would contribute towards enhancing human welfare.

Deeper integration with multiple stakeholders is crucial.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Power ministry establishes UTPRERAK, a Centre of Excellence to Accelerate Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies in Indian Industry

Source: The post is based on the article “Power ministry establishes UTPRERAK, a Centre of Excellence to Accelerate Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies in Indian Industry” published in PIB on 26th June 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Power has set up UTPRERAK, a Centre of Excellence, dedicated to accelerating adoption of clean technologies by industries.

What is UTPRERAK?

UTPRERAK stands for Unnat Takniki Pradarshan Kendra.

It is a Centre of Excellence to Accelerate Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies.

It has also been named as Advanced Industrial Technology Demonstration Centre (AITDC).

Setup by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE), Ministry of Power.

Located at: Badarpur, New Delhi campus of the National Power Training Institute (NPTI), Ministry of Power.

Functions of UTPRERAK:

– To become the key reference and resource institution on industrial energy-efficient technologies.

– To demonstrate and showcase energy-efficient technologies in key industry sectors.

– To act as an exhibition cum information centre and knowledge repository. 

– To serve as a strategic capacity-building institution by providing intensive training to more than 10,000 energy professionals from the industry and other potential sectors over the next five years.

– To provide key inputs for national energy policy formulation, link education and research in energy-efficient solutions and develop innovative applied solutions for energy efficiency.

Understanding the Wagner mutiny

Source: The post is based on the article “Understanding the Wagner mutiny” published in The Hindu on 27th June 2023

What is the News?

Recently, the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, rebelled against Russia’s defense establishment.

The rebellion happened due to the escalating tensions between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the head of Wagner.

However, after negotiations, the Wagner Group called off the rebellion.

What is Wagner Group?

Source: The Hindu

Wagner Group is a ​​private military company and a network of mercenaries in Russia. The group was first identified in 2014 while backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.

At that time, it was a secretive organization, operating mostly in Africa and the Middle East. Since then, it has grown considerably.

Although private military forces are illegal in Russia, the Wagner Group registered as a company in 2022 and opened a new headquarters in St Petersburg, Russia.

The Wagner Group was heavily involved in Russia’s capture of the city of Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine.

Why has Wagner clashed with Russia’s military commanders?

In recent months, the Wagner Group head has repeatedly accused the Russian Defence Minister and the head of the Russian army in Ukraine of incompetence and of deliberately undersupplying Wagner units fighting in Ukraine.

The confrontation escalated when Wagner Group accused top Russian defense officials of bombing Wagner troops in Ukraine, resulting in numerous deaths. 

Later, the Wagner Group went on to seize control of the military headquarters in the southern Russian city and proceeded to remove the Russian military leadership.

At one point, Wagner troops were said to be getting closer to Moscow, without encountering any resistance.

However, as the escalation appeared to be heading toward possible confrontation, the group called off its troops and announced that they had agreed to leave Russia, following mediation by the Belarus President.

The deal included a pledge to stop the prosecution of the Wagner chief and the troops participating in what Russia called a mutiny.

What does the Wagner Group mutiny show?

The Wagner Group mutiny has set an example of challenging Russia’s state institutions and walking away freely, something that’s unheard of in Russia and could have echoes in the future.

This whole incident has also exposed Russian President Putin’s weakening authority.

Assam delimitation draft: What changes it proposes, why it has led to protests

Source: The post is based on the article “Assam delimitation draft: What changes it proposes, why it has led to protests” published in Indian Express on 27th June 2023

What is the News?

Election Commission (EC) has released a draft delimitation document for Assam, proposing a change in boundaries of several Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies of the state.

What is Delimitation?

Click Here to read

Why is Delimitation being done in Assam now?

The slated delimitation process was done in the rest of the country in 2008. But it was deferred in Assam (as well as some other Northeastern states) citing security concerns of the time. 

A 2020 notification from the Law Ministry officially revived the exercise in Assam. Following that, in December 2022 the EC announced that it would initiate the Delimitation exercise.

What are the key highlights of the Draft delimitation document for Assam?

The number of seats (126 Assembly and 14 Lok Sabha) have been retained the same. But the EC has proposed changes in several other areas, such as:

Reserved seats increased: SC assembly seats have increased from 8 to 9; ST assembly seats have increased from 16 to 19.

Districts with autonomous councils (administered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution) get more seats: one assembly seat increased in West Karbi Anglong District; three assembly seats increased in the Bodo Territorial Region.

Change in nomenclature: Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency is now named ‘Kaziranga’.

Why has the Draft delimitation document for Assam been criticized?

Firstly, the state’s Bengali-origin Muslim community has opposed this draft, alleging that it deprives them politically. They have alleged that constituencies have been shaped in such a manner that minority areas have been mixed with majority [Hindu] populations. 

Secondly, opposition parties had raised concerns about the use of 2001 Census data instead of the more recent 2011 Census records for delimitation.

Union Minister launches NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal” published in PIB on 26th June 2023

What is the News?

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched Nandi Portal.

What is Nandi Portal?

Developed by: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)

Full Form: Nandi stands for NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System.

Purpose: The portal will allow new veterinary drugs and vaccines to be approved and granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) through online mode. 

– The portal will also be integrated with the SUGAM portal of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) to make the approval process more streamlined.

Note: CDSCO lays down the standards for drugs, and regulates the import, manufacturing, and marketing of all medicines and vaccines in India including veterinary drugs. 

– But the permission for veterinary drugs is granted only after consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Earlier, this system was manual. Now, with the launch of Nandi portal, grants can be provided online.

Centre approves funds for 16 States for Capital Investment under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’ scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre approves Rs. 56,415 crore to 16 States for Capital Investment under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’ scheme” published in PIB on 26th June 2023

What is the News?

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has approved capital investment proposals of Rs 56,415 crore in 16 States in the current financial year.

These approvals have been given under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’ Scheme.

What is the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 scheme?

“Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24” was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24. 

Aim of the scheme: To provide a boost to capital spending by State Governments.

Under the scheme, special assistance is being provided to the State Governments in the form of a 50-year interest-free loan up to an overall sum of Rs. 1.3 lakh crore during the financial year 2023-24.

Parts of the scheme: The scheme has eight parts:

– Part I: It is the largest with an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore. This amount will be allocated amongst states in proportion to their share of central taxes and duties as per the award of the 15th Finance Commission. 

– Part II: It aims at providing incentives to States for the scrapping of State Government vehicles and ambulances, waiver of liabilities on old vehicles, providing tax concessions to individuals for scrapping of old vehicles, and setting up of automated vehicle testing facilities. 

– Part–III & IV: It aims at providing incentives to States for reforms in Urban Planning and Urban Finance.

– Part V: It aims at increasing the housing stock for the police personnel and their families within the police stations in urban areas.

– Part VI: It aims to promote national integration, carry forward the concept of “Make in India” and promote the concept of “One District, One Product (ODOP)” through the construction of Unity Mall in each State

– Part VII: It aims to provide financial assistance to States for setting up libraries with digital infrastructure at Panchayat and Ward level for children and adolescents.

– Part VIII: Incentives for implementing timely release of Centrally Sponsored Scheme funds by State Governments to vendors and beneficiaries.

PM MITRA Parks: India is pioneering sustainable textiles contributing to lesser carbon footprint and promoting circular economy: Union Textile Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “India is pioneering sustainable textiles contributing to lesser carbon footprint and promoting circular economy: Union Textile Minister” published in PIB on 26th June 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Textiles has talked about the Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Scheme at the inaugural function of the 69th India International Garment Fair (IIGF) at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

What is the PM MITRA Scheme?

Click Here to read

Where will the PM MITRA Parks be established?

Click Here to read

How will the PM MITRA Parks be established?

MITRA Parks will be set up at key locations, as ready to move, ready to start (through plug and play facilities), with common industrial infrastructure and facilities, allowing integration of supply and value chains in a contiguous area. 

The minimum estimated area per MITRA Park is 1,000 acres.

Governance: The Ministry of Textiles will oversee the execution of these parks. 

– A Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) owned by Centre and State Government jointly will be set up for each park which will oversee the implementation of the project.

Funding: The Ministry of Textiles will provide financial support in the form of Development Capital Support upto Rs. 500 crore per park to the Park SPV. 

– A Competitive Incentive Support (CIS) up to Rs 300 crore per park to the units in PM MITRA Park shall also be provided to incentivise speedy implementation. 

– Convergence with other Government schemes shall also be facilitated in order to ensure additional incentives to the Master Developer and investor units.

Senate India Caucus to push for ‘NATO plus five’ status for India

Source: The post is based on the article “Senate India Caucus to push for ‘NATO plus five’ status for India” published in The Hindu on 25th June 2023

What is the News?

U.S. Senate’s India Caucus Co-Chairs will introduce legislation to give India ‘NATO plus five’ defence status. 

Note: Caucus is a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy.

What is NATO plus five?

NATO Plus is a grouping of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.

The group works toward boosting global defence cooperation.

What are the benefits of India becoming a member of NATO plus five?

India would 1) gain access to seamless intelligence sharing between these countries 2) get access to the latest military technology without much of a time lag and 3) will help in further strengthening India’s defence partnership with the United States.

What are the drawbacks for India if it becomes a member of NATO plus five?

Impacts India – Russia ties: If India joins the US-led NATO alliance which is backing Ukraine in the current war with Russia, it will directly impact India’s strong, established and deep ties with Russia. 

Affects India’s Strategic Autonomy: NATO membership may also affect India’s strategic autonomy.