9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – March 28th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Taking The BIMSTEC Route To Prosperity
• Explained: What’s behind the new anti-India campaign in the Maldives?
• The move to ease voting for overseas citizens

GS Paper 3

• Budgeting for a well-fed, self-reliant India
• Global policies that helped India hit $400 billion in exports are changing
• Our Farm reforms deserve another chance
• On TRIPS waiver: Profit over public health
• Strategic Support: SEBI’s proposal will help disinvestment
• Atmashakti over atmanirbharta: Learn right lessons from Russia sanctions

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Smoking causes over seven million deaths a year
• DRDO successfully flight tests Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile off Odisha coast
• Explained: Who are the Bucharest Nine, countries on NATO’s eastern flank?
• Union Minister launches TEJAS skilling project at Dubai Expo
• State can impose tax on lotteries of other States within its jurisdiction: SC
• India’s ‘space economy’ valued at ₹36,794 crore
• Cabinet approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) for another 6 months
• PM pitches for ‘local for global’
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) Unveiled
• UP’s Moradabad world’s 2nd noisiest city on UN list, 4 more Indian cities exceed noise levels

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Taking The BIMSTEC Route To Prosperity

Context: BIMSTEC is holding its summit on Mar 30 in Sri Lanka. As SAARC has failed to make any progress in the past few years, the burden to advance the regional cooperation now lies on BIMSTEC. Further, meticulous preparations behind the scenes have created an atmosphere of hope for its success.

What is BIMSTEC and how has it grown over time?

– – Read here

It completes 25 years of the journey that began in Bangkok in June 1997.

Until 2014, it was a low-profile, unassuming sub-regional grouping. But as hopes of SAARC cooperation faded, India took a bold initiative, helping the smaller grouping to develop ambition.

– In Oct 2016, the leaders of BIMSTEC were invited to a historic retreat for deep reflection, where they also interacted with the BRICS leaders.

– In 2018, BIMSTEC felt adequately confident to project itself as a dynamic regional grouping, ready to work for “a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal Region”.

Why is BIMSTEC significant?

It represents 1. 7 billion people and a combined GDP of $3. 8 trillion, which can accelerate economic development through greater integration.

Since the SAARC continues to be in limbo, BIMSTEC is the only available platform for South Asian cooperation with the region.

For India

For India specifically, BIMSTEC is of increasing relevance to its

– Neighbourhood First policy

– national priority to ensure stability and development in the Northeast,

– Indo-Pacific strategy.

What are the likely outcomes of the summit?

BIMSTEC leaders will adopt the charter (or constitution) that defines its goals, institutions and long-term vision.

Leaders may also approve a major rationalisation of sectors of cooperation, pruning them down from 14 to seven areas, each assigned to a member state as ‘the lead’.

They will support the strengthening of the secretariat, with at least one country – India – offering additional funding to shoulder its added responsibilities.

A 10-year master plan for transport connectivity supported by the Asian Development Bank will be adopted.

Three new agreements will be signed, focussed on

– mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

– cooperation between diplomatic academies and

– the establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo.

What are the challenges that need to be addressed?

One, connectivity issue, is based on the triple-axis of coastal shipping linkages, a seamless road transport network governed by a motor vehicles agreement, and a smooth energy grid interconnection based on demand and supply. Some agreements are not in place yet, while others await implementation.

Two, the creation of a BIMSTEC development fund, which has shown little progress so far.

Three, cooperation for disaster management and security cooperation for countering international terrorism, crime and cyber security have developed well. But, they need to be balanced with progress on the economic front, as some members’ worry about the group’s ‘over-securitisation’.

Four, the plan to conclude a comprehensive free trade agreement, which began with a framework agreement signed in 2004, poses the biggest challenge. Existing impediments to the trade agreement need to be removed by gathering the necessary political will.

Five, the leaders may develop a consensus on the broad parameters that should shape BIMSTEC’s ties with its external partners. This is of increasing importance, given China’s marked intrusion into the geo-economic space of BIMSTEC.

What is the way forward?

BIMSTEC should draw suitable lessons from the successful ASEAN model.

BIMSTEC aspires to be inclusive, an association of business and industry leaders as well as other stakeholders from the ‘Third Space’ comprising youth, women groups and media. A rejuvenated BIMSTEC will contribute to turning the Indo-Pacific into a free, open and inclusive region.

Explained: What’s behind the new anti-India campaign in the Maldives?

News: On March 23, the Maldivian Parliament disallowed a planned opposition rally in the capital Male. It had been called by former president Abdulla Yameen and his Progressive Party, and its ally, the People’s National Congress.

The theme of the rally was “India Out”, a slogan coined two years ago by protesters who claimed that the MDP government led by President Ibrahim Solih had “sold out” the Maldives to India.

The protest, a day before External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in the country, was not allowed to take place.

What is the prevalent political situation in the Maldives?

– Maldives gained democracy in 2005. India and China have both eagerly competed for influence in the Maldives over the last 10 years.

– As the closest big neighbour, India has been Maldives first responder for decades in all sectors. This relationship was cemented by the strongman former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who was the unchallenged ruler of the country until the closing years of the 20th century.

– In the Maldives, the MDP, and its top leaders, especially Nasheed, are seen as pro-India, while rival Yameen is seen as a China proxy.

– In the last presidential and parliamentary elections in 2018, the MDP was voted back to office.

– With a friendly government in Male, India has been able to rebuild bilateral ties and regain some of its previous influence after a six-year gap during the Yameen presidency that saw relations dip to their lowest point.

– Yameen’s release in December 2021 from a long house arrest has led to an immediate increase in the pitch and frequency of the anti-India rallies.

– The next presidential and parliamentary elections are in 2024, and Yameen is using the campaign to increase his support base, by painting the MDP as a party that has enslaved the country to India.

What are the allegation made by ‘India Out’ protestors?

They have alleged that New Delhi has sent a large military contingent to the Maldives. Allegations are focused particularly on the co-operation between the two sides to develop a harbour on the Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll for the Maldivian coast Guard.

Protestors claim the UTF to be a foreign military base of India in the Maldives.

The Maldives Defence ministry has issued a statement saying that there were no foreign military personnel on UTF, which is being developed as a dockyard for the Maldivian coast guard.

Security cooperation with India

In February 2021, India and Maldives signed an agreement for the development of the UTF harbour. India had also extended a $50 million line of credit for defence purchases.

Maldives is also part of the India-driven Indian Ocean mini-lateral Colombo Security Conclave, in which the other members are Sri Lanka, and the newly admitted Mauritius. Bangladesh and Seychelles are expected to join soon.

In Nov 2021, the Indian Navy, Maldives National Defence Force, and the Sri Lankan Navy conducted a two-day exercise in the Exclusive Economic Zones of the three countries in the southern Arabian Sea. It was code-named “Focused Operation”.

Maldives signed a defence pact with the United States in 2020. Last month, the Maldives signed an agreement to allow the US to open an embassy in the country, the first western nation to do so.

How is the Maldivian government countering anti-India narrative?

The MDP has begun its own “India First” campaign. It even drafted a legislation to criminalise anti-India protests as anti-national. The legislation was dropped, but the sentiment behind it led to the banning of the “India Out” protest in Male last week.

The move to ease voting for overseas citizens

News: The ECI has proposed to extend the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETBPS) for NRIs.

How overseas voters currently vote in Indian elections?

Prior to 2010, an NRI who had stayed out of India for more than 6  months at a stretch was not able to vote in elections. As their names were deleted from electoral rolls.

After Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010, NRIs who had stayed abroad beyond six months have the right to vote, but only in person at the polling station where they have been enrolled as an overseas elector.

How has the existing facility worked so far?

A very low proportion of eligible overseas residents actually registered or turned up to vote. The proviso of having to visit the polling booth in person has discouraged eligible voters from exercising their mandate.

To remove this restriction the ECI has approached the government to permit NRIs to vote via Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETBPS).

What is ETPBS and how does it function?

The Conduct of election Rules, 1961, was amended in 2016 to allow service voters to use the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETBPS). Under this, postal ballots are electronically sent to service voters. The service voters can then download the ETPB, register their mandate on the ballot and then send it to the returning officer of the constituency via ordinary mail. The postal ballot must reach the returning officer by 8 a.m. on the day of the counting of results.

Will this facility be available to all overseas voters across countries?

ECI officials have asked the Law Ministry to explore the possibility of extending postal ballots to overseas electors and not restrict it to any particular country.

In March 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs informed ECI that implementation may have “huge logistical challenges” and needs “a realistic assessment of requirements.”

The ETPBS method allowed for greater turnout among service voters in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Way Forward: For increasing NRI voting there can be a postal ballot mechanism that allows for proper authentication of the ballot at designated consular/embassy offices. An effective postal system should ease this process for NRIs. The rules must be clearly framed for eligibility on the basis of time spent away from the country.

GS Paper 3

Budgeting for a well-fed, self-reliant India

News: In the backdrop of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Prime Minister of India has emphasised the need for India to be atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in defence and agricultural sector in the Amrit Kaal (next 25 years).

What is India’s present situation in terms of import dependence?

India has achieved self-reliance in production of a large amount of food in the agricultural sector. It is also a net exporter of agri-produce. 

India has high dependence on imports for edible oils. India imports around 55 to 60% of consumption.  

India has a vast potential to emerge as a significant exporter of agri-produce remains untapped. 

Why is Agri R&D significant for India?  

In the area of agriculture and food, various factors lead to comparative advantage, like

– the research and development (agri-R&D) from lab to land

– investing in irrigation infrastructure

– marketing

– Agro-processing, and

– improving supply from farmers’ fields to consumers or export destinations. 

Agri-R&D is important in achieving total factor productivity. It makes agriculture more competitive globally. For example, In the Green Revolution, “miracle seeds” were developed for agricultural development.  

The Economic Survey (2021-22) pointed out that every rupee spent on agri-R&D yields much better returns, compared to returns on every rupee spent on say fertiliser subsidy, power subsidy etc. 

Thus, in order to become fully self-reliant in food, India must invest at least 1% of its Agriculture GDP for R&D in Agriculture.  

What are the challenges that need to be addressed?

Low expenditure on agri education & R&D: Total share of expenditure on agricultural education and R&D at both the Union government and the states level hovers around 0.6% of Agri-GDP. It is much below the minimum cut off point of 1%. 

Populism: India’s scarce resources are allocated on sub-optimal choices like food subsidy and MGNREGA or on income support and subsidies for farmers, but very little for Agri-R&D. It is largely due to competitive populism. 

What is the way forward?

Private sector should come forward. It should help India attain supremacy in Agri-R&D and innovation systems that make the country not just atmanirbhar but a hub for exports and Agri-technology.

Raising the expenditure on Agri R&D: The govt policy must urgently work towards raising the expenditure on Agri-R&D.

Self-reliance should be done only by specialising in certain commodities where India has a comparative advantage. We can import those commodities where India don’t have a significant comparative advantage. 

India’s budget allocation in the agri-food space should focus more on investing in Agri-R&D instead of less-important aspects 

Keep a check on the mismanagement of natural resources and mitigate climate change issues. 

The R&D should focus on building long-term sustainable solutions to various issues faced by the agricultural sector.  

The government should incentivise private companies to expand their R&D programmes.  

Some protection may be given for new areas to develop (infant industry argument). 

Global policies that helped India hit $400 billion in exports are changing

News: Last week, it was announced by the Union government that merchandise exports from India have crossed $400 billion in the current financial year 2021-22. 

What is remarkable about this achievement? 

One, the value of exports in the year 2021-22 is far higher than the previous record of $330 billion that was achieved in fiscal year 2018-19.  

Two, this achievement has been recorded despite the occurrence of two waves of the Covid pandemic in the year 2021-22 

What are the reasons behind a boom in India’s exports? 

Govt’s role: The government had set specific exports targets that were crafted country-wise, product-wise & EPC-wise (Export Promotion Council). It further monitored the execution of plans and also did course correction for the achievement of the export target”.  

Overall improvement in global economic growth rate: This created demand for Indian goods in other countries. 

Abundant money supply in the global economy: There was availability of easy money in the global economy. It was due to massive government spending and easy availability of the cheap credit by the Central Banks.

India has also been able to achieve the target of $400billion export value due to higher prices. In fact, India’s merchandise exports as a percentage of the GDP are far from where they were a decade ago. 

What are the upcoming challenges?  

Most central banks in the Western countries are winding down their balance sheets, i.e. they are raising interest rates in a bid to contain inflation levels that are at multi-decade highs. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will cause India to face inflationary pressure in the coming days 

Due to the pandemic, more and more countries are wanting to become self-sufficient. They are reducing their dependence on foreign goods. It is going to hit globalization and the merchandise trade.

What is the way forward?

The government is required to revisit its policies to raise the competitiveness of the exporters.  

Our Farm reforms deserve another chance

News: A recent finding of the Supreme Court-appointed panel has put back in focus the three farm laws that were revoked in late 2021 in the wake of farmer protests.

As per the panel findings, it appears that a majority of farmers may have actually welcomed the agricultural reforms that were aimed through three farm laws 2020.

Agri sector needs an overhaul. If a proper participatory approach is developed, a wide consensus can be built around farm sector reforms.

What is the right approach to bring in the farm reforms?

A consensus-led approach is needed to carry agricultural reforms. A more participatory approach is needed. It may include giving adequate representation to farmers, including protestors, while redrafting laws.

Also, the draft bill should be put to public feedback. The draft bills should also be sent to a parliamentary committee so that other political parties can offer their inputs. 

The reforms must grant market forces a greater role in this sector. The government must convince farmers that an open market would be in their favour. It will enlarge their set of choices. 

Particular attention must be given to those aspects of laws that caused anxiety and caused their withdrawal, like suspicions of rising crony capitalism. 

In addition to proper market openness (even to foreign buyers), a redressal device must be instituted. It would give assurance to aggrieved farmers. It can be like direct access to courts of justice.  

It should be made explicit in India’s competition law, that no private entity is allowed to dominate farming, cartelize purchases and carry out unfair deals.  

The farmer collectives can be formed. It will raise the bargaining power of cultivators. It will also mitigate monopsony risk.  

What is the way forward?

Agriculture has been stuck with the legacy of a socialist framework, worsening inequality in India.

The farm sector should not be left to languish. It needs capital, private inputs and greater freedom of choice to modernize.

Hence, a renewed effort must be made.

On TRIPS waiver: Profit over public health

News: In 2020, India and South Africa gave a call at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver wrt Covid-19.

Now, a deal has been brokered between the EU, the U.S., India, and South Africa on the issue. 

However, the waiver is a classic case of too little, too late. This withered down version of the TRIPS waiver will further dent the WTO’s relevance and credibility.

What are the issues with the waiver? 

First, the draft waiver does not cover any COVID-19 medical products other than Covid vaccines. For instance, baricitinib, which was recommended by WHO for treating critical COVID-19 will not be covered under it.  

Second, India proposed to waive all IP rights, not just patents. But the waiver aims to waive only patents. The waivers do not cover other IP rights.

Third, the draft waiver will allow the countries to export any proportion of vaccines that is produced domestically to eligible countries. This waiver is subject to several requirements. For example,

– eligible members cannot re-export vaccines

– WTO must be notified about every entity that has been authorised to produce the product

– The authorization of Compulsory Licence (CL) must be on a product-by-product basis (Trip Plus Obligation) etc. 

Fourth, the draft waiver is not applicable to the least developed countries. Only those developing countries that exported less than 10% of world exports of COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021 are allowed for exportation and importation.  

Fifth, the draft waives the obligation of a member to protect undisclosed information submitted before a drug regulator to claim marketing approval in the present context. But, it is silent on overcoming the challenges posed by protection to other trade secrets covered under Article 39.1 and 39.2 of TRIPS.

Have such waivers proved effective in the past?

No.

In the aftermath of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, the WTO adopted a decision in 2003 waiving certain TRIPS obligations to increase the accessibility of medicines in countries that lacked manufacturing capability.

However, this waiver was subject to stringent requirements because of which hardly any country made effective use of this waiver.

What is going to happen now? 

The deal will now be presented to the entire WTO membership to be accepted at the forthcoming ministerial meeting.

Strategic Support: SEBI’s proposal will help disinvestment

News: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has released a consultation paper proposing to change open offer pricing norms for public sector undertakings (PSUs).

What are the present Rules regarding open offer pricing norms?

Under the rules in the SEBI Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers Regulations, 2011, an acquirer has to make an open public offer for an additional 26 per cent if the threshold of 25 per cent ownership is crossed.

The price formula for the open offer is based on several parameters. For a listed company, it must be the highest price calculated under the following criteria:

1. The negotiated price per share for the acquisition;
2. The volume-weighted average price paid by the acquirer (if any) during the 52 weeks preceding the public announcement;
3. The highest price paid or payable by the acquirer in the 26 weeks preceding the public announcement;
4. The volume-weighted average market price on the stock exchanges for 60 trading days preceding the public announcement.

What is SEBI proposing?

The regulator is proposing to remove the 60-day criterion specifically for PSUs. In the case of PSU disinvestment, the intention to disinvest is often stated publicly at the time of the Budget, or in other official forums. The acquirer is identified only after the shortlisting of bidders, a process which may take months.

Hence, public news flow usually leads to a significant rise in market price before a formal public announcement of the deal. In this context, the regulator has rightly noted that “the prospective acquirer shall be chasing a moving open offer price as the market price tends to rise pursuant to announcement of the divestment and various stages”.

What will happen if the 60-day criterion is removed?

If the 60-day criterion is removed, the open offer price given to minority shareholders will probably be set at around the same levels or marginally higher than the price offered to the government.

Such a change to the open offer pricing formula may make such strategic deals more affordable and, hence, more attractive to acquirers. This would also reduce volatility in stock prices and allow the government to arrive at a fair valuation more easily.

Atmashakti over atmanirbharta: Learn right lessons from Russia sanctions

Context: Following the West’s stringent export controls restricting Russian state’s access to cutting-edge technology, there have been rising clamor on the need for self-sufficiency. However, there are certain points to consider before converting the goal of atmanirbharta into import substitution.

What needs to be considered?

First, there is no need for decoupling when there is substantial convergence of strategic interests between India and the West: The West prefers powerful India to counter China. For this reason, the post-Pokhran sanctions were replaced by a civil nuclear agreement between the US and India.

Second, the pursuit of self-sufficiency is itself a near-impossible goal: For instance, the government is pushing policy to attract semiconductor manufacturing firms to set up shop in India. However this is just one stage. Other stages are also there such as cutting-edge research, highly skilled workforce, testing and packaging. No country can do all these by itself. Hence, plurilateral collaboration is required.

Third, there is a need for Atmashakti. That is, India’s deep connections with the West foster technology transfer in critical and emerging technologies. For instance, initially the West helped China build its strengths.

Fourth, self reliance – can morph to self-harm via protectionism in technology manufacturing. For example: The banning of drone imports to become a global drone hub by 2030 is antagonistic. There’s no incentive for a company shielded by protectionism to compete with the best in the world.

What is the way forward?

Instead of protectionism, India needs to dominate in areas where the West is relatively disadvantaged.  For example, the IT industry benefits immensely from the connections in the West.

There is also a need to provide stable and non-discriminatory tax, business and trade environments.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Smoking causes over seven million deaths a year

What is the News?

As per the estimates of WHO, around 1.3 billion people smoke all over the world. Among them, 80% live in low and middle-income countries. 

Smoking kills over eight million people around the year. Over seven million of these people die due to direct tobacco use, and 1.2 million non-smokers are exposed to second-hand smoke. 

Traditional cigarette smokers are 30% to 40% more likely than non-smokers to develop Type 2 diabetes.

Indian Scenario

India has about 12 crores of people who smoke or about 9% of Indian people. 

A material called Cannabis is prevalent in India and neighbouring countries. Even today, during the annual Holi festival, people in India smoke ganja or bhang, to feel “high”.

Note: Cannabis is a plant product that is known by the local names marijuana, charas, hashish, ganja, and bhang. The user feels ‘high’ upon consuming (smoking) it. The active principle in Cannabis is a psychoactive molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol, which is responsible for its psychoactive and intoxicating effects. 

Steps taken against Smoking

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 2003: WHO has adopted the convention in 2003. It has been included as a Global Development Target in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SD).

India is a party to this WHO Framework. In accordance with this Framework, India has completely banned smoking in many public places and workplaces such as in healthcare, educational and government facilities and in public transport.

What is the origin of Tobacco?

Tobacco appears to have been cultivated in the Peruvian/Ecuadorian Andes in South America. The Spanish word for these intoxicating plants was ‘Tobacco’. 

Portuguese explorer Christopher Columbus introduced tobacco to Europe and their colonies in India and South Asia.

The active principle in tobacco is the molecule nicotine. It is named after Jean Nicot, who was a French Ambassador in Portugal. He sent tobacco seeds from Brazil to Paris in 1560.

Tobacco Cultivation in India

Tobacco cultivation in India was introduced by the Portuguese in 1605. Initially, tobacco was grown in Gujarat and later spread to other areas of the country.

Attempts to improve Indian tobacco began with the establishment of the Calcutta Botanical gardens in Howrah in 1787. In 1814, seven species of Nicotiana imported from America were cultivated in the botanical gardens of Calcutta.

Imperial Agricultural Research Institute was established in 1903 to carry out botanical and genetic studies of tobacco.

Source: This post is based on an article “Smoking causes over seven million deaths a year” published in The Hindu on 28th March 2022.

DRDO successfully flight tests Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile off Odisha coast

What is the News?

Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO) has conducted two successful flight tests of the Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

What are MRSAM Missiles?

MRSAM is a surface-to-air missile developed to use for the Indian Army.

Developed by: DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) 

Purpose: The missile provides air defence against aerial threats like fighter aircraft, UAVs, guided and unguided munitions & cruise missiles.

What are the key features of MRSAM Missiles?

The MRSAM weapon system comprises multi-function radar, mobile launcher system and other vehicles. It has Army, Navy and Air Force variants.

The missile’s management system uses the radar to track and correctly identify the target, calculates the distance from it and gives all the information to the Commander for a decision to be made on the interception.

Length and Weight: The missile is 4.5 metres in length with a weight of around 275 kg. It is equipped with fins and canards to stabilize and provide manoeuvrability.

Speed and Range: The missile can move at a maximum speed of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound). It can engage multiple targets up to a range of 70 km.

Source: This post is based on an article “DRDO successfully flight tests Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile off Odisha coast” published in PIB on 27th March 2022.

Explained: Who are the Bucharest Nine, countries on NATO’s eastern flank?

What is the News?

Bucharest Nine(B9) rejected the Russian claim about the eastward “expansion” of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

What is Bucharest Nine(B9)?

About: It is a group of nine NATO countries in Eastern Europe that became part of the US-led military alliance after the end of the Cold War.

Founded in: 2015.

It takes its name from Bucharest, the capital of Romania. This group is also regarded as the “voice of the Eastern Flank” in the NATO alliance.

The group was created on the initiative of Klaus Iohannis who has been President of Romania and Andrzej Duda who became President of Poland in 2015, at the High-Level Meeting of the States from Central and Eastern Europe in Bucharest.

Members of B9: Romania and Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the three Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

All members of the B9 are part of the European Union (EU) and NATO.

What is the relationship between B9 Countries and Russia?

All B9 countries were once closely associated with the now-dissolved Soviet Union, but later chose the path of democracy.

The B9 countries have been critical of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine since 2014 when the war in the Donbas started and Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: Who are the Bucharest Nine, countries on NATO’s eastern flank?” published in Indian Express on 27th March 2022.

Union Minister launches TEJAS skilling project at Dubai Expo

What is the News?

The Union Minister has launched the TEJAS skilling project at the Dubai Expo.

What is TEJAS Skilling Project?

Full-Form: TEJAS stands for Training for Emirates Jobs And Skills.

Launched by: It is a Skill India International Project to train overseas Indians. 

Aim: The project is aimed at skill enhancement, certification and overseas employment of Indians.

– It also aims at creating pathways to enable the Indian workforce to get equipped for skill and market requirements in the UAE.

Target: The project has a target of creating a 10,000 strong Indian workforce in the UAE during the initial phase.

Source: This post is based on the article “Union Minister launches TEJAS skilling project at Dubai Expo” published in PIB on 28th March 2022

State can impose tax on lotteries of other States within its jurisdiction: SC

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has held that a State legislature has the right to impose tax on lotteries conducted by other States within its jurisdiction.

What was the case about?

Karnataka and Kerala governments had enacted laws to tax lotteries organized and promoted by the States of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur in Kerala and Karnataka.

However, the High Courts of both states found the tax laws invalid and unconstitutional. The court had even directed both states to refund the money collected as tax from lotteries to the north-eastern States.

Against this judgment, Karnataka and Kerala governments filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

What was the judgment of the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the laws passed by Karnataka and Kerala to impose a tax on lotteries conducted by other States within its jurisdiction.

The court said that Lotteries are a “part of gambling activity”. Betting and gambling is part of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

Hence, the State legislature has the right to impose tax on lotteries conducted by other States within its jurisdiction.

Source: This post is based on an article “State can impose tax on lotteries of other States within its jurisdiction: SC” published in The Hindu on 28th March 2022.

India’s ‘space economy’ valued at ₹36,794 crore

What is the News?

The Centre for Development Studies(CDS) and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has released a paper titled “The space economy of India: its size and structure”.

About the paper on the Space Economy of India

Purpose: The paper is a first-of-its-kind attempt at measuring the size of India’s space economy.

This paper relied on the data from the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO), Parliament documents, Comptroller and Auditor-General’s(CAG) reports, data on intellectual property rights and other government data.

Key highlights from the paper related to the Space Economy of India

Size of India’s Space Economy: It is estimated at ₹36,794 crores (approximately $5 billion) for the financial year 2020-21. 

Estimated space size as a percentage of the GDP: This has slipped from 0.26% in 2011-12 to 0.19% in 2020-21.

Space Sectors: Among the space constituents, space applications accounted for the major chunk of the annual budget in 2020-21, followed by space operations and manufacturing.

Space budget as a percentage of the GDP: It has slipped from 0.09% in 2000-01 to 0.05% in 2011-12 and has remained more or less at that level since then.

India’s Space Spending compared to other countries: In relation to GDP, India’s space spending is more than that of China, Germany, Italy and Japan but less than that of the U.S. and Russia.

What is the significance of this paper?

This paper has been released at a time when the Central government policies are opening up the sector to private players. These policies are very likely to enlarge the size of the sector through enhanced private investment and improved integration with the global private space industry.

Source: This post is based on an article “India’s ‘space economy’ valued at ₹36,794 crore” published in The Hindu on 27th March 2022.

Cabinet approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) for another 6 months

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme for another six months, i.e., till September 2022. This will be the sixth phase of PM-GKAY. The Phase V of the scheme was to end in March 2022.

What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana(PM-GKAY)?

Launched in: April 2020.

Aim: To ensure sufficient food for the poor and needy during the coronavirus crisis.

Nodal Ministry: Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Salient features of the scheme

Under the scheme, each beneficiary will get an additional 5 kg free ration per person per month in addition to his normal quota of foodgrains under the National Food Security Act(NFSA).This means that every poor household would get nearly double the normal quantity of ration.

The scheme will cover nearly 80 crore beneficiaries across India and would be fully funded by the Government of India.

The benefit of the free ration can also be availed through portability by any migrant labour or beneficiary under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan from nearly 5 lakh ration shops across the country. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) for another 6 months” published in PIB on 26th March 2022.

PM pitches for ‘local for global’

What is the News?

After his ‘vocal for local’ pitch, Prime Minister has made a call for ‘local for global’ while praising the quantum jump in exports of Indian products.

What is the “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global” Slogan?

The idea of the slogan “Vocal for Local” is to promote local industries and consume local wherever possible so that the long term effects of an increase in demand can be used to develop the domestic industries and make them gradually self-reliant. This will help in the upscaling of production and, eventually, make India a manufacturing centre for the world. 

An extension of this slogan is ‘local for global’ which means that local products in India should have global appeal and reach. 

PM on India’s ‘Local for Global’ Slogan

The Prime Minister said that India achieving its export target of USD 400 billion this fiscal year shows that the demand for its items is increasing all over the world.

He highlighted how new products from all corners of the country are reaching foreign shores. For instance, millet from Himachal and Uttarakhand was going to Denmark, Andhra’s Bainganpalli and Suvarnarekha mangoes were reaching South Korea, Tripura’s fresh jackfruits were headed for London and Gujarat wheat was being sent to Crimea and Sri Lanka.

Government e-Marketplace(GeM) Portal: Through the GeM Portal, the government has purchased items worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore. Close to 1.25 lakh small entrepreneurs and shopkeepers from every corner of the country have sold their goods directly to the government through this portal.

Source: This post is based on an article “PM pitches for ‘local for global’” published in The Hindu on 28th March 2022.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) Unveiled

What is the News?

The Government of India has announced the unveiling of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

About India-UAE Bilateral Trade

UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE stood at USD 43.3 billion in 2020-21.  

UAE is also the second-largest export destination of India, while Indian imports from the UAE were valued at around US$ 30 billion.

UAE is also the eighth-largest investor in India, with an estimated investment of US$ 18 billion. 

What is India-UAE CEPA?

India-UAE CEPA was signed in New Delhi during the India-UAE Virtual Summit.

Purpose: It is a comprehensive agreement that will cover Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade(TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary(SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom, IPR, Investment, Digital Trade and other Areas.

What are the key provisions of the India-UAE CEPA?

Click Here to read about it 

Agreement on Pharmaceuticals: It aims to facilitate access of Indian pharmaceuticals products, especially automatic registration and marketing authorisation in 90 days for products meeting specified criteria.

Technical Council on Investment, Trade Promotion and Facilitation: It has been set up as part of the CEPA.

– Objectives of the Council: a) promote and enhance investment and trade cooperation and facilitation between the parties, b) monitor investment and trade relations, c) identify opportunities for expanding investment and trade and d) identify issues relevant to investment and trade.

What is the significance of this agreement?

India-UAE CEPA is the first deep and full free trade agreement to be signed by India with any country in the past decade.

Source: This post is based on the article “Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) Unveiled” published in PIB on 27th March 2022.

UP’s Moradabad world’s 2nd noisiest city on UN list, 4 more Indian cities exceed noise levels

What is the News?

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report titled ‘Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches’. The report measured noise levels in 61 cities of the world.

What are the key findings of the report?

Noisiest City: All the top three noisiest cities are from South Asia. Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is the noisiest city in the world, with a noise level of 119 decibels (dB).

India: Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the second noisiest city in the world.

Other Indian cities which recorded a higher decibel than the permissible levels were Delhi (83 dB), Kolkata and Asansol (both 89 dB) in West Bengal and Jaipur (84 dB).

Quitiest City: The report found that Irbrid (Jordan) at 60 dB is the world’s quietest city in the world, followed by Lyon (France).

What are the permissible sound levels?

According to the WHO’s recommendations, the permissible noise level limits are 55 dB for outdoor residential areas and 70 dB for commercial areas and where there’s traffic. 

WHO says that a sound with noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time can increase the risk of hearing loss.

What are the suggestions given by the report to reduce noise pollution?

Vegetation in urban environments should be done, as it absorbs acoustic energy and diffuses noise. 

Green spaces, courtyards and quiet urban parks offer relief from noisy places and benefit our mental well-being.

Indirect measures such as reducing available driving space by increasing the number of cycle lanes can reduce road traffic noise. 

Also, low-emission zones encourage electric mobility, which reduces noise and improves air quality. 

Source: This post is based on an article “UP’s Moradabad world’s 2nd noisiest city on UN list, 4 more Indian cities exceed noise levels” published in The Print on 27th March 2022.