9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – May 30th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

The Rural Wage Rule GOI Must Relinquish

Source: This post is created based on the article “The Rural Wage Rule GOI Must Relinquish”, published in Times of India on 30^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Social Issues, mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

News: The rural development ministry issued an order making Aadhaar-based payments compulsory for all NREGA wages from feb 2023. This is creating huge problems.

Before this order there were 2 wage payment options: “account-based” and “Aadhaar-based”.

The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) is supposed to find the latest Aadhaar-linked accounts.

What are the issues associated with ABPS?

ABPS has no demonstrated advantage over account-based payments. It often leads to problems like wages being redirected to Airtel wallets unknowingly, and rejection problems are harder to solve with ABPS.

Only 43% of all NREGA workers were eligible for ABPS wage payments when the order was issued. It led to a situation where a majority of workers were “unpayable”.

In many cases,             job cards of ABPS-ineligible workers are being deleted to meet the target of 100% ABPS eligibility.

Frontline NREGA functionaries are struggling to implement the new order. They are avoiding assigning ABPS-ineligible workers work at NREGA worksites.

An impression that ABPS payments are relatively corruption-proof exists, but there is no evidence of this. Aadhaar-linked accounts are especially vulnerable to fraud. In fact, it is one of the top fraud types listed by the National Payment Corporation of India in its updated ‘Fraud Liability Guidelines’ for Aadhaar-enabled payments.

What should be course of action?

Making Aadhaar-based payments compulsory is counterproductive. What is needed is a retraction of the January 30 order and a review of the Aadhaar-based payment option to ensure a reliable and timely payment system for NREGA workers.

From Master of the Roster to Master of all Judges?

Source- The post is based on the article “From Master of the Roster to Master of all Judges?” published in “The Hindu” on 30th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Functioning of judiciary

Relevance– Issues related to constitutional position of judges of SC.

News- Recently, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court, in Ritu Chhabria v. Union of India gave its decision on bail related matters.

What was the decision of the Division Bench of the Supreme Court, in Ritu Chhabria v. Union of India case?

It affirmed an undertrial’s right to be released on default bail in the case of incomplete investigation and proceeding beyond the statutory time limit.

It criticised the practice of investigative agencies charge-sheeting an accused despite the unfinished investigation. It held that the right to be released on bail will not end despite the filing of a preliminary charge-sheet.

It concluded that an accused’s right to seek default bail would be terminated only upon completion of the investigation within the statutory time limit.

What was the response of the court of CJI to recall application by the Union against Ritu Chhabria judgement?

The Court of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) entertained a recall application moved by the Union of India against this judgement.

It passed an interim order directing courts to decide bail applications without relying on the decision laid down in Ritu Chhabria for a short period of time.

The Court of the CJI indirectly stayed the decision despite not having any connection with the verdict.

What are the issues related to the interim order passed by court of CJI in the recall application filed by the Union government?

Ordinarily, the only recourse available to the Union of India was the filing of a review petition. It is usually decided by the same Bench. There was no scope of the review petition being entertained by the Court of the CJI.

A recall application cannot be filed against a judgement before a different Bench. It is equivalent to bench fishing or forum shopping.

The Court of the CJI has effectively instituted a mechanism by entertaining an intra-court appeal. The mechanism has not any legislative or constitutional backing.

The order has the effect of enlarging the powers of the CJI on the judicial side. It can create an unprecedented intra-court appellate mechanism within the Supreme Court.

What is the position of the CJI in relation to other judges of SC?

Within the constitutional scheme of things, all judges of the Supreme Court are equal in terms of their judicial powers. However, the CJI enjoys special administrative powers such as constituting Benches. He assigned matters and references for reconsideration of a larger Bench.

The CJI is known as the Master of the Rooster. He is regarded as ‘first amongst equals’ in relation to companion judges.

In any given Bench including the CJI, the vote or power given to the CJI is the same as that of his companion judges.

History is replete with examples of the CJI authoring a minority opinion of the Court.

Most Commonwealth countries such as the U.K., Australia and Canada have this system in place.

The U.S. has a system where all the judges collectively exercise power and render decisions.

What are the issues related to the master of the roster?

The legitimacy of the power of Master of the Roster has been hotly debated. There are instances of abuse that are a cause for concern.

Just five years ago, four senior judges of the Supreme Court alleged serious irregularities in the administration and assigning of cases for hearing to Benches of the Court.

The powers vested in the CJI by his virtue of being the Master of the Roster are unending. It is impractical to lay any limits on these powers, meant for the smooth administrative functioning of the Court.

It is imperative that the CJI himself refrains from expanding his powers as Master of the Roster. The practice of constituting Benches and allocating cases should be completely computerised and left out of the hands of the CJI.

The CJI’s powers as the Master of the Roster are meant only for administrative decision-making.

The lack of teachers in higher education

Source: The post is based on the article “The lack of teachers in higher education” published in The Hindu on 30^th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Education

Relevance: Reasons behind shortage of faculties in higher educational institutions

News: Faculty shortages in India have become a permanent issue and obstacles remain in finding a solution to faculty shortages.

What are the obstacles in finding a solution to faculty shortages?

a)) lack of reliable data on current faculty shortages in colleges and universities and b) the partial understanding of faculty shortages as merely a quantitative issue.

Why is there no reliable data on faculty shortages?

In 2009, the task force set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development said that there is no standing mechanism to collect the information on vacant faculty positions.

The report called for a standing mechanism to monitor the size and quality of faculty and suggested that data on faculty members should be made available on the website of every academic institution. 

However, even after more than a decade, most academic institutions have incomplete websites containing only partial information about their faculties.

Moreover, the government collects data on the number of faculty members, for the annual All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE).

However, AISHE is a voluntary process for various institutions and the data provided by the institutions is also not verified by any independent agency.

Most colleges also have adjunct faculty members and even ghost members. They are often counted as part of the regular faculty.

Hence, all these issues make it impossible to get a reliable estimate of faculty shortages.

Are shortages a quantitative issue?

Shortages of faculty is not only a quantitative issue. There are other factors also involved in it like:

First, there may be a demand supply gap of faculties in some places because the number of faculty members varies across disciplines, institutions and locations. Therefore, the gap between the demand and supply needs to be addressed.

Second, faculty shortages for most of the public institutions occur due to the lack of funds. Almost all state universities, despite the need for faculties, are unable to hire them because they do not have sufficient funds.

Third, many private colleges show unwillingness to hire faculties because their motive is to earn profit. They hire less faculties and make them do more work. They also hire less qualified people to keep costs down.

Fourth, the reservation of caste in the public institution also creates problems in hiring faculties from the specific caste. Because the reservations reduce the pool of qualified people. It also leads to vacant positions due to the unavailability of qualified applicants.

Fifth, positions also remain vacant due to the unwillingness among faculty members to work at select institutions due to their unfavourable location and/or the working and living conditions.

Sixth, there may also be qualitative issues for the vacant positions. Despite a huge number of candidates for faculty positions, only a small proportion of them may be competent for the post.

Hence, there is a need for a robust policy to address the issue of faculty shortages.

9 Years, 1 Big Footprint – on India’s foreign policy

Source: The post is based on the article “9 Years, 1 Big Footprint” published in The Times of India on 30^th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – India’s Foreign Policy

Relevance: achievements of India’s foreign policy

News: The article explains India’s foreign policy in the nine years of the current government.

How has India’s foreign policy been in the last nine years?

Voice of the Global South: India has taken various initiatives like Neighbourhood First, SAGAR, Quad, I2U2 and International Solar Alliance.

With these initiatives, India has been perceived as a voice of the Global South. These initiatives have also made India recognisable as a responsible development partner globally.

De-risking Economy:  The pandemic highlighted the need for de-risking the economy from the dependence of others. In this reference, India opted to promote domestic growth through Make in India, PLI schemes and Gati Shakti.

India with its foreign policy has also focused on exploring global opportunities, building deep strengths, absorbing technology and best practices, and expanding employment.

Digitization: The government has expanded its digital arena by collaborating with countries and exchanging knowledge and technical skills.

India’s diaspora: India conducted various mobility agreements like Vande Bharat Mission, Operations Ganga and Kaveri to safeguard its professionals and students abroad.

First Responder: India has emerged as a First Responder in disaster situations of Türkiye, which shows its capabilities and diplomatic skills.

Expanding Diplomatic ties: While India is continuously expanding its diplomatic relations with strategically important countries, it is also taking efforts to expand its relation with other countries like the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, Nordic nations.

Relations with Neighbours: India has taken various projects with its neighboring countries like the development of road, rail and waterway connectivity, power grids, fuel pipelines and border crossing facilities.

This development in the infrastructure has also increased trade with the neighbouring nations. The help India provided Sri Lanka amid its economic crisis has also received a lot of attention globally.

In addressing the challenges from the neighbours, India has deployed robust military in the border areas to ensure that the status quo is not unilaterally altered by China.

Along with this, various policies and actions have been taken to delegitimize and respond to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Promoting India’s Cultural Heritage Globally: India has taken efforts to promote its cultural heritage globally like the celebration of yoga and propagation of ayurveda.

Other Initiatives: India has also taken various initiatives in the field of climate action, counter-terrorism, connectivity, maritime security, financial inclusion and food security among others.

India has also set examples for other countries in some of these fields and it has shared its expertise with other countries. Due to which, it has gained global appreciation.

Violence against healthcare professionals – Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

Violence against healthcare professionals is a concerning issue that poses significant challenges to the healthcare system and the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. Recent incidents highlight the urgency of addressing this problem. For instance, the murder of a young doctor in Kerala and the alarming statistics of violence faced by doctors in India emphasize the need for immediate action.

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, endure physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, impacting their safety, mental health, and ability to provide quality care. It is essential to understand and address the factors contributing to this violence to ensure a safe and secure healthcare environment for all.

What are the various types of Violence against healthcare professionals?

Physical Violence: The doctors are physically attacked by patients or their relatives in hospitals. 

Verbal Abuse: It involves the use of offensive, threatening, or derogatory language towards healthcare professionals. For instance, nurses are subjected to verbal insults and threats by agitated patients or their family members. 

Psychological Intimidation: This form of violence includes psychological tactics to instil fear or distress in healthcare professionals. For example, doctors are subjected to constant harassment or psychological manipulation by colleagues or superiors. 

Sexual Harassment: It involves unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or behaviour directed at healthcare professionals. For instance, female healthcare workers face unwanted sexual advances from patients or colleagues. 

Cyberbullying: This refers to the use of electronic communication to harass or intimidate healthcare professionals. For example, doctors receive online threats or being subjected to online defamation through social media platforms. 

Damage to Property: It involves deliberate destruction or vandalism of healthcare facilities or the personal belongings of healthcare professionals. For instance, equipment or vehicles belonging to medical staff are being vandalized by angry patients or their relatives.

Why do healthcare professionals face violence?

Frustration and Anger: Patients or their family members may experience frustration and anger due to various reasons, such as long wait times, unfavourable treatment outcomes, or dissatisfaction with the healthcare system. This can lead to violent outbursts towards healthcare professionals, as seen in cases where doctors are physically attacked by patients or their relatives. 

Lack of Awareness and Miscommunication: In some instances, patients or their attendants may not fully understand the complexities of medical conditions or treatment plans, leading to miscommunication or unrealistic expectations. This can result in confrontations or verbal abuse towards healthcare professionals who are perceived as not meeting their expectations. 

Inadequate Resources and Infrastructure: Insufficient resources, overcrowded hospitals, and long waiting periods can contribute to patient frustration. When healthcare professionals are unable to provide immediate attention or the desired level of care due to resource limitations, it can escalate tensions and increase the likelihood of violence. 

Emotional Distress and Mental Health Issues: The emotional strain and burnout doctors experience can impact their interactions with patients, potentially triggering confrontations or aggression. 

Lack of Security Measures: Insufficient security personnel, lack of surveillance systems, or easily accessible areas can increase the risk of physical assaults or damage to property. 

What are the impacts of violence against healthcare professionals?

Physical Harm and Injuries: Acts of violence can result in physical harm and injuries to healthcare professionals. For example, doctors being physically assaulted by patients or their attendants may suffer from bruises, fractures, or more severe injuries. 

Psychological Trauma: Healthcare professionals who experience violence may endure long-lasting psychological trauma. Verbal abuse, threats, or witnessing violent incidents can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. 

Fear and Emotional Distress: Violence creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear and emotional distress among healthcare professionals. The constant threat of violence can lead to heightened stress levels, impacting their job satisfaction, and personal well-being. 

Impaired Quality of Care: When healthcare workers are operating under fear and stress, it may affect their decision-making abilities, concentration, and overall performance, ultimately compromising patient care. 

Retention and Recruitment Challenges: If healthcare professionals do not feel safe and supported in their workplaces, they may choose to leave the profession or avoid working in high-risk areas, resulting in a shortage of skilled healthcare workers. 

Deterioration of Doctor-Patient Relationship: Violence creates a hostile environment, leading to strained doctor-patient relationships and hindering effective communication and collaboration. 

What are legal provisions focused on reducing violence against healthcare professionals?

Amendments to Existing Acts: The government have introduced amendments to existing acts to enhance legal protection for healthcare professionals. For example, the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance in India made violence against doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic a cognizable and non-bailable offence, imposing fines and jail terms on offenders. 

State-Level Laws: Several states have enacted their own laws to address violence against healthcare professionals. These laws provide specific provisions to deter and punish perpetrators. For instance, Kerala introduced the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012, which aims to protect healthcare workers and impose stricter penalties on those committing violence. 

Proposed Central Legislation: Efforts have been made to introduce comprehensive central legislation to combat violence against healthcare professionals. In 2019, the Indian government proposed the Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, which aimed to make violence against doctors a non-bailable offence with stringent penalties. However, the bill was later withdrawn. 

Inclusion of Healthcare Workers: Legal provisions have been expanded to include a broader range of healthcare workers for protection against violence. The Kerala government’s ordinance, for example, extended protection to paramedical students, security guards, managerial staff, and other health workers, in addition to registered medical practitioners and nurses. 

Fast-Track Courts: To ensure timely justice and expedite the trial process, the establishment of fast-track courts dedicated to handling cases of violence against healthcare professionals has been proposed. These courts aim to prioritize and speed up the legal proceedings, providing swift justice to victims. 

What are the challenges in reducing violence against healthcare professionals? 

Lack of Awareness and Reporting: One of the significant challenges is the underreporting of incidents of violence. Healthcare professionals may hesitate to report violence due to fear of repercussions or a belief that it will not lead to any substantial action. This lack of reporting hinders the accurate assessment of the problem and limits the implementation of effective measures. 

Inadequate Legal Framework: Despite efforts to introduce laws and amendments, the legal framework may still be insufficient to address the complex nature of violence against healthcare professionals. Existing laws may lack clarity, have weak enforcement mechanisms, or fail to cover all types of violence and their specific contexts.  

Variations in State Laws: The presence of different laws across states can create inconsistencies and challenges in effectively combating violence. In states without specific laws or with weaker provisions, healthcare professionals may face greater vulnerability to violence.  

Delayed Justice and Low Conviction Rates: The slow judicial process and low conviction rates for perpetrators of violence against healthcare professionals pose significant challenges. Delays in legal proceedings can discourage victims and undermine the deterrence effect of legal provisions. 

Inadequate Security Measures: Healthcare settings may lack adequate security measures to protect healthcare professionals from potential violence. Insufficient security personnel, lack of training, and ineffective security infrastructure can contribute to an unsafe environment. 

What should be done?

Enact Comprehensive Legislation: This legislation should include strict penalties for offenders and provide comprehensive protection for healthcare workers. For example, Congress MP urged the Indian government to reintroduce a comprehensive central law to check violence against healthcare professionals. 

Strengthen Implementation of Existing Laws: This includes ensuring prompt and effective investigation of reported incidents, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing support to victims. The legal provisions should be actively enforced to create a deterrent effect 

Improve Reporting Mechanisms: This can involve creating confidential reporting systems, whistleblower protections, and channels for reporting to law enforcement agencies. Encouraging reporting helps in generating accurate data and taking appropriate action against perpetrators. 

Enhance Security Measures: This may include deploying trained security personnel, installing surveillance systems, and adopting access control measures. Creating a safe working environment is essential to prevent and deter acts of violence. 

Promote Awareness and Education: It should be launched to address the underlying causes of violence against healthcare professionals. This includes promoting understanding of the vital role healthcare workers play, debunking misconceptions, and fostering respect for healthcare providers. Such initiatives can be conducted through media campaigns, community engagement, and educational programs. 

Provide Support Services: This can include counselling services, helplines, and access to mental health support. Additionally, providing training on conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and self-defence can empower healthcare professionals to handle challenging situations effectively. 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: It requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including government bodies, healthcare organizations, professional associations, and law enforcement agencies. Working together, these stakeholders can develop comprehensive strategies, share best practices, and advocate for the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals. 

Sources: The Hindu, NLM, Lancet, Forbes, The Wire, Indian Express, Deccan Herald, Herald Goa and Indian Express

Syllabus: GS 2: Social Justice: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

GS PAPER - 3

Faster, stronger – on supercomputers in India

Source: This post is created based on the article “Faster, stronger”, published in The Hindu on 30^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – indigenization of technology and developing new technology

Context:  India is set to receive a new high-performance computing (HPC) system, often referred to as a ‘supercomputer’, from the French corporation, Atos. This system is expected to be the fastest in India.

The HPC will be part of deal with France, signed in December 2018 to procure high-performance computers worth ₹4,500 crore by 2025.

The HPC systems will be hosted by two institutions: the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Noida. These institutions currently house two of India’s most powerful machines, Mihir and Pratyush.

How HPCs are being used and what are their potential uses?

While the possession of powerful supercomputers provides Indian scientists the tools to tackle complex problems, it’s unclear whether these machines have led to significant breakthroughs in fundamental science or engineered commercial products.

The use of such machines has improved short-term weather forecasts and cyclone predictions in India. But there should be greater evaluation of their value in other fields, beyond their speed and power.

Unstable policy regimes discourage foreign portfolio investors

Source- The post is based on the article “Unstable policy regimes discourage foreign portfolio investors” published in the “The Indian Express” on 30th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance- Issues related to financial markets

News– The article explains the regularly issues related to financial markets and

What are characteristics of today’s global financial ecosystem?

It is characterised by cross-border capital flows, and a global investor base.

Countries offer multiple incentives to attract the best companies to list their shares, and foreign investors to invest and create vibrant capital markets.

Issuers prefer jurisdictions having simpler compliance requirements. Foreign investors prefer countries allowing free flow of capital.

Take the recent example of Softbank-owned ARM Ltd. The London-based company chose a primary New York listing despite intense efforts by the UK prime minister. As per the Financial Times, this decision was due to the complex regulatory landscape in the UK.

What are issues related to regulation of financial markets?[Text Wrapping Break]Conflicts or disagreements between regulatory bodies and legislative intent or government policy can occur in any regulatory environment.

Governments set policies and legislative frameworks. Regulatory bodies often operate independently to enforce and interpret the laws.

Differences in interpretation, evolving market conditions or emerging challenges can lead to conflicts between regulations and the original intent or policy direction.

What are the suggestions of the report submitted by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee to probe certain allegations against the Adani Group?

It suggests changes in the legal framework. It provides insight into the dichotomy between the legislative intent and the actions of the SEBI.

The Committee has stated that the SEBI regulations have contradicted the stated position. The legislative intent was altogether different.

Take the case of the norms governing the minimum public shareholding. Once a disclosure of ultimate beneficial ownership is made, there is sufficient compliance. Despite this, the SEBI has taken a different stance.

The Committee notes that 13 foreign portfolio investors, investing in the Adani Group entities made beneficial ownership declarations by identifying natural persons controlling their decisions. It is in line with the requirements under the PMLA, 2002.

This declaration is as per the compliance stipulated under the SEBI’s FPI regulations. Information on the 42 investors in these FPIs, who have invested their monies in these funds under the control of the beneficial owner identified and declared under the PMLA rules, is also available.

The requirement to disclose the last natural person above every person owning any economic interest in the FPI was discontinued in 2018.

Similarly, the “opaque structure” provisions in the regulations were deleted in 2019 as declarations made under the PMLA constitute sufficient compliance.

As per the Committee, if every FPI was required to provide information about beneficial owners in respect of owners holding more than 10%, there was no need to know the ultimate beneficial owner of every owner of the FPI.

Yet in 2020, the SEBI moved the investigation and enforcement in the opposite direction. It stated that the ultimate owner of every piece of economic interest in an FPI must be capable of being ascertained.

The Committee has suggested the need for a coherent enforcement policy. There have also been other instances where SEBI’s regulations or enforcement have clashed with legislative intent.

What impacts the FPI decision related to investment?

FPIs assess risks such as changes in taxation policies, capital controls, repatriation restrictions or shifts in regulatory frameworks to make their investment decisions. They rely on stable and transparent regulatory frameworks for investment decisions.

In case of uncertainty, they may become cautious and hesitant to commit their funds. FPIs prefer India over countries with unstable governments or opaque capital market regimes for this exact reason.

Businesses and investors prefer stable policy regimes. Frequent changes in law and policy raises the perceived risk. It deterres FPIs with lower risk tolerance to either postpone or cancel investment plans.

What is the way forward for regulation of FPIS?

Even if the legislative intent or spirit of the law is subjective, we cannot have an uncertain regime.

There is a need to recognise the contribution of FPIs to the Indian markets. This can be addressed by reducing the dichotomy between the legislative intent and SEBI regulations to a bare minimum.

We need innovative ways to fill the climate funding gap

Source: This post is created based on the article “We need innovative ways to fill the climate funding gap”, published in Live mint on 30^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3, Climate Change

Context: Rising carbon emissions and biodiversity losses is posing a grave threat to mankind, especially vulnerable sections. Handling it requires an innovative financing solution.

Financing of climate solutions is must for achieving SDG targets. SDG 13 (which covers climate action) calls upon states to take urgent action to combat climate change. SDG 15.5 calls for taking urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats.

What are the initiatives launched for financing solutions for climate change?

At the 27th Conference of Parties (CoP17), a Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund was proposed to assist developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

It was especially established to assist developing countries that have been harmed and are ‘particularly vulnerable’ to the adverse effects of climate change.

15th Conference of Parties to Convention on Biodiversity resulted in a global commitment to raise international financial flows from developed to developing countries to at least $30 billion per year by 2030.

Some countries also committed to mobilise at least $200 billion every year from public and private sources for biodiversity related funding by 2030.

The G20 Bali Leaders’ declaration called for unlocking innovative sources of financing to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A number of funds have been created over the last 30 years: like the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and Special Climate Change Fund. However, there is a significant gap between requirements and commitments.

Many proposals have been moved to create Global Carbon Tax, Digital Services Tax, Property Tax, Airplane Tax, cesses on carbon emissions, biodiversity, climate resilience and climate adaptation, Financial Transactions Tax etc.

However, as usual, there is very little hope, due to past failures of rich countries in meeting commitments.

Role of private investment in climate financing

Private capital financing can play a significant role in plugging the gaps for global sustainable financing, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies.

Therefore, creation of an ecosystem that incentivises the creation of financial assets for emission reduction and biodiversity conservation, is necessary.

Private capital financing has increased over the last decade but needs to be scaled up significantly to meet agreed targets.

Why reduction in manpower is bad for the Indian Army

Source- The post is based on the article “Why reduction in manpower is bad for the Indian Army” published in “The Indian express” on 30th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance- Issues related to armed forces

News– Two big ideas are being pushed by politicians and bureaucrats masked as initiatives of the Armed Forces — right-sizing and Atmanirbharta.

Why the ideas of right-sizing and Atmanirbharta pushed by the Armed Forces are consequences of the OROP?

OROP was not a well thought-out decision. It was adopted for short-term electoral gains.

Its long-term cost is staggering. OROP’s annual bill exceeds funds allotted for modernisation. Last year, the five-year equaliser in OROP led to an increase of Rs 25,000 crore.

The revenue account is much larger as compared to capital account. So, the government had to reduce manpower. Ironically, Covid19 became a government ally in the mission.

What are some facts related to deficiency of manpower in armed forces?

For a full two-and-a-half years till June 2022, no recruitment was done. The government was working on the much-maligned Agniveer scheme. The aim was to reduce manpower and pension bills.

No recruitment in the last three years has created the deficiency of 1,80,000 personnel. The savings on salary bills as well as pensions are significant.

Agniveer recruitment commenced in June 2022 with the intake of 40,000 soldiers. 70,000 soldiers continued to retire.

2023 is the year of transformation in the Army. An additional 1,00,000 personnel will be reduced on top of the 1,80,000 existing shortfall. Last month, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff ordered a 10% cut in manpower across the force.

One reason for the dilution of manpower in the Army is the considerably improved insurgency situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly south of Banihal.  At least two Rashtriya Rifles sectors were redeployed from Jammu to Ladakh.

In the Northeast, two mountain divisions fighting insurgency have been relieved and the counter-insurgency mission is now with the Assam Rifles. The Manipur ethnic conflict is a warning.

What are the impacts of low recruitment in recent years?

The adverse impact of zero recruitment for nearly three years on combat units was very serious. Many of the soldiers were deployed against the Chinese PLA in Ladakh. But no one raised a voice.

Manpower deficiency has hurt Gorkha regiments the most. No recruitment has taken place this year. The government in Nepal is unable to decide on the Agniveer scheme. It prefers the old system of 15 years recruitment plus pension.

A suspension or termination of Gorkha recruitment from Nepal will have profound strategic consequences.

Manipur violence: SOS from Imphal

Source: The post is based on the article “Manipur violence: SOS from Imphal” published in the Indian Express on 30th May 2023

Syllabus: GS 3: Security issues – Internal Security.

Relevance: About Manipur violence.

News: The Union Home Minister has pitched for dialogue and promised to deal a fair hand to all stakeholders in resolving the Manipur violenceManipur violence. Ahead of Union Home Minister’s visit to Manipur violence has once again erupted. 

What are the reasons behind the unrest in Manipur?

Must read: What is behind Manipur’s widespread unrest?

What is the present state of Manipur violence?

The breakdown of trust between the Meiteis and Kukis only seems to have widened over the days. There have been reports of mobs attacking the houses of legislators, police stations and looting armouries.

The case in courts over the granting of tribal status to the Meiteis is yet to be settled through the Supreme Court. All evidence points to a crisis of governance, with mobs controlling the street and the administration missing from the scene.

Even legislative units seem divided along communal lines, with community/tribe affiliations proceeding over party loyalties. Overall, the crisis made peace in the entire region at stake.

What will be the impact of Manipur violence on regional security?

Must read: Manipur unrest and its impact on regional security – Explained, pointwise

What is the role of Myanmar in the Manipur unrest?

Read here: Junta Connection – For Manipur, India must revisit its Myanmar Policy

What the Center and States should do to address Manipur violence?

a) The first task before the government is to step in, to restore law and order and gain public trust. For that the central forces should be deployed adequately, b) A strong political leadership is necessary to get the warring parties, who have a long history of distrust, to sit across the table and start talking, c) The political leadership needs to address the legal conundrum. This should address questions about development, employment and educational opportunities, land ownership and usage and so on.

To counter multiple factors in play in Manipur, the government needs a multi-layered approach which involves judicial, political, and social levels.

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