9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 17th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• The inspiration for New India: The unsung martyrs of Mangarh
• ‘The Chinese are planning a series of Himalayan dams of such worrying scale that they must be halted’

GS Paper 2

• Ukraine imbroglio can give the Global South a chance to claim a place at the high table of global diplomacy
• What the burden of the heavy school bag reveals
• This unseating of vice chancellors is faulty
• Why the Old Pension Scheme is both bad economics and bad politics
• Making cities smart and sustainable

GS Paper 3

• OTT services should not have an unfair edge over Indian telcos
• Handling external shocks – on economic policy

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• NCW launches Digital Shakti 4.0 focussing on making women digitally skilled and aware
• War causing immense human suffering: G20 declaration
• TRAI to roll out caller ID system to rival Truecaller in 3 weeks
• India, China, Brazil, South Africa oppose ‘carbon border tax’
• India deploys new docks, upgrades speedboats for Pangong Tso patrol
• Committee to monitor bulk drug parks
• Humans face reproductive crisis as sperm count declines: Study
• MALABAR 22 Culminates
• SEBI puts in place registration, regulatory framework for online bond platform providers
• Unknown sources of income spiked after electoral bond entry
• Graphene-stabilized tunable photonic crystal can make more durable & better reflective display and lasers devices
• India moves two ranks in climate performance index

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

The inspiration for New India: The unsung martyrs of Mangarh

News: On November 17, 1913, Mangarh Massacre or Adivasi Jallianwala have occurred.

What is Mangarh Massacre, and who is Govind Guru?

Govind Guru demanded that the colonial state should reduce the revenue rate during famines and stop encroaching on the religious freedom of tribal communities and harming their culture.

How government is showcasing tribal movements?

-Mangarh Dham will be developed as a joint project of the governments of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It will be a national memorial showcasing tribal legacy and their rich cultural heritage.

-The government is already setting up tribal museums in 10 states — Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, MP, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Kerala — to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by tribals during the freedom struggle.

What is the relevance of tribal movements in the country?

After 75 years of Independence, Prime Minister gave a call for Amrit Kaal’s “Panch Pran”. This involves removing traces of the colonial mindset, taking pride in our roots, inculcating unity and a sense of duty and improving the well-being of the nation. The role of tribal communities during the freedom struggle and nation-building inspires this endeavour.

The environment-friendly lifestyle of tribal communities and their zeal to protect nature offer valuable lessons to people from the elite class and developed countries.

How did tribal movements help India to achieve social justice?

India’s growth story was incomplete when the tribals were left behind. Droupadi Murmu taking over as the President of India is a landmark in the country’s history. At present, the Union Council of Ministers has eight tribal ministers.

The pro-poor welfare policies, people-centric measures, Eklavya Model residential schools, scholarship schemes for students and health schemes of the government have imparted a new meaning to the idea of social justice.

‘The Chinese are planning a series of Himalayan dams of such worrying scale that they must be halted’

News: John Keay has written about the mountain range since the 1960s. Recently, he has written a book titled ‘Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World’.

What are the major highlights of his book on the Himalayas?

-In Tibetan mythology, the great peaks are persons, or rather they are deities. They constitute a society of gods who commune, fight and even mate among themselves.

Himalayan mountain pilgrimage: From Nanga Parbat in the West to Mount Kailas and Tsari in Tibet, Hindus, Buddhists and even Muslims go around the sacred peaks seeking intercession, merit and guidance.

Local communities know how to coexist: The technologies locals favour are best suited to their physical circumstances, like micro hydro projects and the frozen water towers being trialled in Ladakh.

They pioneered glaciculture in the Karakorams of Gilgit-Baltistan. Under it, farmers dependent on glacier melt have learnt how to seed new glaciers by artificial insemination.

Chinese dams need to be stopped: In Pemako in SE Tibet, the Chinese are planning a series of dams which will divert the waters of the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra from Assam to northern China. These can produce three times the electrical output of Yangtse’s Three Gorges Dam.

Similar scale dams are being built on the Indus near Chilas where “an average of 300 earthquakes in a single month” is reported. However, vital to “development”, these projects have to be stopped to protect the environment.

GS Paper 2

Ukraine imbroglio can give the Global South a chance to claim a place at the high table of global diplomacy

News- The article explains the events and reasons for prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It also explains the position of India and scope for the global south toi have negotiated a solution of the conflict.

What are some facts related to war?

War between Russia and Ukraine is still going on. There are no prospects for global diplomacy to end the war.

There seems less chance of victory of one side over another or negotiated solution.

On eastern front, Ukraine has succeeded in pushing Russia back. But, new fronts are opening at sea, in air, cyber space and in random bombardment of targets far away from the actual fighting.

The Security Council stays paralysed. Its Resolutions on the Ukraine war are vetoed by major powers.

What are the objectives of both parties in the war?

Objectives of the belligerents keep evolving as the war unfolds. The initial objective of Russia was to neutralise Ukraine and make it a buffer between NATO and its own territory, and protect the interests of the Russian minorities of Ukraine. It has now evolved into territorial annexation. Ukrainian objectives are total defeat of Russia, war reparations to be paid by it and regime change in Moscow.

The two objectives are totally incompatible.

Why has war in Ukraine become protracted?

The reasons for prolonged war are strategic depth of the belligerents, diffuse targets, incompatible war objectives, and the induction of third parties with a stake in keeping hostilities alive.

The additional factor that is responsible for prolonging conflict is the nuclear option, available to both sides. This has created a balance of terror.

What are the impacts of war?

Vast sums of tax-payers money are being diverted into the military-industrial complex and proxy war of NATO.

There is a steep rise in prices of essential commodities. Inflation has hit all across the globe but its impact is asymmetric. The poor suffer relatively more.

It has created refugee problem. There are 6 million UKrainian refugees spread over Europe.

What  is the Indian position on war?

The Indian position has been consistent. It is asking for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the start of negotiations. India has reiterated the country’s commitment to global governance. It has struck a delicate balance between the belligerents.

Modi message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “now is not the era for war” and his call for immediate cessation of hostilities at the G20 reiterate the Indian position.

India’s neutrality in western capitals is perceived as a pursuit of its narrow self-interest rather than a serious global policy option.

What is the scope for the global south to end the conflict?

The protracted war in Ukraine has provided the Global South an opportunity to claim a place at the high table of global diplomacy.

An initiative by the South, possibly led by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, working jointly with Turkey, and with the implicit support of India and China, can offer to broker a deal. It can be  operated through the United Nations General Assembly.

What the burden of the heavy school bag reveals

News- The article explains the issue related to the educational system.

What is the situation of schools after the pandemic?

Things have changed a lot in schools after the pandemic. Sanitisers and masks have become a part of a child’s life.

They also carry heavy bags which causes mental and physical burden.

It puts unnecessary pressure on a child’s health.

What are the concerns associated with this issue?

The thinking of all the schools and teachers continues to remain that maximum education can be obtained only by carrying more books.

Instead of finding new ways of teaching and learning, schools and teachers are paying more attention to technical and materialistic things like apps, books and bags.

The National Council for Teacher Training (NCTE), under the central government, has the task of setting the minimum qualifications for teachers, preparing curriculum and facilitating the opening of new colleges for teacher training. But, the work of selecting and recruiting the teachers lies with the state government.

The reason why our education system is not improving even after many efforts is because education falls on the concurrent list.

What is the way forward?

People need to understand that the teaching method is more important than books or other tools.

If the classroom environment is to be made interesting, then children should be taught in small groups.

The Right to Education Bill had called for reducing the classroom size. But it implies that the number of classes will have to be increased which will require more teachers.

We also require more qualified teachers who can not only understand the child’s state of mind but who can also implement the curriculum accordingly.

“Learning without burden” under the chairmanship of Yashpal in1993 suggested changes in the syllabus to reduce the weight of bags.It also suggested how to make learning joyful and give less emphasis on books and bags for children.

The new National Curriculum Framework (foundational stage) talks beyond the classrooms. It focuses more on pedagogy than content and encourages activities. It acknowledges the importance of the teacher, students and other stakeholders.

This unseating of vice chancellors is faulty

News- The article explains the issue related to appointment of vice chancellors of University.

What is this issue all about?

In  Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs The State Of Gujarat, from Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, the Supreme Court quashed the appointment of the incumbent Vice Chancellor on the ground that the search committee did not form a panel for the appointment of VC.Therefore, it was not in accordance with the UGC Regulations of 2018.

In  Professor (Dr) Sreejith P.S vs Dr. Rajasree M.S.,the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram, was challenged on the ground that the search committee recommended only one name.This is also against the UGC Regulations.

What is the core issue with SC judgement?

In both these cases, the issue framed by the Supreme Court is about whether the appointment of VCs should be made as per the UGC Regulations or the provisions of the State University Act.

Under the Indian Constitution both the Union and the State can legislate on a matter under the Concurrent list. A VC is appointed by the Chancellor under the relevant University Act.

But the Supreme Court has brought in Article 254 of the Constitution to rule that if provisions of the State law are repugnant to the provisions of the Union law, the State law will become void.

Why is this conclusion faulty?

First ,repugnancy under Article  254 relates to a State law and a substantive law made by Parliament. It thus excludes rules,regulations which are made by subordinate authorities, in this case the UGC.However, the substantive law is made by the superior authority,namely Parliament.

Second, the rules and regulations made by the subordinate authority, though laid in Parliament, do not go through the same process as a law.The Constitution cannot be assumed to equate the Act with the rules.

Third, The inclusive definition of law given in Article 13(2) is applicable only to that Article. It means the term law does not include the rules, regulations, etc. for the purpose of Article 254.

Fourth, the regulations made by a subordinate authority of the Union overriding a law made by a State legislature will amount to a violation of federal principles.

Finally, the UGC Regulations on the appointment of VCs are outside the scope of the main provisions of the UGC Act as none of its provisions refers to the appointment of VCs.

What is the way forward?

Article 254 needs to be analysed in depth before reaching such conclusions. Such an analysis would make it clear that a State law can be repugnant only to the central Act, and not the regulations and rules made there under.

Since this issue is bound with the right of States to manage university education, more serious thought needs to be given to it.

The Supreme Court held in S. Satyapal Reddy vs Govt. Of A.P. (1994) that the court has to make every attempt to reconcile the provisions of the apparently conflicting laws and the court would endeavour to give harmonious construction.

When this is done in most of the cases, there would be no need to strike down a State law on the ground of repugnancy.

Why the Old Pension Scheme is both bad economics and bad politics

News: The government in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh has reverted to the Old Pension Scheme. Punjab is also expected to follow the same but there are concerns associated with it.

What was the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?

OPS fixed pensions of the central and state government employees at 50 percent to the last drawn basic pay. The amount of the pensions also increased with the hike in dearness allowances announced by the government for serving employees.

However, a New Pension System came into effect for those joining government service from January 1, 2004 which promised an assured or ‘defined’ benefit to the retiree. It was described as a ‘Defined Benefit Scheme’.

What were the concerns with the OPS?

Lack of proper funds: The pension liability remained unfunded and there were no mechanisms through which money could be raised and given to the pensioner.

Unsustainable: OPS was unsustainable because the liability of pension kept on increasing every year due to the increase in dearness allowances (DA) and increase in life expectancy rates.

Burden on states: OPS took away a quarter of the tax revenues of the state. Further, if salaries of state government employees are added to the bill, states hardly get anything from their own tax receipts.

Burden on the taxpayers: Taxpayers face the burden of ever-increasing pensions. The current generation faces a burden of older employees as well as they are also paying for newer employees under NPS.

What was planned to address this situation?

Old Age Social and Income Security (OASIS) commission: It was set up in 1998 with the objective of targeting unorganized sector workers who had no old age income security. The committee found that less than 11% of the estimated total working population had some post-retirement income security.

It recommended investment in three types of funds — safe (allowing up to 10 per cent investment in equity), balanced (up to 30 per cent in equity), and growth (up to 50 per cent in equity). This investment could be further invested in corporate bonds or government securities.

It also recommended that individuals could have unique retirement accounts and they would be required to invest at least Rs 500 a year into that account.

Out of those money at least Rs 2 lakh would be used to purchase an annuity after the retirement. The income from the annuity will then be used to provide a fixed monthly income to the retired employee.

HLEG: It was a high-level expert group set up to look into the situation for government employees. It suggested a defined contribution scheme for government employees.

In the first tier, it recommended a 10 percent contribution by the employer and the employee. The accumulated funds would be used to pay pension in annuity form.

In the second tier, the employer’s contribution would be matching with the contribution of the employees but limited to 5 per cent. However, no limit was specified for the employee. This contribution could be later withdrawn or converted into annuity.

What was the origin of the New Pension Scheme (NPS)?

The OASIS report became the basis for the NPS. It was made applicable for all new recruits joining government service from January 1, 2004.

The defined contribution under NPS was 10 percent of the basic salary and DA by the employee and a matching contribution by the government. However, the government increased its contribution to 14 percent of the basic salary and DA in 2019.

NPS gave the opportunity to the employees to choose from a range of schemes from low risk to high risk.  The return from the investment in these schemes depends on the number of years and choice of the scheme.

NPS has become effective and its assets under management have also increased. Therefore, moving to OPS from NPS will again acts as a burden on the exchequer and its impact should be taken into account while reverting back.

Making cities smart and sustainable

News: Urban cities are now converting into smart cities but there is a need to look at sustainable development.

What are the requirements for a sustainable smart city?

Urban design: A proper urban designing or urban planning is needed to make cities smart and sustainable.

It should provide socio-economic opportunities for its expanding labor force along with quality of life, and a safer and more secure environment.

It should also provide an environmentally friendly infrastructure and unique identity for each city along with greater adaptability to changing climatic, economic, and social factors.

Use of ICT: A smart city combines information and communication technology (ICT) with numerous physical devices linked to an Internet of Things (IoT) network that provide effectiveness in local operations and services.

It also helps municipalities to engage with people, keep an eye on the happenings of the city, improve the quality of services and improve citizen-government interaction.

Gathering data: It is beneficial for a smart city to gather data and information that could be further used to improve the processes, operations and governance systems of the city like monitoring and managing power plants, water supply, etc.

The concept of smart cities in India, under the Smart Cities Mission, is based on six fundamental principles –

1. putting the community at the core of planning and implementation,
2. optimal use of resources that generates more outcomes using fewer resources,
3. cooperative and competitive federalism,
4. adopting innovative methods for sustainable solutions,
5. using technology as a means to achieving goals and financial convergence.

However, there are also challenges with the smart city.

What are the challenges?

Rapid Urbanization:  Currently, 54 percent of the world’s population lives in cities, and it is predicted to rise to 66 percent by 2050.

According to the World Bank, smart cities make the process of urbanization more inclusive through the integration of migrants, bringing together the formal and informal sectors, and providing services for both the rich and the poor.

Therefore, smart cities will attract people for settlements which would cause urbanization and put pressure on resources.

What is the way forward?

First, smart cities need to be sustainable smart cities with environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions.

Second, it must also integrate the newest technology with governance and enhance innovative socio-technical, socio-economic, and sociocultural aspects of growth.

GS Paper 3

OTT services should not have an unfair edge over Indian telcos

News: The proposed regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication services in India’s Draft Telecom Bill has stirred up an intense debate.

About the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill

What are the concerns associated with the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill?

Why TSPs and OTTs should be seen as one entity?

This is because a) All digital technology-enabled voice communication today requires applications of data, b) The external environment and associated risks are the same for both the telecom service providers (TSPs) and OTTs. So, they need to be governed by the same statutory agencies/bodies which oversee security aspects.

Findings of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): TRAI’s consultation paper on ‘Regulatory Framework for Over-the-Top (OTT) Services’ said that a) The technological differences between OTTs and TSPs have led to a situation where both TSPs and OTT service providers become capable of providing similar services to customers, b) The communication OTT players are actually competing with traditional TSPs. But the TSPs bear the costs for the infrastructure, and spectrum management and also pay licence fees for use of spectrum.

Department of Telecom committee view on OTT platforms: [Voice over Internet Protocol] OTT communication services bypass the existing licensing and regulatory regime. Thus creating a non-level playing field between TSPs and OTT providers despite both competing for the same services.

So, Each has its own value and should be looked at through similar lenses. They must contribute similarly too.

Why TSPs are in a disadvantageous position compared to OTTs?

1) OTT players can pass on the cost to their consumers, 2) TSPs are not allowed to monetize the data of their subscribers as per Indian laws, while OTT services do so at will, 3) TSPs continue to invest heavily in infrastructure for high-tech networks that serve Indian citizens. On the other hand, OTTs make direct/indirect profits off these networks and use them towards their development, 4) TSPs have exclusive rights of the spectrum, interconnection, right of way, unique numbering resources, etc, but OTT services don’t, 5) TSPs pay exorbitant levies and taxes (of above 30% of their revenues). TSPs also contribute to India’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). However, OTT services, despite their growing revenues, pay nothing to the government, and 6) The average revenue per user of TSPs is abysmally low, even as they must make large capital investments in spectrum and infrastructure and also pay taxes/levies, while OTT profits usually go abroad, and they have no such commitments.

So, under the new Draft Telecom Bill, India must introspect and decide.

Handling external shocks – on economic policy

News– The article explains impacts of rapid tightening of monetary policy by US and other Advanced Economies. It also explains its implications for India.

Why blindly following the federal reserve policy is not appropriate?

This is designed for the excess macro-stimulus and tight labour markets in the US. Moreover, interest parity holds tightly only for AEs that are fully open to capital flows.

following the Fed involves letting the exchange rate depreciate while tightening monetary and financial conditions. But this could aggravate external shocks, creating sharp price movements in thin markets.

A sharp currency depreciation hurts those who have borrowed abroad but a sharp interest rate rise hurts domestic debtors. It can push leveraged sectors into crisis.

Exporters who typically sell in contested markets gain little, while the cost of commodity imports that are invoiced in dollars rise immediately.

We are seeing the consequences of demand over-stimulus that ignored supply-chain bottlenecks in advanced economies’ response to pandemic.

The belief that Advanced Economies can borrow at low rates regardless of the size of borrowing ignores history. Even in the US, which has the advantage of being able to print dollars, inflation, interest rates and deficits were high in the 1970s. Fiscal rules were implemented later and debt was brought down.

What is the pragmatic policy that is needed by India?

To sustain growth while keeping inflation low, supply-side reforms must continue. It should be supported by counter-cyclical tax rates, a larger share of expenditure on capacity building, real repo rate that are based on expected inflation, competitive real exchange rate without excessive nominal depreciation and capital flow management policies.

A widening of the current account deficit due to a persistent rise in oil prices does require reduction in aggregate demand as well as depreciation, but within limits. Continuous depreciation is inflationary and results in real appreciation, which encourages more imports.

Therefore, to reduce deficits multiple policy levers are needed. More emphasis should be on longer-term sustainable measures such as encouraging exports, reducing oil intensity and energy imports.

Why is this type of policy feasible for India?

Growth and reform induced tax buoyancy gives fiscal space consistent with adequate consolidation.

India does not have full capital account convertibility. So, capital flow management policies can be fine-tuned to selectively encourage or discourage different types of flows.

Micro and macroprudential regulation can be relaxed to counter tightening of financial conditions due to outflows. Reserve loss further tightens liquidity but can be sterilised by increasing holdings of government securities. The surplus reserves are adequate for cyclical US tightening.

Policy cannot work against fundamentals. Rupee depreciation and stock market correction have been less than in most other advanced and emerging markets. This indicates that markets are factoring in India’s comparatively better prospects and lower inflation.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

NCW launches Digital Shakti 4.0 focussing on making women digitally skilled and aware

Source: The post is based on the article “NCW launches Digital Shakti 4.0 focussing on making women digitally skilled and aware” published in PIB on 16th November 2022.

What is the News?

The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the fourth phase of the Digital Shakti Campaign.

What is the Digital Shakti Campaign?

Launched in: 2018

Aim: To help women across the nation to raise the awareness level on the digital front, to build resilience and fight cyber-crime in the most effective ways. 

Through this campaign, over 3 Lakh women across India have been made aware of cyber safety tips and tricks, reporting & redressal mechanisms, data privacy and usage of technology for their benefit.

What is the focus of the fourth phase of the Digital Shakti Campaign?

Launched by: National Commission for Women(NCW) in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation and Meta.

Focus of the campaign: To make women digitally skilled and aware to stand up against any illegal/inappropriate activity online.

War causing immense human suffering: G20 declaration

Source: The post is based on the article “War causing immense human suffering: G20 declaration” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

What is the News?

The G20 Bali Declaration was finally adopted by consensus even though it failed to overcome serious differences over the Russia-Ukraine war.

What are the key highlights of the G20 Bali Declaration?

On Russia-Ukraine war: The declaration acknowledged differences among members on the Russia-Ukraine war but stressed that it was “essential to uphold international law and the multilateral system” as “today’s era must not be of war”.

– It also said that the threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

– The declaration also recognised that G20 is not the forum to resolve security issues. However, it agreed that security issues can have significant consequences for the global economy.

On Terrorism: The declaration called upon the international community to “step up” efforts to counter money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing and urged the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies to “lead global action” to respond to these threats.

Other issues covered: The declaration covered a range of issues from climate change to corruption, and from Covid vaccination to imparting computer skills to women.

How has India contributed to this G20 declaration?

The G20 declaration proclaimed “today’s era must not be of war”, echoing the Indian PM’s remarks before the Russian President on the sidelines of the SCO summit in September.

The declaration also strongly endorsed the Indian PM’s emphasis on three key points: the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, diplomacy and dialogue and today’s era must not be of war.

TRAI to roll out caller ID system to rival Truecaller in 3 weeks

Source: The post is based on the article “TRAI to roll out caller ID system to rival Truecaller in 3 weeks” published in Livemint on 17th November 2022

What is the News?

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) is set to roll out its mobile phone caller identity system — verified by KYC (know your customer details) within the next three weeks.

The caller ID system will be pitched as the government’s replacement for the popular Swedish caller-identifying app – Truecaller. 

How will TRAI’s caller ID work?

TRAI has said that it will not enforce the caller ID feature on users without their permission. 

This feature will be a consent-based, voluntary programme. Users will have the authority to decide whether or not to have their names displayed which will help keep spam calls at bay. 

TRAI’s caller ID feature will rely on the KYC data that users share with their network providers to avail of their services. These data include ID proofs such as the Aadhaar card and the chances of inaccuracy are close to none. 

How will TRAI called ID be different from Truecaller?

Apps like Truecaller also help users to identify callers based on crowdsourced data. However, the upcoming TRAI mechanism is expected to bring more accuracy and transparency as it will allow users to identify callers according to their KYC (Know Your Customer).

How can this new feature be useful for users?

As per TRAI, its caller ID feature will help users to evade spam calls and phishing attacks. 

In 2021, Truecaller reported that India ranks fourth amongst all the countries that receive the most spammed calls.

There have also been numerous cases in the country where callers claim themselves to be from banks, insurance companies and other businesses and dupe mobile users to share sensitive banking and other personal information to commit financial frauds or identity thefts.

India, China, Brazil, South Africa oppose ‘carbon border tax’

Source: The post is based on the article “India, China, Brazil, South Africa oppose ‘carbon border tax’” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

What is the News?

India, China and other developing countries have opposed the proposed European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Tax?

A carbon border adjustment tax is a duty on imports based on the amount of carbon emissions resulting from the production of the product in question. 

As a price on carbon, it discourages emissions. As a trade-related measure, it affects production and exports.

What is the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

The European Union is planning to implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM) from 2026.

The proposed import tax would initially apply to five sectors: electricity, iron and steel, fertilizers, aluminium and cement. 

How will this impact India?

This will negatively impact the Indian industry which has significant export interests in the EU. 

The EU has been the destination for nearly 17% of total Indian exports in the period of 2012-2021. 

Around 6% of these exports will fall under the purview of the CBAM. Of these CBAM- implicated Indian exports, the iron & steel sector, followed by aluminium will be the most affected.

What were developing countries’ views on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

BASIC, a group constituting Brazil, India, South Africa and China has said that unilateral measures and discriminatory practices such as carbon border taxes could result in market distortion and aggravate the trust deficit amongst countries.

It is also against the UN principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities(CBDR–RC). The CBDR-RC acknowledges that richer countries have the responsibility of providing financial and technological assistance to developing and vulnerable countries to fight climate change.

India deploys new docks, upgrades speedboats for Pangong Tso patrol

Source: The post is based on the article “India deploys new docks, upgrades speedboats for Pangong Tso patrol” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

What is the News?

The Indian Army has deployed new landing docks and speedboats for patrolling on the Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh, matching the Chinese deployments on the lake.

About Pangong Tso Lake

Click Here to read

What has been the point of friction between India and China at Pangong Tso lake?

Pangong Tso Lake has been an area of constant friction between India and China for a long time.

India holds about one-third of the 135-km-long lake while the rest is under China’s control.

The lake has mountain spurs of the Chang Chenmo range jutting down referred to as ‘fingers’.

India and China have a different understandings of where the Line of Actual Control(LAC) passes through. 

India has maintained that the LAC passes through Finger 8, which has been the site of the final military post of China. But Indian forces have not had active control beyond Finger 4.

On the other hand, China says the LAC passes through Finger 2. It has been patrolling up to Finger 4 mostly in light vehicles and at times up to Finger 2.

Committee to monitor bulk drug parks

Source: The post is based on the article “Committee to monitor bulk drug parks” published in the Livemint on 17th November.

What is the News?

The department of pharmaceuticals has set up a high-level committee to monitor the progress of bulk drug parks that are being set up in three states. The parks in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are aimed at ensuring India’s drug security through a steady supply of bulk drug active ingredients.

About the high-level committee to monitor bulk drug parks

Headed by: Mansukh Mandaviya, Union minister of chemical and fertilizer.

Aim: To focus on specific bulk drugs which India is importing in order to reduce import dependence.

Function: The state of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh will present the details of design, strategy of selection of industrial units along with the list of bulk drugs going to be manufactured in the parks. This is to ensure that through the scheme, the intended objectives of domestic manufacturing of critical bulk drugs are achieved. All this will be done well before the allotment of plots.

The committee will facilitate the alignment of investments in the bulk drug parks with pharmaceutical industry requirements and public health needs. It will further facilitate the transfer of technology and other interventions required to achieve the objectives.

About India’s bulk drug imports

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the third largest in the world by volume. However, the country is significantly dependent on import of basic raw materials, the ingredients that are used to produce medicines.

In some specific bulk drugs the import dependence is 80 to 100%. Any disruption in supplies can have significant impact on drug security, which is also linked to the overall economy of the country.

Humans face reproductive crisis as sperm count declines: Study

Source: The post is based on the article “Humans face reproductive crisis as sperm count declines: Study” published in the Business Standard on 17th November.

What is the News?

An international team of researchers has found a significant decline in sperm counts over the years in many countries globally, including India. The decline reflects a global crisis related to modern environment and lifestyle, with broad implications for the survival of the human species.

What are the key findings of the study?

In 2017, the same team found that the sperm concentration had more than halved in the last 40 years. However, at the time a lack of data for other parts of the world meant the findings were focused on a region encompassing Europe, North America and Australia.

The latest study includes more recent data from 53 countries. According to the study, the average sperm concentration fell from an estimated 101.2 million per ml to 49.0 m per ml between 1973 and 2018. This is a drop of 51.6% in the past 46 years. Total sperm counts fell by 62.3% during the same period.

Rate of decline: The rate of decline appears to be increasing. Since 1972, the researchers found sperm concentrations declined by 1.16% per year. However, when they looked only at data collected since the year 2000, the decline was 2.64% per year.

Findings related to India: In India also there is a strong and sustainable decline, but its similar globally.

Note: The current study did not examine the causes of sperm count declines.

What is the important of sperm count?

Sperm count is not only an indicator of human fertility but also that of men’s health, with low levels being associated with an increased risk of chronic disease, testicular cancer and a decreased lifespan.

Further, disturbances in the development of the reproductive tract during fetal life are linked to lifetime impairment of fertility and other markers of reproductive dysfunction.

MALABAR 22 Culminates

Source: The post is based on the article “MALABAR 22 Culminates” published in PIB on 16th November 2022

What is the News?

The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR culminated in the seas off Japan.

This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force).

About Malabar Exercise

Exercise Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise featuring the maritime forces of the US and India. 

In 2014, the en­try of the Japan Navy made it a trilateral exercise. In 2020, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) also joined Malabar making it a quadrilateral exercise.

What does the Malabar exercise include?

The exercise includes simulated war games and combat manoeuvres.

It also includes complex exercises including anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills. These combat drills will enhance synergy and mutual understanding among the four navies.

Apart from drills, the bilateral logistics support agreements between the participating countries were validated during this edition of the exercise.

How does China view the Malabar exercise?

China views Malabar as an anti-China group formed by a “concert of democracies”.

SEBI puts in place registration, regulatory framework for online bond platform providers

Source: The post is based on the article “SEBI puts in place registration, regulatory framework for online bond platform providers” published in Livemint on 16th November 2022

What is the News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come out with a detailed regulatory framework for online bond platform providers in a bid to streamline their operations.

What is an Online Bond Platform?

As per SEBI, an Online Bond Platform is an electronic system other than a recognised stock exchange or an electronic book providing a platform on which debt securities are listed or proposed to be listed are offered and transacted.

The online bond platform provider means any person operating or providing such a platform.

Why regulatory framework for Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs)?

During the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of OBPPs offering debt securities to non-institutional investors. Most of them are fintech companies or are backed by stock brokers.

However, the operations of OBPs were outside SEBI’s regulatory purview. Hence, this regulatory framework has been issued.

What are the key provisions of the regulatory framework for OBPPs?

Online Bond Platform Providers(OBPPs) would be companies incorporated in India and they should register themselves as stockbrokers in the debt segment of the stock exchange.

OBPPs cannot offer products or services on its platform except listed debt securities and debt securities proposed to be listed through a public offering.

Further, the OBPPs would have to ensure compliance with the minimum disclosure requirements. It would also have to disclose on its platform all instances of conflict of interest, if any, arising from its transactions or dealings with related parties.

Unknown sources of income spiked after electoral bond entry

Source: The post is based on the article “Unknown sources of income spiked after electoral bond entry” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

What is the News?

The data analyzed from the Association of Democratic Reforms(ADR) annual reports reveal that the share of “unknown sources of income” of political parties has increased following the introduction of electoral bonds.

What are the key findings from the ADR report regarding electoral bonds?

Source of Income of Political Parties: The ADR classifies the income of political parties into two major types — known and unknown: 

– The known sources of income are further classified into two types — voluntary donations made above ₹20,000 whose donor details are submitted to the ECI and “other sources of known income” such as the sale of movable and immovable assets etc.

– The unknown sources include donations below ₹20,000 via electoral bonds, the sale of coupons for which the details of donors are not available to the public. 

Note: An amendment to the Representation of the People Act by the Finance Act, 2017, created a provision to exempt parties from declaring funds collected using electoral bonds.

Share of an unknown source of income: The share of unknown sources of income for national parties has increased from 66% between 2015-17 to 71% between 2019-21.

– In the same period, the electoral bonds formed 57% and 64% of the national and regional parties’ total incomes.

– So, based on this data, One can conclude that the unknown share of income went up and electoral bonds were a major reason behind the rise.

Split of various unknown sources of income: After the introduction of the electoral bond scheme, the burden of unknown income has merely shifted from other routes such as donations below ₹20,000 and coupon sales to electoral bonds.

Major share of electoral bonds: BJP has cornered a lion’s share of the electoral bond income. The party received 67% of funds through electoral bonds by all parties between 2018-21. If only national parties are considered, the share goes up to 81%.

Graphene-stabilized tunable photonic crystal can make more durable & better reflective display and lasers devices

Source: The post is based on the article “Graphene-stabilized tunable photonic crystal can make more durable & better reflective display and lasers devices” published in PIB on 16th November 2022

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a soft tunable photonic crystal with enhanced thermal stability and optical purity. This has potential applications in making more durable and better reflective displays and laser devices.

What are Photonic Crystals?

Photonic crystals are optical nanostructures in which the refractive index changes periodically. 

Note: Refractive index, also called index of refraction, is the measure of the bending of a ray of light when passing from one medium into another.

This change in the refractive index affects the propagation of light in the same way that the structure of natural crystals gives rise to X-ray diffraction and that the atomic lattices (crystal structure) of semiconductors affect their conductivity of electrons.

Photonic crystals occur in nature in the form of structural coloration – like the natural microstructures that give opal its iridescent color – or animal reflectors, like the wings of certain butterflies.

What are the uses of Photonic Crystals?

Photonic crystals promise to be useful in a range of applications ranging from reflection coatings to optical computers when artificially produced or engineered in laboratories. They enable the PCs to exhibit structural colours in the visible spectral regime.

Moreover, the development of advanced photonic materials and devices using Liquid Crystals (LC) that exhibit self-organization, phase transitions and molecular orientation behaviours in response to external stimuli is attracting significant interest.

India moves two ranks in climate performance index

Source: The post is based on the article “India moves two ranks in climate performance index” published in Indian Express on 16th November 2022

What is the News?

The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 has been released by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network.

What is the Climate Change Performance Index?

Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) is an independent monitoring tool for tracking the climate protection performance of 59 countries and the European Union which together generate over 92% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Aim: To enhance transparency in international climate politics and enable comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.

Parameters: CCPI assesses each country’s performance in four categories: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall ranking), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%) and Climate Policy (20%).

What are the key findings of CCPI 2023?

India’s Ranking: India has been ranked 8th amongst a group of 59 countries and the European Union. It has risen two spots since last year.

– Parameter-wise, India has earned a high rating in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories with a medium for Climate Policy and Renewable Energy.

Observations made on India: India had increased its climate targets in the NDC (nationally determined contributions) and also announced a net zero target for 2070. 

– However, India’s climate actions were still not consistent with the 1.5 degree Celsius goal. For instance, India has plans to increase its oil and gas production by over 5% by 2030. This is incompatible with the 1.5-degree Celsius target.

Globally: Denmark and Sweden have been assessed to be the top performers this year as well.

– China has been ranked 51st. It has dropped 13 places mainly because of the country’s continued reliance on coal and lack of clarity on long-term climate policies. 

– The United States has been ranked 52nd. It has risen three ranks because of the recent climate measures announced by the US administration.