9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 6th, 2023
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GS PAPER - 2
On the Poshan Tracker – Mother, child and the Poshan Tracker
Source: This post on the Poshan Tracker has been created based on the article “Mother, child and the Poshan Tracker” published in The Indian Express on 6th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
News: This article discusses the important features and significance of the Poshan Tracker. It also highlights challenges that will need to be tackled in order to ensure its success and suggests steps for the same.
A detailed article on India’s hunger situation can be read here.
What is the Poshan Tracker?
The rollout of the Poshan Tracker represents the largest mobile-phone nutrition monitoring system in the history of global health.
The Poshan Tracker is a centralised ICT-enabled platform, developed to promote transparency and accountability of nutrition service delivery, as part of the new Poshan 2.0 guidelines.
Its features include:
- Last-mile delivery of nutritional services
- Real-time feedback loop for frontline functionaries to prevent malnutrition by better identifying, targeting and monitoring of ICDS services.
iii. Precursor for targeted investments in healthcare for women and children.
More on the Poshan 2.0 Scheme here.
What is the significance of the Poshan Tracker?
1) Universal uptake — Anganwadi workers are using the app across all states and Union territories.
2) Massive scale — Real-time monitoring of more than 50% children in the country is being undertaken. Moreover, 94% of beneficiaries have been Aadhar verified.
3) Holistic coverage — It captures 3 more indicators.
a. Anganwadi infrastructure.
b. Beneficiaries of take-home rations and hot cooked meals.
c. Monitoring of nutritional outcomes.
4) Highly detailed data (or Granularity): The granularity of Poshan Tracker data is key in addressing the huge variability in malnutrition rates estimated through household-level surveys.
5) Better utilisation: It makes beneficiary-wise data that is observed on the ground, available for decision-makers for local and timely action.
6) Accuracy: The app automatically calculates nutritional levels based on the WHO growth charts. It can reduce errors in their manual calculations.
7) Timeliness: It avoids paper-based reporting, enabling real-time transmission of data. For instance, it is easier to retrieve information from it as compared to bulky paper-based registers.
What are the challenges associated with the Poshan Tracker?
1) Quality of data: Doubts about data quality have been identified as a major hindrance to using nutrition monitoring data for informed nutritional policies.
2) Limited Window of data utilisation: Global experience shows that decision-makers do not place a high value on data that are 3-5 years old.
What needs to be done?
Feedback mechanisms: It must be ensured that the Poshan Tracker is routinely updated based on the feedback of Anganwadi workers to improve user-friendliness.
Skill-building and technical assistance: It will be needed to ensure the sustainability of this new monitoring system.
Investments in service delivery: Adequate investments in delivering essential services when malnutrition is detected.
Question for practice:
In the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranks a lowly 111 out of 125 countries. How can Poshan Tracker help in improving India’s ranking?
On Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Don’t ignore the threat of antimicrobial resistance
Contents
Source: The post on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is based on the article “Don’t ignore the threat of antimicrobial resistance” published in The Indian Express on 6th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
News: The article discusses the global commitment to fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) during India’s G20 presidency, highlighting the need for research, prevention, and equitable access to treatments. It emphasizes the necessity of global and local actions, including stronger surveillance, responsible antibiotic use, and international collaboration.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobials are agents intended to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes. They include antibiotics, fungicides, antiviral agents and parasiticides.
AMR occurs when microbes such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi become resistant to antimicrobial treatments to which they were previously susceptible.
Superbugs are strains of micro-organisms that are resistant to most of the medications.
For more details on AMR read here
What are the implications of AMR?
High Mortality: AMR is currently linked to approximately 4.95 million associated deaths annually.
Health Threat: AMR jeopardizes the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer care, and transplant success due to increased difficulty in treating resistant infections.
What initiatives have been taken to address AMR?
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-21): It highlighted the importance of sanitation initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which can indirectly reduce the need for antibiotics by preventing infections.
The National Health Policy 2017: It provides specific guidelines for the prudent use of antibiotics, including restrictions on over-the-counter sales and limitations on antibiotic usage in livestock, aiming to control the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Adoption of the Muscat Manifesto: Manifesto stressing the need for enhanced political commitment to implement One Health actions to control AMR.
India pledged to decrease antimicrobial usage in agriculture by up to 50% by 2030 and to stop using medically important antimicrobials in animals and food production.
Reporting to WHO GLASS: India is strengthening the engagement of its private sector in reporting antimicrobial use and resistance to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
For more details on India’s initiatives to address AMR, read here
What is the Delhi Declaration, and how will it be helpful in tackling AMR?
The Delhi Declaration is an agreement by countries during India’s G20 presidency focusing on strengthening health systems to fight health challenges like AMR.
It would be helpful in tackling AMR through:
Combating AMR with a Unified Approach: The Declaration commits to the One Health approach and enhancing pandemic preparedness, crucial for tackling the complex issue of AMR.
Prioritizing AMR: The Declaration seeks to reduce the estimated 4.95 million deaths associated with AMR, akin to diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Supporting Low-Income Countries: It aims to provide equitable access to medical resources, essential for countries with higher AMR death rates, like those in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Implementing National Action Plans: The Declaration encourages the adoption and implementation of National Action Plans, drawing from India’s efforts like the NAP-AMR for research and surveillance.
International Collaboration and Funding: It proposes an international funding mechanism for AMR research and development and promotes patent reforms to make treatments more affordable.
What should be done to combat AMR?
Reform Antibiotic Patents: Discuss patent reforms to enhance innovation while maintaining new antibiotics’ affordability, looking at models like the Medicines Patent Pool.
Engage Academia and CSOs: Involve academic institutions and civil organizations in research, education, and policy advocacy for AMR containment.
Support Global Health Infrastructure: Pledge support for equitable access to medical resources in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, recognizing the shared risk AMR poses.
Educate the Public: Increase awareness of the risks associated with the overuse of antibiotics.
Question for practice:
What strategies does the Delhi Declaration outline to combat the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
GS PAPER - 3
On Air Pollution in Indian cities – Tiding over; Giving the urban Indian a better life
Source: This post on Air Pollution in Indian cities has been created based on the articles “Tiding over” and “Giving the urban Indian a better life” published in The Hindu on 6th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation
News: These articles discuss the issue of air pollution in cities in India. It highlights the multiple issues behind the worsening of air pollution in Indian cities as well as the steps required to tackle these challenges.
A detailed article on Air Pollution can be read here.
What is the status of air pollution in India?
According to Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC), out of the 50 most polluted cities in the world, 39 are in India.
Not just in the Indo-Gangetic plains, air quality is worsening even in India’s coastal cities.
An average Indian loses 5.3 years of his life expectancy due to air pollution. For the residents of Delhi, it is 11.9 years.
Why is the problem of air pollution worsening in Indian cities?
1) Urban development strategy in India — The current strategy focuses on real estate development, a widening of roads and allowing large fuel guzzling vehicles which are major reasons for increased pollution.
2) Anthropogenic factors — Road dust, polluting industrial units and vehicular emissions are key factors too.
3) Expansion of ‘Grey’ infrastructure — Water bodies, urban forests, green cover, and urban agriculture have all reported shrinkage, and “grey” infrastructure has seen rapid expansion.
4) Crop residue burning — During winter in North India, the burning of paddy straw (parali) is a major cause for smog (smoke and particulate matter).
5) Land use change — The handing over of open spaces to real estate developers and lack of any meaningful afforestation affects the city’s ecology.
6) Promoting car sales — Widening roads induces people to buy more cars, thus leading to more pollution levels.
7) Construction activities — It contributes roughly 10% of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. There are hardly any steps being taken to monitor construction activities.
8) Lack of people’s participation in urban policy — City residents hardly have any participatory role in the urbanisation process.
9) Issues with CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) — Its powers are limited to recommendations only.
What should be done?
1) Alternative strategy of city building: A “sustainable and ecological urbanization” is required.
2) Focusing on public transport: There needs to be accessible and affordable public transport, with investment in buses for towns and cities.
3) Controlling private vehicular movement: A congestion tax can be levied on private car owners. ‘Odd-even’ or a ‘no-car day’ can be put into practice. Transitioning to green vehicles is also important.
4) Adoption of a Graded Response Action Plan: These are different sets of actions that get activated based on the air quality air in Delhi. This mechanism must be adopted in other Indian cities too.
5) Monitoring of industrial Pollution: Real-time monitoring should be done alongwith street supervision by residents.
6) Preserving urban commons: These include ponds, water bodies, urban forests, parks, playgrounds.
7) Strengthening urban governance: Pollution guides and standard operating procedures for various departments and agencies must be made readily available to the people.
8) Increasing Coordination: Bodies such as the CAQM should ensure greater coordination and compliance.
Terminology Used:
Grey Infrastructure: It involves engineered assets that provide one or multiple services required by society, such as transportation or wastewater treatment.
Question for practice:
The problem of air pollution requires a multi-faceted solution. Critically analyse the steps taken to mitigate this issue. What additional steps do you suggest that can help tackle the issue?
No appetite for food safety
Source: The post is based on the article “No appetite for food safety – States must enhance safety mechanisms” published in Business Standard on 6th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Food security & Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance.
News: The article discusses how food safety has declined in India according to a recent report. Most states scoring lower in safety tests and having weak enforcement, even as the government promotes food industry investment.
What is the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)?
State Food Safety Index is an annual assessment released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Started in: 2018-19
Purpose: It is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.
Significance: The index is meant to create a competitive and positive change in the food safety ecosystem in the country. The step was also taken to galvanize states and union territories to work towards ensuring safe food for citizens.
What are the key findings of the SFSI 2022-23 Report?
The SFSI 2022-23 report highlights a concerning decrease in food safety across Indian states.
Downward Food Safety Trend: 19 out of 20 large Indian states saw their SFSI scores drop.
Worsening Food Testing Infrastructure: Food testing infrastructure average score across states sent from 13 to 7 out of 20.
Compliance and Human Resources: There was also a significant fall in compliance, human resources and institutional data scores.
What is the Government’s Initiative for the Food Industry?
PLI Scheme for Food Processing: Government launched the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores.
Support for SMEs: Special emphasis is on SMEs with 16 applications approved for innovative and organic products, as well as millet-based products.
Domestic Production: Guidelines mandate that the manufacturing, including primary processing of eligible products, must occur in India, supporting local production and ensuring farmers, particularly small-scale, receive fair compensation.
What should be done?
Efficient Regulatory Framework: To ensure food safety and attract investment, states must urgently develop and enhance regulatory and enforcement mechanisms.
Strengthen Food Testing: The decline in food testing infrastructure scores necessitates investment in upgrading state food testing facilities.
Investments in Infrastructure: There is a need for continued and increased investment to address infrastructure deficiencies, like cold chains, to minimize waste and enhance efficiency
Maintain Global Market Standards: This is a necessity for India to remain competitive in the global market.
Question for practice:
The recent decline in food safety in India requires immediate attention. What measures should be taken to address this growing challenge?
On Rural Economic Distress – RBI governor’s growth optimism masks rural distress
Source: The post on rural economic distress is based on the article “RBI governor’s growth optimism masks rural distress” published in Live Mint on 6th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Growth and employment.
GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints.
News: The article discusses how the Reserve Bank of India may be overly optimistic about economic growth, despite evidence of struggling rural demand, poor agricultural conditions, and inflation which are affecting rural consumers more than those in urban areas.
What are the reasons for low rural demand?
Climate and Agricultural Output: Erratic monsoons and unseasonal rains have affected crop sowing and output, directly impacting rural incomes.
Inflation’s Impact: Rural areas experienced higher inflation, with a September rate of 5.3% compared to urban inflation at 4.65%, squeezing rural consumers’ budgets.
Low Employment and Income levels: The legacy of demonetization and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to hurt rural income and employment recovery.
How is the RBI reacting to rural issues?
Disregarding Rural Distress: Despite various indicators of rural market weakness, RBI reports seem to overlook these, instead indicating a readiness for rural consumers to “join the party” of economic recovery.
Contradiction in Data and Statements: The RBI’s statements about a decrease in joblessness and potential rural recovery conflict with data from market research and corporate reports that show ongoing rural consumption issues.
MPC’s Stance on Rural Demand: In the minutes from the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) meeting, there was no significant mention of rural distress, suggesting that the RBI may not be fully acknowledging the rural sector’s challenges in their policy discussions.
What should be done to address these challenges?
Acknowledgment of Rural Distress: RBI should openly recognize the specific challenges facing rural areas, instead of presenting an overly optimistic view of the economy.
Targeted Monetary Policy: The Monetary Policy Committee needs to consider the distributional effects of its policies and focus on how to support rural demand and mitigate inflation there.
Data-Driven Policy-making: Policymaking should integrate findings from market research and corporate insights which highlight persistent rural market weakness.
Question for practice:
Discuss why RBI’s optimistic economic growth outlook does not align with the current rural economic trends in India?
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
7 PM Article: National Security Strategy of India- Explained PointwisePrelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Hunger Hotspot
Source: This post “Hunger hotspot” is based on the article”Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity | June-November 2023 Outlook” in “World food programme Report” on 29 May 2023.
Why in News?
FAO and WFP have warned that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots – comprising a total 22 countries – during from June to November 2023.
What is World Food programme?
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It was established in 1961. The aim of the organisation is to save lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity.
About the report
Aspect | Details |
What is the report? | The FAO-WFP Hunger Hotspots study focusses on acute food insecurity in hunger hotspot regions of the world. |
Issued By | Jointly by Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) and World Food programme(WFP). |
Countries Covered | 22 Countries |
What are the key findings of the Report?
(1) Hotspots with highest concern- Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen remain hotspots of highest concern for the June to November 2023 outlook.
Haiti, the Sudan and Sahel region (Burkina Faso and Mali) have been included in this category for this edition, increasing the level of concern from very high in the last edition.
(2) Hotspots with very high concern- The Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic are hotspots of very high concern, and the alert is also extended to Myanmar in this edition.
(3) Other countries that Requires monitoring- Democratic Republic of Korea, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Colombia, Gambia and Senegal.
Factors causing food insecurity in these hotspots
(1) Violence- Population displacement, abandonment of agricultural land, loss of life and assets, disruption of trade and cropping and loss of access to markets caused by conflicts can worsen food insecurity.
(2) Natural Hazards- Extreme weather conditions and climate variability are likely to affect several parts of the world during the outlook period.
(3) Poor humanitarian access- Humanitarian access is limited in various ways, including administrative/bureaucratic impediments, movement restrictions, security constraints and physical constraints related to the environment.
Upsc Syllabus- Food security(Report)
Adaptation Gap Report 2023
Source: This post “Adaptation Gap Report 2023” is based on the article”Adaptation gap in developing countries widening even as extreme weather events worsen: UNEP“ published in “Down To Earth” on 2nd November 2023.
Why in News?
Recently, The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 was issued by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). According to the report, the world is underprepared, under invested and lacks the necessary planning for adaptation to climate change.
What is UNEP?
Genesis | It was established after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972. |
Establishment year | 1972 |
Objective | UNEP’s mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. |
Secretariat | Nairobi, Kenya |
Membership | All countries part of UN. (India is a member) |
What is Adaptation Gap Report ? What are the findings of 2023 Report?
What is it? | The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) series provides an annual science-based assessment of the global progress on adaptation planning, financing, and implementation. |
Issued by | The AGR is co-produced by UNEP, the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre(UNEP-CCC) and World Adaptation Science Programme(WASP). |
Other Reports by UNEP | Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet. |
Key observations of the report
(1) Slowed climate Adaptation progress
(a) Countries need financing of $215 billion to $387 billion every year to adapt to climate change. But they have been receiving only $21.3 billion.
(b) The adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10-18 times greater than what they have been receiving.
(2) Increasing Loss and damages
(a)A recent study indicates that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies alone have already experienced losses and damages of more than US $500 billion in the last two decades.
Recommendations of the report
(1) Invest in adaptation and mitigation- Every billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding leads to a USD 14 billion reduction in economic damages.
(2) COP 28 must deliver new momentum on adaptation and loss and damage –Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors and the private sector must ensure the same
UPSC syllabus- Environment
Project Kusha
Source: This post “Project Kusha” is based on the article”Desi’ S-400: All about Project Kusha, India’s very own long-range air defence system“published in “The print” on 31st October 2023.
Why in News?
Project Kusha entails operational deployment of India’s own long-range air defense system by 2028-29.
What is Project Kusha?
Specification | Details |
What is it? | This indigenous air defense system is designed to detect and destroy a wide array of threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions at ranges of up to 350 km. |
Developed by | Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
Aim | It seeks to establish a formidable three-layered defense system with the capability to neutralize enemy aircraft and missiles from extended distances effectively. |
Estimated Cost | 21,700 crore |
Key Features | (1) The long range surface to air defence system(LR-SAM) incorporates advance long range surveillance and fire control radars. (2) Interceptor missiles with a range of 150 km, 200 km and 350 km, provide the ability to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances. (3) The firing units of “Project kusha” can be seamlessly integrated with IAF’s air command and control system, facilitating coordination with wide range of military radars. (4) Impressive single shot probability of around 80%. When two missiles are fired consecutively, kill probability rises to 90 percent. |
Why is the significance of ‘Project Kusha’?
(1) Rising Regional security threat from China and Pakistan.
(2) China has accelerated development of indigenous defence capabilities. It has already deployed Russia’s S-400.
(3) China’s close ties with Pakistan has raised concerns about potential China-Pakistan collaboration in strengthening Pakistan defence capabilities against India.
UPSC Syllabus: Science & Technology(Defence)
Zika Virus
Source: This post “Zika Virus” is based on the article “Karnataka steps up surveillance after detection of Zika virus in mosquito pool in Chikkaballapura” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd November 2023.
Why in the News?
Karnataka health department issues advisory after detection of Zika virus in mosquito pool in Chikkaballapura.
What is Zika Virus?
About | It is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey. This case was followed by evidences of infection and diseases in humans in other African countries in the 1950s. |
Transmission | (1) Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. (2) Zika virus can migrate between humans through sexual contact. (3) An infected mother can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth. |
Symptoms | (1) Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. (2) People who develop symptoms of Zika virus infections, have similar symptoms like other arbovirus infections such as dengue. (Arbovirus infections– infections caused by a group of viruses spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods (insects) such as mosquitoes and ticks) Some of the common symptoms are Fever Skin rashes Conjunctivitis Muscle and joint pain Malaise, and headache (3) Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly (smaller than normal head size). |
Diagnosis | By laboratory tests of blood |
Treatment | (1) There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection or disease. (2) People with symptoms such as rash, fever or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. |
Prevention | (1) Prevention and control rely on reducing mosquitoes through reduction of mosquito breeding sources. (2) Reducing contact between mosquitoes and people- This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured), using physical barriers such as screens, closing doors and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets. |
What are the initiatives of Government of India to control the spread of Zika Virus?
(1) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme- To strengthen/maintain decentralized laboratory based and IT enabled disease surveillance systems for epidemic prone diseases to monitor disease trends.
(2) National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme- The central nodal agency for prevention and control of six vector borne diseases i.e. Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya in India.
(3) Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)- An initiative under the National Health Mission which has a surveillance system for Microcephaly (system for monitoring birth defects).
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology (Health)
WCO-IAPH guidelines for customs, ports released
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “WCO-IAPH guidelines for customs, ports released” published in “Business Standard” on 3rd November 2023
Why in the News?
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) released the first ever Guidelines on Cooperation between Customs and Port Authorities.
What is the World Customs Organization(WCO)?
Specification | Details |
Type | An intergovernmental organization. |
Established in | 1952 |
Aim | To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. |
Main Functions | Developing standards for customs procedures, capacity building of its members and promoting cooperation between the customs administrations of its members. |
Members | 185 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade |
Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
Significance | It is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters. |
What is the International Association of Ports and Harbors(IAPH)?
Aspects | Details |
Formed in | 1955 |
Purpose | It is a global trade association for seaports worldwide. |
Focus Areas | Climate and energy,risk and resilience of port services and guiding the ports in digitalization. |
Headquarters | Tokyo,Japan |
What are the key recommendations given by WCO-IAPH on cooperation between Customs and Port Authorities?
1.National port community Council(NPCC): Institutionalize cooperation between customs and port authorities through establishment of a national port community council(NPCC)
2.Data Collaboration: Emphasizes sharing data between customs and port authorities.
3.Security Programs Alignment: Suggests aligning security programs like the authorized economic operator and the international ship and port facility security program to enhance security measures.
4.Shared Review using Emerging Technologies: Proposes utilizing emerging technologies for joint review and assessment to enhance operations and security in the port and customs domain.
What is the significance of these guidelines for India?
According to the National Time Release Study conducted by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, even after grant of ‘out of charge’ order by the customs for the imported goods, it takes 1) 29 hours for the ‘direct port delivery’ cargo to go out of the port area 2) 69 hours for the cargo to leave the container freight stations and 3) 96 hours for the cargo to exit the inland container depots.
Hence, the customs and the port authorities can benefit by studying the WCO-IAPH guidelines and finding ways to cooperate better with each other.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Foreign listing: pros and cons for firms, investors
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Foreign listing: pros and cons for firms, investors” published in “Live mint” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has allowed certain unlisted companies to directly list on foreign stock exchanges.
Note: Till now, only companies listed in India could seek a listing on foreign exchange.
Why is there a demand for listing of companies on foreign stock exchanges?
Traditionally, companies raise funds by listing domestically where they’re best understood.
However, tech firms with global presence are changing this trend by listing overseas.This is because:
1.Global Investor Demand: Investors worldwide want high-growth stocks from emerging markets, leading to a demand for overseas-listed companies.
2.Benefits of Overseas Platforms: Global platforms offer more attractive opportunities than local markets.
3.Tech Investor Appeal: Platforms like Nasdaq (US Stock exchange platform) attracts tech investors by providing better valuations.
– On the other hand, domestic exchanges might undervalue tech companies, especially those operating at a loss, due to limited investor expertise and skepticism towards such businesses.
What are the new regulations brought out by the government now?
Currently, any company already listed in India is eligible for foreign secondary listing.
Now, the government has allowed certain unlisted companies to directly list on foreign stock exchanges.
However, unlisted companies are unlikely to be allowed to list anywhere they want.
The government is expected to provide a list of jurisdictions where Indian firms will be allowed to list. IFSC in Gift City, Gandhinagar is expected to be part of permitted jurisdictions for overseas listing.
What are the regulatory issues that need to be addressed before listing on foreign exchange?
1.Double compliance: Firms must adhere to the rules of the country where they list.Since the firm is incorporated in India, they must also follow Indian capital raising norms as well.
2.Taxation Challenges: Addressing taxation issues, especially concerning capital gains, is crucial for companies listing overseas.
3.Geopolitical Impact: Geopolitical tensions between India and the foreign country where a company is listed could negatively impact the company’s operations and market performance.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy
NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago
Source: The post is based on the article “NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago” published in “Indian Express” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
NITI Aayog is said to have marked the Composite Water Management Index’ report for the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 for “internal use” after having publicly released the previous editions.
What is the Composite Water Management Index?
Specifications | Details |
Started in | 2018 |
Started by | NITI Aayog |
Associated Ministries | Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation and Rural Development |
Aim | To evaluate and rank the states and Union Territories in India on their management of water resources. |
Objective | To enable effective water management in Indian states in the face of this growing crisis. |
Parameters | The index consists of 9 key themes which are 1.Restoration of Water Bodies 2.Groundwater 3.Major and Medium Irrigation 4.Watershed Development 5.Participatory Irrigation Practices 6.Sustainable on-form Water Use Practices 7.Rural Drinking Water 8.Urban Water Supply and Sanitation 9.Policy and Governance. |
What does the latest Composite Water Management Index report say?
The latest Composite Water Management Index report maps the performance of states for 2018-19 and 2019-20.According to the report:
1. Water scarcity is a “national problem”.
2. The average annual per capita water availability is expected to reduce to 1,486 cubic meters per person per year by 2021 from 1,545 cubic meters per person per year in 2011.
– Note: As per the annual water availability norms, the availability value of less than 1,700 cubic meter/person/year indicates water shortage. Water availability below 1,000 cubic metre/ capita/ year is considered as “scarcity”.
3. Gujarat tops the list with continuous improvements year on year. It is closely followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in terms of performance.
UPSC Syllabus: Reports/Index
Leave benefits for women in armed forces made uniform
Source: The post is based on the article “Leave benefits for women in armed forces made uniform” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Defence Minister has approved a proposal for extending the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leave for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors in the Armed Forces on a par with their officer counterparts.
What are the initiatives taken to encourage women in Defence Forces?
1.Indian Army: Indian Army is encouraging women officers to join the force by initiatives such as:
– Granting Permanent Commission: Women Officers (WOs) in 12 Arms & Services are eligible for Permanent Commission. This ensures parity with male counterparts and fosters a gender-neutral environment.
– Entry in National Defence Academy (NDA): Women candidates now join the NDA every six months.
– Opportunities in Aviation: WOs can serve as pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation, expanding roles.
– Enrollment of Women as Other Ranks: Provision introduced in 2019 for enrolling women in the Corps of Military Police.
2.Indian Navy Measures for women personnel:
– Women in all Branches: Entry of women in all branches/ Cadres/ Specialisations (except Submarine specialization) has commenced from June 2023.
– On board Ships: Women officers are also being appointed on board warships.
— Indian Naval Academy Inclusions: Eligibility through the ’10+2 B.Tech.’ entry scheme.
— Women Agniveers: As a part of the Agnipath Scheme, women have been enrolled as Agniveers commencing from the first batch itself.
3.Indian Air Force Measures for women personnel:
– All Combat roles: The experimental scheme to induct women officers in all combat roles, was initiated by the IAF in 2015 and was regularized in the year 2022 into a permanent Scheme.
– ‘DISHA’ cell at Indian Air Force Headquarters: It conducts various Induction Publicity programmes across the country related to the induction/ career of officer cadre in IAF.
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
Ahead of FATF review, Centre takes measures to implement suggestions
Source: The post is based on the article “Ahead of FATF review, Centre takes measures to implement suggestions” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
Before India’s upcoming evaluations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Government of India has implemented several measures in line with the recommendations of FATF from its 2010 review.
What is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
Specifications | Details |
Established in | 1989 by G7 |
Type | Inter-governmental body |
Purpose | It leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing. |
Members | 39 members. 37 jurisdictions and 2 regional organizations (the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Commission) |
India and FATF | India joined with ‘observer’ status in 2006 and became a full member of FATF in 2010. |
Secretariat | OECD headquarters in Paris,France |
FATF Sessions | FATF Plenary is the decision making body of the FATF. It meets three times per year |
Listing by FATF | Grey List: Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist |
Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. As of now, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar are the three black listed countries. |
UPSC Syllabus: International Organization
NMDC expands its mineral portfolio with inauguration of Mount Celia Gold Operation; Becomes 1st Gold mine in its extensive portfolio
Source: The post is based on the article “NMDC expands its mineral portfolio with inauguration of Mount Celia Gold Operation; Becomes 1st Gold mine in its extensive portfolio” published in “PIB” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
Secretary, Ministry of Steel has unveiled the Mining operations at Mount Celia Gold Project located in Western Australia.
What is the Mount Celia Gold Project?
Specifications | Details |
What is it | It is a gold mining project |
Located at | Western Australia |
Initiative of | Legacy Iron Ore Limited, a subsidiary of NMDC Ltd (State-owned Steel CPSE) |
Significance | This is the first gold mine project of NMDC |
What is NMDC?
Aspects | Details |
Established in | 1958 |
Type | Navratna Public Sector Enterprise |
Under | Ministry of Steel |
Functions | Involved in the exploration of minerals like iron ore, copper, limestone etc. |
Significance | 1.It is the single largest producer of iron ore in India. 2.It operates the only mechanized diamond mine in India at Panna, Madhya Pradesh. |
Located at | Hyderabad, Telangana |
UPSC Syllabus: International Relations