9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 8th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On India-Bhutan Relations – Closer together

Source: The post on India-Bhutan relations is based on the article “Closer together – India and Bhutan can change the development story of the region” published in The Hindu on 8^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighbourhood – relations.

News: This article discusses the outcomes of the recent meeting of India’s Prime Minister and Bhutan’s King Wangchuck.

A detailed article on India-Bhutan relations can be read here.

What are the various development initiatives being planned by India and Bhutan?

Rail Links: Discussions are ongoing for establishing rail connections between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan; and between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan).

Infrastructure Upgrades: Checkpoints along the India-Bhutan border are being upgraded to facilitate easier trade and movement.

Special Economic Zone: Bhutan plans to set up a Special Economic Zone at Bhutan’s southern border with Assam to drive growth and investment.

Airport Development: A new airport at Gelephu is proposed to increase accessibility and promote economic development.

Energy Integration: An ‘energy exchange’ is planned to share hydropower resources between Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, promoting intra-regional growth.

What are the implications of these initiatives?

Regional Development: The infrastructure projects like rail links could transform the economies of West Bengal, Bhutan’s southern and eastern districts, and northern Bangladesh.

Economic Diversification: Bhutan’s reliance on hydropower and tourism might reduce with the proposed Special Economic Zone and new trade routes.

Reduced Emigration: Enhanced job opportunities from these initiatives could stem the outflow of Bhutan’s educated youth and professionals.

Increased Exports: The Preferential Trade Agreement with Bangladesh may raise the export of Bhutanese goods.

Energy Distribution: The energy exchange program aims to distribute Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower across the region, increasing revenues and energy security.

Strategic Stability: The projects serve as a strategic counter to China’s influence and help secure India’s northeastern corridor, contributing to regional stability.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential impact of the recent development initiatives agreed upon by India and Bhutan on bilateral relations between the two countries.

On PMGKAY extension – A new poverty conundrum

Source: This post on PMGKAY extension has been created based on the article “A new poverty conundrum” published in Business Standard on 8^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

News: This article discusses the impact of the recently proposed extension of PMGKAY on India’s food subsidy bill. It also highlights the challenges associated with this extension.

Recently, the PM announced an extension of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), providing free food grain to 810 million beneficiaries, for 5 more years.

What is PMGKAY?

PMGKAY is a free food grain scheme that covers over 57% of India’s population.

Under PMGKAY, started in April 2020 in the wake of the COVID pandemic, each beneficiary got free 5 kg of food grain per month, in addition to the PDS scheme (an extra 5 kg of food grain per month supplied at a heavily subsidised price).

Its current annual cost (or food subsidy bill) would be over ~ Rs. 2 trillion (Rs. 2 lakh crore), and it should increase in the next 5 years.

What will be the impact of this on India’s food subsidy bill?

The food subsidy bill is certain to rise due to the following:

1. Downward revision of Central Issue Price: The central issue price was last revised in 2013. With this announcement, the issue price has been abolished.
2. Upward revision of MSP: There is continuous pressure to raise the MSP for agricultural crops, raising FCI’s economic costs in procuring grains every year for the central pool.
3. Higher procurement by FCI: Even though the annual requirement for the PDS is estimated at 50-60 million tonnes, FCI’s procurement is on the higher side to prevent any supply shortages.

What are the issues with this extension?

1. Poor Targeting: According to a World Bank report, India’s poverty level declined to 10% in 2019. In contrast, PMGKAY covers 57% of India’s population.
2. Leakages and diversions of food: According to the Shanta Kumar Committee, nearly 50% of the foodgrains are siphoned off from PDS system (NSSO, 2011).
3. Issue of freebies: Free schemes once announced do not have a sunset clause (an ending date).

What should be done?

1. Rectifying inclusion and exclusion errors: The urgent need is to redefine the number of beneficiaries that are truly deserving of a free food grain supply scheme.
2. Revision of central issue price: The government must revise the central issue price for food grain, fixed more than 10 years ago. This can decrease the government’s food subsidy bill.
3. Explore alternatives: A better option could be a direct cash transfer to the deserving beneficiaries, equivalent to the cost that the government incurs on procuring them.

Terminology used:

Central Issue Price: It is the price at which foodgrains under NFSA are being made available to the beneficiaries (Subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for Rice, Wheat and Coarse-grains (Nutria-cereals) respectively).

Sunset clause: It is a part of a law or rule that states it will expire on a specific date unless lawmakers decide to keep it going. Many laws don’t have this, so they can last indefinitely.

Question for practice:

Critically examine the recently proposed extension of PMGKAY Scheme, in light of India’s rising food subsidy bill.

On the issues with Supreme Court’s MFN verdict – A verdict that hampers international law obligations

Source: This post on the issues with Supreme Court’s MFN verdict has been created based on the article “A verdict that hampers international law obligations” published in The Hindu on 8^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Mobilization of resources (Taxation).

News: This article discusses the issues with the recent Supreme Court verdict on the application of MFN status.

A detailed article on the MFN verdict controversy can be read here.

Read more about MFN Status here.

What are the issues with the ruling?

According to the author, the verdict has the following lacunae:

1. Harms Ease of Doing Business in India:
   a. Tax Burden: This ruling will impose a tax burden estimated to be ₹11,000 crore on foreign investors.
   b. Retrospective application of laws: It may also lead to opening past cases.
   c. Uncertainty in Tax Policy: By both legislative and judicial pronouncements.
2. Defeats the purpose of MFN status: MFN status, by definition, refers to non-discriminatory standards in economic treaties. It ensures that future benefits given to a third country by one of the treaty-signing countries become automatically available to its treaty partners.
   For instance, if country A and country B have signed a treaty and country A later signs a treaty granting certain benefits to country C, these benefits should automatically be made available to country B.
3. Issues with the Doctrine of Dualism: The Supreme Court had moved away from this principle in cases such as the Vishakha and Puttaswamy case. It meant that domestic law would be interpreted to not contradict India’s obligations under international law.
   This approach ensured that progressive international law is given effect by the courts to protect the rights of citizens even if there is no domestic law.

Terminology used:

Doctrine of dualism: It implies that international law is not enforceable domestically till it is transformed into municipal law through enabling legislation.

Question for practice:

Critically analyze India’s approach to the Most Favored Nation provision in tax treaties.

GS PAPER - 3

On Tax demands from the Gaming industry – On gaming industry rules

Source: This post on tax demands from the gaming industry is based on the article “On gaming industry rules, the Indian government is not following the letter of the law” published in ”Indian Express” on 8^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Mobilization of resources (Taxation).

News: The article discusses how Indian tax authorities have made huge and potentially unlawful tax demands on various entities over the years, including gaming companies. This is causing legal disputes and damaging India’s reputation as an investment-friendly country.

What is online gaming?

An online game is available on the internet, accessed through a computer. Players make a deposit and aim to win prizes based on their performance.

What is the current legal status of the online gaming industry in India?

“Game of skill” Vs “Game of chance”: In India, skill games (like quizzes) are mostly legal (Public Gambling Act, of 1867) and one can bet on them. Chance games (like dice) usually aren’t allowed for betting.

Judicial view: Supreme Court in the Chamarbaugwala case set a standard called ‘preponderance of skill.’ This test helps decide if a game is mainly about skill (which is usually legal) or mostly about luck (which could be banned). High Courts in various states have tried to stop online games that involve betting money.

Federal jurisdiction: State have the sole authority to create laws about betting and gambling, as granted by Entry No. 34 of List II in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Central Legislation:

The Indian Penal Code of 1860 can punish people for showing or promoting obscene content in public, which can include ads for gambling.
The Prize Competitions Act of 1955 outlines what qualifies as a competition prize.
The Lotteries Regulation Act of 1998 says lotteries in India are okay if the state government manages them and the draw is within the state.
Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999, sending lottery or race winnings abroad is illegal.
The Information Technology Rules of 2011 forbid internet services from hosting gambling content.
Lastly, the Income Tax Act of 1961 and Central goods and services (GST)Act, 2017, ensures that legal gambling is taxed, adding to India’s GDP.

What were the recent tax demands by the government from the gaming industry?

Indian law and court decisions traditionally exempt games of skill from being taxed as gambling. However, gaming companies have been issued show-cause notices for a huge GST demand totaling Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the period between 2017-2022.

Tax authority demands 28% GST on the full amount pooled by gamers, not just on the service fee.

What are the issues with the gaming industry?

Misclassification: The gaming industry is inaccurately labeled as gambling by authorities, challenging the CGST Act 2017, and is burdened by a harsh 28% GST, which could cause business closures.

Retrospective Taxation and Legal Volatility: Unexpected backdated tax claims and legal inconsistencies, are creating a financially and legally unstable environment for gaming companies.

Threat to the Emerging Industry: The gaming industry’s survival is at risk due to excessive tax demands, which not only threatens India’s reputation as a secure investment destination but also risks an industry exodus to unregulated foreign portals if tax standards don’t align with global norms.

What should be done?

Comprehensive Legislation: There is a need for specific laws that clearly define the legality, taxation, and regulatory mechanisms for online gaming.

Establishment of a Regulatory Authority: A central Gaming Authority could monitor industry practices, classify games based on skill or chance, enforce consumer protection, and address potential issues related to crime and societal impact.

Protection of Minors: Enforcing age limits and verifying user age would prevent underage access to online gaming, especially games involving real money.

Responsible Gaming Measures: Limiting the amount and time spent on gaming, offering counseling services, and allowing players to self-exclude could mitigate addiction and financial ruin.

Transparency and Fairness: Removing anonymity and establishing a grievance handling mechanism would enhance user trust and fairness.

Question for practice:

The recent taxation demands on gaming companies by tax authorities will have multiple repercussions for the Indian economy. Comment.

On the basics of electricity transmission – Understanding the fundamentals of how electricity is transmitted

Source: This post on the basics of electricity transmission has been created based on the article “Understanding the fundamentals of how electricity is transmitted” published in The Hindu on 8^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: This article discusses the mechanism of electricity transmission. It also highlights the factors which determine transmission losses in power transmission.

A Power supply system has 3 broad components:

1. Generation: Electricity is generated at power plants as well as at smaller renewable-energy installations.
2. Transmission: It is transmitted using a distributed network of stations, substations, overhead and underground cables, and transformers.
3. Distribution: Finally, it is distributed to consumers in a standardised way.

A Power Grid performs the above 3 functions.

What is the role of a power grid?

A national power grid includes all 3 components: production, transmission and distribution. Apart from this, it also does the following:

1. Storage of Energy: Grids also have storage facilities that store electrical energy when there’s a surplus supply and release it in times of deficit, such as in the case of renewable energy sources.
2. Manage fluctuations in demand: They also have automated systems which increase or decrease the output of power sources in response to fluctuating consumer demand.
3. Handle emergency situations: They are also connected to sources like gas turbines that can provide power on short notice, such as during emergencies.

How is power transmitted as part of a power grid?

Step I: From a power station, the wires are routed to transformers that step-up (increase) their voltage.

Step II: These wires eventually lead to substations.

Step III: Distribution substations step-down (decrease) the voltage in power lines and prepare them for consumption.

Power Transmission. Source: ElectricalEasy.com

What factors do transmission losses of electricity depend on?

1. Magnitude of Current and Voltage: In any conductor, the transmission efficiency is higher at lower current and higher voltage. For this purpose, transformers are used. They increase the voltage and reduce the current before feeding into transmission lines and do the reverse when receiving current at the consumer-end.
2. Characteristics of wire (Thickness and Cost): The loss of energy through resistance in the wire can be controlled by adjusting the cable’s thickness: the thicker it is, the less energy is lost. However, when the cost of the cable’s material is high, the cables are thinner.
3. Type of current (AC or DC): An alternating current (AC) has higher transmission efficiency (compared to direct current (DC)). AC can be easily stepped up or down in voltage using transformers. Higher voltage AC for the same power transfer helps to reduce resistive losses. In DC systems, voltage conversion is more challenging.
4. Frequency of AC: When the AC frequency is higher, the amount of resistance to current in the wire increases.

What are the challenges of power transmission in India?

1. Aging Infrastructure: Many transmission and distribution lines and equipment in India are old and in need of modernization. This leads to energy losses due to inefficiencies in the system.
2. Overloading and Unbalanced Loading: Overloading transformers and unbalanced loading can lead to technical losses as well as reduce the lifespan of distribution infrastructure.
3. Theft and Pilferage: Unauthorized tapping and theft of electricity is a significant issue in many parts of India.
4. Voltage Fluctuations: Variations in voltage levels can result in energy losses, as excessive voltage can cause appliances to consume more power.
5. Inadequate Investment: Many DISCOMs face financial constraints that limit their ability to invest in modern technology and equipment.

Terminology used:

Insulators: Insulators in contact with the wires draw away some current if there is a surge of current in the line.

Dampers: Dampers prevent vibrations in the wires from affecting the towers’ stability.

Switches: They are used to control the availability of current and to move currents between different lines.

Wide-area synchronous grid: If all the generators connected to a grid are producing an AC current at the same frequency.

Alternating Current: Alternating current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction.

Question for practice:

What factors should be considered to reduce transmission losses in power distribution in India?

---

Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

After viral video, IT Ministry issues warning to social media sites on deepfakes
Rashmika Mandanna’s doctored video: The deepfake challenge
Rashmika Mandanna’s deepfake: Regulate AI, don’t ban it
7 PM Article: Deepfakes- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India’s hypertension map: How different states, regions fare

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s hypertension map: How different states, regions fare” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

The recent analysis of the National Family Health Survey(NFHS) data has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.

What is Hypertension?

Aspect	Description
Definition	High blood pressure exceeding normal levels, typically above 130/80 mm Hg.
Risk Factors	Unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of exercise, genetics, age, stress, and certain medical conditions.
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer. Hypertension: Above 130/80 mm Hg.

What are the key findings of the data on Hypertension in India?

Specifications	Details
Southern States vs National Average	(1) Hypertension prevalence in southern states slightly exceeded the national average (29.9% vs. 26.8%). (2) The proportion of diagnosed individuals with hypertension was similar in southern states but showed higher treatment and control rates compared to the national average.
Districts Level	In Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension was similar in the districts. But the proportion of those diagnosed varied significantly.
Gender Disparity	Men are more prone to hypertension. But women are more likely to be diagnosed, treated and have controlled blood pressure.
Age disparity	The prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control were all higher among those over the age of 65 years when compared with youngsters.
Wealth wise	Hypertension was found to be highest among the wealthiest fifth of the population.
Education	The prevalence of hypertension was similar among those who had had no schooling and those who had passed Class 11. But the diagnosis, treatment and control was higher among those who had completed schooling.

What is the significance of this district wise data on Hypertension?

Understanding the district-wise data helps state governments in allocating resources more effectively, identifying regions needing additional care or facilities.

What should be done to control Hypertension in India?

According to the WHO report on Hypertension, nearly 4.6 million deaths can be averted in India by 2040 if just half of the hypertension patients are able to control their blood pressure.

In line with this, the Government of India has launched an ambitious initiative to put 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes on treatment by 2025.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Health)

Deep Ocean Mission: a challenge harder than going to space

Source: The post is based on the article “Deep Ocean Mission: a challenge harder than going to space” published in “The Hindu” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is an ambitious initiative aimed at exploring and harnessing the immense potential of the ocean’s depths.

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?

Specifications	Details
Initiative of	Ministry of Earth Sciences
Launched in	2021
Aim	To develop technologies and capabilities for deep sea exploration.
Part of	It is one of nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
Duration of the mission	Five Years
Key Pillars	1.Development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a manned submersible to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean. 2.Ocean climate change advisory services. 3.Technological innovations for the exploration of deep-sea biodiversity. 4.Deep-ocean survey and exploration to identify potential sites of minerals 5.Harnessing energy and freshwater from the ocean 6.Establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.

Note:

– The United Nations(UN) has declared the decade 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

– The Government of India’s Vision of New India by 2030 announced in 2019 highlighted the Blue Economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth

What is the progress made in the Deep Ocean Mission?

1.Samudrayaan Mission: It was launched in 2021. It is a part of the Deep Ocean Mission.

– Aim: To send 3 people to a depth of 6,000 meters in the sea in a manned submersible vehicle called MATSYA 6000.

– The submersible will allow scientific personnel to observe and understand unexplored deep sea areas by direct interventions.

– Implementation: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai is designing and developing the Samudrayan project and it is likely to be ready by 2026. 

– Note: Targeting a depth of 6,000 meters is a significant decision because it houses valuable resources such as polymetallic nodules and sulphides.

2.Varaha: It is a self propelled track-based underwater mining system.The NIOT successfully conducted deep-sea locomotion trials of ‘Varaha’ at a depth of 5,270 m in the central Indian Ocean.

– This achievement marked the world’s deepest dive for an underwater mining machine.

What are the challenges in the Deep Ocean Mission?

1.High Pressure Conditions: Pressure in deep oceans is remarkably high, creating challenges for equipment and materials.

2.Soft and Muddy Ocean Floor: Landing on the ocean bed is challenging due to its soft and muddy surface.

3.Material Extraction: Extracting materials from the ocean bed requires significant power and energy to pump them to the surface.

4.Visibility and Light: Limited natural light penetration in deep oceans restricts visibility to only a few tens of meters below the surface.

5.Additional Complications: Factors like temperature variations, corrosion, and salinity present additional challenges that need to be addressed during exploration and resource extraction.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Elephant Corridors of India Report: plagued with inconsistencies, could escalate conflict with humans

Source: The post is based on the article “Elephant Corridors of India Report: plagued with inconsistencies, could escalate conflict with humans” published in “Down To Earth” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

Several discrepancies have been identified in the “Elephant Corridors of India, 2023” report published recently by the central government.

What is the Elephant Corridor?

An elephant corridor is a land strip facilitating the movement of elephants between two or more viable habitat patches.

What is the Elephant Corridor Report 2023?

Released by: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Compiled by: Elephant cell of Wildlife Institute of India (WII). 

Key Findings of the report:

Specifications	Details
Elephant Corridors	150 elephant corridors have been identified in 15 elephant-ranging states.
Highest Elephant Corridors	West Bengal has the highest number (26) of identified elephant corridors in India.
Elephant Corridor region wise	1.East-Central region reported the highest number of elephant corridors at 52 2.Northeast Region at 48 3.Southern Region at 32 4.Northern region has the lowest number of elephant corridors at 18.

What are the major issues found in the Elephant Corridor Report 2023?

Corridor Definition Concerns: Critics note a diluted interpretation of corridors, where any area elephants move through is labeled as a corridor, expanding the total count.

– Due to this, habitats and landscapes are classified as corridors, contributing to the surge in their numbers.

Risks to Elephants: Critics argue that the expansion of elephant ranges has led to increased incidents of elephant deaths due to electrocution and falling into wells.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Environmental DNA: A novel method to detect all life forms in an ecosystem

Source: The post is based on the article “Environmental DNA: A novel method to detect all life forms in an ecosystem” published in “Hindu Businessline” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers at the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) have developed a method for detecting all life forms in an ecosystem using environmental DNA (eDNA).

What have the researchers developed?

1.Researcher have developed a method to detect all life forms within an ecosystem using environmental DNA (eDNA).

2.This method involves collecting water, soil or air samples and then sequencing the DNA fragments to evaluate the total biodiversity in the ecosystem.

3.It can detect a broad spectrum of organisms, encompassing viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, insects, birds, fish, and various animals.

4.The technique is non-invasive, cost-effective, rapid, and scalable. It offers an effective means for monitoring and conserving biodiversity in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

What is Environmental DNA(eDNA)?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material that organisms shed into their environment. It can be found in various environmental sources such as soil, water or air. 

This genetic material is derived from shed skin cells, mucus, urine, feces, hair or any organic material released by organisms into their surroundings.

Significance: eDNA is a powerful tool used in environmental monitoring and biodiversity studies. It allows scientists to detect the presence of organisms without directly observing them.

What is the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)?

LaCONES is a dedicated Laboratory of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

Established in: 1998

Significance: It is India’s only research facility engaged in conservation and preservation of wildlife and its resources.

Initiatives: India’s first genetic bank for wildlife conservation, the National wildlife genetic resource bank (NWGRB) was established at LaCONES in 2018.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment, Science and Technology

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Source: The post is based on the article “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)” published in “Economic Times” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

Prime Minister has announced that Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) will be extended for another five years i.e till December,2028.

What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?

Specifications	Details
Launched in	2020
Purpose	Under the scheme, 5 kg of food grain per person per month is provided free of cost. This assistance is in addition to the subsidized ration provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Beneficiaries	All the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) [Antodaya Anna Yojana & Priority Households] including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Operated by	Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Integration of PMGKAY and NFSA	(1) In January 2023, the government approved the integration of PM-GKAY benefits with the provisions of the NFSA Act. (2) This integration will streamline the delivery of free food grains. (3) It also ensures that families falling under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY) and priority households (PHH) categories receive free food grains according to their entitlement under NFSA.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy/Schemes and Programs

Global TB Report: India had highest number of TB cases globally in 2022

Source: The post is based on the article “Global TB Report: India had highest number of TB cases globally in 2022” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global TB Report 2023.

What are the key findings of the Global TB Report 2023?

Globally:

Specifications	Details
TB cases in 2022	7.5 million.This is the highest number since WHO began global TB monitoring in 1995.
TB incidence rate (new cases per 100,000 population per year)	Increased by 3.9 per cent between 2020 and 2022.This marks a reversal from the previous declining trend.
Deaths due to TB in 2022	1.30 million deaths.This was down from estimates of 1.4 million in both 2020 and 2021 and almost back to the level of 2019.
High TB Burden countries	(1) Overall, 30 high burden countries collectively made up 87% of global TB cases. (2) Two-thirds of the global TB cases was in eight countries namely: India (27%), Indonesia (10%), China (7.1%), the Philippines (7.0%), Pakistan (5.7%), Nigeria (4.5%), Bangladesh (3.6%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.0%).

India:

Specifications	Details
TB cases in 2022	2.8 million TB cases in 2022 with a 12% case fatality ratio.
Multidrug-resistant(MDR) TB cases	Around 1.1 lakh cases
Deaths due to TB	3,42,000 (3,31,000 among HIV-negative people and 11,000 among those with HIV)
India’s contribution to TB cases worldwide	India accounted for the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world in 2022.It contributed 27% of the total TB cases.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Diseases), Reports and Indices

Jal Diwali -“Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” launched

Source: The post is based on the article “Jal Diwali -“Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” launched” published in “PIB” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign”.

What is the Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign?

Specifications	Details
Launched by	Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Launched under	Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)
Aim	1.To provide a platform for inclusion of women in water governance. 2.To instill a sense of ownership and belonging among women towards water infrastructure.
Knowledge Partner	Odisha Urban Academy
Focus Areas of the campaign	1.Familiarizing the women with functioning of Water Treatment Plants & water testing facilities. 2.Promote inclusivity & involvement through souvenirs & articles created by Women SHGs. 3.Familiarizing & educating the women about AMRUT scheme & its impact on water infrastructure.
Phase 1 of the campaign	It will witness participation from all States and Union Territories except states under Model code of Conduct (Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, MP and Mizoram)

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes/Initiatives

National Coal Index

Source– This post “National Coal Index” is based on the article”National Coal Index Increases by 3.83 points in September” published in “PIB” on 7th November 2023.

Why in News?

The National Coal Index (NCI) has increased first time since April 2023.

What is National Coal Index?

Specification	Details
Started in	4th June 2020
Started by	Ministry of Coal
Other participating Institutions	The concept and design of the Index have been developed by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
Objective	It is a price index(released monthly) which reflects the change of price level of coal in a particular month relative to the fixed base year.
Base Year	The base year for the NCI is Financial Year 2017-18
Components	Composed of five sub-indices: (a) Three for Non-Coking Coal-The three sub-indices for Non Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Non Coking Coal. (b) Two for Coking Coal-Two sub-indices for Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Coking Coal.
Compilation Parameters	(1) Prices of coal from all the sales channels of coal(Notified Prices, Auction Prices and Import Prices) are taken into account for compiling the NCI. (2) The amount of revenue share per tonne of coal produced from auctioned blocks would be calculated by means of defined formula.
Who notified the prices?	(1) Non-Coking coal – Coal India Limited fixes notified prices for each grade (uniform for both regulated and non regulated sector). (2) Coking Coal – Subsidiaries of Coal India Limited notified the prices.
Benefits	(1) The Coal Index is the base indicator for the purpose of taxation. (2) This Index will be helpful For future calculation of upfront amount and intrinsic value of mine. (3) This index can be basis for calculation of annual escalation (monthly payment).

What does the upward movement of the National Coal index indicates?

(1) It indicates rising demand of coal because of upcoming festive season and winter in the country.
(2) It will encourage coal producer to take maximum benefit by further scaling-up domestic coal production to meet the growing energy demands.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Reports & Index)