Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• An unforgettable presidency – on G20 Summit
• New currency, next steps- Global collaboration and cooperation on regulation of crypto-assets
• The larger project of subverting the idea of India
• African Dividend – On India- Africa Relations
• China’s BRI Now Faces A Credible Indian Challenger

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

An unforgettable presidency – on G20 Summit

News: The author discusses India’s successful leadership during the G20 Summit. The summit highlighted India’s ability to bring countries together and influence global decisions. Despite some absences like China’s and Russia’s leaders, the event was effective. The author praises India’s Prime Minister role in making the summit memorable. India’s cultural power and vision for the future were also emphasized.

How did India showcase its global influence at the G20?

Unified Agreement: The Delhi Declaration was a testament to India’s diplomatic finesse. Accepted by all 20 member countries, it touched upon pivotal issues ranging from the Ukraine war to climate change.

India’s Alternative Vision: G20 saw a significant change with the inclusion of the African Union, transforming it into the G21. This moves further underscored India’s commitment to inclusivity and its vision of representing diverse voices in global discussions.

Economic Propositions: A significant proposal was the economic corridor connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India. This strategic move was seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling India’s intent to be a major global economic player.

Leadership Acclaim: The G20’s organization and outcomes were widely attributed to India’s Prime Minister leadership. His efforts drew praise from numerous global leaders, marking India’s G20 presidency as memorable and influential.

How was India’s cultural power displayed?

Cultural Showcasing: The G20 Summit and associated meetings showcased the diversity, color, and genius of the Indian people, bringing them onto the world stage with newfound confidence.

Cultural Diplomacy: The summit highlighted India’s civilizational strength, often suppressed by a lack of self-confidence in the past. This renewed sense of cultural pride positions India as a key destination for dialogue on contentious issues, all while visitors experience India’s renowned hospitality.

Soft Power Expression: The author feels that “soft power” is an understated term for what India showcased. Instead, it’s a resilient source of India’s power deriving from its age-old civilization.

Merging Tradition with Modern Diplomacy: Despite some minor criticisms about cultural presentations, like the choice of dance for Oman’s delegation, the emphasis was on India’s broader cultural essence.

New currency, next steps- Global collaboration and cooperation on regulation of crypto-assets

News: The article talks about differences in cryptocurrency regulations worldwide. It focuses on India’s evolving approach and stresses the importance of international cooperation for efficient cryptocurrency regulation or prohibition. It also mentions an upcoming G20 meeting to discuss a plan for coordinated cryptocurrency regulations.

What is the current regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India?

In 2018, the RBI banned Indian banks from cryptocurrency transactions.

In 2020, the Supreme Court of India overturned this ban.

In the 2022-23 Union budget, India proposed:

30% tax on income from digital asset transfers.

1% TDS on cryptocurrency transactions.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for global collaboration for effective crypto regulation.

What is the major view of the IMF and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) paper on cryptocurrencies?

IMF and FSB View on Cryptocurrencies:

1. Comprehensive Policy Needed:

The paper highlighted the necessity for a “comprehensive policy and regulatory response” to address the financial stability risks posed by crypto assets.

2. Difficulty in Banning Cryptocurrencies: Banning crypto might just shift activities to more friendly jurisdictions. A ban could push transactions out of a country’s oversight, raising financial risks.
3. Regulation Over Ban: Supervising licensed crypto-asset issuers and service providers can fill information gaps. This approach aids in monitoring cross-border crypto activities.
4. Anti-money Laundering Standards: The paper suggests implementing the Financial Action Task Force’s standards that tackle money laundering and terrorist financing related to cryptocurrencies.
5. Global Coordination: Emphasized the importance of worldwide coordination to address the borderless nature of cryptocurrencies.

The larger project of subverting the idea of India

News: The article discusses why the idea of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies may not be a favorable choice.

What are the reasons that make holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies unwise?

Centralizations of Power: The proposal to hold simultaneous elections is under the concept of “One India” decisions of the government.

However, conducting simultaneous elections will further centralize power, strengthen the hold of national parties, and reduce the importance of regional parties.

Don’t Impose High Costs and Obstruct Governance: The idea of simultaneous polls is being promoted as a cost-saving and governance-friendly measure.

However, critics argue that election costs are overestimated, and the Model Code of Conduct doesn’t hamper governance. Instead, governance suffers when the ruling national party seeks to win every state election by focusing on state issues.

As Y.V. Reddy (the chairman of the Fourteenth Finance Commission) pointed out, elections are meant to hold governments accountable, and if they are too frequent, this can help to improve governance.

Lower Voter Turnout: Supporters of simultaneous elections relies on a study showing lower voter turnout when Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are held separately. However, this argument is only a justification rather than reality.

While increasing voter participation is important, it should be pursued through alternative means rather than disrupting the constitutional order.

Constitutional Changes: Implementing permanent simultaneous elections will require substantial constitutional changes, such as fixed-term governments, abolishing no-confidence motions, requiring “super-majorities” to unseat governments, enhancing President/Governors’ powers, or a mix of these measures.

These changes would fundamentally alter the Constitution’s Basic Structure, weaken State governments, erode federalism, and centralize power.

Read More: One Nation One Election – Explained

What is the way ahead?

“One Nation, One Election” is primarily a political and ideological push to replace India’s diversity with homogeneity.

It further goes beyond initiatives like “One Nation, One Tax” and “One Nation, One Ration Card,” aiming to centralize power in the Union Government.

Therefore, ultimately, the choice to embrace this “One India” vision rests with the electorate.

African Dividend – On India- Africa Relations

News–  The African Union (AU) has been included as a permanent member of the G20.

What is the geopolitical significance of African Union inclusion in G20?

Africa is emerging as a potential global economic powerhouse, given its abundant natural resources.

For instance, Morocco possesses the world’s largest phosphate reserves, the Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in cobalt deposits. Nigerian gas reserves have the capacity to supply all of Europe with energy.

Historically, Africa has had limited influence on the global stage. The addition of the AU to the G20 aims to rectify this imbalance and ensure that Africa has a stronger voice in international affairs.

What is the status of the bilateral relationship between India and the African Union?

India has been making continuous efforts to establish itself as a credible alternative development partner to China.

This shift in focus is evident, including in the realm of defense. India and Africa held their inaugural joint army chiefs conclave earlier this year.

India is also gaining prominence as a major defense equipment provider to African nations. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Mozambique ranking as the top three importers of Indian-made arms from 2017 to 2022.

The ongoing initiatives in healthcare, education, and solar energy generation in Africa further underscore India’s growing engagement with the continent.

What is the way forward for India-Africa relations?

Firstly, both parties should promptly confirm the dates for the long-awaited fourth India-Africa Forum Summit.

Secondly, India should enhance its presence in Francophone Africa. It is an area where it has historically been less active.

Thirdly, initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor should receive increased attention and effort.

China’s BRI Now Faces A Credible Indian Challenger

News–  During the recent G20 summit, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) was introduced.

What are some facts about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC)?

This initiative focuses on multi-modal connectivity. It aims to connect India with Europe through ports and railway corridors constructed in the Middle East. It offers an alternative to the current trade routes that pass through the Suez Canal.

In terms of its conception and design, IMEE-EC appears to be a counterproposal to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It can be seen as India’s own “Boats and Rail Initiative”.

It involves the construction of a railway track across the Arabian deserts. It is complemented by shipping connections from India on one end and Europe on the other.

The plans also include the installation of infrastructure for electricity, hydrogen, and data pipelines running alongside the railway tracks.

What are some positive aspects about the initiative?

The presence of the United States as a key sponsor of this initiative provides it with ample political, technological, managerial, and financial resources. It significantly increases its chances of success.

The involvement of financially sound stakeholders such as the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and India substantially reduces the risks of one-sided financial outcomes.

India also enjoys a demographic dividend for some time. Its credit cycle is near its bottom, with healthy balance sheets. The Digital Public Stack is opening numerous doors on an unprecedented scale.

What is the geopolitical importance of IMEE-EC for India?

It addresses complex geopolitical challenges that have hindered India’s previous efforts to establish transportation links with Europe via the Middle East and Central Asia.

The most straightforward land route, through Pakistan, has been consistently unviable due to ongoing Indo-Pak disputes.

The connection to Chabahar port has always been susceptible to the risks associated with US sanctions on Iran.

The International North-South Transport Corridor, designed to link India to the Eurasian landmass, has faced geopolitical obstacles. IMEE-EC does not face these same intricate geopolitical constraints.

It signifies India’s increased involvement in the Middle East. India will reclaim some of its historical legacy as a successor state to the British Raj.

What is the geostrategic significance of the Middle East for India?

The concept of the Middle East as a regional construct was initially conceived and shaped by British India.

Lord Curzon envisioned British India’s security as dependent on the creation of a series of buffer states.

It includes Tibet to the north, Afghanistan to the northwest, and access to the Arabian Sea through ports in the Persian Gulf and the Bay of Bengal via the Malacca and Sunda Straits.

British India’s influence in the Middle East was so deep that several countries in the region used the Indian Rupee as legal tender until the mid-1960s.

What are the challenges before this initiative?

However, the initiative must meet performance. This applies first and foremost to India’s own performance.

China’s GDP surged from $3.55 trillion in 2007 to $12.3 trillion in 2017, whereas India’s GDP currently stands at $3.4 trillion.

The world is more complex today. The Washington Consensus is fraying. The global political-economic framework that facilitated rapid growth in much of Asia is in decline. India faces greater challenges today.

GS Paper 3

Why India’s falling cotton production is a worry

News: The article discusses how India’s cotton production grew due to Bt technology, which protects against certain pests. However, a pest called pink bollworm developed resistance, reducing cotton yields. Solutions like “mating disruption” using pheromones are now being explored to control this pest and ensure continued cotton production.

What’s the significance of cotton in India?

Cotton’s Triple Role: Cotton in India serves three critical roles: providing food, feed, and fiber. It’s a vital crop for both agriculture and the textile sector.

Breakdown of Cotton Components: When farmers harvest cotton, known as Kapas, only about 36% is the white fluffy fiber. The remaining consists of seeds (62%) and waste (2%). These seeds are a crucial source of vegetable oil and feed cake.

Cottonseed’s Role in the Market: Cottonseed oil ranks third in India’s domestically produced vegetable oils, following mustard and soyabean. Additionally, cottonseed contributes the country’s second-largest feed cake, with soyabean taking the top spot.

Cotton in Textiles: Cotton dominates the textile industry in India, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the country’s total textile fiber consumption.

How did Bt technology impact cotton production?

Introduction to Bt Technology: India adopted Bt technology, using genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids embedded with genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt. These genes were toxic to certain pests.

Significant Boost in Production and Yield: From 2000-01 to 2013-14, thanks to Bt cotton, India’s cotton production soared from 140 lakh to 398 lakh bales. The average per-hectare lint yields also more than doubled during this period, increasing from 278 kg to 566 kg.

Subsequent Yield Decline: Post-2013-14, however, cotton production and yields started declining. By 2022-23, they fell to 343.5 lakh bales and 447 kg/hectare respectively.

Challenge of the Pink Bollworm (PBW): Bt cotton initially provided protection against pests like the American bollworm and the pink bollworm. But by 2014, the pink bollworm had developed resistance to Bt proteins, causing widespread infestations and negatively impacting yields.

How can the Pink Bollworm (PBW) be controlled?

Ineffectiveness of Traditional Insecticides: Conventional insecticides like profenofos, emamectin benzoate, and deltamethrin had limited efficacy against PBW larvae, which negatively impacted lint quality and yields.

Mating Disruption as a Solution: An alternative method called “mating disruption” uses Gossyplure, a pheromone from female PBW moths. The artificial version of this pheromone, found in products like PBKnot and SPLAT, confuses male moths, preventing them from mating with females. The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee under the Agriculture Ministry has approved this two mating disruption products.

Results from Field Experiments: Field experiments with PBKnot technology led to a 90% reduction in PBW mating, which translated to 25% higher kapas yields.

Redouble efforts to reduce disaster risks

News: The world faces increased disasters like floods, wildfires, and extreme weather due to climate change. Vulnerable countries suffer most, yet they contribute least to the problem. Solutions like the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework exist but need more action. India shows progress in disaster preparedness and is leading global efforts through G20 initiatives.

Why is the world at risk?

Persistent Challenges: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is combined with issues like war, debt, and food insecurity.

Climate Crisis: This is leading to frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Rising Disaster Trend: Increase in disasters, such as flooding in China, wildfires in Europe and Hawaii, and the hottest month ever in July.

Vulnerable Countries Affected: Countries that contributed least to climate issues are facing the worst impacts. The 50 most climate-vulnerable countries also have major debt problems.

India’s Experience: India, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, had weather-related disasters almost daily in 2022.

How is India addressing the issue?

Disaster Management Plans: All 28 States in India have prepared their own disaster management plans.

Reduction in Mortality:

India’s early warning system for cyclones covers the entire coastline, leading to a 90% decrease in cyclone-related deaths over 15 years.

Local heat wave action plans have resulted in over 90% reduction in heat wave deaths.

Effective Preparedness: The recent Cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat saw no casualties. Women were moved to safe places before the cyclone for safe childbirth.

Financial Support: India’s 15th Finance Commission allocated $28.6 billion for disaster readiness and capacity development over five years.

Global Initiatives:

India promotes the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure globally.

During its G20 presidency, India introduced the first-ever work stream on disaster risk reduction.

What global efforts are being made?

Frameworks and Agreements: The SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework serve as global guidelines. However, eight years into the Sendai Framework, efforts need to accelerate.

Learnings from COVID-19: The pandemic emphasized the importance of system-wide disaster risk reduction and resilience. Innovations like India’s CoWIN digital vaccine system emerged.

Early Warning Systems: UN-led initiative, with India’s backing, is pushing for a global multi-risk warning system. Currently, over a third of the global population lacks access to early warning systems.

Data and Knowledge Sharing: India’s G20 presidency has been recognized for advancements in knowledge sharing, joint data infrastructure, and risk analysis.

What more needs to be done?

Integration of Disaster Risk: Incorporate risk assessment in construction, investment, and lifestyle choices.

Early Warning Systems for All: Spearheaded by the UN and supported by India, the goal is a global warning system for diverse hazards. Right now, over a third of the global population, especially in least developed countries and Small Island Developing States, lacks access.

Enhanced Data Capabilities: Boost global data resources to better predict and respond to arising risks.

No One Left Behind: Strengthen international cooperation in disaster prevention, response, and recovery, focusing on countries of the Global South.

Leverage G20 Outcomes: Use results from the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group to craft a future equipped to handle disaster risks.

Developing best practices – SRO for fintechs will be a first step

News: The RBI has suggested fintech to establish a self-regulatory organization (SRO), which is a step in the right direction.

What are fintech?

Fintech plays a vital role in offering convenient access to formal financial services, benefiting lower-income individuals.

The fintech sector encompasses various digital-based financial services such as payments, UPI-based transfers, digital wallets, and small, short-term loans, effectively replacing traditional moneylenders.

Fintech assesses borrowers’ creditworthiness using transaction data and collaborates with traditional financial institutions like NBFCS and banks.

They have maintained reasonable default rates while generating significant revenue by serving the low-income segment.

However, to maintain ethical and regulatory standards, fintech practices and processes need to align with established norms.

Why is it necessary to regulate fintech?

Fintech can charge excessively high interest rates, especially to borrowers with limited access to formal credit, which could lead to defaults. Mis-selling of loans is another concern due to incentive structures.

Therefore, looking at potential concerns, the RBI has established a basic framework for a self-regulatory organization (SRO) and encouraged fintech to regulate themselves. However, if necessary, stricter regulations can be imposed later. 

Currently, an SRO offers the innovative fintech industry an opportunity to shape its own best practices.

Read More: Regulation of Fintech in India – Explained and Why the RBI has proposed setting-up a Self Regulatory Organisation for fintech

Secure and fair – On guidelines to prevent and regulate dark patterns

News– The government has issued draft guidelines to prevent and regulate dark patterns.

What are some facts about “dark patterns”?

In 2010, the British ‘user experience researcher’ Harry Brignull introduced the term “dark patterns.” During that time, Google was perceived as a harmless search engine.

Profit-driven dark patterns were emerging. But, consumers had limited awareness of the potential consequences for their privacy, and the time, energy, and money they were spending.

Examples of dark patterns that have since become widespread. It includes the automatic pre-selection of travel insurance when booking flight tickets, the obligatory requirement to provide email addresses or phone numbers to access e-commerce websites.

These details are subsequently used for sending text messages or emails, and birthday reminders that encourage users to purchase gifts for themselves.

How governments are introducing regulations for dealing with the issue of excessive profit-driven tactics employed by online e-commerce platforms ?

The European Data Protection Board has issued guidelines to identify and avoid dark patterns on social media platforms.

The United States’ Federal Trade Commission has warned about the “increasing use of sophisticated dark patterns designed to deceive consumers.”

In India, the guidelines specify methods for recognizing and preventing deceptive tactics such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced actions, and subscription traps employed by online platforms.

A 2021 report from the Advertising Standards Council of India estimated that over 50% of e-commerce websites used dark patterns to promote their products.

Stocktaking calamity – on United Nations’ Global Stocktake report

News– The United Nations’ Global Stocktake report was released just ahead of the G-20 meet.

What is the purpose of Global Stocktake from the United Nations?

It outlines the extent of challenges facing the world’s major economies. It will serve as a blueprint to guide discussions during the 28th Conference of Parties in Dubai.

Its primary purpose is to provide an official assessment of the progress made by countries since 2015 in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

In that year, during the Paris Agreement,countries committed to limiting global emissions by more than 2°C and ideally restricting the rise to 1.5°C.

What are some important takeaways from the global stocktake?

The report acknowledges that, despite making some progress, the world is currently emitting gases at a rate that will almost certainly exceed the limits agreed upon in Paris.

The report emphasizes that reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 requires much more ambitious action and support for implementing domestic mitigation measures.

The emissions gap consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C in 2030 is estimated to be between 20.3 billion tonnes and 23.9 billion tonnes of CO2.

These are significant gaps that cannot be closed without a rapid expansion of renewable energy resources and a departure from fossil fuel sources.

What developments took place at the recent G-20 summit on climate change?

Little progress has been made in terms of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

G-20 countries own 93% of existing coal power plants and 88% of planned ones globally.

The G-20 Leaders Declaration formally acknowledged the requirement for significant financial commitments.

It stated that there is a need for approximately USD 5.8-5.9 trillion in the period before 2030 to support developing countries and an additional USD 4 trillion per year for clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing deforestation and the adoption of electric vehicles as crucial components of a clean energy economy.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor: What is the project and why is it being proposed?

Source: The post is based on the article “India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor: What is the project and why is it being proposed?”  published in Indian Express on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor.

What is India-Middle East-Europe Mega Economic Corridor?

Aim: To reshape the trade route between the Gulf, Europe and South Asia, connecting them by rail and sea links.

Features: The corridor will consist of two separate corridors — the Eastern Corridor, connecting India to West Asia/Middle East, and the Northern Corridor, connecting West Asia/Middle East to Europe.

– It will involve transit by ship between India and Saudi Arabia, followed by a rail link to the UAE and likely to Jordan from where the shipment will move by sea to Turkey and further by rail.

– Along with the railway track, the members want to lay a cable for energy and digital connectivity, as well as a pipe for clean hydrogen export.

Countries involved: India, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, European Union (EU), Italy, France and Germany.

Part of: The corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) — a collaborative effort by G7 nations to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations.PGII is considered to be the bloc’s counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Significance: The corridor will safeguard regional supply chains, boost trade accessibility, and enable a greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance consequences. 

– It will be designed to increase efficiencies, save costs, promote economic cohesion, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a radical integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

– The project will allow the countries involved to play a key role in the global connective tissue of commerce, of digital communications and of energy.

G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration

Source: The post is based on the article “G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration”  published in PIB on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The leaders at India’s G20 Summit 2023 arrived at a joint communique — called the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

What is the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration?

Source: Indian Express

Russia-Ukraine War: The declaration has been able to include the mention of the war.

– It said that today’s era must not be of war. The leaders also underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety.

– The leaders also acknowledged the impact of the war on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth.

Economic Growth: The declaration acknowledges the challenges faced by MSMEs.It welcomes the Jaipur call for action to help in integration of MSMEs in international trade. 

– The leaders have also committed to strengthen multilateral development banks, which was a key agenda for the Indian presidency.

Gender Equality: The declaration reaffirms that gender equality is of fundamental importance, and that investing in the empowerment of all women and girls, has a multiplier effect in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

On Terrorism: The leaders condemned all forms of terrorism and committed to meet the needs of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies.

Green Development Pact for a Sustainable Future: It stresses the need to implement clean, sustainable, just, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions.

– One important element is the mention of the need to build reliable, diverse, responsible, and sustainable value chains of critical minerals, semiconductors and related technologies.

Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century: It speaks of reforming international financial institutions.

– One of the most important elements is that reform of the UN Security Council was agreed to for the first time in the G20 and there was a strong push towards reforms for better, bigger, and more effective Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

– They also called for managing debt vulnerabilities of low and middle-income countries and the start of exchange of tax-relevant information on crypto assets by 2027.

​​Technological Transformation & Digital Public Infrastructure: This chapter contains elements of building digital public infrastructure, crypto-assets, and harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.

– On AI, they agreed to pursue a pro-innovation regulatory/governance approach that maximizes the benefits and takes into account the risks associated with the use of AI.

– The G20 leaders also agreed on a G20 framework for digital public infrastructure and Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR).The framework calls for building interoperable solutions and formulating laws that can ensure that DPIs are safe, secure, trusted, and governed transparently.

– It also talks about a comprehensive toolkit which is aimed at improving cyber education and cyber awareness for the protection and empowerment of children and youth.

– Another key win for India’s G20 presidency was to gather consensus around creating a global regulatory framework for crypto-assets.

G20 declaration on health: Mention of India’s 3 priorities, digital push

Source: The post is based on the article “G20 declaration on health: Mention of India’s 3 priorities, digital push”  published in Indian Express on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

All three health priorities of India’s G20 presidency found a mention in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

What are the three health priorities of India that were included in the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration?

Firstly, Building resilient systems for health emergency prevention, preparedness, and response.

Secondly, Strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with focus on ensuring equitable availability and access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics during a pandemic.

Thirdly, Creating a platform for sharing digital health innovations and solutions to ensure better and universal health coverage, like CoWIN and e-Sanjeevani.

Note: The consensus was reached with some compromises: India did not insist on countries contributing towards a $200-million fund for a digital health programme or on a permanent platform for sharing knowledge, intellectual property rights and resources for developing vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.

What is the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)?

The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) was launched by India in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

It aims to address the need for digital health solutions that can be shared and used by WHO member states. 

GIDH has four main pillars — an investment tracker, a repository of existing digital health solutions, knowledge sharing for implementation and country-specific adaptation of these solutions, and an ask tracker to monitor the needs of different countries.

What is an Interim Medical Countermeasure Platform?

The Interim Medical Countermeasure Platform is a temporary solution to ensure fair access to medical countermeasures during pandemics. 

It was proposed because there was no agreement on creating a permanent platform.

The interim platform will be led by an inclusive decision-making arrangement, including effective representation of low- and middle-income countries and convened by the WHO.

Some countries have opposed this interim platform because it is believed that it may favor G7 nations, which hold many patents for drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.

The concern is also that an interim solution could be used as an excuse to delay a legally binding pandemic treaty and may not adequately address the needs of poorer countries.

What is the role proposed for traditional medicine?

India’s G20 presidency also pushed for integration of evidence-based traditional medicine practices with modern medicine. 

A global summit on traditional medicine was hosted on the sidelines of the health ministers’ meeting last month.

The document acknowledged the potential of evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine practices in public health delivery systems, provided they are rigorously and scientifically validated.

India’s G20 Presidency shifts focus from women’s development to women-led development

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s G20 Presidency shifts focus from women’s development to women-led development”  published in PIB on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 2023 has incorporated the outcomes of the G20 Ministerial Conference for Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar.

The declaration has shifted from just women’s development to women-led development.

What does the G20 New Delhi Declaration say on Women Empowerment?

The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration focuses on ‘Enhancing Economic and Social Empowerment’, ‘Bridging the Gender Digital Divide’, ‘Driving Gender Inclusive Climate Action’ and ‘Securing Women’s Food Security, Nutrition and Well-Being’.

The declaration has agreed to the creation of a Working Group on the empowerment of women to support the G20 Women’s Ministerial which will convene its first meeting during the Brazilian G20 Presidency. 

Significance: This reflects India’s commitment to gender equality and has been made possible through the active involvement of G20 leaders and various countries.

G20 leaders endorses Goa Roadmap and ‘Travel for LiFE’ program to provide big boost to tourism sector

Source: The post is based on the article “G20 leaders endorses Goa Roadmap and ‘Travel for LiFE’ program to provide big boost to tourism sector”  published in PIB on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

G20 leaders have endorsed the significance of the ‘Goa Roadmap for Tourism’ as a path towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

What is the Goa Roadmap for Tourism?

The ‘Goa Roadmap’ is an outcome of India’s G20 Tourism Track.It is a blueprint for sustainable global tourism.

It is aligned with the theme of India’s G20 Presidency and underscores the role of tourism in society, the economy, and environmental efforts.

The roadmap focuses on five interconnected priorities. They are: green tourism; digitisation; destination management; skills development and support for tourism micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

These priorities have been endorsed by all G20 countries, emphasizing their commitment to achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism.

What is the ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ Initiative?

It will be launched by the Ministry of Tourism to identify best practices and case studies aligned with five priorities of G20 Goa roadmap which have successfully been implemented by States, Destinations and Industry Stakeholders.These best practices can be replicated and scaled up across the country. 

The competition will be launched on World Tourism Day on September 27.

What is the Travel for LiFE initiative?

The Travel for LiFE initiative is inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

This initiative encourages tourists and tourist businesses to take simple yet impactful actions for environmental protection and climate action, aligning with the  program’s goal of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Japan keen to deepen defence ties with India, says Kishida

Source: The post is based on the article “Japan keen to deepen defence ties with India, says Kishida”  published in The Hindu on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The Japanese Prime Minister has talked about the India-Japan relations.

What are the key highlights from the Japan PM statement on India-Japan relations?

Defence cooperation: Japan sees India as a crucial partner in the Indo-Pacific region and aims to enhance defense cooperation for maritime security. 

– The joint exercises between Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and the Indian Armed Forces emphasized the importance of defense cooperation and exchanges with India to maintain peace, freedom, and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.

On the Indo-Pacific region: Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy is inclusive and not aimed at any specific country. 

– The strategy aims to uphold and reinforce a free and open international order based on rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

– However, the Japanese PM expressed concerns about the challenging security environment in the region.

– He also said that Japan is opposed to unilateral changes in the East and South China Seas and North Korea’s missile activities.

On G-20 New Delhi Declaration: Japan PM said that the declaration addresses complex global crises and acknowledges the impact of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine on the world economy. 

– While the declaration may not explicitly condemn Russia, it calls for refraining from the use or threat of force to seek territorial acquisition and emphasizes the importance of global assistance to vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

On the crime of ‘false promise to marry’

Source: The post is based on the article “On the crime of ‘false promise to marry’”  published in The Hindu on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 identifies ‘sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage’ as an offense.

What is Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),2023?

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What does the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),2023 say on a false promise to marry?

Chapter 5 of the Bill: It is titled as “Offenses against women and children” and describes sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means.

Section 69: It creates two violations:

Deceitful means: It will include false promise of employment or promotion, inducement or marrying after suppressing identity.

False promise to marry: It will be attracted only when a man makes a promise to marry a woman, with the intention of breaking it, for the purpose of getting her consent and sexually exploiting her.

Penalty: Both offenses will extract a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment.

How does IPC deal with cases of false promise to marry?

IPC dealt with these cases through a joint reading of Sections 375 and 90 

Section 375: It defines rape and defines consent as “an unequivocal voluntary agreement when the woman by words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication, communicates a willingness to participate in the specific sexual act.”

– This section lists 7 types of consent which would amount to rape if violated including the consent taken through fear of death, hurt or intoxication.

Section 90: Consent, given under “fear of injury” or “misconception of fact,” cannot be considered as consent.

What is the difference between false promise of marriage’ vs ‘breach of promise’?

The law has distinguished between a ‘false promise’ and a ‘breach of promise’ on the basis of proving if the man intended to marry at the time of engaging in sex.

The SC observed that a false promise is given on the understanding by its maker that it will be broken but a breach of promise is made in good faith but subsequently not fulfilled.

Put simply, if a man can prove he intended to marry the woman before he entered into a sexual relationship but later is unable to due to whatever reason, it is not legally punishable. 

What did the Supreme Court say on a false promise to marry?

In 2021, the Supreme Court reiterated that under Section 375, a woman’s consent must involve an active and reasoned deliberation towards the proposed act.

In 2023, Supreme Court said every breach of promise is not rape.It said “One cannot deny a possibility that the accused might have given a promise with all seriousness to marry her, and subsequently might have encountered certain circumstances unforeseen by him or the circumstances beyond his control, which prevented him”.

Historic moment in Global Energy Sector: Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) announced at G20 event

Source: The post is based on the article “Historic moment in Global Energy Sector: Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) announced at G20 event”  published in PIB on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Prime Minister has launched the Global Biofuel Alliance during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

What is the Global Biofuel Alliance?

Global Biofuel Alliance is an India-led initiative to develop an alliance of Governments, International organizations and Industry to facilitate adoption of biofuels.

Aim: To position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to jobs and economic growth.

Features: The alliance will support worldwide development and deployment of sustainable biofuels by offering capacity-building exercises across the value chain, technical support for national programs and promoting policy lessons-sharing. 

– It will also facilitate mobilizing a virtual marketplace to assist industries, countries, ecosystem players and key stakeholders in mapping demand and supply, as well as connecting technology providers to end users.

Countries and organizations which have already joined GBA: 19 countries and 12 international organizations have already agreed to join GBA:

– G20 countries supporting GBA: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, taly, South Africa and USA

– G20 Invitee Countries supporting GBA: Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius and UAE

– Non G20 supporting GBA: Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Finland

– International organizations: World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World LPG Organization, UN Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, World Biogas Association.

Significance of the alliance for India: 

Firstly, for India, which is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil and depends on imports to meet over 85 percent of its requirement of the commodity, increasing the use of biofuels is a key tool towards two ends: 1) reducing dependency on energy imports and 2) limiting the carbon footprint of the country’s rapidly growing energy use.

Secondly, the alliance will help accelerate India’s existing biofuels programs such as PM-JIVAN Yojna, SATAT and GOBARdhan scheme thereby contributing to increased farmers’ income, creating jobs and overall development of the Indian ecosystem.

Apple country gets ground ready for cannabis cultivation

Source: The post is based on the article “Apple country gets ground ready for cannabis cultivation”  published in The Hindu on 11th September 2023

What is the News?

Himachal Pradesh government is taking steps to legalize cannabis (hemp) cultivation in the State.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. 

It is produced in parts of Himachal Pradesh though it is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

What does the NDPS act say on Cannabis Cultivation?

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 prohibits the sale and production of cannabis resin and flowers.

But Section 10 of the Act empowers the States to make rules regarding the cultivation of any cannabis plant, production, possession, transport, consumption, use and purchase and sale, and consumption of cannabis (except charas). 

The States are empowered to permit, by general or special order, the cultivation of hemp only for obtaining fiber or seeds or for horticultural purposes.

In 2017, Uttarakhand became the first State in the country to legalize cannabis cultivation.

What is the Himachal Pradesh Government planning on Cannabis?

Himachal Pradesh government is taking steps to legalize cannabis (hemp) cultivation in the State.

Government sees this move as a way to utilize cannabis’s medicinal properties, generate revenue, and support farmers who have long requested the ban on cultivation be lifted.

However, some experts and activists are concerned about the potential negative effects, including increased drug abuse, the nexus between illegal cannabis producers and politicians, and the need to address social, economic, and political factors.

But supporters argue that hemp has various uses, including phytoremediation, cloth manufacturing, medicinal applications and the pulp and paper industry. 

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: G20 summit 2023 outcomes – Explained Pointwise