Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: The current talk of decolonisation is about an exclusionary political agenda
• BRICS is bigger now. Is it better too?
• Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla writes: Parliament has created an elegant symphony of democracy, that rises above the occasional
• What’s the Future for the IAF?
• Neighbours, rivals- The Asia Cup remains hostage to India-Pakistan relations

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: The current talk of decolonisation is about an exclusionary political agenda

News– The article explains the decolonisation concept being prompted by the current Indian establishment and issues related to it.

What are some facts about the decolonization project?

It calls for revamping the education system, revising laws, reinterpreting history, reimagining public spaces, rediscovering Indic culture, and even questioning the relevance of the Constitution.

It represents a loosely connected intellectual movement, often discussed in prominent and widely circulated books like J Sai Deepak’s “India that is Bharat”.

This perspective shapes intellectual discussions, particularly in various vernacular languages, with Hindi playing a prominent role.

It increasingly provides the framework for making significant policy changes. It is seen most recently in the debate surrounding the Criminal Law Code.

The decolonization project had two main objectives: to safeguard India’s political self-determination and promote its economic development.

It aimed to establish an international system that would prevent global power imbalances from making India vulnerable in the future.

The core strength of the “decolonial” project lies in its promise to decolonize the mind. It correctly recognizes that colonialism primarily operated through intellectual domination of the colonized population.

The emotional appeal of this argument centers on the language issue. For instance, the act of renaming laws is a symbolic gesture indicating that English should not be the sole language of the future.

What are issues with the decolonisation project?

It is often driven by hidden intellectual and political agendas.

It relies on an oversimplified binary narrative. It pitts the West against the Indic world as two entities locked in confrontation. It disregards the fact that Western modernity can also be seen as a reaction against its own history.

It also overlooks the fact that the evolution of Indian thought is characterized by profound transformations. It enabled Indian thought to challenge conventional beliefs. Indian thought has its own form of modernity.

There is an element of narcissism in this discourse. For example, Ambika Dutt Sharma raises the issue that despite advocating for pluralism, the Indian tradition did not engage more deeply with other intellectual traditions.

Indian society was inherently self-reliant and self-complete. It never required external engagement or definition from an “Other.” This claim is marked by an overwhelming sense of self-assuredness and complacency.

Another issue is the language used to discuss bloodlines and identity in intellectual discourse. Indian intellectual tradition is determined by its origin or lineage.

There is also a political dimension to the current decolonial project. It tends to explain everything through conspiracy theories.

There is a lack of self-awareness regarding why previous calls to “decolonize” and establish “Indian” versions of science, sociology, or political science often resulted in products that were neither truly Indian nor authentic representations of those disciplines.

Islam and Christianity are explicit targets of this decolonial project. It is because the project is explicitly framed as having its own enduring imperial ambitions.

The only condition under which Muslims are deemed acceptable is if they acknowledge the primacy of “Indic”.

There is a discomfort with discussions of social and injustice within the decolonial project.

The decolonial project is highly cautious when it comes to examining Indian history from the perspective of social justice and addressing the forms of oppression that exist within our society.

It might reluctantly admit the significance of addressing caste and gender issues. But, its ultimate objective is to downplay these concerns under the guise of upholding the idea of an inherently “self-complete” tradition.

Its primary drive is to construct a history and intellectual discourse that avoids causing any discomfort, especially among the privileged class.

BRICS is bigger now. Is it better too?

News– Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa took a call last week to expand the BRICS grouping from five countries to 11.

What are some facts about the origin of BRICS grouping?

BRICS is a grouping of five of the largest emerging nations worldwide. It represents approximately 41 percent of the global population, around 24 percent of the global GDP, and roughly 16 percent of global trade.

The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs in their research paper titled ‘The World Needs Better Economic BRICs.’

The paper predicted that the four economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China would become some of the world’s largest economies over the next five decades.

Formally, the BRIC grouping began to take shape after leaders from Russia, India, and China met in St. Petersburg during the 2006 G8 Outreach Summit.

The formal establishment of the group occurred during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2006.

How BRICS is expanding itself?

The Johannesburg declaration stated that the BRICS nations had agreed on the fundamental principles, norms, conditions, and steps for the expansion process.

Their efforts were driven by the goal of including Strategic Partners as new additions.

India holds strategic partnerships with four of the six new potential members, namely Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egypt.

With its expansion to 11 members, BRICS has now surpassed the size of both ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Some have portrayed the expanded group as an alternative to Western alliances like the G7. But, India does not see it as an “anti-Western” coalition.

In fact, France, a G7 member, has reportedly shown interest in more active engagement with BRICS.

The new member countries are emerging economies with significant growth potential. Many of them belong to the Global South or are developing nations.  They seek to diversify their options in the increasingly polarised geopolitical landscape.

Which are the new members from Latin America and Africa?

In Latin America, Argentina was chosen as a new member. Argentina has a GD) of approximately US$610 billion.

From Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt secured membership, despite competition from Nigeria, Algeria, and Senegal.

According to the World Bank, Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with an estimated growth rate of 6.4% in FY 2021/22.

Egypt, strategically located with 12 percent of global trade passing through the Suez Canal, plays a crucial role in the region. It is a significant economic powerhouse, considered an emerging economy with reforms.

Both Argentina and Egypt, however, have strong economic ties with China. Recently, Beijing assisted Argentina in avoiding a default with the International Monetary Fund for the second time.

China’s bilateral trade with Egypt currently stands at $15 billion, which is double that of India’s $7.26 billion in 2021-22. President Sisi has actively pursued Chinese investments and has made multiple trips to China over the past eight years.

Ethiopia is seen as carefully balancing its relationships with both the United States and China.

Which are the new members from Asia?

Out of the three Asian nations, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are strong allies of the United States.

Iran, which has had a complex relationship with the US, has been courted by China in recent years.

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and the UAE is anticipated to result in increased financial support for the New Development Bank.

By incorporating these four nations, BRICS has also addressed the issue of having no Muslim-majority country within the grouping.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia all share a common regional space. This could bring prominence to the West Asian and North African region. The rivalries and geopolitical tensions in this area might influence the dynamics of the grouping.

These internal contradictions among the member countries could potentially limit the potential of BRICS.

What is the perception about China and Russia with regard to their relationship with the grouping?

China is perceived as attempting to establish its own alliance in opposition to Western powers.

India has consistently emphasised the importance of decision-making “through consensus,” which is the fundamental principle of the group.

This incorporation of six new members is regarded as the initial phase of expansion, leaving room for a potential second phase.

Russia  is scheduled to host the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan in 2024.

With an expanded group of 11 members attending, this event will serve Moscow’s interests, as Russia has been facing diplomatic isolation. It will seize the opportunity to underscore Russia’s significance despite Western pressures.

For India, the primary concern remains the challenge posed by China. Delhi faces the challenging task of safeguarding the group from being unduly influenced by Beijing.

Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood

News– In May, the government decided to omit disability-related questions from the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).

Why is the decision to exclude disability-related questions not a right step?

Individuals with disabilities make up approximately 2.21 percent of the country’s population. It amounts to 2.68 crore people according to the 2011 Census.

These figures are currently underestimated due to both population growth in the past decade. They only encompass the seven specified categories of disabilities, and exclude the more general “others” category that was part of the Census.

The National Family Health Survey-6 provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness among the public, including surveyors and enumerators.

There is a 2030 deadline for achieving the SDG of “Leaving no one behind.” There are concerns that disability rights could be relegated to a secondary status.

What are other issues related to disability in India?

The understanding of the term “disability” has remained relatively limited over the years.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation report on ‘Persons with Disabilities in India — A Statistical Profile: 2021’ refers to only eight categories of disabilities.

It fails to acknowledge or account for the 21 categories of disabilities recognized in the law after the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

There is a tendency to overlook the recognition and consideration of the needs, perspectives, and fundamental rights of individuals with disabilities, especially those with less visible or “invisible disabilities.”

The 2021 Statistical Profile report documented that nearly 24 lakh individuals were affected by mental health-related conditions. They also failed to recognize or acknowledge the concept of invisible disabilities.

This situation persists despite estimates suggesting that as many as 20 crore people in India may be affected by psychosocial disabilities.

Why is data on disability important?

Regular data collection is crucial for achieving the SDGs and adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Sections 28 and 27 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandate the government to promote research and create programs to protect and empower individuals with disabilities.

Section 25 calls for government-conducted surveys, investigations, and research centred on disabilities.

Niti Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India @ 75, acknowledges the challenges arising from the lack of comprehensive data in formulating policies for individuals with disabilities.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla writes: Parliament has created an elegant symphony of democracy, that rises above the occasional

News– The article explains the roots of Parliamentary democracy in India, and the role played by this institution in strengthening democracy in India. It also provides details about Parliamentary committees and Parliamentary privileges in India.

What are some facts about Parliamentary democracy?

Parliaments represent the highest expression of the will of sovereign nations. In a constitutional democracy, elected representatives seek approval through elections for their plans and policies.

Parliaments formed through this popular mandate are granted authority to pass laws, set political objectives, allocate resources, and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens. It holds the executive branch accountable for their actions and inactions.

In essence, the people of a nation are the lifeblood of parliamentary democracy.

How democracy is deeply rooted in the ethos of India?

India is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of democracy. This is evident from its rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Indian ancient texts mention institutions and political systems that facilitated discussions and deliberations. They also reveal the existence of participatory governance, especially at the grassroots level of village communities.

Many parts of the country, inhabited by communities with tribal traditions, have demonstrated resilient local self-governance.

Parliamentary democracy has thrived in independent India. It shows the democratic principles cherished by our ancestors.

When India gained independence in 1947, there were widespread doubts expressed by international observers about the democracy in the country.

However, the founding leaders of the country did not share such reservations. India adopted an exceptionally enlightened Constitution at the outset of our independence.

The journey over the past seven decades has proven their faith in the Indian people’s ability to make the right choices.

What is the role played by Parliament in strengthening democracy in India?

The parliamentary system has enabled the nation to manage conflicts, celebrate diversity, while fostering a shared sense of unity.

It has guided the nation forward on the path of development and prosperity, ensuring that even the most marginalized individuals benefit.

The Parliament of India has respected diversity in all its forms. It has  treated all with fairness and consistently reached out to the disadvantaged sections of society.

In India, the Parliament is highly regarded by the people as the source of transformative legislation. It serves as the ultimate guardian of public finances, authorizing the allocation and oversight of funds and expenditures.

Parliament is entrusted with ensuring accountability of the Executive through various mechanisms outlined in the Constitution, procedural rules, traditions, and well-established precedents.

The Parliament of India has played a purposeful role in driving positive socio-economic changes in India. It has achieved this through the enactment of progressive laws and through debates on matters of contemporary national significance.

To date, our Parliament has passed over 4,000 laws since Independence. These legislative measures have firmly established India as a nation that upholds the rule of law.

What are some facts about Parliamentary committees?

Parliamentary committees serve as extensions of Parliament and are often referred to as miniature parliaments.

These committees are endowed with significant authority and responsibility for conducting thorough examinations of bills, budget proposals, programs, policies, and the functioning of various ministries within the Union government.

These committees play a crucial role in complementing and supporting the work of Parliament, primarily because they have greater flexibility in their operations.

They can develop their own approaches, gather input from government officials, and take opinions directly from the public, organizations, and experts. These feedback mechanisms enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.

What are some facts about Parliamentary privileges?

The Constitution grants members of Parliament certain rights, privileges to enable them to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently and without fear of bias.

Parliamentary privileges serve as a shield to protect the independence, authority, and dignity of Parliament from encroachments by other branches of the state. This is essential to allow members to freely express their opinions and ideas.

These privileges encompass immunity from legal action for statements made within the Houses of Parliament and protection from arrest in civil matters during parliamentary sessions or committee meetings.

What is the way forward to improve the functioning of the Parliament?

Right to question and dissent should not be misused to create disruption and chaos within the legislative body. Disapproval can be expressed more effectively through well-informed debates.

The consequence of disruptive obstructionism is a decrease in the productivity of the legislative body, the passage of important laws without discussions, and a missed opportunity to demand answers from the government.

India should devise ways to transform this representative institution into a place deserving of the respect and confidence that voters have placed in their elected representatives.

Members of Parliament owe it to the citizens of the nation to uphold the honour and dignity of Parliament. Parliamentarians are regarded as role models.

Indian Parliament needs to embrace technology and should lead the way. Over the last few years, the Parliament of India has made concerted efforts to introduce information technology.

What are reforms introduced in the working of Parliament in recent times?

The new building of Parliament has incorporated top-rated green building norms and modern technology to reduce carbon footprint and raise efficiency.

The Digital Sansad app has been developed and is being continuously fine-tuned to serve members and stakeholders better.

Social media coverage of the activities and archival resources of Parliament is being upgraded to connect effectively with the youth. The Parliament of India is well on its way to becoming a truly “e-Sansad”.

A progressive UCC must protect the child’s best interests

News: The article talks about the importance of India’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) giving more importance to the child’s well-being in custody disputes rather than biological connections. It mentions recent court judgments that favored biological parents over adoptive ones, causing potential harm to child welfare and adoption rates.

What is the current Indian law on child custody?

Guardians and Wards Act, 1890: This act emphasizes the child’s welfare as the primary consideration in custody decisions.

Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956:

Generally, the father is considered the natural guardian.

The mother becomes the guardian when the child is below five.

The Supreme Court in the Githa Hariharan case (1999) interpreted “after him” to mean in the father’s absence, not necessarily after his death.

Islamic Law on Custody:

Custody is seen as the child’s right, not the parents’.

The mother is the preferred custodian, with several relatives listed before the father.

Different Islamic schools have varied rules:

Hanafi School: Mother retains custody until boys are seven and girls are 17.

Shafii and Hanbali Schools: Mothers have custody until a daughter marries.

Maliki School: Mothers get custody of male children until puberty and female children until marriage. After these points, children can choose their guardian.

How does the Indian law view biological parents vs. adoptive parents?

General Trend: Indian courts have recently shown a leaning towards the rights of biological parents over adoptive parents in custody disputes.

Bombay High Court (2023) Example:

A child resulting from an alleged rape was given up for adoption.

On the biological father’s petition, the court halted the adoption proceedings.

The court, sidelining the adoptive parents and Child Welfare Committee’s reservations, awarded custody to the biological father.

Nasrin Begum Case (2022) Example:

A child was with adoptive parents for six years.

The High Court gave precedence to the biological parents, emphasizing the child’s right to know her identity and the rights of the biological parents, disregarding the adoption agreement.

What are the implications of the Indian law view for adoptions?

Implications for Adoptions in India:

Decreased Adoption Rates: If biological parents are consistently favored, potential adoptive parents might be deterred from adopting.

Child’s Best Interests: The child’s welfare and trauma can be sidelined.

Legal Ambiguity: Adoption agreements can be overruled, leading to uncertainty. For example, despite an existing adoption agreement in the Nasrin Begum case, the High Court prioritized the biological parents’ rights.

Current legal trends could jeopardize the stability and security of the adoption system in India, potentially putting child welfare at risk.

What should a progressive Uniform Civil Code (UCC) consider?

Child’s Best Interests: UCC should prioritize the child’s welfare in all custody disputes, overriding biological or adoptive preferences.

Rights of Adoptive Parents: Protecting their rights is crucial; otherwise, adoptions might decline.

Beyond Biological Ties: The UCC shouldn’t overemphasize biological connections; bonding through care and love should be equally recognized.

Inclusive Guardianship: Make provisions for various guardianship forms, including single parents, surrogate parents, and queer parents.

A modern UCC should prioritize child welfare and reflect the diverse nature of family structures today.

Neighbours, rivals- The Asia Cup remains hostage to India-Pakistan relations

News: The article talks about Asia Cup’s history and challenges, focusing on political tensions, mainly between India and Pakistan. It also mentions teams preparing for the upcoming World Cup.

About Asia Cup

Origin: Launched in 1984 to foster Asian unity in cricket.

Participants: Started with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Later included Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Nepal.

Current Edition: 16th edition split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Format: Currently in ODI format.

What are the implications of this tournament?

Regional Unity: Initiated in 1984 to promote Asian solidarity in cricket.

Political Narratives: The India-Pakistan tension shapes the tournament’s dynamics and venue choices.

Team Preparations: Serves as a preparatory stage for the World Cup, with teams like India working on squad balance.

Rare Face-offs: India-Pakistan matches, due to politics, are now limited to ICC events and the Asia Cup.

Team Evolution: Afghanistan’s participation, despite domestic turmoil, showcases resilience.

Performance Indicator: Offers a glimpse into the teams’ potential and strategies ahead of the World Cup.

GS Paper 3

Cost of IAF’s lesson: 50 squadrons lost

News: The article explores the history of aircraft accidents in the Indian Air Force from 1952 to 2021. It focuses on the significant number of aircraft and pilot losses, which have affected its operational capability and led to worries about training, equipment quality, and policy choices. The article also highlights the comparison with international benchmarks and underscores the requirement for improved aircraft and training approaches.

Data related to Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Accidents

Total Aircraft Lost: Over 70 years (1952-2021), the IAF lost 2,374 aircraft to crashes.

Breakdown: This includes 1,126 fighters, 1,248 non-combat aircraft, 229 trainers, and 196 helicopters.

Pilot Casualties: These accidents resulted in the deaths of 1,305 pilots.

War Losses: Only 143 aircraft, or about 1 out of every 8 lost, were combat casualties.

Accident Rate: In the 1990s, IAF’s accident rate was between 0.89 and 3.99 per 10,000 hours of flying. In comparison, the US Air Force’s rates were 0.29 in the 1990s, 0.15 in the 2000s, and 0.1 between 2010 and 2018.

What are the reasons for the IAF’s accidents?

Human Error: A significant number of crashes were ascribable to human error, encompassing not only pilot mistakes but also training lapses and potentially other human-involved errors in the broader scope of aircraft operation and maintenance.

Technical Defects: Crashes were due to technical issues, like poor maintenance and a shortage of spare parts, particularly for MiG variants after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

Nature: Hostile weather and bird strikes were natural causes behind some crashes.

Obsolete Aircraft: The extended use of older aircraft, notably the MiG-21s referred to as “flying coffins” and “widow makers,” played a role in the high accident rate.

Training Issues: There were issues with basic training and the use of outdated trainer aircraft like the HPT-32. The absence of advanced jet trainers (AJT) was also a concern.

Policy Delays: Delays in decision-making, such as the time taken to introduce newer trainer aircraft like the Pilatus PC-7 Mark II and the Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40 (HTT-40), contributed to the accident rate.

What’s the Future for the IAF?

The IAF is transitioning from older, single-engine Soviet-era planes to newer, twin-engine Western aircraft. This could change the accident rates and operational capabilities in the future.

Are natural disasters man-made?

News: The article discusses how human activities, poor urban planning, and climate change contribute to increasing natural disasters in India and highlights the need for sustainable development and better preparedness to mitigate these disasters.

What are the reasons for the increasing natural disasters in India?

Reasons for the increasing natural disasters in India:

Human Influence on Disasters: Building on floodplains, encroaching water bodies, and poor urban planning have led to enhanced risks.

Anthropogenic Climate Change: Human-driven climate changes have increased the frequency and intensity of hazards.

Impact of Urbanization: The rapid and unplanned movement to urban centers has exceeded some regions’ natural carrying capacities, resulting in heightened disaster risks.

Inadequate Preparedness: Despite facing regular calamities, regions like Mumbai continue to experience recurrent flooding, indicating gaps in disaster preparedness.

Data and Knowledge Gap: There’s often an underestimation of risks due to reliance on outdated datasets. For example, the Himalayan region lacks sufficient observational networks for rainfall.

Development Conflicts: There’s a struggle between rapid infrastructure development, like connecting tourist destinations quickly, and environmental conservation needs.

Overall, while India has natural vulnerabilities, human activities and decisions are exacerbating the severity and frequency of disasters.

Has India’s disaster preparedness improved?

Mumbai’s Initiatives: Mumbai’s storm-water drainage department has built larger water-holding tanks in the past decade, an improvement in flood management. Also, collaborations with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology aim to enhance flood predictions.

Institutional Knowledge: There are government institutions continuously monitoring climate trends and risks. This ongoing surveillance suggests an evolving understanding of climate crises.

Collaborative Workshops: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s storm-water drainage department’s workshop with various stakeholders indicates proactive efforts to address disaster challenges and find long-term solutions.

Decision-making Disconnect: While there’s an understanding of increasing flood-prone regions, transformative thinking is required in planning and infrastructure.

India has made some progress in disaster preparedness, but gaps remain in decision-making, planning, and implementation across regions.

What should be done?

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Recognize that certain groups are more at risk during natural disasters and tailor solutions towards their needs.

Emphasize Sustainability in Urban Development: Prioritize sustainable urban planning, avoiding harmful practices like building on floodplains and encroaching water bodies. Development pathways should be sustainable, emphasizing the environment alongside economic considerations.

Long-term Thinking is Essential: Mumbai’s efforts, like building larger water-holding tanks and collaborating with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology for better flood predictions, highlight the need for long-term thinking.

Encourage Collaborative Workshops: Engage stakeholders, including private developers, landscape firms, and community-based organizations, in finding collective solutions.

Preserve Natural Ecosystems: It’s crucial to retain the natural balance by preserving ecosystems, which play a role in mitigating disasters.

Adopt Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Adopting and implementing SDGs can ensure a balanced approach to development, where environmental, social, and economic dimensions are equally considered.

Financing cities: G20 infrastructure agenda

News: Indian cities are important for economic growth. Sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience should be the central focus in city development to ensure a sustained economic growth.

In this regard, India is prioritizing urban infrastructure during its 2023 G20 presidency with the theme “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient” for the G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG).

What are inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities?

Inclusive cities rely on equitable access to resources and opportunities, requiring national policies, accessible urban spaces, affordable housing, and essential services.

Resilient cities withstand environmental and economic shocks by having high-quality infrastructure that promotes climate resilience and energy efficiency, making it a top priority.

Sustainability incorporates principles like the efficient use of limited natural resources, circularity, and LiFE.

What are the factors required in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities?

Financing: The G20 IWG offers a global platform for implementing innovative urban infrastructure financing mechanisms across developed and developing nations.

Public funds play a major role in global urban infrastructure financing, but there’s a crucial need to attract private investment.

This can be accomplished through strategic planning, favorable policies, enhancing city creditworthiness, project development, thematic bonds, and strengthening capital markets.

National and sub-national governments and multilateral development banks should play a key role in achieving these objectives. 

Institutional Capacity: City administrations must enhance their capabilities for future urban demands, including technical and financial capacity to plan, create viable projects, generate and protect revenues, access financial markets, provide efficient services, etc.

Digital infrastructure and data-driven insights are crucial for enabling these improvements.

In order to assist city administrations, India’s G20 presidency created a versatile capacity-building framework suitable for local governments of all sizes and developmental stages.

It includes tools, checklists, and case studies for assessing current capacity and identifying improvement areas. It aligns with national development plans, legal frameworks, urban planning guidelines, climate adaptation plans, PPP guidelines, etc.

Must Read: G20 and its Significance – Explained and India’s G20 presidency can show the way on disaster management

What contribution has been made by India at IWG?

India contributed significantly to the outcomes of the IWG by sharing its policy and programs in urban development.

Some of these include Ahmedabad’s Transit-Oriented Development, the Integrated Control and Command Centre under the Smart City Mission, etc.

India’s experience in implementing the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Smart Cities Mission, Housing for All (PMAY), and metro rail projects were also instrumental in shaping the global urban infrastructure agenda.

What is the way ahead?

India’s G20 presidency influenced the IWG urban infrastructure agenda to align with the ambitions and growth priorities of the Global South.

India’s focus on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities fostered global partnerships and contributed to shared prosperity.

Therefore, domestically, India will prioritize a people-centric approach in developing future-ready urban infrastructure as it works towards the vision of India@2047.

Technology beyond space – Encouraging private sector will increase opportunities

News: India’s space economy is currently worth around $8 billion, which is less than 2% of the global space economy, estimated to be worth around $500 billion.

However, India is trying to increase its contribution through a multipronged effort.

What efforts are being taken by India to increase its contribution in the space sector?

Space Policy: The new Indian Space Policy aims to boost India’s contribution to $45 billion in the next decade.

InSpace: InSpace, ISRO’s commercial arm, will explore new opportunities and provide technical expertise and facility access to Indian companies.

Private Sector Involvement: ISRO will emphasize the transfer of its technical expertise and offer assistance, including granting access to its facilities, to India’s private sector.

About 85% of Chandrayaan-3’s components were already made by commercial organizations, reflecting a shift toward capitalizing on space tech for commercial purposes and increased industry participation in India’s space sector.

Artemis Accords: India’s involvement in the Artemis Accord opens up opportunities for Indian firms to bid for future contracts with NASA, further multiplying potential opportunities in the space industry.

What have been India’s achievements in the space sector?

India has over 400 aerospace startups and established engineering firms entering the space sector. Increased access to ISRO’s technology and testing facilities will speed up this growth.

The next decade could witness 50,000 satellite launches, creating a substantial market opportunity for India. Private sector involvement has lowered satellite launch costs by nearly 90% per kilogram.

Indian consortiums also aim to enter the satellite launch market. Enabling technology transfer will help them to build rockets and establish their own launch facilities.

Must Read: Explained | Why is India’s space industry looking for private sector investment?

What can be the way ahead?

The space economy drives growth and innovation in numerous sectors like meteorology, agriculture, energy, and more.

It also offers opportunities in hardware, software, and defense applications along with possibilities like asteroid mining, marine habitat adaptation, etc.

India can benefit from these opportunities. However, governments worldwide must balance private sector involvement with taking environmental and safety considerations along with minimal regulation.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

ASI to launch “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme” and Indian Heritage app

Source: The post is based on the article “ASI to launch “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme” and Indian Heritage app”  published in PIB 1st September 2023

What is the News?

The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) is set to launch the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme and Indian Heritage app.

What is Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme?

The programme is a revamped version of the Adopt a Heritage scheme launched in 2017.

Aim: To safeguard India’s diverse cultural heritage by inviting corporate stakeholders to enhance the amenities at over 3,600 monuments spread throughout the country. 

– These monuments not only showcase India’s rich cultural history but also contribute significantly to economic growth.

Under the programme, corporate stakeholders can utilize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to enhance the amenities at the historical sites.

– This revamped version emphasizes the amenities required for different monuments, as defined by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act ,1958. 

– Interested stakeholders can apply to adopt a monument or specific amenities through a dedicated web portal.

– The process for selection will be carried out after due-diligence and discussions with various stakeholders.

– The selected stakeholders will develop, provide and/or maintain amenities in hygiene, accessibility, safety and knowledge categories.

– The term of the appointment will be for a period of five years initially, which may be further extended up to five years.

What is an Indian Heritage app?

Indian Heritage is a user-friendly mobile app.It will showcase the heritage monuments of India. 

The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, list of public amenities available, geo-tagged location and feedback mechanism for citizens.

Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood

Source: The post is based on the article “Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood”  published in Indian Express 1st September 2023

What is the News?

The Government of India has decided to omit disability-related questions from the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).

What is the National Family Health Survey(NFHS)?

Click Here to read

When was disability related questions included in the NFHS Survey?

The questions on disability were included for the first time in the NFHS-5 which was carried out during 2019-21.

Based on the NFHS-5 report, it was observed that disability prevalence was only 1% for rural areas and 0.9% for urban areas.

However, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) estimates for the year 2018 showed 2.3% for rural areas and 2% for urban areas.

Why has NFHS-6 decided to omit disability-related questions?

According to the Ministry of Health, the disability related questions are not included in NFHS-6 as the disability data will not change very fast and there is no reason to collect this data every time.

This decision has been criticized as the persons with disabilities make up around 2.21% of India’s population, totaling about 2.68 crore people according to the 2011 Census.

The Census data does not fully represent the current disabled population due to population growth over the past decade and the limited categories of disabilities recognized in the Census.

What are the other issues faced by disabled people in government policy making?

Limited Understanding of Disability: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) report on ‘Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India — A Statistical Profile: 2021’ refers to only eight categories of disabilities. 

– It fails to acknowledge and account for the 21 categories of disabilities recognised in law after the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWDA).

Invisible disability not acknowledged: Niti Aayog’s visionary blueprint, ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’, which delineates the government’s goals for 2022-23, recognises the challenges posed due to a lack of detailed data in drafting policies for persons with disabilities. 

– However, the document lacks measures for those with invisible disabilities such as mental health conditions. 

Combined Index of Eight Core Industries increases by 8.0% (provisional) in July 2023 as compared to the Index of July 2022

Source: The post is based on the article “Combined Index of Eight Core Industries increases by 8.0% (provisional) in July 2023 as compared to the Index of July 2022”  published in PIB 1st September 2023

What is the News?

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) has increased by 8.0% (provisional) in July 2023 as compared to the Index of July 2022. 

The production of Coal, Steel, Natural Gas, Cement, Electricity, Refinery Products, Fertilizers and Crude Oil increased in July 2023 over the corresponding month of last year. 

What is the Index of Eight Core Industries(ICI)?

Index of Eight Core Industries(ICI) measures combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz. Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity. 

These Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

What is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?

Index of Industrial Production is an index that measures growth of industrial production in India.

This index classifies industries into the mining, manufacturing and electricity sector.

IIP index is currently calculated using 2011-2012 as the base year. 

IIP data is compiled and released every month by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO).

40 per cent elephant corridors report increase in use

Source: The post is based on the article “40 per cent elephant corridors report increase in use”  published in New Indian Express 31st August 2023

What is the News?

Elephant Corridors of India 2023 report has been released.

The report has been prepared by Project Elephant with technical support from the Wildlife Institute of India.

What are Elephant Corridors?

Elephant corridors are linear, narrow, natural habitat linkages that allow elephants to move between secure habitats without being disturbed by humans.

What are the key findings of the Elephant Corridors of India 2023 report?

150 elephant corridors have been identified in 15 elephant-ranging states. 

40% of elephant corridors of India have reported an increase in use by the elephants.

Around 29 corridors – constituting 19% of the total – have recorded a decline in use by the elephants over the years. 

These corridors are primarily affected by encroachment, mining activities, development of linear infrastructure such as roads and railway tracks and other human interventions.

Further, around 10% of the elephant corridors have become impaired over the years.

West Bengal has the highest number (26) of identified elephant corridors in India.

There are six transnational corridors between India and Nepal.

Recommendations: The report has recommended following measures to safeguard corridors.These measures are: Habitat enrichment, accurate demarcation, measures to check human interventions, and legal protection under appropriate laws at the state level.

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Money Laundering- Explained, pointwise