Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• Legislating change- The Women’s Reservation Bill must be implemented without delay
• Slums in the urban ecosystem

GS Paper 2

• Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora
• Rice fortification can help tackle our problem of hidden hunger
• Values Kota imparted: Anxiety and building a future on a butchered present
• No BFFs Needed – India needs four things to secure strategic autonomy in foreign policy and more than one alliance

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Legislating change- The Women’s Reservation Bill must be implemented without delay

News: The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in Lok Sabha after 30 years. It reserves 33% Lok Sabha seats for women. This won’t apply in the 2024 election due to delimitation and Census links. Women face many barriers in India. They need better representation.

What is the Women’s Reservation Bill about?

The Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, is about:

Bill’s Passage: The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after being tabled in Parliament nearly three decades ago.

Current Representation: Women Members of Parliament currently make up only about 15% of the Lok Sabha.

Read – Women Reservation bill

What is the need for women’s reservation?

Existing Imbalance: Currently, women Members of Parliament constitute only about 15% of the Lok Sabha. This showcases the gender disparity in political representation.

Breaking Glass Ceiling: The Women’s Reservation Bill can address this inequality and shatter political barriers faced by women.

Ground-Level Success: Women have proved their capabilities in local bodies, with representation in panchayati raj institutions exceeding 50% in several states.

Overcoming Challenges: Women have historically broken through various hurdles, from patriarchal attitudes to being undervalued in their official roles.

Unequal Access: Women in India often have uneven access to health, nutrition, and education.

Workforce Representation: India’s female labor force participation is the lowest among G-20 countries, at 24%.

Historical Rights: India granted women voting rights early on; it’s essential to ensure their equal representation in governance.

Slums in the urban ecosystem

News: This article is basically saying that slums, often overcrowded and underprivileged areas in cities, are active and important parts of urban life, shaping and contributing to the city’s economy and society. The article argues that rather than ignoring them, there should be efforts to improve living conditions, services, and opportunities in slums to make the overall city more prosperous and inclusive.

What role do slums play in urban ecosystems?

Slums are densely populated urban areas with substandard living conditions.

Slum role in urban ecosystems are:

Economic Contributor:

Slums play a pivotal role in the urban economy by providing labor.

Inhabitants fuel city growth and participate in various industries and services.

Social and Political Hub:

Despite their marginalization, slums form robust social networks.

They exhibit political agencies, affecting urban policies and governance.

Shelter for Marginalized:

They offer shelter to the urban poor, migrants, and other marginalized groups.

For many rural migrants seeking city life, slums are the initial shelters.

Agent of Urban Dynamics: Slums actively shape and are shaped by the dynamics of the cities they are part of, impacting overall urban experience and development.

How can slums be transformed for urban prosperity?

Improving Essential Services: Enhancing water, sanitation, and electricity in slums can improve residents’ quality of life and attract investment.

Addressing Land Ownership: Secure land tenure and formalizing land ownership can encourage investment in housing and infrastructure, mitigating slum conditions.

Providing Vocational Training: Offering skill development and training to residents can improve employability and income levels, leading to economic prosperity.

Implementing Sustainable Practices: Adopting environmentally friendly solutions in redevelopment projects can ensure long-term sustainability and urban prosperity.

Inclusive Urban Planning: Developing inclusive and considerate urban policies can prevent displacement and gentrification, protecting vulnerable communities.

Monitoring Progress: Employing data and technology can help in keeping track of transformation projects and addressing areas needing more attention.

What is the role of various stakeholders in slum transformation?

Government Agencies: Governments have a crucial role in committing to and implementing slum transformation projects, focusing on infrastructural development and policy formation.

Urban Planners: Planners are essential for designing inclusive urban development policies and preventing harmful displacement and gentrification.

Non-Governmental Organisations: NGOs contribute by advocating for the rights and well-being of slum dwellers and providing essential services and support.

Affected Communities: The active participation of slum residents is vital for the success of transformation projects, ensuring the interventions meet their needs and aspirations.

Monitoring Bodies: Bodies using data and technology are pivotal in tracking the progress and outcomes of transformation initiatives, identifying areas that need further interventions.

GS Paper 2

Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora

News– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that Indian agents killed Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar this June. It has strained the relationship between the two countries.

What has been the trajectory of the India and Canada relationship?

During the cold war– During the Cold War, relations between Ottawa and New Delhi were fine. It was due to their shared Commonwealth status and aligned views on the significance of the United Nations, multilateralism, and global development.

However, differences emerged during Cold War conflicts in Korea, Hungary, and Vietnam. It strained the relationship. India’s pursuit of a nuclear program created further issues.

Post cold war

Since the 1980s- Increasing Immigration from India improved the relations. However, there were limited opportunities for trade or security cooperation. So, no substantial diplomatic engagement could be established at that time.

After, 1998, Significant efforts have been made to rejuvenate the relationship, when Canada rejected India’s nuclear status.

Current status- Today, the core of the relationship revolves around investment and trade.

However, certain segments of the diaspora community hold strong negative sentiments towards India, reject its territorial integrity, and aim to fragment it.

How is diaspora politics by the Canadian government causing strain in the India and Canada relationship?

Canada has shown a softcorner for Khalistani groups and other diaspora elements. It is a characteristic feature of its foreign policy.

Both political parties, Liberals and Conservatives, have kept a favorable attitude towards diaspora groups.

This diaspora politics has prevented Canadian governments from separating national security and foreign policy priorities from short-term electoral pressures.

The views expressed by pro-Khalistan groups have been a source of concern for the Indian government.

What is the approach of the current Indian government towards the diaspora?

Diaspora engagement has intensified under the present government. There are efforts to encourage them to invest in India’s economic development.

Wealthy Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) play a crucial role in remittances, networks, and ideas flowing into India.

Support from Diaspora have advanced India’s strategic relationships with the United States and helped national initiatives like Make in India and Digital India.

Why does diaspora engagement by the current Indian government need careful management?

During Indian PM’s foreign visits, civil society groups were demanding attention to human rights. Recent pro-Khalistan protests in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have turned contentious and violent.

Caste discrimination is becoming an important issue within US firms, universities, and organizations.

Digital technologies have transformed how Indian immigrants abroad interact with their homeland. It is leading to divisions in terms of political views, language preferences, and ideological affiliations, among diaspora.

The rise of Transnational organisations like pro-khalistani groups, are posing a significant challenge to Indian foreign policy of a favourable approach to most diaspora groups.

Way forward-

Read- Indian Canada Relations

Rice fortification can help tackle our problem of hidden hunger

News: The article talks about hidden hunger in India, a situation where people get enough calories but lack essential nutrients, causing health problems. To combat this, India is using food fortification, adding vital nutrients to common foods like rice and salt, and the government is working to make these fortified foods available to everyone, facing challenges like raising awareness and managing costs, to improve the overall health and well-being of the population.

What is hidden hunger?

Hidden hunger occurs when people get enough food to eat, but the food lacks essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, leading to malnutrition. This condition is often concealed until noticeable health issues arise, such as impaired cognitive abilities and birth defects.

In India, it’s a significant concern, particularly affecting children’s health and development. For example, in Aspirational Districts, only about 12.32% of children aged 6-23 months receive adequate nutrition.

Additionally, inadequate protein intake and a preference for processed foods and excessive cereal consumption in the country are contributing to this issue, causing long-term health problems and affecting normal physical and mental functions among adults.

How prevalent is malnutrition in India?

Malnutrition is prevalent in India, with about 194 million people still undernourished during 2016-18.

Over 690 districts have less than 30% of children receiving proper nutrition, and 17 districts have over half their children suffering from stunting.

The prevalence of anemia among women and children in India is 61.20% on average.

The country’s average daily calorie consumption is below the recommended 2,503 kcal per capita per day.

People in India generally consume inadequate amounts of proteins, fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, fish, and eggs.

The preference for processed foods and excessive cereal consumption in the country are also contributing to malnutrition.

What is food fortification?

Food fortification is the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to food to improve its nutritional value. It began as a strategy to combat hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies.

The practice started in 1920 in the US with the addition of iodine to salt.

In India, fortification initiatives began in the 1950s with the fortification of vegetable oil and salt iodization.

Why is addressing hidden hunger important?

Impact on Individual Health: Addressing hidden hunger is crucial because it causes serious health issues like birth defects, impaired cognitive abilities in children, and maternal and infant mortality, affecting a significant number of people in India.

Consequence on Development and Productivity: It impedes optimal development in children and affects normal physical and mental functions among adults, which can lead to reduced productivity. In India, addressing this is important to avoid long-term impacts on the nation’s workforce.

Importance for Future Progress: Given India’s young demographic profile, addressing hidden hunger is essential to ensure the well-being and productive potential of the population, contributing to the overall social and economic progress of the country.

What are India’s efforts in food fortification?

Introduction of Fortification: India began food fortification in the 1950s, starting with salt iodization and vegetable oil fortification. It’s a strategy to combat hidden hunger by adding essential nutrients to common foods.

Fortification of Staples: Recently, staples like rice and wheat are also being fortified. The government aims to fortify rice in all social safety net schemes by 2024, with different phases covering various services and districts.

Implementation and Standards: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India established fortification standards in 2016 and introduced the ‘+F’ logo to facilitate food producers in joining the fortification efforts. This helps in enhancing the nutritional value of food items and improving the overall health of the population.

Values Kota imparted: Anxiety and building a future on a butchered present

News: Rising suicides in Kota questions whether the intense focus on future success comes at the cost of the present well-being of students.

Kota is seen as an essential midpoint for students aiming for top-tier colleges. However, the city has witnessed 25 suicides in a single year, indicating a deep-rooted issue in its coaching culture.

What are the challenges faced by Kota coaching Students?

There is an intense environment, where the future is prioritized over the present. It has led to a state of anxiety among students.

Students are made to feel guilty for enjoying anything outside of their studies, leading to a constant state of anxiety.

The coaching industry in Kota has overshadowed traditional schooling. Holistic promises of school, such as engagement with all subjects, extracurricular activities, and a balanced life, are often compromised in favor of peak performance.

The societal obsession with success pushes students to extremes in pursuing their dreams.

What should be done?

There is a need to reconsider the intense coaching model of Kota. It suggests that there might be alternative paths to success, and students should be allowed the flexibility to choose their journey.

No BFFs Needed – India needs four things to secure strategic autonomy in foreign policy and more than one alliance

News: Prime Minister Modi’s statement that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has fulfilled its purpose carries significance as it highlights India’s shifting foreign policy direction.

How is India’s foreign policy shifting?

India’s non-alignment strategy is transitioning towards obtaining strategic autonomy. This implies being more friendly to some countries than others, but not always allied with any one group.

India’s strategic autonomy is driven by four factors such as – 1) managing the China challenge, 2) securing supply chains in critical products, 3) achieving competency in critical technologies, and 4) diversifying defense platforms.

This requires India to seek alliances in its own interest.

For instance, while India needs a partnership with the US to counter China, it also requires maintaining friendly relations with Central Asian Republics to secure future energy needs.

How has India utilized its strategic autonomy in recent years?

India imports defense equipment from countries with different geopolitical positions, such as France and the US. India imported Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions, which greatly aided its economy.

Similarly, India leading the Global South in the G20 gives it more flexibility in its dealings with big powers. Hence, strategic autonomy requires flexibility, and a strong economy and India is well-positioned to achieve it.

GS Paper 3

Let’s not conflate microfinance with self-help group financing

News – The Reserve Bank of India made regulatory changes to the microfinance sector  in March 2022. IT issued  warnings against excessive focus on business expansion in November 2022.

What is the divergence in perspectives between RBI and MFI industry  regarding MFI sector growth?

1. RBI is against prioritizing growth as a mission of microfinance. MFIs should serve as a tool for economic development, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment. Whereas, Sa-Dhan, a representative body for the microfinance sector, views growth as essential for achieving these aims.
2. RBI is not in favor of MFIs growth that would increase the debt burden on those who are already heavily indebted. On the other hand, MFI industry is advocating for broader geographical expansion and the extension of formal credit to areas where its impact is low.

What are Self Help Groups(SHGs)?

SHG model is a collective of economically disadvantaged rural women who are dedicated to assisting one another. They provide this support through pooling of small savings. The primary objective remains the moral commitment to aid one another.

The government has taken steps to support the SHGs through various structured resources, such as village-level organizations, cluster-level federations, state-level rural livelihoods missions, and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

The concept of a joint liability loan was introduced later in 1993, nearly two decades after the inception of the first SHGs. This economic approach was superimposed onto the pre-existing social principle of mutual assistance.

Government provides interest subsidies at a low interest rate of approximately 12% per annum.

What are some facts about MFIs?

MFIs establish joint liability groups (JLGs) primarily for economic reasons related to lending as a business activity.

Factors like growth, scale, and efficiency have guided the natural evolution of this institutional structure.

Over time, MFIs have invested in advanced technology systems, expanded their offices, hired staff, standardized processes, engaged in marketing, and conducted fundraising.

JLGs have come to include economically disadvantaged women who may not have prior personal connections.

Operational, compliance, management, and fundraising costs are currently financed through commercial bank debt. So, it is economically unviable for MFIs to conduct business at interest rates below 22% per annum.

MFIs do not facilitate group savings, and the state does not provide direct support.

What are the differences between SHGs and MFIs?

1. SGGs begin with a moral commitment and incorporate economic considerations. MFIs begin with an economic rationale and integrate a moral commitment.
2. SHGs offer their female members a practical model for decentralized and contextually-aware decision-making, and empowerment. The business-oriented approach of MFIs are unable to foster the same level of trust, capacity building, and personal development.

Way forward-

It is essential to recognize the critical distinctions between SHGs and JLGs.

Clarity regarding these differences will enable a reevaluation of the MFI growth model, and appropriate forms of regulatory and state support required to promote the sector’s expansion.

All charged up: India’s battery storage plans

News–  The article explains the scenario of battery energy storage system(BESS) in India.

What is BESS?

BESS are smart systems. They use algorithms to interact with the grid and make decisions regarding storing and releasing of surplus energy.

hese systems primarily utilize lithium-ion batteries due to their characteristics like, high energy density, decreasing costs, and extended lifespan.

How does a battery energy storage system work?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) preserve energy generated from sustainable sources like sunlight and wind. It balances the supply and demand of renewable energy by releasing it into the grid when required.

Why is BESS critical for a global green switch?

Renewable energy sources have an intermittent generation patterns. It is because solar energy is available during day and heavy wind is also a seasonal phenomenon. It can cause abrupt surges or declines in power generation, leading to power outages.

It forces many utility companies to rely on fossil fuel-based power plants. BESS address this issue by enhancing grid stability.

Consequently, they offer the potential to decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

What is the current position of India in energy storage?

Current capacity- Currently, India has an energy storage capacity of only 37 megawatt-hours (MWh).

Requirement- To achieve India’s ambitious renewable energy goal of 500 gigawatts by 2030, the country will require battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity exceeding 200 gigawatt-hours (GWh).

Projection for future- According to projections by the International Energy Agency, India’s storage capacity is expected to reach 200 GWh by 2040. It will make it the largest in the world.

What’s the plan of India to scale up storage?

1) Recently, the government approved a program aimed at establishing a battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity of 4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by the year 2030-31.

The scheme provides viability gap funding to developers, amounting to ₹3,760 crore. This funding, limited to 40% of the project’s cost, will be disbursed over a three-year period spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

2) The government has introduced a production-linked incentive scheme worth ₹18,100 crore for the manufacturing of advanced cell chemistry batteries. This initiative is essential for achieving self-sufficiency in the production of lithium-ion batteries.

What’s happening on this front globally?

According to McKinsey, the investment in battery energy storage systems (BESS) reached $5 billion in 2022. It is three times the amount invested in 2021.

Global BESS market is currently valued at $55 billion. McKinsey anticipates that it will expand to reach $150 billion by 2030.

The cost of lithium-ion battery systems is projected to decrease from the current $151 per kilowatt-hour to $59/KWh by 2030

Experts predict that the annual installation of BESS will increase tenfold between 2022 and 2030. It will exceed 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually by the end of this decade.

Taking a giant leap for a new ethics in outer space

News: The author discusses the human instinct to explore and claim territories, like the race to the South Pole in the 1900s and current activities in Antarctica. They highlight the regulations in Antarctica and the need for similar rules in outer space. The author suggests India should lead in creating ethical space guidelines.

What is the human instinct to explore and claim territories in Antarctica?

Historical Race: In the 1910s, explorers like Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott raced to be the first to reach the South Pole. Amundsen succeeded on December 14, 1911.

Territorial Claims: Several countries, including Norway and Britain, have staked claims on Antarctica. For instance, Norway claimed an area named Dronning Maud Land.

Scientific Curiosity: 12 countries, such as Argentina and the US, established over 55 research stations in Antarctica, highlighting the human urge for knowledge.

Peaceful Usage: The Antarctic Treaty ensures that the continent is used for scientific research and peaceful purposes, showing a collective agreement on its value.

No Colonization: Unlike historical colonies, there are no native residents in Antarctica, and resources aren’t extracted for the mother country. However, the presence of research stations indicates an undeniable human footprint.

What are the regulations in Antarctica?

Treaty Initiation: Following activities during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1958, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated an Antarctic Conference in 1959 with 12 countries active in Antarctica.

Nuclear Restrictions: Argentina proposed banning all atomic explosions in Antarctica. Initially, the US suggested banning only unnotified tests, but eventually agreed to the complete ban.

Focus on Peace and Research: The Antarctic Treaty emphasizes freedom of scientific research and mandates the peaceful use of the continent.

Demilitarization: The treaty prohibits nuclear testing, military operations, economic exploitation, and further territorial claims.

Monitoring Systems: Close monitoring systems are in place to oversee the activities of countries in Antarctica, ensuring its ecological integrity remains intact.

No New Territorial Claims: The treaty restricts countries from making any new territorial claims in Antarctica.

Why is there a need for regulation in outer space?

Territorial Claims: Like the race in Antarctica, there’s potential for countries to claim territories in space, such as the moon.

Peaceful Use: Like Earth’s natural landmarks, outer space destinations should be used for peaceful purposes only.

Moon’s Environment: Regulations ensure that the lunar environment isn’t disrupted or damaged.

Shared Resources: The moon and its resources are humanity’s common heritage, requiring collective decisions about their use.

Control and Territory: Regulations help curb human desires for domination and first-arrival, promoting collaboration instead.

Avoiding Arms Race: There’s a pressing need to prevent militarization and arms races in outer space, ensuring safety for all nations.

What should India’s role be in space exploration?

Successful Missions: With the achievement of Chandrayaan-3, India has proven its capability in space exploration.

Collaboration over Ownership: India should view celestial bodies, like the moon, as partners in scientific advancement, not territories to claim.

Lead by Example: India can set a pace for global space agendas, emphasizing collaboration and peaceful exploration.

Ethical Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that Chandrayaan-3’s success belongs to all of humanity. This perspective can guide India’s future space endeavors.

Promote Peace: India can champion the non-militarization of outer space, aligning with international treaties.

Address Space Debris: India should advocate for and participate in efforts to manage and reduce space debris, ensuring outer space remains a safe environment for exploration.

Navigating the evolving trade landscape

News: World trade is changing significantly, with the US and EU governments shifting their focus from traditional trade policies to industrial policies.

How are the US and EU governments shifting their focus?

US: The US initially embraced manufacturing outsourcing for profit but it unintentionally boosted China as a global manufacturing hub.

Hence, to counter China, the US imposed high import tariffs on Chinese goods during the Trump administration and targeted China’s supercomputer and AI industries under the Biden administration.

Additionally, the US launched a major re-industrialization initiative promoting domestic production of semiconductors, critical minerals, electric vehicle batteries, and medicines. Hence, the US shifted from prioritizing free trade to embracing industrial policy.

EU: In 2023, the EU introduced significant regulations like the Deforestation Regulation and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, impacting global trade in agriculture and industrial goods.

The EU provides subsidies to its own industries while it also scrutinizes subsidies given by other nations.  This reflects the EU’s aim to safeguard its economy and environment, potentially making it more challenging for other countries to compete.

Read More: Perspectives on industrial policy

What is the situation of India?

China’s global dominance in electronics design and manufacturing increased due to the collaborations with Western firms like Apple. However, with the US seeking alternatives to China, India has emerged as a focus.

In October 2022, US limited support for Chinese chip production below 16 nanometers. Consequently, Apple shifted some of its production to India.

This shift has resulted in India’s smartphone exports, exceeding $12 billion in 2022-23. A similar trend is anticipated in the semiconductor sector, particularly through partnerships with Micron.

However, India must take more actions to boost manufacturing competitiveness and facilitate trade flows.

What more actions can be taken by India?

1.Remove arbitrage from manufacturing schemes like special economic zones, export-oriented units, and Customs bond manufacturing, which offer different tax benefits and import duty structures.

2.Sign only those FTAs that align with India’s economic interests and avoid involvement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as it requires adherence to WTO Plus standards that might not be advantageous for India.

3.Prioritize the domestic laws related to digital trade, labor, environmental standards, agriculture, and tariffs before entering international commitments.

4.Take prompt and determined action against unfair climate taxes imposed by the EU by employing a carefully measured retaliation mechanism.

5.Reduce Customs duties, especially on imported goods, to stimulate manufacturing and exports. While certain items crucial for the “Make in India” initiative may maintain higher tariffs, the overall trend should be toward lower duties to enhance the export potential of the small-scale sector.

6. Streamline export processes using a single-window system through the National Trade Network (NTN).

This integrated approach eliminates the need for exporters to engage separately with different departments, resulting in time and cost savings and empowering small businesses to participate in the export market.

7. There is a need to address the issue of energy imports, which constituted 36.6% of India’s total merchandise imports in FY2023 at a cost of $260 billion. Projections indicate this bill could exceed $1 trillion by December 2026.
8. Prioritize the removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to boost India’s exports. NTBs often lead to increased scrutiny or rejection of Indian products.

Hence, to address this, India should upgrade domestic systems, engage in dialogues with partner countries, and be prepared to retaliate against unreasonable rules that obstruct Indian products.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

PM hails passage of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article “PM hails passage of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has welcomed the passage of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha.

Background:

Source: Indian Express

The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993 which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserved one-third of seats for women in these bodies.

The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.

However, the Constitution does not provide for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Currently, 15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.

Bills amending the Constitution to reserve seats for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies have been introduced in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.The first three Bills lapsed with dissolution of their respective Lok Sabhas.  

The 2008 Bill was introduced in and passed by Rajya Sabha but it also lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.

Now, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha.

What are the key provisions of Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023?

Reservation for women: The Bill reserves, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

Commencement of reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published.Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women.  

– The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years.However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Rotation of seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.   

Northeast’s mithun gets ‘food animal’ tag and its meat a leg-up

Source: The post is based on the article “Northeast’s mithun gets ‘food animal’ tag and its meat a leg-up”  published in Indian Express on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized Mithun as a ‘food animal’.

This will help farmers and tribal village communities as they can now sell mithun meat for commercial purposes.

Until now, mithuns and their meat were sold only for very special occasions such as festivals or weddings.

What is Mithun?

Source: Indian Express

Scientific Name: Bos frontalis

Habitat: Mithun is a ruminant species of the Bovidae family found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

– It is also the state animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Characteristics: Mithun is semi-domesticated and is reared in a free-range forest ecosystem.The animal is usually let loose in a community forest and has rarely required shelter or supplementary feeding except for salt. 

– Since the soil in these parts is acidic and low in salt content, mithuns have an affinity for salt and are known to lick it off the hands of the farmers.

Population: As of 2019, there are around 3.9 lakh mithuns in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Significance: Mithun is traditionally reserved for special occasions, which has in present times come to also include feasts given by election candidates.

Initiatives: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched the M-ANITRA app to register mithun farmers as “buyers” and “sellers” with the aim to help them do business at competitive prices. 

National Medical Commission Achieves Prestigious WFME Recognition Status for 10 Years

Source: The post is based on the article “National Medical Commission Achieves Prestigious WFME Recognition Status for 10 Years”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has been granted the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Recognition Status for a remarkable tenure of 10 years. 

What is the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)?

The World Federation for Medical Education(WFME) is a global organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide. 

WFME’s accreditation program plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medical institutes meet and uphold the highest international standards of education and training.

What is the National Medical Commission(NMC)?

NMC has been constituted by an act of Parliament known as National Medical Commission Act, 2019 which came into force in 2020.

Functions: (i) improve access to quality and affordable medical education, (ii) ensure availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals in all parts of the country; (iii) promote equitable and universal healthcare  (iv) encourages medical professionals to adopt latest medical research in their work (v) objectively assess medical institutions  periodically; (vi) maintain a medical register for India; (vi) enforce high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services; (vii) have an effective grievance redressal mechanism.

What are the benefits of NMC being granted the WFME Recognition Status?

Firstly, all the 706 existing medical colleges in India will now become WFME accredited and the new medical colleges that will be set up in the coming 10 years will automatically become WFME accredited.

Secondly, it will also enable Indian medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practice in other countries that require WFME recognition such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

C-DOT and CSIR-National Physical laboratory sign agreement for ‘Development of NavIC based IST traceable Primary Reference Time Clock for Telecom Sector’

Source: The post is based on the article “C-DOT and CSIR-National Physical laboratory sign agreement for ‘Development of NavIC based IST traceable Primary Reference Time Clock for Telecom Sector”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and CSIR-National Physical laboratory (NPL) has signed an agreement for ‘Development of NavIC based IST traceable Primary Reference Time Clock (PRTC) for Telecom Sector’.

The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.

What is the Telecom Technology Development Fund(TTDF) scheme?

Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) , a body under the Department of Telecommunications, had launched the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme in 2022.

Aim: To fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications and form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry to build and develop the telecom ecosystem.

– To promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing, create a culture of technology co-innovation, reduce imports, boost export opportunities and create Intellectual Property.

Eligibility: The following Indian entities are only eligible for support from this fund: 1) Domestic Company(ies) with focus on telecom R&D, Use case development 2) Start-ups / MSMEs 3) Academic institutions 4) R&D institutions, Section 8 companies with focus on telecom research and development among others.

Technology domains: 1) 5G development under ‘India 5G Stack’ 2) 6G & Beyond technology development 3) IoT & M2M development 4) Other Telecom Technologies under various research programs 5) Entrepreneurship Cell (for early-stage Start-ups) and 5) Research Scholarship program.

Salient features and Guidelines of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “Salient features and Guidelines of PM Vishwakarma Scheme”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has launched the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise.

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. 

Coverage: The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades.

Benefits under the scheme:

– Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.

– Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day;

– Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.

– Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. 

– Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible to avail the first tranche of credit support of upto Rs. 1 lakh.The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account and have adopted digital transactions in their business or have undergone Advanced Training.

– Incentive for Digital Transaction: An amount of Rs 1 per digital transaction, upto maximum 100 transactions monthly will be credited to the beneficiary’s account for each digital pay-out or receipt.

– Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople in the form of quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to value chain.

– Recognition as entrepreneurs: The scheme will onboard the beneficiaries on Udyam Assist Platform as ‘entrepreneurs’ in the formal MSME ecosystem.

Study throws light on how gravitational instabilities affect evolution of galaxies

Source: The post is based on the article “Study throws light on how gravitational instabilities affect evolution of galaxies”  published in The Hindu on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) could help understand how gravitational instabilities are connected to galaxy evolution.

What is the study conducted by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) researchers?

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) conducted a study to explore the connection between gravitational instabilities and galaxy evolution.

They investigated how gravitational instabilities relate to star formation, gas content, growth time, and galaxy shapes.

They compared these factors in nearby galaxies and studied 175 galaxies from the Spitzer Photometry and Accurate Rotation Curves (SPARC) database.

They found that spiral galaxies like the Milky Way have higher star formation rates, lower stability, less gas, and faster gravitational instability growth.This suggests that gravitational instabilities in spirals quickly turn gas into stars, depleting gas reserves.

Researchers then compared stability levels in nearby galaxies with those observed at high redshift, which are precursors to galaxies in the local universe.

They found that galaxies with marginal stability levels experience intense, short-term star formation, depleting their gas reserves rapidly. 

Highly stable galaxies, on the other hand, have slower, long-term star formation, gradually converting available gas into stars.

What is the significance of this study?

The study not only contributes to the understanding of gravitational instabilities but also emphasizes the need for future investigations into the impact of these instabilities on the morphological evolution of galaxies across different redshifts.

ICMR nod to conduct Truenat test to detect Nipah

Source: The post is based on the article “ICMR nod to conduct Truenat test to detect Nipah”  published in The Hindu on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

Kerala has been given permission by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to use Truenat test to diagnose Nipah. 

What is the Truenat Test?

Truenat is a chip-based, point-of-care, rapid molecular test for diagnosis of various diseases. 

It is a portable, chip-based and battery-operated machine developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics Private Limited.

Truenat tests use real-time micro polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology.

This test has been approved by WHO and ICMR for TB diagnosis, Covid and other diseases.

Significance: Traditional RT-PCR tests can take up to eight hours to complete. 

– The TrueNat tests used the same scientific principle used in RT-PCR tests, but the results can be achieved in half an hour.

All about Bima Sugam portal, a ‘UPI moment’ for insurance sector

Source: The post is based on the article “All about Bima Sugam portal, a ‘UPI moment’ for insurance sector”  published in Hindustan Times on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a steering committee to act as the apex decision-making body for the creation of its ambitious ‘Bima Sugam’ online platform.

What is Bima Sugam?

Bima Sugam aims to simplify the process of purchasing insurance for consumers.  

This online platform is where customers can choose a suitable scheme from multiple options given by various companies.  

All insurance requirements, including those for life, health, and general insurance (including motor and travel) will be met by Bima Sugam. 

Who will own the Bima Sugam platform?

Life insurance and general insurance companies will own a 47.5 per cent stake each, while brokers and agent bodies will own 2.5 per cent each.

What are the benefits of the Bima Sugam platform? 

The portal will provide the following benefits: 1) act as a centralized database 2) assist the insured/buyers in porting their respective policies based on coverage and pricing 3) give people a wide choice to pick and choose policies and view all their policies 4) reduce commission paid to intermediaries and 5) Settlement of claims and renewal of policies will also become faster as paperwork is reduced drastically, making it easier for the customers.

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Delimitation Exercise- Explained Pointwise