9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – March 29th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• NALSAR University shows how meaningful action can be taken for LGBTQI+ inclusivity: By listening to students

GS Paper 2

• Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems
• Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government
• Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’
• A subregional grouping that must get back on course
• Between BRICS and Quad
• Economic crisis in the island nation has provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka and India to deepen their relationship
• Sound governance is a must for gender-inclusive output growth

GS Paper 3

• The phenomenon of coral bleaching
• A contributor, not consumer
• The Start-up India initiative
• Detecting microplastics in human blood

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Explained: Who is a ‘minority’ in India? Here’s what courts have said
• 15 Points Programme for Minorities Welfare Schemes
• Kozhikode to vie for UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ distinction
• Explained: What will Australia’s new Defence Space Command Agency do?
• Polyherbal eco-friendly technology can combat tick infestation among dairy animals
• Zojila tunnel work space, deadline advanced to 2024
• Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022: Protest in LS as Bill envisages lifting biometrics of detainees
• Rejuvenation Work of Saraswati River
• NITI Aayog and FAO Launch Book Titled Indian Agriculture towards 2030
• Explained: What are Articulated All-Terrain Vehicles and why does the Indian Army need such vehicles?

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

NALSAR University shows how meaningful action can be taken for LGBTQI+ inclusivity: By listening to students

News: NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad released a draft Policy on Inclusive Education for Gender and Sexual Minorities.

The University will allow one of the floors in a hostel to be a gender-neutral space for students who self-identify as LGBTQI+.  

In 2018, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences had established a gender-neutral space in its girls’ hostel. In addition, the Ashoka University inaugurated gender-neutral washrooms in its premises.  

Background 

The Supreme Court judgment in the NALSA v Union of India Case (2014) recognised transgender people as the “third gender” 

Consequently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a circular in 2015 to the vice-chancellors of all universities that “Transgender -friendly infrastructure like washrooms, restrooms etc” be built. 

What is stated in the draft policy? 

It will ensure that students get “reasonable accommodation in alignment with their preferred gender identity” 

It also states that name and pronoun changes shall be available to anyone.  

In addition, there will be a self-attested declaration for recognition of gender identity and sexual orientation in the university.  

What is the significance of the move?

This move can lead to changes that will create inclusive, safe public spaces for gender and sexual minorities.  

The move shows the importance of participatory approach in place of the top-bottom approach. For example, it was the active engagement with the student community at NALSAR University that led to this draft Policy. 

NALSAR University has set a good example which can be replicated in other educational institutions across India. 

GS Paper 2

Common University Entrance Test won’t solve the real problems

News: University Grants Commission (UGC) recently announced the introduction of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET), which is now mandatory for undergraduate admission at any of the 45 central universities in the country.

What is the need for a centralised entrance test like CUET?

In India there is an uneven quality of different school boards due to which there is a huge trust deficit and suspicion about the academic quality of even the toppers. A centralised mode of ranking and evaluation through the CUET promises an “objective” and “value-neutral” measurable index for selecting and eliminating young aspirants for different courses.

Furthermore, this centralised test would free the tension-ridden youngsters from the pressure of writing multiple entrance tests in different colleges/universities.

What are the limitations of such standardised testing?

The dominant structure of education prevalent in the country is essentially book-centric and exam-oriented. Rote learning or strategic learning (a gift of coaching centres) is its essence. It is far from learning and unlearning with joy, wonder and creativity, young students become strategists or exam-warriors. Under these circumstances, true learning suffers.

MCQ-centric “objective” tests are not suitable for the domain of humanities and social sciences as they involve subjective and diverse interpretation. Young students are deprived of the hermeneutic art of interpretation and skill of argumentation, and compelled to reduce everything into an “objective” fact. In such a scenario, children will lose the power of creative articulation, and culture of debate and contestation.

What is the way forward?

Meaningful learning is not just about exams. In fact, truly meaningful learning takes place outside the parameters of the official texts and curriculum, wherein teachers inspire students to see beyond the syllabus.

Hence, for real transformation, we must a) see beyond the CUET, b) work on the quality of schools and creatively nuanced life-affirming pedagogy; and c) think of honest and fair recruitment of spirited teachers, and relative autonomy of academic institutions, d) learn to value the uniqueness of each child

Fixing the service: Recruiting more IAS officers is necessary, as is a real merit system and trimming of government

News: Data presented by a parliamentary committee has revealed that over 1,500 sanctioned IAS officer posts (22%) at the state level lie vacant, with some states reporting greater gaps than others.

It should be noted that GoI had earlier mooted an amendment to service rules to ensure more officers are available for central deputation by making states’ consent immaterial. This had triggered stiff resistance from opposition-governed states.

What is the annual intake of IAS officers?

The last review of IAS cadre strengths in 2012 had fixed the annual intake at 180 officers.

The parliamentary committee has remarked that a panel constituted to revise this number for 2022 onwards can “significantly” increase the intake to fill sanctioned posts.

What are some issues with bureaucracy in India?

Crisis of quantity & quality: Alongside quantity, bureaucracy is also battling a crisis of quality.

– Currently, talented officers, sandwiched between mediocrity and officer scarcity, are heavily overworked. This is not a sustainable path.

Top-heavy structure of the bureaucracy: Unlike pyramidal hierarchies in typical organisations, central cadres like IAS and IPS have “cylindrical” structures because of assured promotions.

– For instance, Punjab police has around 30 DGP/ADGP-level officers. This top-heaviness isn’t contributing to governance, as Punjab is reeling with the problem of drug and liquor mafia.

Outsider tag for lateral entrants: GoI’s efforts at lateral entry have struggled because many IAS officers rising to the mid- and senior-levels have deep-rooted knowledge of the terrain and strong support networks. Lateral entrants, on the other hand, face the outsider tag despite industry or research or grassroots experience they may possess.

What is the way forward?

Recent GoI initiatives like Mission Karmayogi and Capacity Building Commission must lead to a performance management system that can reward the best and brightest and deter young officers from sliding into mediocrity.

Underperformers must be retired prematurely so that they don’t drag down governance.

The number of officers embedded in non-essential departments, commissions, corporations and schemes must be reduced.

Towards affordable healthcare in India: ‘Jan Aushadhi’ to ‘Jan Upyogi’

News: India marked the Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2022 in mid-February.

About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in 2015, with a vision to provide affordable and quality medicine to the citizens of India.

The scheme was established under the department of pharmaceuticals of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Since its establishment in 2015, more than 8,000 janaushadhi kendras (centres) have been operationalised across India. These centres offer generic drugs and surgical items at an affordable price.

In the long run, PMBJP aims to make healthcare affordable, accessible and acceptable by all the citizens.

Benefits of PMBJP:

– It serves employment opportunities to the human resources in the pharma sector. It provides financial assistance and support to the qualified personnel to open Janaushadhi Kendra and generate income.

– In addition to the direct employment opportunity, Janaushadhi Kendra generates peripheral employment in associated supply chain, transportation and maintenance sectors.

What is the need for affordable healthcare?

Considering the following vital factors, it is important to make healthcare affordable to the population:

– Health is one of the central pillars of a nation’s Human Development Index (HDI) that indicates its prosperity. Hence, every nation aims to provide good healthcare to its citizens at an affordable cost through various initiatives and schemes.

– The budget allocation to healthcare is less than 3 per cent. India’s population is dominated by rural domiciles and mid-income groups.

– About one-third population of our country is devoid of health insurance. The prevailing diseases and pandemic outbreaks add to the perils of the situation.

– Medicines (aushadhi) and surgical equipment have a larger share in healthcare. Making them reach the common mass of our society solves a major issue in healthcare. This makes ‘Jan Aushadhi’ a jan-upyogi (useful for the mass).

– India’s out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) on healthcare is more than 60%, according to Niti Aayog’s latest report. This is significantly above the average for lower-middle income countries. Costly patented drugs further contribute towards a higher OOP.

What are some issues with PMBJP that need to be addressed?

– increasing the outreach of the Janaushadhi Kendra.

– promotion for increasing awareness of PMBJP.

– maintaining the affordable price of the generic medicines despite increasing inflation and supply cost.

What is the way forward?

First, to increase the outreach of Janaushadhi Kendra, an increase in the healthcare budget for infrastructure and financial support is required.

– In addition, PPP models for generic drugs should be looked into to increase competitive participation of more private players and expand the outreach. Training and development of pharmaceutical staff will also be required in expansion of Janaushadhi Kendra.

Second, to spread awareness about PMBJP and Janaushadhi Kendra, collaboration with local hospitals, clinics and doctors is required.

Third, to maintain the affordable prices of the generic drugs, supply-side intervention is required. This primarily includes:

– R&D of drugs to bring the efficacy of generic drugs at par with that of patented drugs, at less cost.

– Efficiency in production, storage and supply chain would also help in slashing the input cost and thereby, maintain the affordable prices.

A subregional grouping that must get back on course

News: A summit level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is going to be organized in Sri Lanka. 

It is an opportunity to take concrete steps to address critical challenges confronting the region.

About Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue (BOBMD) 

It was organised recently by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the Pathfinder Foundation.

It brought together government officials, maritime experts, and representatives of prominent think tanks from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia to step up efforts in areas such as environmental protection; curtailing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, etc. 

What is the potential for the blue economy of the Bay of Bengal? 

The Bay of Bengal is an important source of natural resources. It includes rich marine ecosystems like fragile estuaries, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mass nesting sites of sea turtles.

It also serves a coastal population of approximately 185 million people. For example, the fishermen population thrives on fish catch etc 

There are many opportunities to develop maritime trade, shipping, aquaculture and tourism 

What are the pressing challenges in BOB?  

The BOB is facing plastic pollution; destruction of natural protection against floods such as mangroves; sea erosion; industrialization and population pressure in the coastal areas, huge quantities of untreated waste flow, annual loss of mangrove areas; and emergence of a dead zone; etc. 

Frequent cyclonic storms and an increase in the sea level. 

There are anthropogenic security threats like, terrorism, and piracy.

Another conflict between countries is due to fishermen crossing into the territorial waters of neighbouring countries is an important one. For example, India and Sri Lanka fishermen dispute. 

At present, there is limited cooperation between countries of the region in marine research. Like interactions of the premier institutions and excellent scientists within the region. 

Way Forward 

There is a need for regional coordinated and concerted action for tapping the potentials of BOB and resolving the maritime issues of a transboundary nature in the BOB region.  

Marine environmental protection should be a priority. Protected areas can be established. The frameworks can be developed to prevent and manage water pollution.  

The modern technology and improved fishing practices can be used to strengthen fisheries management, and promote sustainable fishing methods,  

There is also a need for greater scientific research on climate change and its impact in general and on fisheries in particular. 

A Participatory approach must be evolved for data collection, and real-time stock assessment for fish stock. In this context, a regional open fisheries data alliance may be created.  

The BIMSTEC summit should support both BOBP and FAO’s BOBLME.

– The Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) is an inter-governmental organisation (based in Chennai), doing work to promote sustainable fishing.

– The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and others.  

There should be increased monitoring, control and surveillance of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. For this, an international vessel tracking system can be established. A regional fishing vessel registry system, automatic identification system (AIS) trackers for vessels; improved joint regional patrols, etc. be established. 

Between BRICS and Quad

News: Recently, the Chinese and Russian leaders visited New Delhi. Both developments are important in the context of India’s position over the Russia-Ukraine war  

What has been India’s position on Ukraine crisis?

India has consistently abstained from voting on all resolutions by both the West and Russia. For example, India abstained from Russia’s resolution in the UNs forum on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  

India indicated disappointment to Russia. Russia did not resort to dialogue and diplomacy before carrying out military operations in Ukraine. 

New Delhi has consistently called for peace and dialogue amid Russia-Ukraine hostilities. 

India’s abstentions from voting amount to a balancing act. It was designed to protect India’s national interests.  

What has been the response of the East and the West?

East

China is outreaching India to secure India’s attendance at the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) summit and Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue 

West

It seems that India is a consequential player along the Russia-China axis. It is because of two factors i.e., Russia has been isolated by much of the international community, and China has declared a “no limits” partnership with Moscow. 

The US, Japan and Australia, i.e., three other members of QUAD have all unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, the US is building pressure on India to pick a side in the current crisis.

However, Japan and Australia have not pressured India to pick a side in the crisis.  

What is the way forward?

China and Russia outreach may provide a chance for India to resolve the boundary dispute in Ladakh, and Northeast. There may be dialogue for demilitarisation of the borders.  

India’s balancing act may protect India’s immediate economic interests. But New Delhi must weigh its position vis-à-vis the QUAD and BRICS in context of the geopolitical shifts. 

Economic crisis in the island nation has provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka and India to deepen their relationship

News: In the backdrop of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka,  Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Sri Lanka that began on Monday. Both countries are expected to sign agreements, including in defence and maritime security. This is a follow up to the $2.4 billion financial aid India has extended over the past few months.

Causes of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis:

1. Mounting debt of Sri Lanka – So high that it can’t even pay for fuel and food grain imports.
2. A hit to tourism – due to Easter bombings in 2019 and the Covid pandemic.
3. Ukraine war – which disrupted supply routes, leading to shortage of essential goods.
4. Ill-timed policies – For instance, promotion of organic farming has fueled fertilizer shortages and a fall in output.
5. Heavy foreign borrowing – Particularly from China, to build infrastructure, including a mega port city in Hambantota. These capital-intensive projects did not deliver the expected returns.

What is Delhi doing?

Besides extending a credit line, Delhi has started work on a series of joint projects including the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms, renewable power projects, and a cultural centre in Jaffna.

However, considering the complex history between the two countries, India should tread cautiously in this moment in Sri Lanka.

Sound governance is a must for gender-inclusive output growth

Context: Good governance can result in women empowerment.

“Good governance” is referred to as a process of enabling the accountability of decision-making and how decisions are implemented to tackle holistic development agendas. It also brings about women’s empowerment directly by boosting gender-participation in decision making.

Good governance in practice:

The 73rd amendment act introduced the Panchayati Raj system and provided reservations for women of not less than one-third of all seats in Gram Panchayats. This sought to enable economic and political empowerment of women.

The National Policy on Empowerment of Women was introduced in 2001. It had the objectives of bringing about development, empowerment and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

Gender Budgeting was introduced in 2005-06. Wherein, the Union budget has consistently allocated 3% to 5% of its total expenditure proposals to programs that benefit women.

Gender disparities deter economic progress:

Despite measures, female labour force participation has dropped over the years. This is due to unemployability, perceived wage gaps, less representation in positions of leadership, carrying out unpaid care work, low digital literacy levels, and women’s participation mainly in informal sectors.

To address this issue progressive intervention such as integrated schemes, advocacy of political empowerment, and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ were introduced.

A case for entrepreneurship to help bridge gender disparities:

This can lead to economic empowerment of women, enable self-reliance and also foster inclusive economic growth. Research suggests that closing the gender gap would result in the addition of $0.7 trillion to our GDP.

To bridge the gender divide in India in the entrepreneurial space, the government has launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (Niti Aayog), MSME Cluster Development Program, MUDRA Yojana, among other reforms.

Way Forward:

First, introduction of specific policies for women entrepreneurship as a tool to achieve economic empowerment of women.

Second, the inclusion of rural entrepreneurs is necessary for us to create change at grassroots level. For example, MSME Procurement Policy of 2018 could be tweaked to mandate 3-5% of public procurement from women-led businesses.

GS Paper 3

The phenomenon of coral bleaching

News: The management authority of the world’s largest coral reef system, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, confirmed on 25th Mar that the reef is experiencing a mass coral bleaching event.

This is the 6th time that the coral reef system is being hit by a widespread and damaging bleaching event, and the 4th time in six years that such an event has occurred.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in a recent report said that if temperatures continue to rise, bleaching events may occur more often and a large proportion of the remaining reef cover in Australia could be lost.

What are coral reefs?

Corals are marine invertebrates or animals not possessing a spine. Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grows when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.

Types of corals: Hard coral and soft coral.

– Hard corals, also called hermatypic or ‘reef building’ corals extract calcium carbonate (also found in limestone) from the seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons.

– Soft coral polyps, however, borrow their appearance from plants, attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years and these growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs. They are the largest living structures on the planet.

• Read more about corals here

What is coral bleaching?

Bleaching happens when corals experience stress in their environment due to changes in temperature, pollution or high levels of ocean acidity.

Under stressed conditions, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species, which are not beneficial to the corals. So, the corals expel the colour-giving zooxanthellae from their polyps, which exposes their pale white exoskeleton, giving the corals a bleached appearance. This also ends the symbiotic relationship that helps the corals to survive and grow.

Bleached corals can survive, depending on the levels of bleaching and the recovery of sea temperatures to normal levels.

But, severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.

What have been the global coral bleaching events?

The first mass bleaching event had occurred in 1998 when the El Niño weather pattern caused sea surfaces in the Pacific Ocean to heat up. This event caused 8% of the world’s coral to die.

The second event took place in 2002.

The longest and most damaging bleaching event, took place from 2014 to 2017. This started with reefs in Guam in the Western Pacific region getting affected, to then affecting the North, South-Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.

​Why are coral reefs significant?

Coral reefs support over 25% of marine biodiversity, including fish, turtles and lobsters, while taking up 1% of the seafloor.

The marine life supported by reefs further fuels global fishing industries.

Besides, coral reef systems generate $2.7 trillion in annual economic value through goods and service trade and tourism.

Aside from adding economic value and being a support system for aquatic life, coral reefs also provide protection from storm waves.

Why the current bleaching event at Great Barrier Reef is significant?

It is the first time that the current bleaching event has occurred during a La Niña weather pattern, when warm areas in the Pacific Ocean shift, giving more cloud cover, rain and creating cooler weather conditions over the reef.

A contributor, not consumer

News: Recently, A book named Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vibrant and Strong India was published which analysed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in May 2020. 

What kind of self-reliance should India pursue?

India’s Atmanirbharta should neither be protectionist nor be isolationist. It should be a self-reliant India. India should be able to engage with a tension-filled world order. This can help build India’s national identity which is pivotal to the fortune of modern states.  

It should address the existential challenges that are internal to India like, addressing the conflicting aspirations and expectations of different states. For example, the aspirations of the Dravidian model of development should be synchronised with regional-specific aspirations and the holistic concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat. In the absence of cooperation, the fundamental issues such as the sharing of Cauvery waters and coal for energy, which are important for self-reliant India, will remain unresolved.  

The Western model of development cannot work for a country as diverse as India. It is evidenced by the catastrophic financial crisis of 2008. It is not human-centric.  

India’s atmanirbharta model should be based on civilisational pride, experience and a self-belief that will help India be a contributor to the world rather than only a consumer. It should be a human-centric model i.e., the growth model be based on equity and humanity. 

The politicians and leaders in India should realise that this is not a time for narrow political gains. It is a time to come together for the sake of the nation.  

Atmanirbhar Bharat envisages a self-reliant India working for Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.  

The Start-up India initiative

News: Recently a research paper was released by Dublin City University in Ireland which reviewed India’s entrepreneurial policy ‘Startup India’ which was introduced in 2016.  

How has the program been successful so far? 

The study affirmed that Startup India had a positive impact in reducing regional entrepreneurial disparities.

Startup India entrepreneurship outreach campaigns in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, helped address regional entrepreneurial disparities in India.  

The entrepreneurs that are integrated into the portal would be connected to venture capital funds, angel networks, banks, incubators, accelerators, universities, etc.  

In fact, many State govts have adopted the policies in favour of start-ups after the launch of this program.

What are the issues? 

Despite the initiative, the entrepreneurship continues to be “highly concentrated” in three megacities, namely, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi NCR.

– For example, 93% of all funding raised between 2014 and 2019 were done in these three megacities. It happened because India’s venture capital industry is clustered in and around these three cities. Eventually, it can result in regional disparities because there will be growth of one area at the expense of another area. 

The skewered nature may increase economic inequality. It will not promote the emergence of entrepreneurs in industries which are not found in the clusters of the megacities.  

There is under-representation of the ‘caste’, ‘tribe’, ‘marginalised’, ‘indigenous’ or ‘social groups’ in the policy. It could be due to caste-based economic exclusion, the urban and rural divide, lack of access to quality education and limited social networks etc. 

The policy does not take into consideration India’s digital divide, especially with respect to urban and rural areas.  

The policy ignores necessity-based or subsistence entrepreneurship which are run informally and through self-employment. For example, it is high among SC and ST communities in rural areas. 

There is under-representation of women in Start-ups. For example, RBI’s pilot survey about the new start-ups stated that 5.9% of participating Start-ups in its survey had a female founder. 

What is the way forward?

There is a need for targeted measures to promote entrepreneurship among SC and ST communities in India. It can be done using technology-and innovation-driven approach. 

The government has started capacity building programmes and the dedicated webpages for women on the entrepreneurship portal.  

Detecting microplastics in human blood

News: A recent study confirmed the presence of microplastics in human blood.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny bits of various types of plastic found in the environment in various places – the oceans or the environment. There is no universal agreement on its size. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines microplastic as less than 5 mm in length.

What were the key results of the study?

The study found that 77% of tested people (17 of the 22 persons) carried various amounts of microplastics above the limit of quantification. In 50% of the samples, the researchers detected polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET), which is used to make food grade bottles.

What is the significance of the study?

Owing to the small size of participants, the study results cannot be taken as such to mould policy etc., but the power of research is in demonstrating that a possibility of finding microplastics in the blood exists.

Does the presence of microplastics in blood have a health impact?

It is not yet clear if these microplastics can cross over from the bloodstream to deposit in organs and cause diseases. The authors point out that the human placenta has shown to be permeable to tiny particles of polystyrene.

Studies have shown that oral administration of microplastics in rats led to accumulation of these in the liver, kidney and gut.

Further studies need to be carried out to really assess the impact of plastics on humans.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Explained: Who is a ‘minority’ in India? Here’s what courts have said

What is the News?

The Supreme Court will take up a petition seeking identification of minorities at the state level and granting minority status to Hindus in states and union territories where their numbers have gone below other communities.

What is the petition about?

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court stating that the 2011 Census showed that Hindus have become a minority in states such as Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Punjab. But they were being denied minority benefits that are currently being enjoyed by the respective majority communities in these places.

What is the definition of Minority?

The Constitution does not define the term “minorities” anywhere, but only mentions it in some Articles.

For instance, 1) Article 29 deals with the “Protection of interests of minorities”, 2) Article 30 deals with the “right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions”, 3) Article 350(A) says there shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to be appointed by the President. 

So, who is a minority in India?

Currently, only those communities notified under Section 2(c) of the National Minorities Commission Act, 1992 by the central government are regarded as minorities.

Hence, in the exercise of its powers, the Centre has notified six groups — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains— as ‘minority’ communities. 

What has the Court said on the issue of Minority?

TMA PAI Case: In this case, the Supreme Court dealt with the question of the scope of rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice under the Constitution.

While delivering judgment, the court rejected the contention that since Hindus were a majority in India, they could not be a religious minority in the State of Punjab as it took the State as the unit to determine whether the Hindus were a minority community. Therefore, this judgment held that the unit to determine a religious or linguistic minority can only be the State.

BAL PATIL Case: In 2005, the SC in its judgment in ‘Bal Patil’ referred to the TMA Pai ruling, and said that the verdict in the TMA Pai Foundation case (supra) has clarified that the unit for determining the status of both linguistic and religious minorities would be ‘state’.

Source: This post is based on an article “Explained: Who is a ‘minority’ in India? Here’s what courts have said” published in Indian Express on 29th March 2022.

15 Points Programme for Minorities Welfare Schemes

What is the News?

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the welfare of Minority Communities. 

What is the PM 15 Point Programme for the welfare of Minority Communities?

It is an overarching programme covering various schemes/initiatives of the participating Ministries/Departments and is implemented throughout the country.

Aim of the Programme: To ensure that the underprivileged and weaker sections of six centrally notified minority communities have equal opportunities for availing of the various Government welfare Schemes.

To ensure that wherever possible, 15% of targets and outlays under various schemes should be earmarked for minorities. However, the schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs are exclusively meant for notified minorities.

Objectives of the Programme: The programme has the following broad objectives: a) Enhancing opportunities for education, b) Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, c) Improving the conditions of living of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes and d) Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.

Important Schemes under the Programme: 

Educational Empowerment

Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme: It provides financial assistance to students from notified minority communities, to pursue higher education such as M. Phil and Ph.D.

Naya Savera: It is a Free Coaching and Allied Scheme. The scheme aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of students and candidates from minority communities where the total annual family income is less than Rs. 6 lakh to get employment in the Government Sector, jobs in the private sector and admission in reputed institutions in technical and professional courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Economic Empowerment

Seekho aur Kamao (Learn & Earn): It is a skill development initiative for minorities and aims to upgrade the skills of minority youth in various modern/traditional skills depending upon their qualification.

Upgrading the Skill and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD)

Nai Manzil: It is a scheme to provide education and skill training to the youth from minority communities.

Gharib Nawaz Employment Training Programme: It is for providing short-term job oriented skill development courses to youths belonging to minority communities.

National Minorities Development Finance Corporation(NMDFC) Loan Schemes: It provides concessional loans for self-employment and income-generating activities for the socio-economic development of the ‘backward sections’ amongst the notified minorities.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram(PMJVK): It is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which aims to improve the socio-economic conditions and basic amenities of minorities to improve their quality of life and reduce imbalances in the identified Minority Concentration Areas. 

Source: This post is based on the article “15 Points Programme for Minorities Welfare Schemes” published in PIB on 28th March 2022.

Kozhikode to vie for UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ distinction

What is the News?

Kozhikode has been proposed by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to be branded as a ‘City of Literature’ under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network(UCCN).

Why has Kozhikode been proposed as the City of Literature?

Kozhikode has a legacy of writers such as Vaikom Mohammed Basheer, Sanjayan, S.K. Pottekkatt, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, N.N. Kakkad, and U.A. Khader. 

Adding to this is the presence of literary publications such as the Mathrubhumi weekly, a vast network of libraries and annual literary events such as the Kerala Literature Festival.

What is UNESCO Creative Cities Network(UCCN)?

Launched in: 2004 by UNESCO.

Aim: To promote cooperation among cities that recognized creativity as a major factor in their urban development.

Categories: The Network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.

Which Indian cities are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)?

Chennai and Varanasi – Cities of music,

Jaipur – City of crafts and folk arts,

Mumbai – City of film,

Hyderabad – City of gastronomy and,

Srinagar – City of Crafts and Folk Arts.

Source: ​​This post is based on an article “Kozhikode to vie for UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ distinction” published in The Hindu on 29th March 2022.

Explained: What will Australia’s new Defence Space Command Agency do?

What is the News?

Australia has announced a new Defence Space Command Agency to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in space.

What is the Defence Space Command Agency?

Setup by: Australia.

Aim: To achieve strategic space ambitions and lead the effort to assure Australia’s access to space.

Nodal Agency: The agency will bring members of the Air Force, Army, Navy and the Australian Public Service together under an integrated headquarters reporting to the Chief of Air Force, as the Space Domain Lead.

Functions of the Agency: To help Australia in developing and advocating space-specific priorities within the government, industry, allies and even international partners.

– To enable Australia in providing training to people to become space specialists, help it conduct strategic space planning and be able to be a part of any developments regarding the refinement of space policy.

Does India have its own Defence Space Agency?

India’s Defence Space Agency is a tri-service agency of the Indian Armed Forces. It was set up in 2018 and became operational in 2019.

Purpose: The agency is tasked with operating the space warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets of India. The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.

Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Source: This post is based on an article “Explained: What will Australia’s new Defence Space Command Agency do?” published in Indian Express on 29th March 2022.

Polyherbal eco-friendly technology can combat tick infestation among dairy animals

What is the News?

Scientists have found that a formulation consisting of herbal ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Nagod (Vitex negundo) is effective in combating tick infestation among dairy animals. 

About the Tick Infestation in Dairy Animals

Farmers who depend on dairy animal production are compounded by livestock ailments like tick infestation. 

These external parasites are found widely in cattle sheds across all geographical regions and proliferate rapidly. 

This causes tick worry, loss of appetite among animals causing a reduction in milk production, thereby lessening farmers’ income.

How do farmers treat tick infestation in Dairy Animals?

Presently, farmers rely on chemical acaricides that are costly. They have to use these chemicals recurrently due to the nature of parasites. This raises the input costs of the farmers.

What has been developed to tackle tick infestation in Dairy Animals?

National Innovation Foundation (NIF) has developed a polyherbal formulation consisting of ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Nagod (Vitex negundo). This formulation has been found to be effective in combating tick infestation among dairy animals.

Source: This post is based on an article “olyherbal eco-friendly technology can combat tick infestation among dairy animals” published in PIB on 28th March 2022.

Zojila tunnel work space, deadline advanced to 2024

What is the News?

Zojila tunnel will be opened for defence forces and emergency services by 2024, two years ahead of the 2026 deadline. This will ensure that the mobilization of the Army and machines to the strategic cold desert is no longer affected by closure of five or six months due to snowfall.

What is Zoji La Tunnel?

Zoji La Tunnel is a single-tube road tunnel under Zoji La pass in the Himalayas

The tunnel will connect Baltal in Kashmir with Minamarg in Ladakh. This will reduce travel time by two-and-a-half hours. 

Once completed, Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bidirectional tunnel.

What is the strategic significance of the Zoji La Tunnel?

The need for Zoji La tunnel was first felt during the 1999 Kargil war, and the recent incursions by China made it an urgent necessity. The tunnel will provide logistics flexibility and operational mobility to the Army.

What is Zoji La Pass?

Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. Zoji la is also known as the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards”.

The pass links Leh and Srinagar and provides an important link between the Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir.

Zojila pass remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off the Ladakh region from Kashmir.

Source: ​This post is based on the article “Zojila tunnel work space, deadline advanced to 2024” published in The Hindu on 29th March 2022.

Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022: Protest in LS as Bill envisages lifting biometrics of detainees

What is the News?

The Government of India has introduced the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 in Lok Sabha.

What is Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022?

Objective: To allow the police and prison authorities to collect, store and analyze physical and biological samples, including retina and iris scans.

Repealing: The Bill seeks to repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920. The act applied to the collection of “measurements” for mostly those who were convicted and who would serve a prison sentence. Measurements under this Act involved only finger impressions and footprint impressions.

Scope of the Bill: Compared to the 1920 Act, the Bill expands the individuals it seeks to cover. It proposes that the law applies to three categories of individuals:

– Those convicted of an offence are punishable under any law for the time being in force.

– Those ordered to give security for good behaviour or maintaining peace under Section 117 of the CrPC for a proceeding under Section 107, 108, 109 or 110 of the Code. These are provisions involving “suspected criminals” or “habitual offenders” with a view to preventing crime.

– Those arrested in connection with an offence punishable under any law in force or detained under any preventive detention law. This would include the National Security Act or the Public Safety Act.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Powers to Police and Prison Authorities: It authorizes police and prison authorities to take measurements of convicts and other persons for the purposes of identification and investigation in criminal matters and to preserve records and for matters connected therewith.

Definition of Measurements: It defines “measurements” to include finger impressions, palm-print and foot-print impressions, photographs, iris and retina scan, physical, biological samples and their analysis.

Nodal Agency to Store Biological Data: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) will be the repository of physical and biological samples, signatures and handwriting data that can be preserved for at least 75 years.

Empowers a Magistrate: A Magistrate can direct law enforcement officials to collect fingerprints, footprint impressions and photographs in the case of a specified category of convicted and non-convicted persons.

Refusal to Comply: Resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements under this Act shall be deemed to be an offence under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Exceptions: The Bill states that except for those accused of offences committed against a woman or a child, or for any offence punishable with imprisonment for a period that is not less than seven years, a person accused of any other offence can refuse to allow the taking of his biological samples under the Bill.

– Even if such data is collected from the accused, it can be destroyed from the records unless a magistrate in writing directs otherwise.

What are the issues with this Bill?

Beyond Legislative competence of the Centre: The Bill was beyond the legislative competence of Parliament, as it violated fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to privacy.

Lack of clarity: Several provisions are not defined in the Bill itself. For instance, the statement of objects says it provides for the collection of measurements for “convicts and other persons” but the expression “other persons” is not defined.

Against Article 20(3): The Bill will be debated against Article 20(3) of the Constitution, which is a fundamental right that guarantees the right against self-incrimination. It states that no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Other Concerns: The Bill brings to focus the rights of prisoners and the right to be forgotten since biometric data can be stored for 75 years. While the jurisprudence around the right to be forgotten is still in an early stage in India, the Puttaswamy judgment discusses it as a facet of the fundamental right to privacy.

Source: This post is based on an article “Protest in LS as Bill envisages lifting biometrics of detainees” published in The Hindu on 29th March 2022.

Rejuvenation Work of Saraswati River

What is the News?

A Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) has been signed between the Governments of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for the construction of the Adi Badri dam on river Somb in Himachal Pradesh, which among others will rejuvenate the Sarasvati river.

Note: Adi Badri, situated in Haryana near the Himachal Pradesh border, is believed to be the Saraswati river’s origin point.

Committee on Saraswati River: The Government of India had constituted a committee of experts. In its report, it had concluded that the Saraswati River, so far considered mythical, existed. It has also ​​found evidence of the course of the river Saraswati.

What is the course of the Saraswati River?

Origin: Saraswati River originated in the Himalayas and met the gulf at the western sea.

States: The river passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat, the land texture of which was studied by the panel.

Countries: The river passed through Pakistan before meeting the Western Sea through the Rann of Kutch. One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch fell in India.

The river had two branches: western and eastern. 

– Western Branch: The Himalayan-born Satluj “of the PAST”, which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets represents the western branch of the ancient river.

– Eastern Branch: Markanda and Sarsuti (the corruption of Saraswati) represented the western branch of Saraswati, known as Tons-Yamuna.

The confluence of these branches was near Shatrana, 25 km south of Patiala. And suddenly, it flows crossing the desert (Rann of Kutch) and meets the Gulf of the western sea.

What is the historical evidence of the Saraswati River?

The Sarasvati River is one of the main Rigvedic rivers mentioned in the scripture Rig Veda and later Vedic and post-Vedic texts.

Book 6 of the Rig Veda includes a hymn called the ‘Nadistuti Sukta’, which sings praises of the Saraswati as being a “perfect mother, unsurpassed river, supreme goddess”.

Source: This post is based on the article “Rejuvenation Work of Saraswati River” published in PIB on 28th March 2022.

NITI Aayog and FAO Launch Book Titled Indian Agriculture towards 2030

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has released a book titled Indian Agriculture towards 2030: Pathways for Enhancing Farmers’ Income, Nutritional Security and Sustainable Food and Farm Systems.

What is the “Indian Agriculture towards 2030” Book?

Released by: NITI Aayog and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Purpose of this book: The book captures the outcomes of the deliberative process of national dialogue by NITI Aayog and the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and facilitated by FAO since 2019.

Themes: The book covers the following themes:

— Transforming Indian Agriculture

— Structural Reforms and Governance

— Dietary Diversity, Nutrition and Food Safety

— Managing Climate Risks in Agriculture

— Science, Technology and Innovation

— Symbiosis of Water and Agricultural Transformation in India

— Pests, Pandemics, Preparedness and Biosecurity

— Transformative Agroecology-Based Alternatives for a Sustainable and Biodiverse Future.

What is the significance of this book?

Indian agriculture is typically identified with the ‘Green Revolution’ that started in the 1960s, enabling the nation to make great strides in domestic food production and significantly contributing to progress in agriculture and allied sectors. It transformed India from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus, export-oriented country. 

However, now the country is facing second-generation problems, especially related to sustainability, nutrition, the adoption of new agricultural technologies and, perhaps most importantly, income levels of the population dependent on farming. 

This book discusses the solutions to these challenges and aims to complement the efforts of the Government of India in designing a post-Green Revolution future for the country. 

Source: This post is based on an article “NITI Aayog and FAO Launch Book Titled Indian Agriculture towards 2030” published in PIB on 28th March 2022.

Explained: What are Articulated All-Terrain Vehicles and why does the Indian Army need such vehicles?

What is the News?

The Indian Army has issued a Request For Information(RFI) for the supply of Articulated All-Terrain Vehicles to be deployed in Ladakh and Kutch.

What are Articulated All Terrain Vehicles?

Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle is a twin cabin, tracked, amphibious carrier for off-road mobility. 

The special design of this vehicle exerts low ground pressure on the soil and a pull-push mode of locomotion between two cabins facilitates mobility over varied terrains like snow, desert and slush. 

A ballistic protection in the cabin body ensures protection to troops travelling in it from small arms fire.

Where can these vehicles be used?

These vehicles are very useful to move troops or supplies in snow-bound terrains and in marshy/sandy environments. 

They can be very effective for patrolling and rapid deployment in operational situations.

For instance, the Indian Army wishes to use these vehicles in the snow-bound areas of Ladakh and in the marshy terrain of the Rann of Kutch.

Who manufactures such vehicles?

There are several Western manufacturers of Articulated All-Terrain Vehicles including Canada and Finland.

Source: This post is based on an article “Explained: What are Articulated All-Terrain Vehicles and why does the Indian Army need such vehicles?” published in Indian Express on 29th March 2022.