Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The paradox of BRICS, its new pathway

News- The article explains the journey of BRICS since its inception and current events related to the grouping.

What led to the formation of BRICS?

Jim O’Neil’s gave the concept of BRIC, a grouping of four emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).

Two of its components joined hands with South Africa to form IBSA in 2003. China was keen to join it and managed to enlist South Africa’s support. But Brazil and India were not ready. They maintained that the forum was open to democracies only.

China played a trump card, and decided to bring South Africa into BRIC, thus turning it into BRICS. Soon, the new club overshadowed IBSA. IBSA has been unable to hold its summit since 2011. But BRICS has held 14 summits in the past 13 years.

What is the progress of BRICS so far?

BRICS focused its attention on both geopolitical and economic dimensions. It has articulated a common view on key global and regional issues. It has also projected a non-western view.

It has strengthened the multipolarity and limited the dominating influence of the West.

On the economic front, it launched new initiatives.

These are the New Development Bank; the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), a financial mechanism to protect against global liquidity pressures; and a comprehensive programme to expand trade and investment cooperation.

What are the challenges before BRICS?

China and Russia did not fully back other members’ bid to secure membership of the UN Security Council. So, they were disappointed.

In century’s second decade of the century, there was a dramatic economic rise of China and its military assertiveness increased. This disturbed the group’s inner balance.

The post-Ukraine consolidation of Russia-China cooperation, economic issues in South Africa that accelerates dependence on China, and Brazil’s rightist policies have generated new tensions.

Beijing’s push for a common currency for intra-BRICS trade is also symptomatic of the group’s inner troubles.

Why are so many countries willing to join BRICS?

19 countries are eager to join BRICS.  China is pushing the expansion as a strategic device to extend its global influence.

The demand to join BRICS stems from ‘fear of missing out’ on the membership of a club that has some visibility.

Many realise that the doors of other groupings are closed to them. The clamour reflects prevailing anti-western sentiments and desire to create a forum of the Global South.

What are options available before BRICS for entry of new members?

The next BRICS summit will be hosted by South Africa on August 23-24. It could take decisions on expansion and its criteria.

Three options are available: (1) A mega expansion that raises the membership from five to 21, thus surpassing the G-20.

(2) Limited admission of 10 new members, two each supported by an existing member.

(3) Admission of only five new members, one each supported by an existing member.

If the third option wins consensus, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, UAE and Bangladesh are the most likely states to be the new members.

India@75, Looking at 100: How we can resolve the tribal health challenge

News– The article explains the issues of access of healthcare system for tribal communities

What are the achievements of India in the healthcare sector?

Since Independence, India has made remarkable progress. It has emerged as the world’s fifth-largest economy and a leader in the digital realm.

India, at various points, has demonstrated the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One World, One Family. One example is India’s contribution towards the global vaccination drive during the pandemic.

Under “Vaccine Maitri”, India provided over 60 million vaccine doses to neighbouring countries and other parts of the world.

What are challenges faced in the healthcare sector?

The challenge lies in building a healthcare system that caters to all communities.

For instance, tribal communities in India constitute 8.9% of the population. They remain the most neglected and deprived group in access to healthcare.

As per a report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the mortality rate in tribal areas is 44% higher than the national average, and infant mortality is 63% higher. This underlines the urgent need to empower tribal communities and ensure they receive equitable healthcare access.

The challenges they face are multifaceted — lack of infrastructure, medical professionals, connectivity, affordability, equipment, insurance, funding, and much more.

How can India build an inclusive healthcare system for tribal communities?

There is a need for suitable investments, public policy and governance, for making healthcare affordable and accessible to all.

Empowering tribal communities must be done strategically, keeping in mind their traditions and other intangible heritage touchpoints.

The health of communities is influenced by various factors. These factors differ significantly for tribal communities.

They have a communitarian social setup, an underdeveloped economy dependent on forest resources and unique geographic conditions. As a result, their health outcomes necessitate a unique approach.

A long-term solution to the tribal healthcare challenge is investing in medical colleges and training centres across such remote areas.

These institutions can equip local healthcare providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to offer quality healthcare services. It has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare infrastructure and provide employment opportunities for the local population.

The capabilities of public partnerships in redefining healthcare facilities and accessibility are important. Recently, NITI Aayog and UNDP highlighted initiatives that are sustainable, innovative, impactful and replicable.

One such initiative is the Mera Baccha Abhiyan. It aims to fight malnutrition through public participation in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh. As a result, the malnutrition rate in the district dropped by 17.5%.

The responsibility of providing healthcare for all our fellow citizens, lies both with private and government institutions. Through inclusive leadership and investments in healthcare infrastructure in tribal areas, India can empower tribal communities.

Disregarding Constitution, court, citizens

News– Recently, a Constitution Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud held that the Delhi government can make laws and administer civil services in the national capital.

In response, The President promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 to make a fresh claim of power over the services in the capital.

How the control over services by LG has impacted the administration in Delhi?

In 2015, when the Union Ministry of Home Affairs took away the Delhi government’s control over services and gave it to the Lieutenant Governor.

It impeded the Delhi government’s work. There were day-to-day problems in the functioning of important departments as secretaries were changed frequently. Frequent transfers of officials impacted the consistency and efficiency in governance.

Over two years, the Centre changed Delhi’s Health Secretary eight times and derailed the Delhi government’s relief efforts.

As the government had no functional control over services, it could not punish errant officers. Delhi witnessed the highest number of vacancies of teachers, doctors, engineers, clerks and other staff because of personnel mismanagement.

Several honest and efficient officials were often penalised for their merits and subjected to punishment postings. They had no clarity on whose directions they were to follow.

The Services Department even refused to answer questions raised by MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha. Some senior officials even started skipping meetings called by Ministers. They evaded answerability for delayed, inefficient and inadequate action.

How did the ordinance passed by the centre disregard the spirit of the constitution?

The ordinance has disregarded the elected government in the matter of services. So, it reduces the value of the citizen’s vote and of cooperative federalism.

It is an institutionalisation of the Centre’s tendency to use the apparatus of Governor/LG to undermine democratically elected governments in States/NCT.

The Ordinance is an attempt to disempower opposition-run governments and disenfranchise the people.

For more reading –

Tussle over services in Delhi

Supreme Court empowered Delhi government

Justice that also makes space for animal welfare

News– The article explains the SC judgments on jallikattu and legal and constitutional issues related to animal rights

What was SC judgement on jallikattu in A. Nagaraja case?

It declared the practice illegal. SC held that bulls could never be performing animals.

They were anatomically ill-suited for competition. They were being forced into participating in a practice that caused them unnecessary pain and suffering. Any conduct of jallikattu breached the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

What was the response of the Tamil Nadu government on SC judgement?

To overcome the judgement, the Government of Tamil Nadu, in 2017, introduced a series of amendments to the 1960 Union law. It ensured that jallikattu was altogether exempted from the protections that the statute offered.

The government said the law was made with a view to preserving the State’s tradition and culture.

What was the response of petitioners who challenged the Tamil Nadu law in SC?

In Animal Welfare Board of India vs Union of India case, the validity of a Tamil Nadu law permitting the practice of jallikattu was challenged before SC.

First, petitioners claimed that the law had failed to overcome the verdict in A. Nagaraja, where jallikattu had been found unlawful.

They argued that the Government of Tamil Nadu lacked the legislative competence to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Third, they asserted that animals too must be treated as persons. So, jallikattu violates the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

What is criticism against the SC judgement on Tamil Nadu law?

The Court’s response to these arguments is dissatisfactory and often contradictory. This is especially true in its approach to claims of personhood.

The Court held that there is no precedent that provides fundamental rights on animals in India. It would be an act of judicial adventurism to confer rights on animals that are enjoyed by human beings.

As per SC, amending law can be tested for reasonableness that is contained in Article 14 of the Constitution. But that right too, cannot be invoked by any animal as a person.

It is difficult to understand the rationale for this distinction. The right to equality under Article 14 is conferred only on persons. Now, if animals are not persons, then surely the law cannot at the same time be tested on Article 14.

Despite these assertions, the judgement contains no ensuing analysis on whether the Tamil Nadu amendments are against the requirement of equal treatment.

On a reading of the Constitution, it can be implied that animals are not persons and therefore do not enjoy fundamental rights. But it does not mean that a law, which encourages cruelty to animals, be treated as beyond judicial review.

What is the way forward for preventing cruelty against the animals?

There is no need for seeing animals as persons and conferring on them a set of justiciable rights. There is a need to change our conception of rights to treat animal welfare as intrinsic to our constitutional arrangement.

The Supreme Court has routinely dealt with these types of issues. For example, it has held that a human being’s right to life includes within its ambit a right to live in a healthy environment, and a right to clean air and water.

It can be argued that our own right to lead a meaningful life includes a right to live in a society that respects and treats animals with equal concern.

Deciding on issues of personhood might well be Parliament’s prerogative. But our present juridical structure makes it impossible to treat the advancement of animal welfare.

It is our collective obligation to extend our commitment to justice not only to human beings but to animals too.

India should adopt a tort law to strengthen its delivery of justice

News: The article discusses the punitive damage and the need for tort law in India.

What is punitive damage?

Punitive damages are fundamental to legal structures worldwide because they prevent wrongdoing and ensure justice and accountability.

Punitive damages are imposed in addition to the actual damages suffered by victims and are frequently enforced in cases involving extreme negligence.

US, China, Australia, Canada and the UK utilize this legal provision, to ensure accountability.

However, India does not have the concept of punitive damages in its laws. It has been mostly inclined towards compensatory damages rather than punitive damages. This highlights the need of tort law in India.

Why is a tort law needed in India?

Multiple instances such as structures collapsing, people inflicting harm on others, etc. are happening frequently in India. It is the common who suffers the most with these problems.

Therefore, a tort law is needed – a) to enhance legal provisions, protect the most vulnerable and ensure justice, b) it would ensure parties, including government entities, are held accountable for negligent actions, c) to raise expectations of civic responsibilities and promote more faith in the legal systems that protect society.

Moreover, inconsistent rulings on punitive damages by Indian courts in major incidents like the Uphaar cinema fire accident has highlighted the need for tort law.

The compensation provided in the Uphaar cinema case was very less compared to the recent Morbi incident. Therefore, there has been disparities in the compensation.

Hence, a tort law will streamline the legal landscape, providing a consistent approach to all civil wrongs, leading to better risk management and efficient use of resources.

What has been the history of tort law?

British period: In 1882, when the British introduced comprehensive codification of criminal, commercial and procedural laws, tort law remained uncodified.

The fourth law commission in 1879 emphasized the importance of having a torts law in India. This led to draft a Law of Torts for India in 1886. However, this draft never progressed to legislative action.

After independence: The First Law Commission of India’s first report in April 1956 outlined proposals for legislation regarding the liability of the state in tort cases.

A bill based on the report was introduced in the Lok Sabha in 1967 and referred to a joint committee. Unfortunately, due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1971, the bill was not passed and has not been revived since.

What can be the way ahead?

Although some higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have granted punitive damages in specific cases, they have also decreased damages in other instances, indicating inconsistency in the application of this principle.

Therefore, a law of tort that extends its jurisdiction to courts including subordinate courts is crucial. This would democratize access to justice by making punitive damages a right available to all victims of civil wrongs rather than a few.

GS Paper 3

The unsung hero – After five years, it seems GST has begun to show sustained growth even as it has many weaknesses and policy challenges

News: The article highlights the different trend in the tax collection rate in India.

What has been the trend in the tax collection post-Covid?

Direct Tax: Direct Tax bounced back with a growth rate of 49 percent in 2021-22 and again with 18 per cent in 2022-23 after suffering a decline of almost 10 percent in 2020-21.

GST: Growth in GST collection in 2019-20 was 4 percent but collection fell by 7 percent in the first Covid year of 2020-21. However, the growth rate increased to 31 percent in 2021-22 and 22 percent in 2022-23.

How has the GST collection been compared to the Direct Taxes?

The recovery in GST collection has been better than the increase seen in direct taxes.

In 2018-19, direct taxes accounted for 6.01 percent of GDP. In 2021-22, this share was still below the pre-Covid level at about 6 percent and moved up marginally to 6.11 per cent in 2022-23.

Why hasn’t direct tax collection done well?

Corporation tax collection has fared. Its growth was at 41 percent in 2022-23. However, personal income tax, which did well in 2021-22 (43 percent up), saw a decline of about 6 percent in the next year.

This was the major cause for direct tax collection to perform poorly compared to the GST.

Why has there been an increase in the collection of corporation tax compared to the personal income tax?

Since 2015, corporation tax rates have been steadily reduced almost every year, and these reductions are related to the phase-out of exemptions. In 2019, the reduction was significant for new companies as well.

Companies have also bounced back with higher profits immediately after the end of Covid. These all have led to the healthy rate of corporation tax collection.

What does the recent trend in personal income-tax collection imply?

Personal income-tax collection has been a cause for concern for the finance ministry.

In 2020-21, the ministry tried to introduce an alternative exemption-free taxation regime to widen the tax base and improve collection. However, due to various problems, the scheme hasn’t been effective.

Further, the recent attempts of the finance ministry to levy a 20 percent TCS could be seen as a mechanism to boost its personal income-tax collection. However, such an attempt is a sign of short-sighted taxation policy.

What has caused the improvement in the collection of GST?

1. a) e-invoicing and procedural simplification, b) better compliance procedures, c) the rising inflation rate and d) the rise in import duties, have all made GST collection higher.

GST collection also saw the tax’s share in GDP going up. The share of GST in GDP was 6.22 percent in 2018-19. After this share fell in the Covid period, it once again rose to 6.65 percent in 2022-23.

What are the challenges with GST collection?

1. a) too many rate slabs persist with no moderation in the rates of several items, b) the exclusion of petrol and diesel from the GST ambit, c) the phase-out of the compensation cess is also unresolved.

Hence, the current phase of healthy GST growth could be an opportunity for the government to address the long-pending problems with the GST.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Govt’s power to promulgate, repromulgate Ordinances — why and how

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt’s power to promulgate, repromulgate Ordinances — why and how” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The President of India has promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.

What is Ordinance?

Article 123 of the Constitution gives the President of India powers to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session and an immediate action is required.

– Note: Article 213 deals with the broadly analogous powers of the Governor to promulgate/ withdraw an Ordinance when the state legislature is not in session.

Article 123 reads “If at any time, except when both Houses of Parliament are in session, the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action, he may promulgate Ordinances”.

An Ordinance shall have the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament. But the government is required to bring an Ordinance before Parliament for ratification — and failure to do so will lead to its lapsing at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament.

The Ordinance may lapse earlier if the President withdraws it — or if both Houses pass resolutions disapproving it.

Also, if an Ordinance makes a law that Parliament is not competent to enact under the Constitution, it shall be considered void.

Since the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, it is in effect the government that decides to bring the Ordinance. 

The President may return the recommendation of the Cabinet once if she feels it warrants reconsideration; if it is sent back (with or without reconsideration), she has to promulgate it.

What are the Supreme Court judgments on ordinances?

RC Cooper Case 1970: The Supreme Court held that the President’s decision to promulgate an ordinance could be challenged on the grounds that ‘immediate action’ was not required, and the ordinance had been issued primarily to bypass debate and discussion in the legislature.

Dr D C Wadhwa and Ors v. State of Bihar and Ors (1986): The Supreme Court held that it would most certainly be a colourable exercise of power for the Government to ignore the Legislature and repromulgate the Ordinance while continuing to regulate the life and liberty of its citizens through Executive-made Ordinances.

Krishna Kumar Singh and Another v. State of Bihar: In 2017, the Supreme Court examined a case where the state of Bihar re-promulgated an Ordinance several times without placing it before the legislature.

– The court reiterated that legislation should normally be done by the legislature, and the Governor’s power to issue an Ordinance is in the nature of emergency power.

– The court clarified that there might be circumstances permitting the re-promulgation of an Ordinance — however, it said, repeated re-promulgations without bringing the Ordinance to the legislature would usurp the legislature’s function, and would be unconstitutional.

L-G can destabilize MCD with power to appoint aldermen, says SC

Source: The post is based on the article “L-G can destabilize MCD with power to appoint aldermen, says SC” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has said that holding the power to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) may arm the Lieutenant Governor with muscle to destabilize a democratically-elected local body.

Who are Aldermen?

Click Here to read

What is the case before the Supreme Court?

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the Delhi government seeking quashing of the orders and notifications issued by the L-G nominating 10 persons under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957 as nominated members of the MCD. 

The plea also sought directions to the L-G to nominate members to the MCD under the DMC Act in accordance with the aid and advice of the council of ministers in the Legislative Assembly of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

The Delhi government’s plea relied on the 2018 Constitution bench judgment of the SC which says the L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers of GNCTD in relation to matters within the legislative scope of the territory.

What are the observations made by the Supreme Court on this?

The Additional Solicitor General, representing LG argued that there is a distinction between the powers of the L-G under Article 239AA of the Constitution and their role as an Administrator of the national capital. He claimed that the L-G has an active role in the nomination of aldermen based on the law.

However, the SC stated that by giving this power to the L-G, it could potentially destabilize the democratically elected MCD.

The SC also clarified that the L-G does not have extensive executive powers in the national capital, which operates under a unique “Asymmetric Federal Model” of governance.

The court specified that the L-G can exercise executive power at their discretion only in three specific areas, under Article 239AA(3)(a): 1) Public order 2) Police and 3) Land in Delhi.

The court also stated that if the L-G disagrees with the Council of Ministers of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, they should follow the procedure outlined in the Transaction of Business (ToB) Rules 1961.

Sepsis: Researchers find how hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock

Source: The post is based on the article “Researchers find how hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock” published in The Print on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

An international team of researchers studied the role of hydrocortisone in the management of adult patients with septic shock.

They found that while hydrocortisone had a minor effect on overall survival, it was related to a reduction in the requirement for vasopressor medicines and an improvement in survival when given in combination with other corticosteroids.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an infection. This reaction causes drastic changes in the body and can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Stages: Doctors have identified three stages of sepsis:

– Sepsis: An infection reaches the bloodstream and causes inflammation in the body.

– Severe sepsis: The infection is severe enough to affect organ function.

– Septic shock: There’s a significant drop in blood pressure that can lead to respiratory or heart failure, stroke, dysfunction of other organs, and possibly death.

Caused by: Sepsis is most often caused by bacterial infections but almost any infection can cause sepsis if left untreated. Both sepsis and septic shock can happen to anyone.

Cases: Sepsis is a global health problem, impacting 55 million patients and killing 11 million people each year. 

Treatment: Sepsis treatment may include early detection, source management, antibiotics, fluids, vasopressors and adjuvant therapy.

What is the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism?” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The co-legislators at the European Commission signed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

CBAM has been described as a landmark tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that are entering the EU and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.

Objective: Its primary objective is to avert ‘carbon leakage’. Carbon leakage occurs when companies based in the EU move carbon-intensive production abroad to countries where less stringent climate policies are in place than in the EU or when EU products get replaced by more carbon-intensive imports.

Key Provisions: From 2026, once the CBAM is fully implemented, importers in the EU would have to buy carbon certificates corresponding to the payable carbon price of the import had the product been produced in the EU under its carbon pricing rules. 

– Conversely, if a non-EU producer is paying a price (or tax) for carbon used to produce the imported goods, back home or in some other country, the corresponding cost would be deducted for the EU importer. 

– Importers would have to annually declare by May-end the quantity and embedded emissions in the goods imported into the region in the preceding year.

Sectors covered: CBAM would initially apply to imports of certain goods and selected precursors, whose production is carbon-intensive and are at risk of ‘leakage’ such as the cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen sectors.

What would be the impact on other countries due to the EU’s CBAM?

In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had concluded that Russia, China and Turkey were most exposed to the mechanism.

India, Brazil and South Africa would be most affected among the developing countries. Mozambique would be the most exposed least-developing country.

Note: EU as a whole represents about 14% of India’s export mix for all products, steel and aluminium included.

What would be the impact on India?

India’s exports in the five segments covered under CBAM represent less than 2% of the total exports to the EU between 2019 and 2021. However, its long-term effects can be severe for multiple factors: 

Firstly, the EU being India’s third-largest trade partner and given the latter’s projected growth trajectories, the size of exports (including in the CBAM sectors) will invariably rise. 

Secondly, CBAM’s scope would expand beyond its current ambit to include other sectors as well. 

Thirdly, international climate policies (including CBAM) will compel other countries to impose similar regulations eventually translating to “a significant impact” on India’s trading relationships and balance of payments.

India gives Bangladesh key rail infra

Source: The post is based on the article “India gives Bangladesh key rail infra” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

India has handed over 20 Broad Gauge (BG) locomotives to neighbouring Bangladesh.

In 2020, India provided 10 locomotives to Bangladesh as a grant. These locomotives are performing well and contributing to the smooth movement of rail traffic.

About the trains between India and Bangladesh

Rail connectivity is one of the key components of the bilateral development partnership between India and Bangladesh.

Currently, three pairs of passenger trains operate between India-Bangladesh. These are Kolkata-Dhaka: Maitree Express, Kolkata-Khulna: Bandhan Express and New Jalpaiguri- Dhaka: Mitali Express.

Further, the two countries are working in full swing to complete and commission the two cross-border rail connectivity. These are – (a) Akhaura-Agartala and (b) Mahihasan-Shahbazpur.

India Railways – A major exporter of coaches, rakes

The Indian Railways is emerging as one of the major exporters of coaches and rakes to foreign countries. 

In March, the Indian Railways exported 54 loco-hauled coaches and 30 DEMU coaches (cape-gauge) to Mozambique. 

The exportation of coaches is a boost to Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiatives and also a perfect example of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.

The Telangana- A.P. water dispute

Source: The post is based on the article “The Telangana- A.P. water dispute” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The dispute over the water share of the Krishna river between Andhra Pradesh(A.P) and Telangana remains unresolved, even nine years after the bifurcation of the combined State.

What is the origin of the Krishna Water Dispute?

Krishna Water Dispute dates back to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in November 1956. 

Before the formation of Andhra Pradesh, four senior leaders each from different regions of Andhra, including the Rayalaseema Region and the Telangana region signed a Gentlemen’s Agreement on February 20, 1956.

One of the major provisions of the agreement was the protection of Telangana’s interests and needs with respect to the utilization of water resources with equitable distribution based on treaties followed globally.

However, the focus of the combined dispensation with respect to irrigation facilities was on Andhra which already had systems developed by the British at the cost of in-basin drought-prone areas in Telangana — a fact which was argued by the leaders of the latter region from the beginning.

In 1969, the Bachawat Tribunal (KWDT-I) was constituted to settle the dispute around water share among the riparian States of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (before bifurcation). The Tribunal allocated 811 tmcft of dependable water to Andhra Pradesh. 

The A.P government later apportioned it in the 512:299 tmcft ratio between Andhra (including parts of Rayalaseema which comprise the Krishna Basin) and Telangana respectively based on the command area developed and utilization mechanism established by then. 

The Tribunal had also recommended taking the Tungabhadra Dam (a part of the Krishna Basin) water to the drought-prone Mahabubnagar area of Telangana. However, this was not followed through, giving birth to discontent among the people.

Telangana had time and again reiterated how it had been meted out with injustice in Andhra Pradesh when it came to the matter of distributing water resources.

What was the arrangement for water sharing after the bifurcation?

There is no mention of water shares in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, since the KWDT-I Award which was still in force, had not made any region-wise allocation. 

What does each State claim?

Telangana has been asking the Centre to finalize water shares from day one of its formations. Citing treaties and agreements followed globally in sharing river waters, Telangana has been arguing that as per the basin parameters, it is entitled to at least a 70% share in the allocation of the 811 tmcft. 

Besides, it has been highlighting how A.P. has been diverting about 300 tmcft of water to the areas outside the basin from fluoride-affected and drought-prone areas within the basin in Telangana.

On the other hand, A.P. has also been staking a claim for a higher share of water to protect the interests of command areas already developed.

What is the stand of the Centre on this issue?

The Centre convened two meetings of the Apex Council comprising the Union Minister and Chief Ministers of Telangana and A.P. in 2016 and 2020 without making any attempt to deal with the issue. 

Following a suggestion made by the Centre in 2020, Telangana has withdrawn its petition over the issue in the Supreme Court as the Ministry had assured to refer the matter of water shares to a Tribunal. 

However, the Centre has been sitting over the issue for over two years now even as the two States continue to spar over the matter day in and day out.

‘73% Smart City projects completed’

Source: The post is based on the article “73% Smart City projects completed” published in The Hindu on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed about the progress made under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM).

What is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)?

Click Here to read

Implementation of the mission: The mission is monitored by an Apex Committee headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It regularly reports on the progress of projects through the Real-Time Geographical Management Information System.

– A Smart City Advisory Forum (SCAF) has also been established at the city level to advise and enable collaboration among various stakeholders.

– For each smart city, a Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) has also been created to plan, appraise, approve, release funds, implement, manage, operate, monitor and evaluate the Smart City development projects.

What is the progress in the Smart City Mission?

More than 90% of the funds allocated under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) have been utilized till now while 73% of the projects have been completed.

What does the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs say about the Mission in its report?

The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs has noted the contrasting difference in the performance of cities under the Smart Cities Mission.

It said that on the one hand, 32 smart cities have completed more than the number of projects planned for implementation under the SCM, in some cases even four times more than the actual target.

On the other hand, the remaining 68 smart cities are yet to meet the project completion targets wherein the performance of some cities is quite dismal. 

Therefore, the total number of completed projects gives a misleading picture because it also takes into account the excess projects accomplished by 32 performing smart cities.

What is the FIPIC summit that PM Modi attended in Papua New Guinea?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the FIPIC summit that PM Modi attended in Papua New Guinea?” published in Indian Express on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

The third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit was held in Papua New Guinea. 

What is FIPIC?

The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was launched during the Indian PM’s visit to Fiji in 2014.

FIPIC includes 14 island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu – that are located in the Pacific Ocean, to the northeast of Australia.

The first FIPIC summit was held in 2014 at Suva, Fiji’s capital city.

A major part of India’s engagement with these countries is through development assistance under South-South Cooperation, mainly in capacity building (training, scholarships, grant-in-aid and loan assistance) and community development projects.

About India’s Assistance to Pacific Island Countries

India has supported Fiji and Papua New Guinea by providing indelible ink for their general elections.

An important healthcare initiative, the Jaipur Foot Camp, was organized in Fiji in collaboration with the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services, fully funded by the Indian government.During the camp, approximately 600 Fijians received customized prosthetic limbs.

India has also extended Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Pacific Island Countries (PICs) on several occasions. 

In addition to bilateral engagements, the establishment of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund in 2017 has been significant.The fund’s primary objective is to provide assistance to developing countries, with a specific focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and small island developing states, by supporting sustainable development projects that are based on their specific needs and demands. 

​​What happened at the third FIPIC summit in 2023?

Indian Prime Minister announced initiatives such as:

– Establishment of a super-speciality cardiology hospital in Fiji. The Indian government will bear the full cost of this mega greenfield project.

– Sea ambulances will be provided to all 14 Pacific island countries.

– The PM also pledged to provide desalination units for the people of every Pacific Island country.