9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Brief 3 February, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Future of Water as a Trading Commodity
Source: This post on Trading of Water as a Commodity has been created based on the article “The future of water” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography – Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent).
News: Future of Water as a Trading Commodity, The article discusses the issue of the trading of water as a commodity. It also highlights the safeguards regarding access to water established by the Constitution and Supreme Court.
Recently, there have been reports of water being traded as a commodity (like gold, oil). For instance, a futures contract allows buyers and sellers to barter a fixed price for the delivery of a fixed quantity of water at a future date.
What are The Concerns With the Trading of Water as a Commodity.?
- One should not put a value on water as it belongs to everyone and is a public good.
- If water was traded as a futures commodity, then hedge funds, banks, large industrial and agricultural players would buy into it and marginalize vulnerable sections like small-scale farmers.
According to the author, if this happens, water scarcity will become a norm and water will become unaffordable for many.
What is The Situation of Water Scarcity?
Water scarcity is caused by the overuse of groundwater, climate change, a warming planet and rapid migration to already overpopulated large cities.
Globally: The UN 2023 World Water Development Report notes that 26% of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water.
In India: The World Bank explains that India has 18% of the world’s population, but only 4% of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed in the world.
Want To Know More Topics-
India-Myanmar Relations- In Wake of Ongoing Crisis
Analysis of the Interim Budget 2024- Explained P
How Do The Constitution and Supreme Court Deal with Issues of Access to Water?
1) Constitution:
a. Article 262 provides that Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of any inter-State river or river valley.
Hence, Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 was enacted to deal with complaints by state governments against each other. For instance, Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
b. Article 39 provides that the state shall direct its policy towards securing that the ownership and control of material resources of the community are distributed to subserve the common good. Water would fall within this category of resources.
2) Supreme Court:
a. In Narmada Bachao Andolan v Union of India (2000), the Court concluded that water is part of the right to life enshrined in Article 21.
b. In A.P. Pollution Control Board II v Prof. M.V. Nayudu (2001), the court declared that it is the duty of the state under Article 21 to provide clean drinking water to its citizens.
Thus, a fundamental right for every Indian to access safe and clean water has been established. This may act as the deterrence against pricing water outside the reach of the average Indian.
How is Pricing of Water Determined in India?
Water pricing is determined by states by the respective municipality frameworks. There is no central authority for the regulation of water pricing.
Question for practice:
What are the issues with the trading of water as a commodity? Elaborate upon the safeguards regarding access to water established by the Constitution and Supreme Court in India.
Rapid Population Growth of India
Source: The post situation of India’s population has been created, based on the article “Population priorities” published in “ The Hindu ” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.
News: Rapid Population Growth of India, The article talks about a new committee being formed to address issues caused by India’s rapid population growth and demographic changes. It also highlights the need for this committee to focus on related challenges, such as job creation and social security.
What is The Current Situation of India’s Population?
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India has decreased to 2.
Some states like Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26), and Manipur (2.17) have TFRs above 2.1.
The TFR has fallen from 5.7 in 1950 to 2 in 2020, showing significant reduction.
Southern States’ population share decreased from 26% in 1951 to 21% in 2011, due to rapid TFR reduction.
This decrease in TFR is linked to better socio-economic outcomes and education in these regions.
What are The Challenges of Population Changes?
Aging and Urbanization: The demographic shift and rising life expectancy in India are leading to new challenges in managing an aging population and rapid urbanization.
Employment and Productivity: With high unemployment and slow creation of non-farm jobs, there’s a risk of not fully capitalizing on the demographic dividend.
Social Security: Adequate social security is crucial for the aging workforce, ensuring support in later years.
Avoiding Distractions: The committee should focus on these demographic challenges rather than getting sidetracked by issues of religion and immigration, as suggested by the ruling party.
Want To Read More Topics-
Brain-Computer Interface- Explained Pointwise
Challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies In India-
What Should be Done?
Form a Focused Committee: Establish a high-powered committee to address issues arising from population growth and demographic changes.
Job Creation and Social Security: The committee should focus on creating jobs and improving social security, crucial for the working-age population.
Avoid Distracting Issues: The committee must avoid getting sidetracked by the ruling party’s focus on religion and immigration, and instead concentrate on the actual demographic challenges.
Utilize the Demographic Dividend: Address the challenges to effectively harness the demographic dividend, such as high unemployment and the need for skilled job opportunities.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the impact of decreasing Total Fertility Rate (TFR) on India’s demographic changes and the associated challenges associated with it.
GS PAPER - 2
Discussed Healthcare Initiatives in The Budget
Source: This post on Healthcare Initiatives in the Budget has been created based on the article “A rising tide lifts all boats” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to Health.
News: The article Discussed Healthcare Initiatives in The Budget. It also highlights what more needs to be done in this sector.
What were The key Healthcare Initiatives in The Budget?
1) HPV Vaccination Drives: Promotion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young girls, to prevent cervical cancer.
2) Maternal and child health care received a comprehensive focus.
3) Research and Technology: A corpus of ₹1 lakh crore for investing in research and technology has been set aside for the private sector. In health care, technology can boost access to quality care and overcome limitations such as the skewed doctor-patient ratio and reduce health-care costs.
4) Enhancing Connectivity: New corridors with railways along with more airports and air routes will help Indians in getting easier access to quality health care.
Want To Know More Topics-
Economics of Animal Rearing- Explained Pointwise
Significance and Challenges Between India and Fr
What more Should be Done in Healthcare?
- Expand Initiatives: Similar steps (like the HPV vaccination drive) for several types of cancers and all non-communicable diseases should be taken.
- Increasing Allocation: There has been less than 2% budgetary allocation for health over the years. If this can be increased to 5%, remarkable strides can be made in achieving better outcomes.
- Preventive health checks: Incentivising individuals to undertake preventive health checks is important.
Question for practice:
What were the key healthcare initiatives in the Interim Budget 2024? What more steps should be taken in this sector to ensure sound public health?
CBSE’s Plan to Change India’s School Education System
Source: The post e CBSE’s plan to change India’s school education system has been created, based on the article “Language & learning” published in “Indian express” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
News: CBSE’s Plan to Change India’s School Education System, The article discusses the CBSE’s plan to change India’s school education system. It will require more languages and subjects to be studied. This aims to mix academic and vocational training but raises concerns about student workload and language issues.
What Changes has The CBSE Proposed?
Introduction of More Languages: Students up to Class X will study three languages instead of two, with at least two being native Indian languages. Higher secondary students will study two languages, with one being a native Indian language.
Increased Number of Subjects: At the secondary level, students must now clear 10 subjects, up from the current five. For higher secondary education, the requirement is six subjects instead of five.
Combination of Academic and Vocational Education: The new framework aims to integrate academic learning with vocational skills, following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Credit System for Extra-Curricular Skills: A new credit bank system will recognize, and reward skills obtained outside the classroom.
What Would be The Impact of These Changes?
Improved Learning Outcomes: Studying multiple languages, as per the new framework, is expected to enhance overall learning and skill development.
Potential Increase in Student Workload: With the requirement to clear more subjects, there might be an increased academic burden on students.
Integration of Vocational Education: The new system aims to combine academic and vocational training, aligning with NEP 2020’s objectives.
Linguistic and Political Challenges: The introduction of the three-language policy, especially in South India, raises concerns about language-based tensions, evident in Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the NEP.
Difficulty in Language Teacher Availability: Implementing diverse language options could be challenging due to a shortage of qualified language teachers, potentially leading to a push towards teaching Hindi.
Want To Know More Topics-
Way forward
The CBSE must ensure broad consultations to respect all sensitivities and avoid reopening old fault lines. It’s important to carefully implement the new system, considering the workload on students and the political and linguistic concerns, especially in regions like South India.
Question for practice:
Examine the proposed changes by CBSE in India’s school education system, including the introduction of more languages and subjects, and their potential impacts.
GS PAPER - 3
The Crime of Piracy and How Maritime Forces Respond to It
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Expert Explains: The crime of piracy, and how maritime forces respond to it” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Security – Security challenges and their management in border areas.
News: The article discusses the causes, solutions and challenges of dealing with ocean piracy.
Background:
Recently, the Indian Navy prevented 2 piracy attempts off the Somali coast, including the rescue of 19 Pakistanis.
In recent years, the west coast of Africa, Gulf of Aden, Horn of Africa, Bangladesh, and the Strait of Malacca have seen piracy attacks.
Why are These Areas Particularly Affected?
1) Poorly policed: The coastal countries have weak maritime forces, or none.
2) Concentration of shipping traffic: They are either choke points in shipping routes where ships are forced to converge or slow down by geography, or anchorages where ships remain stationary for days before entering port.
3) Poor governance or turmoil: This leads to unemployment, poverty and consequently, crime.
4) International waters: This makes them fall within the maritime jurisdiction of several countries. This leads to legal complexities and difficulties in coordination.
Somali Piracy Threat. Source: ResearchGate.
What are The Consequences of Piracy?
- Causes panic in maritime business and leads to the establishment of high-risk areas.
- Increase in maritime insurance premiums.
- Affects the safety of ships and seafarers.
- Disrupts global supply chains.
How Can The Crime of Piracy be Tackled?
Long-Term: A long-term solution lies in rooting out misgovernance and unemployment in nations ashore, which feed maritime criminal activities.
Short-Term: The situation at sea has to be contained and stabilised by the world’s maritime forces.
What Role has The Indian Navy Played in Tackling the Problem?
Indian Navy’s anti-piracy patrol started in 2008. It has foiled several attempts by pirates at hijacking merchant ships.
The boundaries of the high-risk area that covered much of the Arabian Sea during the height of Somali piracy (2009-12) were pushed back westward primarily due to the efforts of the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy has been practising Maritime Intervention Operations (MIO) for decades, and has developed extremely high expertise in this niche area of naval operations.
How do Maritime Forces Execute Anti-Piracy Operations?
- First, they maintain a visible presence that aims to deter pirates from carrying out attacks.
- Their ships and aircraft undertake surveillance of the high-risk area, identify suspect vessels, and report them for further investigation. This is supported by information fusion centres.
- They warn passing ships about suspect vessels and announce escort schedules (so that ships can join convoys).
- They proactively or reactively intervene to manage a developing situation, foil a piracy attempt, or rescue a hijacked vessel while trying to ensure minimum casualties and damage.
Want To Know More Topics-
On Healthcare Initiatives in the Budget – A rising tid
Situation of India’s population -Population priorities
What are The Challenges with Handling Captive Pirates?
1) Inadequate National Laws: They are often inadequate to deal with apprehended pirates.
2) Lack of effective international legal mechanism for their trial and disposal.
3) Jurisdictional Issues: The many nationalities, countries, maritime zones, flag states, etc. involved raise complex jurisdictional issues.
Question for practice:
What are the causes for piracy in the Indian Ocean? Suggest solutions to tackle the growing menace.
Restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank
Source: The post restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd has been created, based on the article “Trust is key: Paytm bank’s repeated compliance issues pose big questions” published in “Times of India” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3 -Indian economy- mobilization of resources
News: Restrictions On Paytm Payments Bank, The article discusses how the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) created payments banks to reach unbanked people. It mentions Paytm Payments Bank’s repeated compliance issues and the RBI’s strict regulations for banks to ensure their reliability and protect the economy.
What is Payments Banks?
There are two kinds of banking licenses that are granted by Reserve Bank of India –Universal bank license and differentiated bank license. Payment Banks comes under a differentiated bank license since it cannot offer all the services that a commercial bank offers.
For more information read here
What are the actions taken by RBI against Paytm Payments Bank?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) effective after February 29, 2024. These restrictions include:
1) Barring PPBL from accepting new deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, or FASTags.
2) Stopping the bank from offering certain services like fund transfers and UPI facilities.
3) Directing the termination of Nodal Accounts linked to One97 Communications and Paytm Payments Services Ltd.
Why did RBI take these actions?
The RBI took these actions against Paytm Payments Bank due to ongoing non-compliance and supervisory concerns. Audit reports revealed persistent issues, necessitating strict supervisory action. These concerns raised doubts about the operational integrity of the bank, leading to the imposition of restrictions.
What are the implications of actions taken by the RBI against Paytm Payments Bank?
Disruption of Services: The RBI’s directive halts Paytm Payments Bank’s basic banking functions, affecting transactions through UPI, IMPS, and Aadhaar-enabled payments.
Impact on Reputation: The repeated compliance problems of Paytm Payments Bank have led to actions by the Reserve Bank of India. Such recurring issues and regulatory interventions can significantly damage the bank’s reputation. It will undermine public trust and confidence in the banking services. This could have broader implications for its credibility and customer loyalty.
Effect on Related Businesses: Paytm is involved in more than banking. Problems in the payment bank can negatively influence its other digital payment services, as well.
Want To Know More Topics-
CBSE’s plan to change India’s school education s
Interim Budget 2024-Key Highlights – Explained P
What should be done?
Enhance Compliance: Paytm Payments Bank needs to strictly follow RBI’s rules to avoid future issues, learning from past mistakes in 2022 and January.
Regular ‘Fit and Proper’ Assessments: Continuously evaluate the bank to ensure it meets the RBI’s ‘fit and proper’ standards for credibility and integrity.
Protect Other Businesses: Given its involvement in digital payments, Paytm must ensure that the bank’s compliance issues do not harm its other services.
Question for practice:
Discuss the reasons behind RBI’s actions against Paytm Payments Bank and its implications on the bank and related businesses.
Significance and Challenges of International Government Bonds
Source: The post incorporating government bonds into global indices has been created, based on the article “Exposing India’s financial markets to the vultures” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian economy- mobilization of resources
News: Significance and Challenges of International Government Bonds, In September 2023, J.P. Morgan announced the inclusion of Indian local currency government bonds in its GBI-EM index from June 2024, a significant step for India’s financial market. Following this, Bloomberg Index Services in January 2024 proposed adding India’s FAR bonds to its index. Now, the focus shifts to FTSE Russell, which has kept India on its watchlist for a potential upgrade, highlighting the anticipation of reforms in India’s government bond market by global investors.
What initiatives has the Indian government taken to incorporate government bonds into global indices?
Introduction of the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) in 2020: This allowed foreign investors to invest in a segment of government bonds without constraints.
Engagement with Global Index Providers: India’s discussions with major index providers like J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg have been pivotal. J.P. Morgan announced the inclusion of Indian bonds in its index in September 2023, followed by Bloomberg in January 2024.
Report by RBI’s Inter-Departmental Group in 2022: This outlined the strategy for integrating Indian LCGBs into global indices and the internationalization of the rupee.
Negotiations on Policy Challenges: India has been addressing issues such as capital gains taxes and local settlement to make its bonds more attractive to international investors.
What is the significance of incorporating government bonds into global indices?
Attracting Foreign Investment: Incorporating Indian government bonds into global indices opens the door for significant foreign investment in India’s bond market.
Reducing Borrowing Costs: This move can lower the cost of borrowing for India. The influx of foreign funds into Local Currency Government Bonds (LCGBs) tends to reduce domestic interest rates.
Facilitating Financing: It aids in financing India’s fiscal and current account deficits by attracting institutional investors with long-term investment horizons.
Internationalizing the Rupee: It’s a step towards making the Indian rupee a globally recognized and used currency, as shown by RBI’s initiative to integrate LCGBs into global indices.
Mitigating “Original Sin” Problem: By borrowing in local currency, India mitigates the risk associated with borrowing in foreign currencies, which has historically led to financial crises in emerging economies.
Note: Original sin, a concept coined in 1998, refers to the inability of a country to borrow foreign debt in its own currency. This leads to currency mismatches on the balance sheet, especially in developing countries. It affects a country’s exchange rate, increases debt costs during economic downturns, and lowers credit ratings, impacting capital flow stability and output volatility.
Want To Know More Topics-
What are the issues associated with incorporating government bonds into global indices?
Loss of Financial Autonomy: Including bonds in global indices can reduce a country’s control over its long-term interest rates, making it more susceptible to global financial changes.
Increased Market Volatility: This integration exposes the market to greater volatility, as seen in the aftermath of events like the 2008 Lehman crisis and the 2013 US Federal Reserve policy shift.
Risk of Rapid Capital Outflow: In times of crisis or uncertainty, foreign investors may quickly withdraw, destabilizing the market. Examples include Malaysia in 2014-15 and Türkiye after 2018, where rapid exits of foreign investors led to currency devaluation and reserve losses.
Exchange Rate Risk: Local currency bonds carry the risk of currency depreciation, which can lead to increased costs for servicing debt and potential economic instability.
Way forward
To progress, India must balance attracting foreign investment through bond market inclusion with managing potential financial risks. Learning from Malaysia and Türkiye’s experiences, India should maintain financial stability while advancing the internationalization of the rupee, as outlined by the RBI’s 2022 report.
Question for practice:
Examine the potential risks and benefits of including Indian government bonds in global indices.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Current Paytm Payments Bank Issue
Source-This post on Paytm Payments Bank has been created based on the article “RBI places additional curbs on Paytm Payments Bank amid ‘persistent non-compliances’ published in “Business Today” on 31 January 2024.
Why in The News?
Current Paytm Payments Bank Issue, The Reserve Bank of India recently placed additional restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) due to non-compliances of its directives.
About Latest Restriction on Paytm Payments Bank
1) They can not take fresh deposits and credit transactions across its services after 29 February.
2) They will not be allowed credit transactions, including via wallets.
3) Other banking services like fund transfers (irrespective of name and nature of services like AEPS, IMPS, etc.), will not be allowed after February 29.
About Payment Banks
Definition– It is like any other bank. However, it operates on a smaller scale without involving any credit risk. It was set up based on the recommendations of the Nachiket Mor Committee.
Objective: To advance financial inclusion by offering banking and financial services to the unbanked and underbanked areas.
Status-It is registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act 2013 and licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
Want To Know More Topics-
On Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) – A turning p
On Issues with India’s Public Finance – Strategic thi
Salient Features of Payment Bank
1) They are differentiated, and not universal banks.
2) These operate on a smaller scale.
3) The minimum paid-up equity capital for payments banks shall be Rs. 100 crores.
4) The minimum initial contribution of the promoter to the Payment Bank to the paid-up equity capital shall be at least 40% for the first five years from the commencement of its business.
Banking Operation that Can Be Performed:
1) It can take deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000. It can accept demand deposits in the form of savings and current accounts.
2) The money received as deposits can be invested in secure government securities only in the form of Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
3) It can offer remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/purchases, and other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
4) It can become a banking correspondent (BC) of another bank for credit and other services.
Restricted Activities
1) It can not issue loans and credit cards.
2) It can not accept time deposits or NRI deposits.
3) It can not set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial activities.
UPSC Syllabus-Indian economy.
Zodiacal Light Skyglow
Source-This post on Zodiacal light has been created based on the article “In zodiacal dust mystery, PRL Ahmedabad study points to a familiar source” published in “The Hindu” on 31 January 2024.
Why in The News?
Zodiacal Light Skyglow, Recently a scientist at Physics Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad have published a paper attributing dust from Mar’s two moon as the possible source of Zodiacal light.
About Zodical Light
It is sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust. This is visible from the earth as a faint, diffuse glow on completely dark nights. Interplanetary dust consists of cosmic dust (small particles floating in outer space) that pervades the space between planets in solar system.
It is present across the entire path of the ecliptic. This is the path along which the Sun moves in the sky over the course of a year.
NOTE-1) ‘AU’ stands for ‘astronomical unit’, which is the distance between the earth and the Sun.
2) Mars’s has two moons called Deimos and Phobos.
3)Stickney crater-This is a 10-km-wide crater in Phobos.
Want To Read More Topics-
Significance of ‘We the People’ in the Constitution
On Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.
Input Service Distributor in GST
Source-This post on Input Service Distributor has been created based on the article “Finance Bill 2024: Know Proposed manner of Distribution of Credit by Input Service Distributor under GST” published in “TAXSCAN” on 1 February 2024.
Why in The News?
An amendment has been proposed under Finance Bill 2024 for mandatory Input Service Distributor registration of an office, which receives invoices for common input services.
About Input Service Distributor
1) It is a taxpayer that receives invoices for services used by its branches. It distributes the tax paid, known as the Input Tax Credit (ITC), to such branches on a proportional basis by issuing ISD invoices.
2) The branches can have different GSTINs, but must have the same PAN as that of ISD.
Significance of Input Service Distributor
1) It will ensure that the ITC is properly distributed amongst the various branches of the business
2) It will be beneficial to business having a large share of common expenditures where billing/payment is done from a centralised location.
3) It will be beneficial for businesses having multiple branches operating within India.
Want Know To More Topics-
Effect of Global Geopolitics on Businesses
Issues with Iron Ore Production – Iron ore faces ch
Where ISD does not Apply?
1) ISD mechanism is meant only for distributing credit on common invoices pertaining to input services.
2) It is not applicable when input or capital goods are involved.
UPSC Source-Indian Economy.
Manatees
Source-This post on Manatees has been created based on the article “An unprecedented 1,000 manatees are gathering in Florida this week – but why?” published in “BBC Future” on 26 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Manatees are typically solitary animals. However, they have gathered in record-breaking numbers at a Florida state park.
About Manatees
| Aspect | Details |
| About | Manatees are large aquatic mammals. They belong to a group of animals called Sirenia. This group also contains dugongs. |
| Types | There are three species, or types, of manatee:- 1) The Amazonian manatee lives in the Amazon River and in fresh water in South America. This species is only found in freshwater. 2) The African manatee lives in tropical West Africa. 3) The Caribbean manatee is found in Florida and the West Indies. |
| Characteristics | 1) Size-Adult manatees may reach a length of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and a weight of 1,660 kilograms. Females tend to be larger and heavier than males. 2) Diet-They are herbivores. They spend up to eight hours a day grazing and can consume 4 to 9 percent of their body weight in aquatic vegetation daily. 3) Behavior – They are generally solitary animals. -In order to breathe, they must swim to the water’s surface for air. -Dugongs and manatees are very similar in appearance and behavior, but there is one key difference:-Manatees have paddle-shaped tails, and dugongs have fluked tails, giving it a whale-like appearance. 4) Lifespan: 50 to 60 years. |
| Conservation status | IUCN-All 3 species are vulnerable. |
| Threats | 1) Habitat destruction. 2) Their curious nature seldom leads to violent collisions with propeller driven ships and boats. 3) Red tides are major threats to the manatee. Red tide is the discolouration of sea surface due to algal blooms. 4)They are entangled in fishing gear, water control structures such as floodgates, navigation locks, etc. |
NOTE- Dugong-They are also called the sea cow. They are the herbivorous mammal. It is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List.
UPSC Syllabus-Environment (species in news)
Subika painting
Source-This post on Subika painting has been created based on the article “Manipur’s age-old Subika paintings and an assistant professor’s struggle to save the art form” published in “The Indian Express” on 31 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Invaluable art forms of Manipur are on the brink of extinction due to neglect.
About Subika painting
| Aspect | Details |
| Type | It is an early visual art form of Manipur. |
| Community | It is a style of painting which is linked to the Meitei community’s cultural history. |
| Manuscript | It is surviving through its six manuscripts — Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil and Thengrakhel Subika. |
| Origin | The royal chronicle, Cheitharol Kumbaba, doesn’t mention a specific founder. However, experts estimate the use of Subika paintings since the 18th or 19th century. |
| Key points | 1) It is a composition of cultural motifs made by pre-existing features and other influences encouraged by cultural world-views of the community. 2) The illustrations of Subika Laishaba have visual language from the elements such as lines, shapes, forms, colours, and patterns. 3) These visual images become Meitei’s cultural motif, and structure to create visual effects as well as express cultural significance. 4) The visual images are painted on handmade paper. 5) The materials of manuscripts are prepared indigenously, either handmade paper or barks of trees. |
UPSC Syllabus-Art & culture.
GHAR portal
Source-This post on GHAR portal has been created based on the article “GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal for Restoration and Repatriation of Child launched by NCPCR” published in “PIB” on 2 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development developed the “Track Child Portal” to track missing and found children in all States/UT.
About GHAR(Go Home and Re-Unite) portal
Launched by: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR)
Objective:The GHAR portal has been developed to digitally monitor and track the restoration and repatriation of children as per the protocols under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Key Features of the Portal
– Digital tracking and monitoring of children who are in the Juvenile Justice(JJ) system and have to be repatriated to another Country/State/District.
– Digital transfer of cases of children to the concerned Child Welfare Committees(CWCs) of the State. It will help in the speedy repatriation of children.
– CWCs and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) will ensure proper restoration and rehabilitation of children by digitally monitoring the progress of the case of the child.
About Track child portlal
Launched by-The Ministry of Women and Child Development Portal.
Objective-It enables tracking of the missing and found children in all States/UTs.
Implemented by-It is implemented with support and involvement of various stakeholders namely Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways, State Governments/ UT Administrations, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, National Legal Services Authority, etc.
Key features
1) The Track Child portal is integrated with the CCTNS or Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network Systems of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2) This allows interoperability in terms of matching of F.I. Rs of missing children with database of TrackChild to trace and match missing children by the concerned State/UT police.
3) “Khoya-Paya”-It is one of the component of Track Child Portal. In this portal, any citizen can report for any missing or sighted children.
NOTE-National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR)-It is a statutory body.It has been constituted under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
UPSC Syllabus-Scheme & programmes.
