9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 29th July, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Renewed political interest in the Indian Constitution
Source: The post renewed political interest in the Indian Constitution has been created, based on the article “Our focus on the Constitution is edifying but we must not deify it” published in “Live Mints” on 29th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity-Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Concern: The article discusses the resurgence of interest in the Indian Constitution during elections. It warns against conflating the Constitution with specific policies like reservations. It emphasizes respecting the Constitution without deifying it and urges adherence to constitutional values in daily conduct.
For detailed information on Constitutionalism read this article here
Why is there renewed political interest in the Indian Constitution during the general election?
- Central Role in Elections: The Indian Constitution became a focal point during the elections, with opposition politicians showcasing pocketbook editions and the government celebrating its 75th anniversary on a grand scale.
- Republican Concerns: Indian republicans, who support constitutional values, felt marginalized as both the left and right often ignored constitutional norms.
- Supreme Court Rulings: The Supreme Court has sometimes sided with popular opinion over constitutional principles, increasing the urgency to uphold the Constitution.
- Reservations Debate: The Constitution was mistakenly equated with reservation policies, leading people to vote to preserve these policies, which could skew public perception.
What are the concerns related to conflating the Constitution with specific policies?
- Misleading Voters: Equating the Constitution with reservation policies can mislead voters. It simplifies a complex document into a single policy.
- Ambedkar’s Caution: B.R. Ambedkar avoided embedding specific policies like socialism in the Constitution. He believed future generations should not be committed to specific policies.
- Social Justice Goals: Reservations are one method for achieving social justice, but not the only one. The Constitution supports exploring better methods.
- Potential Division: Those opposed to reservations might unnecessarily oppose the Constitution. This can create unnecessary divisions.
- Historical Misinterpretation: Figures like Ambedkar warned against hero worship. His ideas on constitutionalism are often ignored, emphasizing the need to focus on broader principles rather than specific policies.
What should be done?
- Promote Constitutional Values: Encourage adherence to the Constitution in daily conduct. Example: “Dharmo rakshati rakshitaah” emphasizes protecting constitutional values.
- Respect, Don’t Deify: Treat the Constitution as a social contract, not a holy book. Example: Figures like Gandhi and Ambedkar were elevated but often forgotten in principle.
- Respect Judicial Independence: Remember the Chief Justice’s warning about not deifying courts or judges, maintaining their role as public servants adhering to constitutional morality.
Question for practice:
Discuss the concerns related to conflating the Indian Constitution with specific policies like reservations during elections.
Concern with NITI Aayog
Source: The post concern with NITI Aayog has been created, based on the article “Planning better: The NITI Aayog suffers from both structural and functional issues” published in “The Hindu” on 29th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity-issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure,
Context: The article discusses the criticism of NITI Aayog, a think tank led by India’s Prime Minister, due to its limited advisory role and lack of resource distribution powers. It highlights concerns of state leaders about perceived favoritism and calls for restoring some Planning Commission responsibilities.
For detailed information on Reforming the NITI Aayog read this article here
What is the Concern with NITI Aayog?
- Advisory Role: NITI Aayog is limited to an advisory role without the power to distribute resources, leading to dissatisfaction among state leaders.
- Boycott by States: Chief Ministers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand boycotted a meeting due to perceived unfair allocations in the Union Budget.
- Walkout Incident: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out, highlighting the frustration with the think tank’s limited role.
- Comparison with Planning Commission: Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog does not consult states on financial matters, reducing states’ influence on fund allocation.
- Political Favoritism: Allegations that BJP-ruled states receive more investment projects, exemplified by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh’s support for the NDA government.
What Should be Done?
- Enhance NITI Aayog’s Role: Re-envision NITI Aayog to include responsibilities for resource allocation, similar to the Planning Commission, to address state concerns about unfair treatment.
- Promote Cooperative Federalism: Restore some of the Planning Commission’s consultation roles to involve states more in financial decisions, fostering cooperative federalism.
- Avoid Political Bias: Ensure that investment projects and budget allocations are not biased towards BJP-ruled states, addressing complaints from opposition-ruled states.
Question for practice:
Examine the main concerns raised by state leaders regarding NITI Aayog and the suggested reforms to address these issues.
Issues of reservation in India
Source: The post issues of reservation in India has been created, based on the article “On reservations and the OBC creamy layer” published in “The Hindu” on 29th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Context: The article discusses the history and issues of reservation in India. It covers the creamy layer concept in OBC reservations, controversies over certificate misuse, and the need for better scrutiny and sub-categorization to ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits.
For detailed information on Reservation Judgements read this article here
What is the History of Reservation?
- Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 16 guarantee equality and allow special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, SCs, and STs.
- Reservation Quotas: SCs get 15%, STs get 7.5% in jobs, education, and PSUs.
- OBC Reservation: In 1990, Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented 27% reservation for OBCs based on the Mandal Commission’s recommendations.
- Educational Institutions: In 2005, reservations extended to educational institutions, including private ones.
- EWS Reservation: In 2019, 10% reservation was introduced for Economically Weaker Sections among the unreserved categories.
For detailed information on Affirmative Action in India read this article here
What is Creamy Layer?
- Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court upheld 27% OBC reservation in the Indra Sawhney case (1992) but capped total reservations at 50%.
- Creamy Layer Exclusion: Creamy layer exclusion was introduced to ensure equality. Criteria include parental income over ₹8 lakh annually, and positions held by parents in government or PSUs.
For detailed information on Reservation Judgements read this article here
What are the Issues?
- Certificate Misuse: Allegations exist of obtaining NCL or EWS certificates through dubious means. This includes disability certificates for reserved jobs.
- Avoiding Creamy Layer: Strategies like gifting assets or taking early retirement are used to avoid creamy layer exclusion.
- Concentration of Benefits: The Rohini Commission found that 97% of reserved jobs and educational seats go to just 25% of OBC communities. Nearly 1,000 OBC communities have no representation.
- Unfilled Reserved Seats: 40-50% of seats reserved for OBC, SC, and ST remain unfilled in central government jobs.
What Should be Done?
- Improve Scrutiny: Ensure only eligible applicants receive NCL, EWS, and disability certificates.
- Fill Reserved Vacancies: Address the 40-50% unfilled reserved seats for OBC, SC, and ST in central government jobs.
- Sub-categorize OBC Reservations: Implement sub-categorization to help the 1,000 OBC communities with zero representation.
- Consider Creamy Layer for SC/ST: Debate creamy layer exclusion for children of Group I/Class A officials in SC/ST categories.
- Engage Stakeholders: Initiate discussions with all stakeholders to refine reservation policies and ensure benefits reach the most marginalized.
Question for practice:
Examine the history and current issues related to reservation in India, focusing on the creamy layer concept and the challenges faced in ensuring fair distribution of reservation benefits.
Right to be forgotten
Source-This post on Right to be forgotten has been created based on the article “SC to examine acquitted man’s ‘right to be forgotten’: What is the right, and how have courts ruled earlier?” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Context- The Supreme Court will decide if the “right to be forgotten” is a fundamental right and how it fits with other constitutional rights. This comes after a Madras High Court ruling that ordered a legal portal Indian Kanoon to remove a judgment. The acquitted man claimed that the availability of this judgment in public domain prevented him from getting Australian citizenship.
What is the right to be forgotten?
Definition– The “right to be forgotten” allows individuals to remove outdated or irrelevant personal information from the internet.
Global Precedent-The CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union) ruled in the “Google Spain case” that search engines must remove outdated or irrelevant data. This decision, based on Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter and Article 17 of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), supports the right to control personal information, including for victims of “revenge porn.
A detailed article on Data Security in India: Need and Challenges can be read here.
How is the right interpreted in India?
India lacks a specific law for the right to be forgotten. However, K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case recognized the right to privacy, which includes elements of this right.
Justice S.K. Kaul, in the Puttaswamy case, mentioned that the right to be forgotten allows individuals to remove outdated or irrelevant personal data. However, it does not apply to all past information such as cases involving public interest, legal requirements, public health, research, and legal claims.
What are Judicial Precedents in India?
1) Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1994)- The Supreme Court recognized a “right to be let alone” but observed that it does not apply to public records such as court decisions.
2) Dharamraj Bhanushankar Dave vs. State of Gujarat (2017)- The Gujarat High Court declined to remove details of an acquittal from public records.
3) [Name Redacted] vs. The Registrar General (2017)- The Karnataka High Court kept a petitioner’s name private in a sensitive annulment case.
4) In 2021, the Delhi High Court allowed the removal of search results for Jorawar Singh Mundy, an American law student acquitted in a drug case. The court did this to prevent harm to Mundy’s social life and career.
5) In 2020, the Orissa High Court urged a wider discussion on the right to be forgotten, highlighting the practical and technological challenges.
Question for practice
What does the right to be forgotten entail? How is this right understood and applied in India? What are some important judicial precedents related to this right in India?
Building Social Capital
Source-This post on Building Social Capital has been created based on the article “Building social capital – India needs to spend more on education and health” published in “Business Standard” on 29 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context -The Economic Survey 2023-24 showed progress in health and education in India, crucial for economic growth. However, the Department of School Education and Literacy saw a small 0.73% increase, while higher education funding was reduced by 16%, resulting in an overall 7% decrease for the Ministry of Education.
The combined social-sector expenditure of the Centre and states as a percentage of GDP has increased in recent years. This increase is primarily driven by improved spending on health and healthcare facilities.
What is the significance of the Health and Education sector?
1) Complementary Nature: – Health and education work together to boost living standards, productivity, and the effectiveness of human capital.
2) Economic Growth: –Improvements in these areas are essential for steady economic growth, as shown by growth models.
What are the issues?
1) Global Comparison- Despite enhanced allocation in recent budget, India’s spending on education (2.7% of GDP) and health (1.9% of GDP) is still much lower than global standards.
2) Need for Educational Reform -India wants to build top educational institutions, but the latest ASER report shows that over half of 14–18-year-olds struggle with basic division. This highlights the need for urgent improvements in education.
Read More- Social Sector Allocations in Budget 2024
3) Higher Education Specifics- Funding for autonomous bodies improved slightly, but the University Grants Commission (UGC) experienced a more than 50% budget cut compared to last year. This reduction could potentially hamper transfers to universities.
What should be the way forward?
A) Adequate healthcare funding is important for addressing health issues that impact productivity and for positioning India as a top destination for medical tourism.
B) There is a need to Invest strategically in health and education sectors to meet higher sustainable growth over the long run.
C)There is a need to focus on closing gaps in the educational System.
Question for practice
Why are the Health and Education sectors important, and what problems do they face?
GS PAPER - 3
Problems with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system
Source: The post problems with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system has been created, based on the article “Plastic mess: More efforts must be made to curb production and promote alternatives” published in “The Hindu” on 29th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- ecology, and environment-pollution
Context: The article discusses India’s plastic waste issue, highlighting that only a quarter of the 4 million tonnes generated annually is recycled. Problems with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, including fraudulent certificates and hacking, have led to an audit and system overhaul by the CPCB.
For detailed information on the global plastics problem read this article here
How does the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system work?
- The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system mandates that packagers, importers, and large industrial users of plastic packaging collect and recycle plastic waste.
- These entities must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Recyclers collect and recycle plastic waste, issuing certificates for each tonne recycled.
For detailed information on Plastic ban in India read this article here
What issues have arisen with the EPR system?
- In 2022-23, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) estimated 3.7 million tonnes of recycling certificates were generated.
- Approximately 600,000 of these certificates were fraudulent.
- Hackers stole and sold thousands of certificates, causing significant issues.
What actions has the CPCB taken in response?
- The CPCB commissioned an audit of nearly 800 firms, representing almost a fourth of the 2,300 2. registered recyclers.
- This audit was aimed at identifying and addressing fraudulent activities within the EPR system.
- The CPCB overhauled the security features of the EPR trading platform to prevent further fraud.
- This security overhaul delayed the process of filing returns for 2023-24 by several months.
- The CPCB aims to resolve these issues, considering them “teething problems” associated with implementing a large-scale electronic system.
Question for practice:
Discuss the challenges and actions taken by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in response to issues within the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for plastic waste management in India.
Commemoration of 25th Anniversary of Kargil War
Source-This post on Commemoration of 25th Anniversary of Kargil War has been created based on the article “Kargil@2025: PM Modi needs to carry forward steps taken by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to strengthen national security” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus– GS Paper-3- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas
Context- On July 26, the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, Prime Minister honored the heroes who showed immense bravery despite the challenging Himalayan terrain.PM Highlighted that India not only won the war but also demonstrated “truth, restraint and strength.”
What are the distinctive facets of Kargil War?
1) First Post-Cold War Conflict -In the post-Cold War era, this was the first time two neighboring nuclear states fought a limited but intense war over territory.
2) Nuclear Restraint-Both sides displayed nuclear restraint and avoided a destructive escalation.
3) Strategic Decision- Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decision to remove intruders without crossing the Line of Control reassured the global community of India’s limited military objective.
4) Media Impact- This was India’s first televised war, boosting public awareness and nationalism. Captain Vikram Batra’s “Yeh Dil Mange More” became a memorable rallying cry.
What are major omissions and inadequacies of Kargil War?
1) Inter-Service Cooperation-There was a lack of inter-service cooperation, especially between the Army and the Air Force.
2) Intelligence Failure: – The covert intrusion by Pakistani troops is attributed to insufficient timely intelligence. Some sources blame the RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) for the failure.
What are the Post-Kargil Reforms undertaken by the then government?
1) Kargil Review Committee (KRC)– Established on July 29, 1999, it submitted its report by mid-December 1999.
2) Group of Ministers (GoM)– Formed on April 17, 2000, to review the national security system. It established four Task Forces to focus on intelligence, internal security, border management, and defense management.
3) Task Forces (TFs)– Led by external experts from outside the government, it submitted its findings by September 2000. The reports were presented to Parliament and made available to the public in redacted versions.
Read More- National Security Strategy of India
What were the Challenges in Implementation?
1) Incomplete Implementation- The Vajpayee government’s focus shifted due to other major events, such as 9/11 and the December 2000 Parliament attack. This left the implementation of the GOM TF recommendations unfinished.
2) Subsequent Security Lapses- Just a decade after the Kargil War, India faced terror attacks again: in Mumbai in November 2008 and in Galwan in June 2020.
What should be the way forward?
1) There is a need to learn from the Kargil War, implement broad national security reforms, and avoid politicizing security issues.
2) The current government should build on the foundations set by the previous administrations by focusing on transparency, parliamentary discussions, and a non-partisan approach to national security.
Question for practice
What are the key aspects of the Kargil War? What were its major shortcomings and issues? What reforms did the government implement after the Kargil War?
Financing Challenges of MSMEs in India
Source-This post on Financing Challenges of MSMEs in India has been created based on the article “In the works – MSMEs get a helping hand in the Budget but their challenges in financing remain” published in “Business Standard” on 29 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Context-The article discusses recent measures introduced in the Union Budget for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. It highlights the difficulties in implementing these measures, especially with invoice discounting and credit access.
The Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (2023) stressed that MSMEs are crucial for economic growth and job creation for the 90 million workers expected by 2030. In FY22, MSMEs contributed 35.4% to India’s manufacturing output, and in FY24, they accounted for 45.7% of exports of MSME-specified products.
What are the recent measures introduced in the Union Budget for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)?
1) Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)– The turnover limit for buyers on TReDS has been reduced from ₹500 crore to ₹250 crore. This will lead to the inclusion of 22 more central public sector enterprises and 7,000 additional companies.
2) Credit Access for MSMEs- Banks are urged to support MSMEs, including those with special mention accounts. This is supported by government-backed fund guarantee.
What are the financing challenges faced by the MSMEs in India?
1) Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)-
A) A persistent issue is large firms delaying bill settlements to MSMEs.
B) MSMEs generally avoid filing complaints or legal actions against large buyers to enforce contracts.
C) The June 2024 Financial Stability Report reveals that invoices financed on TReDS grew by over 56% in 2022-23, with a 94% success rate. However, only 82,000 MSMEs are registered on TReDS out of 46.9 million firms on the Udyam portal.
2) Credit Issues-
A) Bankers are concerned about conflicts with RBI staff and the risk of loans failing.
B) The high credit-deposit ratio (nearly 80%) may limit banks’ ability to meet MSME needs.
C) Upcoming changes to the RBI’s liquidity coverage ratio could affect credit growth plans.
3) Credit Demand: –CRISIL Ratings (June 2023) estimates the MSME sector needs over ₹100 trillion in debt, mainly for working capital. However, only 25% of this is obtained through formal channels, while informal sources charge high interest rates.
4) Working Capital Issues-
A) Limited information and infrequent data make it difficult to assess MSME working capital needs.
B) High inventory-turnover ratios and limited creditor capacity make the problem worse.
5) Regulatory Issues– Building regulations hinder efforts to expand manufacturing capacity.
A detailed article on MSMEs: Significance, Challenges and Solutions can be read here.
6) Technology and Awareness- Building robust technological infrastructure and enhancing customer awareness are major challenges in implementing MSME-focused initiatives.
Question for practice
What new measures for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were introduced in the recent Union Budget? What financing challenges do MSMEs in India face?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)
Source- This post on the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) has been created based on the article “UN COP29 Azerbaijan: Will the new Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) help developing countries?” published in “Down to Earth” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Azerbaijan, the host of the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, has announced the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF). Climate Finance Action Fund
About the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF):
1. Azerbaijan will be a founding contributor to the fund, which will be supported by contributions from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies in the oil, gas, and coal sectors.
2. The fund’s secretariat will be based in Baku, Azerbaijan.
3. The CFAF is one of 14 initiatives launched under the framework of the COP29 thematic days.
4. Purpose: It aims to mobilize the private sector and de-risk investment through a public-private partnership model.
5. The fund will include special facilities providing concessional and grant-based support to address natural disasters in developing countries.
6. The initial fundraising round seeks to raise $1 billion, and the fund will become operational once 10 countries have committed as shareholders.
7. Capital Allocation:
i) 50% of the capital will be directed towards climate projects in developing countries, focusing on mitigation, adaptation, and research and development.
ii) The remaining 50% will support countries in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve the 1.5°C temperature target.
8. Revenue Allocation: 20% of the revenues generated from investments will go to a Rapid Response Funding Facility (2R2F) that offers highly concessional and grant-based support.
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation
Caller ID Spoofing
Source- This post on the Caller ID Spoofing has been created based on the article “What are the various efforts being taken to mitigate caller ID spoofing?What are the various efforts being taken to mitigate caller ID spoofing?” published in “The Hindu” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
There has been increase in spoof calls in recent times.
About Caller ID Spoofing
1. Caller ID spoofing is the technique of falsifying the phone number that a call appears to originate from.
2. It is relatively easy to perform and has been used by enthusiasts, telemarketers, and fraudsters.
3. Uses and Risks:
i) Shielding Identity: Malicious individuals use spoofing to hide their identity during illicit activities.
ii) Social Engineering: Spoofed caller IDs exploit the trust associated with familiar numbers to carry out social engineering attacks.
iii) Circumventing Call Blocking: Spoofing helps bypass standard call blocking systems.
iv) Exploiting IVR Systems: It can be used to exploit vulnerabilities in insecure Interactive Voice Response systems.
4. Legal Status and Commercial Services:
i) Caller ID spoofing is legal in many jurisdictions.
ii) Various companies offer caller ID spoofing services, with the first commercial service launching in 2004.
5. Financial Impact:
i) Loss of revenue to telecom providers.
ii)Users face financial losses due to scam calls.
iii)Law Enforcement agency faces difficulty in investigating crimes involving spoofed IDs.
6. Technical and Regulatory Efforts
i) International Telecommunications Union (ITU) published a technical report in 2021 recommending PKI-based authentication to counter spoofing.
ii) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the integration of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) to display caller names based on KYC documents.
iii) A 2022 consultation paper acknowledges the problem but lacks a detailed plan for tackling caller ID spoofing.
iv) Department of Telecommunications (DoT):In May 2024, devised a system to identify and block international calls with manipulated Calling Line Identity (CLI).
v) DoT also issued directions to telecom operators to prevent such calls, though the effectiveness and implementation details are unclear.
Benefits of Fixing Caller ID Spoofing
1) For Consumers:
i) Reduction in spam and fraud calls.
ii) Elimination of fraud reliant on false caller identity representation.
2) For Telecommunications Providers: Savings on revenue otherwise lost due to spoofing.
3) For Government and Public:
i) Increased revenue contributing to the economy.
ii) Enhanced public safety through reduced fraudulent activities.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Indexation
Source- This post on the Indexation has been created based on the article “What is indexation in calculating LTCG tax? Does the removal of indexation benefit in the Budget mean you will pay more tax?” published in “Indian Express” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The withdrawal of the indexation benefit in the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax regime is one of the most contentious decisions announced.
About Indexation:
1. Indexation is the process of adjusting the original purchase price of an asset or investment to account for inflation.
2. Purpose: It helps to neutralize the impact of inflation, ensuring that the value of money remains consistent over time.
3. How Indexation Works:
i) Over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. When an asset is sold or an investment is redeemed, inflation can affect the returns.
ii) Indexation calculates the cost of acquisition by factoring in inflation over the holding period. This adjusted cost is called the indexed cost of acquisition.
iii) Returns calculated using the indexed cost of acquisition are considered more realistic compared to absolute gains based on the original purchase price.
4. Benefits of Indexation:
i) Indexation helps in preventing the erosion of investment returns by reducing the amount of taxes paid on long-term investments.
ii) It is applicable to long-term investments, such as debt funds and other asset classes, ensuring the purchase price of investments is adjusted for inflation.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Government clarifies that not all require tax clearance certificate to Go Abroad
Source- This post on the Government clarifies that not all require tax clearance certificate to Go Abroad has been created based on the article “Not all require tax clearance certificate to go abroad: govt” published in “The Hindu” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The government clarified a Union Budget proposal that sparked outrage over the mandatory requirement for tax clearance certificates for going abroad.
About the clarification
1. The Finance ministry clarifies that only individuals accused of financial irregularities or with significant tax arrears need tax clearance certificates.
2. The proposed amendment does not mandate all residents to obtain tax clearance certificates.
3. The amendment includes a reference to the Black Money Act, 2015, in the list of Acts requiring liability clearance for the certificate.
4. According to a 2004 notification by the Income Tax Department:
i) Certificates may be required in cases of serious financial irregularities.
ii) Investigations under the Income Tax or Wealth Tax Act that require a person’s presence and lead to a tax demand.
iii) Direct-tax arrears exceeding ₹10 lakh, which have not been stayed.
5. Procedural Requirement involves that a person may be asked to get the certificate only after the reasons are recorded by the department.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site
Source- This post on the Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site has been created based on the article “Why inclusion of Gaza’s Tell Umm Amer in the World Heritage Site List matters” published in “Indian Express” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The World Heritage Committee (WHC) decided to include the Palestinian site of Tell Umm Amer in both the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the List of World Heritage in Danger during its 46th session in New Delhi.
About Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site
1. Tell Umm Amer is situated on the coastal dunes of the Nuseirat Municipality, just 10 km south of Gaza city.
2. This site is home to an ancient Christian monastery founded in the fourth century by Hilarion the Great (291-371 CE). It is also known as the ‘Monastery of Saint Hilarion.’
3. Tell Umm Amer holds the distinction of being the first monastic community in the Holy Land, laying the groundwork for the spread of monastic practices throughout the region.
4. The monastery occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of major trade and communication routes between Asia and Africa.
International Protection and Support
1. The inclusion of Tell Umm Amer in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the List of World Heritage in Danger underscores the need for its protection.
2. The World Heritage Convention of 1972 to which Israel is a party, mandates the identification, protection, and preservation of World Heritage sites.
3. This convention prohibits states from taking any deliberate measures that might cause direct or indirect damage to such sites.
4. In December 2023, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict had already granted provisional enhanced protection to the monastery under the 1954 Hague Convention and its Second Protocol.
Benefits of Inclusion
1. Being listed as a World Heritage in Danger enables Tell Umm Amer to receive enhanced international technical and financial assistance to ensure its protection and rehabilitation.
2. This status facilitates global attention and resources, crucial for preserving the site amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
3. The UNESCO statement emphasized that this inclusion is vital for safeguarding the monastery’s cultural and historical significance for future generations.
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation
Discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ and Its Implications for Deep-Sea Mining
Source- This post on the Discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ and Its Implications for Deep-Sea Mining has been created based on the article “Surprising ‘dark oxygen’ discovery could ensnarl deep-sea mining” published in “The hindu” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Scientists have found an unknown process generating oxygen deep in the ocean, where sunlight does not reach and photosynthesis cannot occur. This discovery suggests the presence of new types of marine ecosystems.
Findings of the study
i) One explanation for this “dark oxygen” is that polymetallic nodules, which are lumps of iron, manganese, and other materials found on the ocean floor, might be creating electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen.
ii) These nodules are being considered for mining due to their high economic value.
iii) The oxygen discovery was made in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area off Mexico’s west coast with a high concentration of polymetallic nodules.
iv) The study found that oxygen levels increased at depths of 4 km, where sunlight cannot reach. This new oxygen source, termed ‘dark oxygen,’ is crucial for marine life survival but depends on the voltage generated by the nodules.
Concerns with Deep Sea Mining
Previous studies have shown that deep-sea mining can significantly harm marine ecosystems, and the new discovery of ‘dark oxygen’ adds to these concerns. The disturbances from mining could disrupt ecosystems that rely on this oxygen.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood
Source- This post on the CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood has been created based on the article “CITES eases norms for agarwood export; move to benefit lakhs of farmers from the Northeast” published in “The Hindu” on 29 July 2024.
Why in the news?
India has successfully avoided the inclusion of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST).
CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood
1. CITES has set a new export quota for agarwood and its derivatives from India starting April 2024. The new regulations are expected to benefit lakhs of farmers, especially in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, where agarwood is cultivated.
2. Historical Context: Agarwood was first listed in CITES Appendix II in 1995, following India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994, to regulate trade of the species.
3. Impact of Past Restrictions: Previous export bans and restrictions led to increased informal trade, higher global prices, and illegal trade activities. Between 2017 and 2021, over 1.25 tonnes of agarwood chips and six liters of oil/derivatives were seized in India.
4. Push for Easing Trade restrictions- The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) conducted a study, leading to the decision to ease trade restrictions. The Export Quota for 2024–2027 has been fixed at Agarwood chips (151,080 kg per year) and powder/sawdust (7,050 kg per year).
About Agarwood
1. It is often referred to as the “wood of the gods,” agarwood is celebrated for its religious and cultural significance due to its aromatic properties.
2. Agarwood is derived from a fast-growing evergreen tree species native to Northeast India, known for its economic importance.
3. Beyond India, agarwood trees are found from the foothills of the Himalayas to Papua New Guinea.
4. Following Assam’s lead, Tripura is actively promoting the commercial cultivation of agarwood among farmers.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment