July 10, 2024   Academy | Blog | Community | Our Philosophy
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Jul 10, 2024  Academy | Blog | Community | Our Philosophy

Important Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Prelims

Some sections or sub-topics are very important for UPSC Prelims. These sections cut across:

Subject wise Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Prelims 2024
Indian Economy History Science and Technology
GeographyPolity & NationEnvironment & Ecology
International RelationsMiscellaneousImportant Bills and Acts
Yojana and Kurukshetra SummariesConstitution of IndiaGovernment Schemes and Programs
Species in newsInternational OrganizationsIndex, Reports and Summits
Defence ExercisesPersonalities in News 
Read – Subjectwise Current Affairs for UPSC Mains 2024 Examination

Read – Subjectwise Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Prelims 2024

  • Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha

    Source: The post is based on the article “Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Lok Sabha has passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. Rajya Sabha had already passed this bill in the previous session.

    What is the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?

    Replaces: Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

    Key Provisions of the bill:

    1) Grant of title allotment and Certificate of Registration Periodicals: The Bill provides for an online mechanism to apply for title verification and grant of certificate of registration from the Press Registrar General.

    2) Limited Role of District magistrate/ local authority: The publishers would no longer be required to file a declaration. Furthermore, printing presses would also not be required to furnish any such declaration; instead only an intimation would be sufficient.

    3) Facsimile edition of a foreign periodical can be printed in India with prior approval of the Central Government and its registration with the Press Registrar General.

    4) Books which were part of the Act have been taken away from the purview of the bill as books as a subject are administered by the Ministry of Education.

    5) Substantially decriminalized: Now, the maximum jail term of six months applies only in extreme situations. For example, if a publication continues printing without a registration certificate despite a six-month warning from the Press Registrar General.
    Moreover, for certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed instead of conviction as earlier.

    6) Restrictions on who can bring out periodical: A person who has been convicted by any court for an offence involving terrorist act or unlawful activity or having done anything against the security of the State shall not be permitted to bring out a periodical.

    7) Cancellation of registration: In the 1867 Act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical. The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

    8) Press and Registration Appellate Board: It is headed by Chairperson, Press Council of India. It will deal with issues related to registration.

    UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News

  • Advocates Amendment Bill aims to weed out ‘touts’

    Source: The post is based on the article “Advocates Amendment Bill aims to weed out ‘touts’” published in “Indian Express” on 9th December 2023

    Why in the News?

    Lok Sabha has passed the Advocates Amendment Bill 2023 during the Winter Session.

    What is the Advocates Amendment Bill 2023?

    Aim: To amend the Advocates Act of 1961 and repeal the Legal Practitioners Act of 1879.

    Key Provisions of the bill:

    1) Punishment for illegally practising in courts: The bill prescribes six months of imprisonment for persons illegally practicing in courts and before other authorities.

    2) Touts: The bill enables every High Court (HC) and district judge to frame and publish lists of touts. However, before inclusion in the list, the person should be given an opportunity to be heard.
    – Once a person’s name is included in the list, t    he judge may exclude them from the premises of the Court.

    Note- A tout is someone who procures clients for a legal practitioner in exchange for payment.

    3) Penalty for touts: Any person who acts as a tout while his name is included in the list of touts will be punished with imprisonment up to three months, a fine up to Rs. 500 or both.

    What is the Legal Practitioners Act of 1879?

    1) The Legal Practitioners Act came into force in 1880. The act aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to Legal Practitioners in certain provinces.

    2) The Act defined the term “legal practitioner” to include advocates, vakils , or attorneys of any High Court. 

    3) It also defined the term “tout”.

    What is the Advocates Act of 1961?

    The Advocates Act, 1961 was enacted to create a single Act to regulate the legal profession and to provide for the constitution of Bar Councils and an All-India Bar.

    UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News

  • Centre exempts CERT-In from purview of RTI Act

    Source- This post is based on the article “Centre exempts CERT-In from purview of RTI Act” published in “The Hindu” on 24 November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    The Central government in its recent official order has exempted the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

    What is CERT-In?

    What is it?The CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team- India) is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents or cyber security threats like hacking and phishing as and when they occur.
    Established inCERT-IN was formed in 2004 by the Government of India under Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B)
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
    VisionProactive contribution in securing India’s cyber space.
    Objective 1. Preventing cyber attacks against the country’s cyber space.
    2. Responding to cyber attacks and minimizing damage and recovery time, reducing ‘national vulnerability to cyber attacks.
    – It was the first responder to the ransomware attack on November 23, 2022 at AIIMS which had crippled the “Hospital Information System (HIS) and e-Hospital” system for several days.
    3. Enhancing security awareness among citizens.
    Additional responsibilityIt has overlapping responsibilities with other agencies such as National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) which is under the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) of Prime Minister’s Office and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which is under Ministry of Home Affairs.
    Cyber ConventionsBudapest Convention on Cybercrime: It is the first international treaty that seeks to address Internet and cybercrime by harmonizing national laws. It came into force in 2004. India is not a signatory to this convention
    For more information on CERT-In and other cyber programmes click Here to read

    Exemptions for Intelligence and Security Organisations from RTI Act

    1. The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, states that the legislation shall not apply to intelligence and security organisations specified in the Second Schedule, “provided that the information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations shall not be excluded.”

    2. So far, there are 26 intelligence and security organisations that are exempted from the RTI Act. This includes Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Defence Research and Development Organisation, etc.

    3. The last amendment to the Second Schedule of RTI was made in 2016 to add the Strategic Forces Command to the list of exempted organisations.

    What is RTI Act- Benefits and Concerns?

    Click Here to Read

    UPSC Syllabus- Security (Basics of Cyber Security)

  • Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: Legal experts divided on self-regulation provisions in draft broadcasting Bill

    Source: The post is based on the article “Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: Legal experts divided on self-regulation provisions in draft broadcasting Bill” published in “The Hindu” on 20th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    Experts have raised concerns over the self-regulatory provisions of the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.

    What is the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023?

    Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023

    Click Here to read

    What are the self regulatory provisions in the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023?

    The Draft Bill talks about two bodies:

    1) Content Evaluation Committee (CEC): It will be responsible for self-certification.

    2) Broadcast Advisory Council (BAC): It will hear complaints regarding violations or contraventions of the Programme Code or Advertisement Code. They will also examine the complaints or grievances received by it and make recommendations to the Central Government.

    – The Central Government then based on these recommendations will make decisions and issue orders about penalties and measures for any breaches of the Programme or Advertisement Codes.

    What are the concerns with these self regulatory provisions in the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023?

    1) Impacts Creative Freedom: Subjecting creative media, such as OTT to government prescribed programmes and advertising codes could impact creativity and freedom of speech and expression.

    2) Mandatory disclosure of personal details of members in the Content Evaluation Committee (CEC): This raises concerns about potential risks to individuals involved in the CEC due to diverse audience’s sensitivities.

    –This is also important in the backdrop of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill.

    3) Independence of the Broadcast Advisory Council (BAC): There are concerns over the independence of the Broadcast Advisory Council in exercising its powers under the Act.

    UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News/Polity

  • Amendments to the Co-operative Societies Act

    Source: The post is based on the article “Amendments to the Co-operative Societies Act” published in Indian Express on 22nd December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Lok Sabha has referred the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 to a joint committee of Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.

    What are the key provisions of the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2022?

    Formation of multi-state cooperative society: Presently, only Multi-state cooperative societies (MCCS) can amalgamate themselves and form a new multi-state cooperative society.

    – The bill provides that any cooperative society may by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting of such society can decide to merge into an existing multi-state co-operative society.

    – Such resolution shall be subject to provisions of the respective State Cooperative Societies Act for the time being in force, under which such cooperative society is registered.

    Cooperative election authority: The Bill seeks to establish a “cooperative election authority” to bring “electoral reforms” in the cooperative sector. The authority will consist of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and a maximum of three members to be appointed by the Centre.

    Fund for sick co-operative societies: The Bill establishes the Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund for the revival of sick multi-state co-operative societies. 

    Audit of cooperative societies: The bill proposes to insert a new Section 70A relating to concurrent audit for such multi-state societies with an annual turnover or deposit of more than the amount as determined by the Centre.

    Redressal of complaints: The central government will appoint one or more Cooperative Ombudsmen with territorial jurisdiction. The Ombudsman shall inquire into complaints made by members of cooperative societies regarding (i) their deposits, (ii) equitable benefits of the society’s functioning, or (iii) issues affecting the individual rights of the members.

    Penalty: The Bill increases the penalty amount for violation of the law to Rs. 1 lakh and potential imprisonment from six months to a year.  

    What are the criticisms against the bill?

    Firstly, the bill may lead to the concentration of power of the Centre which could impact the “autonomy” of multi-state cooperative societies and create the potential for “misuse”.

    Secondly, the bill seeks to take away state governments’ rights and is against the country’s federal structure. It seeks to amend Section 17 of the principal act to allow the merger of any State cooperative society with an existing MSCS. 

    – Opposition members argued that this was beyond the Centre’s legislative competency as State cooperatives are not its domain.

  • Explained | What are carbon markets and how do they operate?

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | What are carbon markets and how do they operate?” published in The Hindu on 20th December 2022

    What is the News?

    Parliament passed the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Bill amends the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to empower the Government to establish carbon markets in India and specify a carbon credit trading scheme.

    What is the Carbon Market?
    Carbon Markets
    Source: The Hindu

    Click here to read

    What are the types of carbon markets?

    There are two types of carbon markets:

    Voluntary markets: It is a decentralized market in which emitters— corporations, private individuals, and others— voluntarily buy and sell carbon credits that represent certified removals or reductions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. For instance, in the aviation sector, airlines may purchase carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of the flights they operate. 

    Compliance Carbon Market: It is used by companies and governments that by law have to account for their GHG emissions. It is regulated by mandatory national, regional or international carbon reduction regimes.

    – Today, compliance markets mostly operate under a principle called ‘cap-and-trade”, most popular in the European Union (EU).

    What is the size of the carbon market?

    According to an analysis by Refinitiv, the value of global markets for tradeable carbon allowances or permits grew by 164% to a record 760 billion euros ($851 billion).

    The EU’s ETS contributed the most to this increase, accounting for 90% of the global value at 683 billion euros. As for voluntary carbon markets, their current global value is comparatively smaller at $2 billion.

    What does the Paris Agreement say about the carbon market?

    Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides for the use of international carbon markets by countries to fulfil their NDCs.

    But this article is yet to kick off as multilateral discussions are still underway about how the inter-country carbon market will function. 

    Under the proposed market, countries would be able to offset their emissions by buying credits generated by greenhouse gas-reducing projects in other countries. 

    What are the challenges to carbon markets?

    The challenges to carbon markets are: 1) Double counting of greenhouse gas reductions, 2) Quality and authenticity of climate projects that generate credits to poor market transparency and 3) Greenwashing—companies may buy credits, simply offsetting carbon footprints instead of reducing their overall emissions or investing in clean technologies.

    What does the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, say about carbon markets and what are the concerns?

    The Bill empowers the Centre to specify a carbon credits trading scheme. Under the Bill, the central government or an authorized agency will issue carbon credit certificates to companies or even individuals registered and compliant with the scheme. These carbon credit certificates will be tradeable in nature. Other persons would be able to buy carbon credit certificates on a voluntary basis.

    Concerns with the bill

    Firstly, the bill does not provide clarity on the mechanism to be used for the trading of carbon credit certificates— whether it will be like the cap-and-trade schemes or use another method— and who will regulate such trading.

    Secondly, there is a question of whether the Ministry of Power is the appropriate Ministry to regulate this scheme or whether should it be the Ministry of Environment.

    Thirdly, the bill does not specify whether certificates under already existing schemes would also be interchangeable with carbon credit certificates and tradeable for reducing carbon emissions. 

    – Note: Two types of tradeable certificates are already issued in India— Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs). These are issued when companies use renewable energy or save energy, which is also activities which reduces carbon emissions. 

  • Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid opposition and chaos

    Source: The post is based on the article “Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid opposition and chaos” published in Livemint on 10th December 2022

    What is the News?

    A private member’s Bill to implement the Uniform Civil Code in India was introduced in Rajya Sabha.

    What is Uniform Civil Code?

    Uniform Civil Code is envisaged to provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.

    Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution says that the state “shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”. Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

    What does the private member Bill on UCC seek to achieve?

    The Bill seeks to provide for the constitution of the “National Inspection and Investigation Committee” for the preparation of the Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout the territory of India.

    Why have several MPs opposed the introduction of the Bill?

    Firstly, the Indian Constitution “gave protection to all sections of people”. Hence, before bringing such legislation, there should be wide consultation with different communities, and people from different religions, or else it shall create differences between people.

    Secondly, the 21st Law Commission had concluded that a Uniform Civil Code was neither necessary nor desirable,” and that the legislation if subsequently enacted shall be against the very “spirit of the Constitution.” 

    Thirdly, the bill is against Articles 26(b) and 29(1) of the Constitution and it was in order to protect the rights of minorities that the Constituent Assembly decided to not have a Uniform Civil Code for the country.

  • Centre introduces Bills to modify ST list in four States

    Source: The post is based on the article “Centre introduces Bills to modify ST list in four States” published in The Hindu on 10th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Government of India has introduced four separate bills in the Lok Sabha to revise the list of Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh via amendments proposed in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.

    What are the changes in the ST list the government is planning to bring through these four bills?

    Tamil Nadu: The Bill seeks to add the Narikoravan and Kuruvikkaran hill tribes to the ST list of Tamil Nadu. The demand for their inclusion dates to before 1965 and even the Lokur Committee had in its report of that year recommended its inclusion.

    Himachal Pradesh: It has proposed granting tribal status to the Hatti community living in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh. 

    Karnataka: Include Betta-Kuruba as a synonym for the already categorised Kadu kuruba in the ST list of Karnataka.

    Chhattisgarh: The bill seeks to add a number of synonyms in Devnagri script for the already categorized Bhariya Bhumia tribe in the ST list of Chhattisgarh. 

    — As per the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, they are all part of the same tribe but had been kept out of the list just because they are pronounced and spelt their names differently.

  • Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022: Government introduces Energy Conservation Bill in Rajya Sabha

    Source: The post is based on the article “Government introduces Energy Conservation Bill in Rajya Sabha” published in The Hindu on 9th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Union Minister of Power has introduced the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022 in Rajya Sabha.

    The Bill proposes to amend the Electricity Conservation Act 2001 (last amended in 2010), to introduce changes such as incentivising the use of clean energy by issuing carbon-saving certificates.

    What are the key provisions of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022?

    Obligation to use non-fossil sources of energy: The Act empowers the central government to specify energy consumption standards. The Bill adds that the government may require the designated consumers to meet a minimum share of energy consumption from non-fossil sources.  Different consumption thresholds may be specified for different non-fossil sources and consumer categories. 

    Carbon trading: The Bill empowers the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme. Carbon credit implies a tradeable permit to produce a specified amount of carbon emissions.  

    Standards for vehicles and vessels: Under the Act, the energy consumption standards may be specified for equipment and appliances which consume, generate, transmit, or supply energy.

    The Bill expands the scope to include vehicles (as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988), and vessels (including ships and boats).

    Applicability to residential buildings: Under the Act, the energy conservation code applies to commercial buildings: (i) erected after the notification of the code, and (ii) having a minimum connected load of 100 kilowatts (kW) or contract load of 120-kilo volt-ampere (kVA).

    – Under the Bill, the new energy conservation and sustainable building code will also apply to office and residential buildings meeting the above criteria.

    Regulatory powers of SERCs: The Act empowers the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to adjudge penalties under the Act. The Bill adds that SERCs may also make regulations for discharging their functions.

    Composition of the governing council of BEE: The bill strengthens institutions such as the BEE by amending the composition of the governing council of BEE.

  • Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022: Rajya Sabha clears Wildlife Bill, Minister promises to protect elephants

    Source: The post is based on the article “Rajya Sabha clears Wildlife Bill, Minister promises to protect elephants” published in The Hindu on 9th December 2022

    What is the News?

    Rajya Sabha has passed the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022.

    What is the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022?

    The Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

    It seeks to ensure that the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 complies with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    Key Provisions of the Bill

    Rationalizing schedules: The Bill reduces the total number of schedules from six to four by: 1) Reducing the number of schedules for specially protected animals to two (one for greater protection level), 2) Removes the schedule for vermin species and 3) Inserts a new schedule for specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES.

    Permitted certain activities: The Bill seeks better management of protected areas and provides for certain permitted activities like grazing, movement of livestock, and bona fide use of drinking and household water by local communities.

    Captive elephants: The Bill permits the transfer or transport of a captive elephant for a religious or any other purpose by a person having a valid certificate of ownership.

    Management and scientific authority: The Bill empowers the Central government to designate 1) A management Authority to grant export or import permits for the trade of specimens and 2) A scientific Authority to advise on aspects related to the impact on the survival of the specimens being traded. 

    Conservation reserves: The Bill empowers both Central and State governments to declare areas adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries as a conservation reserves, for protecting flora and fauna.

    Alien species: The Bill empowers the Central government to regulate and stop the import, trade or possession of invasive plant or animal alien species.

    – It provides that people may “voluntarily surrender” any captive animals to the Chief Wildlife Warden, and such surrendered animals will become the property of the state government.

    Penalty: The Bill enhances the penalties prescribed for violation of provisions of the Act. For ‘General violations’, the maximum fine is increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. In the case of Specially protected animals, the minimum fine of Rs. 10,000 has been enhanced to Rs.25,000.

  • Birth certificate to be made mandatory for jobs, driving license, passport, voting right

    Source: The post is based on the article “Birth certificate to be made mandatory for jobs, driving license, passport, voting right” published in The Hindu on 28th November 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Home Ministry proposed an amendment to the Registration of Birth and Death (RBD) Act,1969. The bill will be introduced in the winter session of parliament.

    What is the Registration of Birth and Death (RBD) Act,1969?

    The Registration of Birth and Death is mandatory under the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act,1969.

    The act was enacted to promote uniformity and comparability in the registration of Births and Deaths across the country.

    The events of births, stillbirths and deaths are registered at the place of occurrence of the event i.e where the event took place. 

    A birth/death should be registered within 21 days. After 21 days, birth/death can be registered under the RBD Act with an order of a First-Class Magistrate issued after verifying the facts about the birth or death.

    What are the proposed amendments to the RBD Act?

    Firstly, it is proposed that the Chief Registrar (appointed by the States) would maintain a unified database at the State level. It would then integrate it with the data at the “national level,” maintained by the Registrar General of India (RGI). This implies that the Centre will be a parallel repository of data.

    – This database at the national level may be used to update the Population Register, the Electoral Register, and the Aadhar, ration card, passport and driving license databases.

    Secondly, it has been proposed to make birth certificates a mandatory document for almost every sphere of life — admission in educational institutions, inclusion in the voter list, appointment in Central and State government jobs, issue of driving licenses and passports.

    Thirdly, it will be mandatory for hospitals and medical institutions to provide a copy of all death certificates, stating the cause of death, to the local registrar apart from the relative of the deceased.

  • Govt amends Multi State Cooperative Societies Act to bring in transparency

    Source: The post is based on the article “Govt amends Multi State Cooperative Societies Act to bring in transparency” published in the Business Standard on 13th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    Recently, the Cabinet has approved the extensive amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act (MSCS). The Act was last amended in 2002.

    What are the Multi-state Cooperative Societies, and What is the need for this amendment?

    India, at present, has nearly 800,000 cooperative societies of which around 1,600 are MSCS. They serve the interest of members in more than one state. These include some big names like IFFCO, Kribhco and Nafed.

    Must read: Multistate cooperatives: Govt plans to amend the Law – Explained, pointwise
    What are the salient features of the amendment?

    Make the functioning of the board transparent: This is done through processes such as registration becoming simpler and seats can be reserved for women, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in coop boards.

    Formation of specific bodies: The Bill also has specific provisions for setting up

    a) Cooperative Election Authority will be formed to conduct free, fair and timely elections to coops. This, in turn, will help reduce incidents of complaints and malpractices. There is a provision to debar offenders for three years to bring in more electoral discipline.

    b) Cooperative information officer: S/he will enhance transparency by providing members timely access to information.

    c) Cooperative ombudsman: The ombudsman will provide a mechanism for redressal of member grievances in a structured fashion.

    To increase ease of doing business: The Bill proposes to reduce the period of registration, with a provision for the applicants to seek additional time of two months for rectification of mistakes.

    Encourages a comprehensive digital ecosystem: The Bill provides for electronic submission and issuance of documents, thus providing for a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

    Applicability: For cooperative banks, the banking functions will be governed by the Banking Regulation Act. However, for all other operational issues of such entities, the MSCS Act and its new amendments will be at play.

  • The Mediation Bill, 2021

    Source: The post is based on the article “The Mediation Bill, 2021” published in The Hindu on 4th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Mediation Bill, 2021 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Parliamentary Standing Committee is tasked with a review of the Bill. The committee’s report to the Rajya Sabha was submitted recently.

    In its report, the Committee recommends substantial changes to the Mediation Bill, aimed at institutionalising mediation and establishing the Mediation Council of India.

    What is Mediation Bill, 2021?
    Read here: Mediation Bill, 2021
    Why does India need to promote mediation?

    Benefits of mediation: The Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee of the Supreme Court of India describes mediation as a tried and tested alternative for conflict resolution.

    Must read: Mediation Bill: Salient Provisions, Potential Challenges and the Way Forward – Explained, pointwise
    What are the concerns with the Mediation Bill, 2021?

    The bill proposes mandatory mediation before litigation: But, as per Article 21 of the Constitution, access to justice is a constitutional right which cannot be fettered or restricted. Mediation should just be voluntary and making it otherwise would amount to the denial of justice.

    Clause 26 of the Bill: According to Clause 26 of the Bill, court-annexed mediation, including pre-litigation mediation, will be conducted in accordance with the directions or rules framed by the Supreme Court or High Courts.

    The Bill considers international mediation to be domestic when it is conducted in India with the settlement being recognised as a judgment or decree of a court.

    The Singapore Convention does not apply to settlements that already have the status of judgments or decrees. As a result, conducting cross-border mediation in India will exclude the tremendous benefits of worldwide enforceability.

    Read more: Mediation Bill: Not getting the Act together
    What are the recommendations of the Committee?

    The Committee recommends substantial changes to the Mediation Bill, aimed at institutionalising mediation and establishing the Mediation Council of India.

    Clause 26 is unconstitutional: The committee stated that Clause 26 went against the spirit of the Constitution. In countries that follow the Common Law system, the absence of statutes, apex court judgments and decisions carry the same weight.

    The moment a law is passed, then it becomes the guiding force rather than the instructions or judgments given by the courts. Therefore, Clause 26 is unconstitutional.

    Read more: Encouraging mediation to settle disputes
  • Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill,2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill,2022” published in PIB on 22nd September 2022.

    Present Status: Open for public consultation.
    What is the News?

    The Department of Telecommunications(DoT) has issued the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022. 

    What is the purpose of the Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022?

    The Bill consolidates three separate acts that govern the telecommunications sector — Indian Telegraph Act 1885, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933, and The Telegraph Wires, (Unlawful Protection) Act 1950.

    What are the key provisions of the Bill?

    Inclusion of OTTs in the definition of Telecommunications services: The Bill proposes to bring over-the-top (or OTT) communications services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, satellite-based communication services and the internet into the definition of telecommunication services.

    – So, OTT communication services have to take a license now and be subjected to the same conditions governing telecom players in India, like the quality of service and security rules, etc.

    Assigning of Spectrum: The Bill laid down a clear statutory framework and regulations on assigning spectrum. It says spectrum should primarily be given through auction. 

    – For specific functions related to the government and public interest like defence, transportation and research, the Bill proposes assignment through the administrative process.

    Trading of Spectrum: The Bill enables sharing, trading, leasing, surrender of spectrum assigned and a process to return unutilised spectrum.

    – The government will also have the power to terminate spectrum allocations partly or in full if it determines that the assigned spectrum has remained unutilised for insufficient reasons over a period of time.

    — Moreover, the bill says that if a telecom entity in possession of spectrum goes through bankruptcy or insolvency, the assigned spectrum will revert to the control of the Center. 

    Right of Way(ROW): The Bill tries to achieve through law a ‘right of way’ (ROW) enforceable at the state- and at the municipal-corporation level.

    – It lays down a framework in which a public entity that owns the land has to grant ‘right of way’ permission expeditiously unless it gives a substantive ground for refusal.

    Cyber Security: To prevent cyber fraud, the Bill provides that the identity of the person sending a message through telecom services shall be available to a user receiving it.

    Telecommunication Development Fund(TDF): The Bill proposes to replace the Universal Service Obligation Fund(USOF) with the Telecommunication Development Fund(TDF). 

    – USOF is the pool of funds generated by the 5% Universal Service Levy that is charged upon all telecom fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue. 

    – The USOF has largely been used to aid rural connectivity. However, with the TDF, the objective is also to boost connectivity in underserved urban areas, R&D, skill development etc.

  • For ease of doing biz, century-old Boilers Act to be decriminalized

    Source: The post is based on the article “For ease of doing biz, century-old Boilers Act to be decriminalized” published in Livemint on 26th August 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Government of India is set to decriminalize the archaic Indian Boilers Act,1923.

    What is the Indian Boiler Act,1923?

    Indian Boilers Act-1923 was enacted with the objective to provide mainly for the safety of life and Property of persons from the danger of explosions of steam boilers and for achieving uniformity in registration and inspection during the operation and maintenance of boilers in India.

    What are the key changes the government is planning to make to the Indian Boiler Act, 1923?

    Firstly, decriminalize the Boilers Act by removing the provision for a two-year jail time for violation of the rules. 

    Secondly, easing the rules by extending the duration of licenses and cutting the frequency of inspections.

    What will be the impact of these amendments?

    A boiler is an essential tool for a number of industries including power plants, government factories, sugar, textile, feed, auto rice mills and the pharmaceutical industry. 

    Hence, these proposed changes will help improve the ease of doing business in the country and reduce litigation. 

  • The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022” published in The Hindu on 25th August 2022.

    Present Status: Introduced in Lok Sabha and referred to the parliamentary standing committee.
    What is the News?

    The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to amend the Competition Act, 2002.

    What are the key features of the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022?
    Competition (Amendment) Bill
    Source: Moneycontrol

    Regulation of combinations based on deal value: Any acquisition, merger or amalgamation may constitute a combination. The act currently says parties indulging in merger, acquisition, or amalgamation need to notify the Commission of the combination only on the basis of ‘asset’ or ‘turnover’. The Bill proposes to add a ‘deal value’ threshold.

    Time limit for approval of combinations: The Act specifies that any combination shall not come into effect until the CCI has passed an order or 210 days have passed from the day when an application for approval was filed, whichever is earlier. The Bill reduces the time limit in the latter case to 150 days.

    Gun Jumping: Parties should not go ahead with a combination prior to its approval. If the combining parties close a notified transaction before the approval, or have consummated a reportable transaction without bringing it to the Commission’s knowledge, it is seen as gun-jumping.

    – The penalty for gun-jumping was a total of 1% of the asset or turnover. This is now proposed to be 1% of the deal value.

    Addresses the issue of the Hub and Spoke Model: A Hub-and-Spoke arrangement is a kind of cartelisation in which vertically related players act as a hub and place horizontal restrictions on suppliers or retailers (spokes). 

    – Currently, the prohibition on anti-competitive agreements only covers entities with similar trades that engage in anti-competitive practices.

    – To combat this, the Bill broadens the scope of ‘anti-competitive agreements’ to catch entities that facilitate cartelisation even if they are not engaged in identical trade practices.

    Leniency Plus: The Bill allows the commission to give an additional waiver of penalties to an applicant who discloses the existence of another cartel in an unrelated market, provided the information enables the Commission to form a prima facie opinion about the existence of the cartel.

    Settlement and Commitment in anti-competitive proceedings: Under the Act, CCI may initiate proceedings against enterprises on grounds of: (i) entering into anti-competitive agreements, or (ii) abuse of dominant position.  

    – The Bill permits CCI to close inquiry proceedings if the enterprise offers: (i) settlement (may involve payment), or (ii) commitments (may be structural or behavioral in nature).

    Appointment of Director General: The Act empowers the central government to appoint a Director General to CCI.The Bill amends this to empower the CCI to appoint the Director General, with prior approval of the government.

    Penal Provisions: The penalties and penalty guidelines are proposed to be amended. 

    – For any false information filed, a penalty of five crores will be imposed, and for failure to comply with the Commission directions, a penalty of ₹10 crores will be imposed. 

    – For an appeal to be heard by the National Company Law Tribunal(NCLT) against the Commission’s order, the party will have to deposit 25% of the penalty amount.

  • Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 issued for Stakeholder Consultation

    Source: The post is based on the article “Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 issued for Stakeholder Consultation” published in PIB on 18th August 2022.

    Present Status: Open for stakeholder consultation.
    What is the News?

    The government of India has issued Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022 for stakeholder consultation.

    What is the Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2022?

    The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the existing Indian Ports Act 1908, which is more than 110 years old, becoming imperative that the Act is revamped to reflect the present-day frameworks.

    Key Objectives of the Bill

    – Promote integrated planning between States inter-se and Centre-States through a purely consultative and recommendatory framework;

    – Ensure prevention of pollution measures for all ports in India while incorporating India’s obligations under international treaties;

    – Address lacunae in the dispute resolution framework required for the burgeoning ports sector;

    – Usher in transparency and cooperation in the development and other aspects through the use of data.

    Key Provisions of the Bill

    It empowers and establishes State Maritime Boards for effective administration, control and management of non-major ports in India.

    It provides for adjudicatory mechanisms for redressal of port-related disputes and establishes a national council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector.

    The redundant provisions of the Act have been deleted or replaced with contemporaneous provisions. 

    It ensures compliance with the country’s obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party. 

    Further, existing penalties in the Act which are outdated have been updated with respect to amounts and offences relevant to present-day scenarios.

    Significance of Ports in India

    India has a 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and a strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. 

    About 95% of India’s trade by volume and 65% by value is done through maritime transport facilitated by ports.

  • Explained: Electricity Bill – promise, problems

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: Electricity Bill – promise, problems” published in Indian Express on 10th August 2022.

    Present Status: Introduced in Lok Sabha and referred to the parliamentary standing committee
    What is the News?

    The government has tabled the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 in the Lok Sabha soon after which it was referred to the parliamentary standing committee on energy for wider consultation with stakeholders.

    What is the Electricity Amendment Bill,2022?

    The Bill amends the Electricity Act, 2003. The Act regulates the electricity sector in India. It sets up the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (CERC and SERCs) to regulate interstate and intrastate matters, respectively.  

    What are the key provisions of the Bill?

    Multiple discoms in the same area: More than one power distributor can operate in an area and they will be allowed to use the power distribution infrastructure of other suppliers. This is aimed at boosting competition and giving more choice to the consumers. 

    Tariffs: The Bill makes provision for “mandatory” fixing of minimum as well as maximum tariff ceilings by the “appropriate commission” to avoid predatory pricing by power distribution companies and to protect consumers.

    Timely Tariff Revisions: The Bill has several provisions to ensure graded and timely tariff revisions that will help provide state power utilities with enough cash to be able to make timely payments to power producers.

    Cross-subsidy Balancing Fund:  The Bill adds that upon grant of multiple licenses for the same area, the state government will set up a Cross-subsidy Balancing Fund. Cross-subsidy refers to the arrangement of one consumer category subsidizing the consumption of another consumer category.

    Any surplus with a distribution licensee on account of cross-subsidy will be deposited into the fund. The fund will be used to finance deficits in cross-subsidy for other discoms in the same area or any other area.

    Renewable purchase obligation(RPO): The Act empowers SERCs to specify renewable purchase obligations(RPO) for discoms. RPO refers to the mandate to procure a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources.

    The Bill adds that RPO should not be below a minimum percentage prescribed by the central government. Failure to meet RPO will be punishable with a penalty between 25 paise and 50 paise per kilowatt of the shortfall.

    Strengthen Regulators: The Bill seeks to strengthen payment security mechanisms and give more powers to regulators. 

    Why have opposition parties opposed this Bill?

    Firstly, the bill is violative of India’s federal structure in as much as Electricity is a subject mentioned as item 38 in the Concurrent list. This implies that it is the duty of the Centre to have effective consultation with State governments. However, no consultation was done before introducing the bill.

    Secondly, the provision to encourage competition may lead to more entities entering lucrative and urban areas, while loss-making areas may continue to be underserved.

    Thirdly, some farmers are concerned that it will eventually lead to the end of subsidies power.

  • Union government rolls back Data Protection Bill

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union government rolls back Data Protection Bill” published in The Hindu on 5th August 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Information Technology Minister has announced the withdrawal of The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.

    What is the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019?

    Click Here to read

    Why has the Bill been withdrawn?

    The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was deliberated in great detail by the Joint Committee of Parliament(JCP), 81 amendments were proposed, and 12 recommendations were made toward a comprehensive legal framework for the digital ecosystem. 

    Hence, in the circumstances, it is proposed to withdraw the bill and present a new bill that fits into the comprehensive legal framework.

    What did the JCP recommend?

    The JCP proposed 81 amendments to the Bill. Some of these are:

    – Expanding the scope of the proposed law to cover discussions on non-personal data — thereby changing the mandate of the Bill from personal data protection to broader data protection. 

    – Recommended changes on issues such as regulation of social media companies.

    – Using only “trusted hardware” in smartphones.

    – Social media companies that do not act as intermediaries should be treated as content publishers — making them liable for the content they host.

  • Parliament passes the National Anti-Doping Bill 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Parliament passes the National Anti-Doping Bill 2022” published in PIB on 3rd August 2022.

    Present Status: Passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Received the assent of the President on the 12th August 2022.
    What is the News?

    Parliament has passed the National Anti-Doping Bill 2022.

    Note: Doping basically means athletes taking illegal substances to make their performance better. Although doping enhances performance, there are health risks involved in taking them and they’re banned by sports governing bodies.

    What are the key provisions of the National Anti-Doping Bill 2022?

    Prohibits Doping: The Bill prohibits athletes, athlete support personnel, and other persons from engaging in doping in sports.

    – Violation of anti-doping rules may result in disqualification of results including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes, ineligibility to participate in a competition or event for a prescribed period, and financial sanctions.

    Statutory backing for NADA: Currently, anti-doping rules are implemented by the National Anti-Doping Agency(NADA) which was established as a society.

    – The Bill provides for constituting NADA as a statutory body headed by a Director General appointed by the central government. Functions of the Agency include planning, implementing and monitoring anti-doping activities, and investigating anti-doping rule violations.

    National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports: The board will be established to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulations and compliance with international commitments on anti-doping. The Board will oversee the activities of NADA and issue directions to it.  

    – The Board will constitute a National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel for determining the consequences of anti-doping rule violations. Further, the Board will constitute a National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel to hear appeals against decisions of the Disciplinary Panel.

  • Lok Sabha passes Central Universities (Amendment), Bill 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes Central Universities (Amendment), Bill 2022” published in PIB on 3rd August 2022.

    Present Status: Passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    What is the News?

    Lok Sabha has passed the Central Universities (Amendment)Bill 2022.

    What is the purpose of the Central Universities (Amendment)Bill 2022?

    The Bill amends the Central Universities Act, 2009, which provides for establishing central universities in various states. Key features of the Bill include:

    Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya:  The Bill seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation Institute, Vadodara (a deemed university) to the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which will be a central university.  

    – The National Rail and Transportation Institute was declared a deemed university under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The Vishwavidyalaya will be sponsored and funded by the central government through the Ministry of Railways.  

    Scope of education: The Bill provides that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will take measures to provide quality teaching, research, and skill development in disciplines related to transportation, technology, and management. If required, the University may also establish centres in India and abroad. 

  • Explained | The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022” published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2022.

    What is the News?

    To meet India’s commitment to exceeding its Paris Agreement climate targets, the Government of India plans to table the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022 in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.

    The Bill proposes to amend the Energy Conservation Act 2001 last amended in 2010.

    What is the Energy Conservation Act 2001?

    Energy Conservation Act, 2001 was enacted to provide for efficient use of energy and its conservation and for matters connected therewith.

    Key Provisions of the Act

    Norms for energy efficiency: The Act empowers the Centre to specify norms and standards of energy efficiency for appliances, industrial equipment and buildings with a connected load over 100 kiloWatts (kW) or a contractual demand of more than 15 kilovolt-amperes (kVA).

    BEE: The Act established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE). The 2010 amendment extended the tenure of the Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency from three to five years. This Bureau can specify qualifications required for energy auditors who monitor and review the power consumption of various industries.

    Energy Saving Certificates: The Centre can issue energy savings certificates to those industries which consume less than their maximum allotted energy. However, this certificate can be sold to customers who consume higher than their maximum allowed energy threshold – providing for a framework for energy trading.

    The Act allows the Centre to prohibit the manufacture, sale, purchase or import of any particular equipment unless it conforms to specified norms issued six months/ one year before.

    Penalty: In case of any violations under this Act, each offence shall attract a penalty of Rs ten lakh with an additional penalty of Rs 10,000 for each day the offence continues.

    Appeals: Any appeals against any such order passed by the Central or state government will be heard by the appellate tribunal already established under the Electricity Act, 2003.

    What are the proposed changes to the act?

    The Ministry of Power has proposed the following changes to the act:

    1. Defining the minimum share of renewable energy to be consumed by industrial units or any establishment. This consumption may be done directly from a renewable energy source or indirectly via the power grid.

    2. Incentivising efforts to use clean energy by issuing carbon saving certificates.

    3. Strengthening institutions set up originally under the Act, such as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

    4. Facilitating the promotion of green Hydrogen as an alternative to the fossil fuels used by industries.

    5. Considering additional incentives like carbon credits for the use of clean energy to lure the private sector to climate action.

    6. Including larger residential buildings under energy conservation standards to promote sustainable habitats. Currently, only large industries and their buildings come under the ambit of the Act.

  • Lok Sabha passes family courts Bill

    Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes family courts Bill” published in Indian Express on 29th July 2022.

    Present Status: Passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    What is the News?

    Lok Sabha has passed the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022.

    What is the Family Courts Act, 1984?

    The Family Courts Act,1984 allows State governments to establish family courts to promote conciliation and ensure that disputes related to family affairs and marriage are promptly settled. 

    Under the Act, the setting up of family courts and their functioning comes under the purview of the State governments in consultation with their respective high courts. The Act also lays down provisions for the appointment of judges in family courts.

    What is the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022?

    The Bill amends the Family Courts Act, 1984 to establish family courts in Himachal Pradesh with effect from February 15, 2019, and in Nagaland with effect from September 12, 2008.

    The Bill also seeks to insert a new Section 3A to retrospectively validate all actions under the said Act taken by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland and the Family Courts of those states prior to the commencement of the Family Courts (Amendment) Act, 2022.

    Why was this amendment needed?

    There are 715 Family Courts which are established and functioning in 26 States and Union territories, including three Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh and two-Family Courts in the State of Nagaland.

    However, for Himachal and Nagaland, the Central Government notification was not issued for bringing the said Act into force in these states.

    The issue of lack of jurisdiction of Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh has been challenged before the High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

    It was stated that as the Central Government has not issued any notification to extend the jurisdiction of Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh, such Courts are functioning without jurisdiction and anything done or any action taken under the said Act appears to be void ab initio (having no legal effect from inception).

    The family courts in Nagaland too were operating without any legal authority since 2008.

  • Explained: Why the govt plans to scrap the decades-old Coffee Act

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: Why the govt plans to scrap the decades-old Coffee Act” published in Indian Express on 29th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is planning to replace the Coffee Act, 1942 with the new Coffee (Promotion and Development Bill), 2022.

    Note: Karnataka is the biggest producer of coffee in India.

    What is the Coffee Board Act,1942?

    The Coffee Act, 1942 was first introduced during World War II in order to protect the struggling Indian coffee industry from the economic downturn caused by the war.

    The Act empowered the Coffee Board to control the production, marketing and sale of coffee in the domestic as well as international market. 

    The act introduced a pooling system where each planter was required to distribute their entire crop to a surplus pool managed by the Board, apart from the small quantities that were allowed for domestic use and seed production.

    What were the earlier amendments made to the Act?

    Through a series of amendments, the Coffee Board’s authority was reduced and in 1996, the pooling system was abolished and coffee growers were allowed to directly sell to processing firms. 

    Since liberalization, the Coffee Board plays more of an advisory role and aims at increasing production, promoting further export and supporting the development of the domestic market.

    What is the purpose of the Coffee (Promotion and Development Bill), 2022?

    The Bill seeks to replace the Coffee Act, 1942 as many of its provisions have become redundant and are impediments to the coffee trade.

    Key Provisions of the Bill

    The Bill is now primarily concerned with promoting the sale and consumption of Indian coffee, including through e-commerce platforms, with fewer government restrictions. 

    It promotes ease of doing business by simplifying documentation and procedures, including replacing the existing five-year validity of Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) with a one-time exporter registration.

    The Bill also brings in a one-time registration of curing units. (Curing is a process that prepares coffee beans for the market).

  • Forest Rights Act: well begun, and now Odisha is ready for the home run

    Source: The post is based on the article “Forest Rights Act: well begun, and now Odisha is ready for the home run” published in The Hindu on 28th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    Odisha is one of the few states in the country which is nearer to completely implementing the provisions of the Forest Rights Act,2006.

    It is the first State in the country to make budgetary provisions for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in 2021-22. 

    What is the Forest Rights Act,2006?
    Forests Rights Act
    Source: The Hindu

    The Forest Rights Act (FRA),2006 recognizes the rights of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs. 

    Individual Rights: The Act recognizes the Rights of Self-cultivation and habitation which are usually regarded as Individual rights.

    Community Rights: It also recognizes community Rights such as Grazing, Fishing and access to Water bodies in forests, Habitat Rights for PVTGs, community right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge or recognition of traditional customary rights.

    – It also provides rights to the allocation of forest land for developmental purposes to fulfil the basic infrastructural needs of the community. 

    Protection from Eviction: In conjunction with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Settlement Act, 2013 FRA protects the tribal population from eviction without rehabilitation and settlement.

    Gram Sabha: The Act further enjoins upon the Gram Sabha and rights holders the responsibility of conservation and protection of biodiversity, wildlife, forests as well as to stop any destructive practices affecting these resources or cultural and natural heritage of the tribals. 

    – The Gram Sabha is also a highly empowered body under the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a decisive say in the determination of local policies and schemes impacting them.

  • Centre to amend Warehousing Act

    Source: The post is based on the article “Centre to amend Warehousing Act” published in The Hindu on 28th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Food and Public Distribution Ministry has suggested major amendments to the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act of 2007.

    What is the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007?

    The Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007 came into force in 2010.

    The Government constituted Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) under the Act to ensure scientific storage by prescribing infrastructural and procedural standards. 

    Captive warehouses such as those of the Food Corporation of India are excluded from the ambit of the Act. 

    What are the proposed amendments to the Act?

    Compulsory registration of warehouses: At present, the registration of warehouses with the WDRA is optional. After the proposed amendment, registration of all third-party warehouses throughout the country will be undertaken in a phased manner. The Central government will have powers to exempt any class of warehouses from registration with the Authority. 

    Doing away with Jail Term: Government has proposed doing away with up to three years imprisonment for various offences but suggested a significant increase in the penalty from the current ₹1 lakh for various offences.

    No accreditation agencies: The proposed amendments aim to do away with accreditation agencies as the process was time-consuming, prone to malpractices and led to complaints.

    — After the proposed amendments, the application for registration of warehouses will be submitted directly to the WDRA and a new system of online applications which will be contactless and faceless will be implemented and the average registration time will be reduced. 

    Composition of WRDA: At present, WRDA is composed of a chairperson and two full-time members. After the amendment, three ex-officio part-time members will be added to the Authority including joint secretaries in the Food and Economic Affairs departments and the Executive Director of the SEBI.

    – The amendment will also give WRDA the powers to investigate, take enforcement action, impose monetary penalties, recover monetary penalties and adjudication.

  • EIA rules amended: projects near LoC, those of strategic value won’t need green nod

    Source: The post is based on the article “EIA rules amended: projects near LoC, those of strategic value won’t need green nod” published in Indian Express on 20th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) Rules, making several exemptions to gaining environmental clearance.

    What is Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)?

    Click Here to read

    What are the exemptions notified by Ministry?

    Highway projects of strategic and defence importance: The amendment exempt Highway projects of strategic and defence importance, which are 100 km from the Line of Control, among other locations, from an environmental clearance before construction.

    – The exemption to be accorded to highways of strategic importance does away with the need for green clearance for the construction of the controversial Char Dham project. The case is presently being heard in Supreme Court, which has set up a high-powered committee to look into the matter.

    Biomass-Based Thermal Power Plants: Thermal power plants up to 15 MW based on biomass or non-hazardous municipal solid waste using auxiliary fuel such as coal, lignite or petroleum products up to 15% have also been exempted — as long as the fuel mix is eco-friendly.

    Fish Handling Ports and Harbour: Fish handling ports and harbours with less pollution potential compared to others, and caters to small fishermen, are exempted from environmental clearance.

    Toll Plazas: Toll plazas that need more width for installation of toll collection booths to cater to a large number of vehicles, and expansion activities in existing airports related to terminal building expansion without an increase in the airport’s existing area, rather than expansion of runways, etc., are two other projects exempted.

  • Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes

    Source: The post is based on the article “Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has informed Rajya Sabha about the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA),1994 and the National Organ Transplant Program(NOTP).

    What is the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA),1994?

    The Act provides for the regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs & tissues. 

    It contains detailed provisions relating to the authority for removal of human organs, preservation of human organs, regulation of hospitals conducting the removal, storage or transplantation of human organs, registration of hospitals and punishment/penalties for offences relating to aforesaid matters.

    Amendment to this Act: The Government of India enacted the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011 which allows the swapping of organs and widens the donor pool by including grandparents and grandchildren in the list.

    Note: The subject of artificial organs is not regulated under this Act.

    What is the National Organ Transplant Program(NOTP)?

    Click Here to read about this program

  • Regulation of medical devices: Draft Bill suggests separate expert group, check on online pharmacies

    Source: The post is based on the article “Regulation of medical devices: Draft Bill suggests separate expert group, check on online pharmacies” published in Indian Express on 10th July 2022

    Present Status: Open for public comments.
    What is the News?

    The Union Health Ministry has released the new draft ‘Drug, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill-2022’.

    What is the Draft ‘Drug, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill-2022’?

    Purpose: The Bill seeks to replace the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 with an updated law laying down strict regulatory guidelines to keep pace with changing needs and technology.

    Salient Provisions

    Separate Definition of Medical Devices: The Bill has a separate definition for medical devices that bring under its ambit diagnostic equipment, its software, implants, devices for assistance with disabilities, life support, instruments used for disinfection, and any reagents or kits. The previous 1940 Act regulated medical devices as one of the four categories of “drugs”.

    Medical Technical advisory board: The Bill proposes a medical technical advisory board along the lines of the existing drugs technical advisory board. This board will not only include medical professionals, but also people with technical knowledge of the devices.

    Medical Devices Testing Centre: The Bill proposes medical device testing centres on the lines of drug laboratories in states and at the central level.

    Clinical Trials: The Bill proposes compulsory permission of the central licensing authority for clinical trials or clinical investigation of drugs and medical devices. Although companies at present also have to seek permission from the apex drug regulator to conduct trials, it was never mentioned in the previous law.

    – The Bill also says that medical management and compensation have to be provided to persons who are injured while participating in clinical trials. And, in case of death, the legal heir of the participant should be awarded compensation.

    Regulation of e-pharmacies: The Bill specifically states that the Central government must come up with rules to regulate the online sale of drugs and for online pharmacies to operate “in accordance with a licence or permission issued”.

    Read more: Drug Regulations in India – Explained, pointwise
  • As students gear up for university, the devil is in the NEP’s details

    Source: The post is based on the article “As students gear up for university, the devil is in the NEP’s details” published in “Indian Express” on 6th July 2022.

    Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

    Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with the National Education Policy.

    News: Along with the rest of the world, India has seen the “massification” of higher education over the past two decades. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) is poised to transform Indian higher education. But, the sweeping changes the NEP brings might not likely to provide the desired outcomes.

    Read more: One year of National Education Policy – Explained, pointwise
    How does the NEP plans to transform Indian higher education?

    The NEP’s core objective for higher education is to make it “holistic and multidisciplinary education” (HME). The NEP ties the goal of HME to three specific reforms: a) A four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP); b) a “multiple exit/entry system” (MEES); and c) a nationwide Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) system for storing and transferring credits.

    What are the challenges associated with the NEP?

    FYUP requires justification: In Europe and the UK, the three-year format is preferred for HME. Given that the three-year format is used in reputed institutions abroad and was already established in India, the change to the FYUP as the universal norm for degrees in general education has the not explained the following,

    a) Need to shift for three years to FYUP, b) challenges associated with the three-year program, and c) benefits for students in FYUP.

    MEES has no necessary relationship with the FYUP: To reap the benefits of MEES, FYUP has to be modified accordingly. For instance, the first year of the FYUP must fulfill the requirements of a standalone certificate course. But it is impossible to design a single curriculum that does justice to four different courses.

    Since the existing syllabi are force-fitted into FYUP format, the most likely outcomes are diluted long courses, lopsided short courses, or both.

    NEP does not address the root cause: According to the latest NSSO report on education, two-thirds of those in the 18-24 age group who had enrolled in higher education institutions were currently not attending them. The three most common reasons given for not attending are financial constraints, economic activities and domestic activities.

    NEP and its multiple exit and entry points will not address these issues. Instead, Multiple exit points will help in renaming drop-outs as certificate or diploma-holders. Short-term credentials will encourage families to withdraw their wards from education, especially women.

    NEP falls prey to global trends in higher education: Modalities such as credit transfers originated in Europe and the OECD and were promoted by multilateral agreements like the Bologna Process, the Lisbon and Incheon Declarations.

    But all these are designed to solve the European problem of excess capacity in higher education and to expand the catchment area for institutions to ensure their viability.

    On the other hand, problems of Indian education are radically different and demand context-sensitive solutions.

    Read more: Our National Education policy could yet rescue school students
    What should be done to improve HME?

    The unprecedented widening of access to higher education in India has failed to reduce inequalities or promote mobility. A far more direct method would be to provide targeted scholarships for students with financial constraints.

  • Centre introduces Antarctica Bill
    What is the News?

    The Government of India has introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha.

    What was the need for the Antarctic Bill?

    India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases.

    India is also a signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of Antarctica. 

    Hence, to fulfil the objectives of these treaties, the Antarctic Bill 2022 has been brought.

    What is the aim of the Antarctica Bill?

    To have India’s own national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystem.

    To regulate visits and activities to Antarctica, as well as potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent. 

    To prescribe penal provisions for certain serious violations.

    What are the key provisions of the Antarctica Bill?

    Applicability: The Bill will apply to Indians, foreign citizens, corporations, firms and joint ventures functioning in India, and any vessel or aircraft that is either Indian or part of an Indian expedition.

    Indian expedition to Antarctica: The Bill prohibits Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying out certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another party to the protocol.

    Committee on Antarctic governance and Environmental protection: It has been set up to monitor, implement and ensure compliance with the relevant international laws, emissions standards and rules of protection. The committee is to be headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as ex officio chairperson.

    Prohibitory Activities: The Bill prohibits drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources or even doing anything to identify where such mineral deposits occur. The only exception is for scientific research with a permit.

    There will also be a strict prohibition on damaging native plants, flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that could disturb birds and seals, and removing soil or any biological material native to Antarctica.

    The introduction of animals, birds, plants or microscopic organisms that are not native to Antarctica is also prohibited.

    Provisions for Indian Tour Operators: The Bill provides for Indian tour operators to be able to operate in Antarctica after acquiring a permit.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Centre introduces Antarctica Bill” published in The Hindu on 2nd April 2022.

  • Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022
    Present Status: Passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. received the assent of the President on the 18th of April, 2022
    What is Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022?
    Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
    Source: The Hindu

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Key Provisions of the Act

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What are the issues with this Act?

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

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

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

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

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

  • Cabinet approves Amendment of the Second Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for specifying rate of royalty in respect of certain minerals
    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Mines for amendment of the Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

    What is the purpose of the amendment?

    The amendment specifies the rate of royalty in respect of certain minerals like Glauconite, Potash, Emerald, Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), Andalusite, Sillimanite and Molybdenum.

    What was the need for this amendment?

    Geological Survey of India and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. has been carrying out exploration of minerals such as Glauconite/ Potash, Emerald, Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), Andalusite and Molybdenum which are not mined in the country. The country is totally dependent on imports of these minerals.

    However, now, as a major step towards mineral self-sufficiency, many State Governments have identified such mineral blocks for auction. However, the rate of royalty for these minerals was not separately provided.

    That’s why this amendment was brought to specify the rate of royalty in respect of these minerals.

    What is the use of these minerals?

    Minerals like Glauconite and Potash are used as fertilizer in agriculture. 

    Platinum Group of Metals(PGM) are high-value metals used in various industries and new innovative applications. 

    Minerals like Andalusite, molybdenum are vital minerals used in industrial applications.

    Hence, encouraging indigenous mining of these minerals would lead to a reduction in imports in potash fertilizers and other minerals, thereby reducing the country’s foreign dependency.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves Amendment of the Second Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for specifying rate of royalty in respect of certain minerals” published in PIB on 10th Mar 2022.

  • Draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022: Centre proposes law to control distribution, price, quality of fertilizers
    What is the News?

    The Department of Fertilizers has sought comments from all stakeholders on the draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022. 

    About the Draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022
    Aim

    – To promote the development and sustainable use of balanced fertilizers, including bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulates, nano-fertilizers and organic fertilizers.

    – To simplify the process for the manufacture, production, distribution and price management of fertilizers in India, which will, in turn, improve the ease of doing business.

    Salient provisions of the Draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022

    Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Authority to be established and tasked with regulating the registration of fertilizer manufacturers, set out technical standards with respect to the quality of fertilizers etc.

    The Central Government may fix the maximum prices of fertilizers to regulate the equitable distribution of fertilizers and their availability at fair prices.

    No person can manufacture, sell, import for sale, or market fertilizers without obtaining the appropriate registration.

    States have been empowered to appoint State Controllers of Fertilizers and Fertilizer Inspectors, who can conduct impromptu inspections on industry and trade armed with overarching powers to search, seize and confiscate. 

    The Central Government may prescribe the manner in which fertilizers may be moved from one state to another.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Centre proposes law to control distribution, price, quality of fertilizers” published in The Hindu on 23rd February 2022

  • Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021: Govt brings Bill to amend wildlife law
    What is the News?

    The Government of India has introduced in Lok Sabha the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021.

    What is the purpose of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021?

    The Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.

    It seeks to ensure that the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 complies with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    What are the key provisions of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021?

    – Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife: The Bill proposes setting up of Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife. These committees will function like the National Board for Wildlife(NBWL). It will be able to make decisions on wildlife management and permissions granted for projects without having to refer most projects to the NBWL.

    – Rationalisation of Schedules for Wildlife: The bill rationalises Schedules for Wildlife under the Act by bringing it down from 6 to 4 major schedules.

    Note: A schedule is a categorisation of wildlife depending on how critically endangered they are. For example, A schedule I category of wildlife (such as Tigers) are the highest protected under the Act.

    – Wildlife Management Plans: The Bill mandates that Wildlife Management Plans which are prepared for sanctuaries and national parks across the country will now become a part of the Wildlife Act. Further, they will have to be approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. This will ensure far stricter protection to these protected areas. Earlier, the plans were approved through executive orders.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Govt brings Bill to amend wildlife law” published in Indian Express on 18th Dec 2021.

  • Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021: Ecologists oppose changes to Biological Diversity Act, 2002
    What is the News?

    The Government of India has introduced the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha.

    What is the purpose of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

    The Bill seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with the aim of reducing the compliance burden and facilitating investment. 

    What are the key provisions of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

    – Firstly, it exempts registered AYUSH medical practitioners and people accessing codified traditional knowledge among others from giving prior intimation to State biodiversity boards for accessing biological resources for certain purposes.

    – Secondly, the Bill exempts cultivated medicinal plants from the purview of the Act.

    – Thirdly, the bill facilitates fast-tracking of research, and patent application process.

    – Fourthly, violations of the law related to access to biological resources and benefit-sharing with communities that are currently treated as criminal offences and are non-bailable have been proposed to be made civil offences.

    What are the criticisms against the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

    It prioritises intellectual property and commercial trade at the expense of the Act’s key aim of conserving biological resources.

    It does not mention any provision for protecting, conservation of biodiversity or increasing local communities’ stake in sustainable use.

    It mainly intends to focus on benefits to the Ayush Industry.

    It would also pave the way for “biopiracy”. 

    Note: Biopiracy is a situation where indigenous knowledge of nature, originating with indigenous people, is used by others for profit, without permission from and with little or no compensation or recognition to the indigenous people themselves. 

    Source: This post is based on the article “Ecologists oppose changes to Biological Diversity Act, 2002” published in The Hindu on 18th Dec 2021.

  • NDPS Act: a drafting error, its implications, and an amendment

    News: Recently, The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was passed by Lok Sabha.

    About the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill

    The 2021 Bill amends the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and seeks to rectify a drafting “anomaly” created by a 2014 amendment. The bill amend Section 27A and change Section 2(viii)a mentioned in that section to Section 2(viii)b.

    About the 2014 amendment

    Section 27A of the NDPS Act, 1985, prescribes the punishment for financing illicit traffic and harbouring offenders. Before 2014, Section 2(viii)a contained a catalogue of offences for which the punishment is prescribed in Section 27A.

    Section 27A reads: “Whoever indulges in financing, directly or indirectly, any, of the activities specified in sub-clauses (i) to (v) of clause (viiia) of section 2….shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment” not less than 10 years(may extend up to 20 years) and fined not less than one lakh rupees.

    In 2014, an amendment was made to the NDPS Act to allow for better medical access to narcotic drugs.

    -In Section 2(viii)a the amendment defined “essential drugs”. The amendment shifted the offences earlier under Section 2(viii)a to Section 2(viii)b.

    -Under Section 9, it allowed the manufacture, possession, transport, import inter-State, export inter-State, sale, purchase, consumption and use of essential narcotic drugs.

    Read more: Drug usage and the NDPS Act – Explained, pointwise
    What were the error and its outcome?

    The 2014 amendment failed to amend Section 27A from changing Section 2(viii)a mentioned in that section to Section 2(viii)b. This made Section 27A inoperable since 2014.

    In 2016, an accused had sought bail in West Tripura in Agartala, citing this omission in drafting. The district judge then referred the legal question to the High Court.

    The government had argued that the drafting error cannot be grounds to seek bail and must be overlooked. The court agreed with the government. But the court said the reading could not be applied retrospectively, as this would violate Article 20(1).

    Article 20(1) says that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of the law in force at the time of the commission of an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence.
    What is the issue with the recent amendment bill?

    Earlier, the government brought in an ordinance to rectify the drafting error. But the recent bill mentioned, “It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of May 2014”. Thus, the amendment makes the law retrospective. The government clarified that the retrospective application is permitted in “clarificatory amendments.”

    But the bill is criticised for introducing a substantive sentencing provision in criminal law that has been given retrospective effect by a legislative declaration, 2. Making penal provisions retrospective will lead to more constitutional questions.

    What are the other issues missed out by the bill?

    Failed to decriminalize marijuana: There are many benefits associated with Marijuana. For instance, 1. Multiple sclerosis patients could benefit from therapeutic drugs derived from marijuana. 2. It may also help control pain, seizures and other afflictions, 3. Its commercial cultivation could offer more than medicinal value.

    Further, the Global Commission on Drugs, a panel of leaders and thinkers, called for countries to regulate rather than ban cannabis (and narcotics). So, India should decriminalise Marijuana.

    Must read: Decriminalising Marijuana in India

    Source: This post is based on the following articles

    “NDPS Act: a drafting error, its implications, and an amendment” published in Indian Express on 15th December 2021.

    “A liberalized marijuana policy would do us good” published in Live Mint on 15th December 2021.

  • Rajya Sabha Passes The Landmark ‘Dam Safety Bill (2019)’
    What is the News?

    Rajya Sabha has passed the landmark Dam Safety Bill (2019) paving the way for the enactment of the Dam Safety Act in the country.

    What is the need for the Dam Safety Bill?

    India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation in the world after China and USA.

    There are around 5,700 large dams in the country, of which about 80% are already over 25 years old. Nearly 227 dams that are over 100 years old are still functional. 

    Although India’s track record of dam safety is at par with that of the developed nations, there have been instances of unwarranted dam failures and of poor maintenance issues.

    Hence, the Dam Safety Bill has been brought by the Government.

    What is the objective of the Dam Safety Bill,2019?

    To provide for adequate surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all the large dams in the country to prevent dam failure related disasters.

    To provide for an institutional mechanism at both Central and State levels to address structural and non-structural measures required for ensuring the safe functioning of dams.

    What are the key provisions of the Bill?

    National Committee on Dam Safety(NCDS): It will be constituted to help evolve uniform dam safety policies, protocols, and procedures. 

    National Dam Safety Authority(NDSA): It will be a regulatory body for ensuring the nationwide implementation of dam safety policies and standards. 

    State Committees on Dams: At the State level, the Bill prescribes for the constitution of State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organizations(SDSO). These bodies will be responsible for the surveillance, inspection and monitoring of the operation and maintenance of dams within their jurisdiction.

    Safety of Dams: The Bill provides for regular inspection and hazards classification of dams. It also provides for drawing up emergency action plans and comprehensive dam safety reviews by an independent panel of experts. There is provision for an emergency flood warning system to address the safety concerns of downstream inhabitants.

    The obligation of Dam Owners: Dam owners are required to provide resources for timely repair and maintenance of the dam structure along with related machinery.

    Penal Provisions: The Bill has penal provisions involving offences and penalties, for ensuring compliance with the provisions.

    What is the significance of the Bill?

    The bill looks at Dam Safety holistically and provides for not only structural aspects but also operational and maintenance efficacy through the prescription of strict Operation and Maintenance(O & M) protocols.

    Source:  This post is based on the article “Rajya Sabha Passes The Landmark ‘Dam Safety Bill (2019)” published in PIB on 2nd December 2021.

  • Lok Sabha passes Bill to regulate assisted reproductive technology
    What is the News?

    Lok Sabha has passed the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021.

    What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021?

    Aim: To regulate and supervise assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks, prevent misuse of the technology and promote the ethical practice of the services.

    Note: Assisted reproductive technology(ART) includes medical procedures used primarily to address infertility. Examples of ART services include gamete (sperm or oocyte) donation, in-vitro-fertilisation (fertilising an egg in the lab) and gestational surrogacy (the child is not biologically related to the surrogate mother).

    What are the key provisions of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021?

    Regulation of ART Clinics: The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Registry of Clinics and Banks, which will act as a central database for details of all the clinics and banks in the country. The Registry will grant registration to ART clinics which will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years. Registration may be cancelled or suspended if the entity contravenes the provisions of the Bill. 

    National and State Boards: The Bill also provides for the establishment of National and State Boards for Surrogacy for the regulation of ART services. The National Board shall advise the Central Government on policy matters relating to assisted reproductive technology.

    Rules for ART service providers: ART procedures can only be carried out with the written informed consent of both the person seeking ART services as well as the gamete donor. 

    Rights of a Child Born through ART: The Bill provides that the child born through assisted reproductive technology shall be deemed to be a biological child of the commissioning couple and the said child shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges available to a natural child only from the commissioning couple under any law for the time being in force.

    Offences: Offences under the bill include clinics offering sex selection, abandoning or exploiting children born through ART, the selling, buying, or importing of human embryos and exploiting the couple or donors concerned in any form. Proposed jail terms for violations range from five to 12 years, and fines from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

    What are the issues with the Bill?

    Firstly, the Bill doesn’t include lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people (LGBTQ) or single men for exercising the right of ART. 

    Secondly, the Government should consider supporting poor childless parents to take ART’s help.

    Source: This post is based on the following articles:

    • “Lok Sabha passes Bill to regulate assisted reproductive technology” published in Indian Express on 2nd December, 2021.
    • “Bill to regulate IVF clinics passed in Lok Sabha” published in The Hindu on 2nd December, 2021.
  • Centre may continue to hold at least 26% stake in public sector banks
    What is the News?

    The Government of India will be introducing the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the upcoming winter session.

    The Bill seeks to amend the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts, 1970 and 1980 and incidental amendments to Banking Regulation Act,1949.

    What are the key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021?
    Source: Business Standard

    Firstly, Government Shareholding in PSBs: provides for reducing the government’s minimum shareholding in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to 26%.

    Note: At present, the government has to hold 51% in PSBs at all times according to the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

    Benefits of Reduced Government Shareholding in PSBs: This will enable institutional and public investment in PSBs in turn helping the exchequer with better receipts. This would also help in privatisation and meeting the disinvestment targets, besides reducing lenders’ dependence on the government for capital infusion.

    Secondly, Scheme for privatisation of PSBs: The Bill would empower the government to make a scheme for privatisation of PSBs in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    Thirdly, Auditors of PSBs: The bill seeks to replace provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, with the Companies Act, 2013 for conditions for auditors of PSBs, among others.

    Fourthly, Disqualification of directors: The Bill will have provisions regarding the disqualification of directors. It will include terms and conditions for service of the chairman, whole-time directors and board of directors.

    Fifthly, Remuneration of Directors: The bill will insert clauses to determine the remuneration and compensation for whole-time directors and officers carrying out material risk-taking and control functions of new privatised banks.

    Lastly, Protection of Officers: To protect the decision-making of bank executives, a new provision will also be included in the law to protect them for action taken in good faith.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Centre may continue to hold at least 26% stake in public sector banks” published in The Hindu on 25th Nov 2021.

  • Explained: The process for repealing a law
    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has announced that the three contentious farm laws would be repealed. The process of repealing the laws will take place in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

    Read more: Government will repeal all 3 farm laws: Modi
    What do you mean by Repealing the Law?

    Repealing a law is one of the ways to nullify a law. A law is reversed when Parliament thinks there is no longer a need for the law to exist. 

    Legislation can also have a “sunset” clause, a particular date after which they cease to exist. For example, the anti-terror legislation Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act 1987, commonly known as TADA, had a sunset clause, and was allowed to lapse in 1995.

    For laws that do not have a sunset clause, Parliament has to pass another legislation to repeal the law.

    How can the Government repeal a law?

    Article 245 of the Constitution gives Parliament the power to make laws for the whole or any part of India, and state legislatures the power to make laws for the state. Parliament draws its power to repeal a law from the same provision.

    What is the process for repealing a law?

    Laws can be repealed in two ways — either through an ordinance or through legislation.

    Ordinance: In case an ordinance is used, it would need to be replaced by a law passed by Parliament within six months. If the ordinance lapses because it is not approved by Parliament, the repealed law can be revived.

    Legislation: The government can also bring legislation to repeal the farm laws. It will have to be passed by both Houses of Parliament, and receive the President’s assent before it comes into effect. Usually, Bills titled Repealing and Amendment are introduced for this purpose.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: The process for repealing a law” published by Indian Express on 19th Nov 2021.

  • Centre brings Ordinances to extend tenure of ED, CBI directors up to 5 years
    What is the News?

    The Government of India has brought two ordinances to extend the tenure of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) directors up to 5 years.

    Note: Currently, the tenure of chiefs of ED and CBI is two years. While they can not be removed (with some exceptions) before their tenure ends, an extension can be given by the government.

    Which are the acts amended to bring in the ordinances?

    The change in tenure of the CBI Director was done by amending the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

    On the other hand, the changes to the tenure of the ED Director was brought in by amending the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.

    What are the key provisions of the ordinances?

    The CBI or ED director can be appointed first for a period of two years. But if needed, the tenure can be extended for three more years. This will require three separate annual extensions.

    However, no extension can be granted to an ED or CBI chief after a period of five years.

    Source: This post is based on the following articles: 

    • “CBI, ED chiefs can now have five-year terms” published in The Hindu on 15th November 2021.
    • “Centre brings Ordinances to extend tenure of ED, CBI directors up to 5 years” published in Indian Express on 15th November 2021.
  • To Promote Clean Energy Consumption, Power Ministry proposes Amendment to Energy Conservation Act, 2001
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Power has proposed amendments to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with an aim to achieve higher levels of penetration of Renewable energy. 

    What are the amendments proposed to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001?

    Define the minimum share of renewable energy in the overall consumption by the industrial units or any establishment.

    Provision to incentivise efforts on using clean energy sources by means of a carbon saving certificate.

    To strengthen the institutions originally envisaged under the Act

    To expand the scope of the Act to include larger Residential buildings with an aim to promote Sustainable Habitat.

    What is the significance of these proposed amendments?

    India has committed to an ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of reducing emission intensity by 33-35% in 2030 against the levels of 2005. 

    India also aims to achieve more than 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel energy resources by 2030.

    To achieve these goals, the proposed amendments would help by facilitating the development of the carbon market in India, increasing private sector involvement in climate actions and promoting green Hydrogen as an alternative to the existing fossil fuels.

    Source: This post is based on the article “To Promote Clean Energy Consumption, Power Ministry proposes Amendment to Energy Conservation Act, 2001” published in PIB on 31st October 2021.

  • Centre wants to keep birth, death database
    What is the News?

    The Centre has proposed amendments to a Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD),1969 that will enable it to “maintain the database of registered birth and deaths at the national level”.

    What are the amendments proposed by the Centre?
    Registration of Births and Deaths Act
    Source: The Hindu

    Presently, the registration of births and deaths is done by the local registrar appointed by States.

    But the Centre has now proposed to insert Section 3A in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD), 1969.

    As per this amendment, the Chief Registrar (appointed by the States) would maintain a unified database of births and deaths at the State level and integrate it with the data at the “national level” maintained by the Registrar General of India(RGI). This will imply that the Centre will be a parallel repository of data.

    The database can then be used by the Registrar General with the approval of the Central government to update the 

    What is the significance of this amendment?

    If the amendments are implemented, the Centre could use the data to update the National Population Register (NPR), first prepared in 2010 and revised through door-to-door enumeration in 2015. 

    Note: As per Citizenship Rules, 2003, NPR is the first step towards the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

    About the other amendments proposed?

    Another proposed amendment is the appointment of “Special Sub-Registrars, in the event of a disaster, with any or all of his powers and duties for the on-spot registration of deaths and issuance of extract thereof as may be prescribed”.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Centre wants to keep birth, death database” published in PIB on 25th October 2021.

  • Women’s panel defends draft Inheritance Bill

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the News?

    The draft Arunachal Pradesh Marriage and Inheritance of Property Bill, 2021 has met with strong opposition in the State.

    About Draft Arunachal Pradesh Marriage and Inheritance of Property Bill, 2021:

    1. The bill focuses on the provisions related to the legal status of marriage, the procedure of marriage registration, property right of the wife, widow’s rights, treating polygamy as an offence. 
    2. The two significant contributions of the bill is with respect to the criminalization of polygamy (prospectively means second marriage held before the law comes into force will not be affected) and the property right of the legally wedded wife and widow. 
    Why is the bill being opposed?
    1. One of the clauses of the bill deals with the ‘Right of an APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) woman married to non-APST on immovable property owned and acquired by her’.
    2. The clause states that an APST woman shall enjoy the right of any immovable property owned and acquired by her in her lifetime. 
    3. In the event of her death, her husband and her heir would have full rights of its disposal and alienation to any indigenous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
    4. This provision is seen as an invitation to outsiders to take over tribal land through marriage. Further, this provision is also considered against the customary practice.
    5. Hence, due to this, the draft Bill is termed as “anti-tribal”, “anti-Arunachal”.
    What do the organizations want now?
    1. The Student Organizations has said that they will not allow the Bill to be passed in the State Assembly unless a tribal woman who marries anyone belonging to non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) is stripped of her ST status and benefits.
  • Candy sticks to earbuds: Govt bans single-use plastic from 2022

    Source: Indian Express, The Hindu and PIB

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. 

    Main Purpose of the Rules:
    1. The rules aim to prohibit the use of specific single-use plastic items which have “low utility and high littering potential” by 2022.
    Key Provisions of the Rules:

    Range of Plastics Banned:

    1. The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the following single-use plastic commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the 1st July, 2022:
      • Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration; 
      • Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards,  and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
    The thickness of Plastic bags:
    1. The permitted thickness of the plastic bags, currently 50 microns, will be increased to 75 microns from 30th September 2021, and to 120 microns from 31st December 2022.
    2. This is because plastic bags with higher thickness are more easily handled as waste and have higher recyclability.

    Plastic Wastes not banned:

    1. Compostable Plastics: The ban will not apply to commodities made of compostable plastic.
      • Instead of using plastic made from petrochemicals and fossil fuels, compostable plastics are derived from renewable materials like corn, potato, and tapioca starches, cellulose, etc. These plastics are non-toxic and decompose back into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass when composted.
    2. Plastic Packaging waste which is not covered under the phase-out of identified single-use plastic items should be collected and managed in an environmentally sustainable way through the Extended Producer Responsibility as per Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
      • Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach in which producers take responsibility for the management of the disposal of products they produce once those products are designated as no longer useful by consumers.
    Other Plastic Commodities:
    1. For banning other plastic commodities in the future, other than those that have been listed in this notification, the government has given the industry ten years from the date of notification for compliance.
    Implementation of Rules:
    1. The Central Pollution Control Board, along with state pollution bodies, will monitor the ban, identify violations, and impose penalties already prescribed under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

    Terms to know:

     

  • Lok Sabha passes Constitution amendment Bill to restore states’ powers on OBC list

    Source: Indian Express

    What is the News?

    Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the Constitution (127th Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    About Constitution (127th Amendment) Bill, 2021:

    Main Purpose of the Bill:

    • The Bill amends the Constitution to allow states and union territories to prepare their own list of socially and educationally backward classes. 

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    List of socially and educationally backward classes: 
    • The National Commission for Backward Classes(NCBC) was established under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.  
    • The Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018 gave constitutional status to the NCBC, and empowered the President to notify the list of socially and educationally backward classes for any state or union territory for all purposes. 
    • The 2021 Bill amends this to provide that the President may notify the list of socially and educationally backward classes only for purposes of the central government. This central list will be prepared and maintained by the central government.  
    • Further, the Bill enables states and union territories to prepare their own list of socially and educationally backward classes.  This list must be made by law and may differ from the central list.

    Consultation with the NCBC:

    • Article 338B of the Constitution mandates the central and state governments to consult the NCBC on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes.  
    • The Bill exempts states and union territories from this requirement for matters related to the preparation of their list of socially and educationally backward classes.
  • Air Quality Commission Bill for National Capital Region cleared

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the News?

    Lok Sabha has passed the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021.

    About Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021:

    • The Bill provides for the constitution of a Commission for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
      • Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR where any source of pollution may cause an adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.
    • The bill also dissolves the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority established in the NCR in 1998.

    Key Features of the Bill:

    Functions of the Commission: 
    • Planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in the NCR
    • Providing a framework for identification of air pollutants,
    • Conducting research and development through networking with technical institutions among others.
    Powers of the Commission:
    • Restricting activities influencing air quality
    • Investigating and conducting research related to environmental pollution impacting air quality
    • Preparing codes and guidelines to prevent and control air pollution and
    • Issuing directions on matters including inspections, or regulations which will be binding on the concerned person or authorities among others.

    Note: In case of any conflict, the orders or directions of the Commission will prevail over the orders of the respective state governments, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), state PCBs, and state-level statutory bodies.

    Composition:
    • The Commission will consist of a Chairperson and others members. The Chairperson and members of the Commission will have a tenure of three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.
    • It will also include ex-officio members from the central government and concerned state governments and technical members from CPCB, the Indian Space Research Organisation and NITI Aayog.
    Penalties:
    • Contravention of provisions of the orders and directions of the Commission will be punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine of up to one crore rupees, or both.
    • All appeals against the Commission’s orders will be heard by the National Green Tribunal.
  • Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Bill 2021 passed in Parliament

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    Parliament has passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    Purpose of the Bill:

    • The bill seeks to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
    • The 2008 Act established the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
      • AERA regulates tariffs and other charges (such as airport development fees) for aeronautical services rendered at major airports in India.

    Click here to read the Key Features Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021

     

  • Govt. introduces Bill on insurance firms

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the News?

    The Government of India has introduced the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2021.

    Purpose of the Bill:
    • The Bill introduces amendments to the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972 to enable the privatisation of public sector insurance companies.
    Key Features of the Bill:
    • Reduces Shareholding Limit: The Bill removes a clause that requires the Centre to hold at least 51% shares in the public sector insurance companies.
      • Currently, there are four public sector general insurance companies — National Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Company Limited, Oriental Insurance Company Limited, and United India Insurance Company Limited.
    • Applicability of the Act: The bill includes a new section that states that the applicability of the Act ceases from the date the central government relinquishes control over an insurer.
    • Liability of Director: The Bill makes the director of an insurer who is not a whole-time director liable for any acts of omission or commission committed with his knowledge and consent.
    Significance of the Bill:
    • The Bill will allow private participation in public sector insurance companies with the government reducing its shareholding.
    • Moreover, the bill has tightened the noose around directors (other than whole-time directors).
  • Amendments to Act regulating major airports passed in LS

    Source: Livemint

    Introduced: Rajya Sabha (12th July 2019)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (16th July 2019)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (2nd August 2019)

    Present status: Received assent of the President on 6th August 2019

    The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    Purpose of the Bill:
    • The Bill seeks to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008.
    • The 2008 Act established the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
      • AERA regulates tariffs and other charges (such as airport development fees) for aeronautical services rendered at major airports in India.
    Key provisions of the Bill:
     1. Definition of Major Airports:
    1. The 2008 Act designates an airport as a major airport if it has an annual passenger traffic of at least 35 lakh.
    2. The central government may also designate any airport as a major airport by a notification.
    3. The Bill adds that the central government may group airports and notify the group as a major airport.

    2. Tariff:

    1. The amendment will allow AERA to regulate tariff and other charges for aeronautical services for not just major airports with annual passenger traffic of more than 35 lakh, but also a group of airports

    3. Clubbing of Airports:

    • The bill will allow the government to club profitable and non-profitable airports as a combination/package to bidders to make it a viable combination for investment under PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode.
    Benefits of the Amendment:
    • The Bill will pave the way for the privatization of a small, loss-making airport by clubbing it with a larger airport.
      • The government has already decided to privatize airports at Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneshwar, Indore, Raipur, and Tiruchirapalli. But it is yet to finalize smaller airports that can be paired with them for disinvestment.
    • Moreover, the bill will also help in expanding the air connectivity to relatively remote areas and as a result, expediting the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
  • Distressing’ and ‘shocking’ that people are still tried under Section 66A of IT Act, says SC

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has expressed shock at the practice of police registering FIRs under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act. The act was struck down by the SC in the 2015 judgment in the Shreya Singhal case.

    What is the issue?
    • A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). The petition seeks various directions and guidelines against the FIRs under the struck-down provision of Section 66A.
    • The plea has stated that as many as a total of 745 cases are still pending and active before the District Courts in 11 States under 66A of the IT Act.
    • Moreover, Section 66A has continued to be in use not only within police stations but also in cases before trial courts across India.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • The Supreme Court has termed the continued use of Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 as a shocking state of affairs and sought a response from the Centre.

    About Section 66A:

    • Section 66A defines the punishment for sending “offensive” messages through a computer or any other communication device like a mobile phone or a tablet.
    • A conviction can fetch a maximum of three years in jail and a fine.
    What were the issues with the Act?
    • The vagueness about what is “offensive”. The word has a very wide connotation and is open to distinctive, varied interpretations.
    • Hence, it was subjective and what may be fine for one person, may lead to a complaint from someone else. Consequently, an arrest under Section 66A if the police prima facie accepts the latter person’s view.

    Terms to know 

  • Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021
    Present Status: Open for public suggestions till 14th Jul 2021
    About Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021
    • Objectives:
      • To prevent and counter trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
      • To provide for care, protection, and rehabilitation to the victims, while respecting their rights
      • To create a supportive legal, economic and social environment for the victims
      • To ensure prosecution of offenders
    • The bill has increased the scope of the nature of offenses of trafficking as well as the kind of victims of these offenses with stringent penalties.
    • Ministry: Women and Child Development (WCD)
    • A previous draft of the bill (The Trafficking of Persons Bill 2018) was passed in the Lok Sabha in 2018 but was never introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
    Key Provisions of the Bill:
    • Definition: The bill defines exploitation to include the exploitation of the person for prostitution or other forms. Which includes pornography, forced labour, forced removal of organs or illegal clinical drug trials.
    • Includes Transgender: The bill extends beyond the protection of women and children as victims. It now includes transgenders as well as any person who may be a victim of trafficking.
    • Victim Definition: The bill does away with the provision that a victim necessarily needs to be transported from one place to another to be defined as a victim of trafficking.
    • Application: The law will apply to all citizens of India, within and outside the country, persons on any ship or aircraft registered in India wherever it may be or carrying Indian citizens wherever they may be, and a foreign national or a stateless person who has residence in India. It also says the law shall apply to every offence of trafficking in persons with cross-border implications.
    • Punishment: The Punishment will be for a minimum of seven years period, which can go up to an imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. However, in cases of the trafficking of more than one child, the penalty is life imprisonment. In certain cases, even the death penalty can be sought.
      • More severe penalties in case of aggravated offences, like death of a victim.
    • Nodal Investigative Agency: National Investigation Agency (NIA) shall act as the national investigating and coordinating agency responsible for prevention and combating of trafficking in persons.
    • National Anti Trafficking Committee: Once the bill becomes an Act, the central government will notify and set up a National Anti Trafficking Committee, while state governments will set up these committees at state and district levels to ensure effective implementation.
    • Jurisdiction: The bill will extend to all citizens inside as well as outside India. It will also be applied to every offence of trafficking in persons with cross-border implications.
    • Seizing of Property: Property bought via trafficking as well as used for trafficking can now be forfeited, similar to that of the money laundering Act.
    • Expands coverage: The scope of the Bill vis a vis offenders will now also include defence personnel and government servants, doctors and paramedical staff or anyone in a position of authority. Penalty for the guilty will include life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 30 lakh.
  • Juvenile Justice Act inadequate in dealing with juveniles under-16

    Source: TOI

    What is the news?

    The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has observed that the present law (Juvenile Justice Act) dealing with children aged below 16 in heinous-crime cases as juvenile offenders is “totally inadequate and ill equipped”.

    Background

    Court made the observations on June 25 while dismissing a criminal revision petition regarding bail sought by a 15-year-old boy accused of raping a 10-year-old girl.

    • The boy’s bail plea was denied by the Juvenile Justice Board on February 2. He appealed in the sessions court, which upheld the Juvenile Justice Board’s decision on March 2, after which the boy’s counsel filed a criminal revision petition in the HC.
    Also Read: Juvenile Justice Act 2015
    What did the court say?

    Court made some scathing observations regarding juvenile justice act and the role of the legislature.

    • It remarked that no lessons had been learned from the Nirbhaya case “as the age of a child is still kept below 16 years in heinous offences under Section 15 of the JJ Act. This gives a free hand to delinquents under the age of 16 to commit heinous offences”. It wondered “how many such sacrifices would be needed”. Thus, apparently, despite committing a heinous offence, the petitioner (15-year-old boy in this case) will be tried as a juvenile only because he is less than 16 years old.
    • Also, the present law is present law dealing with children aged below 16 in heinous-crime cases as juvenile offenders is “totally inadequate and ill equipped”.
    Also read: Should age threshold under Juvenile Justice Act be lowered?
  • Repeal draft Cinematograph Bill: film fraternity writes to I&B ministry

    Source: Indian Express

     What is the News?

    The Film Fraternity has written a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting(I&B) to withdraw the Draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

    About the Draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021.

    • The Draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021 makes an amendment to the Cinematograph Act,1952.
    • The bill gives the union government the power to ask for recertification of an already certified film if there is any complaint against it.
    • It also penalizes piracy and introduces age-based certification.

    What are the concerns and suggestions raised by Film Fraternity against the Bill?

    • Role of CBFC: The Bill must clearly define the role of the Central Board of Film Certification(CBFC) as a body that certifies film content for public exhibition, and not as a censoring body.
    • Drop Central Government Powers on Film Certification: The amendment giving powers to the Central Government to revoke a film certificate must be dropped.
    • On Penalising Film Piracy: The existing law already penalizes piracy. Hence, there is no need to introduce further penal provisions. The bill should bring sufficient exceptions on fair use. The offense of piracy must also be made non-cognizable and bailable.
    • Age-Based Certification: The film fraternity has welcomed the age-based certification. But they have also asked for a guidance or grievance cell within the CBFC to address and arbitrate any public grievances or complaints about films.
    • Reinstate FCAT: The Film Fraternity has urged the government to reinstate the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT). It was abolished in April.
    • Clear Definition of Public Exhibition: The Cinematograph Act must be amended to include a clear definition of ‘public’ exhibition and bring under its purview only commercial films.
  • Indian Vessels Act, 2021
    Introduced: Lok Sabha (22nd Jul 2021)
    Passed: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    Present status: Received the assent of the President on the
    11th August, 2021
    About Indian Vessels Act, 2021:
    • Indian Vessels bill, 2021 seeks to replace the Inland Vessels Act, 1917. The bill aims to regulate the safety, security and registration of inland vessels.
    Key Features of the Indian Vessels Act, 2021:
    •  Unified Law:
      • The Bill provides for a unified law for the entire country, instead of separate rules framed by the States.
      • This means that the certificate of registration granted under the proposed law will be deemed to be valid in all States and Union Territories.
      • Moreover, there will also be no need to seek separate permissions from the States.
    • Central Database of Vessels:
      • The Bill provides for a central database for recording the details of the vessel, vessel registration, crew on an electronic portal. The Bill defines such vessels to include ships, boats, sailing vessels, container vessels, and ferries.
    • Mandatory registration of Vessels:
      • The bill requires all mechanically propelled vessels to be mandatorily registered.
      • On the other hand, all non-mechanically propelled vessels will also have to be enrolled at the district, taluk or panchayat or village level.
    •  Prevention of pollution:
      • Vessels will discharge or dispose sewage, as per the standards specified by the central government. State governments will grant vessels a certificate of prevention of pollution, in a form as prescribed by the central government.
    About Inland Waterways:
    • India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprises rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks among others.
    • About 55 million tonnes of cargo are being moved annually by Inland Water Transport (IWT), in a fuel-efficient and environment-friendly mode.

    About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):

    • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was constituted in 1986 for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
    • Purpose: The Authority primarily undertakes projects for the development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways. IWAI did this through the grants received from the Ministry of Shipping.

     

  • Model Tenancy Act: Need and Challenges – Explained, pointwise.
    Introduction

    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the Model Tenancy Act and circulated it to all States/Union Territories. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had earlier released the draft guidelines in July 2019. The Act aims to bridge the trust deficit between tenants and landlords by clearly delineating their obligations. It aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive rental housing market in the country.

    However, the success of the act depends upon the ground level realisation of the notified provisions. Further, it is not binding on states as Land is a state subject under List 2 of the Seventh Schedule. Therefore, optimum benefits would be generated only when states adopt the act in letter and spirit. 

    Salient features of the Model Tenancy Act
    • Mandatory Rent Agreement: The act makes it mandatory to create a written lawful rent agreement between the owner and tenant. 
    • Rent Authority: The Act requires establishing rent authorities in every district to regulate renting of premises. 
      • Both the landlord and tenant will have to submit a copy of the rent agreement to the district Rent Authority. 
      • The proposed authority will also provide a speedy adjudication mechanism for the resolution of disputes.
    • Tribunal and Courts: It calls for creating dedicated tribunals and courts for dealing with tenancy related disputes. 
    • Security Deposit: The act puts a cap on the amount of security deposit. It will be a maximum of two months of rent in case of residential premises and six months in case of non-residential premises.
    • Subletting: The act bars tenants from subletting the property in part or whole.
    • Vacating Rental Premises: It says that if a landlord has fulfilled all the conditions stated in the rent agreement, then the tenant has to vacate the premises. 
      • If the tenant fails to vacate the premises, then the landlord is entitled to double the monthly rent for the first two months and four times after that.
    • Increase in Rent: The rent can be revised according to the terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement. If there is no such agreement, the landowner will have to give a 3 months notice to the tenant before revising the rent.
    • Coverage: The Act will apply to premises rented for residential, commercial, or educational use but not for industrial use. It also won’t cover hotels, lodging, etc. This model law will be applied prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies.
    Need of the Model Tenancy Act
    1. Obsolete Laws: The current tenancy regime is governed by the decades-old Rent Control Act, 1948 and its varied versions adopted by the state governments. 
      • These obsolete laws are more biased towards the tenant and were made with the sole intention of preventing exploitation of tenants by landlords.
      • Further, many of the old laws have not amended in over two decades, ensuring that the rent ceiling remains capped at the levels prevalent in the late 90s.
    2. Institutionalise the Rental Market: Currently, the rental market is largely informal in nature. The rents are raised anytime, summary eviction of tenants is quite common. Sometimes the malicious tenants are seen illegally occupying the rented property. All this would be curtailed by the enactment of the new act as it forbids verbal rental agreements. 
    3. Better Grievance Redressal: The establishment of a rent authority in every district and provision for rent courts/tribunals will enable quick and efficient settlement of disputes. The current process of dispute settlement through traditional courts is very long and expensive.
    4. Encourage Renting:  As per Census 2011, nearly 1.1 crore houses were lying vacant in urban areas across the country. The act gives sufficient rights to landowners, which may encourage greater renting and reduce homelessness.
    5. Preventing Unnecessary Financial Burden: The act places a cap of two months on the security deposit. This reduces financial strain on tenants and encourages more renting.
      • Currently, the security deposit in Mumbai and Bengaluru can reach 6-8 times the monthly rent.
    6. Respecting the privacy of the Tenant: The landlords in India have a habit of entering the rented property as per their will. It violates the tenant’s Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. But now a notice of 24 hours needs to be given before entering. 
    7. Minimise creation of Unauthorised Colonies: As renting would be made safer and easier, therefore people would be disincentivized to live in slums and unauthorised colonies.
    Challenges with the Model Tenancy Act
    1. Non-Binding nature: Land and Urban Development is a state subject. The states may or may not adopt the proposed law, as done by them in the case of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act.
    2. Prospective effect: The new model act would have a prospective effect. This means it would be applicable to future disputes only, hence past disputes would continue to linger on for years.
    3. Inadequate Security Cover: Security Cap for two months may not be enough to cover damages, especially during the last month when tenants adjust their rent in the security deposit.
    4. Lacunae in the formation of the Act: The act fails to properly define the term ‘habitation’. Further, it fails to mention the penalty if the owner delays in paying back the security deposit. Also, it is altogether silent on sudden leave and license arrangements.
    Suggestions
    1. States must immediately adopt the Model Tenancy act as per their peculiar needs. However, they should refrain from diluting the true spirit of the act like the West Bengal did it with WB HIRA. 
    2. Further, they can allow retrospective application of the act for some specific set of cases in order to expedite the grievance redressal process.
    3. States will have to invest time and resources to set up rent authorities, rent tribunals and rent courts for effective implementation of the Model Tenancy Act.
    Conclusion

    The government has laid a good framework that balances the social welfare of tenants and the economic interests of landlords. The states now just need to adopt the Model Tenancy Act as per their peculiar requirements. This will help them in releasing the dream of Housing for All by 2022.

  • Model Tenancy Act
    Introduced: The Bill was introduced as a Government Bill (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs)
    Present Status: Model Act is enacted and circulated to States
    Aim of the Act:
    • To create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive rental housing market in the country.
    • It will address the issue of homelessness by creating adequate rental housing stock for all the income groups. It aims towards the goal of housing for all by 2022.
    • Lastly, it will institutionalize rental housing by gradually shifting it towards the formal market.
    Coverage:
    • The Act will apply to premises rented for residential, commercial, or educational use but not for industrial use. It also won’t cover hotels, lodging, etc.
    • This model law will be applied prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies.
    Key Features of the Model Tenancy Act:
    Tenancy agreement:
    • The Model Act states that to rent any premises, a written agreement must be signed between the landlord and the tenant. The agreement must specify:
      • the rent payable
      • the time period for the tenancy
      • terms and period for revision of rent
      • the security deposit to be paid in advance
      • reasonable causes for entry of landlord into the premises, and
      • responsibilities to maintain premises.
    Rent Authority:
    • The Act requires establishing rent authorities in every district to regulate renting of premises. Authority will protect the interests of landlords and tenants.
    • The proposed authority will also provide a speedy adjudication mechanism for the resolution of disputes.
    Security Deposit:
    • The act puts a cap on the amount of security deposit. It will be a maximum of two months of rent in case of residential premises and six months in case of non-residential premises.
    • Currently, this amount differs from one city to another. For instance, in Delhi, the deposit is usually two-three times the monthly rent, but in Mumbai and Bengaluru, it can be over six times the monthly rent.
    Increase in Rent:
    • The rent can be revised according to the terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement.
    • If there is no such agreement, the landowner will have to give a notice in writing to the tenant, three months before the due date of revised rent.
    Vacating Rental Premises:
    • The act has provided a mechanism for vacating the premises. It says that if a landlord has fulfilled all the conditions stated in the rent agreement – giving notice, etc., then the tenant has to vacate the premises.
    • If the tenant fails to vacate the premises on the expiration of the period of tenancy or termination of tenancy, then the landlord is entitled to double the monthly rent for two months and four times after that.
    Entering of Rental Premises:
    • Every landlord or the property manager may enter the rented premises in certain conditions. Like he/she needs to serve a notice, in writing or through electronic mode, to the tenant at least twenty-four hours before the time of entry.

    Sub-letting:

    • Under the Model Act, sub-letting is prohibited unless allowed through a supplementary agreement.

    Note: Model acts are not binding on states. They merely suggest provisions that either can be accepted as it is by states or with modification. States may also completely ignore these acts. Furthermore, Land is a state subject and only states can legislate to regulate the housing market.

  • Impact of New FCRA Rules on Relief Work of NGOs – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The second wave of Pandemic has struck the country very hard. There has been an enormous rise in Covid-19 cases reaching around 4 lakh/day. This necessitates active participation from all the stakeholders including NGOs. However, NGOs are not able to contribute much due to the stringent conditions imposed on them by the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Act 2020 and Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules 2020.

    There are a lot of donors who are willing to send money/Covid-19 related equipment like ventilators, oxygen cylinders, etc. via NGOs and hospitals. However, the new rules are acting as a big hurdle to them. Christian Educational Society (NGO) has even filed a petition in the High court. It has demanded relaxation against the mandatory opening of an FCRA account at SBI, New Delhi branch. In this article, we will focus on the concerning rules and provide some suggestions for improving the present situation.

    Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act:
    • It is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010. It was to regulate foreign donations and to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • Registration: It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. The registration is initially valid for five years. Further, it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
    • Registered NGOs can receive foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural. There are 22,591 FCRA registered NGOs.
    Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment), Act 2020:
    • Transfer of foreign contribution: Under the Act, foreign contribution cannot be transferred to any other person unless such person is also registered for that purpose.
      • The amendment also forbids sub-granting by NGOs to smaller NGOs who work at the grassroots.
    • FCRA account: The act states that foreign contributions must be received only in an FCRA account opened in the State Bank of India, New Delhi Branch. No funds other than the foreign contribution should be received or deposited in this account.
    • Regulation: The Act states that a person may accept foreign contributions if 
      • They have obtained a certificate of registration from the central government or 
      • They have taken prior permission from the government to accept foreign contributions. 
    • Aadhar usage: The act makes it compulsory for all trustees to register their Aadhaar card with the FCRA account.
      • The Act also makes Aadhaar a mandatory identification document. It is for all the office bearers, directors, and other key functionaries of an NGO.
    • Restriction in utilisation of foreign contribution: The act gives government powers to stop utilization of foreign funds by an organization through a “summary enquiry”.
    • Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes: The act decreases administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organization to 20% from 50% earlier.
      • Administrative expenses include salary, office rental, furnishing, stationery, communication, and transport.
    • Surrender of certificate: The act allows the central government to permit a person to surrender their registration certificate.
     Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules 2020:
    • New rules require any organization that wants to register itself under the FCRA to have existed for at least three years. Further, it should have spent a minimum of Rs. 15 lakh on its core activities during the last three financial years for the benefit of society.
    • Office bearers of the NGOs seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must submit a specific commitment letter from the donor. It should indicate the amount of foreign contribution and the purpose for which it is proposed to be given.
    • Any NGO or person making an application for obtaining prior permission to receive foreign funds shall have an FCRA Account.
    Current Scenario:
    • Christian Educational Society (NGO) has filed a plea in Delhi High Court. 
    • It demands an extension of 6 months for the opening of an FCRA account with State Bank of India, New Delhi Branch. 
    • Further, it desires to set aside the restriction on receiving foreign contributions in existing FCRA accounts for 6 months from 1 April 2021.
    • Both the requests are made aimed to smoothen its economic, educational, and social activities.
    • Similarly, on May 3, the government permitted imports without GST levies for pandemic relief material donated from abroad for free distribution in the country. However, no FCRA exemption was granted for this purpose. 
    Issues in implementing the amended rules during the pandemic:
    1. First, there are considerable administrative delays in the functioning of banks and ministries. 
      • For instance, the Christian Educational Society (NGO) had applied to open the account at the SBI Delhi branch before the March 31 deadline. However, the administrative delays prevented the opening. It, later on, filed a petition for a 6-month relaxation.
      • Similarly, in some cases, the Ministry failed to authorize a form sent by the SBI. It, thereby, prevented the eligible NGOs from receiving foreign funds.
    2. Second, NGOs are also facing severe inconvenience in submitting the necessary papers and personal documents of trustees and other members. This inconvenience is created as members live at different locations and various regions are under a lockdown.
      • Due to this, NGOs are not able to receive foreign contribution in their existing non-SBI FCRA account nor are they able to open a primary FCRA account with SBI to receive foreign contribution.
    3. Third, the government has adopted a suspicious stance towards NGOs. They perceive them to be rule breakers by default and take strict action against them. This has resulted in the cancellation of FCRA registration of around 16500 NGOs since 2014.
    4. Fourth, the new rules pay disregard to the successful NGO partnership model across the world. Under this, the focus is placed on establishing a synergy between urban and hinterland regions. 
      • Urban professionals are better trained to raise funds, lobby with the government for policy changes, grants, etc. On the other hand, field workers are better acquainted with ground conditions, people, and their culture and issues at the local level. 
    Impact of stricter rules:
    1. Firstly, the NGOs are spending more time doing paperwork than on the ground. This has reduced the ambit of development works carried on by them.
      • Covid 19 relief work, Community work involving awareness building, legal and constitutional literacy, participatory research, etc. have been hit by the new rules.
    2. Secondly, Indian entities (including hospitals and charitable trusts) can’t receive COVID-19 relief material from foreign donors. Unless they are registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) with a stated objective involving the provision of medical care.
      • This has jeopardized some large donors’ plans to buy equipment like oxygen plants and concentrators for Indian hospitals and smaller charities.
    3. Thirdly, the new rules have enhanced compliance formalities which have made it very difficult to run an NGO. This has resulted in the closure of many NGOs and the livelihood loss of people working in them.
      • For instance, the capping of administrative expenditure at 20% has made them unviable. This is especially true for NGOs hiring professionals like lawyers and doctors who charge hefty fees for their services.
    4. Fourthly, the new rules have made ‘sub granting illegal. Due to this, big NGOs based in Delhi or Mumbai are not able to subgrant their foreign funds to implement programs via partner organizations in districts and villages.
    Suggestions:
    • The government should issue a clarification on exempting the receiver/importer of Covid related material from complying with the FCRA provisions.
    • The Delhi high court should give a quick decision over the request for a 6-month extension on the 31st March 2021 deadline for opening an FCRA account at SBI, New Delhi.
    • The government should adopt a liberal stance towards the NGOs. They must be allowed grace periods to file papers or other documents rather than outrightly canceling their registration for non-compliance.
    • Further, the state governments should set up an NGO coordination center at the local level as recommended by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
    Conclusion

    Civil society supplements government works and works at the grass-roots level. They should be given due freedom and autonomy to support the needs of communities and provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • FCRA Amendments are Crippling Work of NGOs
    What is the News?

    The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment) Act, 2020 has affected the work of many NGOs. They are facing difficulties in receiving foreign funds.

    FCRA Amendment Act, 2020:
    • The amendment has made it compulsory for the NGOs to open an exclusive Bank account with the State Bank of India in New Delhi to receive foreign donations.
    • The Ministry of Home Affairs had given the deadline of March 31st, 2021 to open this bank account.
    What is the issue with this amendment?
    • Firstly, a was petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeking exemption from the Union Home Ministry’s March 31 deadline to open an FCRA account with the SBI branch in New Delhi.
    • Secondly, the petitioner argued that it had applied to open the account before the March 31 deadline.
    • Thirdly, the administrative delays in approval by the bank and Ministry severely are causing many troubles for them. It restricted activities of NGOs including providing COVID-19 relief and paying urgent salaries of staff, and also affected its charitable and educational activities.
    • Hence, the Delhi High Court has now issued a notice to Union Home Ministry for a reply.
     About FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act):
    • Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010 to regulate foreign donations. It aimed to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • Registration: An FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive foreign funds.
    • Purpose: Registered NGOs can receive foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic and cultural.

    Click Here to Read about FCRA

    Source: The Hindu

     

     

    https://forumias.com/blog/indian-polity-news/voluntary-organisations/

  • The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (15th Mar 2021)

    Passed: Lok Sabha passed GNCTD Bill (22nd Mar 2021)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha passed GNCTD Bill (24th Mar 2021)

    Present Status: Assent granted. Converted to an Act

    About GNCTD Amendment Act 2021

    Objectives:

    • Define the responsibilities of the elected government and the Lt. Governor (LG)
    • Create a harmonious relationship between the Legislature and the Executive
    • To ensure better governance in the NCT of Delhi. Further, it aims to improve the implementation of schemes and programmes meant for the common people of Delhi.
    Key provisions of the Act:
    • “Government” to mean “Lieutenant Governor (LG)”: The expression ‘Government’ referred to in any law to be made by the Legislative Assembly shall mean the Lieutenant Governor(LG).
    • Widening of Discretionary Powers of LG: The Act gives discretionary powers to the LG. This power is extended to LG even in matters where the Legislative Assembly of Delhi is empowered to make laws.
    • Proceedings of Delhi Assembly: The Act curbs the Delhi Assembly’s power to conduct its proceedings as per the rules of procedure made by it. It provides that the Rules made by the Delhi Legislative Assembly must be consistent with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Lok Sabha.
    • Opinion of LG: The Act provides that if the LG specifies then the opinion of the LG must be obtained before taking any executive decisions of the Delhi Government.
    • Administrative Activities: The Legislative Assembly cannot make rules to consider matters of the day-to-day administration. Further, the Assembly cannot conduct any probe into administrative decisions. All such rules made before the enactment of this Act will be void.
    • Reserve Bills: The L-G also has to reserve bills that cover any of the matters outside the purview of the Legislative Assembly for the consideration of the President.

    Source: PIB

     

  • The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Bill, 2020

    Introduced: Rajya Sabha (15th Sep 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (16th Mar 2021)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (24th Mar 2021)

    Present Status: Assent granted. Converted to an Act.

    About National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions [NCAHP] Bill, 2020 

    Objective:

    • The Bill seeks to regulate and standardize the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals.
    • Ministry: Health and Family Welfare

    Allied health professionals and their role in the delivery of healthcare services-

    Allied health professionals are individuals engaged in the delivery of health or related care. Their area of expertise includes therapeutic, diagnostic, curative, preventive, and rehabilitative interventions.

    Role- They are the first to recognize the problems of the patients and serve as safety nets. Their awareness of patient care accountability adds tremendous value to the healthcare team in both the public and private sectors.

    Key provisions of the NCAHP bill 2020
    1. Definition of Allied health professional: The Bill defines an allied health professional as an associate, technician, or technologist. The professional, who is trained to support the diagnosis and treatment of any illness, disease, injury, or impairment. For example- The bill recognizes over 50 professions such as physiotherapists, optometrists, nutritionists, medical laboratory professionals, radiotherapy technology professionals.
    2. Healthcare professional: A ‘healthcare professional’ includes a scientist, therapist, or any other professional who studies, advises, researches, supervises, or provides preventive, curative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, or promotional health services.  Such a professional should have obtained a degree under this Bill.  The duration of the degree should be at least 3,600 hours (over a period of three to six years).
    3. The bill uses the International System of Classification of Occupations (ISCO code) to classify allied professionals.
      • This allows for greater global mobility and better prospects for such professionals.
      • It will benefit up to 8-9 lakh current allied and healthcare professionals.
    4. The establishment of a central statutory body as a National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. It shall perform the following functions:
      • To frame policies and standards.
      • To govern professional conduct.
      • Also, to recommend credentials.
      • Further, to establish and maintain a central registry.
    5. Professional Councils: The Commission will constitute a Professional Council for every recognised category of allied and healthcare professions.  The Professional Council will consist of a president and four to 24 members, representing each profession in the recognised category.  The Commission may delegate any of its functions to this Council.
    6. The Bill has the provision for state allied and healthcare councils to execute major functions through autonomous boards.
      • The state councils are in charge of implementation, while the National Commission is in charge of policy formulation.
    7. Offences and penalties: No person is allowed to practice as a qualified allied and healthcare practitioner other than those enrolled in a State Register or the National Register.  Any person who contravenes this provision will be punished with a fine of Rs 50,000.

    Why government’s recognition of allied healthcare professionals is a paradigm shift?

    • Stressful life due to modern lifestyle, rapid urbanization
    • Rising chronic non-communicable disease burden.
    • An increasing proportion of elderly people.

    The above issues require a change in healthcare delivery methods. Therefore, trained, allied health professionals are needed to care for patients with mental illnesses, the elderly, those in need of palliative treatment. Also, it will enable professional services for lifestyle change related to physical activity and diets.

    Way forward-
    • Allied healthcare professionals are an important part of the medical profession. Their contribution is equal to, if not greater than, that of doctors.
    • The law would increase job opportunities for allied and healthcare professionals and also provide dignity to their valuable works.

    Source- The Indian Express 

  • Issues in the MTP Amendment Bill

    Synopsis: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy or MTP Amendment bill is a step forward in recognising the rights of women. But it is not a giant leap.

    Introduction:

    The 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio due to unsafe abortions in India. The amendments made a few significant updates to the 1971 Act.

    Salient provisions of The MTP Act, 1971:
    1. The act allows a woman to terminate her pregnancy within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After consulting an RMP (registered medical practitioner) woman can terminate her pregnancy.
    2. If a woman want to terminate her pregnancy between 12-20 weeks, she needs to get an opinion from 2 RMPs.
    3. The Medical practitioners have to ascertain that continuance of the pregnancy would risk the life of the pregnant woman or substantial risk (Physical or mental abnormalities) to the child if it is born
    Salient provisions of the MTP Amendment Bill:
    1. The amendment extends the upper limit for permitting abortions from the current 20 weeks to 24 weeks. 
    2. The opinion of one RMP is required for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation. (Between 20 weeks to 24 weeks the opinion of two RMP’s is required).
    3. The Amendment also allows the termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks if there are foetal anomalies.
    4. Formation of the medical boards in each state by State governments for this specific purpose(termination of pregnancy after 24 weeks).
    5. Further, the amendment facilitates abortion of “unmarried women also“. As the amendment replaced the word ‘husband’ with the word ‘partner’. For the first time, the amendment of the MTP Act moved beyond marital relationships.
    The problems in the MTP Amendment Bill:

    But the MTP Amendment falls short of few important things. Such as,

    1. The amendment does not address the heart of any debate on abortions. That is a woman as an agency of reproduction.
    2. The key decision-maker regarding the termination of pregnancy after 24 weeks should be the woman and her gynaecologist (for deciding the health of the woman/foetus). Instead, the amendment created a Board of specialists. The board will make the woman undergo a difficult process before such an abortion. Sometimes the cases will also get decided in courts.
    3.  The Amendment is not in line with the global trend. Over 60 countries allow women to abort their pregnancy at any point during their 10-month gestation.
    Suggestions to improve the MTP Amendment Bill:
    1. Because of a lack of development in medical technology, the 1971 Act prescribes the 12-week limit. As it is not safe for pregnant women to abort after 12-weeks.
      • But with the advancement of medical technology, it is safe to abort at any stage during their gestation. So the government has to remove the gestation limit in the Amendment.
    2. Fundamental change in mindset is the need of the hour. Until women are seen as an agent of reproduction, nothing will change in reality.

    So, the improvement of the MTP Amendment is not a holistic one. Instead, it is a minor update.

    Source: The Hindu

  • IBC Amendment Ordinance 2021 Allows “Pre-Pack Insolvency Resolution”

    What is the news? The President of India promulgates the IBC Amendment Ordinance 2021. It allows the use of Pre-Pack insolvency resolution.

    About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021:

    • IBC Amendment Ordinance 2021 amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
    • The Amendment allows the use of Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution as an alternative resolution mechanism for MSMEs. The threshold limit to trigger the Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution is between Rs 10 lakh to 1 Crore.
    What is Pre-Pack insolvency resolution?
    • A pre-pack resolution is a form of restructuring that allows creditors and debtors to work on an informal plan and then submit it for approval.
    • Under this system, financial creditors will agree to the terms of a potential investor. Further, they will seek approval of the resolution plan from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
    • However, the resolution plan cannot be submitted directly to NCLT. It requires approval of a minimum of 66% of financial creditors that are unrelated to the corporate debtor before submission of a resolution plan.
    • Further, NCLTs also require to consider any application for a pre-pack insolvency proceeding before considering a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process(CIRP).
      • CIRP is the process of resolving corporate insolvency according to the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
    Benefits of Pre-Packs over CIRP:

    Quicker Resolution:

    • One of the key criticisms of the CIRP is the time taken for resolution. At the end of December 2020, over 86% of the ongoing insolvency resolution proceedings crossed the 270-day threshold.
    • In contrast, the pre-pack resolution process is limited to a maximum of 120 days. Further, only 90 days are available to the stakeholders to bring the resolution plan to the NCLT.
    Management Control:
    • Another key difference between pre-packs and CIRP is that the existing management retains control in the case of pre-packs. Whereas a resolution professional takes control of the debtor as a representative of financial creditors in the case of CIRP.

    Source: Indian Express

  • Promulgation of “Tribunals Reforms Ordinance 2021”

    Promulgated: On 4th April 2021

    Ministry: Law and Justice

    About the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance 2021:

    Purpose of the Ordinance: 

    • It dissolves at least eight existing appellate tribunals. Now, High Courts and certain other bodies will be the appellate bodies under 9 acts.
    • Further, it also amends the Finance Act 2017.
    Key Provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance :
    1. Nine Laws: The above-mentioned nine laws where the existing appellate authorities have been replaced are:
      1. The Cinematograph Act, 1952.
      2. The Trade Marks Act, 1999.
      3. The Copyright Act, 1957.
      4. The Customs Act, 1962.
      5. The Patents Act, 1970.
      6. The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994.
      7. The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002.
      8. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
      9. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act,2001.
    2. Amendment to Finance Act,2017:
      1. The ordinance empowers the Central Government to make rules for qualifications, appointment, term of office, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other terms and conditions of service of Members of Tribunals.
      2. Search-cum-Selection Committee: It also provides that the central government will appoint the Chairperson and Members of the Tribunals on the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
      3. Composition: The Committee will consist of:Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by him, as the Chairperson (with casting vote),Secretaries nominated by the central government,The sitting or outgoing Chairperson, or a retired Supreme Court Judge, or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.The Secretary of the Ministry under which the Tribunal is constituted (with no voting right).
      4. Tenure: Now, The tenure of Chairperson of a Tribunal is for a term of four years or till the age of 70, whichever is earlier. Members of a tribunal will also have a tenure of four years or until they turn 67
      5. .Abolishing of appellate bodies and transfer of functions: The Bill abolishes certain appellate bodies and transfer their functions to existing judicial bodies.
    About Tribunals:
    • Tribunal is a quasi-judicial institution that was set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or tax-related disputes.
    • For this purpose, Tribunals were added to the Constitution by Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976 as Part XIV-A which has only two articles:
      • Article 323-A deals with Administrative Tribunals.
      • Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other matters.

    Click Here to Read more about Tribunals

    Source: The Hindu

  • Right To Education Act still has some arbitrariness

    Synopsis: The Right To Education Act evolved so much in the past. But there is still some arbitrariness in the RTE Act.

    Introduction:

    Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act or RTE Act is a horizontally enforceable Fundamental Right. That is, the Right is enforceable against the State and Individuals.

    But the Right To Education Act have some arbitrary discrimination against private institutions and favours minority educational institutions.

    Evolution of Right To Education as a Fundamental Right:

    Earlier, Article 45 mentions the right to education as a part of the Directive Principles. It mentions that the state should provide free and compulsory education to children up to the age of 14. The provision also mentions a timeline for this achievement(within a decade).

    Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka case 1992: In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Right to education is a part of the right to life recognised in Article 21.

    Unnikrishnan JP v. State of Andhra Pradesh case 1993: In this case, the Supreme Court held that the state was duty-bound to provide education to children up to the age of 14. Further, the SC also mentions that the state alone cannot fulfil the task. Private educational institutions, including minority institutions, have to assist the State in that.

    86th constitutional amendment of 2002:The government provided a status of a fundamental right to the right to education. The government inserted Article 21A into the constitution.

    Evolution of Right To Education Act:

    P A Inamdar vs State of Maharastra 2005 case: In this case, the court held that there shall be no reservation in private institutions, minority and non-minority institutions.

    93rd constitutional amendment of 2005: This amendment included Clause(5) to Article 15. Under this, the State can provide for admission in institutions, including private institutions for the advancement of “backward” classes. This purposefully omitted both the aided and unaided minority educational institutions.

    In 2009, the government enacted the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act or RTE Act. The Act provides for 25 per cent reservation in private institutions.

    Society for Unaided Private Schools of Rajasthan v. Union of India case. Private schools challenged the 25% percent reservation in the RTE Act. The court, on the other hand, upheld the validity of the legislation. But the court exempted the unaided minority institutions from providing reservation.

    The arbitrariness in Right To Education Act:

    The amendment to the Right to Education Act 2012: The amendment mentions that the RTE Act will subject to Articles 29 and 30. In other words, It protected the administrative rights of both unaided and aided minority educational institutions.

    But in the Pramati Educational Trust vs Union of India case 2014, the court held that the RTE Act is applicable to both non-minority aided and unaided Private schools.

    This created an arbitrariness in the Act. This has the following problems in the RTE Act,

    1. Onus on private unaided schools is higher than the government schools
    2. Minority institutions both aided and unaided were exempt.
    3. According to Article 21, there is no discrimination between minority and non-minority institutions. But, the RTE Act has.
    4. There is no explicable or rational explanation for leaving minority institutions, especially the unaided ones.

    Suggestions to improve the Right to Education Act

    In the Sobha George v. State of Kerala case, 2016 the court held that the no-detention policy will apply to minority schools also. Further, the court also held that the minority institutions will not subject to the RTE Act. But they are subject to the fundamental rights of the Constitution. The Court demands two fundamental questions on Section 16(no-detention policy).

      1. Whether the provisions such as Section 16 of RTE are statutory right or Fundamental Right?
      2.  If it is the Fundamental Right, then the minority institutions will not claim the exemption under the Pramati Educational Trust case. 

    So, the government has to relook the Right to Education Act to fulfil the view of the Sobha George v. State of Kerala case. Until then the Supreme court may overrule its judgement on the Pramati Educational Trust case.

    Source: The Indian Express

  • Health Ministry Releases “National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021”
    What is the News?

    The caretakers of patients with ‘rare diseases’ are not satisfied with the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021. The Union Health Ministry recently released the policy.

    Rare Diseases: WHO defines a rare disease as a lifelong disease or disorder that often highly weakens an individual. It has a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population. Example: Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle cell anaemia, auto-immune diseases among others.

    • However, every country has its own definition for rare diseases.
    • The US  defines rare diseases as a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 patients in the country.
    • Likewise, the EU defines rare diseases as life-threatening or chronically debilitating (weakening) condition. It should affect no more than 5 in 10,000 people.
    About National Policy For Rare Diseases,2021:
    • Aim: The policy aims to lower the incidence and prevalence of rare diseases based on an integrated and comprehensive preventive strategy. The strategy includes awareness generation, counselling programmes, providing affordable Health Care among others.

    Key Features of the National Policy For Rare Diseases,2021:

    • Categorisation: The policy categorizes rare diseases into three groups:
      • Group 1: Disorders amenable to one-time curative treatment;
      • Group 2: Diseases requiring long term or lifelong treatment; and
      • Group 3: Diseases for which definitive treatment is available, but challenges are to make an optimal patient selection for benefit.
    • Government Support:
      • The government will provide Financial support of up to Rs. 20 lakh under the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi for treatment of those rare diseases listed under Group 1.
      • Moreover, Beneficiaries for such financial assistance would not be limited to BPL families. About 40% of the population, eligible under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, will also be eligible for assistance.
      • Further, for group 2, the State Governments can consider supporting specific patients. It includes a rare disease that can be managed with special diets or hormonal supplements or other relatively low-cost interventions (Diseases listed under Group 2).
    • Voluntary Crowdfunding: The government has said that it will assist in voluntary crowd-funding for the treatment of Group 3. It is because it will be difficult to fully finance the treatment of high-cost rare diseases of Group 3.
    Objections to the Policy:
    • The policy offers no support to patients awaiting treatment since the earlier National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases 2017 was kept on hold.
    • The policy has left patients with Group 3 rare diseases to fend for themselves. It has absolutely no consideration for Group 3 patients who require lifelong treatment support.

    Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi scheme:

    It provides financial assistance to patients living below the poverty line and who are suffering from major life-threatening diseases, to receive medical treatment.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2020 – Associated Issues

    Synopsis – The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2020  Continues to ignore Pregnant person’s rights.

    Introduction-
    • Recently, The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2020  passed in the upper house by voice vote.
    • The bill seeks to amend the MTP Act, 1971. It provides for enhancing the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women but does not specify the category.
    • Although the MTP Amendment Bill does expand the gestational cap in some cases, it falls well short of becoming rights-based legislation.

    Medical termination of pregnancy bill 2020 – explained

    Objections raised in the Upper House
    • Lack of consultation with stakeholders.
    • Lack of inclusion of transgender people within the MTP framework.
    • Moreover, there is a lack of emphasis on women’s autonomy in pregnancy.
    • Medical boards would be a breach of privacy. It would cause excessive delays in access to abortion due to a shortage of specialists.
    • The time limit for decision-making by the medical board is missing. Moreover, the women’s representation is unclear.
    Issues in the proposed Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020
    1. Lack of consultation with civil society and grassroots organizations. This is an example of drafting and enacting laws without consultation with the people who are most affected. The Recent Farm Bill, 2020 is a prime example of this.
    2. The provision still restricts abortion to a heteronormative framework. Only cisgender women are considered in it, and not persons with other gender identities.
      1. Under the heteronormative framework, it is a belief that there are only 2 two sexual orientations and genders i.e. male and female.
      2. Cisgender is the person, who identifies herself with the sex at the time of birth. The person who undergoes gender change is not a cisgender.
    3. Issues with setting up of Medical Boards – The MPT bill mandates the setup of a Medical Board in every state. The Medical Boards require giving opinions based on the facts regarding the termination of pregnancies.
        • This could cause severe delays in the abortion process.
        • Pregnant women living in rural areas in large parts of the country could find these Medical Boards inaccessible.
    4. The bill retains the hetero-patriarchal population control legacy. The bill continues with the lack of control to the women, of their reproductive and sexual rights. Abortion will be subject to doctor approval. This is in direct contrast with the Supreme Court’s precedent on reproductive autonomy and bodily integrity.
    5. The Bill’s provisions continue to criminalize abortion. It will promote negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding reproduction, sexuality, and motherhood.
    Way forward

    Before drafting or enacting legislation, the government must ensure the following:

    • Consultation with all stakeholders – Consultations and deliberations with members from civil society and grassroots organizations should be held by the government since they all have an interest in the implementation of such laws based on their personal experiences.
    • Women can be responsible for their own choices- The decision to terminate a pregnancy should be granted to the woman, not to doctors or any medical board.
        • The paternalistic notion that women need assistance in making decisions about their sexual and reproductive rights needs to change.

    Source- The Indian Express

  • The NCT of Delhi Act, 2021 Enhances Cooperative Federalism

    Synopsis: The accusation made on the Government regarding the passage of the Government of the NCT  of Delhi Act 2021  is groundless.

    Background of the NCT of Delhi Bill
    • Last week, both Houses of Parliament voted in favor of the amendments to the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi Act.
    • Many criticized the passage of the bill that the government is undermining the federal structure of the country. Some have equated the passage of the bill as the death of democracy and Federalism.
    • But the government mentioned the Bill as a necessary change vital for the following things,
      • Ensuring clear-cut roles and responsibilities.
      • To remove ambiguities in the governance of the NCT of Delhi
      • To facilitate a clear chain of command among stakeholders
     Why the accusation against the NCT of Delhi Bill is groundless?

    The Evolution of The GNCT of Delhi bill has to be examined carefully to understand the issues against the accusations of the GNCT bill.

    • First, the aim of the amendments was to clear the ambiguities in the roles of various stakeholders. Since various court judgments have observed the ambiguities and lack of clarity. The government through the recent amendment brought consistency in the definition of the term “Government”.
      1. The amendment clearly stated that the term ‘government’ refers to the Lieutenant Governor. By doing this, the government has only formalised the definition of a term that the Delhi Assembly itself had already accepted.
      2. For example, in 2015 the Legislative Assembly of Delhi passed the Delhi Netaji Subhas University of Technology Bill. It was sent for the President’s assent.
      3. However, it was returned to the Delhi assembly as it had defined the term “Government” as the “Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
      4. Later, the Delhi assembly sent a modified version of the Bill for the President’s assent. This time the definition of “government” was described as “Lieutenant Governor of NCT Delhi appointed by the President.”
    • Second, the government has proved itself as a torch-bearer of Federalism. For example, the government provided equal opportunities for States in the following events. Such as,
        1. The creation of NITI Aayog,
        2. During the establishment of the Goods and Services Tax Council,
        3. The acceptance of the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations for greater devolution.
    • Third, the amendments will ensure that there is no encroachment in legislative matters in the union’s jurisdiction. NCT Delhi has no legislative competence in matters pertaining to the police, public order, and land. However, the current proposals for providing statehood to Delhi Legislative Assembly involve one major risk. That is the encroachment of the Delhi assembly on these subjects.
    • Fourth, Delhi is of unique importance to India. It hosts the Parliament, the seat of the Union Government, Supreme court, Foreign embassies, and other institutions of national importance. In such instances, ensuring the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor can only ensure the smooth functioning of the government.

    So, the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill balances the proper functioning of the Delhi Assembly and the cooperative federalism in India.

    Source: The Hindu

  • SC Issues Directions for “Accident Information Report”
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court issues directions to police, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals(MACTs), and insurance companies regarding accident information reports. The aim of the directions is to make the compensation process to victims more smooth and claimant-friendly.

    What was the case?
    • The Insurance company Bajaj Allianz filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The petition raised the issue of the difficulty of accident victims, waiting for years for compensation.
    • Bajaj Allianz said that the police take months to even file an accident report for submission before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals(MACTs). This is the norm in many parts of the country,
    What did the Supreme Court say?

    The Supreme Court issued directions to prevent delays in the disbursement of compensations to victims. The police, motor accident claims tribunals and insurers across the country have to uniformly practice these directions:

    • Firstly, Accident Information Report: The jurisdictional police station shall report the accident under Section 159 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Further, the police need to send the report of the accident to the tribunal and insurer within the first 48 hours.
    • Secondly, Detailed Accident Report: Police shall collect the documents relevant to the accident. This includes documents for computation of compensation and verification of the information and documents. This report shall be emailed to the tribunal and the insurer within three months.
    • Thirdly, the tribunal shall issue summons along with the Report or the application for compensation to the insurer by email.
    • Fourthly, the insurer shall email their offer for settlement/response to the Report to the tribunal.
    • Fifthly, after passing the award, the tribunal shall email an authenticated copy of the award to the insurer.
    • Sixthly, the insurer shall satisfy the award by depositing the awarded amount into a bank account maintained by the tribunal by RTGS or NEFT.

    Further, the Supreme Court has also ordered the Centre to launch a national online platform. The platform could be operated and accessed across the country for submission of accident reports, claims and responses to claims. This would end the distress felt by victims during accidents that happened in places other than their native State.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Bihar Assembly Passed the “Bihar Special Armed Police Bill 2021”
    What is the News?

    Bihar State Assembly has passed the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021.

    About Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021
    • The mandate of the bill is to maintain public order, combat extremism. Further, the bill ensures better protection and security of specific establishments.
    • For this, the Bill proposes setting up a Special Armed Police force. The Special Armed Police will have one or more battalions depending on the requirement for any specified period.
    • Nodal Authority: The command, supervision, and administration of the Special Armed Police shall vest in the Director-General of Police, Bihar.
    • However, the general superintendence of the Special Police shall be exercised by the Government.
    Powers of the Special Armed Police force:
    • Firstly, Power to arrest without a warrant: They will have the power to arrest people even without a warrant. This power will be available to any of the Special Armed Police’s officers.
    • Secondly, Arrests on suspicion: They have the power to arrest people on the basis of mere suspicion. This includes suspicion like disrupting state government functions or attempting to conceal their presence with the aim to commit a crime or cognizable offence.
    • Thirdly, Search without Warrant: They have the power to conduct a search of a suspect’s premises without obtaining a warrant from a magistrate. The only safeguard is that the search can be conducted by an officer of a notified rank or above.
    • And Lastly, Immunity from Courts: The bill also grants immunity to the officers of the Special Armed Police. It bars courts from taking cognizance of any complaint against the Special Armed Police. The court can take action only when the state government has sanctioned action against the concerned officers.

    Source: Indian Express

  • MTP Bill 2021 is not progressive enough

    Synopsis: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2021 MTP Bill  aims to improve women’s reproductive rights. But it will restrict women’s bodily autonomy if implemented.

    Introduction:

    The Lok Sabha passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Now the bill is in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has to maintain caution in passing the Bill as it enforces societal prejudices against women.

    Important Provisions of the MTP Bill:

    The bill is hailed as a much-needed departure from the existing MTP Act, 1971 for two reasons.

    1. Firstly, the MTP bill replaces “any married woman or her husband” with “any woman or her partner”. This step will facilitate the termination of pregnancy due to contraception failures and destigmatize the pregnancies outside marriage.
    2. Secondly, the MTP Bill increased the time limit. The Bill increases the pregnancy termination time from the current 20 weeks to 24 weeks. There are two categories for that:
      1.  Termination of Pregnancy from 12 weeks to 20 weeks: Women can terminate the pregnancy after consulting one RMP (registered medical practitioner).
      2. Termination of Pregnancy from 20 weeks to 24 weeks: Women can terminate the pregnancy after consulting two RMPs.

    Challenges with the MTP Bill:

    There are a few significant challenges with the MTP bill. They are,

    1. The problem with the upper limit: The government increased the upper age to 24 weeks(Category 2). But, that does have certain conditions like
      1. the life of the pregnant woman or pregnancy can cause grave injury to her mental or physical health.
      2. If the child were born it would suffer from any serious physical or mental abnormality.
        But these limitations are not useful when the opinion of the medical board is necessary. So, the medical board can certify any pregnant woman as not having ‘substantial foetal abnormalities’ and force her not to terminate the pregnancy.
    2. Restricting the bodily autonomy of women: The Bill still enforces the patriarchal setup. The woman alone cannot terminate her pregnancy. She always needs the opinion of one or two RMPs.
    3. The scientific necessity of the 24-week ceiling: There might be abortions after 24 weeks as well. It could be for the reasons like,
      1. Development of foetal abnormalities after 24-week
      2.  A sudden change in circumstances (due to separation from or death of a partner), etc.
        But the MTP Bill does not cover these points into consideration.
    4. Reduced access to termination facilities: Pregnant women will also fail to approach termination facilities for having a fear of judgment from medical practitioners.
    5. Against the Supreme Court judgment: The SC in KS Puttaswamy v Union of India case upheld the women’s constitutional right to make reproductive choices. But the MTP Bill is a clear violation of women’s Fundamental Right to make choices individually.

    So, the government has to reconsider the MTP Bill in a holistic manner of women’s development.

    Source: The Indian Express

  • Concerns with the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021

    Synopsis:The Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021 has few important concerns. But the move is a welcome step to the Insurance sector.

    Introduction:

    The Lok Sabha has passed the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The Bill had earlier been cleared by the Rajya Sabha also. Now it only requires the presidential assent to become a law.

    About the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021:
    1. The Bill amends the Insurance Act,1938. The Bill seeks to increase the maximum foreign investment allowed in an Indian insurance company from 49% to 74%.
    2. However, such foreign investment may be subject to additional conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government. The conditions include,
      • The majority of directors on the Board and key management persons in health and general insurance companies has to be resident Indians.
      • At least 50% of directors of the Insurance companies have to be independent directors.
    3. The bill also removes restrictions on ownership and control.

    Click Here to Read more about the Insurance (Amendment) Bill

    Concerns with the Insurance (Amendment) Bill:

    There are certain key concerns raised by the critics of the bill. These include,

    1. The present actual share of FDI in the insurance sector is less than the current limit of 49%. Further, the present target was aimed to achieve within 5 years. But that is not achieved so far. Hence, there is no justification for increasing the limit to 74%.
    2. Infusion of market funds in the insurance sector is not viable. The critics mention the time when financial institutions like DHFL, Yes Bank have collapsed, infusing market funds might lead to the collapse of insurance institutions also.
    3. The Bill does not have a provision to prevent financially weak foreign companies from entering into the Indian insurance sector.
    4. Many Indian insurance companies are already in Joint Venture with foreign companies. Hence, the Government’s claim that foreign investment is needed for bringing newer technology to the country is not substantiated.
    Government’s response to the concerns:
    1. The bill is aimed at solving some long-term capital availability issues in the insurance sector.
    2. The banking and insurance industry fall under the strategic sectors according to the government’s strategic disinvestment policy. The 74% cap is just a limit posed on the FDI. Hence, there should be no apprehension on privatization.
    3. The bill will increase competition in the insurance sector. This will in turn facilitate affordable schemes for middle-class people.
    4. Half of the market share of the Indian insurance sector is already held by private companies. The public sector insurance market share is merely 38.78%. On the other hand, the private sector enjoys 48.03% of the market share. So the increase in FDI is essential to improve the insurance penetration further.

    The Insurance (Amendment) Bill might facilitate insurance penetration among middle-class Indians. But the adequate safety mechanisms have to put in place to check the insurance companies.

    Source: The Hindu

  • NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill is against the spirit of Federalism.

    Synopsis: The Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 gives more powers to the Lieutenant governor(LG). Further, It is against the principle of representative democracy.

    Evolution of The Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) act 1991

    1. India follows Parliamentary democracy with a cabinet form of government. This is a basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
    2. When the Constitution came into force, there were four kinds of States. (Parts A, B, C and D States)
    3. The states under C and D were directly administered by centrally appointed Chief Commissioners and Lieutenant Governors. They don’t have any elected Assemblies. Delhi came under Part C.
    4. But in 1951, a Legislative Assembly was created with an elected Chief Minister for Delhi.
    5. However, issues of jurisdictions and functional autonomy between the Chief Minister and chief commissioner of Delhi was always present. This led to the resignation of the 1st chief minister in 1955.
    6. In 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act, only two categories(States and Union Territories) remained in the Indian Union.
    7. Delhi became a Union Territory. Also, the Legislative Assembly of Delhi was abolished. Then, Delhi was administered by an Administrator appointed by the President.
    8. In 1966, the Delhi Administration Act 1966 provided a limited representative Government in Delhi. But there were repeated political demands that demanded a full statehood to Delhi.
    9. To resolve this, the Balakrishnan Committee was set up in 1987. Consequently, the committee made the following recommendations
        • Delhi should continue to be a Union Territory.
        • But there must be a Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers responsible with appropriate powers to ensure stability.
    10. Based on this report, the Constitution (69th) Amendment Act and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCT) Act, 1991 were passed.
    11. This act provided Delhi with a Legislative Assembly, a Council of Ministers and an elected Chief Minister.

    Why Delhi is kept under the control of the Union Government?

    1. First, our Constitutional makers feared that Delhi will acquire a predominant position compared to other States if Delhi had statehood. So they included Delhi under Part C.
    2. Second, Delhi is the National capital. So Parliament decided to keep Delhi under Union Government on the basis of national interest.
    3. Third, to avoid federal disputes and provide for smooth administration in Delhi. For example, If full statehood is provided to Delhi, then two different political parties at the centre and Delhi will result in higher conflicts than the present ones.

    Salient provisions of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill:

    The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill has few significant provisions. They are,

    1. The bill reduces the power of representative government. It provides enormous powers to the Lieutenant governor (directly appointed by the centre).
    2. It makes the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor mandatory for taking any executive action.

    Challenges with the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill:

    1. The Bill is against federalism (basic structure of the constitution). It gives more powers to the centre.
    2. The bill is against the provisions of representative democracy. It limits the power of the people. On the other hand, it gives more powers to the directly appointed administrators.
    3. The Bill aims to hand over the accountability of Delhi to an unelected, centrally appointed government functionary.
    4. The bill also violated the directions given by the Supreme Court. The SC provided a balanced approach. It mentions the LG has to ‘aid and advice’ the matters on which the Delhi Assembly has powers under the State and Concurrent Lists.

    The government must reconsider the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill as per the advice of the Supreme Court.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2021- Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Bill,2021. The MMDR Bill 2021 seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This bill is expected to be the watershed moment in the development of mines and minerals in India.  In this article, we will analyze the MMDR Bill 2021.

    Types of Mines in India

    At present, there are two types of mines in India. They are:

    1. Captive Mines: Captive industries own these mines. The coal or mineral produced from these mines is for the exclusive use of the owner company of the mines. The company cannot sell coal or mineral outside. Some electricity generation companies used to have captive mines.
      For Example, If an iron ore mine is allowed to a captive industry(iron and steel plant). Then that iron and steel plant can use the iron ore only for producing steel for their company. They cannot sell the ore to any outsider.
    2. Non- Captive Mines: In Non-captive mines, the minerals obtained by a company can be sold in the market.

    Note: Specified minerals include minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals.

    About the MMDR Bill 2021
    1. There are two important Acts that govern the mines and minerals in India. They are,
      1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)
      2. The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
    2. The MMDR Act regulates the overall mining sector in India. Further, the MMDR Act empowers the central government to reserve any mine for the particular end-use(Captive mines).
    3. Similarly, the CMSP Act provides for the auction and allocation of mines.
    4. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Bill,2021 amends both the MMDR Act and CMSP Act. Further, it aims to provide holistic development of mines and minerals in India.
    5.  An Ordinance with similar MMDR bill provisions was also promulgated in January 2020.
    Salient provisions of the MMDR Bill 2021
    1. Removes distinction between captive and non-captive mines:
      • The Bill removes the distinction between captive and non-captive mines. It will not reserve any mine for a particular end-use. All mines will now be able to sell their extra minerals.
    2. Sale of minerals by captive mines: The MMDR Bill 2021 provides that captive mines (other than atomic minerals) may sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production in the open market after meeting their own needs. But they need to pay the royalty to the central government.
    3. National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): The Bill provides for the constitution of a Statutory body named the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). It will see the overall functioning of the mining sector.
    4. National Mineral Index(NMI): The Bill proposes to introduce an index-based mechanism by developing a National Mineral Index(NMI). Various statutory payments and future auctions can use the National Mineral Index in the future.
    5. Transfer of statutory clearances:
      • Presently, an auction is conducted to determine the fresh mining leases after the expiration of a mineral lease.
      • The auctioned person(new lessee) needs to obtain statutory clearances before starting mining operations.
      • The MMDR Bill 2021 changes this provision. It makes the transferred statutory clearances valid throughout the lease period of the new lessee.
    6. Auction by the central government in certain cases: The Bill provides that if the State Government is not able to complete the auction process within a specified time, the Central Government may take over and conduct such an auction.
    Concerns with the MMDR Bill 2021
    1. The bill is seen by various state governments as the restriction of their revenue generation and indulgence of the central government in the State mineral policy. The reasons are,
      • Fixing the royalty to States: The bill mentions fixing royalty payments to the states for the mining leases provided to Central PSUs. This might reduce the amount of revenue to the state government.
      • Vesting the ultimate power with the Centre: The bill provides for auction by the central government in certain cases. State governments see this as the central government supremacy in the State mining lease policy.
      • Centre’s direction to District Mineral Fund(DMF): Under the MMDR Bill 2021, the centre can direct the spending of DMF. The States on the ground have to perform the actions directed by the Centre. States see this as the Centralization of DMF.
        District Mineral Fund: The District Mineral Fund is established based on the contribution of major or minor mineral exploring companies in a district. The fund is utilised in the interest of the persons and areas affected by mining-related operations.
    2. Environment concerns with the MMDR bill 2021: As the mining is liberalised under the MMDR Bill 2021, there are higher chances of degrading the environment, restricting tribal rights, threatening the biodiversity of the area etc.
    Advantages of the MMDR Bill 2021
    1. Exploration of India’s mineral potential: India has the same mineral potential similar to Australia, South Africa. Further, India is producing 95 minerals. But India still imports minerals worth more than Rs. 2.5 lakh crore a year. The MMDR Bill 2021 facilitates to explore better mining of minerals. This will improve the commercial mining capability of India.
    2. Effective mining and creates huge employment benefits: More exploration of mines will lead to effective and profitable mining in India. Further, the mines and minerals located in the Indian hinterland will create local employment at an enormous level.
    3. Transparency in the mining process: The MMDR Bill 2021 aims to infuse transparency in the mining sector. Further, it will also reduce the red-tapism as the bill provides for the transfer of statutory clearances, new NMI index etc.
    4. Variety of benefits: The relaxation of mining restriction on Captive mines and the transfer of statutory clearances have few significant advantages, like,
      • More investment into the mining sector: This will facilitate more internal investments, FDI and increase Forex reserves. Apart from that, this will bring more new technology into the mining sector.
      • Since the captive mines can sell their minerals commercially to other industries, It will spur the growth of other industries. Further, this will reduce the import of raw materials. This is in line with creating Atmanirbhar Bharat.
      • Companies can create additional revenue by selling minerals to other Industries and intermediaries.
    Suggestions
    1. Protect the Environment: Both the Centre and State government should ensure the protection of the environment. Further, the relaxation of mining to the companies should not violate the provisions of the environment. To ensure that, the government have to create a proper and periodic environmental auditing mechanism.
    2. Creating other safeguards in long run: The implementation of the MMDR Bill 2021 have to monitor closely for enhancing the contribution of the mining sector to 2.5% of Indian GDP(at present it is 1.75%). The implementation of the MMDR Bill 2021 depends upon various organs of the state and private sector. So, the issues in the implementation have to identify and rectified either Judicially or legislatively or administratively or in other ways.
    3. Creating adequate infrastructure in other sectors: The development of mines and minerals depend on India’s logistical capability, development of ports, railways etc. So to create an adequate export capacity of Mines and minerals, India needs to develop adequate infrastructure in other sectors.
    4. India needs to reduce the cost of the value addition of minerals: The government has to reduce the losses associated with the value addition of minerals. Or else, India can face challenges in sustaining the industry.
      For example, China imports iron ores from India. But due to efficient value addition, China produces steel at a low cost. Further, China also exports them to India and disrupt the domestic steel industry.
    Conclusion

    Overall the MMDR Bill 2021 might provide a strategic push in the mining sector. Over a period of time, India can fulfil its mineral needs, create employment, ensure the growth of industries, etc. Thus, the proper implementation MMDR Bill will make India a global supplier of minerals to the whole world.

     

  • GNCT of Delhi Amendment Bill 2021 and Supreme Court’s Verdict

    Synopsis: GNCT of Delhi Amendment Bill 2021 appears to go against the idea of representative government.

    Introduction 

    The Centre’s Bill is trying to amend the law that relates to the governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The bill claims that its aim is to implement the Supreme Court judgments on Delhi’s governance structure. However, the proposed changes are the very opposite of what the Court has said.

    What was the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict on the matter?
    • The Constitution Bench verdict in 2018 stated that the LG (Lieutenant Governor) has not been trusted with any independent decision-making power. 
    • The LG either has to act on the aid and advice of council ministers. Or, he has to implement the decision of the President on the matters referred to him.
    • The ‘aid and advice’ clause applies to the matters on which the Delhi Assembly has powers under the State and Concurrent Lists. This comes with an exception of public order, police, and land.
    • Wherever there are differences between the L-G and the elected government, the L-G should refer the question to the President.
    • Further, different judgments have clarified that the power to refer “any matter” to the President does not mean “every matter”.
    • This bill completely undermines the Court’s efforts. The judgment strengthened the elected government in relation to Lieutenant Governor. 

    Read more – NCT Amendment Bill

    What are the issues with the NCT amendment bill? 

    The Court wanted to clarify that the power to refer any matter to the President did not mean that every matter should be referred. 

    1. Firstly, the Bill states all references to the government in the bills and orders would mean the LG. It is irrational to declare LG as the government, in the UT with an elected House.
      • As per the guiding principle, an elected government should not be undermined by the unelected administrator.
    2. Secondly, the provision to Article 239AA empowers L-G to refer the matter to the President, in case of difference of opinion. However, this does not mean that the administrator should come up with a different opinion on every government decision.
      • However, the bill provides the L-G with an opportunity to refer every matter to the President.
    3. Third, instead of Parliament identifying the matters on which the L-G’s opinion should be required, the Bill proposes that the L-G himself would specify such matters.

    This bill amounts to a rollback of representative government. The Union Territory concept is one of the many ways in which India regulates relations between the Centre and its units. It should not be used to undermine the basis of electoral democracy.  

    Source: click here

  • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2021
    Introduced: The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 15.03.2021 as a Government Bill (Ministry of Mines).
    Present Status: The Bill was passed in both the Houses and received President’s assent on 28.03.2021.

    The Act seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This act regulates the mining sector in India.

    Salient provisions of the Amendment Act
    1. Firstly, removes distinction between captive and non-captive mines:
      • The Act empowered the central government to reserve any mine (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) for particular end-use. Such mines are known as captive mines.
      • The Bill removes the distinction between captive and non-captive mines. It will not reserve any mine for particular end-use. All mines will now be able to sell their extra minerals.
    2. Secondly, the sale of minerals by captive mines: The Bill provides that captive mines (other than atomic minerals) may sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production in the open market after meeting their own needs.
    3. Thirdly, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): The bill provides for the constitution of a Statutory body named the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). It will see the functioning of the mining sector.
    4. Fourthly, National Mineral Index(NMI): The bill proposes to introduce an index-based mechanism by developing a National Mineral Index(NMI). It will be used for various statutory payments and for future auctions.
    5. Fifthly, transfer of statutory clearances: Presently, upon expiry of mining lease and transfer of the lease to a new lessee, the statutory clearances issued to the previous lessee are transferred for a period of two years. The new lessee needs to obtain fresh clearances within the two years.
      • The Bill changes this provision. It makes the transferred statutory clearances valid throughout the lease period of the new lessee.
    6. Sixthly, inclusion of Private Sector: The bill allows the participation of private players in mining operations with enhanced technology.
    7. Seventhly, auction by the central government in certain cases: The Bill provides that if the State Government is not able to complete the auction process within a specified time, the Central Government may take over and conduct such an auction.
    8. Lastly, allocation of mines with expired leases: The Bill says that mines (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) whose lease has expired, may be allocated to a government company in certain cases.
  • The Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021- Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 or the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021 got introduced in Lok Sabha. It amends certain provisions related to the distribution of powers and responsibilities among the L-G (Lieutenant Governor) and the Delhi legislative assembly. The issue of power tussle between the L-G and the elected government of Delhi has come into the limelight again. It is because of the introduction of this bill.

    Key Provisions related to Delhi
    1. Delhi’s current status as a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly is an outcome of the 69th Amendment Act. The act introduced Articles 239AA and 239BB in the Constitution.
      • They have created the Union Territory of Delhi with a legislative assembly.
      • Further, the administrator appointed under article 239 gets designated as the Lieutenant Governor. There shall be a council of ministers to aid and advise LG.
      • Lastly, provisions of public order, police and land are not under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government. The Centre will maintain these provisions.
    2. Article 239AA(4) mandates that in case of a difference of opinion between the L-G and the Council of Ministers, the L-G has to refer the issue to the President.
      • Until the decision is pending before the President, the L-G can use his discretion to take immediate action if urgency requires him/her to take an action.
    3. The GNCTD Act 1991 got passed to supplement the constitutional provisions relating to the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in the national capital. The act outlines few important provisions such as: 
      • the powers of the Assembly
      • the discretionary powers enjoyed by the L-G 
      • duties of the Chief Minister with respect to the need to furnish information to the L-G.
    Salient features of the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021

    The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill mainly aims to amend four clauses of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 (GNCTD Act 1991). They are, 

    1. Section 21 – This section deals with the restrictions on laws passed by the Legislative Assembly concerning certain matters.
      • The Bill provides that the term “government” referred to in any law made by the Legislative Assembly will imply Lieutenant Governor (L-G).
    2. Section 24 – This section deals with assent to Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly. The L-G will reserve the bills for the consideration of the President in a few matters. It includes bills that diminish the powers of the High Court of Delhi, the President directed the L-G to reserve a bill, etc.
      • The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill requires the L-G to reserve bills for the President that incidentally cover any of the matters outside the purview of the powers of the Legislative Assembly.
    3. Section 33- It mentions that the Legislative Assembly will make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly.
      • The 2021 NCT bill states that such rules must be consistent with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
    4. Section 44 – It deals with the conduct of business. Accordingly, all executive decisions taken by the elected government should be under the L-G’s name. 
      • The 2021 bill empowers the L-G to specify his suggestions on certain matters. His opinions has to be taken before making any executive action on decisions of the Minister/ Council of Ministers.  
    Background of LG and Delhi Government Relationship
    1. Frequent tussles have been witnessed between the Delhi government and the L-G of Delhi since 2015. 
    2. The primary reason behind it was the lack of clarity over Article 239AA. The proviso of Article 239AA(4) seems to give primacy to the L-G. Using this, the LG was able to undermine the will of the elected government.
    3. A case also filed on the court about the L-G’s power of discretion. In the

      Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India case 2018, the Supreme Court defined the limits of L-G’s discretionary powers. The important points of that judgement were,

      • L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers except in subjects of land, public order and police.
      • Executive decisions do not need the concurrence of the Lieutenant General. Further, the court also held that the L-G has no powers to overrule the decisions of the elected government.
      • The difference of opinion has to be referred to the president under Article 239AA(4) provision.
        • The Lieutenant Governor cannot act mechanically and refer every decision to the president.
        • Only genuine cases of public interest can be referred to the President.
        • Before referring a bill to the President, the L-G has to consider the principles of collaborative federalism, the concept of constitutional governance, objectivity, etc.
      • Executive power rests with the council of ministers of NCT, Delhi. The union government has no overruling powers with respect to the executive powers.
    Impact of Supreme Court Verdict on NCT of Delhi 
    • It established a situation of calm between the Delhi Government and the L-G.
    • The Delhi government stopped sending files on executive matters to the L-G before the implementation of decisions. This resulted in swifter decisions like: 
      1. Free bus rides to women, 
      2. Doorstep delivery of rations to the city’s residents, 
      3. Free electricity to households that are using less than 200 units of power 
      4. Mechanization of sewage cleaning operations
      5. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government restricted Delhi’s medical resources to its residents alone
    Need for new NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill

    The Centre introduced the bill in Lok Sabha by mentioning the needs of the bill which includes: 

    1. The Bill seeks to give effect to the 2018 judgement and implementing the verdict.
    2. The new Bill is also intended to promote cooperative federalism between the centre and the state.
    3. The Bill would address the ambiguities in the interpretation of legislative provisions.
    Implications of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill
    1. Equating the L-G with the government simply undermines the legitimacy of the elected government thereby disrespecting representative democracy.
    2. Further, The bill goes against the spirit of the 2018 verdict. The provisions such as getting the compulsory opinion from the L-G are against the verdict.
    3. The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill restricts the Delhi government from inquiring into executive matters. The Delhi assembly at present is examining multiple issues ranging from riots to the environment. This disregards the ideal of democracy conceived for the NCT of Delhi by Article 239AA of the Constitution.
    4. The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill if passed would be a huge setback for Delhi’s quest for full statehood. As the L-G gets precedence to the Delhi government.
    5. The bill empowers L-G to specify certain matters on which his opinion must be taken. This can curtail the autonomy that any elected government legitimately requires for governance.
    6. Providing excess powers to L-G can also distort the federal equilibrium. The centre can use this bill as a precedent to curtail the powers of other states in the future.
    Suggestions
    1. The new bill should be reconsidered in the light of Justice D Y Chandrachud’s note in the 2018 verdict: “In a democratic form of government, the real power must subsist in the elected arms of the state”.
    2. A cautious discussion and deliberation should take place between the Centre and Delhi government on the ambiguous provision of the bill. This will help in the eradication of unconstitutional and undemocratic provisions.
    3. Apart from that, the government at the centre and state must cooperate to make sure that L-G can discharge its constitutional function. At the same time, they need to avoid L-G doesn’t become a hindrance to development.

    Conclusion:

    The government must reconsider the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill as per the advice of the Supreme Court. The revamped provisions should enable L-G to act as a facilitator for upholding the law of the land and constitutional provisions.

  • Issue of Consent in POCSO Act

    Synopsis: The Madras High Court quashed a case of aggravated sexual assault of a minor under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. The High Court also mentioned the need to amend the POCSO act.

    The case and ruling 
    • Madras HC was hearing a case of aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO act.
    • This case was filed against an auto driver, in his early twenties, for marrying a minor girl in 2018.
    • Recently the HC Quashed the case. In this case, the Court observed the consensual relationship between the accused and the minor girl.
    • The court stated that the POCSO Act is not intended to bring the romantic relationships between adolescents or teenagers within its ambit. Thus, the act requires appropriate amendments.
    About the POCSO Act:
    1. POCSO was enacted as per Article 15 of the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It aims to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
      • Article 15 allows the state to make special provisions for women and children.
    2. Aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act, 2012 is equal to the provision for aggravated rape.
      • It means rape occurs within a relationship of trust, leads to pregnancy or any other aggravating circumstance. 
    3. Further under POCSO, an individual will be punished if the victim is below 18 years. It does not consider the consent of minors as relevant. Thus, the accused can’t plead consent as a defence. 
    Rationale behind the judgement:
    • POCSO has become a tool for the persecution of young people in consenting sexual relationships. The act completely ignores the natural sexual tendencies of adolescents and undermines their right.
    • The court also said that this case was purely individual in nature. Thus, releasing the accused in this particular case will not undermine the public interest.
    • Punishing consenting youngsters results in their persecution throughout life. This is more evident in cases where the minor victim has willingly eloped or married the accused or carrying his child. 

    Concerns associated with judgement:

    • It goes against the established Supreme Court precedent of considering rape cases as a matter of public concern.
    • The Parliamentary Committee (Rajya Sabha) in 2011 prescribed a uniform age of 18. It would make sure that trials of child rape would focus on the conduct of the accused and the circumstances of the offence. Thus, The Possibility of consent was not meant to be an exception under POCSO.
    • The five State studies on the functioning of Special Courts under the POCSO Act shows the complicated nature of consensual cases. 
      • As per the study, adolescents can and do choose to have sex. However, they are still children, and their growing sexual autonomy is prone to abuse. This issue resulted in inconsistent and unprincipled adjudication.
    Way Ahead:
    • The judgement has highlighted the urgent need of amending the rigid stance in the POCSO Act.
    • The courts should create a fine balance between the sexual rights of adolescents and their gullibility of being exposed.
    • Further, this balance can be rightly created when the legislature is willing to provide clarity on the core wrongs that POCSO is meant to address.

    Source:THE HINDU

  • National Institutes of Food Technology Bill, 2019

    Introduced: Rajya Sabha (13th Feb 2019)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

    About National Institutes of Food Technology Bill, 2019

    Ministry: Food Processing Industries

    What does the bill provide?

    The bill declares two institutes of food technology, entrepreneurship, and management as institutions of national importance. These are:

    • National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Haryana
    • Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Tamil Nadu.
    What are Institutions of National Importance?
    • An institution that serves as an important player in developing highly skilled personnel within the specified region of the country/state.
    • The status is conferred on a premier public higher education institution in India by an act of the Parliament of India.
    Benefits of National Importance Tag:
    • Firstly, these institutes are provided functional autonomy to:
      • design and develop courses
      • Award Degrees such as Bachelor of Technology, Master of Technology, and Ph.D.
      • Undertake research activities
    • Secondly, the institutes would also implement the reservation policy of the government. It would also undertake special outreach activities for the benefit of concerned stakeholders.
    • Lastly, the recognition would also enable the institutes to provide world-class teaching and research experience by adopting innovative practices.

    Source: The Hindu

  • National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws Second (Amendment) Bill, 2020

    Introduced: Rajya Sabha (8th Feb 2021)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (9th Feb 2021)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (10th March 2021)

    Present status: Received assent on 12th Mar 2021 and converted to Act.

    About National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws Second (Amendment) Bill, 2020:

    Ministry: Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation

    • The bill amends the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act,2011. The 2011 Act was valid till 31st December 2020. The Bill seeks to extend this deadline till the end of December 2023.
    • The bill seeks to regularise unauthorized colonies based on 2 qualifications
      1. that existed in the National Capital Territory of Delhi as of June 1,2014 and
      2. that had seen development up to 50% as of January 1,2015.
    • It also provides protection to certain forms of unauthorized developments in Delhi from punitive action where adequate measures are yet to be taken.

    What was the need for this bill?

    • There are 1,700 unauthorized colonies in Delhi. Due to unauthorization, these colonies are not receiving proper amenities. This Bill provides ownership rights to those living in these colonies.
    • The bill would also facilitate access to institutional credit and also improve the basic amenities.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Status of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act(UAPA) in 2019


    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) informed Lok Sabha about the number of cases registered under the Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act(UAPA) in 2019.

    Key Data Provided by MHA on cases under UAPA:
    • Persons arrested under UAPA: In 1226 cases around 1948 persons were arrested under UAPA across the country in 2019.
      • This is a 72% increase in the number of persons arrested under the UAPA in 2019 compared to 2015.
    • The Highest Number of Cases: In 2019, the highest number of cases were registered in Manipur. This is then followed by Tamil Nadu, Jammu, and Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Assam.
    • The Highest Number of Arrests: The highest number of arrests in 2019 was made in Uttar Pradesh. The is then followed by Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Jammu, and Kashmir and Jharkhand followed the UP.
    • Terrorist Organisations: The government has declared 42 organisations as terrorist organisations and listed their names in the First Schedule of the UAPA.
    • Convictions: Only 2% of cases registered under the UAPA between 2016-2019 ended in convictions by the court.

    Read about National security Laws

    About Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act(UAPA):
    • UAPA was introduced in 1967 to target secessionist organizations. It is primarily an anti-terror law aimed at preventing certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations.
    • Investigation: The cases under the UAPA are investigated by the State police and the National Investigation Agency(NIA).
    • Bail: Under the act, getting bail is rare. The investigating agency has up to 180 days to file a charge sheet.

    Click Here to Read More about UAPA

     Source: The Hindu

  • Clarification on IT Rules, 2021 for OTT Platforms

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarifies certain aspects of IT Rules, 2021 for OTT platforms. It clarified that there will be no government nominee in the self-regulatory body.

    What is the issue?

    The Central government notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. These rules broadly deal with social media and over-the-top(OTT) platforms.

    What is the Ministry’s clarification?

    • The over-the-top(OTT) platforms will not have to get themselves registered with the government.
    • There will be no government-appointed member in the self-regulatory body that will address complaints.

    Rules for OTT Platforms:

    • Self-Classification of Content: The OTT platforms would self-classify the content into five age-based categories i.e. U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).
    • Parental Lock: Platforms would implement parental locks for content classified as U/A 13+ or higher. A reliable age verification mechanism for content classified as “A” is required.

    Read more – IT Rules 2021 for OTT and Social Media

    3- Tier Grievance Redressal Mechanism

    • Grievance Cell: The publisher has to appoint a Grievance Redressal Officer based in India. The officer shall be responsible for the redressal of grievances received by it. He shall take a decision on every grievance it receives within 15 days.
    • Self Regulatory Body: There may be one or more self-regulatory bodies of publishers. Such a body shall be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, a High Court, or an independent eminent person. It will not have more than six members.
      • This body will oversee the adherence by the publisher to the Code of Ethics and address grievances that have not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days.
    • Oversight Mechanism by Government: An Inter-ministerial panel will be set up. It will look into the complaints if they are not resolved at the first two levels.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • New IT Rules for Social Media and OTT platforms – Explained Pointwise
    Introduction

    The Government of India has released the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It aims to regulate social media, digital news media, and Over-The-Top (OTT) content providers. The rules were jointly announced by the Minister for Information Technology and the Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Despite being praised by few experts as revolutionary, it also has certain challenges to be addressed. 

    Need for the New IT Rules 2021:

    India at present doesn’t have any specific rules to govern the digital news media and OTT platforms. At present these are governed under Section 79 of the IT Act. But it was not able to effectively control the misuse of data over social media and digital platforms. The reasons were,

    1. Non-liability of Intermediary:
      • Section 69 of the IT Act gives power to the government to issue directions “to intercept, decrypt or monitor…any information generated, transmitted, received or stored” in any digital equipment.
      • The Intermediaries are required to preserve and retain specified information. Further, they have to obey the directions issued by the government from time to time.
      • By adhering to government rules, they will get protected from legal action for any user-generated content under Section 79. Section 79 states that an intermediary (Digital media and OTTs) shall not be liable for any third party information, data, or communication
    2. Further, the user base of big companies has expanded rapidly. Currently there are over 53 crore WhatsApp users, over 44.8 Crore YouTube users and 41 Crore Facebook users. 
    3. The government rejected the Self-regulatory toolkit submitted by 17 OTT Platforms. The government rejected them for reasons like lack of independent third-party monitoring, the tool-kit did not have a well-defined Code of Ethics, etc.

    This induced the government to come up with new rules under the IT Act, 2000. The IT Rules 2011 got replaced with the new IT Rules 2021.

    Salient provisions of IT Rules 2021

    The new IT rules have been framed to address the Social Media, Digital Media and OTT platforms in a specific manner.

    New IT Rules related to Social Media:
    1. Social media companies are prohibited from hosting or publishing any unlawful information. These information are “in relation to the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, friendly relations with foreign countries, etc.
    2. If such information is hosted or published the government can take down such information within 24 hours. The user will be given a notice before his/her content is taken down.
    3. The government can direct messaging platforms to tie the identity of the user with the message transmitted by him/her for strengthening traceability.
    4. The IT rules 2021 call for social media companies to publish a monthly compliance report.
    5. Social media platforms are classified into two categories
      1. Social media intermediaries – Platforms that have a limited user base.
      2. Significant social media intermediaries – These are the platforms with a large user base.
    6. The significant social media intermediaries have to follow few additional measures like:
      • These platforms should have a physical contact address in India. 
      • Appointing a Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and a Resident Grievance Officer in India. All of them should be Indian Residents.
        • Nodal Contact Person will do 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies.
        • The Resident Grievance Officer must acknowledge the complaint within 24 hours, and resolve it within 15 days of receipt.
    New IT Rules related to Digital media and OTT platforms:
    • A Code of Ethics has been prescribed for OTT platforms and digital media entities.
    • The streaming platforms (Like Netflix and Amazon Prime) will have to self-classify content on five age-based categories: U (universal), 7+, 13+, 16+, and A (adult).
    • They need to have suitable parental locks for 13+ content and a robust age verification system for accessing adult content.
    • Publishers of news on digital media will have to observe the norms of journalistic conduct of the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act.
    • A three-level grievance redressal mechanism has also been established:
      • Level-I: Self-regulation by the publishers
      • Level-II: Self-regulating body: This body shall be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court or independent eminent person.
      • Level-III: Oversight mechanism: I&B Ministry will formulate an oversight mechanism and establish an inter-departmental committee for hearing grievances. This body will also have censorship and blocking powers.
    Advantages of the new IT Rules 2021
    1. It will ensure that social media platforms have to keep better checks and balances over their platforms. This will ensure the data is not shared unlawfully. This will ensure adherence to the rule of law.
    2. The new IT rules enhance government regulation over social and digital media. This will enhance accountability and prevent arbitrary actions by digital platforms like the recent one by Twitter.
    3. The new IT rules will lead to the empowerment of citizens. Since there is a mechanism for redressal and timely resolution of their grievances.
    4. Disinformation (Fake and wrong information) of data can be controlled. Since there is proper regulatory mechanism, disinformation can be removed easily. This will reduce instances of fake news, violence, the spread of defamatory content and disruption of public order.
    5. Giving due notice before removing content will prevent arbitrary removal of content. 
    6. The imposition of print and electronic code of conduct on digital news media would ensure a level playing field for every media.
    7. It will strengthen India’s position as a leader in digital policy and technological innovation. For example, China, with its larger digital population, has not been able to provide a fair and open local market for global companies in the digital space due to absence of proper IT Rules and Regulation.
    Criticisms of the new IT Rules 2021
    1. The New IT rules were not put for public consultation. Especially those related to regulations of online news portals and video streaming platforms. For example, IAMAI(Internet and Mobile Association of India) was not consulted on the proposed OTT guidelines.
    2. The rules allow the government to enforce a traceability mechanism. This simply means a threat to the user’s privacy. It will hamper the end-to-end encryption of platforms like WhatsApp. 
    3. As the new rules curtail free speech on digital platforms, there will be a sense of fear among the users.
    4. The IT Act doesn’t cover content authors and creators like news media. But rules have included them.  This provides discretionary powers to the government. 
    5. The proposed oversight mechanism doesn’t have any legislative backing which is generally given to other regulators. 
      • For example, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act provides powers to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). Under the rules, the regulation will be done by a body composed of bureaucrats who might perform discretionary censorship thereby enhancing political control.
    Suggestions for smooth implementation of new IT rules
    • The government should consult with appropriate stakeholders. This will improve the inclusivity and acceptability of the new IT rules.
    • The focus should be on strengthening citizen’s rights by learning from successful global examples like OFCOM (OFCOM is a communication regulator in the UK).
    • The government must have a mindset of flexibility and agility to support the rules adequately.
    • OTT platforms while regulating the content have to strike a balance. Especially between the diverse Indian society and the beliefs of viewers in India.

    The enactment of new IT rules 2021 is a watershed moment that will transform the digital information ecology in India. A fine balance between freedom of speech and the need to curb the misuse in digital platforms have to be maintained. Both the government and the digital platforms will have to work together and fulfill this responsibility. 

  • Govt announces new social media rules to curb its misuse

    What is the news?

    The Government of India has released the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It aims to regulate social media, digital news media and over-the-top (OTT) content providers.

    Key Provisions of the Rules:

    Social media companies and redressal: The government wants social media companies to have a mechanism to address complaints from users. It wants social media intermediaries to appoint the following officers:

    1. Chief Compliance Officer, who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and Rules.
    2. Nodal Contact Person for 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies.
    3. Resident Grievance Officer: He will receive and resolve complaints from users. The officer must acknowledge the complaint within 24 hours, and resolve it within 15 days of receipt.

    All these officers have to be residents of India.

    Categories of Content that should not be posted: The rules lay down categories of content that the social media platform should not host. It includes content that

    • Threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign states or public order
    • Causes incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence or
    • Prevents investigation of any offence or is insulting any foreign States
    • Content is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another’s privacy,
    • Related to encouraging money laundering or gambling or is inconsistent with or contrary to the laws of India.

    Removal of these contents: The rules stipulate that the platforms should remove the content within 36 hours. Duration will count from the receipt of information from a court or the appropriate government agency about the platform hosting prohibited content.

    Monthly Compliance Report:

    • The platforms will need to publish a monthly compliance report. It should have the details of complaints received and action taken on the complaints.

    Track Originator of Message:

    • The social media platforms need to disclose the first originator of the objectionable tweet or message if asked either by a court or a government authority.
    • This will be required in matters related to the security and sovereignty of India, public order, or with regard to rape or any other sexually explicit material.

     Self-Classification of Content:

    • The Over the Top(OTT) platforms would classify the content into five age-based categories- U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).
    • Platforms would be required to implement parental locks for content classified as U/A 13+ or higher.  A reliable age verification mechanisms for content classified as “A” should be placed.

    Publishing News on Digital Media:

    • Publishers of news on digital media will be required to observe norms of journalistic conduct of the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act.

    Penalties for Non-Compliance of Rules:

    • In case an intermediary fails to observe the rules, it will be liable for punishment under any law for the time being in force including the provisions of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code.
    • The penal provisions vary from imprisonment for three years to a maximum of seven years, with fines starting from Rs 2 lakh.

    Source: Indian Express

    New social media rules – an analysis

     

  • Why Sedition law needs a relook?

    Synopsis: Recent charges of sedition against individuals have brought back focus to seditions law. The oppression of dissenters is more dangerous for society. It creates more division in society compared to seditious acts. 

    Introduction 

    In Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962), the Supreme Court defended the constitutional validity of sedition. It noted that it is a reasonable restriction on free speech as provided in Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

    The court also made clear that an individual has the right to speak or write anything about the government. However, it should not result in inciting people to violence against the government. 

    Why does the sedition law need a relook?

    In the Aseem Trivedi case, the Bombay High Court issued guidelines which the police must follow in a sedition case. These guidelines include an objective evaluation of the seditious material. By that police must form an opinion on whether the words and actions caused disaffection and disloyalty to the government. However, the law needs a relook due to the following reasons: 

    • Firstly, despite repetitive warnings to law enforcement agencies by courts, there is poor implementation of guidelines given by the court. 
    • Secondly, the recent reports show that the number of cases of sedition under Section 124A increased by 160%. Whereas the rate of conviction dropped to 3.3% in 2019 from 33.3% in 2016. 
    • Thirdly, in this social media age, information travels at a lightning speed, and Cyberbullies can easily trend wrong information. Any kind of misinformation can lead to public disorder. 
    • Fourthly, the U.K. abolished the offence of sedition in 2010. Whereas, India is still retaining the law given by the British Empire.
    • Fifthly, various commissions have questioned the efficacy of such a law in the statute book. For instance, the Law Commission of India questioned how far it is justified to retain Section 124A. 

    What steps can be taken to deal with sedition?

    Sedition laws will not be repealed anytime sooner. In the meantime, courts can adopt an approach that can balance the issue of National security and the right to speech.  

    • At present sedition is decided based on a content-based test that reviews only the text i.e. even if a written material not caused any social unrest, it can be held a seditious text based on the words used.  
    • Courts must adopt an effect-based test that examines the effects of the seditious text. It means whether the text resulted in violence or not.
    • The principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity exists in the Preamble to our Constitution. Courts must uphold these principles. 

    It is not the alleged seditious acts that are creating fragments in our society; it is in fact the persecution of individuals and labelling them that are really creating cracks in our socio-political ecosystem. 

    Criminalisation of government criticisms: Laws and issues

  • Amendments proposed to the Juvenile Justice Act – Explained pointwise

    Table of contents:

    Recently Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This was proposed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The proposed changes will strengthen the Child Protection mechanism and ensure smooth implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.

    Who is Juvenile in India? 

    Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,2015 defines “Juvenile” or “Child” as a person who has not completed 18 years of age.

    Salient provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015:

    The Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 replaced the Juvenile Justice Act of 2010. The salient provisions of the 2015 Act are,

    1. The Act changed the nomenclature from ‘juvenile’ to ‘child’ or ‘child in conflict with law’.
    2. Further, the Act defined terms such as abandoned, orphaned and surrendered children.
    3. The Act categorized the crimes committed by children into three categories. Such as petty, serious and heinous offences.
    4. The Act provided for setting up of mandatory Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) and Child Welfare Committees (CWC) in every district. Also, these boards and committees must have at least one woman member each.
      • CWC: The Committee have the power to dispose of cases for the care, protection, development, treatment and rehabilitation of the children. Further, the committee also certifies the Child as legally free for the adoption process.
    5. Further, the Act made the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) a statutory body. This facilitated better performance and functions of CARA.
    6. All Child Care Institutions(CCI) have to register themselves under the Act within 6 months from the date of commencement of the Act.
    7. Children in the age group of 16 – 18 years can be treated as adults in the case of heinous crimes. But for treating them as an adult the JJB has to assess the child’s physical and mental capacities and certify the child.

      What is a Heinous offence?
      If an offence attracts minimum imprisonment of seven years or more under any existing law then such an offence is called a heinous crime.

    What are the issues with the present Act?

    1. Non-compliance to the provisions of the Act: A survey conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) points out that not even a single Child Care Institution (CCI) in India was in 100 per cent compliance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. This is because,
      • If the CCI did not receive a reply from the government within 3 months, it was “deemed as registered’’ for six months, even without government permission. This increased the non-compliance.
      • The survey also found CCIs with large funds, including foreign funding, had been keeping children in unsanitary conditions.
    2. Under this ACT, no specific criteria has been provided to check the background of the members of the child welfare committees (CWC).
    3. Long pendency of cases: Juvenile Justice Committee of the Supreme Court in 2017 highlighted that about 800-1000 adoption cases are pending in various courts. The committee further pointed out that the delay in adoption is leading to various challenges like not able to get a birth certificate of a child, school admission is not feasible, etc.
    4. Ambiguity related to the Offences: The 2015 Act has various ambiguities related to the offences like;
      • At present, there is no mention of a minimum sentence in the Act.
      • Moreover, the Act does not provide what is a serious offence?
    5.  There are little oversight and monitoring of CCIs by CWC and the State Child Protection Units. So, District Magistrates are informed about an offence committed by the CCI only after the occurrence of the incident. For example,
      • Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) seen an increase in child abuse and trafficking during the Covid-19 lockdown.
      • Further, the Ministry of WCD has also shut down 500 illegal child welfare institutions that had not been registered under the JJ Act.

    What are the Proposed amendments by the Ministry of WCD?

    The recent amendments aim to strengthen child protection and ensure proper monitoring of CCIs.

    1. Clearing the ambiguity: For the first time, the proposal clarifies both heinous and serious crimes. The Amendment for the first time mentioned the category of “serious crimes” and also defined that.
      Serious crime: If an offence under any Indian law attracts a maximum punishment of seven years or more but no minimum sentence is prescribed or a minimum sentence less than seven years is prescribed. Then that offence is considered a serious offence.
      For example, possession and sale of an illegal substance, such as drugs or alcohol, will now fall under the ambit of a “serious crime’’.
    2. Reaching the unreached: The amendment will include victims of trafficking, drug abuse and those abandoned by their guardians under the definition of “child in need of care” and protection.
    3. Checking the background of the members of CWC more clearly: The amendment will not only check the background of the members of CWC but will also check the educational qualification of a CWC member.
    4. Expanding the role of District Magistrates (DM): The amendment provides more power to the District Magistrate to tackle the various challenges faced by the present Act.
      • Speedy disposal of pending adoption cases: The amendment authorizes the DM and Additional District Magistrate (ADMs) to issue adoption orders for faster adoption of children.
      • Increase the scrutiny of Child Care Institutions: DMs and ADMs will monitor the functioning of various agencies under the Act. Like Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, etc.
        • Further, DMs are empowered to undertake regular inspections of CCIs
        • Apart from that, no new children’s home can be opened without the sanction of the DM.

    Suggestions to improve the implementation of Act:

    1. Child Welfare Committees are not effectively performing their functions of care, protection and rehabilitation of a child. So, the government have to provide adequate training to the members of CWC.
    2. Role of State government: State governments should provide immediate bail to a child who committed petty and serious crimes. Currently, children are staying in welfare homes for a longer time period, as the bail is not getting provided on time by State governments.
    3. Training, sensitisation of DM: The current amendment confers many powers upon the DM. But the DM is already overburdened with the other works. So the DMs should get adequate training and sensitisation for faster and effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.

    The recent amendment approved by the Cabinet is one of the much-needed steps to ensure proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act. But the real change will occur only if the amendment becomes the Act along with the proper training of officials.

     

  • “Vishaka Guidelines” and “The Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013”

    What is the News?

    A Delhi court has acquitted a former journalist in a defamation case filed by former Union minister.

    In this case, a journalist initially made allegations of sexual harassment against the former Union Minister. In turn, a criminal defamation case was filed in Delhi High Court against the journalist by Union Minister. However, Delhi High Court acquitted the journalist of the Criminal Defamation charges in its very recent verdict.

    Key Observations made by the Court:

    • Sexual abuse takes away the dignity and self-confidence of women. So the right to dignity will be protected not the right of the reputation of a person.
    • The women have the right to put her grievance even after decades after the occurrence of the incident.
    • As there was no Vishaka Guidelines and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 at the time of the harassment.

    Vishaka Guidelines

    In 1997 as part of the Vishaka judgment, the Supreme Court laid down specific guidelines on the prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. The important points of the guidelines were:

    • The Vishaka guidelines defined sexual harassment and codified preventive measures like the formation of the complaints committee
    • All employers both public and private sector should take appropriate steps to prevent sexual harassment.
    • Victims of sexual harassment should have the option to seek transfer of the perpetrator or their own transfer.
    • The guidelines were superseded by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

    The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act, 2013:

    The government enacted the Act in 2013. The major provisions of the Act were,

    1. Aim: To prevent and protect women against sexual harassment at the workplace and also to ensure effective redressal of complaints of sexual harassment.
    2. The Act defines sexual harassment in the workplace. The Act creates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. It also provides safeguards against false or malicious charges.
    3. Every workplace is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The ICC is mandatory at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.
    4. These Internal Complaints Committees have the powers of civil courts for gathering evidence.
    5. Penalties have been prescribed for employers. Non-compliance with the provisions of the Act shall be punishable with a fine.
    6. Higher penalties and cancellation of license or registration to conduct business is also mentioned if violations are repeated.

    Further Section 354A was added to the Indian Penal Code through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 to provide enough punishment for sexual harassment to women at the workplace.

    Source: Indian Express

  • Issues in Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020

    Source: The Hindu

    Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

    Synopsis: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2020 (MTP Bill) does not confer women with rights over their own bodies.

    Background

    • Recently termination of pregnancy was legalised up to the 14th week of pregnancy by Argentina’s Congress.
    • Parliament of India will also debate the abortion law in this budget session.
    • However, the proposed Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (MTP Bill) is also not providing autonomy to women, unlike Argentina.

    Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971

    1. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 was enacted to reduce the maternity mortality ratio due to unsafe abortions.
    2. The MTP Act only allows termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Further, it requires a second doctor’s approval if the pregnancy is beyond 12 weeks.
    3. The grounds on which a pregnancy can be terminated are-
      • If there is a grave risk to the physical or mental health of the woman.
      • If the pregnancy results from a sexual offense such as rape or intercourse with a mentally challenged woman.

    Issues in the MTP Act-

    • First, the act provides the State with control over women’s rights through legal and medical methods. It gives no regard to the woman’s choice of keeping or terminating her pregnancy.
    • Second, It promotes arbitrary interpretation. In one case, the Court held that there were no grounds for abortion since the pregnancy was the outcome of a voluntary act. The woman knew the consequences of her Act.

    Thus, due to such circumstances women recourse to the unsafe method of abortion. This is the third-largest cause of maternal deaths in India.

    Now, the draft MTP bill 2020 is under consideration. But it is also not providing women with the required autonomy.

    Issues in the proposed Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020

    • First, The bill continuous with the legacy of hetero-patriarchal population control. Thus, men’s control over women’s bodies will continue.
    • Second, It still requires the signature of one doctor on termination of pregnancies up to 20 weeks old. For pregnancies between 20 and 24 weeks old, approval of two doctors is required.
    • Third, The bill mandates the setup of a Medical Board in every state. The Medical Boards require giving opinions based on the facts regarding the termination of pregnancies. However, their personal beliefs could impact their opinion.
    • Fourth, The bill allows safe abortions in case of foetal “abnormalities at any stage of pregnancy. However, it does not consider valid situations for abortion like personal choice, sudden separation or death of a partner or domestic violence.
    • Fifth, the word ‘women’ is used in the proposed bill. This can deny access to safe abortion to transgender, intersex, and gender diverse persons.  

    Way Forward

    • Termination of pregnancy is a woman’s choice to decide her life’s decision as an adult. Women can be responsible for their own choices.
    • The Government needs to understand the fact that State or doctors have no right to deny a woman a safe abortion. Otherwise, it will put questions on women’s empowerment in the nation.
  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2021

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (2nd March 2020)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (17th March 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (16th March 2021)

    Present status: Received assent on 25th Mar 2021 and converted to act

    Ministry: Health and Family Welfare

    Table of contents:

    Recently Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2021 is scheduled to be tabled in Rajya Sabha. The MTP bill was passed in Lok Sabha last year. The bill aims to strengthen the abortion rights of women from the earlier Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971. But the bill has certain important challenges associated with it, preventing it to become a comprehensive legislation.

    What is the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 1971?

    The Act defines the conditions on which the termination of pregnancy can be made, and the qualified persons to perform the same. The Act aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio due to unsafe abortions in India.

    The act allows a woman to terminate her pregnancy within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After consulting an RMP (registered medical practitioner) woman can terminate her pregnancy.

    If the women want to terminate her pregnancy between 12-20 weeks, she needs to get an opinion from 2 RMPs. The Medical practitioners have to ascertain that continuance of the pregnancy would risk the life of the pregnant woman or substantial risk (Physical or mental abnormalities) to the child if it is born.

    Need for the Amendment:

    First,  the present abortion law is five decades old. The law permits abortion up to a maximum foetal gestation period of 20 weeks only. This denies reproductive rights to women. (Abortion is one of the important aspects of women’s reproductive health).

    Second, currently, if a woman wants to terminate the pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, she has to follow legal procedure. The slow judicial process in India force woman to take illegal means to terminate the pregnancy. India Journal of Medical Ethics report in 2015 mentioned unsafe abortions were leading to 10-13% of maternal deaths in India. This makes unsafe abortions as the third-highest cause of maternal death.

    Third, the advancement of science. After the 20th week, many foetal abnormalities can be detected using techniques like Ultrasonography. As the current law limit the time to 20 weeks, it can cause trouble to the mother as well as children in the near future. Hence, its extension is much needed.

    Fourth, International practice: 52 % of global countries including the UK, Ethiopia, Austria, Spain, Italy, France allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks if there are any foetal abnormalities. 23 countries including Germany, Canada, Vietnam allow termination of pregnancy at any time based on the request of the mother.

    Salient provisions of MTP Amendment Bill 2021:

    First, the Bill extends the upper limit for permitting abortions from the current 20 weeks to 24 under special circumstances. This is applicable to a “special category of women”. Victims of abuse, rape survivors, the differently-abled, and minors fall under this category.

    Second, the Bill proposes the requirement of the opinion of one registered medical practitioner (RMP) for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation.

    Third, the Bill provides for two RMPs opinions for termination of pregnancy between 20 and 24 weeks.

    Fourth, Bill constitutes a Medical Board. Every state government has to constitute a medical board. These medical boards will diagnose pregnant women for substantial foetal abnormalities. If any such substantial foetal abnormalities get detected then the termination of pregnancy can be done even after 24 weeks of gestation (no upper limit for the termination of pregnancy in this case).

    The Medical Boards will consist of the following members:

      1.  a gynecologist,
      2.  a pediatrician,
      3. a radiologist or sonologist,
      4. any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.

    Fifth, Bill protects the privacy of a woman. No RMP can reveal the name and other particulars of a woman who performs the abortion. However, RMP can reveal the identity to a person authorised by law. The violation of this provision is punishable with imprisonment up to one year, or a fine, or both.

    Advantages of the proposed Bill:

    First, the Bill raises the foetal gestation period for termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks. The MTP Bill also includes a special category of women. In short, the bill enables access to safe abortion and curb illegal abortion practices.

    Second, the 1971 MTP Act states that, if a minor wants to terminate her pregnancy, the guardian has to provide written consent. The proposed bill has excluded this provision.

    Third, the Bill will strengthen the reproductive rights of women. The Supreme Court in Mrs X v. Union of India, 2017 case has recognised women’s right to make reproductive choices and their decision to abort as a dimension of their personal liberty. The court also mentioned abortion primarily fall within the Right to Privacy.

    Fourth, the Bill will reduce the burden on the Judiciary. At present, there are many cases registered in court seeking permission for abortion beyond 20 weeks. Meanwhile, with the establishment of the Medical Board, the burden on the judiciary will reduce.

    What are the challenges associated with the present Bill?

    First, the constitution of the Medical board. The constitution of the medical board presents a variety of challenges such as

    • The present healthcare budgetary allocation (1.5% of GDP) makes setting up a board across the country, both financially and practically impossible.
    • Apart from that, even if it is set up, access to the board by pregnant women in remote areas of the state is a matter of concern.
    • No time limit is set for the board to respond to the requests.
    • The board subject women to multiple examinations before allowing her to terminate her pregnancy. This is a violation of rights to privacy and dignity.
    • Personal beliefs could impact the medical board’s opinion. For example, Madhya Pradesh High Court denied terminating the pregnancy of 13-year-old rape survivor only because a psychiatrist on the medical board had not supported her abortion.

    Second, the amendments continue the patriarchal population control legacy. The bill does not give women control over their own bodies. It requires the medical practitioner’s opinion and not the request or will of pregnant women alone.

    Third, the current bill does not consider a few important things in the termination of pregnancy. Such as personal choice, a sudden change in circumstances (due to separation from or death of a partner), and domestic violence.

    Fourth, the amendment also fails to consider the abortion rights of intersex, transgender, and gender diverse persons.

    Suggestions:

    First, the government needs to amend the bill to include a few changes in the Medical Board.

    • The government has to specify a time limit for the board.
    • The government have to consider the majority of opinion of the board members to avoid personal belief’s interfering with the board opinions.

    Second, the government has to introduce personal choice, a sudden change in circumstances, and domestic violence as a criterion. Apart from that, the bill must include abortion among intersex, transgender, and gender diverse persons.

    Third, the government might include a provision of will to terminate the pregnancy at an early stage within 20 weeks without the opinion of RMP. On the other hand, the government also have to release clear guidelines to restrict,

      • Women performing abortions to prefer a male child
      • Women performing abortions due to family pressures etc.

    In conclusion, the MTP bill 2020 is a step in the right direction to ensure access to safe and legal abortion. But, it falls a few steps behind in terms of ensuring dignity, autonomy and justice for women. This can be done by including the necessary suggestions under the Act.

  • Low conviction rate under “Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act” (UAPA)

    What is the news?

    Union Home Ministry has informed Rajya Sabha about the cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sedition(Section-124A).

    Cases under UAPA:

    • Between 2016 and 2019, the total number of the persons arrested and convicted in the country under UAPA were 5,922 and 132 respectively. This means only 2.2 % of cases registered under the Act ended in convictions by the court.
    • The NCRB does not maintain this data on the basis of religion, race, caste or gender.

    Cases under Sedition:

    • In 2019, as many as 96 persons were arrested for sedition (Section 124A IPC) but only two were convicted and 29 persons were acquitted.
    • The most cases of sedition in 2019 were registered in the States of Karnataka followed by Assam and J&K & Ladakh.

    Click Here to Read about Sedition

     Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,1967:

    • It is primarily an anti-terror law – aimed at more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations and for dealing with terrorist activities.
    • It was promulgated in 1967 to target secessionist organisations. It is considered to be the predecessor of laws such as the (now repealed) Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and Prevention of Terrorism Act(POTA).

    Key Provisions of the Act:

    • The Act assigns absolute power to the central government. It can declare an activity as unlawful, by way of an Official Gazette.
    • The act has the death penalty and life imprisonment as the highest punishments.
    • Under the act, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if the crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India.
    • The investigating agency can file a charge sheet in maximum 180 days after the arrests. This duration can be extended further after information to the court.

    2004 amendment:

    • The act was amended in 2004. It added “terrorist act” to the list of offences, to ban organisations for terrorist activities.
    • Till 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and cession of territory. Following the 2004 amendment, “terrorist act” was added to the list of offences.

    2019 amendment:

    • The amendment empowers the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists on certain grounds.
    • It empowers the Director-General, National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is under investigation by the agency.
    • It also empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Centre’s Powers under “Section 69A of IT Act”

    What is the News?
    The Government of India has asked Twitter to follow Indian laws. The government has also expressed disappointment over partial compliance with its orders.

    What was the issue?

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) ordered Twitter to block several Twitter accounts for posing a threat to law and order. The order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology(IT) Act.
    • On this, Twitter blocked several accounts. But very soon it reactivated several of them citing free speech and because it found the content newsworthy.

    Government’s response:

    • The government has said that Twitter was free to formulate its own rules and guidelines. But the Indian laws which are enacted by the Parliament must be followed irrespective of Twitter’s own rules.
    • On free speech, the government has said that freedom of speech and expression is provided under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India.
    • However, freedom of expression is not absolute, and it is subject to reasonable restrictions as mentioned in Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India.

    Section 69A of the Information Technology(IT) Act:

    • When was it introduced? Section 69A of the IT Act was introduced by an amendment to the Act in 2008.
    • Powers: It allows the government to block public access to any intermediary in the interest of
      • Sovereignty and integrity of India
      • Defence of India
      • Security of the state
      • Friendly relations with the foreign States or
      • Public order or
      • Preventing incitement of any cognisable offence relative to the above.
    • Intermediaries: The intermediaries under the Act include; telecommunication companies, internet service providers, network operators, web-hosting services, search engines, payment gateways and other relevant portals and services.
    • Procedure: Section 69A provides the government with the power to block public access. But the procedure to do that is listed in the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
    • Penal Provisions: The Act says prescribes punishment for any intermediary (internet platform) for failure to comply with the government direction. Punishment can be imprisonment for up to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.

    Source: The Hindu

  • law on draping National Flag over body of a deceased

    What is the News?

    Police in Uttar Pradesh has booked few persons under The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. They had allegedly draped the body of their relative in the national flag after his death.

    Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act,1971:

    1. This act penalises the desecration of or insults to the country’s national symbols including, the National Flag, the constitution, the National Anthem, and the map of India. It also includes penalties for contempt of the Indian constitution.
    2. Section 2 of the act specifies punishment for insults to the Indian National Flag and the Constitution of India.
    3. The law specifies acts of insult to the Indian flag and constitution. Some acts of insult include burning, mutilation, defacing, disfiguring, or showing disrespect to the National Flag.
    4. It also prohibits using Indian National Flag as a drapery in any form except in State funerals or armed forces or other para-military forces funerals.
    5. It prescribes punishment of imprisonment for insults for up to 3 years or a fine or both.

    About Flag Code of India, 2002

    The Flag Code of India contains a set of laws, practices, and conventions for the display of the national flag of India. It also prohibits using the national flag as a drapery except in State/Military/Central Paramilitary Forces funerals.

    Use of National Flag as a drapery

    1. The National Flag of the country can only be used as a drapery if a funeral has been accorded the status of a state funeral.
    2. State funerals are held if a person passed away belongs to police, armed forces, office of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, Chief Minister.
    3. The state government can accord the state funeral status to the person other than the mentioned categories.

    Source: Indian Express

  • DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (8th July 2019)

    Present status: Standing Committee gave its report on 3rd Feb 2021

    Ministry: Science and Technology and Earth Sciences

    Need for such DNA Technology Bill in India:

    • First, countries having such legislation like the USA, have proved a significant increase in conviction rate. According to NCRB, India’s conviction rate is 48.8% only in 2017. The conviction rate can improve significantly if the DNA Bill is enacted in India.
    • Second,  in India, Each year more than 4000 FIRs filed for not recognising the victim’s body. Not only that, In India around 175 persons missing each day.   The bill will help in identifying them very easily with scientific intrastate co-operation.
    • Third, the Bill will come in handy during the parental disputes resolution. The Bill can also establish the identity of missing children and baby-swapping cases in hospitals.
    • Fourth, accurate and faster investigation of crime is feasible. Since the Bill maintains a database for convicts and suspects, the crime scene investigation will completely be based on scientific principles. This can result in a faster and accurate investigation by police officers.
    • Fifth, the Bill will help in research works in DNA and also create employment opportunities for skilled manpower and other non-skilled jobs.
    Significance of DNA technology:

    DNA analysis is extremely useful and accurate. DNA analysis can ascertain the identity of a person from his/her DNA sample. The DNA sample can also establish biological relationships between individuals. For example, A hair sample or blood stains from clothes taken from a scene of the crime can clearly establish whether the DNA in the sample belongs to the suspected individual or not.

    As a result, DNA technology is being increasingly relied upon in investigations of crime, identification of unidentified bodies, or in determining parentage, etc.

    Key provisions of the DNA Technology Bill, 2019:

    1. The Bill mentions the situations under which DNA Data will be used. Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of 4 matters. They are,
      • For offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 
      • Civil disputes and other civil matters related to paternity suits, or to identify abandoned children.
      • Offences under certain special legislations like Immoral Trafficking prevention Act, MTP Act etc. 
      • Medical negligence or unidentified human remains.
    2. While preparing a DNA profile, bodily substances of persons may be collected by the investigating authorities. There are certain conditions mentioned under which the DNA will be collected.
      • Like, For arrested persons, if the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years. Consent is needed to collect the DNA sample.  
      • If the offence carries more than seven years of imprisonment or death, consent is not required. 
    3. The Act establishes the DNA Data Bank.  The data banks will be established at the National and regional level. At the regional level, the data bank will be established for every state or two or more states. 
    4. The Bill states that the criteria for entry, retention or removal of the DNA profile will be specified by regulations. The Bill provides that the information contained in the crime scenes will be retained.
    5. The Bill also establishes a DNA Regulatory Board. This DNA Regulatory Board will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA Laboratories. The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, will be the ex officio Chairperson of the Board. 
    6. The Bill also has a provision of mandatory accreditation from the Board to establish DNA Laboratories in India. The Board may revoke the accreditation for reasons such as failure to undertake DNA testing or the non-compliance of DNA Lab with the conditions attached to the accreditation. 

    Arguments against the Bill:

    First, concerns regarding the collection of DNA itself. DNA is the base of any individual person. DNA not only not just reveal how a person looks, or what their eye colour or skin colour is. It will also reveal more intrusive information like their allergies, or susceptibility to diseases etc. 

    Second, the collection of DNA has also seen as a violation of two Fundamental Rights. Such as Right to Privacy under Article 21 and Right against self-discrimination under Article 23. The Bill is also seen as a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    Third, science advances more quickly than law. Scientific laws if legislated, they need frequent course corrections to prevent misuse. In India, there are few legislations which are being used for centuries without any amendments. Failure to bring the amendment at a necessary stage will create a plethora of problems.

    Fourth, there are only 15 DNA profiling labs in India. DNA Training Academy also faces a shortage of manpower. Considering this situation one cannot ensure a smooth implementation like DNA profiling, etc

    Fifth, there is also a privacy concern. The DNA data can be misused just like other personal information like Cambridge Analytica scandal of Face book. For example, the Andhra government signed up with a private firm to collect DNA data from all citizens. The private firm may misuse the data for profit motives.

    Lastly, there is also a possibility of Miscarriage of Justice. Like by planting innocent person DNA in crime scenes to confuse the investigation and if a crime scene is occurred in commonplace then many innocent might be harassed.

    Arguments favors DNA technology Bill:

    First, there will be no racial and communal profiling possible. The government mentions it will store very limited information in the DNA profile. That is just 17 sets of information (from the billions of information available in DNA sample). This will not reveal any personal data about an individual. 

    Second, DNA tests are already happening without any regulatory safeguards. The PSC in its recent report mentions the importance of the DNA Bill to bring the DNA tests into the ambit of the law.

    Third, an individual’s privacy is ensured in the Bill. The Bill has very specific provisions for the collection of DNA data. The DNA is not collected from common people and it is collected from the convicts and missing person. The PSC also supported the view in its recent report.

    Way forward:

    First, the law would be better implemented if the Data Protection Bill based on the Sri Krishna Committee is passed first. Since the Data Protection Bill fixes the privacy of data protection.

    Second, there is also a need for a robust procedure and policy for collection of DNA samples, within the constitutional provisions like respecting Article 21. Apart from that the policy also has to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    In conclusion, It is much-needed legislation.  If implemented clearly then there going to be the voluntary submission of DNA. But that will be possible if the government enacts the Bill with necessary checks and balances. 

  • Govt. releases new guidelines for banks under “Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act”

    What is the News?
    Union Home Ministry has announced new guidelines for banks, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. These guidelines are related to the donations received by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations.

    What are the new FCRA guidelines?

    1. The donations received in Indian rupees by the NGOs and associations from any foreign source should be treated as a foreign contribution. Even if that source is located in India at the time of such donation.
    2. It will include the contributions by foreigners of Indian origin like OCI or PIO cardholders, in Indian rupees(INR).
    3. As per the existing rules, Banks need to report any receipt or utilization of any foreign contribution, by any NGO, association, or person. Banks should submit these reports to the Central government within 48 hours.
    4. Rules cover all NGOs, whether they are registered or granted prior permission under the FCRA.
    5. Any violation by the NGO or by the bank of these rules of FCRA may invite penal provisions under the FCRA Act, 2010.

    Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act:

    • FCRA was enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010. It regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • Exemption: Members of the legislature and political parties, government officials, judges, and media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contribution.
      • However, in 2017 the FCRA was amended through the Finance Bill. This amendment allowed political parties to receive funds from,
        1. The Indian subsidiary of a foreign company or
        2. A foreign company, in which an Indian holds 50% or more shares.
    • Registration: It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. The registration is initially valid for five years, and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
    • Amendment of FCRA Rules: In September 2020, the FCRA Act was amended by Parliament and a new provision was added. It makes it mandatory for all NGOs to receive foreign funds in a designated bank account at the State Bank of India (SBI) New Delhi branch.

    Source: The Hindu

  • The POCSO Act and associated issues

    Bombay High Court in Satheesh vs State of Maharastra case acquitted a man of sexual charges under the POCSO ( Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) act. The court cited the stringent Mandatory Minimum Sentence provision in the POCSO act and punished the person based on the IPC section 354 (Outraging the modesty of women).

    However, the Supreme Court stayed the Bombay High Court verdict. But this is not an only incident, where, an accused has been acquitted under POCSO Act. Today, one more HC acquitted an accused in a similar case.

    There is an urgent need to understand the issues and challenges Courts are facing in the implementation of The POCSO Act. The recent interpretation by Bombay High Court is one such issue among many.

    What is the POCSO Act?

    The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) enacted in 2012 and amended in 2019. The Act was formulated to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and pornography.

    Salient provisions of the Act:

    First, The Act defines Child as any person below eighteen. The Act also defines different forms of sexual abuses.

    Second, The Act provides for relief and rehabilitation as soon as the complaint is made to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police.

    Third, The Act prescribes a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or the death penalty. The Act provides a mandatory minimum punishment of three years.

    Fourth, The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of offences under the Act.

    Read more about the POCSO Act

    What is the intent behind the enactment of the POCSO Act?

    First, data from the 2011 Census shows, India has a 472 million population of children below the age of eighteen. To protect them from sexual offences separate legislation was required.

    Second, India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. So the POCSO Act was a mandatory international commitment to protect the rights of children.

    Third, the Goa Children’s Act 2003 was the only legislation which specifically focuses on child abuse. Thus national-level legislation was the need of the hour that can be implemented in every State and UTs.

    Fourth, Child sexual abuse was prosecuted under various sections of IPC such as Section 375 deals with rape etc. But the IPC sections suffer from various issues such as

      • IPC Section 375 does not protect male Child and protect only the traditional sexual offences like peno-vaginal intercourse.
      • IPC Section 377 and IPC Section 354 does not define the terms “unnatural offences” and “modesty”.

    What is the significance of the POCSO Act?

    First, The Act provides for immediate relief at the filing of the case. The compensation amount can change, based on the need of the victim. For example, the Act does not define the outer limit. The Judges can include Child’s educational need, medical needs including trauma compensation while deciding the compensation amount.

    Second, The Act is Gender-neutral and Child friendly. The Act defines Child as any person below 18 years of age. Apart from that, the Act includes various safeguards for the child, like protecting the identity, avoiding victimization etc.

    What are the challenges associated with the POCSO Act?

    First, The POCSO Act is suffered by Abysmal rate of conviction like 14% in 2014 and 18% in 2017. The National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) data of 2016, mentions the conviction rate as 29.6%, while pendency is as high as 89%. The NCRB also mentions the cases are not disposed within a year due to reasons such as frequent adjournments, the inability of the police to file investigation report etc.

    Second, Though, the Act mentions Special Children courts to be established to hear the cases. Many states did not establish such courts. This is highlighted by  Re: Exploitation of Children in Orphanages in the State of Tamil Nadu v. Union of India & Ors case.

    Third, the Act provides a maximum punishment of death penalty. But Justice J.S. Verma Committee (Constituted on the aftermath of the Nirbhaya case) and 262nd Report of the Law Commission of India, 2015, were against the imposition of the death penalty for rape cases.

    Fourth, Section 8 of the POCSO Act prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence of three years. The state of J&K vs Vinay Nanda case the Court held that it cannot prescribe punishment lesser than the minimum prescribed punishment. This resulted into the various challenges such as

      • More acquittals in POCSO cases: Percentage of acquittal is high because the Judges thinks the mandatory minimum punishment prescribed is more compared to the seriousness of the crime.
      • Else the Court can acquit the accused and punish him like that of Satheesh vs State of Maharastra case. In other words, punishing the person under Section 354 of IPC (Outraging the modesty of women).

    Section 7 and 8 of POCSO Act: Section 8 prescribes the punishment for the offence of sexual assault defined in Section 7 of the Act. It provides for the mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.

    Section 7 of the POCSO Act mentions whoever “with sexual intent” touches the private part of children or commit any such act “which involves physical contact”… “is said to have committed sexual assault”.

    Difference between Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354 of IPC:

    Section 8 of the POCSO ActSection 354 of IPC
    This section is gender-neutralThis section is only for women and not for male or transgender child
    Punishment can be a minimum sentence of 3 years and may extend to the maximum sentence of 5 yearsPunishment shall not be less than one year but it may extend to five years

    Fifth, The POCSO Act is considered as a victim-oriented statute (i.e., the damage caused to the victim assumes more importance). This makes the Act, not a neutral one. For example, Section 29 of the POCSO Act mentions If a person is prosecuted under the POCSO Act, the special court “shall presume” the accused to be guilty.

    Sixth, The Act does not cover all the aspects of sexual violence of children. For instance, the Act is silent on cyberbullying and other online sexual crimes of children. The Act is also silent on cases were one child made sexual violence against another child/children.

    Way forward:

    First, the government has to amend the POCSO Act to overcome the challenges by removing the mandatory minimum sentence and the death penalty. The amendment should also include offences such as cyber bullying of children and other online sexual crimes against children.

    Second, High courts should instruct the trial courts not to grant unnecessary adjournments during the trial. State police chiefs should constitute special task forces investigating cases to prevent the pendency of cases.

    Third, The Supreme Court issued a direction to set up special courts within 60 days on the districts that are having more than 100 pending POCSO cases. This has to be implemented urgently.

    Fourth, the introduction of sex education in schools and educating the children about good touch and bad touch is significant. In 2008-09 Parliamentary committee report mentions the introduction of sex education, but it never materialized. It has to be implemented.

    Though the Act can be amended and faster implementation can provide relief to the Children, Awareness and sensitization of people is equally important to prevent the crime itself.

     

  • What is the POCSO Act?

    The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) enacted in 2012. The Act was formulated to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and pornography.

    In 2019, The Act has been amended. The amendment contains provisions for enhancement of punishments for various offences, provides security and dignified childhood for a child. 

    Salient provisions of the Act:

    First, The Act defines Child as any person below eighteen. The Act remains gender-neutral. 

    Second, The Act also defines different forms of sexual abuse:  including penetrative and non-penetrative assault, as well as sexual harassment and pornography.

    Third, The Act deems a sexual assault to be “aggravated”: If the abused child is mentally ill or the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor.

    Fourth, The law provides for relief and rehabilitation as soon as the complaint is made. The Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police will make immediate arrangements for the care and protection of a child. The arrangements such as obtaining emergency medical treatment for the child and placing the child in a shelter home etc. 

    Fifth, The Act has provisions for Mandatory reporting. This casts a legal duty upon a person who has knowledge that a child has been sexually abused to report the offence. If he fails to do so, he may be punished with six months’ imprisonment and/ or a fine.

    Sixth, The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of offences under the Act.

    Lastly, The Act prescribes a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or the death penalty. The Act provides a mandatory minimum punishment of three years.

    What are the Safeguards available to Children? 

    • The Act has provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of the child at the hands of the judicial system.
    • The accused has to be away from the child at the time of testifying.
    • The Act mentions special courts have to conduct the trial without revealing the identity of the child. And also in a child-friendly manner as much as possible. 
    • The child may have a parent or other trusted person present at the time of testifying. The Child can also call for assistance from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence.
    • The cases must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported.

    Limitations of POCSO Act:

    • The POCSO Act is only applicable to child survivors and adult offenders. For example, If two children have sexual relations with each other, or in case a child perpetrates a sexual offence on an adult, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, will apply.
  • Ensuring accountability in the new Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020
    • Synopsis: the consumer protection rules will not guarantee better power supply quality without strong accountability provisions. 

    Background 

    • Many states in India are not able to provide a quality supply of electricity, specifically to rural and small consumers. 
    • To resolve this issue, recently, the Union Ministry of Power has promulgated the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. The rules provide the consumer with the rights of power. 
    • It is expected that the new Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 will protect and empower electricity consumers’ rights. 

    Read more – Electricity Rules 2020 |ForumIAS Blog 

     What are the limitations of the Rules?  

    The following issues highlight the need for implementation of existing provisions in letter and spirit along with strong accountability provisions. 

    • First, Discoms are unable to provide quality supply. Reason for this is not a lack of rules or regulations but the lack of accountability mechanism to enforce them. For instance,  
    • Many rights provided in rules 2020 already exists in Standards of Performance (SoP) of various State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). 
    • Second, the past efforts such as the draft National Tariff Policy, the proposed Electricity Act amendments, or various committee processes did not address the accountability concerns. 
    • Third, it is also doubtful that how Discoms will automatically compensate its consumers in the event of failure of power supply. Because, till now the availability of power supply is not monitored properly. 
    • Fourth, compensating consumers in the event of failure of power supply has serious financial implications. For example, 
    • In August 2020 rural areas received only 20 hours of supply. If existing regulations are followed it would cost hundreds of crores to discoms. 
    • Fifth, the new rules dilute the progressive mechanisms that exist in a few States. For example, 
      • As per the new rules faulty meters should be tested within 30 days of receipt of a complaint. 
      • However, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh have rules that mandate that such testing needs to be conducted within 7 days. 
    • Sixth, the rules that the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum should be headed by a senior officer of the DISCOMS company is a regressive provision.  
    • Because it will reduce the number of cases that are decided in favour of consumers.  
    • It also questions the credibility of the new Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. 
    • Seventh, some provisions are confusing and requires clarity. For example,  
    • The rules guarantee net metering for a solar rooftop unit less than 10 kW. But it is not clear whether solar rooftop unit above 10 kW can also avail net metering.  
    • This confusion will lead to unnecessary litigation which will increase investments costs in rooftop solar units. 
    • It will discourage medium and large consumers from opting an environment-friendly, cost-effective option. 

    What steps are required? 

    To ensure accountability, we need to consider implementing the following solutions, 

    • SERCs needs to be tasked to assess the SoP reports of DISCOMs and revise their regulations more frequently. Also, SERCs should be assisted in setting up public grievance mechanisms, to help consumers raise their concerns. 
    • Further, DISCOMs should be directed to ensure automatic metering at least at the 11 kV feeder level. This information should be available online. 
    • Apart from this, The Central Electricity Authority of India can also be directed to collect supply quality data from DISCOMs, publish data in the public domain and prepare analysis reports. 
    • Finally, the Central agencies too can support in independent surveys and nudge State agencies to enforce existing SoP regulations. 

    The enactment of the new Rules will not change the status quo. Governments, DISCOMs and regulators should demonstrate the commitment and the will power to implement existing regulations to make the new Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 successful.  

  • RERA 2016 protects the interest of Homebuyers 

    Synopsis: As compared to RERA 2013 act, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) 2016 was successful in empowering the home buyers. This has reduced the incidence of unfair trade practices in the real estate sector. 

    How RERA 2016 act was better than RERA 2013 act? 

    The RERA 2013 act had the following issues; 

      • It did not cover either “ongoing projects” or “commercial real estate”.  
      • Also, the minimum limit for registration of projects was so high that it excluded many projects from the coverage under law. 
      • These exclusions made the 2013 bill meaningless and harmful to the interests of home buyers. 

    However, the 2016 RERA act has fixed all the loopholes in the RERA act 2013, 

      • First, after a holistic review along with multiple stakeholder consultations both “ongoing projects” and “commercial projects” were included in the act.  
      • Second, the minimum limit for registration of projects was reduced to cover more projects. It reduced evasion under law.  

    How the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) 2016 has contributed to the empowerment of consumers? 

    RERA act addressed the existing power gap in the real estate sector between buyers and promoters. It further empowered the consumers in the following ways. 

      • First, the real estate sector which was largely unregulated is now being regulated under RERA. 
      • Second, RERA along with demonetization and GST has reduced the use of black money in the real estate sector. 
      • Third, it has the mandatory rules of getting approval of competent authority for project plans.  
        • Also, according to the RERA act, the builder needs to register with a regulatory authority. 
        • This stringent regulation has ended the practice of selling real estate based on false advertisements. 
      • Fourth, to prevent fund diversion, Promoters are required to maintain funds of a specific project in separate bank accounts. 
      • Fifth, disclosure of unit sizes based on “carpet area” has been made mandatory. It has reduced the scope for unfair trade practices.  
      • Sixth, it promotes equity by making it mandatory for payment of “equal rate of interest” by the promoter or the buyer in case of default. 

    Federal issues in its implementation 

    RERA is a product of cooperative federalism. Though the Act was introduced by the Central government, state governments are empowered to notify the rules, appoint regulatory authorities and the appellate tribunals. Currently, RERA is notified in 34 states and Union territories.  

    However, the act is facing implementation-related issues in some states such as Maharashtra and West Bengal. 

      • First, in the case of Maharashtra, the state enacted its own law in 2013. The law was not consumer-friendly, and it has created a disadvantageous position for homebuyers in Maharashtra. 
        • However, the center repealed the state act and enforced the RERA act 2016 for the regulation of real estate sector. 
      • Second, in the case of West Bengal, the state government ignored RERA act 2016 and enacted its own state law (the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WBHIRA)) in 2017. 
        • Even after multiple efforts by the Centre, West Bengal refused to implement RERA. 
        • Though there was a central law on the subject, Knowingly, the state government enacted WBHIRA in 2017. 
        • This act of WB government is a violation of constitutional principles and has been challenged in the court. 

    As SEBI is to securities market RERA will be to the real estate sector. RERA act 2016 will provide huge impetus to the growth of real estate sector while significantly contributing to the needs of Urban India.  

  • Flawed understanding of triple talaq law is leading to its misuse

    Synopsis– Faulty understanding of the triple talaq law i.e., Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019, as well as the Islamic law on divorce is leading to misuse of the act. 

    Introduction-  In the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019, a Supreme Court Bench led by Justice D Y Chandrachud observed that mother-in-law of the second respondent (wife) cannot be accused of the offence of pronouncement of triple talaq under the Act as the offence can only be committed by a Muslim man (husband). It clearly shows that the act is being misunderstood.  

    Background of the anti-triple talaq law-  

    • Anti-women divorce customs prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia had been given a severe blow by the teachings of  great social reformer Prophet Muhammad.  
    • On the basis that “old habits die hard”, unscrupulous men innovated ways and means to circumvent the Prophet’s noble teachings.  
    • One of these was the practice of triple talaq — repeating the word “talaq” thrice — which was believed to effect instant dissolution of marriage leaving no room for any reconsideration or reconciliation.  
    • Instead of defeating this innovation, law men of the time called it talaq-ul-bidat and declared it to be “sinful but effective”.  
    • This concept remained in Muslim societies for centuries across the globe.  
    • But due to its devastating effects on families and societies, country after country in Asia and Africa gradually abolished by legislation the detestable practice of triple talaq. 

    Situation in India- 

    India took a much longer time to follow suit. During British rule, courts kept this law alive as a  “sinful but effective” form of divorce after calling it a concept “bad in theology but good in law.”  

    Post– Independence, some High Court judges like VR Krishna Iyer of Kerala and Baharul Islam of Assam tried to awaken the custodians of state authority to the need for its abolition.  

    Finally, the practice of triple talaq was outlawed in the Shayara Bano case of 2017. The anti-triple talaq Act of 2019 was the outcome of this judicial reform. 

    How provisions of Triple Talaq law are often misunderstood

    • Misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (cruelty to a woman by her husband or his relatives) was once acknowledged by the apex court and formalized some measures. But under feminist pressure, the measures were withdrawn.  
    • Anti-triple talaq law together with Section 498A is proving destructive for the families.  
        • For Instance, in one triple talaq case in Kerala, a lawyer of a woman included her husband’s mother in the FIR filed against her husband in reference to the said IPC provision.  
    • Kerala High Court had refused bail to the accused husband’s mother. The case went to SC where SC highlighted the faulty applications os the act, that
        • There is no specific provision in Section 7(c), or elsewhere in the Act, making Section 438 inapplicable to an offence punishable under the Ac 
    • Section 7 of the 2019 act is particularly misunderstood. Many lawyer misbelief that it overrides the general provision for anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code.  
        • For example, after enactment of the act, a man accused in the Triple talaq case sought anticipatory bail in the Bombay High Court. Lawyer argued that the non-obstante clause in Section 7, makes CrPC provision inapplicable.  
        • However, Court rejected the argument and granted bail to the person. 
    • For understanding the common-sense fact that this Act is meant to discipline erring husbands only, the learned lawyers needed a learning session with the apex court. 

    Conclusion

    The verdict of SC is a significant step towards preventing the misuse of the anti-triple divorce law.

  • Issue of privacy and Personal Data Protection Bill 2019

    Synopsis– Present data-based technological development and Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 presents a unique challenge to the privacy of individuals.  

    Introduction Personal Data Protection Bill 2019   –

    By Puttaswamy v India (2017) case, privacy was established as a fundamental right. In other cases, MP Sharma v. Satish Chandra (1954) and Kharak Singh v. Uttar Pradesh (1962), as well, Privacy rights were upheld by SC.  

    However, the development of global technology and implementation of the Aadhaar biometric programme in India have diluted the effect of these rulings. Now there is an urgent need to take a new look at the legal position of privacy in India. 

    As depicted by Aadhaar based technology and global social media platforms, data has become a new oil i.e., it has become a tool for economic and political gain. It created a stream of data protection legislations, globally. India is also trying to join the league by Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (DPB).   

    In India, the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (DPB) is currently under consideration by a parliamentary committee. There are various issues in this bill that go against the privacy rights of individuals. 

    Commercial and Political consequences of the Data Protection Bill (DPB): 

    Data Collection related issues  

    • First- Bill will negatively impact the emerging technologies market of India dealing in creation, use, and sale of data that is valued at $1 trillion by 2025.  
    • Second- The bill requires digital firms who want to operate in India to obtain permission from users before collecting their data.  
    • Third– Bill also declares that users who provide data are, in effect, the owners of their own data and may control its usage or request firms to delete it.  
        • European internet-users are able to exercise a “right to be forgotten” and have evidence of their online presence removed. 
    • Fourth– The bill allows the government to use “critical” or “sensitive” personal data, related to information such as religion, to protect national interest. 
    • Fifth– Open-ended access to government could lead to misuse of data. Mr. B N Srikrishna, the chairmen of the drafting committee of the original bill, warned that government-access exemptions risk creating an “Orwellian state”.

    Issues related to Establishment of Data Protection Authority (DPA)  

    • Bill aims to establish a Data Protection Authority (DPA), which will be charged with managing data collected by the Aadhaar programme. 
        • Authority will consist of chairperson and six committee members,  
        • Members will be appointed by the central government on the recommendation of a selection committee.
        • Members will be selected from senior civil servants, including the Cabinet Secretary. 
    • The government’s power to appoint and remove members at its discretion provides it an ability to influence the independence of agency.
    • Unlike similar institutions, such as the Reserve Bank of India or the Securities and Exchange Board, the DPA will not have an independent expert or member of the judiciary on its governing committee.
    • The UIDAI, for its part, has a chairperson appointed by the central government and reporting directly to the Centre.

    Issues related to government use of data for surveillance

    There are instances that suggest, India is acquiring some features of a surveillance state. 

    • As stated by the Union Home minister recently, police used facial recognition technology to identify people after the anti-CAA protests and the Delhi riots. 
    • There is a high possibility that police was matching the video offstage with the database of Election Commission and e-Vahan, a pan-India database of vehicle registration.

    Issue related to safety of data 

    There are instances of controversy where government has shown casual approach towards data safety and privacy of its citizens:  

    • First, Safety concerns were raised during aadhaar data collection, which stores biometric data in the form of iris and fingerprints which is a violation of right to privacy.  
    • Second instance was of Aarogya Setu contact-tracing app which was allegedly not able to protect the data provided by citizens.  

    Way Forward 

    • The Data Protection Bill is a unique opportunity for India, a country with some 740 million internet users.  It would be a standard setter for privacy of individuals. 
    • Inclusive debate needs to take place in the Joint Parliament Committee and then in Parliament to examine the Data Protection Bill and promote transparency.
  • Shakti Act 2020 concerns

    Context – The Maharashtra Shakti Bill, 2020, and the Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, 2020 have been criticized by prominent women’s rights advocates for being “draconian.

    More in news-

    The two interconnected bills are the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Act 2020 and the Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law 2020.

    • The Bill is proposed to be enacted as Shakti Act, 2020.

    What does the draft bill proposes?

    1. The draft Bill proposes to make changes to the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
    2. The changes are proposed in existing sections of rape, sexual harassment, acid attack and child sexual abuse.
    • The death penalty is proposed in cases which are heinous in nature and where adequate conclusive evidence is available and circumstances warrant exemplary punishment.
    • The media is not allowed to report the name of a rape victim.
    • The draft Bill proposes an additional law to deal with abuse of women on social media.
    1. Provisions for “false” information – The Bill proposes punishment in cases of false complaints and acts of providing false information regarding sexual and other offences against women with the intention to humiliate, extort and defame.

    What are the concerns related to new laws?

    1. Patriarchal conception [Control by men] – The new will punish the filing of false complaints. This, according to the signatories, “perpetuates the patriarchal notions of viewing women with suspicion, as unworthy of being believed”
    • This will only deter victims from reporting sexual offences.
    1. Improper investigation and trial– The 15 days’ time-frame will not be sufficient for gathering all evidence and will become an excuse for police to not conduct a proper investigation.
    • A hurried investigation and trial, they said, is likely to lead to miscarriage of justice.
    • Lacking in infrastructure required for effective implementation – Neither the police nor the courts have the infrastructure to comply with these timeframes. There are not enough prosecutors at trial courts and in high courts.
    1. The general perception is that since the laws have been made more stringent, so the rapists resort to extreme measures in a bid to destroy the evidence.
    • The death penalty in the new law reduces both the reporting of sexual offences and of conviction rates.
    1. No clarity of ‘heinous in nature’ cases– The proposed bills does not define what cases would qualify as being “heinous in nature”, thus leaving it open to the interpretation of courts.

    Way forward-

    • The Bills’ content reflects the absence of a larger consultative process and lack of understanding of existing criminal laws.
    • The Maharashtra government should focus on improving infrastructure.
    • The two Bills should have been discussed with lawyers, activists, and academics working on women’s issues before they were passed by the state Cabinet.
  • Will Farm laws reduce Farmers income?

    Context: The present farm laws alter the bargaining landscape in favour of the corporate players to the detriment of the farmers.

    What is current issue with farm laws?

    • The three recently enacted farm laws assented have led to a showdown between the peasantry and the Union government.
    • No consultation undertaken by the central government at the time of promulgating the ordinances and then pushing the bills.
    • Despite repeated demands of the oppositions to refer the farm bills to the standing/select committee for reconsideration and necessary consultation with all stakeholders.
    • Present dispensation believes that its shock-and-awe methods are to be the main medium of governance.
    • The Union government has bypassed the federal structure by legislating on subjects that exclusively fall within the domain of the state government under the state list of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

    What are the salient features of the bill?

    • Reducing role of MSP: The farm laws open the field to an alternate set of markets/private yards, where the buyer will have no statutory obligation to pay the minimum support price (MSP).
    • No fee: Markets/private yards will not be charged any market fee/levy. The agricultural sector will see the gradual shifting of trade from the APMC mandis to these private yards.
    • Reduce APMC role: The shifting of trade to avoid payment of any levy/market fee by private players and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will eventually witness the redundancy of the APMC mandis, leaving the famers at the mercy of the corporate sharks.
    • Exclude the jurisdiction of the civil court: It will leave the farmers remediless and with no independent medium of dispute redressal mechanism. The farm laws empower the Sub-Divisional Authority (executive) to adjudicate on disputes between the farmers and traders.
    • Increased bureaucracy: The increased bureaucratic control over the adjudication of disputes between the farmers and corporate players will open the floodgates for corruption and rent-seeking.

    How the bills are anti-farmers?

    • There are several pro-corporate and perceived anti-farmer provisions in the farm laws.
    • The global experience across agricultural markets demonstrates that corporatisation of agriculture without a concomitant security net in the form of an assured payment guarantee to the farmers results in the exploitation of farmers at the hands of big business.
    • The primary cause for concern is the systematic dismantling of the APMC mandis which have stood the test of time and have provided farmers the remuneration to keep themselves afloat.

    What needs to be done?

    • The legality of laws should be expeditiously decided by the Supreme Court to halt the central government’s repeated encroachment on states’ rights.
    • There is need of robust system to annually re-calculate the MSP keeping in mind the rising input costs of diesel, fertilisers, etc to make farming a viable and lucrative vocation.
    • A statutory regulator in the field of agriculture akin to regulators in other fields would fill the gap to address information access and market distortions.

    The three legislative nails in the farmer’s aspirations might lead to a bitter harvest.

  • Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2020

    Initial status: Ministry had circulated the draft Indian Ports Bill 2020 for inputs from stakeholders. Feedback incorporated in the draft Indian Ports Bill, 2021

    Present status: Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2021 is under consultative stage.

    About Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2020

    Ministry: Ports, Shipping and Waterways

    Aim: 

    • To enable the structured growth and sustainable development of ports to attract investments in the Port sector for optimum utilisation of the Indian Coastline by effective administration and management of ports.
    • The Bill will repeal and replace the Indian Ports Act, 1908.

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    1. Constitution of Maritime Port Regulatory Authority
    2. Formulation of the National Port policy and National Port plan in consultation with Coastal State Governments, State Maritime Boards and other stakeholders.
    3. Formulation of specialised Adjudicatory Tribunals namely Maritime Ports Tribunal and Maritime Ports Appellate Tribunal to curb anti-competitive practises in the port sector and act as a speedy and affordable grievance redressal mechanism.

    Way Forward

    • The Bill seeks to provide increased opportunities for public and private investments in the Indian maritime and ports sector by way of removing barriers to entry, simplifying processes and establishment of agencies and bodies to plan and enable growth of the ports sector.
    • Enhancing “Ease of Doing Business’,it will provide greater impetus to a self-reliant domestic investment climate in the maritime sector, towards Atamanirbhar Bharat initiatives of the Government.
  • Karnataka’s cow protection bill

    Context: The Karnataka’s cow protection bill, like similar laws in other states affects rural economy.

    Background

    • Recently, Karnataka state’s Vidhan Sabha passed the contentious cattle protection bill that had been passed by the state assembly 10 years ago which could not enter the statute book because the governor refused assent.

    What are the issues involved?

    • Lack of debate: The Speaker did not give the opposition adequate time to voice their opinion.
    • Disturbs existing network: The relationship between the farmer and the butcher is threatened as witnessed in similar stares like Uttar Pradesh.
    • Indiscriminate powers to law agency: The proposed law stipulates a prison term of three to five years and fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh for purchasing or disposing of cattle for slaughter and gives the police sweeping powers to search premises and vehicles.
    • Affects farmers whose livelihood is dependent on Livestock: the cow becomes virtually uneconomical for the farmer after eight years when its milk output falls. Also, such animals along with male cattle not required for draught and breeding purposes.
    • Misuse of law: As observed by Allahabad High Court, The Act is being used against innocent persons.
  • ISSUE OF INTERFAITH MARRIAGES AND LAWS IN INDIA

    The article is based on The Big Picture: Special Marriage Act and Indian Express Explained, Roll it back appeared in the month of November. 

    Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared an ordinance that enables the state to police and punish inter-faith marriages with “the sole intention of changing a girl’s religion”.

    Important provisions of Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religious Ordinance, 2020:

    • Law prohibits conversion from one religion to another by “misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement or marriage”.
    • Marriage will be declared “shunya” (null and void) if the “sole intention” was to “change a girl’s religion”
    •  The persons forced the girl to change religious conversion may face jail term of up to 10 years if the girl is minor, a woman from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, if the person involved religious conversion on a mass scale. For the rest of the cases, the jail term ranges from 1 to 5 years.
    • The law also provides for the way to conversion. The person willing to convert to other religion would have to give it in writing to the District Magistrate at least two months in advance.
    • The burden to prove would be on the person who caused the conversion or the person who facilitated it. If any violation is found under this provision, then she/he will face a jail term from 6 months to 3 year
    • ·If any person reconverts to his immediate previous religion, then it shall not be deemed to be a violation of the ordinance.

    Why Uttar Pradesh drafted such an ordinance?

    • In the past few months, cases of alleged “love jihad” have been reported from different parts of the state, especially eastern and central UP especially Lakhimpurkheri.
    • a group of parents from a particular locality in Kanpur had complained that their daughters are being allegedly trapped by Muslim men
    • In some cases, girls refused to accept that they were tempted into marriage.

    Criticisms against the law

    Many critics of the law have put forward a few issues regarding the law:

    • Allowing the police to examine subjective “intentions” of men and women entering a marriage veers into thought control — and sets the law up for rampant abuse.
    • Law against fundamental rights: By clearing the ordinance, the state government has trespassed the fundamental right to marry guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. 
    What is the term ‘Love Jihad’ or ‘Romeo Jihad’?:

    • The term itself is based on a conspiracy Theory. It simply means that the Islamic men target non-Islamic women for religious conversion by feigning their love.
    • This theory is completely unproven. The theory got national attention with the alleged conversions first in Kerala and later in Karnataka in 2009.
    •  In 2010, the speech of then CM of Kerala creates widespread allegation (Source)

     Anti-conversion law at central level:

    Central government proposed various bills but none of them passed and became a law. They are:

    • Indian Conversion (Regulation and Registration) Bill 1954
    • Backward Communities (Religious Protection) Bill 1960
    • Freedom of Religion Bill in 1979

    In 2015, the Law Ministry said passing of any law on religious conversion is purely a “State subject” and Central government has no role in it.

    Is Uttar Pradesh being the only state to initiate law for forceful conversion?

    • No, after the central government failed to pass 1960 bill, Odisha government moved on and passed the first anti-conversion law in 1968
    • After that so far 10 states have had passed anti-conversion laws in India.
    • The Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019, and the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, both prohibit conversion by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, inducement, allurement and ‘by marriage’.

    But Uttar Pradesh has become one of the first State to pass forcible conversion only during Interfaith marriages as special legislation. States such as Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have also sought to bring such legislation.

    Interfaith Marriages:

    • It simply means the matrimonial relation between individuals who follow different religious faiths.
    • Marriage between the same faiths has been governed by the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, Muslim personal Law. But to rectify and include interfaith marriages Centre passed the Special Marriage Act 1954.
    • Special Marriage Act considers Interfaith Marriages as secular.
    Few important provisions of the Special Marriage Act of 1954:

    • The law allows the solemnization of marriages without any religious customs or rituals. The law solemnizes marriages by the way of registration.
    • The consenting couple (Men above 21 years and women above 18 years) who were going to get married have to provide 30-day Notice at the Marriage Registrar’s office.
    • After 30 days they can get married. If there are any objections raised then the Marriage Registrar will investigate the objection
    •  The Act is applicable to all Indian citizens and Indian nationals who live in abroad.
    • Allahabad High Court observed the Special Marriage Act as ‘one of the earliest endeavors towards Uniform Civil Code. (Source)

     Judicial pronouncement regarding interfaith marriages and forcible conversions:

    • The Rev Stanislaus vs Madhya Pradesh case: Supreme Court said Article 25 does provide freedom of religion in matters related to practice, profess and propagate, but the word propagate does not give the right to convert and upheld the laws prohibiting Conversion through force, fraud, or allurement.
    • Based on the above case it is clear that forcible conversion or conversion through fraud and allurement is against the Right to Freedom of Religion.
    • Sarla Mudgal case: The court had held that the religious conversion into Islam by a person from non-Islamic faith is not valid if the conversion is done for the purpose of polygamy.
    • Lily Thomas case: In this case Court observed that marrying another woman after converting to Islam is punishable under the bigamy laws.
    • Hadiya Case: Supreme Court said that the right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Constitution
    • Allahabad High Court, in the case, Noor Jahan Begum @ Anjali Mishra and another vs. State of U.P. and Others observed that one shouldn’t change one’s faith just for the sake of matrimony. As two persons professing different religions can marry under the Special Marriage Act.
    • But in the most recent judgment, Allahabad High Court itself overturned its previous judgment, calling the decision “bad in law”. The division bench of the Allahabad high court said on November 11, that judgment does not take into account the right to life and personal liberty of mature adults.

    Way forward:

    Based on the judicial pronouncements it is clear that the Right to marry a person belongs to another faith is a Fundamental Right but that does not have to be associated only with personal laws or religious conversions. It is the Right of the individual’s personal liberty to involve in Interfaith Marriage either by the Special Marriage Act of 1954 or by Personal laws (after getting himself converted).

  • Govt. seeks comments on draft Industrial Relations Code rules

    News: Union Labour and Employment Ministry has published the draft rules framed under the Industrial Relations Code,2020.

    Facts:

    • Industrial Relations Code combines and simplifies relevant provisions of three Central Labour Acts: Trade Unions Act,1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act,1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

    Key Highlights of the Draft Rules:

    • Exit provisions relating to retrenchment and others: Firms with 300 or more workers are required to seek approval from the government before 15-day notice for lay-offs, 60-day notice for retrenchment, and 90-day notice for closure.
    • Electronic Methods of Communication: The rules propose electronic methods for most communication including maintenance of an electronic register for standing orders for all industrial establishments among others.
    • Rules on Strike: The notice of strike has to be signed by the secretary and five elected representatives of the registered trade union and given to the employer, with a copy sent to the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) electronically or otherwise.
    • Reskilling Fund: The rules also proposed establishing a re-skilling fund for retrenched workers. Employers would have to electronically transfer an amount equal to 15 days of the last drawn wages of the retrenched workers or workers into an account maintained by the government within 10 days of the retrenchment.
      • The fund so received shall be transferred by the Central Government to each worker or workers‘ account electronically within 45 days of receipt of funds from the employer and the worker shall utilize such amount for his re-skilling.
  • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act: New developments and Evolution
    SC has delivered a judgment in a recent appeal filed by a person booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly abusing a Dalit woman in her house.

    SC judgment on SC/ST (PoA)act

    In this latest judgment related to the SC/ST Act, the Supreme Court has said:  

    • All types of intimidations or insults to persons belonging to Dalit or tribal communities will not be categorized as an offense under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
    • Only insults specifically intended to humiliate the victim for his caste should be tried under the SC/ST act.

    What was the case?

    • Judgment was delivered in response to the hearing of an appeal filed by a person, booked under the Act for allegedly abusing a Dalit woman in her house.
    • The court found that allegations against persons do not fulfill the basic ingredient under the Act that such humiliation should have happened in public view.
    • Since the incident occurred within four walls in the absence of the public, he can be tried under ordinary criminal law but not under the SC/ST act.

    Evolution of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

    Constitutional Provisions

    Article 17 of the constitution abolished the practice of untouchability. In line with the constitutional provisions under article 17 and Articles 14, 15 , the untouchability (offenses) Act, 1955 was passed in parliament. In 1976, the act was renamed as protection of the civil rights act.

    But due to the ineffectiveness of previous acts, ‘Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989’ was enacted.

    SC/ST Act, 1989

    Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, also known as the SC/ST Act, was enacted to protect the marginalized communities against discrimination and atrocities.

    • The Act lists various offenses relating to various patterns or behaviors inflicting criminal offenses and breaking the self-respect and esteem of the scheduled castes and tribes community, which includes denial of economic, democratic, and social rights, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of the legal process.
    • Under section 18 of the act, provision for anticipatory bail is not available to the offenders.
    • Any public servant, who deliberately neglects his duties under this act, is liable to punishment with imprisonment for up to 6 months.

    SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities (Amendment) Act, 2015

    Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 was introduced to make the act more stringent with the following provisions:

    • It recognized more instances of “atrocities” as crimes against SCs and STs.
    • It provided for the establishment of exclusive special courts and special public prosecutors to try offenses under the PoA Act.
    • Act defined the term ‘wilful negligence’ in the context of public servants at all levels, starting from the registration of the complaint to dereliction of duty under this Act.
    • If the accused was acquainted with the victim or his family, the court will presume that the accused was aware of the caste or tribal identity of the victim unless proved otherwise.

    2018 SC judgment

    Supreme Court in its Kashinath Mahajan judgment, introduced the following safeguards to the accused under SC/ST act.

    Key guidelines

    • The bar on anticipatory bail under the Act need not prevent courts from granting advance bail if there is no merit in a complaint
    • “Preliminary enquiry” to be conducted in all cases before registration of FIRs.
    • The person can be arrested by an investigating officer, only if the “appointing authority” (in the case of a public servant) or the SP (in the case of others) approves such arrest. 

    2018 amendment to the Act

    In 2018, in response to this dilution of the act and public uproar against it, Parliament introduced Section 18A to overturn safeguards introduced by the Supreme Court.

    • Preliminary inquiry shall not be required for registration of a First Information Report against any person.
    • No approval is required before the arrest of the accused under this act.
    • It rules out any provision (Section 438 of the CrPC that deals with anticipatory bail) for anticipatory bail for the accused.

    Prathvi Raj Chauhan case, 2020

    In this case, the constitutional validity of section 18-A of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 was challenged.

    • In this case, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India has upheld the Constitutional validity of section 18-A.
    • pre-arrest bail should be granted only in extraordinary situations where a denial of bail would mean a miscarriage of justice
    • Anticipatory bail can only be given in exceptional cases by Courts and not in every case.

    How effective has been SC/ST act?

    Following are some of the figures that raise questions over the effectiveness of the SC/ST PoA Act:

    • Increase in crimes: As per the NCRB report, 2019, Crimes against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities increased by 7.3% and 26.5% respectively in 2019.
    • State-wise: Uttar Pradesh has the most number of cases of crime against SCs – 11,829 cases, which is 25.8% of the total such cases in the country followed by Rajasthan with 6,794 cases (14.8% of all cases), Bihar (14.2%), and Madhya Pradesh (11.5%).
    • Conviction rate: According to a status report on the implementation of the PoA Act, released by the National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ), over the decade prior to 2018, the average conviction rate under(Prevention of Atrocities) Act
       for cases of atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis remained at 25.2% and 22.8% respectively.

    What more should be done?

    • Registration of Cases: Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) should be developed for filing and investigating cases so that there is no confusion or doubt among the investigators about the procedure to be followed.
    • Training and Capacity building of judges, lawyers, and policemen is required in these types of cases
    • Prosecution: Successful prosecution of genuine cases by the lawyers must be rewarded.
    • Research: There is a requirement for research into the types of punishment, as an alternative to imprisonment that can prevent future crimes by individuals or communities.

    Way forward

    As signified in the figures above, Laws alone cannot realize the vision of our constitution-makers to make India a country where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to justice, it is only one of the steps required.

    It requires the educational and economic advancement of the backward communities like SCs and STs in India and educational reforms all over the country so that root cause of the discrimination can be dealt with.

     

  • National Forensic Science University Bill 2020

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (23rd March 2020)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (20th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (22nd Sept 2020)

    Present status: Received assent on 28th Sept 2020 & converted to Act.

    About National Forensic Science University Bill, 2020

    Ministry: Home Affairs

    Aim: 

    • It establishes National Forensic Science University as an institute of national importance.
    • The proposed university would facilitate and promote studies and research and help achieve excellence in the field of forensic science along with applied behavioural science studies, law, criminology and other allied areas.

    Key provisions of National Forensic Science University Bill, 2020

    1. Establishment of the University: The Bill establishes the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (established under the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Act, 2008) and the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences, New Delhi, as a University called the National Forensic Sciences University at Gujarat.
    2. Objectives and functions of the University: Promoting academic learning in the field of forensic science in conjunction with applied behavioural science studies, law and other allied areas to strengthen the criminal justice institutions in India.
    3. Authorities: The Bill provides for several authorities under the University. These include the Chancellor of the University, the Court, the Board of Governors and the Academic Council
    4. Board of Governors: The Board of Governors will be responsible for all administrative affairs of the University.
    5. Fund: The University will maintain a Fund which will be applied towards its expenses.

     

     

  • Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

    Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) – 2020

    News: The Defence Minister has unveiled the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) – 2020

    Facts:

    Key Features:

    • Notify a List of Weapons/Platforms for Ban on Import: Relevant incorporation has been done in the DAP to ensure that NO equipment as mentioned in the list is procured ex import post timelines notified.
    • New Category of Buy (Global – Manufacture in India): The new category incorporates ‘manufacture of either the entire/part of the equipment or spares/assemblies/sub-assemblies/Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the equipment, through its subsidiary in India.
    • Revised Offset Guidelines: The Offset guidelines have been revised, wherein preference will be given to manufacture of complete defence products over components and various multipliers have been added to give incentivisation in discharge of Offsets.
    • Project management unit: Setting up of a project management unit (PMU) has been mandated to support contract management. The PMU will facilitate obtaining advisory and consultancy support in specified areas to streamline the acquisition process.
    • FDI in Defence Manufacturing: Provisions have been incorporated like a new category ‘Buy (Global — Manufacture in India)’, to encourage foreign companies to set up manufacturing through its subsidiary in India.

     

    Additional Information:

    • DAP 2020 is the renamed iteration of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). The first DPP was promulgated in the year 2002.
    • The DAP remains in place for a period of five years. The last DAP was issued in 2016.
    • Enhancement in Indigenous Content (IC)
    CategoryDPP 2016DAP 2020
    Buy (Indian-IDDM)Min 40%Min 50%
    Buy (Indian)Min 40%Indigenous design — Min 50%

    Otherwise – Min 60%

    Buy & Make (Indian)Min 50% of MakeMin 50% of Make
    Buy (Global — Manufacture in India)Min 50% of Buy plus Make
    Buy (Global)Min 30% for Indian vendors

     

  • Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions, 2018

    Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions, 2018

    In News: Lok Sabha has cleared three labour code Bills viz the Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020, Code on Social Security Bill, 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020.

    Key Features of Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions, 2018

    • Consolidation of laws: It will amalgamate 13 labour laws including the Factories Act, 1948; the Mines Act, 1952; the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 etc.
    • Mandatory registration: All establishments covered by the Code must be registered with registering officers
    • Advisory Bodies: The bill provides for the setting up of Occupat ional Safety and Health Advisory Boards by the central and state governments at the national and state level.
    • Annual health check-up: It has been made mandatory in factories and its charge will be borne by the employers.
    • Duties of employers: Appointment letters for all workers (including those employed before this code), underlying their rights to statutory benefits.
    • Policy on Working Hours: Overtime work must be paid twice the rate of daily wages. Female workers, with their consent, may work past 7pm and before 6am, if approved by the central or state government.
    • Leave policy: No employee may work for more than six days a week. Workers must receive paid annual leave for at least one in 20 days of the period spent on duty.
    • Working conditions and welfare facilities: The employer is required to provide a hygienic work environment with ventilation, comfortable temperature and humidity, sufficient space, clean drinking water, and latrine and urinal accommodations.

    Way Forward for Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions, 2018

    • Reforms should be made with the consensus of all stakeholders -The workers, their unions, and employers and their associations etc.
    • Any reform should strive to increase the trust between workers and employers.
    • There is a need for a national policy for domestic workers at the earliest, to recognise their rights and promote better working conditions.
    • To achieve the objective of training the 10 million apprentices, the government should form National Apprenticeship Corp by merging the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and the Entrepreneurship and Board of Apprenticeship Training.
  • Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare, 2017
    In News: Lok Sabha has cleared three labour code Bills viz the Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020, Code on Social Security Bill, 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020

    Key Features of Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare, 2017

    • Consolidation of multiple laws: It will replace nine social security laws, including Maternity Benefit Act, Employees’ Provident Fund Act, Employees’ Pension Scheme, Employees’ Compensation Act, among others.
    • Universalizes social security: Social security has been extended to those working in the unorganised sector, such as migrant workers, gig workers and platform workers.
    • Covers Agricultural workers: For the first time, provisions of social security will also be extended to agricultural workers also.
    • National Social Security Board: It proposes a National Social Security Board which shall recommend to the central government for formulating suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers.
    • Social security organisations: The Bill provides for the establishment of several bodies to administer the schemes. These include a Central Board to administer the provident fund schemes and national and state-level Social Security Boards to administer schemes for unorganised workers.
    • Social security fund: The Bill proposes setting up a social security fund using corpus available under corporate social responsibility.
    • Reducing employee PF contribution: The bill provides for an option for reducing provident fund contribution (currently at 12% of basic salary) to increase workers disposable income.
    • Gig Workers: The bill states that the central or state government may notify specific schemes for gig workers, platform workers, and unorganised workers to provide various benefits, such as life and disability cover.
    • Exemption: Under the bill the central government is empowered to exempt selected establishments from all or any of the provisions of the code and makes Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits under various social security schemes

    Concerns

    • Does not provide for uniform definition on “social security”.
    • There is no dedicated central fund. The proposed corpus will be split into numerous small funds creating a multiplicity of authorities and confusion.
    • There is no clarity on how the proposed dismantling of the existing and functional structures, such as the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with its corpus of ₹10 lakh crore will be handed over to a government.
  • Labour Code on Industrial relations, 2020
    In News: Lok Sabha has cleared three labour code Bills viz the Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020, Code on Social Security Bill, 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020

    Objectives Labour Code on Industrial relations bill, 2020

    • It aims to create greater labour market flexibility to encourage entrepreneurs to engage in labour-intensive sectors and to improve ease of doing business in India.
    • It would consolidate three laws i.e. Trade Unions Act, 1926; Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

    Key Features of Labour Code on Industrial relations, 2020

    • Contract workers: It seeks to allow companies to hire workers on fixed-term contract of any duration. Fixed term employment refers to workers employed for a fixed duration based on a contract signed between the worker and the employer.
    • Reduced Threshold: Companies employing up to 300 workers will not be required to frame rules of conduct for workmen employed in industrial establishments. Presently, it is compulsory for firms employing up to 100 workers.
    • Dispute redressal: It provides for setting up of a two-member tribunal (in place of one member) wherein important cases will be adjudicated jointly and the rest by a single member, resulting in speedier disposal of cases.
    • Regulation for Trade Unions: Introduces a feature of ‘recognition of negotiating union’ under which a trade union will be recognized as sole ‘negotiating union’ if it has the support of 75% or more of the workers on the rolls of an establishment.
    • Statutory benefits: Underlines that fixed-term employees will get all statutory benefits on a par with the regular employees who are doing work of the same or similar nature.
    • Regulates strikes: As per the bill, the workers in factories will have to give a notice at least 14 days in advance to employers if they want to go on strike. Presently, only workers in public utility services are required to give notices to hold strikes.
    • Re-skilling Fund: Proposes setting up of a “re-skilling fund” for training of retrenched employees. The retrenched employee would be paid 15 days’ wages from the fund within 45 days of retrenchment.

    Concerns

    • The Industrial Relations Code of 2019 has curtailed the right to form unions and accord them powers of representation.
    • It takes away the negotiating rights of trade unions as it would be difficult for any one group to manage 75% support.
    • It will give tremendous amounts of flexibility to the employers in terms of hiring and firing, dismissal for alleged misconduct and retrenchment for economic reasons will be completely possible for all the industrial establishments employing less than 300 workers.
  • Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (23rd July 2019)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (30th July 2019)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (2nd Aug 2019)

    Present status: Received assent on 8th August, 2019.

    Ministry: Labour and Employment

    Objectives of the Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill, 2019

    • The bill seeks to consolidate laws relating to wages by replacing- Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
    • To formulate a statutory National Minimum Wage for different regions. The economic survey 2018-19 had also mentioned that a national mandatory minimum wage is a requirement.

    Key provisions of Labour Rights Codes on wages Bill, 2019

    1. Defined Wages appropriately: it removes the multiplicity of wage definitions leading to significantly reduce in litigation as well as compliance cost for employers.
    2. Uniform wages: The Bill stipulates to link minimum wages only to factors such as skillset and geographical location. This would bring down the number of minimum wage rates across the country to 300. These labour Codes seek to universalise the right to minimum wage of workers, presently available to only about 30% of the workforce engaged in the scheduled employments.
    3. Extends to all sectors: It seeks to universalizes the provisions of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all employees irrespective of the sector and wage ceiling.
    4. National Floor Level Minimum Wage: To be set by the Centre and will be revised every five years, while states will fix minimum wages for their regions, which cannot be lower than the floor wage.

    Concerns associated with Labour  Rights Codes on wages Bill, 2019

    • The bill does not define “who is a worker” clearly.
    • The calculation of the level of minimum wage by an expert committee is at variance with ILO parameters.
    • A ‘national minimum wage’ is a good idea, but its computation is cause for concern. Instead of a single national minimum wage, the bill proposes multiple minimum wage structure at different geographical zones.
  • FCRA 2010 to 2020: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act evolution

    In News: Recently, Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

    What is FCRA?

    • Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act: It is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010 to regulate foreign donations and to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • Who cannot receive foreign donations?
      • Members of the legislature and political parties, government officials, judges and media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contribution.
      • However, in 2017 the FCRA was amended through the Finance Bill to allow political parties to receive funds from the Indian subsidiary of a foreign company or a foreign company in which an Indian holds 50% or more shares.
    • Registration: It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
    • Purpose of Foreign contribution: Registered associations can receive foreign contributions for social, educational, religious, economic and cultural purposes. Filing of annual returns on the lines of Income Tax is compulsory.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) New Rules:
      • In 2015, the MHA notified new rules which required NGOs to give an undertaking that the acceptance of foreign funds is not likely to prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India or impact friendly relations with any foreign state and does not disrupt communal harmony.
      • It also said all such NGOs would have to operate accounts in either nationalised or private banks which have core banking facilities to allow security agencies access on a real time basis.

    Key provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020:

    • Prohibition to accept foreign contribution:
      • Include certain public servants in the prohibited category for accepting foreign contribution: These include: election candidates, editor or publisher of a newspaper, judges, government servants, members of any legislature, and political parties.
      • The Bill adds public servants to this list. Public servant includes any person who is in service or pay of the government, or remunerated by the government for the performance of any public duty.
    • Transfer of foreign contribution: Under the Act, foreign contribution cannot be transferred to any other person unless such person is also registered to accept foreign contribution.
    • FCRA account: The Bill states that foreign contribution must be received only in an account designated by the bank as FCRA account in such branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi. No funds other than the foreign contribution should be received or deposited in this account.
    • Definition of persons: The FCRA 2010 allows transfer of foreign contributions to persons registered to accept foreign contributions. The term ‘person’ under the Bill includes an individual, an association, or a registered company.
    • Regulation: The Act states that a person may accept foreign contribution if they have obtained a certificate of registration from central government or obtained prior permission from the government to accept foreign contribution. The bill makes Aadhaar mandatory for registration.
    • Restriction in utilisation of foreign contribution: The Bill gives government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a “summary enquiry”.
    • Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes: The bill decreases administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20% from 50% earlier.
    • Surrender of certificate: The Bill allows the central government to permit a person to surrender their registration certificate.

    Need for such amendments:

    • To monitor Misuse of funds: In Parliament, the government alleged that foreign money was being used for religious conversions. For instance, in 2017, the government barred American Christian charity, Compassion International.
    • To prevent loss to the GDP: An official report quantifying the GDP losses allegedly caused by environmental NGOs was prepared during NPA period, indicating a foreign conspiracy against India.
    • To enhance transparency and accountability: The annual inflow of foreign contribution has almost doubled between the years 2010 and 2019, but many recipients of foreign contribution have not utilised the same for the purpose for which they were registered or granted prior permission under the said Act.
    • To regulate NGO’s: Many persons were not adhering to statutory compliances such as submission of annual returns and maintenance of proper accounts.
  • Essential Commodities Amendment Bill, 2020

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (14th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (15th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (22nd Sept 2020)

    Present status: Received assent on 26th Sept 2020 & converted to Act. But recently the government has repealed the Act.

    Ministry: Consumer Affairs and Food Distribution

    Objectives

    • Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 amends the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
    • Aim: To increase competition in the agriculture sector and enhance farmers’ income. It also aims to remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations.

    Key Features of Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020

    • Regulation on food items: Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the Government regulates the production, supply and distribution of certain commodities it declares ‘essential’ in order to make them available to consumers at fair prices. The bill removes cereal, pulses, oilseed, edible oil, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities.
    • Stock Limit: It requires that imposition of any stock limit on agricultural produce must be based on price rise. A stock limit may be imposed only if there is: (i) a 100% increase in retail price of horticultural produce; and (ii) a 50% increase in the retail price of non-perishable agricultural food items.

    Issues with Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020

    • Undermining Food security: Easing of regulation of food items would lead to exporters, processors and traders hoarding farm produce during the harvest season, when prices are generally lower, and releasing it later when prices increase. This could undermine food security since the States would have no information about the availability of stocks within the State.
    • Deregulation of food items– As the bill removes cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities, it will deregulate the production, storage, movement and distribution of these important food commodities.
  • Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020

    Introduced: Lok Sabha

    Passed: Lok Sabha

    Passed: Rajya Sabha

    Present status: Received assent of the President on 24th Sept 2020 & converted to Act. But recently the government has repealed the Act.

    Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 is aimed to provide a legal contract for farmers to enter into written contracts with companies and produce for them.

    Key Features of Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020:

    • Farming agreement: It provides for a farming agreement between a farmers and buyers (processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc.) before the production or rearing of any farm produce.
    • Pricing of farming produce: The agreement should mention the following:
      • The price of farming produce
      • For prices subjected to variation, a guaranteed price for the produce and a clear reference for any additional amount above the guaranteed price
      • process of price determination
    • Dispute Settlement: A farming agreement must provide for a conciliation board as well as a conciliation process for settlement of disputes.
    • Protection to farmers: Farmers have been provided adequate protection. Sale, lease or mortgage of farmers’ land is totally prohibited and farmers’ land is also protected against any recovery.

    Issues with Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020:

    • No mechanism for price fixation: The bill provides protection to farmers against price exploitation, but does not prescribe the mechanism for price fixation. There are concerns that the free hand given to the private sector could lead to corpotirization of agriculture and farmer exploitation.
    • Unorganised nature of the farm sector: Given the unorganised nature of the farm sector and farmers’ lack of resources for a legal battle with private corporate entities, there are concerns that formal contractual obligations will eventually be detrimental for poor farmers in the country.
    • Lack of assurance about MSP: The bill doesn’t provide any assurance about Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the contract-farming. Critics have opined that there will be no declaration of MSP for all crops, determined by Swaminathan formula of C2 costs plus 50 per cent.
    • Fear of intermediaries: Though the bill seeks to eliminate middlemen from the supply chain, the critics have raised concerns that middlemen will operate in the form of sponsors or farm service provider for contract-farming.
    • Deprivation of farmers from their land: The legislation provides for “farming agreements” “with insurance or credit instrument”. This will entail credit linkage with mortgaging of farmer’s land. There are concerns that in case the contract suffers a financial loss, a farmer might have to pay debt through their land.
    • Subjecting food security to world markets: There are concerns that MNC food giants and their Indian collaborators will integrate Indian agricultural production with world markets. This will reduce the freedom of farmers and undermine food security.
    • Threat to India’s food and political sovereignty: There are concerns that companies will promote banned and dangerous GM seeds, terminator seed technology. This will erode India’s seed sovereignty and threaten food and political sovereignty.
  • Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation), bill 2020

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (14th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (17th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (20th Sept 2020)

    Present status: Received assent of the President on 24th Sept 2020 & converted to Act. But recently the government has repealed the Act.

    About Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation), bill 2020

    Ministry: Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

    Aim

    • Break the monopoly of government-regulated mandis and provide farmers and traders freedom of choice of sale and purchase of Agri-produce.

    Key provisions  

    1. Trade of farmers’ produce:
      1. It allows intrastate and inter-state trade of farmers’ produce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislation.
      2. In addition to mandis, freedom to do trading at farmgate, cold storage, warehouse, processing units etc.
    2. Electronic trading: It proposes electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically.
    3. Abolition of cess or levy for sale: The farmers will not be charged any market fee, cess or levy for sale of their produce and will not have to bear transport costs.

    Issues with Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020:

    • Lack of regulatory oversight and reporting: The bill provides for non-APMC markets but does not provide any mechanism for its regulation. There are concerns that the lack of regulation might lead to unregulated trade detrimental to the primary purpose of providing market access to farmers. Further, it does not provide proper grievance redressal mechanism.
    • Loss in revenue for states: The market fee, rural development fee, and arhatiya’s commission are big sources of revenue for some states. With states not permitted to levy market fee/cess outside APMC areas under the new legislation, Punjab and Haryana could lose an estimated Rs 3,500 crore and Rs 1,600 crore each year respectively.
    • Fear over MSP: According to critics, the dismantling of the monopoly of the APMCs is the sign of ending the assured procurement of food grains at minimum support prices (MSP).
    • Setting Price: APMC continues to set the reference price even for private players. In the absence of APMC, there will be no alternative for a large market that can actually set price signals. Global experience such as the French dairy producers and the dairy farmers’ co-operatives in the U.S suggest that buyer cartels will start fixing the market price.
  • Foreign Contribution Regulation amendment Act (FCRA), 2020

    Introduced: Lok Sabha (20th Sept 2020)

    Passed: Lok Sabha (21st Sept 2020)

    Passed: Rajya Sabha (23rd Sept 2020)

    Present status: Received assent of the President on 28th Sept 2020 & converted to Act.

    Background of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 

    • The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) was first brought in by the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency in 1976.
    • Its aim was to protect the ‘sovereignty’ of India from ‘foreign hands’ at a time when global powers were engaged in a cold war.
    • The law prohibited political parties, electoral candidates and even cartoonists from accepting foreign contributions.
    • In 2010, the government made the renewal of registrations mandatory every five years and placed a 50% limit on administrative expenses.

    About Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment)Act, 2020

    Ministry: Finance

    Aim: The Act amended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. 

    Key provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment)Act, 2020

    1. Prohibition to accept foreign contribution: These include: election candidates, editor or publisher of a newspaper, judges, government servants, members of any legislature, and political parties.
    2. Transfer of foreign contribution:
      1. Under the Act, foreign contribution cannot be transferred to any other person unless such person is also registered to accept foreign contribution.
      2. FCRA registered organisations are barred from transferring foreign donations to smaller non-profits (a practice known as sub-granting) who often find it difficult to access donors on their own.
    3. Aadhaar for registration: The Act states that a person may accept foreign contribution if they have obtained a certificate of registration from central government or obtained prior permission from the government to accept foreign contribution. The bill makes Aadhaar mandatory for registration.
    4. Restriction in utilisation of foreign contribution: The Bill gives government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a “summary enquiry”.
    5. Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes: The bill decreases administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20% from 50% earlier.
    6. More power to government: FCRA registration can be suspended now after a summary enquiry and the period of suspension can extend up to a year (from 180 days earlier).
  • [Download] 10 PM Monthly Compilation | June, 2024

    Hello everyone,

    We are posting the Monthly Compilation of the 10 pm Current Affairs Quiz – June 2024.

    Download using the link given below:

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    The 10 PM Daily Current Affairs Quiz is focused on the current affairs of UPSC Prelims. It consists of 10 questions based on the daily current affairs.

    To download previous compilations – Click Here

  • Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – ‘IIPDF Scheme’

    Source: The post is based on the article “Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – ‘IIPDF Scheme” published in PIB on 8th November 2022. 

    What is the News?

    The Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), Ministry of Finance notified the Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme(IIPDF Scheme). 

    What is India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF Scheme)?

    Setup in: 2007

    Nodal Ministry: Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), Ministry of Finance

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To aid the development of quality PPP projects by providing necessary funding support to the Project Sponsoring Authorities(PSA) both in the Central and State Governments.

    Funding: The IIPDF will contribute upto 75% of the project development expenses to the Sponsoring Authority as an interest-free loan. The balance of 25% will be co-funded by the Sponsoring Authority.

    Significance: The fund will help the sponsoring authority to cover a portion of the PPP transaction costs thereby reducing the impact of costs related to procurement on their budgets.

  • PM launches Rozgar Mela – recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel

    Source: The post is based on the article “PM launches Rozgar Mela – recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel” published in PIB on 26th October 2022

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has launched the Rozgar Mela. 

    What is Rozgar Mela?

    Rozgar Mela is a recruitment drive to hire 10 lakh personnel. 

    Under this recruitment drive, all Ministries and Departments are working towards filling up existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in Mission Mode.

    The new recruits will join 38 Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The appointees will join the government at various levels viz. Group – A, Group – B (Gazetted), Group – B (Non-Gazetted) and Group – C.  

    The posts on which appointments are being made include Central Armed Force Personnel, Sub Inspector, Constable, and Income Tax Inspectors among others.

  • PM inaugurated One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme

    Source: The post is based on the article “PM inaugurated One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme” published in The Hindu on 18th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has inaugurated 600 Kisan Samridhi Kendras and launched One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme and Indian Edge magazine.

    What is One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme?

    One Nation, One Fertilizer scheme is also known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana.

    Under this scheme, all type of fertilizers whether it is DAP, NPK or urea will be sold under the brand name of ‘Bharat’. 

    This will standardize fertilizer brands across the nation irrespective of the company that manufactures it.

    This will also help the farmers to get rid of all kinds of confusion about the quality of fertilizers and their availability. 

    What is PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras(PM-KSK)?

    Launched by: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. 

    Under the scheme, the retail fertilizer shops in the country will be converted into PMKSK in a phased manner. 

    PMKSK will cater to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and provide agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds, implements), testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilizers; generate awareness among farmers; provide information regarding various government schemes and ensure regular capacity building of retailers at block/district level outlets. 

    More than 3.3 lakh retail fertilizer shops are planned to be converted into PMKSK.

    Read more: Empowering farmers is essential for the broad prosperity of India
    What is Indian Edge?

    Indian Edge is an e-magazine on fertilizers. The magazine will provide information on domestic and international fertilizer scenarios, including recent developments, price trends analysis, availability and consumption, and success stories of farmers, among others.

  • Centre to help set up paddy straw pellet units to arrest stubble burning

    Source: The post is based on the article “Centre to help set up paddy straw pellet units to arrest stubble burning” published in The Hindu on 14th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Environment Ministry announced a ₹50 crore scheme to incentivise industrialists and entrepreneurs to set up paddy straw pelletisation and torrefaction plants.

    What is the amount of paddy straw generated?

    About 27 million tonnes of paddy straw are generated in Punjab and Haryana. About 75% or 20 million tonnes is from non-basmati rice that cannot be fed to cattle because of its high silica content. About 11 million tonnes can be managed in the field and the rest is usually burnt which adds to the air pollution crisis in Delhi.

    Read more: Why stubble burning is so hard to fix
    About the paddy straw pelletisation and torrefaction plants scheme

    The estimated cost of setting up a regular pelletisation plant, which can process a tonne per hour, is ₹35 lakh. Under the scheme, the Centre will fund such plants to a maximum of ₹70 lakh subject to capacity.

    Similarly, the cost of establishing a torrefaction plant is ₹70 lakh. Under the scheme, it is eligible for maximum funding of ₹1.4 crores.

    Torrefaction is costlier but can deliver a product whose energy content is much higher and theoretically substitute for more coal in a power plant.

    The Centre has underlined that this would be a “one-time only” scheme and regular pellet plants would be eligible for ₹40 crores of the overall share.

    What are the advantages of the scheme?

    The scheme will help convert waste to wealth and provide job opportunities to rural youth in Punjab and Haryana.

    Paddy straw made into pellets or torrefied can be mixed with coal in thermal power plants. This saves coal as well as reduces carbon emissions that would otherwise have been emitted were the straw burnt in the fields.

    Read more: Stubble burning needs economic solutions
  • Cabinet approves new Scheme “Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26

    Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves new Scheme “Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26” published in the PIB on 12th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved a new Scheme, Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

    What is PM-DevINE Scheme?

    Type: Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central funding

    Implemented by: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

    Objectives: a) Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti; b) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER; c) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women; and d) Fill the development gaps in various sectors.

    Read here: PM-DevINE Scheme
  • Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notifies establishment of Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

    Source: The post is based on the article “Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notifies establishment of Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)” published in the PIB on 7th October 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified the establishment of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).

    About the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

    The scheme will provide credit guarantees for Startups to loans extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

    Aim: Providing credit guarantees up to a specified limit against loans extended by Member Institutions (MIs) to finance eligible borrowers.

    Eligibility: To all the startups as defined in the Gazette Notification issued by DPIIT.

    Credit guarantee cover: The cover under the Scheme would be transaction-based and umbrella based. The exposure to individual cases would be capped at Rs. 10 crores per case or the actual outstanding credit amount, whichever is less.

    Transaction-based guarantees will promote lending by Banks/ NBFCs to eligible startups. On the other hand, umbrella-based guarantee cover will provide guarantee to Venture Debt Funds (VDF) registered under AIF regulations of SEBI.

    Operational oversight: DPIIT will be constituting a Management Committee (MC) and a Risk Evaluation Committee (REC) for reviewing, supervising and operational oversight of the Scheme.

    Operating agency: The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) will be operating the Scheme.

    What is the need for a dedicated Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)?

    Startup India Action Plan launched in 2016 lay the foundation of Government support, schemes and incentives envisaged creating a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country. This action plan envisaged a Credit Guarantee Scheme to catalyze entrepreneurship through credit to innovators and encourage banks and other member institutions in the ecosystem for providing venture debt to startups.

    The Scheme further reiterates Government’s focus towards promoting innovation and fostering entrepreneurship for making Indian startup ecosystem the best in the world.

    What are the advantages of a dedicated Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)?

    The scheme will 1) Address the issue of unavailability of collateral free loans to startups, 2) Enable flow of financial assistance to innovative startups through their journey to becoming full-fledged business entities, 3) Mobilise domestic capital for Indian startups, 4) Act as a key enabler and risk mitigation measure for the lending institutions enabling collateral-free funding to startups, and 5) Complement the existing Schemes under Startup India initiative viz. Fund of Funds for Startups and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

  • Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23

    Source: The post is based on the article “Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23” published in PIB on 23rd September 2022

    What is the News?

    The government of India has launched a Scheme Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23. 

    What is Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23?

    Under the Scheme, financial assistance will be provided to the State Governments in the form of a 50-year interest-free loan for capital investment projects. 

    The loan provided under the Scheme will be over and above the normal borrowing ceiling allowed to the States for the financial year 2022-23. 

    The scheme has seven parts:

    Part-l: The amount has been allocated amongst States in proportion to their share of central taxes & duties as per the award of the 15″ Finance Commission. 

    Part-ll (PM Gati Shakti related Expenditure): It is aimed at facilitating PM Gati Shakti related investment-in the States

    Part-lll (PMGSY): This amount is meant for supplemental funding for priority segments of PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) including support for the States share.

    Part-IV: Incentivisation for digitization

    Part-V: The amount will be available to states for capital projects on laying optical fiber networks.

    Part-VI (Urban Reforms): The amount will be available to States as incentive for undertaking reforms related to Building Byelaws, Town Planning Schemes, Transit Oriented Development, and Transferable Development Rights.

    Part-VIl (Disinvestment and Monetization): It is aimed at providing incentives to State Governments for privatization/disinvestment of the State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs) and monetization/recycling of assets.

  • Doctors got just 20% of insurance money under PMGKP

    Source: The post is based on the article “Doctors got just 20% of insurance money under PMGKP” published in The Hindu on 19th September 2022.

    What is the News?

    Dependents of doctors got just over 20% of the total money distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) insurance scheme for health workers who died fighting COVID-19 in the country.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package(PMGKP)?

    The scheme aims to provide comprehensive personal accident insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to all healthcare providers who 1) Lost their life due to Covid-19 and 2) Accidental death on account of COVID-19 related duty.

    Click Here to read more about the scheme

    What has been the progress of the PMGKP scheme?

    Dependents of doctors got just over 20% of the total money distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package(PMGKP) insurance scheme for health workers who died fighting COVID-19 in the country.

    This means over 75% of doctors who succumbed to the infection have not benefited from the scheme because a majority of them were not working in COVID-designated hospitals.

  • National Metallurgist Award Scheme

    Source: The post is based on the article “National Metallurgist Award Scheme” published in PIB on 12th September 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Steel has given approval for the National Metallurgist Award 2022.

    What is the National Metallurgist Award 2022?

    National Metallurgists Day Awards was instituted in 1962 by the then Ministry of Steel & Mines.

    Objective: To recognise & honour the outstanding contributions of Metallurgists in the metallurgical field covering operation, research, design, education, waste management and energy conservation. 

    The awards are given on an annual basis. The first award was given in the year 1963 and subsequently every year thereafter.

    Mode of Nominations: Nominations for the award shall be invited online on the Ministry of Steel’s Portal or the centralized portal being developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA). Nominations will be through companies/ organizations or from the public through self-nomination.

    Date of Award: 3rd February every year. (It was on 3rd Feb 1959 when the then President Dr Rajendra Parasad commissioned the first Blast Furnace of the country after independence, at Rourkela).

  • Cabinet approves a new centrally sponsored Scheme – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India)

    Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves a new centrally sponsored Scheme – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India)” published in PIB on 7th September 2022

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India) Scheme. 

    What is the PM SHRI Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

    Aim: To upgrade and develop more than 14500 schools across the country as PM SHRI Schools by strengthening select existing schools being managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies. These schools will also showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020. 

    Duration Period: 2022-23 to 2026-27.

    What will be the key features of PM SHRI Schools?

    PM SHRI schools will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment.

    These schools will provide leadership to other schools in their respective regions by providing mentorship.

    The schools will be developed as Green schools. The focus will be on the learning outcomes of every child in every grade.

    Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.

    A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes

    Implementation Strategy: The scheme would be implemented through the existing administrative structure available for Samagra Shiksha, KVS & NVS. The other autonomous bodies would be involved on a specific project basis as required.

    Selection of Schools: Selection of PM SHRI schools will be done through Challenge Mode wherein Schools compete for support to become exemplar schools. Schools would be required to self-apply on the online portal. The portal will be opened four times a year, once every quarter, for the first two years of the scheme.

    The Elementary schools & the Secondary/ Sr. Secondary Schools managed by Centre/State/UT Governments / local self-governments having UDISE+ code would be considered for selection under the Scheme.  

    Note: Schools will be selected only if the State government agrees to implement the NEP in its entirety with the Centre.

    Beneficiaries: More than 18 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Further, the impact will be generated through the mentoring and handholding of the schools in the vicinity of PM SHRI schools.

  • Prime Minister announces a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools on the occasion of Teachers Day

    Source: The post is based on the article “Prime Minister announces a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools on the occasion of Teachers Day” published in PIB on 5th September 2022

    What is the News?

    On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister has announced a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools.

    What are PM SHRI Schools?
    PM SHRI Yojana
    Source: AIR

    Full Form: PM ScHools for Rising India(PM SHRI)

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

    Aim: To upgrade and develop more than 14500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.

    Features: PM-SHRI schools will have a modern, transformational and holistic method of imparting education.

    The focus of these schools will be on modern infrastructure including latest technology, smart classrooms, sports and more.

    They will also be developed as “green schools” with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and integration of an organic lifestyle in the curriculum.

    Hence, these schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.

  • Centre Grants ‘in-Principle’ Approval of three Bulk Drug Parks to Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh

    Source: The post is based on the article “Centre Grants ‘in-Principle’ Approval of three Bulk Drug Parks to Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh” published in PIB on 1st September 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals has granted ‘in-principle’ approval to the proposals of the three States Viz, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh under the Scheme for “Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks”.

    Why was the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks launched?

    Indian pharmaceutical industry is the 3rd largest in the world by volume and 14th largest in terms of value. India contributes 3.5% of total drugs and medicines exported globally. 

    – However, despite these achievements, India is significantly dependent on the import of some of the critical basic raw materials, viz., bulk drugs that are used to produce the finished dosage formulations. 

    – India imports bulk drugs largely for economic considerations. Bulk drugs accounted for 63% of the total pharmaceutical imports in the country during 20 18-19. Hence, to reduce these imports of Bulk Drugs, the scheme has been launched.

    What is the objective of the Scheme for the Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks?

    Launched in: 2020

    Objective: To provide financial assistance to three states for establishing Bulk Drug Parks and aims to bring down the cost of manufacturing bulk drugs by creating world-class common infrastructure facilities.

    Key Features of the scheme

    Three bulk drug parks will be supported under the Scheme. 

    Maximum grant-in-aid for one bulk drug park will be limited to Rs 1000 crore. 

    Under the scheme, a one-time grant-in-aid will be provided for the creation of common infrastructure facilities in selected Bulk Drug Park proposed by a State Government. 

    The scheme will be implemented through a State Implementing Agency (SIA), a legal entity, set up by the concerned State Government. 

    The grant-in-aid will be 70% of the project cost of the common infrastructure facilities (CIF). In the case of the North Eastern States and the Hilly States, the grant-in-aid will be 90% of the common infrastructure facilities. 

  • Nikshay Poshan Yojana: TB nutrition aid falls short

    Source: The post is based on the article “Nikshay Poshan Yojana: TB nutrition aid falls short” published in Down To Earth on 25th August 2022.

    What is the News?

    Only two-thirds of people living with tuberculosis benefitted from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana scheme in 2021.

    What is the Nikshay Poshan Yojana?

    Launched in: 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    Under the scheme, every TB patient in India, seeking treatment in both government and private sector hospitals is eligible for a direct benefit transfer(DBT) of Rs 500 per month to support their nutritional needs.

    Note: The major risk factor driving TB in India is undernutrition. More than 0.9 million new cases are attributable to undernutrition, accounting for nearly 34% of all cases

    Performance of the scheme: 

    As per India TB Report 2022, only 62.1 % of 2.1 million notified TB cases across the country received at least one payment in 2021.

    In Delhi, which has the highest burden of all forms of TB at 747 cases per 100,000 people, only 30.2 % of patients have got at least one DBT.

    Other poor performers are Punjab, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In the North East, Manipur and Meghalaya fared the worst.

    What are the reasons for the poor performance of the scheme?

    Several hurdles were found in the DBT for both health providers and patients such as non-availability of bank accounts and unlinked bank accounts.

    Lack of communication, stigma, illiteracy and the multistep approval process are the other key hurdles.

    Moreover, states have their own nutritional support schemes. But, some schemes are only for patients showing resistance to TB drugs.

  • Explained: The One Nation One Fertilizer scheme, the Govt’s logic, and some immediate risks

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: The One Nation One Fertilizer scheme, the Govt’s logic, and some immediate risks” published in Indian Express on 26th August 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has decided to implement One Nation One Fertiliser by introducing a “Single Brand for Fertilizers and Logo” under the fertilizer subsidy scheme named “Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna”(PMBJP).

    Note: PMBJP is the scheme under which the Central government grants subsidies annually to fertilizers.

    What is the “One Nation One Fertiliser” scheme?

    Under the scheme, all fertiliser companies in the country have to sell their products under the brand name of ‘Bharat’.

    This means that all fertilizer bags whether containing urea, diammonium phosphate(DAP), or NPK will have the prefix Bharat – for instance, ‘Bharat urea’, Bharat DAP’, ‘Bharat NPK’ and ‘Bharat MOP’ – irrespective of whether it is manufactured by a public or a private player.

    The companies have been allowed to display their name, brand, logo and other relevant product information only on one-third space of their bags.

    On the remaining two-thirds space, the “Bharat” brand and Pradhanmantri Bharatiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana logo will have to be shown.

    What is the government’s argument for introducing this scheme?

    The maximum retail price of urea is currently fixed by the government, which compensates companies for the higher cost of manufacturing or imports incurred by them. 

    Apart from subsidizing and deciding at what price companies can sell, the government also decides where they can sell. This is done through the Fertilizer (Movement) Control Order, 1973. 

    Hence, when the government is spending vast sums of money on fertiliser subsidies, it would obviously want to take credit and send that message to farmers.

    What can be the drawbacks of this scheme?

    Firstly, it will disincentivise fertilizer companies from undertaking marketing and brand promotion activities. They will now be reduced to contract manufacturers and importers for the government. Any company’s strength ultimately is its brands and farmer trust built over decades.

    Secondly, currently, in case of any bag or batch of fertilisers does not meet the required standards, the blame is put on the company. But now, that may be passed on fully to the government. Politically, the scheme might well boomerang rather than benefit the ruling party.

  • Union Cabinet approves interest subvention scheme for agriculture loans

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Cabinet approves interest subvention scheme for agriculture loans” published in TOI on 17th August 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme(MISS).

    What is the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme(MISS)?

    Background: Kisan Credit Card scheme was introduced by the Government to empower farmers to purchase agriculture products and services on credit at any time. 

    To ensure that the farmers have to pay a minimal interest rate to the bank, the Government of India introduced Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS), now renamed as Modified Interest Subvention Scheme(MISS).

    Aim: To provide short-term credit to farmers at subsidized interest rates.

    Features of the scheme: Under the scheme, a short-term agriculture loan upto Rs. 3.00 lakh is available to farmers engaged in Agriculture and other allied activities including Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Poultry, and fisheries at the rate of 7% p.a. 

    – An additional 3% subvention (Prompt Repayment Incentive – PRI) is also given to the farmers for prompt and timely repayment of loans. Therefore, if a farmer repays his loan on time, s/he gets credit at the rate of 4% p.a. 

    – This support is 100% funded by the Centre.

    Significance of the scheme: This scheme is the second-largest scheme of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare(DA&FW) as per budget outlay and coverage of beneficiaries. 

    – Increase in Interest Subvention will ensure the sustainability of credit flow in the agriculture sector as well as ensure the financial health and viability of the lending institutions.

    – This will also lead to a generation of employment since short-term agri-loans are provided for all activities including Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Poultry, and fisheries.

  • Nagar Van Yojana

    Source: The post is based on the article “Nagar Van Yojana” published in PIB on 1st August 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change has informed Lok Sabha about Nagar Van Yojana.

    What is Nagar Van Yojana?

    Launched by: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change

    Aim: To create Nagar Vans (urban forests) and Nagar Vatikas in the country with an objective to significantly enhance the tree outside forests and green cover, enhancement of biodiversity and ecological benefits to the urban and peri-urban areas apart from improving the quality of life of city dwellers. 

    Target: The scheme envisages developing 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas in the country during the period of 2020-21 to 2024-25.

    Funding: The finances for the scheme will be paid for by the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016) funds.

  • Depletion in Groundwater Levels

    Source: The post is based on the article “Depletion in Groundwater Levels” published in PIB on 31st July 2022.

    What is the News?

    According to the analysis done by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Groundwater levels in some parts of the country are declining.

    What is the status of Groundwater levels in India?

    CGWB has found that between 2011 and 2020, about 70% of wells have registered a rise in water level whereas about 30% of the wells monitored have registered a decline in groundwater level mostly in the range of 0–2 m.

    Reasons for Groundwater Depletion: Continuous withdrawal is necessitated by increased demand for freshwater for various uses, unpredictability in rainfall, increased population, industrialization & urbanization etc.

    Note: Water being a State subject, sustainable groundwater management including initiating suitable action for effective rainwater harvesting, increasing water use efficiency etc falls under the state’s mandate.

    What are the steps taken to tackle the depletion of Groundwater in India?

    Atal Bhujal Yojana

    Mission Amrit Sarovar

    Guidelines for groundwater regulation: The guidelines advise States for reviewing the free/subsidized electricity policy to farmers (wherever applicable), bringing suitable water pricing policy and work towards crop rotation/diversification/other initiatives to reduce over-dependence on groundwater.

    Jal Shakti Abhiyan(JSA)

    National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme(NAQUIM)

    States Initiatives: A number of states have done notable work in the field of water conservation /harvesting such as 1) Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan in Rajasthan, 2) Jalyukt Shiba in Maharashtra, 3) Sujalam Sufalam Abhiyan in Gujarat, 4) Mission Kakatiya in Telangana, 5) Neeru Chettu in Andhra Pradesh, 6) Jal Jeevan Hariyali in Bihar, 7) Jal Hi Jeevan in Haryana and 8) Kudimaramath scheme in Tamil Nadu etc.

  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implements Suryamitra Skill Development Programme to boost Green Jobs in the country

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implements Suryamitra Skill Development Programme to boost Green Jobs in the country” published in PIB on 26th July 2022

    What is the News?

    The Minister for New and Renewable Energy has informed Lok Sabha about the Suryamitra Skill Development Programme.

    What is the Suryamitra Skill Development Programme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

    Aim: To train the youth of age above 18 years as solar PV technicians for installation, operation and maintenance of solar power projects.

    Implemented by: National Institute of Solar Energy(NISE) since 2015-16.

    Significance of the scheme: The impact assessment report for Suryamitra training programme reported that more than 90% of the trainees have reported improvement in technical know-how, improved performance in the sector and 88% of trainees reported an increase in job opportunities.

    What is the National Institute of Solar Energy(NISE)?

    NISE is an autonomous specialized institute under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

    Aim: It is mandated for research and development, solar component testing and certification, capacity building and development of solar products and applications.

    Located at: Gurugram, Haryana 

  • ECGC introduces new scheme providing enhanced export credit risk insurance cover up to 90% for small exporters

    Source: The post is based on the article “ECGC introduces new scheme providing enhanced export credit risk insurance cover up to 90% for small exporters” published in PIB on 26th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    Export Credit Guarantee Corporation(ECGC) has introduced a new scheme to provide enhanced export credit risk insurance cover to the extent of 90% to support small exporters.

    About the Scheme to provide enhanced export credit risk insurance cover

    Launched by: ECGC under the Export Credit Insurance for Banks Whole Turnover Packaging Credit and Post Shipment(ECIB- WTPC & PS).

    Objective: To provide small exporters with enhanced export credit risk insurance coverage of up to 90%.

    Eligibility: The enhanced insurance cover will be available for manufacturers and exporters availing fund-based export credit working capital with a limit of up to Rs 20 crore (Packaging Credit and Post Shipment limit per exporter/exporter-group), excluding the gems, jewellery and diamond sector and merchant exporters.

    What is the significance of the scheme?

    The scheme is expected to benefit a number of small-scale exporters availing of export credit with banks which hold the ECGC WT-ECIB covers. 

    This will also enable the small exporters to explore new markets/new buyers and diversify their existing product portfolio competitively.

  • National Overseas Scholarship Scheme

    Source: The post is based on the article “National Overseas Scholarship Scheme” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Rajya Sabha about the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SCs and others.

    What is the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To facilitate the low-income students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans category to obtain higher education viz., Master’s degree or Ph.D courses by studying abroad thereby improving their Economic and Social status.

    Features of the Scheme

    – 30% of the scholarships for each year shall be earmarked for women candidates. 

    – Bachelors Level courses in any discipline are not covered under the Scheme. 

    – Candidates already staying or studying or having completed studies abroad by utilizing any other scholarship from the State Government or through their own funds are not eligible to apply under the scheme. 

    – Candidates having an unconditional offer of admission to top 500 ranked foreign Institutes /Universities as per the latest available QS rankings only will be selected for grant of scholarship during the first round of selection. In the second round, other students will be selected.

    Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the scholarship, at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination would be required.

    Age: Age Not more than 35 (Thirty-Five) years, as on the first day of April for selection year.

    Income Criteria:  Income Ceiling Total family income from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year.

  • Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)

    Source: The post is based on the article “Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Lok Sabha about the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY).

    What is Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support.

    Sub Schemes/Components: 1) Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), 2) State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC), 3) Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana(RVY), 4) Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity(SACRED), 5) Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR), 6) Senior-care Aging Growth Engine (SAGE)-Silver economy for Senior Citizens, 7) Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizen, 8) Channelizing the CSR fund for elderly care and 9) Training and capacity building for senior citizens.

    About the Elderly Population in India

    There has been a steady rise in the population of senior citizens in India. The number of elderly persons increased from 1.98 crores in 1951 to 7.6 crores in 2001, and 10.38 crores in 2011. 

    As per the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States (2011-2036), the population of senior citizens in India is projected to increase from 10.38 crore in 2011 to 23 crores in 2036. 

    The total population of India is projected to increase from 121.10 crores in 2011 to 152.20 crores in 2036. Therefore the percentage of senior citizens against the total population is expected to increase from 8.4% to 14.9%.

  • Govt of India to roll out Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry with Focus on MSMEs and Clusters

    Source: The post is based on the article “Govt of India to roll out Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry with Focus on MSMEs and Clusters” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is planning to roll out a series of initiatives under the banner of “Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry(SPI)”.

    What is the “Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI)”?

    Aim: To further enhance India’s existing manufacturing prowess in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by addressing issues related to technology up-gradation among MSMEs at the unit level and cluster level. 

    Sub-Schemes:

    Pharmaceuticals Industry Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS): Under this, the Government will incentivise MSMEs for getting Schedule M certification or Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) certification by the World Health Organization(WHO).

    – MSMEs will have the option to choose from either capital subsidy or interest subvention to upgrade their production facilities as per WHO-GMP or Schedule-M standards.

    Note: GMP certification is a standard defined by WHO for ensuring products are produced and controlled as per the quality standards.

    Assistance to Pharmaceuticals Industry for Common Facilities(APICF): Under this, Government will support the creation of common facilities like Testing Labs, Common Effluent Treatment Plants and other such common facilities by providing Govt support in the form of capital grants to the extent of up to 70% subject to a ceiling of a maximum of Rs. 20 crores.

    Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS): Under this, a series of awareness programs, sectoral studies and similar programs will be organized to generate soft inputs for policy advocacy.

  • Ministry of Women and Child Development issues Guidelines for Mission Vatsalya Scheme

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Women and Child Development issues Guidelines for Mission Vatsalya Scheme” published in PIB on 7th July 2022

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued Guidelines for Mission Vatsalya Scheme.

    What is Mission Vatsalya?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development 

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

    Erstwhile Scheme: This scheme replaces the Child Protection Services(CPS) Scheme implemented since 2009-10.

    Objectives: 1) To secure a healthy and happy childhood for each and every child in India, 2) To ensure opportunities to enable them to discover their full potential, 3) To assist States/UTs in delivering the mandate of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 and achieve the SDG goals and 4) To promote family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult circumstances.

    Components: 1) Improve the functioning of statutory bodies, 2) Strengthen service delivery structures, 3) Upscale institutional care/services, 4) Encourage non-institutional community-based care, 5) emergency outreach services and 6) Training and capacity building.

    Funding: Funds to states will be approved through the Mission Vatsalya Project Approval Board (PAB) which will be chaired by the Ministry of Women and Child Development Secretary.

    Monitoring Mechanism: At the state level, there will be a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to monitor, review and promote convergence in the implementation of the scheme. There will also be a district-level committee.

    Key Activities under the Mission: The Mission in partnership with states and districts will execute a 24×7 helpline service for children as defined under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

    It will support State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA), which will further support the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in promoting in-country adoption and regulating inter-country adoption.

    The Mission also plans to establish cradle baby reception centres in at least one specialized adoption agency in each area for receiving abandoned and trafficked children.

  • PM participates in ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme
    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has participated in the ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme.

    During this, he launched several initiatives like 1) Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, 2) Capacity Building of First-Time MSME Exporters(CBFTE) scheme, and 3) new features of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to ramp up the MSME sector. 

    What is the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance(RAMP) scheme?

    Click Here to read about it

    What is Capacity Building of First-Time MSME Exporters(CBFTE) scheme? 

    Aim: To encourage MSMEs to offer products and services of international standards for the global market. 

    This will enhance the participation of Indian MSMEs in the global value chain and help them realize their export potential.

    What is the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)?

    Click Here to read about it

    New Features of PMEGP

    Firstly, increase in the maximum project cost to Rs 50 lakhs (from Rs 25 lakhs) for the manufacturing sector and Rs 20 lakhs (from Rs 10 lakhs) in the service sector.

    Secondly, the inclusion of applicants from Aspirational districts & Transgenders in the Special Category applicants for availing higher subsidies. 

    Thirdly, handholding support is being provided to applicants/entrepreneurs through the engagement of banking, technical & marketing experts.

    What is MSME Idea Hackathon,2022?

    Aim: To promote and support the untapped creativity of individuals, promoting the adoption of the latest technologies and innovation among MSMEs.

    The selected incubatee ideas will be provided funding support of up to Rs. 15 lakhs per approved idea.

    Source: The post is based on the article “PM participates in ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme” published in PIB on 30th June 2022.

  • Drone Certification Scheme: Union Aviation Minister awards first Type Certificate under Drone Rules, 2021 to Gurugram-based IoTechWorld
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister of Civil Aviation has awarded the first Type Certificate (TC) under Drone Rules, 2021 to IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd. 

    What are Drone Rules,2021?

    Click Here to read about it

    What is a Drone Certification Scheme?

    Launched in: January 2022

    The scheme has been developed by the Quality Council of India in consultation with drone startups, industry, academia and defence experts. 

    Objective: To provide safety and security criteria and requirements for drones, evaluate their certification, among others.

    Significance: The scheme is likely to create an ecosystem for world-class drones to be manufactured in India and sold all across the world.  

    What are the other reforms undertaken in the Drones Sector?

    – A Drone Airspace Map has been published opening up nearly 90% of Indian airspace as a green zone for drones flying up to 400 feet.

    – Production-Linked Incentive(PLI) scheme for drones has been notified.

    – Mission ‘Drone Shakti’ has been announced for supporting drone startups and promoting Drone-as-a-Service(DrAAS),

    – Drone import policy has been notified banning import of foreign drones and freeing up import of drone components.

    – Drone(Amendment) Rules,2022 has been notified abolishing the requirement of a drone pilot license.

    – UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Policy Framework has been published.

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Aviation Minister awards first Type Certificate under Drone Rules, 2021 to Gurugram-based IoTechWorld” published in PIB on 14th June 2022.

  • New Guidelines for Central Sector Scheme “Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region and Sikkim” for enhancing productivity and competitiveness
    What is the News?

    The Central Government has approved New Guidelines of Central Sector Scheme “Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region(NER) and Sikkim”.

    What is the “Promotion of MSMEs in the North Eastern Region and Sikkim” Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME)

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To provide financial support for enhancing the productivity and competitiveness as well as capacity building of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the NER and Sikkim. 

    Components of the Scheme

    Setting up of new and modernization of existing Mini Technology Centres: The Scheme envisages financial assistance to State Governments for setting up new and modernization of existing Mini Technology Centres. The financial assistance of the Central Government will be 90% with maximum assistance up to 13.50 crore.

    Development of new and existing Industrial Estates: The financial assistance will be provided for the development of new and existing Industrial Estates and Flatted Factory Complexes. The financial assistance of the Government will be 90%. 

    Development of Tourism Sector: The financial assistance will be provided for the creation of common services such as kitchen, bakery, laundry & dry cleaning, refrigeration and cold storage among others. The financial assistance of the Government will be 90% with maximum assistance limited to Rs. 4.50 crore.

    Source: The post is based on the article “New Guidelines for Central Sector Scheme “Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region and Sikkim” for enhancing productivity and competitiveness” published in PIB on 2nd June 2022.

  • Commerce dept seeks ₹6k crore for ‘Districts as Export Hub’
    What is the News?

    The Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT) has sought ₹6,000 crores from the Finance Ministry for its proposed Districts as Export Hubs scheme.

    What is the “Districts as Export Hubs Scheme”?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    Part of: The Scheme will be part of the new Foreign Trade Policy(FTP).

    Aim: To help producers across 200 districts scale up manufacturing and find foreign buyers for their goods.

    Implementing Body: Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT).

    Under the scheme, District Export Promotion Committees(DEPCs) have been constituted in most of the districts and products and services with export potential have been identified in each district.

    Source:  The post is based on the article “Commerce dept seeks  ₹6k crore for ‘Districts as Export Hub’” published in Livemint on 3rd May 2022.

  • Museum Grant Scheme: Andhra Pradesh Archaeology museum at Eluru to display 400 artifacts from early historic period
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Culture has granted Rs 3.75 crore under the ‘Upgradation of Museums Scheme’ as part of the Museums Grant Scheme for the Rs 5-crore project in Eluru town, Andhra Pradesh.

    What is the Museum Grant Scheme?

    Launched by: Ministry of Culture in 2013.

    Aim: To strengthen and modernize the existing museums at the Regional, State and District levels.

    – To develop at least 1 Central / State Government Museum located in the State Capital each year.

    Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to State Governments and Societies, Autonomous bodies, Local Bodies and Trusts registered under the Societies Act 1860 for setting up new Museums.

    Components under the scheme

    Establishment and Development of District and Regional Museums: Under this component, museums have been classified into two categories: 

    Category-I: Government-owned State level Museums and renowned Museums with exquisite collections and Category-II: all other Museums.

    The maximum amount of financial assistance provided under this Component is limited to Rs.10 crore.

    Development of Museums in State Capitals: Financial assistance under this component is provided to existing renowned museums of the Central or State Government located in the Capital cities.

    The maximum financial assistance under this component is limited to Rs. 15 Crore per museum.

    Establishment and Development of Large-Scale Museums in Public-Private Partnership Mode: Under this component, it is proposed to establish large scale museums as joint ventures with State Governments and civil society in the Public-Private partnerships Mode.

    The maximum financial assistance provided under this component is 40% of the project cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 20 Crore per museum.

    Source: The post is based on the article “Andhra Pradesh: Archaeology museum at Eluru to display 400 artifacts from early historic period” published in The Hindu on 27th April 2022. 

  • Union Minister launches MSME Sustainable(ZED) Certification Scheme
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has launched the MSME Sustainable(ZED) Certification Scheme.

    What is the MSME Sustainable(ZED) Certification Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of MSME.

    Aim: To create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices and motivate and incentivise them for ZED Certification while also encouraging them to become MSME Champions.

    Phases under the scheme: The first phase will focus on manufacturing MSMEs and the second phase would be aimed at the MSMEs in the services sector.

    Benefits and Subsidies: MSMEs will get subsidies on the cost of ZED certification as per the following: Micro Enterprises: 80%, Small Enterprises: 60% and Medium Enterprises: 50%.

    – There will be an additional subsidy of 10% for the MSMEs owned by Women/SC/ST Entrepreneurs or MSMEs in NER/Himalayan/LWE/Island territories/aspirational districts.

    – In addition to the above, there will be an additional subsidy of 5% for MSMEs which are part of the SFURTI or Micro & Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) of the Ministry.

    – A limited purpose joining reward of Rs 10,000 will also be offered to each MSME once they take the ZED Pledge.

    – A provision of up to Rs. 5 lakh(per MSME) will also be made available for handholding and consultancy support for MSMEs for assisting them to move towards Zero Defect Zero Effect solutions.

    – ZED-certified MSME players will also be offered subsidies in stall charges, airfares, concession in banks’ processing fees and rate of interest along with preference in lending. 

    Significance of the Scheme: Through the ZED Certification, MSMEs can reduce wastage substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources, and expand their markets amongst others.

    Source:  The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches MSME Sustainable(ZED) Certification Scheme” published in PIB on 28th April 2022. 

  • Union Minister inaugurates CSIR-IIIM’s BioNEST-Bioincubator in Jammu aimed at providing alternative sources of livelihood to thousands of youth in the region
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister of Science & Technology has launched the BioNEST Scheme in Jammu.

    What is the BioNEST Scheme?

    Launched by: BIRAC

    Full-Form: BioNEST stands for Bio Incubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies.

    Aim: To foster the biotech innovation ecosystem in the country by creating globally competent bioincubation facilities across the country. 

    Mandate: To provide incubation space to entrepreneurs and Startups along with shared access to high-end infrastructure, specialized and advanced equipment, business mentorship, IP, legal and regulatory guidance and networking opportunities. 

    Eligibility: The scheme provides support to establish bio-incubators either as a standalone entity or as a part of academia.

    Achievements: Through the BioNEST scheme, BIRAC has supported 60 bioincubators.

    Source:  This post is based on the article “Union Minister inaugurates CSIR-IIIM’s BioNEST-Bioincubator in Jammu aimed at providing alternative sources of livelihood to thousands of youth in the region” published in PIB on 23rd April 2022

  • 15 Points Programme for Minorities Welfare Schemes
    What is the News?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Important Schemes under the Programme: 
    Educational Empowerment

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

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

    Economic Empowerment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati(BPKP) Scheme: Implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has informed Rajya Sabha about the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati(BPKP) Scheme.

    What is Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati(BPKP) Scheme?

    Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare during 2020-21

    Parent Scheme: It is a sub-mission under the centrally sponsored scheme– Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana(PKVY).

    Aim: To promote traditional indigenous practices which give freedom to farmers from externally purchased inputs.

    Main Focus of the Scheme: The scheme mainly focuses on the exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of cow dung-urine formulations and other plant-based preparations. 

    Financial Assistance: Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs. 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous handholding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis.

    Achievements of the Scheme: Until now, under natural farming, an area of 4.09 lakh ha area has been covered. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is leading in terms of 1.0 lakh ha area under natural farming under BPKP. 

    Must read: Natural Farming – process, advantages and challenges – Explained, pointwise

    Source:  This post is based on an article “Implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming” published in PIB on 25th March 2022.

  • Ministry of Culture implements financial assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture has informed Lok Sabha about the “Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas.”

    What is the Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture.

    Type: Central Sector Scheme.

    Purpose: It is a financial grant scheme for the preservation and development of the cultural heritage of the Himalayan States/Union Territories including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Territory of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. 

    Under this scheme, financial assistance is not released directly to States. But it is provided to Voluntary Organizations. This includes Colleges and Universities for study and research on cultural heritage, Preservation of old manuscripts, literature, art & crafts and documentation of cultural activities/ events.

    Funding: The quantum of funding is Rs.10.00 lakhs per year for an organization. The Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) on the scheme is empowered to recommend the amount beyond the maximum limit but not exceeding Rs.30.00 lakhs from this scheme.

    Source: The post is based on an article “Ministry of Culture implements financial assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas” published in the PIB on 21st March 2022

  • Schemes administered by the Ministry of Culture to promote and disseminate the art & Culture
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister of Culture has informed Lok Sabha about the ongoing schemes run by the Ministry of Culture to promote and disseminate art & Culture.

    What are the schemes implemented by the Ministry of Culture to promote and disseminate art & Culture?

    Centenaries and Anniversaries Scheme: The scheme commemorates centenaries and special anniversaries such as the 125th/150th of eminent personalities and events of historical importance to the country. The commemoration starts on the completion of 100/125/150 years and continues for a period of one year.

    Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana(KSVY): It is a Central Sector Scheme. Under the scheme, financial support is provided to drama, theatre groups, dance groups, music ensembles, folk theatre & music and other genres of performing art activities.

    National Mission on Manuscripts: Click Here to read

    Development of Museum: The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the State Governments, Autonomous bodies, Local Bodies, Societies and Trusts registered under the Societies Act for setting up new Museums as well as for the development of existing museums. 

    National Mission on Libraries(NML): The mission has the objective of establishing a National Virtual Library of India, establishment of Model Libraries, quantitative/ qualitative survey of Libraries and capacity building. 

    Global Engagement and International Cooperation: The scheme aims to a) Promote Indian Cultural abroad, b) Promote bilateral cultural contacts, c) Project India’s cultural image abroad and d) Promote inbound tourism.

    Source: The post is based on an article “Schemes administered by the Ministry of Culture to promote and disseminate the art & Culture” published in the PIB on 21st March 2022

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs revamps the schemes for comprehensive development of Tribals
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing various schemes for the comprehensive development of Tribals.

    Pre- and Post-Matric scheme: It is a demand-based scheme. Under this, every ST student whose family income is up to Rs 2.5 lakhs is entitled to a scholarship for pursuing education from class IX to Post Doctorate across India. 

    – The states send the proposal to the Center for the estimated expenditure during the financial year based on the expenditure incurred in previous years and advance up to 50% of Central share is released to the States. 

    – After the State has disbursed the scholarship to the students, the balance amount is released to the State, provided the State has contributed its share.

    Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution: Under this, Grants are released to States, having ST population for raising the level of Administration in Scheduled Areas and for the welfare of tribal people. This is a Special Area Programme and 100% grants are provided to States. 

    – Funds are released to the state governments depending on the felt needs of the ST population to bridge the gap in infrastructure activities in the fields of education, health, skill development, livelihood, drinking water, sanitation, etc.

    Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission: The Mission seeks to achieve livelihood driven tribal development in the next five years through the formation of Van Dhan groups who have been organized into Vandhan Kendras. 

    – Under the mission, Minor Forest Produce(MFP) gathered by tribals will be processed in these kendras and marketed through Van Dhan Producer Enterprises. New haats bazaar and warehouses will be developed in the next 5 years as part of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”.

    – TRIFED would be the nodal agency for implementing the scheme. The products produced will be marketed through Tribe India Stores.

    Venture Capital Fund for STs: It is a social sector initiative aimed at promoting ST entrepreneurship and supporting and incubating start-up ideas by ST youth

    Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana: It seeks to develop Adarsh Gram villages by improving the living conditions of these villages, providing them better education healthcare facilities and facilitating their products to be linked directly with the market. The villages selected under this will have a tribal population of more than 500 and 50% will be tribals.

    Source: The post is based on an article “Ministry of Tribal Affairs revamps the schemes for comprehensive development of Tribals” published in the PIB on 21st March 2022

  • Nav Bharat Literacy Programme
    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Education has informed Lok Sabha about the Nav Bharat Literacy Programme.

    What is the Nav Bharat(New India) Literacy Programme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

    Aim: To support the States and Union Territories in promoting literacy among non-literates in the age group of 15 and above across the country.

    Target: The scheme aims to cover 5 crore non-literates during the implementation period from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

    Components: The scheme has five components namely 1) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, 2) Critical Life Skills 3) Vocational Skills Development, 4) Basic Education and 5) Continuing Education.

    Salient Features of the Scheme

    – Involvement of school students, pre-service students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), school teachers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers,

    – School to be unit for implementation of the scheme,

    – Use of ICT and online implementation of the scheme through ‘Online Teaching Learning and Assessment System’ (OTLAS),

    – Providing material and resources through digital modes, viz, TV, radio, cell phone-based free/open-source Apps/portals, etc,

    – Assessment tests to be conducted in schools by State/UTs and evaluation of learners by NIOS/SIOS,

    – Sample achievement survey and Online Management Information Systems (MIS).

    Source: The post is based on an article “Nav Bharat Literacy Programme” published in PIB on 21st March 2022

  • Declining Parsi Population in the Country
    What is the News?

    The Minister of Minority Affairs has informed the Lok Sabha about the Parsi Population in India.

    About Parsi Population

    As per the Census, the population of the Parsi (Zoroastrian) community decreased from 69,601 in the Census 2001 to 57,264 in the Census 2011.

    About Jiyo Parsi Scheme

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs 

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To contain the population decline of Parsis in India by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, to stabilize their population and increase the population of Parsis in India. 

    Components: The Scheme has three components: 

    – Advocacy – It includes counselling of couples with fertility, marriage, family and elderly counselling including workshops on relationship management, parenting, drug awareness etc.

    – Health of Community – to provide financial assistance to Parsi parents to meet the expenses towards crèche/child care, assistance to elderly etc. 

    – Medical Assistance – This includes financial assistance for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) which also includes In-vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICS) and other modes including surrogacy.

    Source: The post is based on an article “Declining Parsi Population in the Country” published in the PIB on 21st March 2022

  • Beneficiaries Under PM-Daksh Yojana
    What is the News?

    The Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment has informed Rajya Sabha about the  PM-Daksh Yojana.

    What is PM-Daksh Yojana?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

    Full Form: Pradhan Mantri-Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH) 

    Purpose: It is a National Action Plan for skilling marginalized persons covering SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Sanitation workers including waste pickers.

    Aim: To increase the skill levels of the target youth by providing them short term and long term skills, followed by assistance in wage/self-employment. 

    Implementation: It is being implemented through 3 Corporations: National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation(NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation(NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation(NSKFDC).

    Salient Features of PM-Daksh

    Training Institutions: The training is provided through Government Sector training institutions and reputed institutions enabling them to take up suitable job/self-employment opportunities. 

    Age of the candidates for undergoing skill training: Beneficiaries between the age of 18-45 years are considered for Skill Development Training.

    Stipend to the trainees: Stipend is provided to the eligible candidates based on their attendance through DBT.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Beneficiaries Under PM-Daksh Yojana” published in PIB on 16th Mar 2022.

  • Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
    What is the News?

    Union Minister of State for Rural Development has informed Lok Sabha about the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY)?

    PMGSY was launched as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity by way of a single all-weather road to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size as per Census 2001.

    PMGSY-II was launched in 2013 for up-gradation of selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) with a target to upgrade 50,000 Km in various States and Union Territories.

    In 2016, Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas(RCPLWEA) was launched as a separate vertical under PMGSY  for construction/up-gradation of strategically important roads. 

    In 2019, the Government launched PMGSY-III for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.

    Click Here to read more about PMGSY

    Monitoring Mechanism under PMGSY: There is a three-tiered Quality Control mechanism for ensuring the construction of quality road works and durability of road assets under PMGSY. 

    -Under the first tier, the Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) are required to ensure process control through mandatory tests on material and workmanship at field laboratories. 

    -The second tier is a structured independent quality monitoring at the State level through State Quality Monitors (SQMs) to ensure that every work is inspected at the initial stage, middle stage and final stage of construction. 

    -Under the third tier, independent National Quality Monitors (NQMs) are deployed by National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) for random inspection of road and bridge works to monitor quality and also to provide guidance to the field functionaries.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana” published in PIB on 15th Mar 2022.

  • Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers releases guidelines for the scheme “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)”
    What is the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has released the guidelines for the scheme “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)”.

    What is the Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry(SPI)?

    Aim: To strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities in order to make India a global leader in the Pharma Sector. 

    Components of the Scheme: The scheme has 3 components/sub-schemes:

    Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities (APICF): It aims to strengthen the existing pharmaceutical clusters’ capacity for their sustained growth by creating common facilities. Financial assistance will be provided for creation of Common Facilities.

    Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS): It aims to facilitate Micro, Small and Medium Pharma Enterprises (MSMEs) with a proven track record to meet national and international regulatory standards. An interest subvention or capital subsidy on their capital loans will be provided to meet those standards.

    Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS): It aims to facilitate the growth and development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Sectors through study/survey reports, awareness programs, creation of databases, and promotion of industry. 

    Source: This post is based on the article “Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers releases guidelines for the scheme Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)” published in PIB on 11th Mar 2022.

  • Labour Ministry launches ‘donate a pension’ scheme
    What is the News?

    Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched the “Donate a Pension” Scheme.

    What is a Donate a Pension Scheme?

    It has been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Scheme(PM-SYM).

    Under this scheme, any citizen can donate the premium contribution under PM-SYM of their immediate support staff such as domestic workers, drivers, helpers, care givers, nurses in their household or establishment.

    The donor can pay the contribution for a minimum of one year, with the amount ranging from ₹660 to ₹2,400 a year depending on the age of the beneficiary.

    The premium can be paid through maandhan.in or visiting a Common Service Centre.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Labour Ministry launches ‘donate a pension’ scheme” published in The Hindu on 8th Mar 2022.

  • NPS to include assured returns; new products likely to come in August
    What is the News?

    Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA) is preparing to launch “Minimum Assured Return Scheme (MARS)” which will provide savers and people from the salaried class an option for their investments.

    Note: PFRDA currently operates the National Pension System(NPS).

    What is the Minimum Assured Return Scheme(MARS)?

    Aim: To have a separate scheme that can offer a guaranteed minimum rate of return to NPS subscribers, especially those who are risk averse (Currently, the NPS gives returns annually, based on prevailing market conditions).

    What will be the returns offered under MARS Scheme?

    The actual returns under the scheme will depend on the market conditions. Any shortfall will be made good by the sponsor, and the surplus will be credited to the subscribers’ accounts. 

    Two options are likely to be on offer:

    – Under the fixed guarantee option, the guaranteed return is fixed along with the accumulation phase.

    – Under the floating guarantee option, the guaranteed rate of return is not fixed along with the savings phase. The floating guarantee depends on the development of the 1-year interest rate until retirement. 

    Lock-in- Period: The Lock-in may be applicable under the scheme on each contribution and will be applied based on the period since that contribution has been made. 

    It may also consider multiple lock-in period options (or staggered guarantee periods) for flexibility. Withdrawals are also likely to be directly linked to the lock-in period. 

    The subscriber may also have the option to withdraw or to stay invested after the lock-in period. However, there won’t be any guarantee applied on the investment after lock-in.

    Limit of Contribution: Minimum and maximum monetary limits on contributions may be prescribed. The attraction for investors will be the minimum guaranteed return.

    Source: This post is based on the article “NPS to include assured returns; new products likely to come in August” published in Business Standard on 3rd March 2022.

  • Govt has approved continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme till 2026
    What is the News?

    The government has approved the continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme till 2026.

    What is Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration Tracking(IVFRT) Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs

    Aim:

    – To modernize and upgrade Immigration and Visa services. 

    – To provide a secure and integrated service delivery framework that facilitates legitimate travellers while strengthening national security.

    – To interlink and optimize functions relating to immigration, visa issuance, registration of foreigners and tracking of their movements in India.

    What are the achievements of IVFRT Scheme?

    Firstly, the number of Visa and OCI cards issued has increased from 44 lakh in 2014 to 64 lakh in 2019.

    Secondly, the average visa processing time of 15 to 30 days (during the pre-IVFRT period) has been reduced to a maximum of 72 hours in e-visas, with 95% of e-visas issued within 24 hours.

    Thirdly, International traffic to and from India grew from 3.71 crores to 7.5 crores during the last 10 years.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Govt has approved continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme till 2026” published in PIB on 25th February 2022.

  • Government approves the continuation of National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) for a period of five years
    What is the News?

    The government has approved the continuation of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) for a period of five years i.e. from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    What is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme(NMMSS)?

    Nodal Ministry: Launched in 2008-09 by Ministry of Education

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to deter them from dropping out at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage.

    Intended Beneficiaries: The scheme envisages the award of one lakh fresh scholarships every year to selected students of class IX and their continuation/renewal in classes X to XII for study in a State Government, Government-aided and Local body schools.

    Scholarship Amount: An amount of Rs. 12000 (Rs.1000/- per month) per student per annum. 

    Selection of Students: Students are selected for award of scholarships through an examination conducted by the State/ UT Governments. Scholarships are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of students by electronic transfer through Public Financial Management System(PFMS) following DBT mode.

    Eligibility criteria to appear in selection test:

    – Students whose parental income from all sources is not more than Rs.3.5 lakh per annum are eligible to avail of the scholarships.

    – The student must have a minimum of 55 % marks or equivalent grade in the Class VII examination for appearing in the selection test for award of scholarship (relaxable by 5% for SC and ST students).

    – The student should be studying as a regular student in Government, Government-aided and local body schools. Students of NVS, KVS and residential schools are not entitled to the scholarships.

    Source:  This post is based on the article “Government approves the continuation of National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) for a period of five years” published in PIB on 23rd February 2022.

  • PM CARES for Children Scheme Extended up to 28th February, 2022
    What is the News?

    Government of India has extended the PM Cares for Children Scheme till 28th February, 2022.

    What is the PM Cares for Children Scheme?

    Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2021

    Objective: To ensure comprehensive care and protection of children who have lost their parent(s) to the COVID pandemic in a sustained manner.

    Eligibility for the Scheme: All children who have lost Both parents or surviving parents or legal guardian/adoptive parents/single adoptive parent due to COVID 19 pandemic starting from March 2020 shall be entitled to benefits under this scheme.
    Note: Child should not have completed 18 years of age on the date of death of parents.

    Entitlements under the scheme:

    Click Here to read about it

    Source: This post is based on the article “PM CARES for Children Scheme Extended up to 28th February, 2022” published in PIB on 23rd February 2022.

  • Govt has decided to continue the Umbrella scheme of Border Infrastructure & Management (BIM) from 2021-22 to 2025-26
    What is the news?

    Government has approved the continuation of the “Border Infrastructure and Management” (BIM) Scheme over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    What is the Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme? 

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To strengthen the border infrastructure for improving border management, policing and guarding the borders.

    The scheme will help in the creation of infrastructure such as construction of border fence, border floodlights, technological solutions, border roads and Border Outposts (BOPs) to secure the Indo-Pakistan, Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-China, Indo-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Myanmar borders.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Govt has decided to continue the Umbrella scheme of Border Infrastructure & Management (BIM) from 2021-22 to 2025-26” published in PIB on 22nd February 2022.

  • Govt extends capacity development scheme till March 2026
    What is the news?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the capacity development (CD) scheme till March 2026.

    What is Capacity Development Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

    Type: Central Sector Scheme

    Aim: To augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for enabling availability of credible and timely official statistics.

    Sub-Schemes: The scheme comprises two sub schemes:

    – Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS): It aims to improve the statistical capacity and operations of State Statistical Systems for collecting, compiling and disseminating reliable official statistics.

    – Economic Census: It gives the complete count of all non-farm economic establishments located within the geographical boundary of India. Economic Census provides disaggregated information on various operational and structural variables of all such establishments of the country. 

    Source: This post is based on the article “Govt extends capacity development scheme till March 2026” published in Live mint on 16th Feb 2022

  • Government approves ‘ New India Literacy Programme, a new scheme of Adult Education for FYs 2022-27”
    What is the news?

    Government-approved a new scheme “New India Literacy Programme” for the period FYs 2022-2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020.

    Further, as a progressive step, the government has also decided to use the term “Education For All” in place of “Adult Education.” This is because the terminology “Adult Education” is not incorporating appropriately all non-literates of 15 years and above age group.

    About the status of Adult illiteracy in India

    As per Census 2011, the absolute number of non-literates of the country in 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore.  About 7.64 crore persons are certified as literates under the Saakshar Bharat programme. Hence, it is estimated that currently, around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.

    About the New India Literacy Programme(NILP)

    Implementing ministry: Ministry of Education in convergence with various Ministries and Departments will implement the scheme.

    The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode. The training, orientation, workshops of volunteers, maybe organized through face-to-face mode.

    Objective: To impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of the 21st century. Such as

    – critical life skills (financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare)

    – vocational skills (with a view towards obtaining local employment); 

    – basic education (including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency) and 

    – continuing education (including engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, etc and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners).

    Intended beneficiaries: The scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all states/UTs.

    Targets: The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for FYs 2022-27 is 5 crore learners at one crore per year by using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).”

    Funding: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    Salient features of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

    New India Literacy Programme

    -School will be the Unit for the implementation of the scheme.

    -Flexibility for States/UTs will be provided to undertake innovative activities.

    -Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will be imparted through Critical Life Skills.

    -CSR/Philanthropic Support may be received.

    -Use of Technologies to impart Adult Education for wider coverage of the scheme.

    -The Performance Grading Index (PGI) for State/UT and district level will show the performance of States and UTs on yearly basis by measuring progress through UDISE portal.

    -The age cohort of 15-35 will be saturated first followed by ages 35 and above. Priority will be given in terms of categories to the Girls and women, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, etc. who can substantially and immediately benefit from adult education.

    -The focus will be on all aspirational districts, districts with literacy rates less than the National/State average, etc.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Government approves ‘New India Literacy Programme, a new scheme of Adult Education for FYs 2022-27” published in PIB on 16th Feb 2022.

  • Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launches “SMILE” scheme
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the SMILE Scheme.

    What is a SMILE Scheme?

    SMILE stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.

    Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme.

    Aim: To provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

    Sub-Schemes of SMILE Scheme

    The two sub-schemes of SMILE are: 

    Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons

    It provides for: 

    -Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education. 

    -Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.

    -Composite Medical Health and Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Greh’

    -Provision of Transgender Protection Cell in each state will monitor cases of offences and ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences. 

    -Creating a National Portal & Helpline 

    Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging

    It provides for 

    -Survey and Identification of beneficiaries shall be carried out by the Implementing Agencies.

    -Outreach work will be done to mobilise the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes.

    -The shelter homes will facilitate education for children engaged in the act of Begging 

    Sources: This post is based on the article “Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launches “SMILE” scheme” published in PIB on 14th Feb 2022.

  • Centre extends Police modernization Scheme
    What is the News?

    The government has approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF). The approval is for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    What is the Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) Scheme?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has been implementing the Scheme for Modernisation of Polices Forces (MPF Scheme) since 1969-70. 

    The objective of the scheme:  a) To meet the identified deficiencies in various aspects of police administration and b) To reduce the dependence of the State Governments on the Army and Central Armed Police Forces to control internal security and law and order situation by way of equipping the state police forces adequately and imparting the required training.

    Funding Pattern: Under the Scheme, the States are grouped into two categories:

    – Category ‘A’ States namely, J&K and 8 North Eastern States including Sikkim will be eligible to receive financial assistance on a 90:10 Centre: State sharing basis. 

    – The remaining States will be in Category ‘B’ and will be eligible for financial assistance on a 60:40 Centre: State sharing basis.

    Key Features of the Scheme

    Firstly, the scheme has provisions for a) internal security, b) law and order, c) adoption of modern technology by Police, d) assisting States for narcotics control and e) strengthening the criminal justice system by developing a robust forensic set-up in the country.

    Secondly, it has also earmarked funds for security-related expenditure for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, insurgency affected the North Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.

    Thirdly, the scheme has allocated funds for raising India Reserve Battalions/Specialised India Reserve Battalions.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Centre extends Police modernization Scheme” published in The Hindu on 14th Feb 2022.

  • Engineering Goods exports register a growth of 54% and jump to USD 81.8 Billion during April-December 2021 as compared to USD 52.9 Billion during same period in the previous year (2020)
    What is the News?

    The Engineering Goods exports have registered a growth of 54% during April-December 2021 as compared to the same period in the previous year (2020).

    What are Engineering Goods?

    The Engineering Goods sector comprises metal products, industrial machinery and equipment, automobiles and their components, transport equipment, bicycles, medical devices and renewable equipment.

    Why has there been tremendous growth in Engineering Goods Exports?

    The impressive growth in Engineering Goods exports in recent years has largely been due to the zero duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.

    What is the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme?

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry 

    The scheme forms part of the Foreign Trade Policy(FTP) 

    Note: The present FTP policy came into force in 2015 with validity up to 2020. In order to provide policy stability during the pandemic period, the policy was extended up to 31st March 2022.

    The scheme allows the import of capital goods for pre-production, production and post-production at Zero customs duty.  

    However, imports under EPCG Scheme are subject to an export obligation. Such as, the goods manufactured from the imported machinery should be exported worth 6 times of the duties, taxes, and cess saved on the capital goods within 6 years from the Authorization issue date.

    Source: This post is based on the article ‘Engineering Goods exports register a growth of 54% and jump to USD 81.8 Billion during April-December 2021 as compared to USD 52.9 Billion during same period in the previous year (2020) ’ published in PIB on 25th January 2022.

  • Year-End Review-2021- Department of Biotechnology
    What is the News?

    The Department of Biotechnology has taken several initiatives in the year 2021.

    Several of them are
    Developments in Medical Biotechnology

    Autologous hair follicle grafting is a recent therapy to stimulate the closure of non-healing wounds. A collaboration between the academicians and clinicians demonstrated that grafting hair follicles into chronic wounds from the patient’s own scalp promotes complete repair of the injured skin.

    Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders (UMMID) initiative 

    Garbh-ini (Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes—DBT India Initiative): It is a cohort study of pregnant women. Under this initiative, women were enrolled within 20 weeks of gestation and are followed until delivery and post-partum. The objectives are to identify clinical, epidemiologic, genomic, microbial correlates; discover molecular-risk markers by using an integrative approach and generate a risk-prediction algorithm for preterm birth. 

    CAR-T cell therapy: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is a type of treatment in which a patient’s T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory, so they will attack cancer cells.​​ CAR T-cell therapy is used to treat certain blood cancers, and it is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

    The first gene therapy clinical trial for a genetic disorder, Hemophilia A, in India has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). 

    dbGENVOC

    SWADESH

    Developments in Agriculture Biotechnology

    Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infection causes severe losses in tomato yield worldwide. Scientists have found an effective defence strategy. They have employed Sw5a (R gene) that recognizes AC4 protein (viral effector) of ToLCNDV to restrict virus spread.

    Crop varieties Developed

    The country’s first ever non-GM (genetically modified) herbicide-tolerant basmati rice varieties Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985 for direct seeded conditions have been developed. They can significantly save water and labour compared to conventional transplanting.

    CR Dhan 803 (Pooja-Sub1) rice variety has been released for Odisha State. It has a high yield under submergence conditions, high hulling, milling, no grain chalkiness and intermediate amylose content. 

    A drought tolerant chickpea varieties IPCL4 -14 and BG 4005 has been released for timely sown and rainfed conditions.

    Other developments

    IndiGau chip 

    First One Health Mega Project: It was launched with 27 organisations led by DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad. This programme envisages carrying out surveillance of important bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as transboundary pathogens in India, including the North-eastern part of the country.

    Biotech-PRIDE 

    MANAV: Human Atlas Initiative

    Biotech-KISAN

    Star College Scheme

    ​​​​Mission Integrated Biorefineries: It was launched by India and Netherlands to accelerate the commercialization of integrated biorefineries and achieve the goal of replacing an additional 10% of fossil carbon equivalent by sustainable bio-carbon in fuels, chemicals, and materials derived from residues and wastes by 2030.

    COVID Vaccine development: ZyCoV-D Vaccine, CORBEVAX, India’s first Intranasal Vaccine.

    Covid Suraksha

    Partnerships for Advancing Clinical Trials (PACT) programme: Under the PACT programme, DBT is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to strengthen capacities for facilitating phase III clinical trials of COVID vaccines in neighbouring / friendly nations.

    Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) 

    India International Science Festival (IISF)

    Global Bio India 2021

    Source: This post is based on the article ‘Year-End Review-2021- Department of Biotechnology’ published in PIB on 25th January 2022.

  • Cabinet approves Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts
    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the payment of ex-gratia amount pertaining to claims submitted by Lending Institutions (LIs) under “Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts”.

    What is the “Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts”?

    Borrowers who take loans from any financial institution are charged compounded interest. As a relief for people affected by COVID-19 induced lockdown, the Central government and RBI gave a loan moratorium for a period of six months — from March 1 to August 31, 2020. 

    The borrowers who availed of the moratorium would have to pay interest during this period, which would be added to the total loan amount. But following the Supreme Court’s direction, the government came up with this scheme in a bid to provide relief to small borrowers. 

    As per the scheme, the difference between the compound interest and simple interest will be reimbursed to the eligible borrowers irrespective of whether he/she availed of the moratorium or not.

    Note: Calculation of simple interest is on the principal or the original amount of a loan. On the other hand, compound interest is calculated on the principal amount plus accumulated interest of previous periods. Thus, it can be regarded as “interest on interest”.
    How was the interest differential calculated?

    The interest differential was calculated based on the interest rate as of February 29, 2020. For credit card holders, the amount will be calculated based on the rate charged by the bank for breaking outstandings down into EMIs.

    For example, one has a loan with an outstanding of ₹10 lakh and the bank charges 8% interest. For the period of six months, his/her interest component would be ₹40,672. For the same period, the simple interest would be ₹40,000. The difference of ₹672 would be a relief.

    The relief amount will be credited to the borrower’s loan account. After crediting, lending institutions would claim reimbursement from the central government.

    Who was eligible for the scheme?

    As per the guidelines, the scheme can be availed by borrowers who have taken loans not exceeding ₹2 crores. The RBI has included the following loans under the scheme: MSME loans, Education loans, housing loans, Consumer durable loans, credit card dues, Auto loans, Personal loans to professionals and Consumption loans.

    Source: This post is based on the article ‘Cabinet approves Scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts’ published in PIB on 19th January 2022

  • Year End Review: 2021- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken several initiatives in the year 2021.

    Several of them are

    PM- KISAN

    Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMDY)

    MSP: In the Union Budget for 2018-19 had announced the predetermined principle to keep MSP at levels of one and half times the cost of production. 

    National Food Security Act, 2013 

    Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER): It is a Central Sector Scheme. It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for implementation in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

    The scheme aims to develop certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of the entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification, to the creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing and brand building initiative.

    Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana(PKVY): It was launched in 2015-16. The scheme stresses on end to end support to organic farmers, i.e from production to certification and marketing. Post-harvest management support including processing, packing, marketing is made an integral part of these schemes to encourage organic farmers.

    Large Area Certification (LAC) programme

    Rashtrya Krishi Vikas Yojana

    Seed Village Programme

    ​​Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana(PMFBY)

    Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization(SMAM)

    Trade: The export of Agri and allied commodities during 2020-21 compared to the same period last year has increased. The commodities which posted significant positive growth in exports were wheat, Other Cereals, Rice (other than Basmati), Soya meal, Raw Cotton, Fresh Vegetable, Processed Vegetables etc.

    Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level(MPRNL) scheme: It was initiated by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, during 2005-06 to regularly monitor pesticide residues in food commodities and environmental samples such as soil and water. 

    National Beekeeping & Honey Mission(NBHM)

    ATMA Scheme: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under implementation since 2005. The scheme promotes a decentralized farmer-friendly extension system in the country.

    Under the scheme, Grants-in-Aid are released to the State Governments with an objective to support the State Government’s efforts to make available the latest agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices in different thematic areas of agriculture and allied areas to farmers.

    Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme: It is being implemented since 2016-17 as part of the recommendation of the National Agroforestry Policy 2014. India was the first country to have such a comprehensive policy. The scheme aims to encourage farmers to plant multipurpose trees together with agriculture crops for climate resilience.

    Source: This post is based on the article ‘Year End Review: 2021- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’ published in PIB on 19th January 2022.

  • Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: UGC launches Training of Master Trainers in Community Based Participatory Research
    What is the News?

    University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the Training of Master’s Trainers program in Community-based Participatory Research under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0.

    What is Unnat Bharat Abhiyan?

    It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Education.

    Mission: To enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth.

    Objectives

    – To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in identifying development issues in rural areas and finding sustainable solutions for the same.

    – Identify & select existing innovative technologies, enable customisation of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by the people. 

    – To allow HEIs to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government programmes.

    Coordinating Institute: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT, Delhi) has been designated as the National Coordinating Institute (NCI) for the UBA scheme.

    What is Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0?

    Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 was launched in 2018. It is the upgraded version of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 1.0. The scheme is extended to all educational institutes.

    Moreover, UBA 1.0 was the Invitation Mode in which Participating Institutions were invited to be a part of UBA. Whereas UBA 2.0 is the Challenge Mode of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

    Source: This post is based on the article “UGC launches Training of Master Trainers in Community Based Participatory Research” published in PIB on 14th January 2022.

  • Year-End- Review-2021- Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances
    What is the News?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances has taken several initiatives in the year 2021.

    Several of them are

    Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

     Central Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism(CPGRAMS)

    Good Governance Index 2021

    District Good Governance Index (DGGI)

    Good Governance Week: The government of India has launched a nationwide ‘Good Governance Week’ from 20th December to 26th December 2021 with the motto to redress and dispose of public grievances and improvise service delivery down to the village level

    Note: 25th December is celebrated as ‘Good Governance Day’ to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

    Civil Services Day: Every year, 21st April is celebrated as Civil Services Day. The date is chosen to commemorate the day when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi. He referred to civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Year-End- Review-2021- Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances” published in PIB on 12th January 2022.

  • Year End Review- 2021 Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has undertaken several important initiatives during the year 2021.

    Some of the important initiatives are

    Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinated Debt(CGSSD) for MSMEs

    Self Reliant India(SRI) Fund: It is a  Category-II Alternative Investment Fund registered with SEBI with Mother Fund / Daughter Fund structure. The fund is aimed at providing growth capital to the deserving and eligible units of the MSME sector. The total size of the fund is Rs. 50,000 Crore where Rs.10,000 Crore will come from the Government of India and Rs.40,000 Crore through Private Equity / Venture Capital funds.

    Udyam Registration (UR) Portal: It provides a faceless, fully online, paperless and transparent MSME registration process fully integrated with Income Tax and GSTIN systems.

    Inclusion of Retail & Wholesale Trade and Urban Street Vendors in MSME Category: Government has included retail, wholesale trades and urban Street Vendors as MSMEs. They are allowed to be registered on Udyam Registration Portal. Benefits to them are restricted to Priority Sector Lending only. 

    SAMADHAAN Portal 

    MSME Champions Scheme: The scheme aims to pick up clusters and enterprises and modernize their processes, reduce wastages, sharpen business competitiveness and facilitate their National and Global reach and excellence. There are 3 components under the scheme:

    1. MSME-Sustainable (ZED): It aims to create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect(ZED) practices and motivate and incentivize them for ZED Certification.

    2. MSME-Competitive (LEAN): It is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of MSME Sectors through the implementation of Lean Tools and Techniques. 

    3. MSME-Innovative(for Incubation, IPR, Design and Digital MSME): It is a new concept for MSMEs with a combination of innovation in incubation, design intervention and protecting IPR in a single-mode approach.

    Project on “Promoting Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency in MSMEs”: The project has been launched by the Ministry of MSME, United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO), Global Environment Fund (GEF). The project intends to develop and promote a market environment for MSMEs by introducing energy-efficient technologies and enhancing the use of identified technologies in the clusters. The programme focuses on ten clusters from seven sectors (Pulp & Paper, Textile, Food Processing, Pharma, Chemical & Dye, Foundry & Forging, Iron & Steel). The key executing partner for the project is Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). 

    Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

    Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises(CGTMSE)

    Cluster Development Programme: The scheme aims to form clusters of enterprises having similar activities. A cluster would be defined as a group of enterprises situated within an identifiable, contiguous and practical area that produce similar products or render similar services. 

    SFURTI Scheme

    Technology Center Systems Programme (TCSP): It was launched to create an innovative ecosystem for the MSMEs in the country.

    Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP): The objective of the programme is to motivate youth representing different sections of the society including SC/ST/Women, differently-abled, Ex-servicemen and BPL persons to consider self-employment or entrepreneurship as one of the career options.

    Coir Vikas Yojana: The scheme facilitates the development of domestic and export markets, skill development and training, empowerment of women, employment/entrepreneurship creation and development, enhanced raw material utilization, trade-related services, welfare activities for the coir workers.

    International Cooperation (IC) Scheme

    Source: This post is based on the article “Year End Review- 2021 Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises” published in PIB on 11th January 2022.

  • Drugs-Free India Campaign and SMILE scheme: New scheme to support the marginalised

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed about the new schemes to support the marginalised.

    SMILE Scheme

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated an umbrella scheme “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.

    Read here: SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise formulated

    Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

    ​​‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ or a ‘Drugs-Free India Campaign’ was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

    The campaign was launched across 272 districts of the country found to be most vulnerable ​​in terms of usage of drugs in the country. 

    The focal points of the Campaign are preventive, mass education and sensitization, capacity building of service providers, positive partnership with educational institutions, and augmentation of treatment, rehabilitation and counselling facilities. 

    Source: This post is based on the article ‘New scheme to support the marginalised’ published in The Hindu on 31st Dec 2021.

  • CCEA nod to extension of irrigation scheme
    What is the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana(PMKSY)?

    Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched in 2015.

    Aim: To enhance physical access of water on farms and expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices among others.

    What are the components of PMKSY?

    – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme(AIBP): It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims to provide financial support to irrigation projects.

    Under the programme, central funding of 90% of the water component for two national projects, namely the Renukaji Dam Project in Himachal Pradesh and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand.

    – Har Khet Ko Pani(HKKP): It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims for the enhancement of physical access to the farm and the expansion of cultivable areas under assured irrigation. It consists of four subcomponents namely: Command Area Development (CAD), Surface Minor Irrigation(SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration(RRR) of Water Bodies and Ground Water Development component.

    – Per Drop More Crop: It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies, viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. 

    – Watershed Development: It is being implemented by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. It focuses on the development of rainfed areas towards soil and water conservation, regeneration of groundwater, arresting run-off and promoting extension activities related to water harvesting and management.

    Read more: Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.

    Source: This post is based on the following articles

    – “CCEA nod to extension of irrigation scheme” published in Indian Express on 16th Dec 2021.

    – “Govt extends PMKSY till FY26 with an outlay of ₹93,068 crore” published in Livemint on 16th Dec 2021.

    – “Cabinet approves implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for 2021-26” published in PIB on 16th Dec 2021.

  • Scholarship scheme under AICTE to encourage girls students to pursue Technical Education
    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Education has informed Rajya Sabha about the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme.

    What is Pragati Scholarship Scheme?

    Launched by: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2014-15

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

    Aim: To provide assistance for the Advancement of Girls pursuing Technical Education. 

    Criteria: Under the scheme, a sum of Rs. 50,000/- per annum is disbursed to selected girl students as per the following criteria.

    • Students admitted in AICTE approved institutions in 1st year of Degree/ Diploma level course or 2nd year of Degree/ Diploma level course through lateral entry.
    • Maximum two girls per family.
    • The total income of the family is less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
    • 10,000 scholarships per annum from 23 States/UTs 
    • All eligible girl students from the remaining 13 States/UTs (including North Eastern Region, Jammu & Kashmir etc.)
    • Reservation-7.5% for ST, 15% for SC, and 27% for OBC candidates/applicants.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Scholarship scheme under AICTE to encourage girls students to pursue Technical Education” published in PIB on 8th December 2021.

  • KVIC Rolls Out Project RE-HAB in Assam to Prevent Elephant – Human Conflicts Using Tiny Bees
    What is the News?

    Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) in Assam.

    What is Project RE-HAB?

    Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC’s National Honey Mission. 

    Under this Project, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passageways of elephants to block their entrance to human territories. 

    The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.

    Where was this project earlier launched?

    Project RE-HAB was earlier launched in Kodagu district of Karnataka in March 2021. In just 6 months, this project has reduced elephant attacks by over 70%.

    What is the significance of this Project?

    Firstly, this project is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animals. 

    Secondly, it is scientifically recorded that elephants are annoyed by the honey bees. Elephants also fear that the bee swarms can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. Hence, this project will force elephants to return and prevent Elephant – Human Conflicts.

    Source: This post is based on the article “KVIC Rolls Out Project RE-HAB in Assam to Prevent Elephant – Human Conflicts Using Tiny Bees” published in PIB On 5th Dec 2021.

  • Govt extends Smart Cities Mission timeline to 2023
    What is the News?

    The Centre has extended the timeline for the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission to June 2023.

    What is the Smart Cities Mission?

    The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2015.

    Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    Click here to read more about Smart Cities Mission

    What is a Smart City?

    There is no standard definition or template of a smart city.  In the context of our country, the six fundamental principles on which the concept of Smart Cities is based are:

    Source: Smartcities.gov
    Read more: Smart Cities Mission that aimed at providing better cities and infrastructure has failed to do so

    Source: This post is based on the article “Govt extends Smart Cities Mission timeline to 2023” published in Indian Express on 2nd December 2021.

  • “Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” (SPPEL) to promote all Indian Languages including endangered languages
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister has informed Rajya Sabha about the Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India(SPPEL).

    What is the Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL)?

    SPPEL Scheme was initiated by the Government of India in 2013. 

    Objective: To document and archive the country’s languages that have become endangered or likely to be endangered in the near future.

    The scheme is monitored by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) located in Mysuru, Karnataka. 

    Under the Scheme, the CIIL works on the protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother tongues/languages of India spoken by less than 10,000 speakers which are called endangered languages. 

    In the first phase of the scheme, 117 endangered languages/mother tongues have been chosen from all over India for study and documentation on a priority basis.

    What are the other schemes for the preservation of Endangered Languages?

    University Grants Commission(UGC) has launched two schemes for the protection of endangered languages namely ‘Funding Support to the State Universities for Study and Research in Indigenous and Endangered Languages in India’ and ‘Establishment of Centres for Endangered Languages in Central Universities’. 

    Source: This post is based on the article ““Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” (SPPEL)  to promote all Indian Languages including endangered languages” published in PIB on 2nd December 2021.

  • Cabinet approves continuation of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme for next five years
    What is the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    What is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme(NATS)?

    The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Education for Skilling Indian Youth.

    Purpose: It is a one year programme equipping youth with practical knowledge and skills required in their field of work. 

    The Apprentices will be imparted training by industry and commercial organisations.

    What are the changes made to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme(NATS)?

    The government of India has decided to make some changes to the NATS Scheme. These changes are: 

    Firstly, NATS will now include students from humanities, science and commerce besides students from engineering stream.

    Secondly, apprentices who have completed graduate and diploma programmes in Engineering, Humanities, Science and Commerce will receive a stipend of Rs. 9,000 and Rs. 8,000 per month, respectively.

    Thirdly, the scheme will also provide apprenticeships in the emerging areas under ‘Production Linked Incentive’ (PLI) such as Mobile manufacturing, Medical devices manufacturing, Pharma sector, Electronics/Technology products, Automobile sector etc. 

    Fourthly, the scheme will be preparing skilled manpower for connectivity/ logistics industry sectors, identified under Gati Shakti, a national master plan for Multi-modal connectivity, essentially a digital platform.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves continuation of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme for next five years” published in PIB on 24th Nov 2021.

  • Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”
    What is the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)” for the period from 2021-26.

    About O-SMART Scheme

    The O-SMART Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

    Objectives of the scheme: a) To provide forecasts and services based on the continuous observation of oceans b) To develop technologies and exploratory surveys for the sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources (both living and nonliving) and c) To promote front-ranking research in ocean sciences.

    Sub-schemes: The scheme includes seven sub-schemes – 1) Ocean Technology 2) Ocean Modelling and Advisory Services (OMAS) 3) Ocean Observation Network (OON) 4) Ocean Non-Living Resources 5) Marine Living Resources and Ecology (MLRE) 6) Coastal Research and Operation and 7) Maintenance of Research Vessels.

    Implementation: The sub-schemes are being implemented by autonomous/attached institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences namely: National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai; Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad; National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, Center for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi; and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai.

    Significance of the Scheme

    Firstly, the extensive research and technology development activities under the scheme would augment the capacity building of the nation in the oceanographic field at the international level.

    Secondly, the present decade has been declared as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development by the United Nations (UN). Hence, the continuation of the scheme would strengthen India’s stand in the global oceanographic research and technology development.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)” published in Livemint on 23rd Nov 2021.

  • Cabinet approves Continuation of the umbrella scheme “Atmosphere’ & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” from the 14th Finance Commission to the next Finance Commission Cycle (2021-2026)
    What is the News?

    Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)”.

    What is the ACROSS Scheme?

    The ACROSS scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

    The scheme addresses different aspects of weather and climate services which includes warnings for cyclones, storm surges, heatwaves, thunderstorms among others.

    Sub Schemes under ACROSS

    There are eight sub-schemes under ACROSS: 1) Commissioning of Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) 2) Upgradation of Forecast System 3) Weather & Climate Services 4) Atmospheric Observations Network-IMD 5) Numerical Modelling of Weather and Climate  6) Monsoon Mission III 7) Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change(MC4) and 8) High-Performance Computing System (HPCS).

    Implementation of Scheme

    The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES) through its units namely the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF); Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

    Each institute has a designated role for accomplishing the tasks through the aid of eight sub-schemes.

    Impact of this Scheme

    The scheme will provide improved weather, climate, ocean forecast and services, and other hazard-related services thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the end-user.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves Continuation of the umbrella scheme Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” published in Livemint on 23rd Nov 2021.

  • Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-I,PMGSY-II and Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA)
    What is the News?

    Cabinet has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I and II up to September 2022 for the completion of balance road and bridge works. 

    Cabinet also approved the continuation of the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) upto March 2023.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY)? 

    PMGSY was launched in the year 2000.

    Aim: To provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States and Himalayan Union Territories as per 2001 census).

    Note: In the critical Left Wing Extremism affected blocks, additional relaxation has been given to connect habitations with a population of 100 persons and above as per the 2001 census.

    Features of PMGSY

    PMGSY promotes the use of new and green technology in the construction of rural roads. Locally available materials are used in road construction in order to promote cost-effective and fast construction. 

    It also envisages a three-tier Quality Assurance Mechanism to ensure the quality of road works during construction and post-construction.

    PMGSY-Phase II

    The Government of India subsequently launched PMGSY-II in 2013 for up-gradation of 50,000 Kms of the existing rural road network to improve its overall efficiency.

    PMGSY-Phase III

    The government of India launched PMGSY-III in 2019 for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km road length by March 2025. 

    What is the Road Connectivity Project of Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA)?

    RCPLWEA was started in 2016 to improve connectivity in 44 Left Wing Extremism(LWE) affected districts in 9 states.

    The 9 states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-I,PMGSY-II and Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA)” published by PIB on 17th November 2021.

  • Union Home Minister launches ‘Ayushman CAPF’ Scheme health cards at the national level in New Delhi

    What is the News?

    The Union Home Minister has launched the ‘Ayushmaan CAPF’ Scheme health cards at the national level.

    Click Here to read about Ayushman Bharat Programme

    What is the Ayushman CAPF Scheme?

    Ayushman CAPF is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) and National Health Authority(NHA).

    Eligibility: The scheme covers serving personnel and their dependents from Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force(CISF), National Security Guard(NSG) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP).

    Benefits under the scheme: CAPF personnel and their families will be able to avail cashless in-patient and out-patient healthcare facilities at all Hospitals empanelled under Ayushmaan Bharat PM-JAY or Central Government Health Scheme(CGHS).

    Source: This post is based on the article “Union Home Minister launches ‘Ayushman CAPF’ Scheme health cards at the national level in New Delhi” published in PIB on 2nd November 2021.

  • Union Civil Aviation Minister releases Krishi UDAN 2.0
    What is the News?

    The Union Civil Aviation Minister has launched the Krishi UDAN 2.0 scheme.

    What is Krishi UDAN 2.0 Scheme?

    Krishi UDAN Scheme was launched in 2020 on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation.

    Krishi UDAN 2.0 will focus on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, northeastern states and tribal areas.

    The scheme will be implemented at 53 airports across the country, mainly focusing on Northeast and tribal regions, and is likely to benefit farmers, freight forwarders and Airlines.

    What are the key features of the Krishi UDAN 2.0 scheme?

    Facilitating and incentivizing movement of Agri-produce by air transportation: The scheme will provide a full waiver of landing, parking, Terminal Navigation and Landing Charges and Route Navigation Facilities Charges for domestic airlines.

    Strengthening cargo-related infrastructure at airports and off airports: The Ministry will facilitate the development of a hub and spoke model and freight to transport perishable products.

    Concessions sought from other bodies: The Ministry has asked states to reduce sales tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 1 percent for airlines under Krishi UDAN 2.0.

    Resources-Pooling through establishing convergence mechanism: Collaboration with other government departments and regulatory bodies.

    Source: PIB

    Focus Routes: Seven focus routes and the agro products to be flown from there have been identified under the scheme.

    Technological convergence: Development of E-KUSHAL (Krishi UDAN for Sustainable Holistic Agri-Logistics).

    What is E-KUSHAL?

    E-KUSHAL is a platform that will facilitate information dissemination to all the stakeholders. 

    This will be a single platform that will provide relevant information at the same time will also assist in coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the scheme. 

    Source: This post is based on the article “Union Civil Aviation Minister releases Krishi UDAN 2.0” published in PIB on 27th October 2021.

    Terms to know:

  • PM launches PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has launched the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission also known as Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY)

    About Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
    Source: PIB

    Objectives of the Scheme

    To strengthen the critical healthcare network from village to block to the district to the regional and national level in the next 4-5 years. 

    To develop health systems and institutions at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and prepare them to respond effectively to pandemics and disasters.

    To establish an IT-enabled disease surveillance system through a network of surveillance laboratories at block, district, regional and national levels.

    Read more: Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission – Explained, pointwise
    What are the key components of the Scheme?

    There are three significant aspects of the programme:

    First Aspect: Comprehensive surveillance of infectious diseases

    Under this, health and wellness centres are being opened in villages and cities, where there will be facilities for the early detection of diseases. Facilities such as free medical consultation, tests, and medicine will be available at these centres.

    For serious illnesses, 35,000 critical care beds are being added in 600 districts, and referral facilities will be given in 125 districts.

    Second Aspect: Comprehensive diagnostics and treatment facilities

    This will involve the development of testing infrastructure. All 730 districts of the country will get integrated public health labs and 3,000 blocks will get public health units. Apart from that, five centres for disease control, 20 metropolitan units, and 15 BSL labs will strengthen this network.

    Third Aspect: Comprehensive pandemic research 

    The existing 80 viral diagnostic and research labs will be strengthened, four new National Institutes of Virology and a National Institute for One Health are being established.

    What is the need for this scheme?

    According to the 2020 Index report by Oxfam India, India’s health budget is the fourth lowest in the world. Neighbouring countries Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh spent more than India on health. 

    Moreover, India’s healthcare infrastructure is also deplorable. According to government data, India has 1.4 beds per 1,000 people, 1 doctor per 1,445 people, and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India ranks 184 out of 191 countries in health spending.

    Hence, this scheme has been launched to improve an entire ecosystem of services from treatment to critical research.

    Source: This post is based on the following articles:

    • “PM launches PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission” published in “PIB” on 26th October 2021.
    • “How a new govt health scheme will benefit India” published in “Livemint” on 26th October 2021.
    • “PM Modi launches mission to bolster healthcare structure” published in “Livemint” on 26th October 2021.
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers fighting COVID-19 extended for a further period of 180 days
    What is the News?

    Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for 180 days with effect from October 21,2021.So far, 1,351 claims have been paid under the scheme.

    About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for health workers Fighting Covid-19

    Launched by: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2020.

    Aim: To provide comprehensive personal accident insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to all healthcare providers who

    -Lost their lives due to Covid-19

    -Accidental death on account of COVID-19 related duty.

    Coverage of the Scheme

    -All government health centres, wellness centres and hospitals of Centre as well as States,

    -Private hospital staff and retired/volunteer/local urban bodies/contracted/daily wage workers,

    -Safai karamcharis, ward-boys, nurses, ASHA workers and other health workers.

    Implementation: The scheme is being implemented through an Insurance policy from the New India Assurance Company(NIACL).

    Certification Procedure: The District Collector in each case will be certifying that the claim is in accordance with SoP of the Scheme. On the basis of this certificate of the Collector, the Insurance Company will approve and settle the claims within a period of 48 hours.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers fighting COVID-19 extended for a further period of 180 days” published in PIB on 21st October 2021.

  • Union Minister inaugurates 250mm Seer Water supply scheme in Kashmir and visited Martand Sun Temple
    What is the News?

    The Union Commerce and Industry Minister has inaugurated a 250 mm seer water supply scheme in Kashmir. He also visited the Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir.

    About Seer Water Supply Scheme

    The scheme aims to benefit around 10000 people in Kashmir and will be completed under the ambit of Jal Jeevan Mission within three months. 

    About Martand Sun Temple
    Martand Sun Temple 
    Source: Wikimedia

    Martand Sun Temple also known as Pandou Laidan is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya (the chief solar deity in Hinduism). The temple is located in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Note: Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya.

    The temple is one of the earliest known sun temples, much older than Konark and Modhera. The temple was built by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida, in the 8th century CE. 

    The temple was built on top of a plateau from where one can view the whole of the Kashmir Valley. 

    However, the temple is now in ruins, as it was destroyed by the orders of Muslim ruler Sikandar Shah Miri.

    But from the ruins and related archaeological findings, it can be said that the temple was an excellent specimen of Kashmiri architecture, which had blended the Gandharan, Gupta and Chinese forms of architecture.

    Moreover, the Archaeological Survey of India has also declared the Martand Sun Temple as a site of national importance in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Source: This post is based on the article “Union Minister inaugurates 250mm Seer Water supply scheme in Kashmir” published in PIB on 19th October 2021.

    Terms to know:

  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Promoting Telecom and Networking Products Manufacturing in India
    What is the News?

    The Minister of State for Communications has launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Telecom and Networking Products.

    What is the objective of the PLI Scheme for Telecom and Networking Products?

    To boost domestic manufacturing in the telecom and networking products by incentivising incremental investments and turnover.

    To reduce India’s dependence on other countries for the import of telecom and networking products.

    What are the target segments under the scheme?

    Core Transmission Equipment

    4G/5G, Next-Generation Radio Access Network and Wireless Equipment

    Access and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) Access Devices, and Other Wireless Equipment

    Enterprise equipment: Switches, Routers

    What is the eligibility criteria?

    MSMEs – Minimum Threshold of Investment ₹ 10 Crores

    Other than MSMEs – Minimum Threshold of Investment ₹ 100 Crores

    Further, for MSMEs, the scheme has a 1% higher incentive in the first three years.

    What are the incentives under the scheme?

    An incentive of 7% to 4% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods manufactured in India

    Tenure: Support under the scheme shall be provided for a period of five (5) years from 1st April 2021.

    Read more: Production-Linked Incentive or PLI Schemes and its challenges – Explained, pointwise

    Source: This post is based on the article “Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Promoting Telecom and Networking Products Manufacturing in India” published in PIB on 16th October 2021.

  • Palk Bay scheme to get a fillip: Murugan
    What is the News?

    The Union Government is considering increasing the unit cost of deep-sea fishing vessels to make them more attractive to fisherfolk. At present, the Palk Bay scheme covers fishing vessels up to Rs 80 Lakh. The government is considering to increase this amount to Rs 1.3 Cr.

    What is the Palk Bay Scheme?

    Palk Bay Scheme is also known as Scheme for Diversification Of Trawl Fishing Boats From Palk Straits Into Deep Sea Fishing Boats.

    The scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2017 as a Centrally sponsored scheme.

    What are the objectives of the scheme?

    Firstly, it is a Tamil Nadu-specific scheme aimed at providing 2,000 vessels in three years to fishermen of the State and motivating them to abandon bottom trawling.

    Must read: India-Sri Lanka Maritime dispute – Explained

    Secondly, it aims to reduce fishing pressure around the proximity of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) so that Tamil Nadu fishermen do not cross the IMBL and fish in Sri Lankan waters.

    What is the funding Pattern of the Scheme?

    Under the scheme is the Centre is providing 50% cost of the fishing vessel, the State government is providing 20% cost and the 10% cost will be the Institutional funding. The beneficiary will put the remaining 20% for the vessel.

    The Scheme is limited to vessels costing up to Rs. 80 Lakh.

    What is Bottom Trawling?

    bottom trawling

    It is an ecologically destructive fishing practice. It involves trawlers dragging weighted nets along the seafloor.

    The major problem in bottom trawling is Bycatch (captures juvenile fish and other non-targeted fish species). This will cause great depletion of aquatic resources and affect marine conservation efforts.

    Source: This post is based on the article ”Palk Bay scheme to get a fillip: Murugan” published in ‘The Hindu’ on 08th October 2021. 

  • Government has approved setting up of 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks

    What is the news?  

    The government has approved the setting up of seven PM MITRA textiles parks, following the “Union Budget for 2021-22″ commitments, with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 crores in a period of 5 years. 

    About “PM-MITRA” Scheme

    The scheme aims to realize the vision of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by positioning India strongly on the Global textiles map. It is inspired by the 5F vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister –Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

    Aim: The scheme aims to create a world-class industrial infrastructure that would attract cutting-edge technology and boost FDI and local investment in the sector.

    Sites for the scheme will be selected by a Challenge Method, based on objective criteria for Greenfield / Brownfield sites. The Centre is receiving proposals from states for the ready availability of contiguous and encumbrance-free land parcels of 1,000+ acres along with other textiles related facilities & ecosystems. 

    What are the various supports provided by the government under the scheme?

    Competitiveness Incentive Support (CIS)– The government will provide a fund of ₹ 300 Crore to ‘investors’ setting up production facilities to incentivize manufacturing units to get established.

    For a Greenfield Park ‘developer’, the centre will provide 30% of Capital Support from the Project Cost, with a cap of ₹ 500 Cr. 

    For a Brownfield sites ‘developer’, the centre will provide 30% of Capital Support from the Project Cost, with a cap of ₹ 200 Cr. 

    The developer will get a 25-year lease of the park, and this could be extended by another 25 years.

    What infrastructures do the PM MITRA parks contain?

    PM MITRA park will be developed by a Special Purpose Vehicle which will be owned by the State Government and Government of India in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Mode. The Master Developer will develop and also maintain the park during the concession period. 

    MITRA Parks
    Source: PIB
    1. Core Infrastructure: Incubation Centre & Plug & Play facility, Developed Factory Sites, Roads, Power, Water and Waste Water system, Common Processing House and other related facilities e.g., Design Centre, Testing Centres etc. 
    2. Support Infrastructure: Workers’ hostels & housing, logistics park, warehousing, medical, training & skill development facilities.
    What are the advantages of the PM-MITRA Scheme?

    The scheme intended to generate approximately 1 lakh direct and 2 lakh indirect employment per park. 

    The Scheme will offer an opportunity to create an integrated textiles value chain right from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing and printing to garment manufacturing at one location that would ease business and will reduce logistics costs of the Industry. 

    Apart from that, the scheme will also help India in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”).

    Source: This post is based on the articles 

    • “Government has approved setting up of 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA पीएम मित्र) Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore in a period of 5 years” published in ‘PIB’ on 06 October 2021. 
    • “Cabinet approves scheme to setup 7 mega textile park” published in Livemint on 07th October 2021.
  • SAUBHAGYA completes Four years of successful implementation
    What is the News?

    SAUBHAGYA Scheme has completed four years of successful implementation.

    What is the Saubhagya Scheme?

    The SAUBHAGYA Scheme was announced by the Prime Minister in 2017. 

    Objective: To achieve Universal Household Electrification in the country through last-mile connectivity and providing access to electricity to all un-electrified households in rural areas and poor households in urban areas.

    Nodal Agency: REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation) has been designated as the nodal agency for the Saubhagya scheme.

    What are the key features of the Scheme?

    All DISCOMs including Private Sector DISCOMs, State Power Departments and RE Cooperative Societies shall be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme in line with Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY).

    The prospective beneficiary households for free electricity connections under the scheme would be identified using SECC 2011 data. 

    However, un-electrified households not covered under SECC data would also be provided electricity connections under the scheme on payment of Rs. 500 which shall be recovered by DISCOMs in 10 instalments through electricity bill. 

    The electricity connection to households includes the release of electricity connections by drawing a service cable from the nearest pole to the household premise, installation of an energy meter, wiring for a single light point with an LED bulb and a mobile charging point.

    What is the present status of the Scheme?

    As of March 31st, 2021 India has provided electricity access to 2.82 crore households as part of the Saubhagya scheme. Saubhagya Scheme will continue its work of providing a 24×7 quality power supply to all. 

    All states have been requested to launch special campaigns in their respective states to identify any left out un-electrified households and subsequently provide electricity connections to them. A dedicated toll-free helpline has also been launched for that purpose.

    Source: This post is based on the article “SAUBHAGYA completes Four years of successful implementation” published in PIB on 25th Sep 2021.

  • Scheme for “Promotion of Medical Device Parks”, a key initiative to support the medical devices, notified
    What is the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has notified the Scheme for “Promotion of Medical Device Parks”.

    What is the Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device Parks?

    Under the scheme, medical parks will be developed to provide common infrastructure facilities in one place thereby creating a robust ecosystem for medical device manufacturing in the country and also reduce the manufacturing cost significantly. 

    Objectives of the Scheme

    Easy access to standard testing and infrastructure facilities through the creation of world-class common infrastructure facilities for increased competitiveness. This will result in a significant reduction of the cost of production of medical devices, leading to better availability and affordability of medical devices in the domestic market.

    Reaping the benefits arising due to optimization of resources and economies of scale.

    Other Features of the Scheme

    Duration: The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs. 400 crores and the tenure of the scheme is from FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-2025. 

    Financial Assistance: ​​The financial assistance to a selected Medical Device Park would be 70% of the project cost of common infrastructure facilities.

    In the case of the North-Eastern States and the Hilly States, financial assistance would be 90% of the project cost. Maximum assistance under the scheme for one Medical Device Park would be limited to Rs. 100 crores.

    Source: This post is based on the article ”Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device Parks, a key initiative to support the medical devices, notified” published in PIB on 23rd September 2021.

  • Government Notifies PLI Scheme for Automobile & Auto components
    What is the News?

    The government of India has issued notification regarding Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile & Auto components. 

    What is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile & Auto components?

    Aim: To overcome the cost disabilities of the industry for the manufacture of Advanced Automotive Technology products in India.

    Key Features of the Scheme

    Eligibility: The scheme is open to existing Automotive companies as well as new Non-Automotive investor companies (who are currently not in the automobile or auto component manufacturing business).

    Duration: The scheme will be implemented over a period of five years starting from FY 2022-2023.

    Components: The scheme has two components viz 

    Champion OEM Incentive scheme: It is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme, applicable to Battery Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles of all segments.

    Component Champion Incentive Scheme: It is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme, applicable on pre-approved Advanced Automotive Technology components of all vehicles. Pre-approval of the eligible products will be done by Testing Agency.

    Base year: Financial Year 2019-20 shall be treated as the Base Year for calculation of Eligible sales. An approved applicant shall be eligible for benefits for 5 consecutive Financial Years.

    Any eligible product will be incentivized only for once – Component level or Vehicle level.

    Read more: Production-Linked Incentive or PLI Schemes and its challenges – Explained, pointwise

    Minimum 50% domestic value addition will be required to avail incentives under the scheme.

    The incentive will be applicable on the Determined Sales Value, which is defined as the incremental eligible sales of a particular year over the base year.

    Source: This post is based on the article ”Government Notifies PLI Scheme for Automobile & Auto components” published in PIB on 25th September 2021.

  • IT Minister vision for startups takes shape of SAMRIDH Scheme

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology(MeitY) has launched the SAMRIDH Scheme.

    About SAMRIDH Scheme:
    1. Full-Form: Start-up Accelerators of MeitY for pRoduct Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH).
    2. Aim: To create a conducive platform for Indian Software Product start-ups to enhance their products and secure investments for scaling their business.
    3. Implementation: MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH).
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    1. Firstly, the scheme will focus on accelerating the 300 start-ups by providing customer connect, investor connect, and international immersion in the next three years. 
    2. Secondly, an investment of up to ₹ 40 lakh to the start-up based on the current valuation and growth stage of the Start-Up will be provided through selected accelerators. 
    Significance of the Scheme:
    1. India is currently the third-largest Unicorn hub globally, with 63 Unicorns having a total valuation of 168 Billion USD.
    2. The programme aims to further the Indian start-up growth and create at least 100 unicorns out of the selected startups.

     

  • Pension scheme for informal workers hits stagnation point

    Source: Livemint

    What is the News?

    The number of people joining the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, has hit an all-time low. This is due to workers in the informal sector facing income and job loss following the two waves of the coronavirus pandemic.

    About Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan(PM-SYM) Scheme:
    1. Launched by: Ministry of Labour and Employment 
    2. Type: Central Sector Scheme 
    3. Aim: It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme that aims to ensure old age protection for Unorganised Workers.
    4. Coverage: The scheme covers unorganised workers (home-based workers, street vendors, mid-day meal workers, head loaders, landless labourers and similar other occupations) whose monthly income is Rs 15,000/ per month or less. The beneficiary should also belong to the entry age group of 18-40 years.
      • Moreover, they should also not be covered under New Pension Scheme (NPS), the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme or the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Further, he/she should not be an income taxpayer.
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    1. Minimum Assured Pension: Each subscriber under the PM-SYM, shall receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
    2. Matching Contribution: It is a contributory pension scheme on a 50:50 basis where prescribed age-specific contributions shall be made by the beneficiary and the matching contribution by the Central Government. 
      • For example, if a person enters the scheme at an age of 29 years, he is required to contribute Rs 100/ – per month till the age of 60 years an equal amount of Rs 100/- will be contributed by the Central Government.
    3. Family Pension: During the receipt of a pension, if the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as a family pension. Family pension is applicable only to spouses.
      • If a beneficiary has given regular contribution and died due to any cause (before age of 60 years), his/her spouse will be entitled to join and continue the scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution or exit the scheme as per provisions of exit and withdrawal.
    4. Fund Management:  The scheme will be implemented through the Life Insurance Corporation of India and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited (CSC SPV). LIC will be the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for Pension payouts. 

     

  • High-speed Net comes to a deep jungle

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the News?

    The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), a Union government initiative for skill development in rural areas, has brought high-speed internet to some of the remotest tribal hamlets deep inside the Nilambur jungle in Kerala.

    About Jan Shikshan Sansthan(JSS) Scheme:

    • The Scheme of Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) was formerly known as the Shramik Vidyapeeth scheme. The scheme was launched in 1967 and was renamed as Jan Shikshan Sansthan in 2000. 
    • Nodal Ministry: The scheme was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in 2018.
    • Mandate: To provide vocational skills in non-formal mode to non-literate, neo-literates, persons with a rudimentary level of education up to 8th and school drop-outs up to 12th standard in the age group of 15-45 years.
    • Target Group: The priority groups are women, SC, ST, minorities and other backward sections of the society. 
    • Implementation: The scheme is implemented through NGOs with 100% grants from the Government of India.
    • At present, 233 JSSs in 25 States and 3 Union Territories are functional. The annual coverage of the beneficiaries is around 4 lakh, out of which 85% are women.
  • Odisha CM Launches Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana

    Source: Outlook

    What is the News?

    The Odisha Chief Minister has launched the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart card scheme.

    About Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart card scheme:

    1. Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) smart card scheme is a new version of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Scheme that was first launched in 2018.
    2. The scheme aims to transform the health service delivery system of the state.
    3. Under the scheme, smart cards would be distributed to the beneficiaries. The smart cards will have the details of family members and a 12-digit distinctive registration quantity. Each family will be given two cards in case two people fall sick at the same time.
    4. The smart cards can be used by the beneficiaries to avail cashless health coverage across more than 200 empanelled private hospitals.
    5. Those who don’t have smart cards will have to produce their food security cards to avail the services under the scheme.
    6. Each family can get treatment cost up to ₹5 lakh per year and women will get benefits up to ₹10 lakh per year under the scheme.
  • Government of India developed robust mechanism for Online Trading of Energy Saving Certificates

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Power issued more than 57 lacs Energy Saving Certificates to 349 industrial units because they saved more energy than the targets. These units will be able to trade certificates through Power Exchange Portal to those units that could not achieve their targets.

    About Perform, Achieve and Trade(PAT) Scheme:
    1. Launched by: Ministry of Power
    2. Aim: PAT is a market-based compliance mechanism that aims to accelerate improvements in energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries.
    3. Nodal Agency: It is a flagship programme of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    1. The scheme seeks to enhance cost-effectiveness through certification of excess energy savings in energy-intensive industries.
    2. Under the scheme, an Energy Audit is done to verify the baseline data (current level of efficiency) and thereafter energy saving targets are given. 
    3. Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) are issued to those plants that have achieved excess energy savings over their targets. 
    4. Units that are unable to meet the targets either through their own actions or through the purchase of ESCerts are liable to financial penalty under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
    Significance of the Scheme:
    1. The scheme has led to the total energy savings of more than 14 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) which has resulted in mitigation of about 66 million tonnes of CO2 emission.
  • Cabinet approves implementation of National Mission on Edible Oils Oil Palm

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has given its approval to launch a new Mission on Oil palm, to be known as the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).

    About National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):
    • NMEO-OP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that aims to boost domestic production of Palm Oil and reduce its dependence on imports.
    • The mission has a special focus on the North-eastern region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • Target: The mission hopes to increase the area under oil palm by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26. It also has a target to increase the production of crude palm oil to 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025-26 and up to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
    Major Focus Areas of the scheme:

    Price Assurance:

    1. The oil palm farmers will produce Fresh Fruit Bunches(FFBs) from which Palm oil is extracted by the industry. 
    2. Presently, the prices of these FFBs are linked to the international Crude Palm Oil(CPO) prices fluctuations. 
    3. So if the market is volatile, then the Centre will pay the difference in price to the farmers through direct benefit transfer 
    4. This price assurance will be given in the form of viability gap funding, and the industry will be mandated to pay 14.3% of crude palm oil prices.
    5. Moreover, in a bid to encourage oil palm cultivation in northeastern India and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Centre will bear an additional cost of 2% of the crude palm oil prices in these States. 
    6. Hence, this will protect the farmers from the fluctuations of the international CPO  prices and protect them from volatility.  

    The assistance of Inputs/Interventions: The scheme has been made a substantial increase in the assistance of inputs/interventions:  

    1. A substantial increase has been made for planting material for oil palm and this has increased from Rs 12,000 per ha to  Rs.29000 per ha. 
    2. Further, a substantial increase has been made for maintenance and intercropping interventions. 
    3. Moreover, assistance will be provided to seed gardens to address the issue of shortage of planting material in the country.
  • Govt notifies RoDTEP rates, guidelines

    Source: Livemint and The Hindu

    What is the News?

    The government of India has notified the rates and norms for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme.

    About RoDTEP Scheme:
    1. Launched by: Ministry of Commerce & Industry 
    2. Which scheme is it replacing? The RoDTEP scheme is replacing the earlier Merchandise and Services Export Incentive Schemes (MEIS and SEIS) that were in violation of WTO norms.
    3. Aim: To reimburse all the taxes/duties/levies being charged at the Central/State/Local level which are not currently refunded under any of the existing schemes but are incurred at the manufacturing and distribution process.
      • The refund under the scheme shall not be available in respect of duties and taxes already exempted or remitted or credited.
    4. Implementation: The refund under the scheme will be credited in an exporter’s ledger account with the customs. It will be used to pay basic duty on imported goods. The credits can also be transferred to other importers.
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    1. Coverage: The scheme covers over 8,555 tariff products, accounting for about 75% of traded items and 65% of India’s exports.
    2. Rates: The tax refund rates will vary between 0.5% and 4.3% of the export value of goods.
      • The lowest rate is offered on items like chocolates, toffees and sugar confectionery
      • Yarns and fibres have been granted the highest rate.
    3. Sectors Included: The scheme covers sectors such as marine, agriculture, leather, gems and jewellery automobile, plastics, textiles, electronics among others.
    4. Sectors Excluded: Pharmaceutical, steel and chemicals have been kept out of the purview of the scheme. Products manufactured at export-oriented units and special economic zones have also been excluded from the scheme for the time being.

     

  • Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    In order to boost domestic defence and aerospace manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS).

    About Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS):
    1. Launched by: Ministry of Defence in 2020.
    2. Aim: To create a state-of-the-art testing infrastructure in partnership with the private industry. 
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    1. Target: The scheme aims to set up 6-8 Greenfield Defence Testing Infrastructure facilities that are required for defence and aerospace-related production.
      • A greenfield project is one that is not constrained by prior work. It is constructed on unused land where there is no need to remodel or demolish an existing structure.
    2. Funding: The projects under the scheme will be provided with up to 75% Government funding in the form of ‘Grant-in-Aid’.
      • The remaining 25% of the project cost will have to be borne by the Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV). The SPV constituents will be the Indian private entities and state governments.
    3. Duration of the Scheme: Five Years.
  • PM launches Ujjwala 2.0 Scheme

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister of India has launched Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana – PMUY) by handing over LPG connections at Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh.

    About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana(PMUY):
    • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2018.
    • Aim: To replace the unclean cooking fuels mostly used in rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG(Liquefied Petroleum Gas).
    • Under the scheme, an adult woman member of a below poverty line family identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) was given a deposit-free LPG connection with the financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by the Centre.
    • Target: Initially the target was the installation of 5 crores LPG connections by 2019. But the target was revised to 8 crores which was achieved in August 2019.
    About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana(PMUY) 2.0:
    • In the Union Budget for 2021-22, the Government has announced the target of an additional one crore LPG connection. These additional connections will be provided under Ujjwala 2.0.
    • Hence, Ujjwala 2.0 aims to provide deposit-free LPG connections to those low-income families who could not be covered under the earlier phase of PMUY.
    • Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will also provide the first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries.
    • Moreover, the migrants would only be required to submit a self-declaration of their residential address to get the gas connection.
  • Six Universities/Institutes and five Medical Colleges have been selected for setting up of Sports Science Departments and Sports Medicine Departments under the NCSSR scheme

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    Recently the Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs informed the Parliament that so far Six Universities/Institutes and five Medical Colleges have been selected for setting up of Sports Science Departments and Sports Medicine Departments under the NCSSR scheme

    About Scheme of National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR):

    • The scheme of the National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
    • Aim: To support high-level research, education and innovation with respect to the high performance of elite athletes.
    Objectives of NCSSR scheme:
    • Application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sporting performance.
    • Developing athletes to their maximum potential and prolonging their competitive sporting career.
    • Dissemination of sports science information
    • Testing and Certification of food supplements/Indigenous preparations.
    • Application of Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Medicines in sporting performance.
    • Management and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

    Components of the Scheme: The scheme has two components:

    1. Setting up of NCSSR centre
    2. Providing support (funding) for setting up of Sports Sciences Departments and Sports Medicine Departments in selected Universities/Institutes and Medical Colleges respectively.
    Implementation of the Scheme:
    • The Scheme is implemented through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the selected Universities/Institutes/Medical Colleges across the country.
    • The funds under the scheme are not sanctioned/released state-wise.

    Click Here to Read About TOPS Scheme

  • Cabinet approves continuation of Samagra Shiksha Scheme for School Education

    Source: PIB 

    What is the News?

    Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for the continuation of the revised Samagra Shiksha Scheme for a period of five years, i.e. from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    About Samagra Shiksha Scheme:

    • Samagra Shiksha is an Integrated Scheme for School Education. It has been launched throughout the country as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with effect from the year 2018-19.
    • Merged Schemes: The scheme subsumes the three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
    • Aim: To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education.
    • Coverage: It is an overarching programme for the school education sector, extending from pre-school to class XII. It covers 11.6 lakh schools, over 15.6 crore students, and 57 lakh teachers of government and aided schools (from pre-primary to senior secondary level).

    Samagra Shiksha Scheme(SSA) 2.0:  The upgraded version has been aligned with recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Based on this, interventions incorporated are:

    • All child-centric interventions will be provided directly to the students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
    • Provision of up to Rs 500 per child for Teaching Learning Materials for pre-primary sections in Government Schools.
    • For disabled children and children belonging to the SC/ST community in the age bracket of 16-19 years, ₹2,000 will be provided per child to complete their secondary/senior secondary levels through NIOS/SOS.
    • Additional Sports grant of up to Rs. 25000 to schools in case at least 2 students of that school win a medal in Khelo India school games at the National level.
    • The child tracking provision has been included for ensuring the safety of students of government and government-aided schools.
    • A sum of ₹6,000 per annum will be extended to secondary level school students for availing transport facility
    • Provision of training of master trainers for Anganwadi workers
    • Incinerator and sanitary pad vending machines in all-girls hostels.
  • Cabinet approves continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts for further 2 years

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of 1023 Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) including 389 exclusive POCSO courts as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) till March 31, 2023.

    Background:
    • Incidents of rape and gang rape of minor girls below the age of twelve and similar heinous crimes against women have always shaken the conscience of the entire nation.
    • To prevent such crimes, stricter laws were introduced through “the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018”. The act made provision for stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for perpetrators of rape.
    • Moreover, to effectively implement the Criminal Law 2018 Act, the Government launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts across the country.
    About Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts:
    • Fast Track Special Courts are dedicated courts expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice. They have a better clearance rate as compared to the regular courts and hold speedy trials.
      • Besides providing quick justice to the hapless victims, it strengthens the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.
    • Purpose: The scheme by setting up Fast Track Courts aims to reduce the number of pending cases of the Rape and POCSO Act.
    • Coverage: Currently the scheme covers 28 States. It is proposed to be expanded to cover all 31 states which are eligible to join the Scheme.
  • Reform-based scheme: Discoms get till Dec 31

    Source: Indian Express

    What is the News?

    Union Minister of Power has said that the Power distribution companies (discoms) looking to avail funds under the government’s Rs 3.03-lakh crore Reform Based Scheme for discoms will have to submit plans to cut losses by 31st December,2021.

    About Reform Based Power Distribution Scheme:
    • The Scheme aims to improve the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of DISCOMs/ Power Departments excluding Private Sector DISCOMs by providing conditional financial assistance for strengthening of supply infrastructure.
    Objectives of the Scheme:
    • Reduction of AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25.
    • Reduction of ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25.
    • Developing Institutional Capabilities for Modern DISCOMs
    • Improvement in the quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient Distribution Sector.

    Implementation:

    • Power Finance Corporation(PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation(REC) have been nominated as the nodal agencies for the implementation of the scheme.
    Duration of the Scheme:
    • The Scheme would be available till the year 2025-26.
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    • Financial Assistance: The financial assistance under the Scheme will be based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria as well as upon achievement of basic minimum benchmarks by the DISCOMs.
    • Approach: Implementation of the Scheme would be based on the action plan worked out for each state rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
    • Merging of Projects: The ongoing works under the Integrated Power Development Scheme(IPDS), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) will be merged under this scheme.
    • Solarisation of agricultural Feeders: The Scheme has a major focus on improving electricity supply for the farmers and for providing daytime electricity to them through solarization of agricultural feeders.
    • Smart Metering: The scheme enables consumer empowerment by way of prepaid Smart metering to be implemented in Public-Private-Partnership(PPP) mode.
    • Use of Technology: Artificial Intelligence would be used to analyze data generated to enable DISCOMs to make informed decisions.
  • DEPwD organises Samajik Adhikarita Shivir for distribution of aids & assistive devices to Divyangjan under the ADIP Scheme

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD) has organized Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’. In this shivir, aids and assistive devices will be distributed among ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme and among Senior Citizens under the ‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’.

    About ADIP Scheme:
    • Launched by: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
    • Aim: To assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable and scientifically manufactured appliances. It will promote their physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhancing their economic potential.
    • Implementated by: NGOs, National Institutes under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and ALIMCO (a PSU that manufactures artificial limbs).
    • Eligibility:
      • Indian citizen of any age
      • Has 40% disability or more
      • Monthly income not more than Rs.20,000.
      • In the case of dependents, the income of parents/guardians should not exceed Rs. 20,000/- per month
      • Must not have received assistance during the last 3 years, and for children, it’s the last 1 year.
    About Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:
    • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is the scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It was launched in 2017.
    • Type: It is a central sector scheme funded by the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund.
    • Aim: to provide aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth, and locomotor disabilities.
      • The aids and assistive devices include walking sticks, elbow crutches, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and spectacles, etc.
    • Implementated by: Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), which is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana(PDDUUKSY)

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    Government has organized 108 training programmes for the awareness of the farmers across 24 states/UTs under the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana(PDDUUKSY).

    About Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY):
    • The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Aim: To develop the human resource in organic farming, natural farming and cow based economy for environmental sustenance and soil health.
    • Objectives:
      • To build skilled Human Resource at village level who are relevant for development organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
      • Provide rural India with technical support in the field of Organic Farming or Natural Farming or Rural Economy or Sustainable Agriculture.
      • To extend other activities of this Yojana at village level through their established centres.
    • Implementation: Education wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR).
    Other Scheme Mentioned in the Article:

    About Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) Programme:

    • The Student READY Programme is an initiative of Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR).
    • Aim: To provide rural entrepreneurship awareness, practical experience in real-life situations in rural agriculture and creating awareness to undergraduate students about practical agriculture and allied sciences.
    • This will in turn help in building confidence, skill and acquiring Indigenous Technical Knowledge(ITK) of the locality thereby preparing the pass-out for self-employment.
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes Scheme under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package

    Source: PIB

    What is the News? 

    Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed that about 88,236 govt-funded vacant houses are available. They can be converted into Affordable Rental Housing Complexes under the Affordable Rental Housing Complexes Scheme.

    About Affordable Rental Housing Complexes Scheme:
    • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes(ARHCs) is a Sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U) to provide affordable rental housing to urban migrants/ poor close to their workplace.
    Objectives:
    • To address the vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ significantly by creating a sustainable ecosystem of affordable rental housing solutions for urban migrants/poor.
    • To achieve the overall objective of “Housing for All” encompassing the need for affordable rental housing for urban migrants/poor.
    • Also, to create a conducive environment by incentivizing Public/Private Entities to leverage investment in rental housing.

    Duration:

    • ARHCs to be considered till PMAY (U) Mission period, i.e. March 2022.
    Beneficiaries:
    • Beneficiaries for ARHCs will be varied groups of urban migrants/ poor from EWS/ LIG categories including industrial & construction workers, migrants working with market/ trade associations, educational/ health institutions, hospitality sector, long-term tourists/ visitors, students, etc.

    Implementation Strategy: The ARHCs will be built through a two-pronged strategy: –

    • Strategy-1: Utilizing existing Government funded vacant houses to convert into ARHCs through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or by Public Agencies.
    • Strategy-2: Construction, Operation & Maintenance of ARHCs by Public/ Private Entities on their own available vacant land.
  • Union Cabinet approves Production-linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Production Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme for specialty steel.

    About PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel:
    • The PLI Scheme aims to boost the production of high-grade specialty steel in the country.
    • Coverage: The five categories of specialty steel that have been chosen in the PLI Scheme are: Coated/Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear-resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products, and Steel wires, and Electrical Steel.
    • Incentives: There are 3 slabs of PLI incentives under the scheme. The lowest being 4% and the highest is 12%, which has been provided for electrical steel (CRGO).
    • Eligibility: Any company registered in India engaged in the manufacturing of the identified Specialty Steel are eligible to participate under the scheme.
    • Duration: The duration of the scheme will be five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
    Expected Benefits of the scheme:
    • The scheme is expected to bring in an investment of approximately ₹40,000 crores and capacity addition of 25 MT for specialty steel.
    • The scheme will give employment to about 5 lakh people, of which 68,000 will be direct employment.
    What is Specialty Steel?
    • Specialty steel is value-added steel wherein normal finished steel is worked upon by way of coating, plating, heat treatment, etc. to convert it into high-value-added steel.
    • This steel can be used in various strategic applications like Defense, Space, Power, apart from the automobile sector, specialized capital goods among others.
    Why was Speciality Steel chosen for the PLI Scheme?
    • Speciality steel has been chosen as the target segment under the PLI Scheme. It is because out of the production of 102 million tonnes of steel in India in 2020-21, only 18 million tonnes of value-added steel/specialty steel was produced in the country.
    • Apart from this, out of 6.7 million tonnes of imports in 2020-21, about 4 million tonnes import was of specialty steel alone resulting in Forex expenditure of Rs.30,000 crores.
    • Hence, by becoming Atma Nirbhar in producing speciality steel, India will move up the steel value chain and come at par with advanced steel-making countries like Korea and Japan.
  • Adarsh Smarak Scheme

    Source: The Hindu

    What is the news?

    Recently, the fort at Gandikota was identified for development under the Centrally-sponsored ‘Adopt a Heritage’ programme. Further, 3 monuments – Nagarjuna Konda in Guntur district, the Buddhist remains at Salihundam in Srikakulam district and the Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi in Anantapur district have been identified for development under ‘Adarsh Smarak’ scheme.

    About Adarsh Smarak scheme
    • Ministry: Ministry of Culture
    • The scheme was launched in 2014 for providing improved visitor amenities, especially for the physically challenged, besides cleanliness, drinking water, and interpretation centres, cafeteria, souvenir shop, wi-fi, garbage disposal etc.
    • Objectives:
      • To make the monument accessible to differently-abled.
      • To make monument visitor friendly.
      • Furthermore, to implement Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
      • Also, to upgrade/provide washrooms, drinking water, signages, cafeteria, and wi-fi facilities.
      • To provide interpretation and audio-video centers.
      • To streamline wastewater and garbage disposal and a rainwater harvesting system.
      • Lastly, to provide safety and protection
    About Adopt a Heritage scheme
    • An initiative of the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
    • Under this scheme, the government invites entities, including public sector companies, private sector firms and individuals, to develop selected monuments and heritage and tourist sites.
    • Basic amenities like drinking water, ease of access for the differently-abled and senior citizens, standardised signage, cleanliness, public convenience, surveillance system and night-viewing facilities are provided and maintained under the scheme.
    • Read more about adopt a heritage scheme here
  • Stand Up India Scheme extended up to the year 2025

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Finance has informed Lok Sabha that the Stand Up India Scheme has been extended up to the year 2025.

    About Stand Up India Scheme:
    • The Stand Up India Scheme was launched in 2016 by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
    • Objective: The scheme facilitates bank loans for setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector by SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs.
    • Bank Loan: It provides bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and up to 1 crore.
      • The government does not allocate funds for loans under the Scheme. They are extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks(SCBs).
    • Repayable of Loan: The loan is repayable in 7 years, with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.
    Eligibility Condition for Loans under Stand Up India Scheme:
    • Beneficiaries should be SC/ST and/or woman entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
    • Loans under the scheme are available only for greenfield projects. Greenfield signifies the first-time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector.
    • In the case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur.
    • Borrowers should not be in default to any bank/financial institution.
    Changes made in the Scheme:
    • Margin money requirement for loans under the Scheme has been reduced from ‘upto 25%’ to `upto 15%’.
    • Activities allied to agriculture have been included in the Scheme.

    Performance of the Scheme:

    • Banks have sanctioned Rs 26,204 crore to about 1,16,266 beneficiaries under the Scheme in the last five years.
    • The scheme has benefited more than 93,094 women entrepreneurs.
  • Prime Minister inaugurates and dedicates PRASHAD projects in Varanasi

    Source: PIB

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Tourism Facilitation Centre and operation of Cruise Boat in Varanasi. These projects have been developed under the PRASHAD Scheme.

    About the PRASHAD Scheme:
    • The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive(PRASHAD) was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15.
    • Purpose: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
    • Objectives of the Scheme:
      • To enhance tourism attractiveness in a sustainable manner.
      • To harness pilgrimage tourism so that it directly affects and multiplies employment generation and economic development.
      • Furthermore, to promote local art and culture, handicraft and cuisines, etc.
      • To develop world-class infrastructure in religious destinations.

    Other Tourism Scheme:

    Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
    • Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-2015
    • Aim: It is a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
    • Objectives:
      • position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation
      • Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner;
      • Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions.
    • Thematic Circuits under Scheme: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Sufi Circuit, and Tirthankar Circuit.

     

  • Cabinet approves continuation of scheme for judicial infrastructure development

    Source:PIB

    What is the News?

    The Central government has approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary for a further five years till 2026.

    Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary:
    • The Centrally Sponsored Scheme(CSS) for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary has been in operation since 1993-94.
    • Aim: The scheme aims at improving the physical infrastructure of the Subordinate Courts. It also improves the housing needs for judicial officers of District and Subordinate Courts to facilitate better justice delivery.
    • Coverage of the Scheme: The Scheme covers all States and Union Territories. It covers the construction of court buildings and the construction of residential accommodation for Judges and Judicial Officers of District and Subordinate Courts in the States.
    Monitoring Mechanism for the Scheme:
    • An online monitoring system has been set up by the Department of Justice.
    • The online monitoring system “Nyaya-Vikas-2.0” has been developed with the technical assistance of ISRO.
    • The portal shall monitor the physical and financial progress of such judicial infrastructure projects by geo-tagging completed and ongoing infrastructure projects.

    Support to Gram Nyayalayas:

    • The Cabinet has also approved a proposal to support Gram Nyayalayas by providing recurring and non-recurring grants for a period of 5 years.
    • However, funds will be released to states only after the notified Gram Nyayalayas are operationalized and Nyayadhikaris appointed and reported on the Gram Nyayalaya portal.
    • Moreover, a review will also be undertaken after one year to assess whether Gram Nyayalaya Scheme has achieved its objective of providing speedy and affordable justice to the rural and marginalised populace.
  • G-secs: RBI unveils Retail Direct Scheme

    Source: The Hindu 

    What is the News? 

    The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has announced the launch of the RBI Retail Direct scheme. 

    About RBI Retail Direct Scheme: 
    • RBI Retail Direct Scheme is a one-stop solution to facilitate investment in government securities (G-secs) by individual investors. 
    • Under the scheme, retail investors (individuals) will have the facility to open and maintain the ‘Retail Direct Gilt Account’ (RDG Account) with the RBI. 
    • Gilt Account means an account opened and maintained for holding Government securities. 
    • This RDG account can be opened through an online portal provided for the purpose of the scheme. 
    • The online portal will then allow the registered users access to primary issuance of G-secs and access to NDS-OM (Negotiated Dealing System — Order Matching (NDS-OM).
    What are Government Securities(G-secs)? 
    • A Government Security(G-Sec) is a tradable instrument issued by the Central Government or the State Governments. It acknowledges the Government’s debt obligation.  
    • Such securities are short term (usually called treasury bills, with original maturities of less than one year) or long term (usually called Government bonds or dated securities with original maturity of one year or more).  
    • In India, the Central Government issues both, treasury bills and bonds or dated securities while the State Governments issue only bonds or dated securities which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs). 
    What are NDS(Negotiated Dealing System)? 
    • The Negotiated Dealing System or NDS is an electronic trading platform operated by the RBI to facilitate the issuing and exchange of government securities and other types of money market instruments.  
    • The goal was to reduce inefficiencies stemming from telephone orders and manual paperwork while increasing transparency for all market participants 
  • PLI schemes evoke mixed response: IT, mobile steal a march on other sectors

    Source: Indian Express

     What is the News?

    The production-linked incentive(PLI) schemes for several sectors have received a good response. However, the scheme is struggling across most other sectors where it has been rolled out.

     About PLI Scheme:
    • The scheme aims to invite foreign investors to set up their manufacturing units in India. Similarly, it also aims to promote the local manufacturers to expand their manufacturing.
    • Features: Under the Scheme, companies will get incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units.
    • Implementation: The scheme is implemented by the concerned ministries/departments.
    • Sectors: PLI Scheme has been approved for various sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, IT hardware, mobile phones, telecom equipment, white goods, chemical cells, and textiles, etc.
    Performance of the Scheme:
    • The PLI Scheme has received the maximum number of applications for sectors such as food, mobile, electronic components manufacturing, IT hardware as well as telecom equipment manufacturing.
    • On the other hand, sectors such as medical devices, textiles, automobile component manufacturing are struggling to find participants for the PLI scheme.
    • The reason for low interest in these sectors is that most companies either do not meet the qualification norms for the PLI scheme or feel that the return on investment is low compared to the incentives announced.
      • Example: Investors in the steel sector are not very keen on applying under the scheme as they feel that the period of 5 years is too less to set up new units and start production from them or even expand old units.
      • In the case of PLI for automobile and automobile component manufacturing, most Indian companies do not meet the qualification norms and have avoided even applying for the scheme.
  • Cabinet approves Rs. 3.03 lakh crores reform-based power distribution scheme

    Source: PIB 

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved a Reforms-based and Results-linked, Revamped Power Distribution Sector Scheme.

    About Reform Based Power Distribution Scheme:

    Aim: To improve the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of DISCOMs/ Power Departments excluding Private Sector DISCOMs by providing conditional financial assistance for strengthening of supply infrastructure.

    Objectives of the Scheme:
    • Reduction of AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25.
    • Reduction of ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25.
    • Developing Institutional Capabilities for Modern DISCOMs
    • Improvement in the quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient Distribution Sector.
    Duration and Implementation of the Scheme:
    • Nodal Agencies: Power Finance Corporation(PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation(REC) have been nominated as the nodal agencies for the implementation of the scheme.
    • Duration: The Scheme would be available till the year 2025-26.
    Other Features of the Scheme:
    • Assistance: The financial assistance under the Scheme will be based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria as well as upon achievement of basic minimum benchmarks by the DISCOM.
    • Approach: Implementation of the Scheme would be based on the action plan worked out for each state rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
    • Merging of Scheme: The central schemes, Integrated Power Development Scheme(IPDS), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) will be merged under this scheme.
    • Focus: The Scheme has a major focus on improving electricity supply for the farmers and for providing daytime electricity to them through solarization of agricultural feeders.
    • Consumer Empowerment: The scheme also enables consumer empowerment by way of prepaid Smart metering to be implemented in Public-Private-Partnership(PPP) mode.
    • Technology: Artificial Intelligence would be used to analyze data generated to enable DISCOMs to make informed decisions.
  • Explained: Ration card reform, so far

    Source: Indian Express

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to implement the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) system by July 31st,2021.

    What is One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)?
    • The ONORC scheme is aimed at enabling migrant workers and their family members to buy subsidized ration from any fair price shop anywhere in the country under the National Food Security Act,2013.
    • For example, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh will be able to access PDS benefits in Mumbai, where he or she may have gone in search of work. On the other hand, members of his or her family can still go to their ration dealer back home.
    How does ONORC work?
    • ONORC is based on technology that involves details of beneficiaries, ration card, Aadhaar number, and electronic Points of Sale (ePoS). The system identifies a beneficiary through biometric authentication on ePoS devices at fair price shops.
    • The system runs with the support of two portals —Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) (impds.nic.in) and Annavitran (annavitran.nic.in) which host all the relevant data.
    • When a ration cardholder goes to a fair price shop, he or she identifies himself or herself through biometric authentication on ePoS, which is matched real-time with details on the Annavitaran portal.
    • Once the ration card details are verified, the dealer hands out the beneficiary’s entitlements.
    • While the Annavitaran portal maintains a record of intra-state transactions — inter-district and intra-district — the IM-PDS portal records the inter-state transactions.
    Incentives to States:
    • To promote ONORC reform in the Public Distribution System(PDS), the Government of India has provided incentives to states.
    • The Centre had even set the implementation of ONORC as a precondition for additional borrowing by states during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

    How many States have implemented ONORC?

    • To date, 32 states and Union Territories have joined the ONORC, covering about 69 crore NFSA beneficiaries.
    • Four states are yet to join the scheme — Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and West Bengal.
  • Free foodgrain supply until Nov to cost over ₹67,200 cr
    What is the News?

    Cabinet has approved key decisions related to food grains, merger of CWC and CRWC and deal with Caribbean Island Nations on Tax matters.

    About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY)
      • It was announced as part of the relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • Aim: To ensure sufficient food for the poor and needy during the coronavirus crisis.
      • Nodal Ministry: Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
      • Features: Under this, about 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries are eligible for an additional quota of free-of-cost foodgrains (Rice/Wheat). It is provided at a scale of 5 Kg per person per month over and above their regular monthly entitlement.
      • Duration of the Scheme: The scheme was announced in 2020 for three months till July. Later it was extended till November 2020.
        • The scheme is functional once again. Now it has been extended till November 2021.
    The merger of CWC and CRWC:
      • Cabinet has approved the merger of Central Warehousing Corp. (CWC), a state-run company with unit Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd (CRWC).
      • The merger aims to improve efficiency, capacity utilization, and financial savings.
      • Benefits of the Merger:
        • It will lead to the transfer of all assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations of CRWC to CWC.
        • It will unify similar functions of both companies such as warehousing, handling, and transportation under a single administration.
        • It will promote efficiency, capacity utilization, transparency, accountability, and ensure financial savings.

    Source: Livemint

  • Aspirational District Programme – Achievements and Suggestions – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) India has released a report titled ‘Aspirational Districts Programme: An Appraisal’. The report calls the program a global example of leveraging local structures of governance and bureaucracy. It applauds the multi-stakeholder partnership for ensuring localization of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

    UNDP marks the Aspirational Districts Program as a model replicable program not just within India, but also on a global scale. However, it also calls for broadening its scope and laying greater emphasis on the qualitative aspect of the program. Hence, the government should take proactive steps for ensuring regionally balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth.

    About the Aspirational Districts Programme
    • It was launched in 2018 to improve the socio-economic status of 112 aspirational districts across 28 states. 
      • The selected districts were witnessing the least progress on certain development parameters, such as health and nutrition; education; agriculture, and water resources, etc.
      • These districts account for more than 20% of the country’s population and cover over 8,600 gram panchayats.
    • It is coordinated by Niti Aayog with support from Central Ministries and the State Governments. 
    • The three core principles of the programme are:
      • Convergence of Central & State Schemes, which brings together the horizontal and vertical tiers of the government.
      • Collaboration among citizens and functionaries of Central & State Governments, including district teams. This will enable impactful partnerships between government, market, and civil society.
      • Competition among districts driven by a spirit of the mass movement.
    • Each district is ranked based on 49 performance indicators identified across the 5 core themes. This includes 
      • Health & Nutrition (30% weightage)
      • Education (30% weightage)
      • Agriculture & Water Resources (20% weightage)
      • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
      • Basic Infrastructure (10%)
    • The delta ranking of the Aspirational Districts combines the innovative use of data with pragmatic administration. 
      • The programme ranks districts based on the improvement achieved month-on-month through the Champions of Change dashboard (An online Dashboard).

    The success of the program lies in its robust institutional framework and core strategy.

    Institutional framework and core strategy
    • Framework:
      • NITI Aayog anchors the program at the central level while individual ministries have been responsible to drive progress in districts
      • States are the main drivers of the program
      • For each district, a central Prabhari officer has been nominated. He/she should possess the rank of joint secretary/additional secretary.
    • Core Strategy of the programme:
      • Work on the strength of each district.
      • Make development a mass movement in these districts.
      • Identify low-hanging fruits and the strength of each district which can act as a catalyst for development.
      • Measure progress and rank districts to spur a sense of competition.
      • Districts shall aspire from becoming State’s best to Nation’s best.
    Why was it praised by the UNDP?
    1. First, the program can illuminate the path towards the attainment of sustainable development goals. It is a very successful model of local area development and aligned to the principle of “leave no one behind” – the vital core of the SDGs.
    2. Second, real-time monitoring on the ‘Champions of Change’ dashboard and a monthly ranking of the best-performing districts adds a competitive zeal to the programme. This motivates the districts to push themselves to outperform others.
    3. Third, some aspirational districts have performed better than non- aspirational districts in many domains. This shows its efficacy in ensuring balanced regional development.
    4. Fourth, the program received a high degree of political support as it was envisioned by the PM itself. This resulted in more growth and development in the aspirational districts over the last three years.
    5. Fifth, the program managed to deliver optimum results even in security-sensitive LWE (left-wing extremism) affected districts.
    6. Sixth, the program encourages collaboration and coordination among the government, civil society, and private sector. This led to the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach in planning and implementing the projects, which delivered better results.
    Achievements of Aspirational Districts Programme
    • Health and Nutrition: Model anganwadi centres have been set up across districts to benefit women and children. The number of institutional deliveries has increased, along with a dip registered in the rate of severe acute malnutrition in infants.
      • Poshan App has been developed for an aspirational district in Ranchi. It is a real-time data analytics digital platform. 
      • It monitors bed occupancy, child-growth charts, and the inventory of every malnourishment treatment center in the district
    • Education outcomes: Innovation and digitisation have been the cornerstone of transformation in the education sector. The ‘Hamara Vidhyalaya’ model adopted in Namsai, a remote district in Arunachal Pradesh, registered substantial improvement in learning outcomes and overall teaching practices.
      • Under this model, a school prabhari is appointed for each school in the district to ensure monitoring, assessment, and guidance. The model makes use of an online platform called ‘Yathasarvam’ for improving the outcomes.
    • Agriculture and water resources: District administrations have laid tremendous emphasis on improving irrigation facilities and yield, as well as farmer education. Several innovative paths have been adopted to create market linkages for products indigenous to the aspirational districts.
      • The farmers of Chandauli, U.P were encouraged to grow fertiliser-free organic black rice.
      • The experiment was remarkably successful, with Chandauli adding to the thriving global market of black rice and exporting to even countries like Australia and New Zealand. 
    • Basic Infrastructure: This pillar witnessed significant advancement, especially in LWE affected districts. This ensured better connectivity and seamless movement from rural to urban regions.
      • Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and Malkangiri in Odisha have greatly improved the network of roadways and ramped up the infrastructure projects in their jurisdiction. 
    • Financial inclusion and skill development: Micro-ATMs have been launched in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district to provide financial assistance to women self-help group members. They are provided with commission-based income on every transaction.
    Issues associated with the Aspirational Districts Programme
    • Inadequate Coverage: Although the program is highly inclusive in nature, it fails to capture crucial variables like environment and gender.
    • Imbalance in implementation: Most districts channelized their efforts focused on health and nutrition, education, and agriculture, and water resources. They paid less emphasis on the sectors of Skill Development and Financial Inclusion.
    • Budgetary Constraints: ADP is affected by the issue pertaining to insufficient budgetary resources. This sustains the lack of human resources and the dearth of technical capacities at the district and block levels.
    • Coordination Issue: Niti Aayog plays a mentoring role in 27 districts in eight states. Twelve central government ministries have similarly adopted the remaining districts. Implementation involving multiple ministries leads to a lack of coordination.
    • Shortcomings of Delta Ranking: It is largely focused on assessing quantity (that is, coverage of access) rather than quality. For instance, timely delivery of textbooks in schools is part of the ranking index however very little weightage is given to the quality of education rendered in these districts.
    Suggestions to improve the Aspirational Districts Programme
    • The first UNDP appraisal of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) has recommended a realignment of sectors under the program. It calls for the addition of topics such as environment and gender.
    • The weightage of Skill Development and Financial Inclusion sectors must be enhanced so that states give greater focus over them.
    • The government must give greater funding to the districts, especially the LWE districts, which are plagued with the double burden of countering LWE activities and ensuring development.
    • The center and states must work in the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism in order to improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens. 
    • Further, the bottom-ranked districts should learn from the success model of the top-ranked districts.
    Conclusion

    The success of the Aspirational Districts Programme has been testified by national as well as international agencies. It is a flagship initiative for improving the lives of citizens residing in the most backward regions of the country. The need of the hour demands overcoming its challenges and realizing the vision of ‘SABKA SATH, SABKA VIKAS’ for ensuring inclusive development.

  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    What is the News? The Government of India released funds for various activities to empower Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization(SMAM).

    Various activities include the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres, Farm Machinery Bank and distribution of various agricultural machinery to different states.

    Note: Agriculture mechanization is the process of replacing human and animal labour with machines in the agriculture sector. The use of tractors, threshers, harvesters, pump sets is a part of farm mechanization.

    About Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization(SMAM):
    • The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization(SMAM) was launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

    Read Also:-Important Government schemes & Programs

    Objectives of the Scheme:
    • To increase the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers. Also, to increase the reach in regions where availability of farm power is low;
    • To promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual ownership;
    • Also, to create hubs for hi-tech & high-value farm equipment;
    • To create awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities;
    • To ensure performance testing and certification at designated testing centres located all over the country.

    Mission Strategy: To achieve the above objectives, the Mission will adopt the following strategies:

    • Conduct performance testing for various farm machinery and equipment at the four Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), designated State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and ICAR institutions;
    • Promote farm mechanization among stakeholders by way of on-field and off-field training and demonstrations.
    • Provide financial assistance to farmers for procurement of farm machinery and implements
    • Establish custom hiring centers of the location and crop-specific farm machinery and implements
    • Provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers for hiring machinery and implements in low mechanized regions.

    Source: PIB

  • NITI Aayog launches “Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyaan”
    What is the news?

    Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyaan’ has been launched by NITI Aayog and Piramal Foundation.

    About Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyaan:
    • Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyaan has been launched in 112 aspirational districts.
    • Aim: To assist district administrations in providing home-care support to COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.
    • Features of the initiative:
      • Firstly, the initiative will be led by district magistrates in partnership with local NGOs.
      • Secondly, the NGOs will help mobilise local volunteers. They shall be trained so that they can provide support to affected families by educating them to follow Covid-19 protocols. They shall also be trained to provide psycho-social support and timely updates about patients to the administration.
      • Thirdly, local leaders, civil societies and volunteers will also work with district administrations to address emerging problems across key focus areas of the Aspirational Districts Programme.
    • Significance of the campaign: The Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyaan campaign is expected to contribute to district preparedness for managing nearly 70% of COVID cases at home. Hence, it shall reduce pressure on the healthcare system and curbing the spread of fear among the people.

    Read Also :-What is National Nutrition Mission?

    About Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme (TADP):
    • The TADP programme was launched in 2018. It is coordinated by Niti Aayog with support from Central Ministries and the State Governments.
    • Aim: To quickly and effectively transform underdeveloped districts. This will be done by focusing on the strength of each district, identifying easily achievable areas for immediate improvement, measuring progress and then ranking them.
    • Features: it is based on three broad principles:
      • Convergence (of Central & State Schemes),
      • Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors), and
      • Competition among districts driven by a mass Movement.
    • Themes: The programme focuses on 5 main themes:
      • Nutrition
      • Education
      • Agriculture & Water Resources
      • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development
      • Basic Infrastructure.
    • Ranking: Each district is ranked based on 49 performance indicators identified across the above 5 core themes. The main objective of the rankings is to measure progress and rank districts to spur a sense of competition among states.

    Source: The Hindu 

  • Haryana’s “Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme” and “Oxy Van” (Oxygen Forests)
    What is the News?

    Haryana Government has launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme (PVDPS) and Oxy Van(Oxygen Forests) on the occasion of World Environment Day.

    About Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme(PVDPS):

    Read Also :-“Pradhan Mantri VAN DHAN Yojana” (PMVDY)

    • Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme(PVDPS) is an initiative to honour all those trees which are of the age of 75 years and above. As they have served humanity throughout their life by producing oxygen, reducing pollution, providing shade and so on.
    • Such trees will be identified throughout the state and these will be looked after by involving local people in this scheme.
    • For the maintenance of these trees, a “pension amount” of Rs 2,500 would be given per year.
    • The pension shall be given to the Village panchayats and Urban Local Bodies department for the upkeep of the trees installing plates, grilles among others.
    • This ‘tree pension’ shall continue to increase every year on lines similar to the Old Age Samman Pension Scheme in the state.
    About Oxy Van:
    • Oxy Van are identified pieces of land on which as many as 3 crore trees would be planted.
    • The Oxy Vans will occupy 10% of the 8 lakh hectares of land across Haryana.
    • The total cost of the project shall be Rs 1 crore.

    Read Also :–Issue of Pension System in India

    Source: Indian Express

  • Govt Launches “Seed Minikit Programme”

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Seed Minikit Programme.

    About Seed Minikit Programme:
    • Seed Minikit Programme aims to distribute high yielding varieties of seeds of pulses and oilseeds to farmers.
    • Nodal Agencies: The seed mini-kits are being provided by the following central agencies –
      • National Seeds Corporation(NCS)
      • NAFED
      • Gujarat State Seeds Corporation
    • Funding: The programme is wholly funded by the Center through the National Food Security Mission.
    • Significance: This programme is a major tool for introducing new varieties of seeds in fields and instrumental in increasing the seed replacement rate.
      • Seed Replacement Rate (SRR): Out of the total area of a crop planted in a season, SRR is the percentage of total area sown using certified/quality seeds other than the farm-saved seed (the practice of saving seeds to plant in the next season).
    Pulses and Oilseeds Production in India:
    • The Government of India in collaboration with states has been implementing programmes to enhance the production of pulses and oilseeds under the National Food Security Mission.
    • Since 2014-15, there has been a renewed focus on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds. The efforts have yielded good results.
      • Oilseeds production has increased from 27.51 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 36.57million tonnes in 2020-21.
      • On the other hand, pulses production has increased from 17.15 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 25.56 million tonnes in 2020-21.
      • However, India still imports a lot of pulses and edible oils to meet domestic demand.
    About National Food Security Mission(NFSM):
    • The National Food Security Mission(NFSM) was launched in 2007-08 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
    • Aim: To increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses through
      • area expansion and productivity enhancement
      • restoring soil fertility and productivity
      • Creating employment opportunities and
      • enhancing farm level economy.
    • Coarse cereals were also included in the Mission from 2014-15 under NFSM.

    Source: PIB

  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for health workers fighting Covid-19
    What is the News?

    The government of India has introduced a new system for quick clearance of claims under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package(PMGKP) Insurance Scheme for health workers Fighting Covid-19”.

    What is the New System for Quick Clearance of Claims?
    • Under the New System, the District Collector will be certifying that the insurance claim in each case is in accordance with the guidelines of the scheme.
    • On the basis of this certificate of the Collector, the Insurance Company will approve and settle the claims within a period of 48 hours.
    • Further, the District Collector will also certify the claims even in the case of Central Government hospitals/ AIIMS/ Railways among others.
    About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for health workers Fighting Covid-19:
    • Launched by: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2020.
    • Aim: To provide comprehensive personal accident insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to all healthcare providers who
      • Lost their life due to Covid-19
      • Accidental death on account of COVID-19 related duty.
    • Coverage of the Scheme:
      • All government health centres, wellness centres and hospitals of Centre as well as States has included under this scheme
      • Private hospital staff and retired/volunteer /local urban bodies/contracted/daily wageworker were also included in the scheme.
      • Safai karamcharis, ward-boys, nurses, ASHA workers and other health workers were also covered.
    • Implementation: The scheme is being implemented through an Insurance policy from the New India Assurance Company(NIACL).

    Source: PIB

     

  • Kerala’s “Bell of Faith Scheme” for elderly
    What is the News?

    Kerala’s ‘Bell of Faith’ scheme will be expanded to the villages to reach senior citizens staying alone. Earlier, the scheme was successfully implemented in a number of urban households in Kerala.

    About Bell of Faith Scheme:
    • Firstly, Bell of Faith Scheme was launched by the Kerala Police in 2018. It aims to provide security to senior citizens staying alone as part of Kerala’s Community Policing Scheme.
    • Secondly, under the Scheme, police have installed a bell in the senior citizens’ houses.
    • Thirdly, the neighbour will get an alert with an alarm when the senior citizen rings the bell during an emergency.
    • Fourthly, the neighbour can immediately rush to the house or contact the police or hospital.
    Significance of the Scheme:
    • The Bell of Faith scheme sets an example for community participation to ensure the well-being and safety of the elderly.
    • Moreover, this scheme can be of great support for the senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic as many live in fear for their health.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • PM-CARES for Children scheme
    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has announced a special PM-CARES for Children scheme. The scheme includes a comprehensive financial aid package for children orphaned during the pandemic.

    About PM-CARES for Children Scheme:

    The PM-CARES for Children Scheme will support children. It is for those who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian/adoptive parents due to Covid-19.

    Features of the PM-CARES for Children Scheme:

    Fixed Deposit in the name of the child:

    • Firstly, PM CARES will create a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child when s/he reaches 18 years of age.
    • Secondly, this corpus will be used to give monthly financial support from 18 years of age for the next five years.
    • Thirdly, on reaching the age of 23 years, he or she will get the corpus amount as one lump sum for personal and professional use.
    School Education: For children under 10 years
    • The child will be given admission to the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.
    • If the child is admitted to a private school, the fees as per the Right to Education(RTE) norms will be given from the PM CARES.
    School Education: for children between 11-18 years:
    • The child will be given admission to any Central Government residential school such as Sainik School, Navodaya Vidyalaya etc.
    • In case the child is to be continued under the care of Guardian. Then s/he will be given admission to the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.
    • If the child is admitted to a private school, the fees as per the Right to Education(RTE) norms will be given from the PM CARES.
    Support for Higher Education:
    • The child will be assisted in obtaining an education loan for Higher Education in India as per the existing Education Loan norms. The interest on this loan will be paid by the PM CARES.
    • As an alternative, there will be a scholarship equivalent to the course fees for undergraduate courses, It would be as per Government norms. And they will be provided to such children under Central or State Government Schemes.
    Health Insurance
    • All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs.
    • The premium amount for these children till the age of 18 years will be paid by PM CARES.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “YUVA Scheme”- For Mentoring Young Authors Launched
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Education has launched YUVA Scheme. It is the Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors.

     About YUVA-  Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors:

    • Firstly, the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education launched the YUVA (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors) scheme.
    • Secondly, it is an Author Mentorship scheme. It aims to mentor authors under the age of 30. It will train them to promote reading, writing, and book culture in the country. This will allow India to project its writings globallya
    • Thirdly, this scheme is in line with PM’s vision to encourage young writers to write about India’s freedom struggle.
    • Fourthly, Implementation: National Book Trust of India under the Ministry of Education as the Implementing Agency will ensure execution of the Scheme.
    • Fifthly, Part of: The scheme is a part of the India@75 Project (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav). The project aims to bring out the perspectives of the young generation of writers, It would be on themes like unsung heroes, freedom fighters, and others in an innovative and creative manner.
    Key Features of the YUVA Scheme:
    • Firstly, Under the Scheme, a total of 75 authors will be selected through the All India Contest.
    • Secondly, the themes of the contest are unsung heroes, freedom fighters, National Movement among others.
    • Thirdly, the young authors will be trained by eminent authors/mentors. The books by these authors will be published by National Book Trust, India.
    • Fourthly, the books will also be translated into other Indian languages. It will ensure the exchange of culture and literature thereby promoting ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
    • Lastly, a consolidated scholarship of Rs.50,000 per month for a period of six months per author will be paid under the Mentorship Scheme.
    About National Book Trust:
    • National Book Trust(NBT) is an Indian publishing house. It was founded in 1957 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education of the Government of India.
    • Mandate: The activities of the Trust include publishing, promotion of books and reading, promotion of Indian books abroad, assistance to authors and publishers, and promotion of children’s literature.

    Source: PIB

     

  • “Mid-Day-Meal Scheme” – Govt decides to provide monetary assistance through DBT

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Education has approved the proposal to provide monetary assistance to students enrolled in Mid-Day-Meal Scheme. The cooking cost component amount will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) to all eligible children.

    About Mid Day Meal Scheme:

    • Mid Day Meal Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1995 by the Ministry of Education.
    • Objective:
      • Firstly, to address the issues of hunger and education in schools by serving hot cooked meals;
      • Secondly, to improve the nutritional status of children
      • Thirdly, to improve enrollment, attendance and retention rates in schools and other education centres.
    • Origin of the Scheme:
      • The roots of the scheme trace back to the pre-independence era. The erstwhile British administration has introduced the midday meal programme in 1925 in Madras Corporation.
      • The French administration in 1930 had also introduced a midday meal programme in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
    • Features of the Scheme:
      • Under the Scheme, cooked meals are provided to every child within the age group of six to fourteen years and studying in classes I to VIII.
      • Cooked meal having nutritional standards of 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary (I-V class) and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary (VI-VIII class).
      • If the Mid-Day Meal is not provided in school on any school day due to non-availability of food grains or any other reason. Then the State Government shall pay food security allowance by 15th of the succeeding month.
    • Coverage: All children in government and aided schools and madrasas supported under Samagra Shiksha.

    Source: PIB

  • Record Foodgrain Exports Amid hunger in India – Right to Food Campaign

     


    What is the News?

    The Right to Food Campaign has criticized the record export of foodgrains from India in 2020-21. It is the time when the country’s people are struggling with hunger amid the COVID-19 crisis.

    The Right to Food Campaign highlighted the following issues:

     Record Foodgrain Exports:

    • The Government of India has exported over 13 million tonnes of non-basmati rice and more than two million tonnes of wheat in 2020-21.
    • The Government could have used the exported grain to provide to 25 crore people with rations for a year.

    Coverage of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana Scheme:

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana provides additional free grain for only two months. It also covers only those who are already included under the National Food Security Act.
    • The food security crisis faced by the informal sector workers, especially those who do not have ration cards, has been completely ignored.
    • Hence, the Government should immediately universalise the Public Distribution System(PDS). It should also extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme for a period of at least six months.
    About Right to Food Campaign:
    • Right to Food campaign is an informal network of individuals and organizations. It has its commitments to the realisation of the right to food in India.
    • The launching of the campaign happened in 2001 with a writ petition filed in Supreme Court in 2001 by People’s Union for Civil Liberties.
      • The petition demanded that the country’s surplus food stocks should be used without delay to protect people from hunger and starvation.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Cabinet approves PLI scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage’
    What is the News?

    Cabinet approves the Production Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’.

    PLI Scheme For Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’:

    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
    • Aim: The programme aims to set up facilities capable of manufacturing a cumulative 50GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries.
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    • Firstly, the government will select the ACC battery storage manufacturers through a transparent competitive bidding process.
    • Secondly, the selected ACC manufacturer will have to set up the ACC facility within a period of two years.
    • Thirdly, there will be disbursement of the incentive to the manufacturer over a period of five years. The incentive amount will rise with the following,
      • Increased specific energy density and cycles,
      • Increased local value addition.
    • Fourthly, the ACC firms will also have to achieve a domestic value addition of at least 25%. They should also incur the mandatory investment of Rs 225 crore /GWh within 2 years.
    • Lastly, each selected ACC battery Storage manufacturer would have to commit to set up an ACC manufacturing facility of minimum 5GWh capacity. Further, they should also ensure a minimum 60% domestic value addition at the project level within five years.
    Benefits of the Scheme:
    • Currently, all the demand for the ACCs is satisfied through imports in India. Hence, the programme on ACC will decrease import dependence.
    • The manufacturing of ACCs will also increase the demand for Electric Vehicles (EV).
    • India can increase net savings of around Rs 2 lakh crore on account of oil import bill due to Electric Vehicles (EV) adoption.
    • Facilitate demand creation for battery storage in India.
    • The impetus in R&D can achieve higher specific energy density and cycles in ACC.
    • Promote newer and niche cell technologies.

    What are Advanced Chemistry Cell(ACC) batteries?

    • ACCs are the new generation of advanced storage technologies. They can store electric energy either as electrochemical or as chemical energy. The cells then can convert it back to electric energy as and when required.
    • Sectors: Consumer electronics, electric vehicles, advanced electricity grids and solar rooftops are major battery consuming sectors.

    Source: PIB

    [Answered]What is ‘National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage’? Discuss its importance.

  • “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture”(MIDH) Scheme
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided an enhanced allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the year 2021-22 for ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’(MIDH).

     Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture(MIDH):
    • The mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture(MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the MIDH scheme since 2014-15.
    • Part of: The scheme is being implemented as a part of the Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.
    • Coverage: The scheme covers fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops. The scheme also covers mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew and cocoa.

    Sub Schemes under MIDH: The mission has the following sub-schemes as its component:

    • National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
    • Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH)
    • National Horticulture Board (NHB)
    • Coconut Development Board (CDB)
    • Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland.
    Funding: Under the scheme,
    • The government of India(GOI) contributes 60% of the total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in the North East and the Himalayas.
    • In the case of the North-Eastern States and the Himalayan States, GOI contributes 90%.
    • In the case of the following the GOI contributes 100%.
      • National Horticulture Board(NHB),
      • Coconut Development Board(CDB),
      • Central Institute for Horticulture(CIH)
      • The National Level Agencies(NLA)
    • Further, the scheme also provides for technical and administrative support to State Governments/ State Horticulture Missions(SHMs). It also provides technical and administrative support for the Saffron Mission and other horticulture-related activities.

    Performance of the scheme: MIDH scheme has played a significant role in increasing the area under horticulture crops such as:

    • Area and production under horticulture crops during the years 2014 – 15 to 2019 – 20 has increased by 9% and 14% respectively.
    • During the year 2019-20, the country recorded its highest ever horticulture production of 320.77 million tonnes from an area of 25.66 million hectares.
    • However, the sector is still facing a lot of challenges. Such as,
      • High post-harvest loss
      • Gaps in post-harvest management
      • Supply chain infrastructure.

    Source: PIB

     

    Ayushman Bharat programme

  • One lakh tonnes of food grains distributed within 10 days under “PMGKAY”.

    What is the News?

    The government is distributing food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. According to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, one lakh tonnes of food grains have been distributed so far under the new phase of the Yojana.

    About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana(PMGKAY):

    • PMGKAY was first announced in 2020 as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package(PMGKP). It aims to help the poor to fight the battle against Covid-19.
    • Aim: The aim of the scheme is to provide each person, who is covered under the National Food Security Act(NFSA), with an additional 5 kg of grains (wheat or rice) for free. This is given over and above their monthly entitlement
    • Duration of the Scheme: The scheme was announced in 2020 for three months till July 2020. Later it was extended till November 2020.
      • However, the scheme is functional once again. Under this phase, around 80 crore beneficiaries would be covered for the months of May and June 2021.

    Note: The new phase of the PMGKAY Scheme does not provide free-of-cost 1 kg pulses per month to each household covered under the NFSA. This one of the important components available in the earlier phase of the program.

    Performance of the PMGKAY scheme till now:

    • The government allotted a total monthly allocation (for May) of 40 lakh metric tonnes (MT) under the PMGKAY. Of these one lakh, tonnes have been distributed so far.
    • Thirteen States and union territories have started distribution under the PMGKAY Scheme.
    • In the first 10 days, PMGKAY grains have reached 2.03 crore
    • Further, 15 lakh MT has been lifted by states from the Food Corporation of India’s stock for distribution.

    Petition in Supreme Court:

    • Despite the government intervention, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a resumption of the 2020 scheme. In 2020 the government provided food grains to those without ration cards also.
      • Note: The Government has ruled out the possibility of a similar scheme in 2021.
    • The petitioners have also asked for the payment of minimum wages as cash transfers and appropriate transport facilities for migrant workers.

    Source: The Hindu

     

    India and UK launches Virtual Vaccines Hub

  • Puducherry becomes ‘Har Ghar Jal’ UT under “Jal Jeevan Mission”
    What is the News?

    Puducherry has become the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ Union Territory by ensuring that every rural home gets a household tap connection.

    Note: Puducherry has become the fourth state or UT after Goa, Telangana and Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide assured tap water supply to every rural home under Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM).

    About Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM):
    • Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM) was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019.
    • Objective: The aim is to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
    • The goal of the mission: The goal is to have ‘Har Ghar Jal’- every house in the village is to be provided with a Functional tap connection.
    Fund Sharing Pattern under the mission:
    • The fund sharing pattern between Center and State under the mission is as follow:
      • 90:10 for Himalayan (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and North-Eastern States
      • Total fund for UTs will be provided by Center.
      • 50:50 for the rest of the States.
     Key Features of the mission:
    • Firstly, the mission is a decentralized, demand-driven and community-managed programme. The Gram Panchayat will play a key role in planning and implementation.
    • Secondly, the mission includes extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
    • Thirdly, the mission will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements. This includes measures such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting.
    • Further, States will give priority to
      • Water quality-affected areas,
      • Villages in drought-prone and desert areas,
      • Scheduled caste/scheduled tribe majority villages,
      • Aspirational districts and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana villages.

    Source: PIB

  • “Pradhan Mantri VAN DHAN Yojana” (PMVDY) is Helping Rural Tribal Forest Economy
    What is the News?

    The Managing Director of TRIFED recently highlighted the role played by Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana in changing the rural forest-dwelling tribal economy.

    About Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana:
    • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana in 2018, under the Forest Rights Act of 2005.
    • Aim: To provide remunerative and fair prices to tribal gatherers of their Minor Forest Produces. It could be almost 3 times higher than what would be available to them from middlemen,
    • Component of: The scheme is a key component of the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP’ Scheme.
    • Implementation:
      • At the National Level, TRIFED acts as the Nodal Agency.
      • At the State level, the State Nodal Agency for MFPs and
      • Lastly, at the grass-root level, the District collectors will play a pivotal role in scheme implementation.
    • Key Features of the Scheme:
      • Firstly, under the scheme, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are set up. These centers cater to 10 Self Help Groups and each group consists of thirty tribal gathers.
      • Secondly, Vikas Kendras provides skill up gradation and capacity building training and helps in setting up of primary processing and value addition facility
      • Thirdly, They are also provided with working capital to add value to the products which they collect from the jungle.
      • Fourthly, Working under the leadership of Collector these groups can then market their products not only within the States but also outside the States. TRIFED provides training and technical support.
    Progress of the Scheme:
    • The North-East Region is leading the way with 80% of the established Van Dhan Vikas Kendras(VDVKs). Further, among the Northeast region, Manipur has emerged as the Champion state.
    • Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh are other states where the scheme has been adopted with overwhelming results.

    Source: PIB

  • “Large Area Certification Scheme”
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare has conferred a land area in the Andaman and Nicobar with organic certification. This is the first large contiguous territory conferred with the organic certification under the ‘Large Area Certification’ (LAC) scheme.

    This is a scheme of the PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) certification program.

    Note: PGS is a process of certifying organic products. It ensures that their production takes place in accordance with laid-down quality standards for organics.

    About Large Area Certification Scheme:
    • The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under its flagship scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) has launched the Large Area Certification Scheme.
      • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana(PKVY) was launched in 2015 with the aim to support and promote organic farming. This in turn results in the improvement of soil health.
    • Purpose: The purpose is to provide a unique and quick organic certification to harness the potential land areas for organic products.
    Process for Large Area Certification:
    • Firstly, under the LAC, each village in the area is considered as one cluster/group. Documentations are simple and maintained village-wise.
    • Secondly, all farmers with their farmland and livestock need to adhere to the standard requirements. After verification, they will get certified as a group. Once issued they don’t need to go under conversion period.
    • Thirdly, certification is renewed on annual basis through annual verification. Annual verification is a process of peer appraisals as per the process of PGS-India.
    Benefits of Large Area Certification:
    • As per the established norm of organic production systems, the areas having chemical input usage history will undergo a transition period of a minimum of 2-3 years to qualify as organic.
    • On the other hand, the LAC requirements are simple. The area can be certified as organic almost immediately. Further, the LAC is a Quick certification process that is cost-effective. Apart from that, the farmers do not have to wait for 2-3 years for marketing PGS organic certified products.
    Organic Farming:
    • Firstly, Organic Farming avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones). Instead, it relies upon crop rotations, animal manures, off-farm organic waste and a biological system of nutrient mobilization.
    • Secondly, India now has more than 30 lakh ha area registered under organic certification. Also,  more and more farmers are joining the movement slowly.
    • Thirdly, as per the international survey report (2021) India ranks at 5th place in terms of area. Further, India is at the top in terms of the total number of organic producers(the base year 2019).

    Source: PIB

  • “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” – Centre to give 5 kg food grains free to poor

    What is the News? The Union government announced that 5 kg of food grains would be provided to 80 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for the months of May and June 2021.

    About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana(PMGKAY):
    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was announced as part of the relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Aim: To ensure sufficient food for the poor and needy during the coronavirus crisis.
    • Ministry: The department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
    • Features: Under the scheme, about 80 Crore National Food Security Act(NFSA) beneficiaries are eligible for an additional quota of free-of-cost foodgrains (Rice/Wheat) at a scale of 5 Kg per person per month over and above their regular monthly entitlement.
    • Duration: The scheme was announced in 2020 for three months till July. Later it was extended till November 2020 to combat the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the poor.
      • However, the scheme is functional once again. As many States are undergoing curfews and the high rates of coronavirus infections, leading to a slowdown in economic activity.
    Other Key Announcements:
    • Indian Railways and the Indian Air Force(IAF) are being deployed to provide oxygen to different States.
    • The Central government would be providing Covid-19 vaccines acquired by it to the States for free as in the past.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “RoDTEP Scheme” -Delay in Notification of Rebate Rates

    What is the News? Exporters are upset over the inordinate delay in the notification of the rates under the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) Scheme.

    About Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products(RoDTEP) Scheme:

    • Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the RoDTEP scheme in the year 2020. It came into effect on January 1st, 2021.
    • The scheme replaced the Merchandise Export from India Scheme(MEIS). MEIS was not compliant with the rules of the World Trade Organisation(WTO).
      • US lodged a complaint against India’s MEIS scheme in WTO. Further, a dispute settlement panel of WTO ruled against India’s use of MEIS. It had found the duty credit scrips awarded under the scheme to be inconsistent with WTO norms.
    • Purpose: The RoDTEP scheme will refund the embedded central, state, and local duties or taxes to exporters that were previously non-recoverable. Such as:
      • Firstly, the central & state taxes on the fuel used for transportation of export products
      • Secondly, the duty levied by the state on electricity used for manufacturing
      • Thirdly, mandi tax levied by APMCs
      • Lastly, toll tax & stamp duty on the import-export documentation.
    • Exporters will receive the refund of taxes on exports in exporters’ ledger account with the Customs department. Further, exporters can utilize this credit to pay basic customs duty on imported goods. They can also transfer credits to other importers.
    • Coverage: The scheme covers all export goods starting from January 1, 2021.
    • Significance of the scheme: The scheme would lead to the cost competitiveness of exported products in international markets and better employment opportunities in export-oriented manufacturing industries.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Startup India Seed Fund Scheme” launched

    What is the News? Union Minister of Commerce & Industry launches the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).

    About Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):

    Objective:

    • Firstly, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme(SISFS) aims to provide financial assistance to startups. Assistance is provided for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
    • Secondly, it would help to grow startups to a beginner’s level. After that, startups will be able to raise investments from angel investors or venture capitalists or seek loans from commercial banks or financial institutions.

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    Implementation:
    •  The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) constituted An Experts Advisory Committee(EAC). Which will be responsible for the overall execution and monitoring of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

    Funding:

    1. Firstly, Eligible incubators throughout India will hand out funding to eligible startups across India.
    2. Secondly, Grants of up to Rs 5 Crores shall be provided to the eligible incubators selected by the EAC.
    3. Thirdly, the selected incubators shall provide grants of up to Rs 20 lakhs for validation of Proof of Concept, or prototype development, or product trials to startups.
    4. Finally, Startups will further receive investments of up to Rs 50 lakhs for market entry, commercialization, or scaling up through convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments.

    Duration:

    • The scheme will have a corpus of Rs. 945 Crore. This will be divided over the next 4 years.
    Significance of the scheme:
    • The SISFS scheme will help startups in:
      • Secure seed funding
      • Inspire innovation
      • Support transformative ideas
      • Facilitate implementation and
      • Start startup revolution.
    • The Scheme will also create a robust startup ecosystem particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns of India. These towns lack adequate funding facilities for startups.

    Source: PIB

    “National Startup Advisory Council” – First Meeting Held

  • “Lab on Wheels Programme” For Education Equality
    What is the News?

     Delhi Education Minister inaugurates Delhi Technological University(DTU) Lab on Wheels programme.

    About Lab on Wheels Programme:
    • The Programme aims to impart education in the fields of Mathematics and Science. Especially to the students from marginalised and poor economic backgrounds. The programme aims to stimulate their interests in these subjects while pursuing higher education.
    • In the end, the programme becomes mutually beneficial, if some of these students decide to take admission in DTU once they finish schooling.
    Key Features of the programme:
    • Under the Lab on Wheels, Delhi Technological University students will travel in a bus across Delhi. Also, they will teach government school students and underprivileged children.
    • The bus will comprise 16 computers, two televisions, one 3D printer, one laptop, cameras and one printer. It will also be Wi-Fi enabled with 100% power back up and fully air-conditioned.
    • The Lab on Wheels programme will cover some important things. Such as basic computer training for students, regular classwork for Class 10 and 12 students, and 3D printing training.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Shaphari Scheme” – Centre to Certify Shrimp Farms
    What is the News? 

    Marine Products Export Development Authority(MPEDA) launches a certification scheme for aquaculture called the “Shaphari Scheme”.

    About Shaphari Scheme:
    • Shaphari is a Sanskrit word that means the superior quality of fishery products suitable for human consumption.
    • Purpose: It is an Antibiotics free Certification Scheme. It certifies hatcheries and farms for the production of antibiotic-free shrimp products. By doing that, it aims to:
      1. enhance the consumer confidence,
      2. meet international standards
      3. promote hassle-free export
    • Moreover, the entire certification process will be online to minimize human errors and ensure higher credibility and transparency.
    • Based on: The scheme is based on the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s technical guidelines on aquaculture certification.
    • Components: The scheme will have two components:
      1. Certifying hatcheries for the quality of their seeds and
      2. Separately approving shrimp farms that adopt the requisite good practices.
    • Significance: The certification of fish hatcheries under the Shaphari Scheme will help farmers easily identify good quality seed producers. Those who successfully clear multiple audits of their operations shall receive a certificate for a period of two years.
    Reasons to launch this scheme:
    • Firstly, India is the second-largest fish producer in the world.
    • Secondly, Fish Sector provides employment to 14 million people in harvesting, processing packaging, and distribution.
    • Thirdly, Frozen shrimp is the largest exported item from India. It constitutes 50.58% in quantity and 73.2% in terms of total U.S. dollar earnings from the sector during 2019-20.
    • Fourthly, India exported frozen shrimp worth almost $5 billion in 2019-20 to the U.S. and China — its biggest buyers.
    • Fifthly, Major Producing States: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are the major shrimp producing States.
    • However, a combination of factors had hurt export volumes in recent months. This includes container shortages and incidents of rejection of seafood consignments because of food safety concerns. Hence, the scheme was launched.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Nyuntam Aay Yojana(NYAY)

    What is the News?

    The Congress Party has promised to implement the Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) in Kerala if voted to power.

    About Nyuntam Aay Yojana(NYAY):

    • NYAY is a proposed minimum income guarantee scheme. It was first proposed during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

    Key Features of NYAY Scheme:

    • Beneficiaries: The target population of the Scheme will be 5 crore families. This constitutes the poorest 20% of all families.
    • Benefits: Each family will get a guaranteed cash transfer of Rs. 72,000 a year.
    • Bank Account: The money will transfer to the account of a woman of the family who has a bank account. If she doesn’t have the account, they will be urged to open a bank account.
    • Economic Cost: The estimated cost will be <1% of GDP in Year 1 and <2% of GDP in Year 2 and thereafter. As the nominal GDP grows and families move out of poverty, the cost will decline as a proportion of GDP.
    • Implementation: The NYAY Scheme will become a joint scheme of the Central and State Governments.
    • Funding: New revenues and rationalisation of expenditure will fund the new scheme. Current merit subsidy schemes that are intended to achieve specific objectives will be continued along with the NYAY scheme.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “PLI Scheme” for white goods and solar photovoltaic modules
    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet approves two PLI schemes for white goods (air-conditioners and LED lights) and high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules.

    About Production Linked Incentive Scheme(PLI):
    • The Government of India launched the Production-Linked Incentive(PLI)  in March 2020.
    • Aim: The aim is to make manufacturing in India globally competitive by removing sectoral disabilities, creating economies of scale, and ensuring efficiencies.
    • Under the scheme, incentives are offered to companies on incremental sales from products manufactured in India over the base year.
    PLI Scheme For White Goods:
    • PLI Scheme for White Goods shall provide an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales of goods manufactured in India. The scheme is for a period of five years for the manufacturers of Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
    • Eligibility:
      • Selection of companies under the scheme aims to incentivize the manufacturing of components or sub-assemblies in India. Mere assembly of finished goods shall not qualify for incentives.
      • Incentives shall be open to companies making both brownfield or green field Investments.
    • Significance: The scheme is estimated to lead to an incremental investment of ₹7,920 crore over five years. It will lead to production worth ₹1.68 lakh crore as well as lead to 4 lakh jobs.
    PLI Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Modules:
    • Background: Firstly, solar capacity addition presently depends largely upon imported solar PV cells and modules. The domestic manufacturing industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules.
      • Hence, the expectation from this scheme is to reduce import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity.
    • Secondly, under the scheme, Solar PV manufacturers will be selected through a transparent competitive bidding process.
    • Thirdly, the incentives will be disbursed for 5 years post commissioning of solar PV manufacturing plants on sales of high efficiency solar PV modules.
    • Fourthly, A Manufacturer will get reward for higher efficiencies of solar PV modules and also for sourcing their material from the domestic market. Thus, the PLI amount will increase with increased module efficiency and increased local value addition.
    • Significance: The scheme may lead to 10,000 MW of additional capacity of solar PV plants and investment of around ₹17,200 crores in solar PV manufacturing projects. It would also lead to direct employment of 30,000 people and indirect jobs to 1.2 lakh.

    Source: The Hindu

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  • PMAY-Gramin achieved 92% target in 1st Phase
    What is the News?

    PMAY-Gramin (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin) achieves 92% of its target under the 1st phase (i.e. from 2016-17 to 2018-19).

    Target under PMAY-Gramin:
    • PMAY-G scheme aims to construct 2.95 crore houses with all basic amenities by the year 2021-22.
      • However, the number of beneficiaries reduced from 2.95 crores to 2.14 crore. It was after 81 lakh were founded ineligible as per Socio-Economic Caste Census(SECC) -2011.
    • 1st Phase Target: A target of 1 crore houses was set for completion in the 1st phase of the scheme i.e. from 2016-17 to 2018-19. So far, 92% of the target completion has been achieved.
    Expenditure on PMAY-Gramin:
    • In the financial year 2020-21, the highest ever money allotted since the launch of the PMAY(G) scheme.
    • Further, expenditure incurred by states also seen an unprecedented increase in the current fiscal. This is also the highest expenditure since the launch of the rural housing scheme.

    About PMAY- Gramin:

    • Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development in 2016
    • Aim: The aim is to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural families. The scheme aims to achieve this by the end of March 2022. People who are homeless or living in kutcha or old houses are eligible for benefits.
    • Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries under the scheme are identified as per the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio-Economic Caste Census(SECC) 2011. Gram Sabha verifies these eligible beneficiaries.

    Click Here to Read more about PMAY-G

     Source: PIB

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  • Govt. Extends “Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme”

    What is the News? Government extends the Rs. 3-lakh-crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) until 30th June 2021. It also widens its scope to new sectors, including hospitality, travel and tourism.

    About Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS):
    • Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme(ECLGS) launched as part of the Covid-19 relief package called the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
    • Aim: The aim is to provide Rs 3 lakh crore worth of collateral-free, government guaranteed loans to micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs) across India. Further, it aims to mitigate the distress caused by the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
    • National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company(NCGTC) is the guarantee provider under the ECLGS scheme.
    ECLGS 1.0:
    • Purpose: It aims to provide fully guaranteed and collateral free additional credit to MSMEs, business enterprises, MUDRA borrowers and individual loans for business purposes. The credit provided to the extent of 20% of their credit outstanding as of 29th February, 2020.
    • Eligibility: MSMEs with up to Rs 25 crore outstanding and Rs.100 crore turnover were eligible.
    • Duration: It had a 1-year moratorium period and a 4-year repayment period.
    ECLGS 2.0:
    • Purpose: It aims to extend the ECLGS Scheme to the 26 stressed sectors identified by the Kamath Committee and the healthcare sector.
    • Eligibility: Companies with dues of Rs 50-500 crore as of February 29, 2020 were eligible.
    • Duration: The tenor of the credit under the ECLGS 2.0 was five years including a one-year moratorium.
    ECLGS 3.0:
    • Under ECLGS 3.0, business enterprises in the hospitality, travel and tourism, leisure and sporting sectors would be able to avail credit.
    • Extension of Credit: It involves the extension of credit of up to 40% of the total credit outstanding from 20% earlier.
    • Duration: The tenor of loans granted under ECLGS 3.0 is six years, including a moratorium period of two years.
    • Eligibility: The scheme will only consider loans less than 60 days overdue as on February 29, 2020, with total credit outstanding not exceeding Rs 500 crore.

    Note: The validity of ECLGS that is ECLGS 1.0, ECLGS 2.0 & ECLGS 3.0 has been extended upto 30 June 2021 or till guarantees for an amount of Rs. 3 lakh crore are issued.

    About National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company(NCGTC):
    • NCGTC was set up in 2014 as a private limited company. The Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance established it under the Indian Companies Act,1956.
    • Purpose: To act as a common trustee company to manage and operate various credit guarantee trust funds.

    Source: Livemint

     

  • Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) Scheme

    What is the News? The Department of Land Resources informs the Standing Committee on Rural Development about the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) Scheme.

    About Unique Land Parcel Identification Number(ULPIN) Scheme:
    • The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number(ULPIN) scheme was launched in 10 States in 2021. It will roll out across the country by March 2022.
    • Key Features of the Scheme:
      • Firstly, under the scheme, authorities issue a 14-digit identification number to every plot of land in the country.
      • Secondly, also called the “the Aadhaar for land”, it is a unique number to identify every surveyed parcel of land. It will prevent land fraud, especially in rural India where proper land records are not available.
      • Thirdly, the longitude and latitude of a land parcel will be the basis for its identification. It will depend on detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps.
      • Fourthly, the land records database will gradually integrate with the records of revenue courts and bank on a voluntary basis.
    • Significance: The scheme might also be the next step in the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme(DILRMP). It began in 2008.
      Benefits of the Scheme:
      • Thus, the single source of information can authenticate the ownership and in turn, it can end the dubious ownership.
      • The scheme will also help to identify the government lands easily and protect the land from dubious land transactions.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • NITI Aayog launches “AIM-PRIME” to support science based startups
    What is the News?

    Atal Innovation Mission(AIM), NITI Aayog in association with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation(BMGF) launch AIM-PRIME (Program for Researchers on Innovations, Market-Readiness & Entrepreneurship).

    About AIM-PRIME:
    • AIM-PRIME Program aims at promoting science-based, deep technology. For that, it will provide training and guidance over a period of 12 months.
    • Implementation by: Venture Center – a non-profit technology business incubator.
    • Eligibility: The program is open to:
      • Technology developers (early-stage deep tech start-ups, and scientists/ engineers/ clinicians) with strong science-based deep tech business ideas.
      • CEOs and Senior incubation managers of AIM Funded Atal Incubation Centers that are supporting deep tech entrepreneurs.
    • Benefits of the programme:
      • The candidates selected for the program will get access to in-depth learning resources via a comprehensive lecture series, live team projects, exercises, and project-specific mentoring.
      • They will also have access to a deep tech startup playbook, curated video library, and plenty of peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
    About Deep Technology:
    • Deep techs are very high cutting-edge and disruptive technologies. These technologies base on scientific discoveries, engineering, mathematics, physics, and medicine.
    • Examples: A new medical device or technique fighting cancer, data analytics to help farmers grow more food, or a clean energy solution trying to lessen the human impact on climate change.

    Source: PIB

     

  • Record 11 Crore Worked Under “MGNREGS” in 2020-21

    What is the News?

    According to Government data, over 11 crore people worked under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGS) during the financial year 2020-21.

    Key Facts Related to MGNREG Scheme during 2020-21:
    • During the financial year 2020-21, around 11 crore people worked under the MGNREGS.
    • This is the first time since the launch of the scheme in 2006-07 that the MGNREGS  numbers crossed the 11-crore mark in a year.
    • Further, the 11 crore mark is also higher by about 41.75% in 2019-20 when about 7.88 crores worked.
    • The expenditure on MGNREGS has also increased. In 2020-21, the total expenditure was 62.31% higher than in 2019-20.

    Note: As part of the economic package during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government announced additional funding of Rs 40,000 crore for the MGNREGS over and above the budgetary allocation of  2020-21.

    Number of Days People Worked under MGNREGS:
    • In 2020-21, the number of households that completed 100-day employment reached an all-time high of 68.58 lakh, an increase of 68.91% from 40.60 lakh in 2019-20.
    • The average days of employment provided per household too went up marginally from 48.4 days in 2019-20 to 51.51 days in 2020-21.
    MGNREG Scheme:
    • MGNREGS is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world.
    • Launched in: The scheme was initially launched in the 200 most backward rural districts of the country in 2006-07. The scheme was later extended to an additional 130 districts during 2007-08 and to the entire country from 2008-09 onward.
    • Under the scheme, every rural household whose adult member volunteers to do unskilled manual work is entitled to get at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year.
    • Implementation: Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Government of India in association with state governments monitors the implementation of the scheme.
    Key Features of the scheme:
    • Demand-driven scheme: Worker to be hired when he demands and not when the Government wants it.
    • Gram Panchayat is mandated to provide employment within 15 days of work application failing which worker is entitled to unemployment allowance
    • Payment of wages within 15 days of competition of work failing which worker is entitled to delay compensation of 0.05%/ day of wages earned.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • Union Cabinet approves PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry
    Why in the news?

    The Union Cabinet approves the PLI(Production Linked Incentive) Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI).

    About PLI scheme for Food Processing Industry
    • The scheme will be implemented over a six-year period from 2021-22 to 2026-27.
    • Aim: The scheme aims to support the creation of global food manufacturing champions according to the natural resources of India.
    Objectives of the Scheme
    1. Firstly, PLI scheme will support food manufacturing org with stipulated minimum Sales.
    2. Furthermore, it will support Indian brands of food products in the international markets with an outlay of Rs. 10900 crore.
    3. Moreover, it will increase employment opportunities for nearly 2.5 lakh persons by the year 2026-27.
    4. Finally, the scheme will ensure good prices for farm produce and higher income to farmers.
    Salient features of the PLI scheme for Food Processing Industry
    1. First component of the scheme
      • It will incentivize the manufacturing of four major food product segments:
        1. Marine Products,
        2. Mozzarella Cheese
        3. Processed Fruits & Vegetables
        4. Ready to Cook/ Ready to Eat (RTC/ RTE) foods
      • Selected applicants will require investing in Plant & Machinery in the first two years i.e. in 2021-22 & 2022-23.
      • The amount of Investment during 2020-21 will be counted for meeting investment requirements.
      • The entities selected for making innovative/ organic products will be exempt from the Minimum Sales and mandated investment requirements.
    2. 2nd component of the scheme
      • Under this component, support will be provided for branding and marketing abroad.
      • The entity will receive grants for in-store Branding, shelf space renting, and marketing.
    Implementation of the scheme
    • Implemented by: Project Management Agency (PMA)
    • Also, PMA will be responsible for verification of eligibility for support, scrutiny of claims eligible for disbursement of incentive.
    • Furthermore, the scheme is “fund-limited”, i.e. the amount restricts to the approved limit. This amount will not exceed even in case of outstanding performance.

    Source: PIB

  • Union Minister inaugurates Event for “DSIR-PRISM Scheme”
    What is the News?

    The Union Minister for Science & Technology inaugurates the Event for Publicity of the PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups, and MSMEs) scheme.

    About PRISM Scheme:
    • Nodal Ministry: PRISM is an initiative of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research(DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.
    • Aim: The aim is to help an individual innovator to become a successful technopreneur. It promotes, supports, and funds implementable and commercially viable innovations created for society.
    • Who is eligible? Under the initiative, an innovator of Indian nationality – student, professional and common citizen- is eligible.
    • Features:  Eligible candidates are provided with technical, strategic, and financial assistance by DSIR-PRISM. Assistance is provided on the stages like idea development, prototype development, and pilot scaling and patenting.
    • Sectors Covered: The proposals under the scheme will be accepted for the following sectors:
      • Green technology
      • Clean energy
      • Industrially utilizable smart materials
      • Waste to Wealth
      • Affordable Healthcare
      • Water & Sewage Management and
      • any other technology or knowledge-intensive area.
    • Financial Assistance: The grant under the scheme is given in two phases:
      1. Phase I:
        • Category-I: For proof of concept/prototype/models, a grant amount of around Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs.
        • Category-II: For fabrication of working model/ process know-how/ testing, a grant amount of around Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs.
      2. Phase II: For Enterprise incubation, a grant amount of a maximum of around Rs.50 lakhs.

    Source: PIB

  • Only 5.4% of houses under “PM Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)” Completed this year
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Rural Development has informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee about the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.

    Progress under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
    • PMAY-G Scheme has a target of providing housing for all by March 2022. However, the completion of the construction target was only 55%. Even though there was sanctioning of money for almost 85% of beneficiaries.
    Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Scheme:
    • In 2020-21, less than 6% of houses sanctioned under the PMAY-G have reached the completion stage due to COVID-19.
    • Reasons for Delay: In 2019, it used to take an average of 114 days to construct a house under the scheme. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused long delays at every stage in 2020-21.
    • However, some states such as Odisha and Jharkhand have completed around 10% of the houses sanctioned in 2020-21. It has also used the scheme to provide employment opportunities for migrant workers who had returned to their villages during the crisis.
    • But a number of other states such as Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka did not see completed construction of even a single house that was sanctioned during 2020-21.
    About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin:
    • Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development in 2016 launched it.
    • Aim: The aim is to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural families by the end of March 2022. People who are homeless or living in kutcha or dilapidated houses are eligible for benefits.
    Key Features of the Scheme:
    • Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries are identified as per the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. Gram Sabha verifies the eligible beneficiaries.
    • Target: The scheme had a target of construction of 2.95 crore pucca houses for eligible rural households by March 2022.
    • Fund sharing pattern -The Centre and the states share the grants under the scheme in the ratio of:
      • 90:10 in case of NE States, Himalayan States & Himalayan UTs.
      • For all other States, funds are shared in the ratio of 60:40 by the Centre and the States.
      • In cases of other UTs, entire funds are provided by the Centre.
    • Monitoring: The programme implementation is being monitored not only electronically but also through community participation (Social Audit), Member of Parliament (DISHA Committee), Central and State Government officials, National Level Monitors, etc.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Jharkhand launched ‘SAAMAR campaign’ to fight malnutrition
    What is the News?

    The Jharkhand government has launched the SAAMAR campaign to tackle malnutrition in the state.

    About SAAMAR Campaign:
    • Full-Form: SAAMAR is an acronym for Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anaemia Reduction.
    • Aim: The SAAMAR campaign aims to identify anaemic women and malnourished children. Further, the campaign brings together various departments to effectively deal with the major malnutrition problem in the state.

    Features of the campaign:

    • SAAMAR campaign has been launched with a 1000 days target. Under this annual surveys will be conducted to track the progress.
    • Every Anganwadi Centres will be engaged to identify malnourished children. Subsequently, they will be treated at the Malnutrition Treatment Centres.
    • Similarly, anaemic women will also be identified and will be referred to health centres in serious cases.
    Why was this campaign launched?
    • According to NFHS-4 data, Jharkhand has some worrying level of malnutrition. The NFHS-4 data reveals the following trends.
      • Every second child in the state is stunted and underweight
      • Every third child is affected by stunting
      • Every 10th child is affected by severe wasting
      • Apart from that, around 70% of children are anaemic in the state.
    • Hence, the intervention was required with a ‘different approach to reduce malnutrition.

    Source: Indian Express

  • Initiatives under ‘Namami Gange Programme’
    What is the News?

    The Government of India is currently implementing several initiatives under the Namami Gange Programme to clean the polluted rivers of Ganga.

    Namami Gange Programme:
    • Launched in: The Programme was launched in 2014. It is an Integrated Conservation Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • Aim: To achieve effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of the National River(Ganga).
    • Main Pillars of the Programme:
      • Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure,
      • River-Surface Cleaning,
      • Afforestation,
      • Industrial Effluent Monitoring,
      • River-Front Development,
      • Biodiversity
      • Public Awareness among others.
    • Implementation: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementing agency of the Namami Gange Programme at the national level.
      • National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG): It is a statutory authority. It is established under the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Act, 2016.
    • Projects under the programme: Presently, sewerage infrastructure works for pollution abatement is under execution on 13 tributaries of river Ganga. These include Yamuna, Kosi, Saryu, Ramganga, Kali(West), Kali (East), Gomti, Kharkari, Burhi Gandak, Banka, Damodar, Rispana-Bindal and Chambal.

    Source: PIB

  • India partnered with ‘United Nations Office for Project Services'(UNOPS)

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti Ministry has entered a partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) and the government of Denmark. The agreement aims to bring tap water connections to 11 water-scarce districts in Uttar Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan mission.

    About United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS):

    • The United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) was established in 1973 as part of the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). It became an independent, self-financing organization in 1995.
    • Aim: It is dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System. Apart from that, UNOPS also help in project implementation of international financial institutions, governments and other partners around the world.
    • Significance: UNOPS is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG).
    • The headquarters of the United Nations Office for Project Services is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Click Here to Read about Jal Jeevan Mission

    About United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG):

    • The United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG) was established in 1997. It was previously known as the United Nations Development Group (UNDG).
    • It is a consortium of 36 United Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, departments and offices playing a role in development.
    • The UNSDG was created by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Furthermore, it is created with the intent to improve the effectiveness of United Nations development activities at the country level.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States

    Click Here to Read about Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban)

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • PM launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign
    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign on World Water Day.

    About Catch the Rain Campaign:
    • Catch the Rain is a Jan Andolan campaign. It aims to take water conservation at the grass-roots level through people’s participation. The campaign intends to accelerate water conservation across the country.
    • Aim: To encourage all stakeholders to create rainwater harvesting structures(RWHS). As it is suitable for the climatic conditions and subsoil strata. These structures will ensure the proper storage of rainwater.
    • Tag line: Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls.
    • Implementation: The campaign will be implemented by the National Water Mission(NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • Coverage: The campaign will take place across the country, in both rural and urban areas. It will be implemented from March 22 to November 30 (the pre-monsoon and monsoon period) in the country.
    Key activities under the Catch the Rain Campaign:

    The Catch the Rain Campaign will include certain key activities like,

    • Firstly, removal of encroachments and desilting of tanks. This will increase rainwater storage capacity.
    • Secondly, the campaign includes drives to make water harvesting pits, rooftop RWHS and check dams.
    • Thirdly, removal of obstructions in the channels bringing water from the catchment areas.
    • Fourthly, repairs to traditional Water Harvesting Systems(WHS) like step-wells. Further, using defunct bore-wells and old wells to put the water back to aquifers.
    • Finally, states have been requested to open Rain Centers in each district. These Rain Centres will act as a technical guidance centre in RWHS.
    About World Water Day:
    • World Water Day is being observed on 22 March by the United Nations (UN).
    • Aim: To raise awareness about people living without access to safe water and tackle the global water crisis.
    • Theme of world water day 2021: “Valuing Water”

    Source: PIB

  • Power Minister Launches “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Scheme”

    What is the news?

    Minister for Power launches the “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Programme” for the Brick manufacturing Sector.

    About Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certification Programme:

    • Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) is a certification scheme. It aims to recognise burnt clay brick manufacturers for adopting energy-efficient manufacturing. Furthermore, it encourages customers to source bricks from such E3 certified manufacturing units.
    • Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will provide certification.
    How will the E3 certification be awarded?
    • Brick Manufacturing Enterprises need to meet the minimum Specific Energy Consumption performance criteria.
    • The criteria can be met by Brick Manufacturing Enterprises by adopting a combination of measures, such as:
      • improving energy efficiency in manufacturing
      • producing bricks having lower (bulk) densities e.g. porous, perforated and hollow bricks.
    Significance of this programme:
    • The programme will help the brick industry shift towards more efficient technologies. Such energy-efficient bricks will be useful in complying with the requirements of the Energy Conservation Buildings Code (ECBC).
      • ECBC: launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Power, it sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings.
    • The adoption of the E3 certification programme may save energy of about 7 Million Tonnes of oil equivalent(MTOE) per year. The savings will be about 25 Million Tonnes by 2030.
    Contribution of Bricks Sector in India:
    • India is the world’s second-largest producer of bricks. This demand is expected to multiply three to four times over the next 20 years.
    • Bricks Sector Contributes nearly 0.7% to the country’s GDP. Furthermore, it offers seasonal employment generation to over 1 crore workers and is important for sectors such as transportation and construction.
    • Brick manufacturing industry consumes about 45-50 million tonnes of coal equivalent annually. It amounts to 5-15% of the total energy consumption in the country.
      • However, the brick sector has the second-largest potential for energy efficiency amongst the Indian industrial sector after steel and more than cement.

    Source: PIB

     

  • Present Status of “Stand Up India Scheme”

    What is the News?

    The government has informed the Lok Sabha about the implementation of the Stand Up India Scheme. More than 81% of the accounts under the Stand Up India Scheme belong to women entrepreneurs.

    About Stand Up India Scheme:

    • Ministry: Launched in 2016 by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
    • Objective: The Stand-Up India Scheme facilitates bank loans for setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector by SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs.
    • Bank Loan: It provides bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and up to 1 crore.
      • The government does not allocate funds for loans under the Scheme. They are extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks(SCBs).
    • Eligibility condition for Stand Up India Scheme:
      • SC/ST and/or woman entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
      • Loans under the scheme are available only for greenfield projects. Greenfield signifies the first time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities or the trading sector.
      • In the case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur.
      • Borrowers should not be in default to any bank/financial institution.
    • Repayment: The loan is repayable in 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.
    • Duration of the Scheme: The Stand-Up India Scheme has been extended up to the year 2025.

    Source: PIB

  • Cabinet approves “Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi | PMSSN”

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet approves the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN).

    About Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi(PMSSN):

    This program will ensure access to universal & affordable health care through a fund that does not lapse at the end of the financial year.

    Features: 

    1. It has been set up as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for a share of Health.
    2. It will be made from the share of health in the proceeds of Health and Education Cess.
    3. The fund will be administered and maintained by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

    Note: Finance Minister announced the 4% Health and Education Cess during the Budget 2018-19. It replaced the existing 3% Education Cess.

    How will the fund be utilised? The fund will be utilized for the following flagship schemes of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:

    • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
    • Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)
    • National Health Mission
    • Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
    • Emergency & disaster preparedness and responses during health emergencies
    • Any future programme/scheme that targets to achieve progress towards SDGs and the targets set out in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017.

    Source: PIB

     

  • “Mission Shakti, Mission Poshan 2.0, and Mission Vatsalya” – 3 Umbrella schemes of Ministry of WCD

    What is the news?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to classify all of its major programmes under three Umbrella Schemes- Mission Shakti, Mission POSHAN 2.0, and Mission Vatsalya.

    This step has been taken to ensure the effective implementation of various programmes and schemes of the Ministry.

    What are the three umbrella Schemes?

     Mission Shakti:

    • Mission Shakti will consist of the schemes and policies for the empowerment and protection of women.
    • Schemes: Mission Shakti will cover schemes under two categories:
      • SAMBAL: This category will include schemes such as One Stop Centre, Mahila Police Volunteer, Women’s Helpline, Swadhar, Ujjawala among others.
      • SAMARTHYA: This category will include schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana among others.
    • Mission Shakti will run in convergence with the other two Umbrella Schemes.
    Mission Vatsalya :
    • Mission Vatsalya will be looking into the child welfare services and child protection services all over the country.
    • Schemes: Mission Vatsalya will include the Scheme for Child Protection Services, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
    Saksham Anganwadi and Mission POSHAN 2.0 scheme:
    • Schemes: This will include schemes such as Integrated Child Development Scheme(ICDS), Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, National Creche Scheme among others.
    • Mission Poshan 2.0: The government will be merging the Poshan Abhiyan and supplementary nutrition programme to launch Mission Poshan 2.0.
      • Mission Poshan 2.0 will look into the ways and measures for strengthening the nutritional content, outreach, delivery, and outcomes.

    Source: Economic Times

  • Lessons from Operation Flood for Operation Green

    Synopsis: A closer inspection of the Operation Green scheme shows that the scheme is nowhere near achieving its objectives.

    Introduction 

    The Finance Minister during budget presentations announced the expansion of Operation Green (OG). It will be expanded beyond tomatoes, onions, and potatoes to 22 perishable commodities. 

    • Operation Green was launched in 2018 with three basic objectives:
      1. Firstly, it should control the wide price instability in the three largest vegetables of India (Tomatoes, Onions, and Potatoes).
      2. Secondly, it should build efficient value chains so that a larger share of the consumers’ money is received by the farmers. 
      3. Thirdly, it should reduce the post-harvest losses by building modern warehouses and cold storage.

    How is the operation green performing currently?

    The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has invited some program management agencies to see the implementation of OG.

    • Rs 500 crore budget was outlined initially. However, only Rs. 8.45 crore has been actually released. 
    • A closer examination of the scheme reveals that OG is progressing in slow motion and is nowhere near achieving its objectives. 
      • Research at ICRIER tells that price instability remains high. Farmers’ share in consumers’ money is very low with 26.6 percent for potatoes, 29.1 percent for onions, and 32.4 percent for tomatoes. 
      • In cooperatives like AMUL, farmers get almost 75-80 percent of consumers’ money. 

    What can operation green learn from the operation flood?

    Operation Flood (OF) changed India’s milk sector and made India the world’s largest milk producer. There are some important lessons OG can learn from OF: 

    1. Firstly, OG will not get any immediate results and one has to be patient. There should be a separate board to strategize and implement the OG scheme, like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for milk. 
    2. Secondly, a respectable leader with commitment and competence is required to head this new board of OG. The person should be given at least a five-year term, sufficient resources, and should be made accountable for delivering results. 
      • The MoFPI can have its evaluation every six months. 
    3. Thirdly, at present, the criterion for the selection of TOP commodity clusters is not transparent. This process should be transparent to keep the politics away.  
    4. Fourthly, the subsidy scheme will have to be made innovative with new generation entrepreneurs, startups, and FPOs. 
      • For instance, the announcement to create an additional 10,000 FPOs along with the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and the new farm laws are all promising but need to be implemented fast.

    Green tax on vehicles older than 15 years

  • “Swachh Iconic Places”-12 sites to be transformed into ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced 12 iconic sites. Sites will be covered under Phase IV of the Swachh Iconic Places(SIP) Initiative.

    Swachh Iconic Places(SIP) Initiative:

    • It is an initiative of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti under Swachh Bharat Mission(Grameen).
    • Aim:
      • It aims to improve the sanitation and cleanliness standards at and around the sites. The initiative will ensure a distinctly higher level of Sanitation/Cleanliness at these places, especially on the peripheries and in the approach area.
    • Ministries Involved: The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the concerned State/UT governments.

    Places covered under Phase IV: The 12 sites covered under Phase IV are:

    • Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
    • Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
    • Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
    • Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
    • Ramdevra, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
    • Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana
    • Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
    • Rock Garden, Chandigarh
    • Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
    • Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
    • Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
    • Kalighat Temple, West Bengal

    Click Here to know about the Places covered under other Phases

     Source: PIB

  • “PLI Scheme for pharmaceuticals and IT hardware” Approved

    What is the News?

    Union Cabinet has approved the Production Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme for the pharmaceuticals and IT hardware sectors.

    About PLI Scheme for Pharmaceutical Sector:

    • Objective: It will promote the manufacturing of high-value products in the pharmaceutical sector.
    • Duration: The duration of the scheme will be for nine years from 2020-21 till 2028-29.

    Category of Goods: The scheme shall cover pharmaceutical goods under three categories as mentioned below:

    • Category 1: Biopharmaceuticals such as complex generic drugs, patented drugs, Gene therapy drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, and orphan drugs.
    • Category 2: It would cover active pharmaceutical ingredients, key starting materials, and drug intermediaries.
    • Category 3: Drugs not covered under Category 1 and Category 2.

    Significance of the scheme: The scheme will benefit domestic manufacturers. Moreover, it will help to create employment and will make available a wider range of affordable medicines for consumers.

    About PLI Scheme for IT hardware sectors:

    • Objective: It will boost domestic manufacturing and investments in the value chain of IT Hardware.
    • Target Segment: The target sectors under the scheme includes laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs and servers.
    • Incentives: Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be given incentives of 4% to 1% on net incremental sales over the base year(2019-20) for a period of four years.
    • Significance: The government expects the scheme to reduce India’s import dependence for IT hardware in a major way. Currently, 80% of the country’s laptop and tablet demand is met through imports.

    Click Here to Read about PLI Scheme

     Source: The Hindu

    Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme

     

  • Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund

    About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund

    • Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development (AHIDF) is a Central Sector Scheme. It was launched by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairying.
    • Aim: To facilitate incentivization of investments for
      • Dairy processing and value addition infrastructure
      • Meat processing and value addition infrastructure and
      • Animal Feed Plant.
    • Objectives:
      • To help increase milk and meat processing capacity and increase exports from these sectors
      • To develop entrepreneurship and generate employment
      • It would increase the price realization for the producer
      • To make available quality concentrated animals feed to cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig to poultry.
    • Eligibility: The following entities will be eligible under AHIDF
      • Farmer Producer Organization(FPO)
      • Private companies
      • Individual entrepreneurs
      • Section 8 companies
      • Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
    • Benefits under the scheme:
      • Loan Contribution: The beneficiaries are to contribute a minimum of 10% margin money as an investment. The balance of 90% would be the loan component to be made available by scheduled banks.
      • Interest Subvention: The Government of India will provide a 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries.
      • Loan Moratorium: There will be a 2 years moratorium period for the principal loan amount and 6 years repayment period thereafter.
      • Credit Guarantee Fund: NABARD would maintain a Credit Guarantee Fund. It would provide a Credit guarantee to those sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME defined ceilings. Guarantee Coverage would be up to 25% of the Credit facility of the borrower.

    Source: The Hindu

    [Answered] What do you understand by the term ‘right to due process’? Discuss its significance in a democracy.

  • 100% tap water connections to schools under “100-day Special Campaign”

    What is the news?

    Telangana has achieved 100% tap water connections to all schools and Angan Wadi Centres (AWCs) under 100 day Special Campaign.

    The other states like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, also achieved this target.

    Centre’s 100-day Special Campaign:

    • On 2nd October 2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti had launched the 100-day Special Campaign. It was to ensure piped safe water to all schools and anganwadis under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
    • The campaign was launched in order to ensure safe potable piped water for children.  Children are more susceptible to water-borne diseases.

    What has been achieved so far?

    • So far, 1.82 lakh grey water management structures and 1.42 lakh rain water harvesting structures had been constructed in all schools and AWCs.
    • In all, 5.21 lakh schools and 4.71 lakh AWCs had been provided with piped water supply and around 8.24 lakh assets in these institutions had been geo-tagged.

    Mission Bhagiratha:

    • It is a flagship programme of the Telangana government.It is aimed at providing safe drinking water to every household.

    Click Here to read about Jal Jeevan Mission

     Source: The Hindu

     Read also:-

    Food security to nutritional security in India

  • Govt releases new “Public Sector Enterprise Policy”

    What is the news?

    The Government of India has released a new ‘Public Sector Enterprise Policy’.

    About ‘Public Sector Enterprise Policy’:

    The policy classifies public sector commercial enterprises into the strategic and non-strategic sector:

    Strategic Sector: There would be a maximum of four public sector companies in strategic sectors. State-owned firms in other segments would be privatized eventually.

    The following 4 sectors are covered under strategic sectors:

    1. Atomic energy, Space and Defence
    2. Transport and Telecommunications
    3. Power, Petroleum, Coal, and other minerals
    4. Banking, Insurance, and financial services

    Non- Strategic Sector: CPSEs of this sector shall be privatized or closed, if privatization is not possible.

    Exceptions: The policy would not be applied on:

    • Public sector classes like major port trusts, the Airport Authority of India, and undertakings in security printing and minting.
    • Public sector entities such as not-for-profit companies or CPSEs providing support to vulnerable groups.

    Process of Privatisation:

    • NITI Aayog will recommend PSUs for retention in strategic sectors and that should be considered for privatization, merger, or closure.
    • The Core Group of Secretaries on Divestment(CGD) headed by the cabinet secretary will consider these recommendations.
    • Final approval will be provided by the Alternative Mechanism. This mechanism consists of the Finance minister, Ministers for Administrative reforms, and the Minister for roads, transport, and highways.
    • Further, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM),  can also approach the Cabinet for strategic disinvestment of a specific PSE from time-to-time. DIPAM manages government equity in public sector companies.

    Source: The Hindu

    Strategic Disinvestment Policy: Issues and Challenges – Explained 

  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme

    What is the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the production-linked incentive(PLI) scheme for the telecom sector.

    About the production-linked incentive(PLI) scheme for the telecom Sector

    • Aim of the scheme: It will make India a global hub for manufacturing telecom equipment. Moreover, it will create jobs and reduce imports especially from China.
    • Focus of the scheme: The scheme will offset the huge import of telecom equipment worth more than Rs 50,000 crore. By that, it will encourage the foreign manufacturers and domestic manufacturers to set up production units in India.  
    • Coverage: The scheme will cover domestic manufacturing of equipment such as
      • core transmission equipment,
      • 4G/5G and next-generation radio access network and wireless equipment,
      • Internet of Things (IoT) access devices,
      • enterprise equipment such as switches and routers
    • Duration of the Scheme: The scheme will be operational from April 1 and will run for the next five years.
    • Eligibility: The eligibility for the scheme will be subject to;
      • Achieving a minimum threshold of cumulative investment
      • incremental sales of manufactured goods, with 2019-20 as the base year.
    • Incentives: For the inclusion of MSMEs in the scheme, the minimum investment threshold has been kept at ₹10 crores while for others it is ₹100 crore. Further, for MSMEs, It proposes a 1% higher incentive in the first three years.

    Significance of the scheme:

    • The Government Schemes may lead to an incremental production of about ₹2.4 lakh crore with exports of about ₹2 lakh crore over five years. Moreover, it may bring in investments of more than ₹3,000 crores.
    • With the inclusion of telecom equipment manufacturing under the ambit of PLI schemes, the total number of sectors under such programmes stands at 13.

    Click here to Read about PLI Scheme

     Source: The Hindu

  • Six years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

    Why in News?
    During the last six years, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme has increased awareness and sensitized the masses on Gender Equality.

    Facts:

    • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: It was launched by the Prime Minister in 2015 at Panipat in Haryana.
    • Aim: To bring behavioural change in the society towards birth and rights of a girl child.
    • The Scheme has two major components such as mass communication campaign and multi-sectoral action covering all States and UTs.
    • The scheme is being implemented by a coordinated effort by the Ministry of WCD, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of HRD.

    Achievements of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao so far

     Achievement in monitorable targets:

    • Sex Ratio at Birth: During the last 6 years the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved by 16 points from 918 in 2014-15 to 934 in 2019-20.
    • Health:
      • Percentage of Institutional Deliveries has shown an improving trend from 87% in 2014-15 to 94% in 2019-20.
    • Education:
      • The Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls in the schools at the secondary level has improved from 77.45% (2014-15) to 81.32% (2018-19).
      • The percentage of schools with functional separate toilets for girls has shown improvement from 92.1% in 2014-15 to 95.1% in 2018-19 (2018-19).

    Achievement in bringing attitudinal change:

    • Social Change: The BBBP scheme has been able to bring the focus on the important issues of female infanticide, lack of education amongst girls, and deprivation of their rights on a life cycle continuum.
    • BBBP Logo: People are using the BBBP logo on their own at various places such as school buses, buildings, and popular festivals to affirm their commitment to the cause.
    • Community and Administration Level:
      • The frontline government employees have been successfully collaborating at the local level for observing the son-centric rituals and also observed celebrating the birth of a girl child i.e. Kuwapoojan, Thali Bajana, etc.
      • Mothers and girl children are being hailed by the local administration to establish the relevance of the girl child. Beti Janmotsav is one of the key programmes celebrated in each district.

    Source: Indian Express

     

     

  • “Samarth Scheme” for Capacity Building in Textile Sector

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Textiles has informed Rajya Sabha about the Samarth Scheme.

    Samarth Scheme:

    • It was launched by the Ministry of Textiles.
    • Aim: It will address the skill gap in the textile sector. It will supplement the efforts of the textile industry in providing gainful and sustainable employment to the youth.
    • Objectives: Following are the objectives of Samarth Scheme:
      • It will provide a program which demand-driven, placement oriented and National Skills Qualifications Framework(NSQF) compliant.
      • It will supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textile. It excludes Spinning and Weaving.
      • Likewise, it will provide for skilling and skill up-gradation in the traditional sectors of handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture, and jute.
    • Target: The Scheme targets to train 10 lakh persons (9 lakhs in organised & 1 lakh in traditional sector).
    • Implementing agencies: The programmes would be implemented through the Textile industry, government institutions and Reputed training institutions/ NGOs/ Societies active in the textile sector.
    • Monitoring and Management Information System(MIS): It is a centralized web-based Information System that has been put in place for monitoring and implementation of the scheme.

    Source: PIB

  • PM Aatmanirbhar Swasthya Bharat Yojana

    This scheme aims at developing the capacities of the primary, secondary, and tertiary health sector.

    Salient features of the scheme:

    • Over 18,000 rural and over 11,000 urban health and wellness centers will be supported.
    • Public health laboratories will be established in all districts.
    • Critical care hospitals will be set up in 12 central institutions and 602 districts.
    • Strengthens the national centre for disease control, its 5 regional branches as well as 20 metropolitan health surveillance units.
    • The scheme will also strengthen 33 existing Public Health Units at the Points of entry, that is at 11 seaports, 32 airports, and 7 land crossings.
  • KAPILA campaign

    What is the News?

    The Union Education Minister informed the Lok Sabha about the KAPILA campaign launched in October 2020. The campaign was launched on 89th birth anniversary of former President and Scientist Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

    Facts:

    • KAPILA stands for Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness campaign.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
    • Objectives: The objectives of the campaign include
      • To create awareness regarding Intellectual Property Rights(IPR) in Higher Education Institutions(HEIs),
      • To develop training program on IPR for faculty and students of HEIs
      • To sensitise and develop a vibrant Intellectual Property(IP) filing system.
      • To enable IPR protection on the inventions originating from the faculty and students of HEIs

    Source: PIB

  • PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana

    What is the News?

    The Finance Minister has launched a new scheme titled “PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana”. In general, The scheme aims to develop capacities in the health care system over 6 yrs.

    PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana:

    • Type: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
    • Aim: The scheme aims to
      • Improve primary, secondary, and tertiary care health systems,
      • Strengthen existing national institutions in Health sector
      • Create new institutions, to cater to detection and cure of new and emerging diseases.
    • Duration of the Scheme: Six Years
    • Features of the Scheme: The scheme will support in the setting up of
      • Rural, Urban Health and Wellness Centres
      • Integrated Public Health Labs
      • Critical health care hospital blocks
      • National institution for One Health
      • Regional research platform for WHO South-East Asia Region,
      • 9 Biosafety Level III laboratories and 4 regional centres of National Institutes for Virology.
      • Strengthening National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and 5 regional branches of it
      • Expanding the integrated health information panel.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY)

    What is the News?
    The Central Government has informed that the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY) has crossed 1.75 crores of eligible women beneficiaries, till the financial year 2020.

    Facts:

     Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY):

    • Launched in: It is a maternity benefit scheme introduced in 2017. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The scheme is in accordance with the National Food Security Act 2013.
    • Type: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
    • Aim:
      • To provide partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare.
      • To provide conditions for safe delivery and good nutrition and feeding practices.
      • To breastfeed the child during the first six months of the birth. As it is very vital the development of the child.
    • Beneficiaries: Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) who have their pregnancy on or after 1st January 2017 are eligible. The cash incentive is payable in three instalments for the first live birth.
      • Exclusion: PW&LM who are in regular employment with the Central/State Government or PSUs or those who receive similar benefits under any law.
    • Benefits: Under the Scheme, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) receive a direct cash benefit transfer of Rs. 5,000 in three instalments. The amount will be credited to the beneficiary on fulfilling the respective conditions. Such as:
      • Early registration of pregnancy (First instalment)
      • Ante-natal check-up (Second instalment)
      • Registration of the birth of the child and completion of the first cycle of vaccination. (Third instalment)
    • The eligible beneficiaries also receive cash incentive under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Thus, on average, a beneficiary will get Rs. 6,000.
    • Implementation: The scheme is being implemented under the platform of Integrated Child Development Scheme.

    Additional Facts:

    • Janani Suraksha Yojana(JSY): It is a safe motherhood intervention scheme launched in 2005 under the National Health Mission (NHM).
    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing the Scheme
      • Objective: To reduce maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women.
      • Benefits: Under the scheme, eligible pregnant women are entitled for cash assistance of Rs. 1400. There is no bar on the age of mother, the number of children or type of institution (government or private health facility).

    Source: The Hindu

  • What is “Make in India Initiative 2.0”?

    What is the News?

    The Minister of Commerce and Industry has informed Lok Sabha about the Make in India Initiative 2.0.

    Make in India Initiative:

    • Launched Year: It was launched in 2014 by the Government of India.
    • Aim: To make India a global hub for the manufacturing, research and innovation. Also, the integrations of India in the global supply chain.
    • Objectives:
      • To increase the manufacturing sector’s growth rate to 12-14% per annum in order to increase the sector’s share in the economy;
      • To create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs in the economy by 2022; and
      • To ensure that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP is increased to 25% by 2022 (revised to 2025) from the current 16%.

    Make in India 2.0:

    • It presently focuses on 27 sectors with a special focus on ten champion sectors including; 1. capital goods, 2. auto, 3. defence, 4. pharma, 5. renewable energy, 6. biotechnology, 7. chemicals, 8. leather, 9. textiles, 10. food processing.
    • These sectors have the potential to become global champions and drive double-digit growth in manufacturing.
    • In manufacturing, the action plans are coordinated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). In services,  action plans are coordinated by the Department of Commerce.

    Achievements so far:

    • Foreign Direct Investment(FDI): India has registered its highest-ever annual FDI Inflow of US $74.39 billion during the last financial year 2019-20 as compared to US $ 45.15 billion in 2014-2015.
      • Further, in the last six years (2014-20), India has received FDI inflow which is 53% of the FDI reported in the last 20 years.
    • Ease of Doing Business Ranking: India has jumped to 63rd place in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. This is due to reforms in the areas of Starting a Business, Paying Taxes, Trading Across Borders, and Resolving Insolvency.

    Source: PIB

  • What is “One District One Product Scheme”?

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has informed Lok Sabha about the One District One Product Scheme.

     One District One Product Scheme(ODOP):

    • Aim: To identify one product per district based on the potential and strength of a district and national priorities. A cluster for that product will be developed in the district and market linkage will be provided for that.
    • Significance: This initiative is seen as a transformational step towards realizing the true potential of a district. It will fuel economic growth and generate employment and rural entrepreneurship.

    Merging of ODOP  One District One Product with Districts as Exports Hub initiative:

    • The ODOP  One District One Product  initiative has been operationally merged with the ‘Districts as Export Hub’ initiative. Later is implemented by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce.
    • Objective: To convert each District of the country into an Export Hub by identifying products with export potential. It also aims to address bottlenecks in exporting products and support local manufacturers.
    • Under the initiative, the State Export Promotion Committee(SPEC) and District Export Promotion Committee (DEPC) have been constituted in several districts.

    Source: PIB

    Central Government Schemes News

  • “Jal Jeevan Mission” to revive urban water bodies

    What is the News?

    In the Budget 2021-22, the Government has announced the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban).

    About Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban):

    Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs

    Objective: To provide universal coverage of water supply to all households in all 4,378 statutory towns, through functional taps.

    Duration: The duration of the mission is over five years.

    Features of the Jal Jeevan Mission

    • It will rejuvenate the water bodies to facilitate sustainable fresh water supply and the creation of green spaces.
    • It will promote a circular economy of water through the development of city water balance plan in each city. The plan will focus on recycling/reuse of treated sewage water and water conservation. 20% of water demand is to be met by reused water.
    • Awareness Campaign: Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign is proposed. It will spread awareness among the masses about the conservation of water.
    • Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities. It will ascertain the equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater, and mapping of water bodies
    • Technology Submission For water: It is proposed to leverage the latest global technologies in the field of water.
    • PPP Model: The mission has mandated that cities having a million-plus population will take up PPP projects. These projects shall constitute a minimum of 10% of their total project fund allocation.

    Funding:

    • For Union Territories, there will be 100% central funding.
    • For North Eastern and Hill States, central funding for projects will be 90%.
    • Central funding will be 50% for cities with less than 1 lakh population, one-third for cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population, and 25% for cities with the million plus population.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and Jal Jeevan Mission

    What is the News?

    The Finance Minister launched Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 along with Jal Jeevan Mission(urban).

    Swachh Bharat Mission Urban

    • Launched in: It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 1.0: The focus of the mission was to make urban India open defecation free (ODF). As well as, 100% scientific solid waste management.

    Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0:

    • The mission would be implemented over five years — from 2021 to 2026
    • Focus: Following are focus areas of Mission:
      • Faecal sludge management and waste water treatment,
      • Source segregation of garbage,
      • Reduction in single-use plastic,
      • Reduction in air pollution by effectively managing waste from construction and demolition activities and
      • Bioremediation of all legacy dump sites.

    Jal Jeevan Mission(urban)

    • Aim: It aims at universal water supply in all urban local bodies. It will facilitate 2.86 crore household tap connections as well as liquid waste management in 500 AMRUT cities.
    • Duration: The scheme will be implemented over the next 5 years.

    Jal Jeevan Mission(Rural): It launched in 2019. It aims to provide every rural household with a tap water connection by 2024. Nearly 30 million tap water connections have been provided under this so far.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

    Why in News?

    According to Government data, a total of 1.1 crore houses has been approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), of which more than 70 lakh houses are under various stages of construction and more than 41 lakh houses have been completed.

    Facts:

      • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban): It was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs in 2015.
      • Aim: To provide Central assistance through States/Union Territories (UTs) for providing houses to all eligible families/beneficiaries by 2022.

    Verticals: The mission seeks to address the housing requirement of the urban poor including slum dwellers through program verticals :

      • Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource
      • Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy
      • Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sector
      • Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement.

    Key Features of the Scheme:

      • Beneficiaries of the scheme include Economically weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups(LIGs), and Middle Income Groups(MIGs).
      • The Mission is being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) except for the component of credit linked subsidy which will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme.
      • The houses constructed with central assistance under the mission should be in the name of the female head of the household or in the joint name of the male head of the household and his wife and only in cases when there is no adult female member in the family, the dwelling unit/house can be in the name of a male member of the household.

    Article Source

     

  • Startup India Seed Fund 

    Why in News? 

    Rs 1,000-crore ‘Startup India Seed Fund’ was launched during the ‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’. 

     Salient features of Startup India Seed Fund Scheme: 

    • Objective: Fund has been set up to provide initial capital to the startups. After that start-ups will be provided with the Govt. Guarantees, to help them raise debt capital. 
    • Coverage: The fund would offer financial assistance to startups for proofs of concept, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialization of products or ideas. 
    • Funding: The Scheme will offer startups up to Rs. 20 Lakhs as a grant for Proof of Concept. Upto Rs. 50 Lakhs can also be availed through convertible debentures or debt or debt-linked instruments for commercialization. 

     Fund of Funds for Start-ups(FFS) Scheme: 

    • It was launched by the Prime Minister in 2016 in line with the Start-up India Action Plan. 
    • Purpose: The fund has a corpus of INR 10,000 crore and is managed by Small Industries Bank of India(SIDBI) for contribution to the corpus of Alternative Investment funds(AIFs) which in turn invest in equity and equity–linked instruments of various Startups. 

     Startups in India: 

    • India is home to the world’s third–largest startup ecosystem. There are over 41,000 startups in the country. 
    • In 2014, there were only four startups in the unicorn club but in 2020 there are more than 30. Further, 11 of these startups entered the unicorn club in 2020 itself.  
    • The startups in India are not limited to big cities and about 40% of such budding entrepreneurs are coming from tier-II and -III cities. 

     Further Reading on Prarambh Summit: http://bit.ly/3qzwkuh

  • Government organises a ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ Webinar on “Exploring Buddhist Circuit by Train”

    News: The Ministry of Tourism has organised an interesting webinar titled “Exploring Buddhist Circuit by Train”  as a part of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Webinar series.

     

    Facts:

    • Dekho Apna Desh Initiative: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism launched in January 2020.
    • Objective: To promote domestic tourism in India which is intended to enhance tourist footfalls in places of tourist interest so as to help develop the local economy.
    • Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series: During the pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing engagement with the industry and its audiences is organising webinars on the overall theme of ‘DekhoApnaDesh’.
      • Objective: To create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser-known destinations and lesser-known facets of popular destinations.

    Article source

     

     

  • One Nation One Ration Card system reform – Tamil Nadu becomes the 11th State to complete the reform

    News: Tamil Nadu has become the 11th State in the country to successfully undertake the “One Nation One Ration Card system” reform stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

    Facts:

      • One Nation One Ration Card(ONORC) System: It is an important citizen-centric reform. Its implementation ensures the availability of ration to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes, especially the migrant workers and their families at any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country.
      • Features: To ensure seamless inter-state portability of a ration card, Aadhar seeding of all ration cards as well as biometric authentication of beneficiaries through automation of all Fair Price Shops (FPSs) with the installation of electronic point of sale (e-PoS) devices are essential under the system.

    Benefits of One Nation One Ration Card:

      • Empowers migrant Population: It empowers the migratory population who frequently change their place of dwelling as migrant beneficiaries can get their entitled quota of food grains from any electronic point of sale(e-PoS) enabled fair Price Shops of their choice anywhere in the country.
      • Better Targeting: The reform enables the States in better targeting of beneficiaries, elimination of bogus/ duplicate/ineligible card-holders resulting in enhanced welfare and reduced leakage.

    Are there any benefits given by the Centre for the implementation of the ONORC System?

    • To meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India had in May 2020 enhanced the borrowing limit of the States by 2% of their Gross State Domestic Product(GSDP).
    • Half of this borrowing limit i.e 1% of GSDP has linked to undertaking citizen-centric reforms by the States.
      • The four citizen-centric areas for reforms identified by the Department of Expenditure were (a) Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System, (b) Ease of doing business reform, (c) Urban Local body/ utility reforms and (d) Power Sector reforms.
    • Therefore, an additional borrowing limit of 0.25% of the GSDP is allowed to the States only on completion of both of the following actions: 1) Aadhar Seeding of all the ration cards and beneficiaries in the State and 2) Automation of all the FPSs in the State.

    Article Source

     

     

  • Only discoms are allowed to install solar plants under Grid-connected Roof top Solar Scheme: Centre

    News: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has cautioned consumers against rooftop solar companies that are claiming to be authorised vendors for the implementation of the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme. The scheme is being implemented only by power distribution companies(DISCOMS).

    Facts:

      • Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme(Phase-II): The scheme aims to generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses.
      • Objective: To achieve the cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar(RTS) Projects by the year 2022.
      • Subsidy: Under this scheme, the Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW.
      • Implementation: The scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs.The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through the bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.
      • Condition: Subsidy will be available for the residential sector only and for availing the benefit of subsidy, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used.
      • Incentives to Discoms: Performance-based incentives are provided to DISCOMs based on Rooftop Solar capacity achieved in a financial year over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

    Article Source

     

     

  • PMKVY 3.0: Govt. launches Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana(PMKVY) 3.0

    News: The government of India has launched the third phase of its flagship skilling scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0).

    Facts:

      • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana(PMKVY): It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched in 2015 and implemented by National Skill Development Corporation(NSDC).
      • Objective: To enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood.
      • Under the scheme, Individuals with prior learning experience or skills will also be assessed and certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
      • Training and Assessment fees are completely paid by the Government

    PMKVY 2.0 (2016-20)

    • PMKVY 2.0: After the successful implementation of pilot PMKVY (2015-16), PMKVY 2.0 was launched by scaling up both in terms of Sector and Geography and by greater alignment with other missions of the government of India like Make in India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat.
    • Objectives:
      • Enable and mobilize a large number of youths to take up industry designed quality skill training, become employable and earn their livelihood.
      • Increase productivity of the existing workforce, and align skill training with the actual needs of the country.
      • Encourage standardisation of the Certification process and put in place the foundation for creating a registry of skills.
      • To benefit 10 million youth over a period of four years (2016- 2020).

    PMKVY 3.0

    • Objective: It envisages to train around 8 lakh candidates over the scheme period of 2020-2021.
    • Key Features:
      • This phase is designed towards making skill development more demand-driven and decentralised in its approach with a focus on digital technology, Industry 4.0 skills and COVID-related skills.
      • District Skill Committees(DSCs) under the guidance of State Skill Development Missions(SSDM) shall play a key role in addressing the skill gap and assessing demand at the district level.
      • It will encourage healthy competition between states. This is achieved by increasing the allocation to those states that perform better.
      • It will also be a propagator of vocational education at an early level for youth to capitalize on industry-linked opportunities.

    Article Source

     

     

  • Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme

    News: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has cautioned consumers against rooftop solar companies that are claiming to be authorised vendors for the implementation of the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme. The scheme is being implemented only by power distribution companies(DISCOMS).

    Facts:

      • Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme(Phase-II): The scheme aims to generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses.
      • Objective: To achieve the cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar(RTS) Projects by the year 2022.
      • Subsidy: Under this scheme, the Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW.
      • Implementation: The scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs.The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through the bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.
      • Condition: Subsidy will be available for the residential sector only and for availing the benefit of subsidy, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used.
      • Incentives to Discoms: Performance-based incentives are provided to DISCOMs based on Rooftop Solar capacity achieved in a financial year over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

    Article Source

  • Hisar Airport Inaugurated Under RCS-UDAN

    News: Government has inaugurated the newly constructed Hisar airport in Haryana from Chandigarh under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN).

    Facts:

      • Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme: It was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme is a component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.
      • Aim: To develop a regional aviation market. It seeks to connect under-served and unserved airports in India through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.
      • Objectives:
        • Create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes.
        • Development of remote areas and enhancing trade and commerce and tourism expansion.
        • Employment creation in the aviation sector.
      • Duration: The scheme would be in operation for a period of 10 years.
      • Key Features of the scheme:
        • Under the scheme, airlines have to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight.
        • This would be achieved through (1) a financial stimulus in the form of concessions from Central and State governments and airport operators and (2) Viability Gap Funding– A government grant provided to the airlines to bridge the gap between the cost of operations and expected revenue.
        • The partner State Governments (other than North Eastern States and Union Territories where contribution will be 10 %) would contribute a 20% share to this fund.
        • Regional Connectivity Fund would be created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme.The RCF levy per departure will be applied to certain domestic flights.
    • Phases Under the Scheme:
      • UDAN 1.0 and 2.0: During RCS-UDAN version 1.0 & 2.0, 66 airports were identified and 31 heliports (28 unserved heliports and 3 unserved airports).
      • UDAN 3.0: During UDAN version 3.0, to increase the tourism potential at the coastal areas, Tourism routes in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes were included.
      • UDAN 4.0: The focus of UDAN 4.0 is on priority areas like North East Region, Hilly States, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Islands.

    Article Source

     

  • Efforts to increase Electric mobility in India

    Synopsis: Significance of shifting towards electric vehicles for India and how the government has actively facilitated this process

    What are the significances of shifting to electric vehicles for India? 

    Transition to electric vehicles is important for India as not only it will save public money but also the environment. 

      • The progression to electric vehicles will make India sustainable as it has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and build self-reliant domestic energy sector. 
      • it can reduce dependence on crude oil and help to save government money especially the FOREX. For example, India is the third-largest oil importer in the world in terms of value. In 2018–19, India imported 228.6 MT of crude oil worth $120 billion. 
      • Besides being an economically and environmentally viable option, India’s transition to electric vehicles will also allow us to improve our infrastructure.  
      • This will also have a significant impact on our foreign policy as our energy security dependence will shift from West Asia to Latin America. 

    Sourcing Lithium  

    In India, In the last two years, lithium imports have tripled from $384 mn to $1.2 bn and its demands are being fulfilled by imports from China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. 

    • Latin America’s famous lithium triangle Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, encompasses about 80% of the explored lithium of the world.  
    • Currently, India’s majority of trade from Latin America is concentrated on crude oil which includes 14%-20% of India’s total crude oil imports which is likely to change towards Lithium and cobalt. 
    • government is looking to buy overseas lithium reserves to develop domestic battery manufacturing capacity.  
        • In 2019, a joint venture agreement was signed between three Indian CPSE’s (National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL)) to form Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) that has the objective to explore strategic mineral assets like lithium and cobalt abroad for commercial use and to meet the domestic requirement for battery manufacturers. 

    What were the steps taken by government to facilitate the shift towards electric vehicles? 

    With the vision to have 30% electric vehicles plying the roads by 2030 the government of India has taken up the following initiatives.  

      • First, under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and Fame 2.0, the government has allocated $1.3 billion in incentives for electric buses, three-wheelers and four-wheelers to be used for commercial purposes till 2022, and earmarked another $135 million for charging stations.  
      • Second, NITI Aayog has proposed for a $4.6 billion subsidy for battery makers to facilitate domestic manufacturing of Lithium batteries. 
      • Third, In September 2019, government gave its nod to set up a manufacturing unit in Gujarat by Japanese consortium (Suzuki Motor+ Denso+ Toshiba) to venture into the production of lithium-ion batteries and electrodes.  

    The Indian government’s pre-emptive policy action will not only help the lithium and cobalt industry to grow domestically but also help India to chalk out a long-term solution to clean our cities, build new markets, and skill people for new jobs towards an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

    Read Also : current affairs for upsc

  • RBI unveils guidelines for Payment Infrastructure Development Fund

    News: Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has announced operational guidelines for the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme.

    Facts:

    • Objectives of the Fund:
      • To increase the number of acceptance devices multi-fold in the country.
      • To benefit the acquiring banks / non-banks and merchants by lowering overall acceptance infrastructure cost.
      • To increase payments acceptance infrastructure by adding 30 lakh touch points – 10 lakhs physical and 20 lakh digital payment acceptance devices every year.
    • Purpose: The fund will be used to subsidize banks and non-banks for deploying payment infrastructure which will be contingent upon specific targets being achieved.
    • Accountability: Acquirers of the subsidy shall submit quarterly reports on the achievement of targets to the RBI.
    • Targets:
      • The primary focus shall be to create payment acceptance infrastructure in Tier-3 to Tier-6 centres.
      • North Eastern states of the country shall be given special focus.
      • The fund will also focus on those merchants who are yet to be terminalised(merchants who do not have any payment acceptance device).
      • Merchants engaged in services such as transport and hospitality, government payments, public distribution system(PDS) shops, healthcare may be included especially in targeted geographies.
    • Duration of Fund: The fund will be operational for three years effective from 1st January, 2021 and may be extended for two more years.
    • Funding::It has a corpus of Rs. 345 crore with Rs. 250 crore contributed by the RBI and Rs. 95 crore by the major authorised card networks in the country. The authorised card networks shall contribute in all Rs. 100 crore. Besides the initial corpus, PIDF shall also receive annual contributions from card networks and card issuing banks.
    • Advisory Council: An Advisory Council (AC) under the chairmanship of RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo has been constituted for managing the PIDF. The council will devise a transparent mechanism for allocation of targets to acquiring banks and non-banks in different segments and locations.
    • Monitoring: Implementation of targets under PIDF shall be monitored by RBI’s Regional Office Mumbai with assistance from card networks, the Indian Banks’ Association, and the Payments Council of India.

    Article Source

  • Government approves new scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu & Kashmir

    News: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu & Kashmir.

    Facts:

    • Aim: To develop development of Manufacturing as well as Service Sector Units in J&K which will generate employment and leads to the socio economic development of the area.
    • Incentives: The following incentives would be available under the scheme:
      • Capital Investment Incentive at the rate of 30% in Zone A and 50% in Zone B on investment made in Plant & Machinery (in manufacturing) or construction of buildings and other durable physical assets(in service sector) is available.Units with an investment upto Rs. 50 crore will be eligible to avail this incentive. Maximum limit of incentive is Rs 5 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in Zone A & Zone B respectively
      • Capital Interest subvention: At the annual rate of 6% for maximum 7 years on loan amount up to Rs. 500 crore for investment in plant and machinery (in manufacturing) or construction of building and all other durable physical assets(in service sector).
      • GST Linked Incentive: 300% of the eligible value of actual investment made in plant and machinery (in manufacturing) or construction in building and all other durable physical assets(in service sector) for 10 years. The amount of incentive in a financial year will not exceed one-tenth of the total eligible amount of incentive.
      • Working Capital Interest Incentive: All existing units at the annual rate of 5% for maximum 5 years. Maximum limit of incentive is Rs 1 crore.
    • Other Key Features of the Scheme:
      • Scheme is made attractive for both smaller and larger units. Smaller units with an investment in plant & machinery upto Rs. 50 crore will get a capital incentive upto Rs. 7.5 crore and get capital interest subvention at the rate of 6% for maximum 7 years
      • The scheme aims to take industrial development to the block level in UT of J&K, which is first time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India and attempts for a more sustained and balanced industrial growth in the entire UT
      • Scheme has been simplified on the lines of ease of doing business by bringing one major incentive- GST Linked Incentive- that will ensure less compliance burden without compromising on transparency.
    • Expenditure involved: The financial outlay of the proposed scheme is Rs.28,400 crore for the scheme period 2020-21 to 2036-37.
    • Impact:
      • Scheme will bring radical transformation in the existing industrial ecosystem of J&K with emphasis on job creation, skill development and sustainable development.
      • The scheme is likely to attract unprecedented investment and give direct and indirect employment to about 4.5 lakh persons. Additionally, because of the working capital interest subvention the scheme is likely to give indirect support to about 35,000 persons.

    Article Source

     

  • Union Minister reviews “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” Project

    Source: PIB

    News: Union Minister for Tourism has held a review meeting review meeting of the “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” project.

    Facts:

    • Adopt a Heritage Project: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India. It was launched in September 2017 on World Tourism Day.
    • Aim: To ensure quality & inclusive provision of amenities and facilities across heritage, natural, & tourist sites through active participation of private and public sector organizations and individuals. These organizations would be known as “Monument Mitras” for their collaboration initiative.
    • Objectives of the Project:
      • Developing basic tourism infrastructure in and around heritage sites, monuments, natural sites and tourist sites.
      • Develop facilities and amenities to improve the tourist experience at heritage sites, monuments, natural sites and tourist sites.
      • Promote cultural and heritage value of the country and develop avenues to create awareness about the heritage/natural/tourist sites in the country
      • Develop and promote sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensure proper Operations and Maintenance therein.
      • Develop employment opportunities and support livelihoods of local communities at heritage sites.
    • Eligibility: Private and Public Sector Companies, Trusts, NGOs and Individuals are eligible for adopting heritage site (s)/ monument (s) under this project.
    • Key Features of the Project:
      • The sites/monuments are selected on the basis of tourist footfall and visibility and can be adopted by private and public sector companies and individuals known as Monument Mitras for an initial period of five years.
      • The Monument Mitras are selected by the ‘oversight and vision committee,’ co-chaired by the Tourism Secretary and the Culture Secretary on the basis of the bidder’s ‘vision’ for development of all amenities at the heritage site.
      • There is no financial bid involved. The corporate sector is expected to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of the site.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission launches innovation challenge for portable water testing devices

    Source: PIB

    News: National Jal Jeevan Mission has launched an innovation challenge in partnership with Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to develop portable devices for water testing.

    Facts:

    • Aim: The challenge aims to ensure that water sources are tested at various locations, at different levels; thereby, helping the policy framers to design programs which address the water contamination issues.

    What was the need of this challenge?

    • Drinking water supply in rural areas is from both from the groundwater (80%) and surface water (20%) sources. However, due to the depleting groundwater level, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, the use of surface water is on the rise.
    • Hence, for both groundwater and surface water based rural drinking water supply systems, it is important to measure relevant area-specific contaminations to ensure access to potable water.
    • Further, the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol, 2019 has also specified some important parameters to be monitored for assuring portability of drinking water as per BIS IS 10500:2012 and subsequent amendments.

    Additional Facts:

    • Jal Jeevan Mission: It aims to provide every rural household with functional household tap connections (FHTCs) with adequate quantity and of prescribed quality of water on a regular and long-term basis by 2024.
      It is being implemented by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Jal Shakti Ministry.
    • Key Features:
      • The mission implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.
      • The mission is based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
      • Water quality testing is one of the priority areas under the mission. It also looks to create a jan andolan for water thereby making it everyone’s priority.
    • Water Quality Parameters under Jal Jeevan Mission:

    Water Quality Parameters

  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi(PM-KISAN) Scheme

    Source: PIB

    News: The Prime Minister has released the next instalment of financial benefit under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi through video conference.

    Facts:

    • PM KISAN: It is a Central Sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in 2019.
    • Objective: To augment the income of the farmers by providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country and to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs.
    • Income Support: Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the farmers subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status.
    • Coverage: The Scheme initially provided income support to all small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land up to 2 hectares. Its ambit was later expanded to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings.
    • Beneficiaries: The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments.
    • Exclusions: Affluent farmers have been excluded from the scheme such as Income Tax payers in last assessment year, professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants etc. and pensioners drawing at least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding MTS/Class IV/Group D employees).
    • Special Provisions: Special provisions have also been made for the North-Eastern States where land ownership rights are community based, Forest Dwellers and Jharkhand which does not have updated land records and restrictions on transfer of land.

    Other Similar programmes by States:

    • Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income augmentation (KALIA)- Odisha
      Each family will get Rs 5,000 separately in the kharif and rabi seasons irrespective of the amount of land.
    • The Rythu Bandhu scheme- Telangana.
      In this scheme the government will provide Rs.4000 per acre per farmer per season to cover the input costs associated in farming like seeds, fertilizers, labour etc.
  • Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme

    Source: PIB

    News: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Federation of India(TRIFED) has signed an MoU with Ministry of Food Processing Industries(MOFPI) For Upliftment of Tribal Lives Through the Implementation of PM-FME Scheme. 

    Facts: 

    • PM-FME Scheme: It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries(MOFPI). 

    What is the aim of PM-FME scheme? 

    • To modernize and enhance the competitiveness of the existing individual micro enterprises and ensure their transition to formal sector 
    • To provide support to Farmer Producer Organizations, Self Help Groups, and Producers Cooperatives along their entire value chain. 
    • Duration: The PM-FME scheme will be implemented over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.  
    • Funding: The expenditure under the PM-FME scheme would be shared in 60:40 ratio between Central and State Governments, in 90:10 ratio with North Eastern and Himalayan States, 60:40 ratio with UTs with legislature and 100% by Centre for other UTs. 
    • Coverage: Under the PM-FME scheme, 2,00,000 micro food processing units will be directly assisted with credit linked subsidy. Adequate supportive common infrastructure and institutional architecture will be supported to accelerate growth of the sector. 

    What are the Key Features of PM-FME scheme? 

    • One District One Product:  
    • The PM-FME Scheme adopts One District One Product (ODOP) approach to reap the benefit of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products. 
    • The States would identify food products for a district keeping in view the existing clusters and availability of raw material.  
    • The ODOP product could be a perishable produce based product or cereal based products or a food product widely produced in a district and their allied sectors. 
    • Other Focus Areas:  
    • The PM-FME scheme focuses on Waste to wealth products, minor forest products and Aspirational Districts. 
    • The Scheme also places special focus on capacity building and research. NIFTEM and IIFPT, two academic and research institutions under MOFPI along with State Level Technical Institutions selected by the States would be provided support for training of units, product development, appropriate packaging and machinery for micro units. 
    • Financial Support: 
    • Existing individual micro food processing units desirous of upgrading their units can avail credit-linked capital subsidy at 35% of the eligible project cost with a maximum ceiling of Rs.10 lakh per unit. 
    • Support would be provided through credit linked grants at 35% for development of common infrastructure including common processing facility, lab, warehouse through FPOs/SHGs/cooperatives or state owned agencies or private enterprise. 
    • A seed capital (initial funding) of Rs. 40,000- per Self Help Group (SHG) member would be provided for working capital and purchase of small tools. 
  • “Swachhata Abhiyan” – Mobile Application

    Source: PIB

    News: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan”. 

    Facts: 

    • Swachhata Abhiyan: It is a mobile application developed to identify and geotag the data of insanitary latrines and manual scavengers so that the insanitary latrines can be replaced with sanitary latrines and rehabilitate all the manual scavengers to provide dignity of life to them. 
    • Significance: This would help in rehabilitating all manual scavengers and replace insanitary latrines with sanitary ones. 

    Additional Facts: 

    • Manual scavenging: It is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or handling human excreta. 
    • According to the 2011 Census, there are more than 26 Lakh insanitary latrines in the country and the existence of insanitary latrines is the main reason for manual scavenging. 

     Indian Government efforts to end Manual Scavenging: 

    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013: The key features of the act are: 
    • It bans manual scavenging and also discharges employees who are engaged in this practice on a contractual or regular basis. 
    • It widened the definition of manual scavengers by including it in all forms of manual removal of human excreta like an open drain, pit latrine, septic tanks, manholes, and removal of excreta on the railway tracks.  
    • It lays key focus on rehabilitating the manual scavengers by providing them with ready-built houses, financial assistance & loans for taking up alternate occupation on a sustainable basis, organizing training programs for the scavengers so that they can opt for some other profession at a stipend of Rs. 3000 and offering scholarships to their children under the relevant scheme of the government. 
    • The Act makes the offense of manual scavenging cognizable and non-bailable. 
    • It calls for a survey of manual scavenging in urban & rural areas and the conversion of insanitary latrines into sanitary latrines. 
    • It makes it obligatory for employers to provide protective tools to the workers. 

    Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS):  

    • It aims to rehabilitate manual scavengers and their dependents in alternative occupations, in a time bound manner. 
    • Under this, manual scavengers are provided rehabilitation benefits which include  
    • One Time cash assistance of Rs.40000/-. 
    • Loans up to Rs. 15.00 lacs at concessional rate of interest. 
    • Credit linked back end capital subsidy up to Rs. 3,25,000/-. 
    • Skill Development Training up to two years with a stipend of Rs.3000/- per month. 
  • Cabinet Approves changes In Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme For Scheduled Caste Students

    Source: The Hindu

    News: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved changes to the post-matric scholarship scheme for students from the Scheduled Castes.

    Facts:

    • Changes are aimed to benefit more than 4 Crore SC students in the next 5 years so that they can successfully complete their higher education.
    • Post Matric Scholarship scheme For Scheduled Caste Students: The Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to the Scheduled Caste students studying at post matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education.
    • Eligibility: These scholarships are available for studies in India only and are awarded by the government of the State/Union Territory to which the applicant actually belongs i.e. permanently settled.
    • Funding: It is a Centrally Sponsored scheme with a funding pattern of 60-40 for the Centre and States.
      • This replaces the existing ”committed liability” system and brings greater involvement of the Central government in this scheme.
    • Income Ceiling: Scholarships will be paid to the students whose parents/guardians’ income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2,50,000/- (Rupees two lakh fifty thousand only).
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    • Transparency: The scheme will be run on an online platform with cyber security measures that would assure transparency, accountability, efficiency, and timely delivery of the assistance without any delays.
    • Community Audit: The community audits of the scheme would be conducted to make sure the benefits were reaching the students.
  • North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project

    Source: PIB

    News: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) for the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP).

    Facts:

    • NERPSIP Scheme: The Scheme was initially approved in 2014 as a Central Sector Plan Scheme of the Ministry of Power.
    • Funding: The scheme is being funded with the assistance of the World Bank fund and by the Government of India through the Budget support of the Ministry of Power on a 50:50 basis.
    • Objective: Government’s commitment for the total economic development of the North Eastern Region and to strengthen the Intra-State Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure in the North East Region.
    • Implementation: The scheme is being implemented through Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID).
    • Beneficiary States: Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura and is targeted to be commissioned by December 2021.
  • Govt approves inclusion of four indigenous sports in Khelo India Youth Games 2021

    Source: Click here

    News: Sports Ministry has approved the inclusion of four indigenous Games to be a part of Khelo India Youth Games 2021.The games include Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta and Mallakhamba.

    Facts:

    • Gatka: It is a traditional martial art form originated from Punjab.It is associated with the Nihang Sikh Warriors and is used both as self-defense as well as a sport.
    • Kalaripayattu also known as Kalari is an Indian martial art that originated in Kerala.It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.
    • Thang-Ta also known as Huyen Lallong is a martial art form of Manipur and has been practised by the Meiteis. It is dedicated to fighting skill and worship.
    • Mallakhamba: It is a traditional sport from Indian subcontinent and has been well-known in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.It involves gymnasts performing aerial yoga or gymnastic postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope.

    What is Khelo India?

    • Khelo India Programme: It was introduced by the Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs.
    • Aim: To revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as a great sporting nation.
    • Objectives:
      • Mass participation of youth in annual sports competitions through a structured competition;
      • Identification of talent
      • Guidance and nurturing of the talent through existing sports academies and new set up either by the central Government or State Government or in PPP mode.
      • Creation of Sports Infrastructure at mofussil, Tehsil, District, State levels among others.
    • Merger: The scheme is a merger of three schemes namely:
      • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan: Infrastructure in rural areas and encouraging sports through competitions
      • Urban Infrastructure Scheme: Development of Infrastructure in urban areas.
      • National Sports Talent Search: Identifying sports talent.
    • Key Features of the Scheme:
      • Under the scheme, Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by the High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.
      • State wise budget allocation is not made and projects are sanctioned based on their viability. Funds are released project wise.
    • Verticals: To meet the objectives of Khelo India, the entire programme is divided in 12 verticals as mentioned in the below picture:

    Khelo India 1

    Note: Sports being a State subject, the responsibility of promotion of sports, including identification of young talent and its nurturing rests with State Governments. Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments through its various schemes.

  • PM-WANI: Revolutionise the way India accesses the internet

    Context: PM-WANI has the potential to revolutionise the way India accesses the internet.

    What are the key features of Pradhan Mantri Wireless Access Network Interface (PM-WANI)?

    • Bring large scale deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots through the country to drive up connectivity options and improve digital access.
    • The scheme envisages setting up of public Wi-Fi networks and access points by local Kirana and neighbourhood shops through public data offices (PDO will be set up on the lines of Public Call Offices (PCOs)) that will not involve any licence, fee or registration.

    What are the needs of PM-WANI?

    • To create value for the consumer.
    • To quickly reach countrymen in the remotest areas.
    • India’s tele-density of landlines never exceeded 7 per 100 people but due to mobile it exceeded to 90 per 100 people.
    • India grew from 302 million internet subscribers to 750 million.
    • India is one of the fastest growing internet markets in the world.
    • To deliver a resilient and reliable connection to every Indian and reliable access everywhere.
    • Despite excellent advances in 4G technology, wired connections still offer superior quality, reliability and throughput.

    How PM-Wani can revolutionise access to internet?

    • UPI created common payments infrastructure that unbundled whose app you use to pay from which bank your money was in.
    • This resulted in 3 Cs — greater convenience, higher confidence and lower costs.
    • PM-WANI unbundles whose wired connection you use from who you pay to use that connection.
    • It allows them to interoperate and focus on connecting the last user. It is built on unbundling three as — access, authorisation and accounting.

    What are the dimensions along which PM-WANI has broken away from the past?

    • PM-WANI has liberalised the resale of bandwidth. Earlier only licensed players could become Internet Service Providers and resell bandwidth.
    • This has led to the top 5 ISPs owning 75 per cent of the volume of all wired subscribers.
    • PM-WANI allows anyone — a kirana shop owner, a tea-stall vendor, or a Common Service Centre to resell internet to its customers without a licence and without fees.
    • By installing a wireless router, they can get on the PM-WANI network and start selling connectivity.
    • These small vendors will be called Public Data Offices (PDOs), in a deliberate hark back to the Public Call Offices of yore.
    • Due to this deregulation, the distribution of endpoints of PM-WANI will be selected by entrepreneurs rather than being decided top-down.

    How PM-WANI is forward-looking in its design?

    • Presence of robust identity infrastructure in the form of Aadhaar and DigiLocker. It will help to authenticate its users.
    • This architecture also allows a central data balance and central KYC, that users can use inter-operably across all PDOs.
    • The network operators then settle accounting between them, much like how telecom operators settle call termination charges.
    • Indians can log in once and enjoy access on all available WiFi networks.
    • It also allows international travellers to take advantage of India’s connectivity, without paying exorbitant roaming charges to their home networks.
  • QCI Launches Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies

    Source: Click here

    News: Quality Council of India(QCI) at the behest of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) has launched a “Scheme for approval of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies”.

    Facts:

    • Objective: To scale up Hygiene Rating by increasing the number of recognised Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies in the country.

    Additional Facts:

    • Food Hygiene Rating Scheme: It is a certification system by FSSAI for food businesses supplying food directly to consumers, either on or off premise.The food establishments are rated based on food hygiene and safety conditions observed at the time of audit.
    • Quality Council of India (QCI): It was set up in 1997 jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry to establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign.
      • Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry is the nodal department for QCI.
      • Chairman: The Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the industry to the government.
    • FSSAI: It is a statutory, autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

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  • Declare exotic pets, avoid prosecution: how one-time scheme works

    Source: Click here

    News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) has come out with an advisory on a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme that allows owners of exotic live species that have been acquired illegally or without documents to declare their stock to the government.

    Facts:

    • Aim of the scheme: To address the challenge of zoonotic diseases, develop an inventory of exotic live species for better compliance under the CITES and regulate their import.In its current form, the amnesty scheme is just an advisory and not a law.
    • Exotic wildlife covered under scheme: The advisory has defined exotic live species as animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the CITES.It does not include species from the Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.The advisory excludes exotic birds from the amnesty scheme.
    • Process for disclosure: The disclosure has to be done online through MoEFCC’s Parivesh portal The owner of the animal(s) will have to declare the stock to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the concerned state or Union Territory.This will be followed by a physical verification of the animals.

    Additional Facts:

    • Exotics Animals: These are those species that are mentioned under the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but not under the schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Pro Active Responsive facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single window Hub(PARIVESH) Portal: It is a Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change initiative for single window clearances of Environment, Forests and Wildlife and Coastal Regulation Zone(CRZ) Clearances.
    • CITES: It is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in wild animals, birds and plants does not endanger them. India is a member. Appendices I, II and III of CITES list 5,950 species as protected against over-exploitation through international trade.
  • PM-WANI: Cabinet approves setting up of public WiFi networks

    News: Union Cabinet has approved a public Wi-Fi access network called PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface).

    Facts:

    • Aim: To enable easily accessible public Wi-Fi hotspots spread across the country.
    • Stakeholders: PM-WANI will be operated by different players as described herein under:
      • Public Data Office(PDO): It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.

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      • Public Data Office Aggregator(PDOA): It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
      • App Provider: It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service.
      • Central Registry: It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs and PDOs. To begin with, the Central Registry will be maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematic (C-DOT).
    • Other Features:
      • There would be no license fee for providing broadband internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.

     

  • Federal Water Governance Ecosystem

    Context- Importance of Centre-States coordination to deal with the emerging challenges of inter-state water governance.

    How the two bills on water can attend the longstanding issue of inter-state externalities

    1. The Interstate River Water Disputes Amendment Bill 2019– The bill seeks to improve the inter-state water disputes resolution by setting up a permanent tribunal supported by a deliberative mechanism, the dispute resolution committee.
    2. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019– The bills provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams, with the help of a comprehensive federal institutional framework comprising committees and authorities for dam safety at national and state levels.
    • It also provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure the safety of such dams.

    However, these two bills were passed by Lok Sabha and are pending in Rajya Sabha.

    What is the importance of Jal Jeevan Mission JJM?

    • The chief objective of the Mission is to provide piped water supply (Har Ghar Jal) to all rural and urban households by 2024.
    • The Jal Jeevan Mission will converge with other Central and State Government Schemes to achieve its objectives of sustainable water supply management across the country.
    • The central assistance through JJM is an opportunity to open a dialogue with the States to address federal water governance gap.

    Why a coordinated response from the Centre and states is vital?

    1. Systematic federal response– Emerging concerns of long-term national water security and sustainability, the risks of climate change, and the growing environmental challenges, including river pollution needs systematic federal response where the Centre and the states need to work in a partnership mode.
    2. For implementation of current national projects– Centre-States coordination is also crucial for pursuing the national projects. For example Ganga river rejuvenation or inland navigation or inter-basin transfers.
    3. Critical for Jal Jeevan Mission’s success.
    4. To pursue development and sustainability goals–

    What is the way forward?

    1. Absence of authoritative water data- Data systems related to water in the country are limited in their coverage, robustness and efficiency. The sector suffers from the following key data problems-
    2. Limited coverage,
    3. Unreliable data
    4. Limited co-ordination and sharing.

    Therefore, the Centre can work with the states in building a credible institutional architecture for gathering data and producing knowledge about water resources.

    1. Jal Jeevan Mission presents an opportunity to get states on board for a dialogue towards stronger Centre-states coordination and federal water governance ecosystem.

    Federal Structure of Indian Polity

  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana

    News: Finance minister has announced the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana scheme.

    Facts:

    • Aim: To incentivize the creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid-19 economic recovery phase.
    • Beneficiaries (new employees) under Scheme:
      • Any new employee joining employment in EPF registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs 15,000.
      • EPF members drawing a monthly wage of less than Rs 15,000 who made exit from employment during covid-19 pandemic from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020 and are employed on or after October 1, 2020.
    • Government Contribution: Central Government will provide subsidy for two years in respect of new eligible employees engaged on or after 01.10.2020 at following scale:
      • Establishments employing up to 1000 employees: Employee’s contributions (12% of Wages) & Employer’s contributions (12% of wages) totalling 24% of wages
      • Establishments employing more than 1000 employees: Only Employee’s EPF contributions (12% of EPF wages)
    • Duration of the Scheme: The scheme will be operational till June 30, 2021.

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  • Production-Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme

    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has given its approval to introduce the Production-Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme for 10 key sectors.

    Facts:

    • Aim: To help encourage domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, and generate employment.
    • Features: Under the Scheme, companies will get incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units.
    • Implementation: The scheme will be implemented by the concerned ministries/departments.
    • 10 Key Sectors (and Implementing Ministry/Department):
      • Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: NITI Aayog and Department of Heavy Industries.
      • Electronic/Technology Products: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
      • Automobiles & Auto Components: Department of Heavy Industries.
      • Pharmaceuticals drugs: Department of Pharmaceuticals
      • Telecom & Networking Products: Department of Telecom
      • Textile Products (MMF segment and technical textiles): Ministry of Textiles
      • Food Products: Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
      • High Efficiency Solar PV Modules: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
      • White Goods (ACs & LED): Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
      • Speciality Steel: Ministry of Steel.
    • Note: The above sectors will be in addition to the already notified PLI schemes in the following sectors:
      • Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY).
      • Critical Drug Intermediaries, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Manufacturing of Medical Devices: Department of Pharmaceuticals.
  • ‘Back to Village’ programme in J&K

    Back to Village(B2V) programme

    News: Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the third phase of ambitious Back to Village(B2V) programme.

    Facts:

    • Back to Village(B2V) programme: The programme aims to involve the people of the state and government officials in a joint effort to deliver the mission of equitable development. It also aims to energize Panchayats and direct development efforts in rural areas through community participation.
    • Four main goals:
      • energising panchayats.
      • collecting feedback on the delivery of government schemes and programmes.
      • capturing specific economic potential.
      • undertaking assessment of needs of villages.
    • Phases:
      • Phase I: To understand people’s grievances and demands.
      • Phase-II: It focused on the devolution of powers to panchayats and tried to understand how these panchayats are functioning and what are the grievances and demands
      • Phase-III: It has been designed on the format for grievance redressal.
    • Features of Back to Village(B2V) programme.:
      1. As part of the programme, each gazetted officer will be assigned a gram panchayat where he/she will interact and obtain feedback from the panchayat representatives about their concerns, developmental needs and economic potential of the area.

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    The feedback obtained will help the government in needs assessment and subsequently to tailor the various central and state government schemes/programmes in improving the delivery of village-specific services and making the village life better in terms improved amenities and economic upliftment.

  • Union Cabinet approves Mission Karmayogi

    News: The Union Cabinet approved the Mission Karmayogi – National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).

    Facts:

    • Mission Karmayogi: It is a nationwide programme to lay the foundation for capacity building of civil servants so that they remain entrenched in Indian Culture while they learn the best practices across the world.
    • Aim: To prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, imaginative, proactive, innovative, progressive, professional, energetic, transparent and technology enabled.
    • How will Mission Karmayogi unfold?
      • iGOT Karmayogi: The mission will be delivered by Integrated Government Online Training-iGOT Karmayogi Platform. It will act as a launchpad for National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building to enable a comprehensive reform of the capacity building apparatus at the individual, institutional and process levels.
      • Human Resources Council: It will be set up under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister comprising select Union Ministers, Chief Ministers who will provide strategic direction to the task of Civil Services Reform and capacity building.
      • Coordination Unit: It will be headed by Cabinet Secretary consisting of select secretaries and cadre controlling authorities.
      • Capacity Building Commission: It will include experts in related fields and global professionals. This commission will prepare and monitor annual capacity building plans and audit human resources available in the government.
      • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): It will be a “not-for-profit” company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It will own and manage iGOT-Karmayogi platform to create and operationalise the content, market place and manage key business services of iGOT platform.
    • Funding: To cover around 46 lakh central employees, a sum of Rs 510 crore will be spent over a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The expenditure is partly funded by multilateral assistance to the tune of $50 million.

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  • Five Star Villages Scheme
    • Aim: To ensure universal coverage of flagship postal schemes in rural areas of the country by increasing public awareness and reach of postal products and services.
    • Schemes Covered under the Five Star scheme include:
      • Savings Bank accounts, Recurring Deposit Accounts, NSC / KVP certificates
      • Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts/ PPF Accounts
      • Funded Post Office Savings Account linked India Post Payments Bank Accounts
      • Postal Life Insurance Policy and
      • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Account / Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Account.

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    • Rating System: One Scheme is equal to one star of rating. Therefore, if a village attains universal coverage for four schemes from the above list, then that village gets four-star status and so on.
    • Pilot Implementation: The scheme is being launched on pilot basis in Maharashtra; based on the experience here, it will be implemented nation-wide.
    • Implementation: The scheme will be implemented by a team of five Gramin Dak Sevaks who will be assigned a village for marketing of all products savings and insurance schemes of the Department of Posts.
      • This team will be headed by the Branch Post Master of the concerned Branch Office.
  • E-Gopala App
    • It is a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers.
    • Features: The app will provide solutions on the aspects of:
      • Managing livestock including buying and selling of disease-free germplasm in all forms (semen, embryos, etc.).
      • Availability of quality breeding services (Artificial Insemination, veterinary first aid, vaccination, treatment, etc.).
      • Guiding farmers for animal nutrition and treatment of animals using appropriate ayurvedic medicine/ethnoveterinary medicine.
      • Providing a mechanism to send alerts and inform farmers about various government schemes and campaigns in the area.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

    Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

    • It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country as a part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
    • Nodal Ministry: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
    • Aim:
      • Enhance fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne and increase fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
      • Double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.
      • Reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10%.
      • Generate an additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and allied activities.
    • Investment and Duration: An estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for a period of 5 years from financial year (FY) 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
    • Components: The scheme has two components — Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
    • Other significant Features:
      • The scheme Adopt ‘Cluster or Area-based Approaches’ and create fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages.
      • It focuses especially on employment generation activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation.

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  • Guru shishya parampara scheme

    Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme

    • Government of India and Department of Culture launched a Scheme called ‘Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme’through Zonal Cultural Centre to preserve and promote rare and vanishing art forms whether classical or folk/tribal.
    • Objective of the scheme was to nurture the young talents to acquire skills in their chosen field of art through some financial assistance by the ZCCs in the form of scholarship under the guidance of Experts and Masters in these fields.
    • This scheme has provided security to a large number of old and retired artistes. Most of the artistes covered under this scheme are from rural areas and teaching shishyas from within reasonable catchment area of their residence.
    • A Monitoring Workshop-cum-Presentations of Gurus and Shishyas is organised for reviewing and evaluating the progress made in this direction. An Expert Committee comprising eminent Art Experts is constituted for this purpose.
    • To implement this scheme, Great Masters (Gurus) of different art forms of constituent states of NZCC, who are capable to train the interested shishyas are identified.
    • The committee is constituted to process, evaluate and recommend the candidature of expert (Guru) and each Guru is expected to train five to eight shishyas.
    • A small scholarship is provided to the learner and an honorarium to the Master (Guru) as per the norms fixed by Ministry of Culture to motivate them, which are as follows:
      • Guru (Master): @ Rs.5000/- per month
      • Accompanist: @ Rs.2500/- each per month
      • Shishya: @ Rs.1000/- each per month

    What are the positives in the guru shishya learning? 

    • The guru shishya parampara provides intimate learning and sharing that goes beyond the syllabus.
    • There are students and teachers who share a bond that goes beyond what the university demanded of them.
    • There are stories of great gurus and famous shishyas across disciplines and geographies.

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    What are the issues associated with the guru shishya parampara? 

    • Like most relationships, the guru shishya relationship is grounded in a power imbalance, but here, crucially, the inequality is celebrated.
    • A need to be subservient to and indeed submit to, the master is an unspoken necessity.
    • Structurally flawed: students are forced to commit to hours of household chores just to receive those few moments of wisdom, it is celebrated as sacrifice and commitment and endurance.
    • Lack of evidence: Proof is hard to come by because assault takes place in closed rooms without security cameras or witnesses.
    • Marginalisation of the poor: It is also true that abuse increases exponentially when the student comes from an economically poor or socially marginalized community.
  • Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

    Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

    Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to assist cooperatives in the creation of healthcare infrastructure. Cooperatives at the present run around 52 hospitals across the country having cumulative bed strength of more than 5,000.
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    National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)Nodal Body: The scheme has been formulated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation(NCDC).

    • Aim: To extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs. 10,000 Crore for the setting up of healthcare-related infrastructure, education and services.
    • Eligibility: Any Cooperative Society with a suitable provision in its bylaws to undertake healthcare-related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund.
    • Incentives: The scheme provides interest subvention of 1% to women majority cooperatives.
    • NCDC: It is an apex level statutory autonomous institution set up by the Government of India under an Act of the Parliament in 1963. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme

    Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme

    • Under the scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy, based on the nutrient content present in them is provided on each grade of subsidized Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizer except Urea.
    • It was expected that the NBS scheme will control farmers from applying too much urea containing only nitrogen.

    Method of providing subsidies under Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme

      • In the case of non-urea fertilisers, MRP has been De-regularised and the government pays a flat per-tonne subsidy on the basis of nutrients mix in the fertiliser, to ensure they are priced at “reasonable levels”.
      • The per-tonne subsidy is currently Rs 10,231 for di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), Rs 6,070 for muriate of potash (MOP) and Rs 8,380 for the popular ‘10:26:26’ complex fertiliser, due to their mix of nutrients. That is why the decontrolled fertilisers price way above the Urea.

    Process of claiming subsidy

      • Before 2018, fertiliser companies were receiving subsidies after their bagged material had been dispatched and received at a district’s railhead point or approved godown.
      • In 2018, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system was introduced. Now, Fertiliser companies receive subsidies after the actual sales of fertilisers to farmers.
      • Around 2.3 lakh retailers all around the country have point-of-sale (PoS) machinery. PoS machines are linked to the Department of Fertilisers’ e-Urvarak DBT portal.
      • Anyone buying fertilisers has to provide their Aadhaar unique identity or Kisan Credit Card number. PoS devices will capture details like quantities of the individual fertilisers purchased, along with the buyer’s name and biometric authentication.
      • Now on the basis of this registered information on the e-Urvarak platform, a company can claim the subsidy.

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  • What is SVAMITVA Scheme

    What is SVAMITVA scheme?

    SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.

    Aim – To provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India for setting the boundaries of the rural lands and also provides the record of right to village household owners.

    1. It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) and prepares GIS based maps for each village.
    2. Implementation– The mapping will be done across the country in a phase-wise manner over a period of four years – from 2020 to 2024.
    3. After physical verification and dispute resolution, property cards or Sampatti patrak will be made available on digital platforms or as hard copies to the village household owners.

    Technology used– The Survey of India will use technology for topographical mapping, including satellite imageries and drone platforms.

    What are the advantages of digital mapping?

    Digital mapping will help raise rural productivity and incomes in various ways-
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    1. Smoother implication– The digitization of agricultural land records has contributed to the smooth implementation of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Fasal Bima Yojana and Rythu Bnadhu.
    2. Tax collection– The database will help in determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats directly in states where they are empowered to collect such taxes.
      • The scheme will help in streamlining planning and revenue collection in rural areas and ensuring clarity on property rights.
    3. Digitization of personal identity and agriculture land, and now residential property in rural areas through SVAMITVA, will facilitate transparent transactions in land parcels
    4. Non-farm related activity– This will benefit from clear title and the removal of land supply constraints. Clear title records, accompanied by legalization of land leasing, will improve their access to credit, insurance and support services.
    5. Enhances Liquidity of assets– The cards will help increase liquidity of land parcels in the market and increase the financial credit availability to the village.
    6. Creation of better GPDPs– The scheme will enable creation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), using the maps created under this programme.

    Way forward-

    SVAMITVA scheme is a welcome step for transparency and accountability. By proper co-ordination between Centre and state, smooth working of dispute settlement systems and training the youth for proper implication is required.

  • MSME Udyam Process

    Source: Indian Express

    Syllabus:Gs3: Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.

    Context: Udyam initiative is promising in terms of capturing reliable and verified information about MSMEs but it can impact some MSME’s from accessing formal finance

    Why the information available on MSME’s are not adequate?

    • Reliable and updated information regarding small businesses in India is absent.
    • Also, a dedicated census for MSME sector was not conducted in last 13 years.
    • Now, basic information available on MSME units is scattered across various databases such as the UAM, MSME Databank, and GSTN.
    • UAM, MSME Databank contain self-certified, voluntary information provided by a fraction of MSMEs
    • Whereas the GSTN has information on businesses with a turnover of more than Rs 40 lakh, the minimum requirement to be registered on it.

    What is Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum?

    • An online filing system for MSMEs notified by the government in 2015.
    • The registration process is free, paperless and awarded instant registration.
    • It was based on the self-declaration and self-certification of basic information regarding the enterprise’s existence and functioning.
    • In 2016, the government notified rules under which MSMEs had to furnish information relating to their enterprises, online, in an MSME databank.

    Why Udyam registration process?

    • Compared to UAM, the Udyam registration stress on importance of generating a verified database of MSME units.
    • Under the Udyam registration process, Aadhaar is made mandatory for proprietors
    • Irrespective of the number of manufacturing and service activities provided, every enterprise can have only one Udyam Registration Number,
    • The Income Tax department database and the GSTN is used to verify the self-declared information regarding investment and turnover.
    • The government has integrated the Udyam system with the Trade Receivables Electronic Discounting System (TReDS) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), In an attempt to nudge more enterprises.
    • This will significantly benefit MSMEs by offering a free and automatic route to onboard bill discounting mechanisms and the government’s online procurement system.

    How Udyam process can affect MSME’s Financial inclusion?

    • RBI has clarified that all lenders may now obtain the Udyam Registration Certificate from entrepreneurs.
    • It is clear that in future financial institutions can make the Udyam registration mandatory for lending purposes.
    • Whereas most of the MSME has characteristic features of household enterprises and operate with less than five workers.
    • Most of these firms are not formally registered as being invisible benefits these firms from paying income tax or getting registered under the GST, Also the cost of formalisation and compliance are high.
    • With Udyam registration being the only valid proof for an entity to be recognised as an MSME as per the revised definition invisible MSME’s will lack legal backing to source finance from the financial institutions

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    What is the way forward?

    • In 2018, the International Finance Corporation estimated that the finance from formal sources met only one-third of the credit demand of the MSME sector.
    • Due to their inability to meet documentation protocols, inadequate collateral, disorganised book-keeping etc. these businesses prefer relying on informal sources for financing.
    • So, the government and RBI should consider to exempt registration of units with investment and turnover in the lower end. Such that institutional lending initiatives continue to remain accessible for all businesses, formal and informal.
  • Right to be Forgotten – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The Delhi High Court ordered the removal of easy access from one of its own judgments. The move respected the petitioner’s right to be forgotten (RTBF) and aimed to prevent post-acquittal stigmatization. RTBF is a right to remove private information about a person from Internet searches and other directories under some circumstances.

    It is not explicitly available to the Indian masses. However, it has been implicitly recognised by courts as part of the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. However, some experts have expressed concerns about it. Because RTBF deters the right to information and media freedom under Article 19(1)(a) of the constitution. Therefore, cautious balancing is desired, to enable its implementation in a restricted sense. 

    Why in the News?
    • The Delhi High Court in Jorawar Singh Mundy v Union of India (2021) made an interim order protecting the rights of an American citizen.
      • The petitioner desired the removal of a judgment of acquittal in a case filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985).
      • As per the petition, the continued existence of judgment on the websites/portals of Google and Indiankanoon had caused irreparable damage to his social life as well as his career prospects.
    • An interim order was issued by the High Court of Delhi. It directed Google and IndianKanoon to remove access to a judgment from their portals.
    • The court recognised that the petitioner has a right to be forgotten, which must be balanced with the right of the public to access the court’s records.
    • This is the first instance of a court ordering the removal of access to its complete final judgment from certain spaces.
    About Right to be forgotten
    • It is a right to remove private information about a person from Internet searches and other directories under some circumstances.
    • It empowers individuals to ask organisations to delete their personal data.
    • Likewise, it allows the individuals to determine the development of their life in an autonomous way without being perpetually stigmatized for a specific action performed in the past.
    The scenario of Right to be forgotten in India
    • The RTBF is not an explicit right granted to Indian citizens. Although courts in various judgments have emphasized the importance of this right.
      • In K.S Puttaswamy versus Union of India (2017), the court deduced that the right to privacy also encompasses an individual’s right to control his existence on the internet.
    • The recommendations by the B.N Srikrishna committee also emphasized this right. Thus, it was incorporated under the Draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
      • Section 20 of the bill states that every person has the right to restrict or prevent continuing disclosure of personal data by any data fiduciary. Provided such disclosure meets any one of the following conditions:
        • The disclosure served the purpose for which it was made or is no longer necessary
        • Further, the disclosure was made with the prior consent of the individual, and such consent has since been withdrawn.
        • Lastly, the disclosure was made contrary to the provisions of the new bill or any other law in force.
    International Scenario of Right to be forgotten
    • The right took shape largely from the 1995 Directive of the European Union on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.
    • It is currently being provided by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a law passed by the 28-member bloc in 2018.
    • According to the EU GDPR’s website, the right to be forgotten appears in Article 17 of the regulation.
      • It states that the data subject shall have the right to obtain the erasure of personal data concerning him or her, without undue delay, from the controller. Further, the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay.
    • In 2019, the European Court of Justice ruled that the ‘right to be forgotten’ under European law would not apply beyond the borders of EU member states. 
      • This was in favour of Google, which was contesting a French regulatory authority’s order to have web addresses removed from its global database.
    • Currently, the EU, UK, and Australia are strongly moving towards the consolidation of the Right to be forgotten.
    Arguments in Favour of the right to be forgotten
    • First, it will uphold an individual’s privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This would enable him/her to fully enjoy the right to life and personal liberty.
    • Second, it would prevent post-acquittal social stigmatization by society. The right may save an individual from additional punishments like social boycott, difficulty in getting jobs, doing marriage, etc.
      • The Delhi HC revoked access to its judgment in Jorawar Singh Mundy v Union of India (2021) based on this premise.
    • Third, it would help in maintaining a veil of secrecy on the victim’s identity, especially in highly sensitive cases involving rape or affecting the modesty of the woman. This was observed by the Karnataka High court in Sri Vasunathan v The Registrar General (2017).
    • Fourth, many articles are written based on half-truths and mere accusations. The media doesn’t update its prior articles based on future verdicts.
    • Fifth, much information is published without an individual’s consent which may cause severe harm to its reputation and mental peace. 
      • For instance, uploading fake or revenge posts with respect to a person. 
      • Jasleen Kaur (a former Delhi University student) had in 2015 accused Saravjeet Singh of verbally harassing her at a traffic signal in West Delhi. 
      • This induced media persons to label him an “eve teaser” and a “pervert” however he was later acquitted.
    Arguments against the right to be forgotten
    • First, it gets in conflict with the right to information, which is part of freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian constitution.
      • For instance, a rape victim has a right that her past is forgotten. While a criminal cannot claim that he has the right to insist that his conviction should not be referred to by the media.
    • Second, under the proposed data protection bill, removal depends on the discretion of the adjudicating officer. This may lead to partisan or arbitrary removal in favour of the government.
    • Third, it may impair the right of media personnel to do independent reporting. The adjudicatory officer may remove articles of media groups that generally criticize government policies.
      • Thus, the freedom to criticize the public personalities for their public policies based on their past statements and activities will be in jeopardy.  
    • Fourth, the removal of complete judgments may restrict public scrutiny of judicial performance to ascertain the fairness and objectivity of the administration of justice. Further judgments are an important source of learning for law students.
    • Fifth, the removal sometimes creates a Streisand effect. It is a social phenomenon that occurs when an attempt to hide, remove or censor information has the unintended consequence of further publicizing that information.
    Suggestions
    • Privacy needs to be added as a ground for reasonable restriction under Article 19 (2) through a constitutional amendment for the effective implementation of RTBP.
    • The impending Data Protection Bill should be passed expeditiously. This would give individuals a legal right to erase their unnecessary and inappropriate personal data.
    • The courts should resort to narrow tailoring of the judgment rather than forbidding access to its complete judgment.
      • For instance, in the current Jorawar Singh Mundy v Union of India (2021), the court could have ordered that the name and personal details of the petitioner be censored while maintaining public access to the judgment itself.
    Conclusion

    The right to be forgotten is well established across the world, although Indian courts have not had much occasion to deal with the same. However, this situation may change in the future as more petitions are likely to be filed on account of the evolving international jurisprudence and impending enactment of the Indian Personal Data Protection Bill.

  • Delhi High Court’s order upholds ‘Right to be Forgotten’

    Synopsis:

    Recently, in response to a petition, the Delhi High Court ordered the removal of easy access from one of its own judgments. Delhi HC upheld the petitioner’s right to be forgotten to prevent post-acquittal disgrace faced by him. However, some experts have criticized the order, stating that minor modifications would have yielded better results than complete revocation.

    Background:
    • The Delhi HC gave temporary relief to a petitioner. He sought the removal of the judgment from leading database platforms and search engines after his acquittal.
      • The court asked search engines to remove this order from search results. It ordered the database platform to block the judgment from being accessed by search engines.
    • It recognized that the petitioner may have a right to be forgotten, which must be balanced with the right of the public to access courts of record.
    • This is the first instance of a court ordering the removal of access to its complete final judgment from certain spaces.
    About Right to be forgotten:
    • It is a right to remove private information about a person from public access.
    • It allows an individual to determine the development of their life in an autonomous way and prevents perpetual stigmatization for past conduct.
    • In 2017, the Supreme Court held it to be a part of the Right to privacy. The court deduced that a lot of personal information may serve no “legitimate interest”, was unnecessary or irrelevant and hence can be taken down.
    Issues associated with Right to Forgotten:
    • First, there are no concrete provisions or guidelines to determine the ambit of ‘Right to be forgotten’. It is dependent on the discretion of individual courts and the status of individuals. For instance, a public figure may find greater difficulties in exercising this right.
    • Second, there is no clarity on information uploaded by 3rd parties like a journalist or news agency. There is a broad consensus that one should be empowered to remove the information upheld by him/her over the internet.
      • However, removing 3rd party information may muzzle fair criticism of government policies and the media’s right to report.
      • U.S Supreme court in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), ruled that public interest reporting may continue without fear as long as it did not intentionally or recklessly make outright false statements.
    • Third, the removal of complete judgments may not allow public scrutiny of judicial performance to ascertain the fairness and objectivity of the administration of justice.
    • Fourth, the removal sometimes creates a Streisand effect. It is a social phenomenon that occurs when an attempt to hide, remove or censor information has the unintended consequence of further publicizing that information.

    Way Forward:

    • As per some experts, narrow tailoring of the judgment would have been more beneficial than forbidding access to its complete judgment.
    • The court could have ordered that the name and personal details of the petitioner be censored while maintaining public access to the judgment itself. 

    Thus, the right to be forgotten must be studied along with the concepts of fair criticism and accountability.

    Source: Click Here 

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  • The SC ordered the closure of Italian Marines case in India

    Synopsis – What is the case of the Italian Marines, what was the conflict between India and Italy over the issue and the possible reason of delay in prosecuting the matter.

    Introduction –
    • After Italy deposited Rs 10 crore in compensation, the SC ordered the closure of court proceedings in India against two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off the coast of Kerala in 2012 after mistaking them for pirates.
    • The diplomatic turbulence, legal tangle over jurisdiction between India and Italy caused the delay in resolving the Italian marine’s case.
    What was the dispute over the Italian Marines case?
    • India
      • India alleged that the Italian marines on board “Enrica Lexie” had violated the freedom of navigation rights by shooting at the fishing boat.
      • As the two fishermen were killed without warning, India has jurisdiction over the matter.
      • The NIA the NIA invoked anti-piracy law, the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA).
    • Italy – The prosecution under the SUA Convention was challenged by Italy for comparing the occurrence to a terrorist attack.
      • According to Italy, as the Indian vessel approached, the Italian marines determined that it was a pirate attack. As the fishing vessel continued to head towards the tanker despite sustained visual and auditory warnings, and the firing of warning shots into the water.
      • Italy claims the marines had been hired to protect the tanker from pirates and they were only carrying out their duties.
      • Italy also claims that the marines enjoyed sovereign functional immunity in India and Italy alone had jurisdiction to deal with them.
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    International tribunal’s ruling-
    • In 2020, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the two Italian marines were on a mission for the Italian government and so should be sent to Italy, where they would face criminal charges.
    • By the ratio of 3:2 votes, the Italian marines were entitled to diplomatic immunity as Italian state officers under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that India could not exercise jurisdiction against them.
    • The UN tribunal had also ruled that the Indian fishing boat and its victims were entitled to compensation as the Italian vessel, had violated the boat’s right of navigation under the Law of the Sea.
    Way forward-
    • If India had accepted Italy’s offer of compensation and a trial in its own jurisdiction sooner, the delay in prosecuting the matter could have been avoided.
    • As a result, a lesson learned is that such cases should be handled with using both legal and diplomatic means to get a speedy resolution.

    Source – The Hindu

  • The Right to a fair trial and the Indian Evidence Act

    Synopsis: Acquittals in rape cases are often based on stereotypes about rape survivors and their past sexual history. But that has to change if India wants to ensure the Right to a fair trial.

    Background

    During the recent judgement by the Goa session’s court in Tarun Tejpal case the court referred to the survivor’s sexual history in graphic detail. Further, the judgement held the following things,

    • The court denied accepting the victim as a sterling witness. It was stated that the survivor did not fit into the court’s preconceived ideas of a rape survivor’s behaviour.
    • This disregards the women’s struggles that forced changes in law, in case of law, and in approaches to victims of rape.
    Can the court go into the details of a survivor’s sexual history?

    No. Doing so would be a form of discrimination by the court.

    • It violates Article 14’s guarantee of equality before the law and the equal protection of laws.
    • Article 15 of the constitution also forbids the state from discriminating against citizens based on stereotypes related to their sex and gender. 

    There have been many cases wherein the Supreme Court of India has warned against stereotyping rape survivors. This is because it not only violates their fundamental rights but also leads to divergent results in sentencing.

    Was the sexual history of a survivor admissible in court in the past?

    Yes.

    • Under Section 155(4) of the Indian Evidence Act, a rape survivor’s past sexual history used to be acceptable. The rape accused could state that the rape survivor was of immoral character and claim that she consented to the sexual acts.
      • Past sexual history was used to suggest that the survivor was immoral and thus not a trustworthy witness.
      • This section was removed in 2003 after recommendations in the Law Commission of India’s 172nd report. 
    Significant cases which led to amendments in the Indian Evidence Act: 
    • In Aparna Bhat & Ors. vs State of Madhya Pradesh case, the Supreme Court warned of the dangers of typecasting rape survivors.
      • Rape myths: It mentioned the prevalent rape myths which include fixed notions of chastity, resistance to rape, having visible physical injuries, behaving a certain way, reporting the offence immediately etc.
      • If the survivor had agreed to similar acts in the past should be irrelevant. The SC directed courts not to doubt a woman’s testament just because she was sexually active.
    • In the Mathura rape case (Tukaram vs Maharashtra, 1979), the Supreme Court released two policemen accused of raping a 14-year-old Adivasi girl in a police station. Stating that she was sexually active and considered her proof as “a tissue of lies”(Not considered her as a witness). 
      • This verdict led to the introduction of Section 114-A of the Evidence Act. It applied in serious rape cases where the accused was a police officer or member of the armed forces. 
    • In 1996, in the Punjab v Gurmit Singh case, the SC warned courts against making remarks about the rape survivor’s character. It stated that a woman who was sexually active could still refuse to consent. 
    • In 2013, the JS Verma Committee, created after the Delhi 2012 rape case, suggested that a past relationship between the accused and the victim should be inapt while deciding whether the victim consented. 
    • The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 united many of such judgements and recommendations into legal law. 
      • Section 53A of the Evidence Act stops courts from depending on evidence of the character of the victim. Such as her prior sexual experience with any person to decide questions of consent in sexual assault cases. 
      • The 2013 Act also amended Section 146 so that a rape survivor cannot be asked questions about her immoral character or prior sexual experience to prove consent.
      • The 2013 amendment also introduced a fixed minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment for rape (This is increased in 2018 to 10 years) and 10 years for serious rape. 
    How the 2013 amendment impacted the conviction rates in rape cases?

    Studies show that conviction rates fell after the 2013 amendment. In a review of 1,635 rape judgements passed by Delhi trial courts between 2013 and 2018, the conviction rate fell from 16.11% under the old law to 5.72% under the new law. This is due to the following reasons. Such as,

    • Survivors were doubted because of varying statements at several stages of the trial,
    • Failure to reveal details of the incident to anybody,
    • Delay in registering the complaint.
    Conclusion 

    The rape stereotypes and dependence on past sexual history are damaging for rape survivors and the criminal justice system. The right to a fair trial under Article 21 states that cases should be decided on facts. Acquittals based on stereotypes impair the faith of the public in the criminal justice system.

    Source: click here

  • CBSE can’t refuse to change names after declaring results: Supreme Court
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to allow changes in name or date of birth in school certificates issued by it even after the publication of results.

    What is the issue?
    • A petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the CBSE’s Examination Bye-Laws of 2007. The law prohibited students from changing or correcting their names on Board certificates.
    What did the Supreme Court say?
      • The Supreme Court said that the Right to Change Name is part of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression subject to reasonable restrictions.
      • Hence, the court directed the CBSE to allow students to change their name on the Board certificates issued by them.
      • The CBSC argued that it is denying students to change their name on certificates as it would affect their administrative efficiency. But, the court said that these certificates are used by students to go for higher studies and gain employment. So the presumption of CBSE on administrative efficiency is wrong.
      • The Supreme court also held that the decision of CBSE is in violation of the Right to be forgotten. As the CBSE decision of refusing to change the name forces the student to live with the scars of the past.
    What is the Right to be forgotten?

    The right to be forgotten (RTBF) is the right to have private information about a person be removed from Internet searches and other directories under some circumstances. For example,

    • If there is a juvenile accused of being in conflict with the law or is a sexual abuse victim. But his identity is leaked due to lapses by the media or the investigative body.
    • The juvenile may consider changing the name to seek rehabilitation in the society in the exercise of his right to be forgotten.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Journalists need protection against “sedition charges”: Supreme Court
    What is the News?

    Supreme Court of India has quashed the FIR lodged against a senior journalist for sedition charge and other offences. In that, the court held that the Journalists need protection against sedition charges.

    What was the case?
    • A sedition case was filed against a senior journalist over his YouTube show where he had criticized the Prime Minister and the Union Government.
    • The journalist approached the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of the FIR. He told the Supreme Court that criticism of the government was not in itself seditious unless it instigated the violence.
    What did the Court say?
    • The Supreme Court invalidated the sedition case registered against the journalist.
    • Criticism & disapproval doesn’t amount to sedition: The court said that strong words of disapproval about the ruling government is not sedition.
      • Moreover, mere criticism of governments is not sufficient to constitute sedition. Honest and reasonable criticism is a source of strength to a community rather than a weakness.
    • The Court also referred to the 1962 Kedar Nath Singh verdict and said that under it every journalist is entitled to protection from sedition charges.
    Kedar Nath Singh Judgment,1962
    • In Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the sedition law.
    • The Court said that sedition is a reasonable restriction on free speech as provided in Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
    • However, the court made it clear that a citizen has the right to say or write whatever she/he likes about the government or its measures.
    • But this is only as long as s/he does not incite people to violence against the government and not do things with the intention of creating public disorder.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Supreme Court Guidelines on “Section 304-B” of IPC
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court in its recent judgement has widened the scope of Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code(IPC). This section punishes persons accused of dowry deaths.

    Data on Dowry Deaths in India:
    • Dowry deaths accounted for 40% to 50% of homicides in the country for almost a decade from 1999 to 2018.
    • In 2019 alone, 7,115 cases of dowry death were registered under Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code.
    About Section 304-B:
    • Section 304-B was inserted into the Indian Penal Code(IPC) in November 1986.
    • According to this section, to make out a case of dowry death:
      • A woman should have died of burns or other bodily injuries or “otherwise than under normal circumstances” within seven years of her marriage.
      • A woman should have suffered cruelty or harassment from her husband or in-laws “soon before her death” in connection with the demand for dowry.
    • Punishment: The section punishes convicts with a minimum of seven years imprisonment extendable up to a life term.
    Supreme Court Guidelines on Section 304-B:
    • Avoid Absurd Interpretation:
      • Over the years, the courts had interpreted the phrase ‘soon before’ in Section 304-B as ‘immediately before‘. This interpretation makes it necessary for a woman to have been harassed moments before she died.
      • On the other hand, the Supreme Court recently said that the prosecution needs to show only a “proximate and live link” between the harassment and her death to make out a case of dowry death.
    • Need broader Reading of the Provision:
      • The lower courts should not take a limited approach in categorising death as homicidal or suicidal or accidental. The phrase “otherwise than under normal circumstances” in Section 304-B calls for a liberal interpretation of the provision, not the stricter one.
      • Hence, Section 304-B not imply the narrow categorisation of death as homicidal or suicidal or accidental. Instead, it also includes non-categorised deaths ‘other than under normal circumstances.
    • Proper examination of Accused:
      • The Supreme Court also raised concern about the casual way in which trial courts examine accused persons in dowry death cases under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
      • The court said that the examination of the accused about the incriminatory material against him should be done fairly.
      • The court must put incriminating circumstances before the accused and seek his response. The accused should also be given sufficient opportunity to give his side of the story.

    Source: The Hindu

  • SC Ruling on Personal Guarantor’s Liability for Corporate Debt
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has upheld the government’s move to allow lenders to initiate insolvency proceedings against personal guarantors.

    Who is a personal guarantor?
    • To showcase their intent to repay the bank loan on time, the promoters of some big business houses submit a personal guarantee to the lenders. It secures them loans easily and timely.
    • It is sort of like an assurance from the owner or the owners of the company that the money borrowed by their company for various purposes shall be repaid on time as per the agreed schedule.
    • Furthermore, it is different from the collateral. Indian corporate laws say that individuals such as promoters are different from businesses and the two are very separate entities. Thus, a promoter can give a guarantee for the company it is running
    What is the issue?
    • In 2019, the Government issued a notification. It allowed creditors, usually financial institutions and banks, to make a move against personal guarantors under the Indian Bankruptcy and Insolvency Code(IBC).
    • The intention was to hold the guarantor promoters liable for the defaulting companies against loans.
    • However, the notification was challenged by the promoters, claiming that it was always a management board that ran the company. Therefore, the promoters alone should not be held liable for the default on debt repayment.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • The Supreme Court has upheld the notification issued by the Government.
    • The court said that there is a close connection between personal guarantors and their corporate debtors. Hence, it was this connection that made the government recognise personal guarantors as a separate category under the IBC.

    Significance of this judgment:

    • This judgment assumes significance as it will now allow lenders to go after personal guarantors even while bankruptcy proceedings against the ailing companies are pending. This will speed up the process for the recovery of dues.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Laws and Initiatives for Welfare of Orphaned Children

    Synopsis: This article provides information on two things. First, on the available legal means to report about orphaned children. Second, protections available under the state.

    Introduction 

    2nd wave of the pandemic has taken the lives of many young mothers and fathers. It has left many children orphaned and vulnerable. It is usual to see requests to adopt a child on social media.

    Some NGOs are helping such children. However, legal procedures need to be followed in adopting such children. It ensures the safety and security of children,

    What are the available options to help orphaned or abandoned children?

    There are many legal options available for an individual to help the orphaned children who need care and protection.

    • Option 1, Toll free Childline number 1098: Childline India Foundation, Women and Child Development department’s nodal agency, manages it.
    • Option2, informing the concerned District protection officer. Contact details can be found on the National Tracking System for Missing and Vulnerable Children portal. It is maintained by the Women and Child Development department.
    • Option3: The third alternative is to approach the nearest police station or its child welfare police officer. Such officers are specially trained to exclusively deal with children, either victims or juveniles.
    • Option 4: Calling the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). It is a pan-India single number (112) based emergency response system for citizens in emergencies.
    How the state provides support for children who are in need of care?
    • Once an outreach agency recovers an orphaned child, it needs to produce the child within 24 hours before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of the district.
    • The CWC, after an inquiry, decides whether to send the child to the child’s home. Or rather should it send it to a fit facility or a fit person.
    • If the child is below six years, he or she shall be placed in a specialized adoption agency.
    • It is the duty of the state to take care of all such children who are in need of care and protection, till they turn 18 years.
    • Once a child is declared legally free for adoption by the CWC, adoption can be done either by Indian prospective adoptive parents or non-resident Indians or foreigners.
    What are the safeguards provided for orphaned children by the state?
    • Firstly, an orphan child kept by an unlawful authority is punishable. According to the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, the father, and in his absence the mother, is the natural guardian. Not even a close relative is allowed to look after the child without authorization.
    • Secondly, In Sampurna Behrua vs Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court of India directed States and Union Territories to ensure that all child care institutions are to be registered.
      • Hence, according to The Juvenile Justice Act, an NGO,  which is not registered, cannot house children in need of care and protection.
    • Thirdly, the Supreme Court in Bachpan Bachao Andolan vs Union of India directed all Directors General of Police, to register a first information report as a case of trafficking or abduction in every case of a missing child.
      • Further, it mandated at least one police officer not below the rank of assistant sub-inspector in each police station to undergo training. So that they can deal with children in conflict with the law and in need of care and protection.
    • Fourthly, each district should have its special juvenile police unit, headed by an officer, not below the rank of a DSP.
    • Fifthly, The Supreme Court in Re: Exploitation of children in Orphanages in the State of Tamil Nadu (2017), specifically asked the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, and police training academies in every State to prepare training courses on the JJA and provide regular training to police officers in terms of sensitization.
    • Sixthly, recently The NCPCR requested the state to intimate about any information received about any, abandoned or orphaned child to it by email or over the telephone.

    Children are an important national asset. Their wellbeing is directly related to the growth of the nation. Also, DPSP (Article 39) of the Constitution prohibits children from being abused. Hence,  it is the duty of the state to provided necessities to the children in need of care.

    Source: The Hindu

    Social Issues Current Affairs Updates For UPSC IAS Mains 2024 Examination

  • Judicial Governance during Pandemic – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The judiciary is referred to as the custodian of the constitution and protector of fundamental rights. It is the supreme authority responsible to punish the violators of fundamental rights and civil liberties. In this regard, it also has the power to review the decisions of the executive as mandated by Article 13. Further, under Article 142, it can pass any order for doing complete justice.

    Both of these have been the source of power for Judicial Activism. It is a philosophy that motivates judges to go beyond the traditional precedents in favor of progressive and new social policies.

    This activism has been widely used during the 2nd wave of the pandemic. It was mainly to direct the government towards a more citizen-centric path. However, some experts are calling it an act of judicial governance. In this article, we will describe the pros and cons of judicial governance. Further, some suggestions would be provided to direct the future course of action.

    Understanding Judicial Activism and Judicial Governance:
    • Judicial Activism is a “judicial philosophy which motivates judges to depart from the traditional precedents in favor of progressive and new social policies”.
    • It empowers judges to use their powers to correct injustices. It happens especially when the other branches of government do not act to do so.
    • Judicial Governance is when the judiciary assumes the role and functions of the executive and manages governance. Unrestrained activism on the part of the judiciary often leads to judicial governance. 
    Judicial Conduct during the pandemic times
    • The Supreme Court’s verdict in the Election Commission of India case is an example of judicial statesmanship. The SC  beautifully dissolved the conflict between EC and the HC, avoiding a positive pronouncement either way. 
    • It has recorded an appreciation of the performance of the EC and nullified the effect of oral observations. As per SC, the observations during the course of the hearing do not constitute a judgment or binding decision.
      • The Madras High court had accused EC of spreading the second wave of pandemic. It further opinionated that its officers should be booked for murder charges.
      • The EC then approached the Supreme Court against such allegations claiming it as an act to undermine its credibility.
    • However, as per some experts, many orders have been passed by courts that extend beyond the boundary of activism and can be called Judicial governance.
      • The Allahabad High Court ordered to fix a “minimum” ex gratia of Rs1 crore for every official who succumbed to the pandemic because of panchayat election duty. Although, the state government had fixed an amount of 30 lakhs.
      • The Kerala High Court ordered a ceiling on charges in private hospitals for Covid-19 treatment. 
      • The Delhi High Court has been almost micromanaging pandemic management, fixing oxygen quota and distribution. It even issued a contempt notice to the Centre on the oxygen issue, which the Supreme Court dismissed. 
      • The Uttarakhand High Court pulled up the state government for allowing the Kumbh Mela to go ahead against scientific advice, and then, for not following standard operating procedures.
    Provisions/ Tools allowing the judiciary to do Activism
    • Article 13 of the Indian Constitution read with Article 32 and 226 allows the higher judiciary to review and declare void any law which is inconsistent with the fundamental rights.
    • Article 142 provides that the Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such a decree or order as is necessary for doing complete justice.
    • The introduction of PIL (Public interest litigation) has broadened the scope of the judiciary for doing activism.
    • Similarly, there are international statutes like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that are used by courts for doing judicial activism.
    Factors demanding judicial governance
    • Using judge’s wisdom when the law fails: Many sensitive issues need a different perspective and care which laws don’t allow. Judicial activism allows a judge to use his personal judgment in situations where the law fails. This was seen in the triple talaq case.
    • Filling the legal vacuum: It gives judges a personal voice to fight unjust issues which though important but evade the eye of the legislature. For example, SC formulated Vishakha Guidelines for countering harassment against women at the workplace.
    • Check on Legislative and executive: It provides a system of checks and balances to the other government branches. For example, SC laid conditions for the imposition of Governor Rule in states in S.R. Bommai Case. This was aimed to bring objectivity in the application of the rule.
    • Social Engineering: Judicial governance allows judges to adjudicate in favor of progressive and new social policies helping in social engineering. 
      • For instance, in Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action Case 1999, the SC adopted the polluter pays principle for environment conservation. 
      • It meant that financial costs of preventing or remedying damage caused by pollution should lie with the undertakings which cause the pollution.

    However, activism must be done cautiously or else it may get converted into judicial governance.

    Why Judicial Governance is not good?
    • Against Separation of Power (SOP): Judicial governance destroys the spirit of ‘separation of powers’ between Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary as enshrined in the constitution.
      • SOP is a model that divides the government into separate branches, each of which has separate and independent powers.
    • Expertise in a particular field: The courts don’t have expertise in the field of administration, unlike the administrative authorities. Hence, unnecessary intervention should be avoided.
      • For instance, in one of the orders, a high court insisted on controlled re-opening of the city. And this was without even telling what constitutes ‘controlled re-opening.
    • Impracticable Solutions: The courts lack the machinery to deal with highly sensitive and technical issues. Due to this, they end up giving impracticable solutions. 
      • For instance, the Allahabad High Court’s order to the UP government to consider a state lockdown was returned with the answer that yes, it was considered, but it was not needed.  
    • Disincentivization: Severely critical observations over administrative actions act as disincentive to honest and dutiful officials. They have been working day and night to fight the unpredictable pandemic whose characteristics are not yet fully known to science.
    • Undemocratic Nature: Judicial governance appears as an act of ‘tyranny of unelected’ in a democracy. The executive remains “accountable” to the people through a 5-year election process, but judges exercise self-regulation and are accountable only to themselves.
    • Wastage of court’s time: It is a wastage of the court’s time, which can otherwise be used for adjudicating other important matters relating to public importance pending before the court.
      • For instance in National Anthem Case 2016, the SC mandated all cinema halls to play the National Anthem before a film starts in movie halls. However, this decision was reversed later on, and it consumed a significant portion of judicial time.  
    Suggestions
    • First, the adjudication must be done within the system of historically validated restraints and conscious minimization of the judge’s preferences.
    • Second, the decision of the administrators should not be interfered with unless it is clearly violative of some statute or is shockingly arbitrary. In times of Pandemic, the response and strategy of the nation should be driven by expert medical and scientific opinion; not by judicial interference. 
    • Third, the judiciary must resort to self-imposed discipline and self-restraint in order to prevent judicial governance.
    • Fourth, the courts have to be cautious that they do not knowingly or unknowingly become a source of obstruction in the performance of states’ obligations.  
    Conclusion

    Judiciary should prevent interference in the domain and work of the executive as mandated by the concept of separation of powers. Judicial activism would be counterproductive and would fail in achieving its laudable purpose if it assumes the role of judicial governance. It is one thing to direct the executive to perform. However, it is another thing to say “if you do not do it, we will do it ourselves”.

  • SC struck down the Maharashtra State Reservation for SEBC Act 2018
    Synopsis:

    The SC has struck down the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018. The judgment would prevent realization of unjust benefits by the reservation. It would also encourage states to work on core supply-side issues in education and public employment which would curtail unnecessary demand for reservation.

    Background:
    • The five-judge bench of SC has struck down the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018.
    • The act provided reservations for the Maratha community in public education and employment.
    About the SEBC Act 2018:
    • It provides 16 percent reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and admissions.
    • The law views the Maratha community as a socially and educationally backward class (SEBC).
    Genesis of SEBC Act 2018:
    • It was an outcome of a prolonged political campaign by the dominant Maratha community and significant support by the political parties. The community possesses a strong foothold in state politics, the running of cooperatives and educational institutions, and ownership of land. 
    • The issue of reservation was rejected by at least three national commissions and three state commissions in the past.
    • However, in 2018, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (headed by Justice M.G. Gaikwad) recommended reservation for the Marathas. The Commission believed that extraordinary circumstances existed for a Maratha quota.
    Judgment of SC:
    • The court held that the 2018 act goes against Articles 14 and 15 (right to equality and protection against discrimination) of the Indian Constitution. It exceeds the ceiling of 50% reservation set by the 1992 Indra Sawhney judgment.
    • Further, the act fails to prove the existence of ‘extraordinary circumstances’ under which the 50% limit can be breached. The data collected and presented by the (Justice Gaikwad) Commission proves that the Marathas are not socially and educationally backward.
    • The court held that the 102nd Constitution Amendment has taken away the power of states to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs). It means that the power to identigy SEBC lies with the Centre. 
      • The States could only make suggestions to the President or the statutory commissions for inclusion, exclusion, or modification in the SEBC List.
    Way Forward:
    • Firstly, the judgment should act as an eye-opener for other dominant communities that are demanding reservation. Eg – Patidars in Gujarat.
    • Secondly, the Maharashtra Government can undertake a fresh study to support the Maratha claim for backward status and affirmative action. However, a more prudent approach would be to solve supply-side issues in education and employment. This would curtail unnecessary demand for reservation.
    • Thirdly, a review of inclusion/exclusion power in the SEBC list can be held as some experts believe that participation of states ensures better recognition.
    • Source:The Indian Express
  • Maratha Reservation and the Reservation Policy in India – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court recently held the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act of 2018 as unconstitutional. This Maratha reservation law provides reservation benefits to the Maratha community in admissions and government jobs. However, the implementation of this reservation took the quota limit in the State in excess of 50%. The Supreme Court also held that this law does not qualify for the “exceptional circumstances” mentioned in the Indra Sawhney case.

    Earlier the Supreme court mentioned that it may re-examine the 50% reservation cap set by the Mandal case ruling of 1992(Also known as Indra Sawhney case). But during the recent verdict, the court mentioned that there is no need to revisit the 50% reservation cap. The court mentioned that the arbitrary 50% ceiling set by the Mandal case is now constitutionally recognized.

    What is the Maratha reservation policy?

    Maharastra government appointed a nine-member Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission headed by Justice M.G. Gaikwad. The commission recommended reservation for the Marathas in 2018.

    In 2018 itself, the Maharashtra government enacted a law, it provides 16 percent reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and admissions. The law termed the Maratha community as a socially and educationally backward class (SEBC). However, the Maratha reservation violated the 50% ceiling mentioned as in the Indra Sawhney case.

    The law was challenged in Bombay High Court. The Bombay High Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Act. But the Bombay High Court reduced the Maratha reservation to 12% in education and 13% in employment (Instead of 16%).

    However, an appeal was filed in the Supreme Court. In that case, the Supreme Court held that the reservations is unconstitutional.

    About the Maratha reservation case judgment

    The case addressed few key questions around the reservation policy in India. Such as,

    • Revisiting the Indra Sawhney ruling: Few of the State governments argued that the limit of 50% reservation set in the Indra Sawhney case was arbitrary. Earlier during the hearing of the Maratha reservation case, the Supreme Court also suggested that it might revisit the Mandal case judgment. But, in the judgment, the court held that the arbitrary ceiling of 50% is now constitutionally recognized. Therefore, the court held that there is no need to re-examine the 50% cap of the Mandal case.
    • Maratha law was not an exceptional circumstance: The court held that both the Maharashtra State Backward Commission report and the High court judgment have not mentioned the situation for exceeding the 50% cap. Further, the court also held that the Marathas are the dominant forward class and are in the mainstream of National life. So, this reservation does not qualify for exceptional circumstances.
    • Power of State to declare a community as backward:
      • The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutional validity of the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018.
      • Further, the court held that the 102nd Constitution Amendment has taken away the power of states to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
      • It means that the Centre alone is empowered to identify SEBC and include them in the Central List
      • The States could only make suggestions to the President or the statutory commissions for inclusion, exclusion, or modification of castes and communities to be included in the SEBC List.
      • This raises the question of validity on other states’ laws like reservation laws in Haryana, Tamil Nadu, etc.
    • The court also held that the special reservation violates Article 14(Right to equality) and Article 21(due process of law)
    Other Judicial interventions on reservation policy
    1. The state of Madras vs Smt.Champakam Dorairajan (1951) case: In this case, the court held that the caste-based reservations violate provisions of Article 15(1). Article 15(1) provides for non-discrimination of the State against citizens based only on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.
      This resulted in the First Constitutional Amendment. The Parliament amended Article 15 to include provisions of reservation under Article 15(4).
    2. M R Balaji vs State of Mysore case 1963 and Devadasan v Union of India case 1964: In these cases, the court held that the efficiency of public administration is essential. Further the court asked the government to maintain the reservation to 50%
    3. Indra Sawhney vs Union of India Case 1992: In this, the court held that the reservation should not exceed 50 per cent in total, unless in exceptional circumstances. Further, the Court held to remove the creamy layer among OBCs from the reservation. Apart from that, the Court also held that there should not be reservations in promotions.
      But the government enacted the 77th Constitutional Amendment Act(CAA) to provide reservations for SCs and STs in Promotion(Article 16(4A)).
    4.  M. Nagaraj vs Union of India case 2006: In this, the court upheld the 77th CAA. But the court also mentioned certain conditions to be maintained in such reservation. Such as,
      • The reservation policy shall not affect the overall administrative efficiency
      • Reservation is applicable only when the SCs and STs are not adequately represented in public employment.
    Reservation in India
    1. Under the powers conferred by Article 340, President appointed a B. P. Mandal headed backwards class commission in 1978. The Commission suggested a 27% reservation in government jobs for the Other Backward Classes(OBCs). As 52 percent of the country’s population consisted of OBCs.
    2. In 1990, the government accepted the recommendations of the Mandal Commission and implemented them. By this, the reservation in India raised to 49.5 per cent.
      • 22.5% reservation for SCs and STs (7.5% for STs, 15% for SCs)
      • 27% reservation for the OBCs
    3. In 1991, the government enacted provisions for the reservation of 10% of jobs for economically weaker sections (EWS) among higher caste people. But, in the Indra Sawhney case or Mandal Case, the supreme court struck down this provision. Further, the case also provides for the maximum reservation of 50% in total. However, the case also held that the reservations can go beyond 50% under exceptional circumstances.
    4. The government under the 103rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2019 again provided a 10% reservation for the EWS in India. The Act also amended Articles 15 and 16 correspondingly.

    So at present, the total reservation stands at 59.5 percent. Few State governments also provide the reservation over and above 59.5 percent.

    Implication of Maratha Reservation Judgement
    1. The implication of the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act: As the judgment upheld the constitutional validity of the 102nd Amendment Act, the President alone has the power to notify backward classes from now on. Apart from that, the Central List will now be the “only list” for the SEBC. This means that the Centre alone is empowered to identify SEBC from now on.
    2. The question of constitutional Validity of the 103rd Amendment: This amendment provides for 10% reservation for the EWS in government jobs and educational institutions from the unreserved category. The Maratha reservation judgement mentioned 50% as the cap for reservation. But after the enactment of the 103rd Amendment Act, the total reservation now stands at 59.5 per cent. This is a clear violation of the Indra Sawhney judgement.
    3. The constitutional validity of State reservation laws

    The judgement mentions that the States can only make suggestions to the President or the statutory commissions. But several states have enacted various local reservation laws. Their constitutional validity was in question after the Maratha reservation judgement. States having such laws include,

      • The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, SCs and STs Act, 1993: By this Act, the Tamil Nadu government provided 69 percent of reservations in educational institutions and jobs in the state government. The State further get the ascent of President and placed this law in Schedule IX of the Constitution.
      • As the Law placed itself in the Ninth Schedule, it could not be challenged in court for the violation of fundamental rights. However, the Court in the I R Coelho v State of Tamil Nadu case held that the Laws in Ninth Schedule can be challenged for the violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Supreme court is yet to decide the case of Tamil Nadu reservation law.
      • Haryana and Chhattisgarh have also passed laws providing reservations in excess of the 50 percent reservation mark. These laws also challenged in the Supreme Court.
      • Apart from these legislations, there are many protests from various parts of India demanding special reservations above the 50 percent limit. Few examples are,
        • Patels in Gujarat,
        • Jats in Haryana,
        • Kapus in Andhra Pradesh
    Solutions
    1. As mentioned by the judgment itself the National Backward Classes Commission must publish a fresh list of SEBCs, both for states and the central list. Till the publication, the existing lists operating in all states and union territories can continue.
    2. The government has to subclassify the Backward Classes like in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc. This will provide the benefit to intended beneficiaries. Since the government has already appointed Justice G Rohini Panel on Sub-categorisation of OBCs.  The Panel has to fast pace the sub-classification process.
    3. The government has to remove the well-off sections from the reservation policy. The government can achieve this by moving away from reservation based on a citizen’s conditions rather than community-based reservations

    In conclusion, the government has to understand that the reservation policy is a temporary measure in the direction of social inclusion. The government can achieve Social inclusion by better education policies, enhancing the skill development of backward communities, not by providing more reservations. So, providing more and more reservation gradually is itself not a permanent solution.

  • Supreme Court Upheld Validity of 102nd Constitution Amendment Act

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutional validity of the Constitution 102nd Amendment Act, 2018.

    About 102nd Amendment Act, 2018:
    • The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018 gave constitutional status to the National Backward Classes Commission.
    • The Amendment also gives the President powers to notify backward classes.
    • However, several states have raised questions on the interpretation of this Amendment and argued that it curtails their powers.
    Supreme Court Judgement:
    • The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutional validity of the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018. However, the judges differed on- whether it affected the power of States to identify socially and educationally backward classes(SEBC).
    • By 3:2 majority, the court held that the 102nd Constitution Amendment has abrogated the power of states to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
    • Further, the Court has said that the Central List will now be the “only list” for the SEBC. This means that the Centre alone is empowered to identify SEBC and include them in the Central List under Article 342A(1) for claiming reservation benefits.
    • The States could only make suggestions to the President or the statutory commissions for inclusion, exclusion, or modification of castes and communities to be included in the SEBC List.
    • Moreover, once published under Article 342A (1), the list can only be amended through a law enacted by Parliament.
    Identification of SEBC:
    • In the task of identification of SEBCs, the National Commission for Backward Classes(NCBC) set up under Article 338B will guide the President.
    • If the commission prepares a report concerning matters of identification, such a report has to be shared with the State government. However, the final decision lies with the President (i.e. the Central Government under Article 342A(1).
    • Further, the states will continue to enjoy the power to make reservations in favor of particular communities or castes, within the ambit of Articles 15 and 16. They can decide on the quantum of reservations, the nature of benefits, and the kind of reservations – except with respect to the identification of SEBCs.

    How does this judgement impact interventions by states to provide reservations for other communities?

    • The National Backward Classes Commission(NCBC) set up under Article 338B must publish a fresh list of SEBCs both for states and the central list.
    • Till the publication of such a list, the existing lists operating in all states and union territories continue to operate. This direction was issued under Article 142 of the Constitution of India.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WB HIRA) is Unconstitutional: SC

    Synopsis: The court struck down the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WB HIRA), 2017 as unconstitutional. The court also clarified that the legislations by the Parliament and the state government are on the concurrent list.

    Introduction:

    The central government enacted the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act to regulate the Real Estate sector in India. West Bengal government also enacted a parallel Act known as the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WB HIRA), 2017. Recently the Supreme Court held the West Bengal legislation Unconstitutional.

    Background of both legislations:

    Contracts and the transfer of property falls under the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule.

    • In 1993 the West Bengal government enacted the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act on the above two subjects.
    • But, to bring transparency and safety in the market for consumers of residential and commercial projects, the Central government enacted RERA in 2016. With the enactment of RERA, the 1993 Act was repealed.
    • In the same year, West Bengal notified the draft Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2016.
    • Instead of finalizing the rules the state government went ahead and enacted West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WBHIRA) in 2017.
    • Forum for Peoples Collective Efforts filed a case against the State of West Bengal regarding the WB HIRA

    Recent Supreme Court Judgement on West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act:

    The Supreme Court held in Forum for Peoples Collective Efforts v. State of West Bengal case held that the WB HIRA was unconstitutional. Further, the court also mentioned the following things.

    • Both the statutes refer to the same subjects (contracts and the transfer of property) in the concurrent list.
    • Article 254 (2) allows for a conflicting State law on a concurrent list subject to prevail over a central law if it receives the assent of the President. But the WB HIRA neither reserved for the consideration of the President nor the Presidential assent was obtained.
    • The court also held that if any areas have been left out in the central legislation, the state legislatures can provide cognate(related) legislation. Such State legislation can incidentally deal with the provisions of Central legislation. But, The HIRA encroaches upon the authority of the Parliament.
    • But in the case of clause-by-clause comparison between the two laws, the court observed that 95 to 98%, the WB HIRA is a complete copy-paste of the RERA. This is an attempt to establish a parallel regime by the State government.
    • Furthermore, the court also observed that in a few critical aspects, WB HIRA is in direct conflict with RERA.
    • The court also observed that there was a “doctrine of repugnancy” between WB-HIRA and RERA. (Repugnancy –  inconsistency or contradiction between two or more parts of a legal instrument.) Such as,
      1. WB HIRA has failed to incorporate valuable institutional safeguards
      2. The WB HIRA does not have provisions intended to protect the interest of homebuyers
      3. The court observed these repugnancies of the state legislature as against the public interest.
    • The court also elaborated on the tests of repugnancy. The three tests of Repugnancy as stated by the court are
      1. Where the provision of State legislation is directly in conflict with a law enacted by Parliament. In such cases, compliance with one is impossible along with obedience to the other.
      2. The second test of repugnancy is based on the intent of Parliament to occupy the whole field(contracts and the transfer of property) covered by the legislation.
      3.  The subject of the legislation enacted by the State is identical to Parliament, then does the State law enacted prior or later to the central law.
    • Since the State law is completely repugnant to the Central law, it was constitutionally impermissible
    Conclusion:

    The court based on the above explanations struck down the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act (WB HIRA), 2017, as unconstitutional. Further, the court also held that striking down the present law will not result in the revival of the 1993 WB HIRA. This is because the 1993 Act was repealed after the enactment of RERA.

    The Court also clarified that the striking down of WBHIRA will not affect the sanctions permissions granted prior to the delivery of the judgement.

    Source: The Times of India

  • Supreme Court observations on “seeking medical help for COVID-19”.
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has said that there should not be any coercive action against any citizen. This is especially for citizens who are putting out emergency calls on social media for seeking medical help for COVID-19.

    Background:
    • Uttar Pradesh government had recently ordered strict civil and criminal action against citizens. This is for making false appeals on social media for seeking help for COVID-19
    • But against the UP government order, the Supreme Court recently issued the following observations.
    Key observations on seeking medical help for COVID-19:
    • The Supreme Court has warned the State governments and the police against taking any action on the spread of information from the citizens affected by Covid-19.
    • Further, the court also warned the government and police for taking actions on the request of help through social media from citizens affected by COVID-19.
    • The court has said that any move to punish citizens actions on social media to seek help for oxygen cylinders, COVID-19 drugs, beds and hospitals would attract contempt of court action.
    • Further, the court has also referred that the free flow of information during the 1970 famine enabled the government to tackle problems effectively. But the restriction of information during the 1918 pandemic created troubles for the government.
    • Lastly, the court has also told the States that this was a time of great crisis. Hence, empathy and action should be the rule of the day.

    Source: The Hindu

  • SC Warn States Against Restricting Information

    Synopsis: The Supreme Court has warned the police and the government against harassing the people who need help.

    Background  

    The Supreme Court has issued a timely warning to the States. It is against any attempt to restrict the spreading of information about the health crisis or call for help. 

    • The court issued this warning in response to the direction issued by the UP Government. Directions stated anyone spreading misinformation or rumour would be held under the National Security Act (NSA). Also, their property will be seized. 
    • Amethi police registered an FIR against a man who asked for an oxygen cylinder on Twitter for a family member. Accusations were of circulating a rumour and seeking to cause fear and alarm.
    • It is appropriate for the government to direct the police to crack down on the racketeering of medicines in the black market. 
      • However, it is a different matter if the administration starts seeing all pleas for help as actions aimed at ruining the government’s image.
    What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s warning?

    The court said that the calls for help through social media from citizens affected by COVID-19 are not supposed to be banned.

    • Firstly, the Court’s warning that any attempt to suppress the people’s voices would attract action for contempt of court is timely and necessary. Because leaders are treating the grievances by citizens as a personal insult to their administrative capabilities.
    • Secondly, the head of the bench, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said that any restriction on information is conflicting with basic principles. He highlighted the importance and need for the free flow of information during a serious crisis by remembering the role it played in controlling a famine in 1970.
    • Thirdly, the Court was taking inspiration from the theory, enunciated by economist Amartya Sen. The theory spoke of the fundamental features of democracy that could help prevent famines. Such as:
      • A free press and the need to face the people at elections and response to political criticism.
    • Fourthly, this will help prevent misguided action by the police and the administration to treat appeals concerning the shortage of hospital beds, medical oxygen, and vital drugs
    Conclusion 
    • The High Courts of India questioned the government as well. Any move to suppress such criticism or managing opinions will be of no use if the infections and body count keep rising.
    • Government must acknowledge its accountability. And focus on strengthening the health infrastructure, instead of wasting energy and precious time on managing people’s opinions.

    Source: The Hindu

  • States control over temples is against Secularism

    Synopsis: There is an urgent need to provide adequate community representation in the management of their places of worship

    Background
    • There has been a persistent demand from the communities to deregulate state control over temples.
    • Communities are asking for their right to representation in the affairs of the management of temples.
    • Now the question is if the government releases its control over the management of temples, to whom the temples would be entrusted.
    • This article will explain,
      • How the government’s control over temples is against the principles of secularism?
      • How community control over temples can be regulated.?
    Why the government control over temples needs to be replaced?

    States control over temple have become a more controversial issue due to,

    • Gross mismanagement of financial resources
    • Increasing Corruption
    • Disregard to temple maintenance leading to loss and destruction of temple antiquities.
    • Against the principle of Secularism.
    How the government control over temples is against the principles of secularism?

    The Supreme court in Raja Birakishore vs The State of Orissa ruled that appointment of temple priests by the state a secular function.

    Yet, the State’s involvement in the appointments of heads of Mutts and the authority to conduct poojas is against the principle of Secularism. Because

    • One, Article 25 empowers the state to enact laws for the regulation of religious institutions. But it is to prohibit discretionary religious practices and to make law for social welfare and reform.
        • Article 25(2)(a) empowers the state to regulate “economic, financial, political or other secular activities which may be associated with religious practice”.
        • Article 25(2)(b) empowers the state to enact a law to prohibit the exclusion of ‘classes and sections’ of Hindu society to enter into Hindu temples of a public character and also make law for social welfare and reform.
        • However, these safeguards are being misused by the state to assume ownership of properties belonging to religious institutions.
    • Two, the establishment of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department is not a cause for social justice.
        • In the Shirur Mutt case, the supreme court struck down a major portion of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments 1951 Act. The court ruled that the provisions are a “disastrous invasion” of religious liberty.
    • Three, the comparison with the Waqf Act to legitimize the control over Hindu religious endowments is misleading. Because,
        • One, Waqf Act clearly reveals that it applies only to charities and specifically excludes places of worship such as mosques.
        • Two, it also supports the argument that government should not regulate places of worship.
    What needs to be done?
    • It has been said that handing over the temples to the community will strengthen class hierarchies.
    • However, communities are looking for control. They are asking for representation in the management of the place of worship. It is possible by the creation of boards with representatives of religious heads, priests, and responsible members from the dharmik sampradaya.
    • The colonial law, the Religious Endowments Act (Act XX of 1863) has similar provisions for handing over religious institutions to society.
    • It created committees in every district to exercise control over temples.
    • This act should be made applicable to all religious institutions to guarantee adequate community representation in the management of their places of worship.

    Source: The Hindu

  • A Case of Declining Judicial Federalism in India

    Synopsis: SC transferred all oxygen supply-related cases in various High Courts. It did so, in the name of prioritising uniformity across nations in the distribution of essential services. This step of SC is against Judicial Federalism in India.

    Background
    • In Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (1989), the Supreme Court said that ‘the right to emergency medical treatment is part of the citizen’s fundamental rights.
    • The lack of oxygen supply during the Covid-19 crisis prompted many hospitals to file pleas in their respective High court lately. They wanted to defend their right to emergency medical treatment.
    • Accordingly, the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat, Madras, and Bombay issued a series of directions to the executive. For instance,
        • Bombay High Court, directed immediate restoration of oxygen supply that had been reduced from the Bhilai steel plant in Chhattisgarh.
        • The Delhi High Court directed the Central government to ensure adequate measures for the supply of oxygen.
    • Later, the Supreme court (SC) took suo motu cognisance of the issue and hinted the possibility of shifting the cases related to oxygen supply to supreme court from high courts.
    • The SC said that the distribution of essential services needs uniformity across the nation. Further, it asked the Central government to prepare a national plan for the same.
    • However, several senior lawyers have criticized the intervention by the Supreme Court while High Courts were already hearing the issues.
    • This move by the SC is against judicial federalism in India.
    Why the decision of SC is seen as an attack against Judicial federalism in India?
    1. First, Article 139A of the Constitution empowers the SC to transfer cases from the High Courts to itself if cases involve the same questions of law.
      • However, the SC’s contemporary conduct of being indifferent towards executive actions in significant cases has cast doubt over Judiciary. For instance,
      • The SC did not use article 139A to hear cases related to the Internet ban in Kashmir or activists and journalists who were arrested and detained.
    2. Second, many lawyers viewed this as an act of “arrogance of power” and contempt for and disregard of the High Courts in the country.
    3. Third, declining of trust over SC to provide deliberative justice. SC sits in two or more benches to deliberate and dissent upon significant issues. However, In recent years, there is a lack of dissent in issues that have serious political implications.
    4. Fourth, public health and hospitals come under the State List. And the respective High Courts have been dealing with specific challenges at the regional level. It did not warrant any interference from the SC.
    5. Fifth, In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the SC itself has said that the High Courts have significant advantage in winning the confidence of the people. Further, the power of the High Court under Article 226 to issue writs is wider than the Supreme Court’s under Article 32.
    Way forward
    • Need to learn from the good practices of the American Judicial System. The U.S. Supreme Court reviews only a few cases from state courts. It ensures autonomy in the application of federal law for the State courts.
    • Further, the need for a uniform judicial order across India is needed only in cases of conflict of laws or judgments on legal interpretation. Otherwise, autonomy, not uniformity, and decentralisation not centrism should be the rule.

     

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • An Anlaysis of SC Ruling on Rohingyas

    Synopsis: Supreme court recently ruled against providing protection to Rohingya refugees. It signifies a flawed understanding of the international convention to protect Refugees.

    Background
    • Recently an application was filed before the supreme court to release the Rohingya refugees. They were detained in a sub-jail in Jammu and were likely to be deported to Myanmar.
    • The Supreme court disposed of the application.
    • It signifies a lack of understanding of international law and constitutional protections for refugees.
    About Rohingyas
    • The Rohingyas are termed as the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority by the U.N
    • In August 2017, the Myanmar military launched a clearance campaign in the Rakhine state (home to the ethnic Rohingya).
    • As many as 7,50,000 Rohingyas fled to the neighboring states to escape a military crackdown and brutality.
    India and Rohingyas
    1. Nearly 40,000 Rohingyas who were feared of Genocide entered India and got settled in Refugee camps.
    2. Recently, the home ministry had issued circulars to states sharing borders with Myanmar to identify, detain and deport Rohingyas back to Myanmar.
    3. Following this, few states withdrew their support to provide food, shelter, or even essential medical care to the refugees.
    4. In Jammu and Kashmir after a biometric verification drive, over 170 Rohingya refugees were detained despite having UNHCR refugee cards.
    5. The Indian government labeled them as illegal economic migrants and perceived them as a national security threat. They are also excluded from the Citizenship Amendment Act.
    6. In the past, India has differentiated illegal migrants and Refugees in its treatment of Afghan, Sri Lankan, or Tibetan refugees.
    7. However, lack of consideration over Rohingyas as refugees is a disservice done to thousands of lives who are already affected by Ethnic cleansing.
    What arguments are given by the supreme court?
    1. First, SC held that refugees cannot invoke Article 32 right. However, the constitutional safeguards of Articles 14 and 21 are equally available to every person, including refugees.
    2. Second, the distanced itself from commenting on the genocide happening in Myanmar. The court distanced itself despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) observation that the Rohingya had suffered genocide.
    3. Third, the court ignored India’s binding commitment to non-refoulment and obligations in prohibiting genocide. India has ratified the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1959.
        • Principle of Non-Refoulement: It prevents expulsion of a refugee where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
    4. Fourth, allowing Rohingyas to get deported is a breach of Article 21 and against the Gujarat High Court ruling In Ktaer Abbas Habib Al Qutaifi v Union of India. Even, Delhi High Court in Dongh Lian Kham v Union of India (2016) held the same view.
        • According to the Delhi and Gujarat High court, the Principle of Non-Refoulement protects the life and liberty of a human being irrespective of his nationality.
    5. Fifth, the court stated that petitioners’ claim to a right against deportation should be seen along with the right to reside. Under Article 19 right to reside is only available to citizens. But Rohingyas had never asked for the right to reside. Rather they have prayed for the right to life to reside in a camp and the right to liberty to protect them from arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation.

    Source: Indian Express

  • SC Directions to CBI in ISRO Espionage Case, 1994

    Synopsis – The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI investigation in the Nambi Narayanan ISRO Espionage case. CBI will review the involvement of the Kerala police.

    What is the ISRO espionage case?
    • In 1994, a Maldivian woman was arrested. She was suspected of selling secrets from ISRO scientists to Pakistan.
    • Mr. Narayanan was arrested along with two other scientists by the Kerala Police on charges of sharing official secrets on space technology and launch missions.
    • Later, the CBI took over the probe from the Kerala police. In 1996, CBI recommended closure of the case due to lack of evidence.
    • The CBI also highlighted serious flaws in the police investigation, which relied on dubious tactics and was based solely on suspicion.
    What is the court order [2018]?
    • Firstly, in 2018, the Supreme Court dismissed the case as a criminal frame-up based on “some sort of fancy or notion.”
    • Secondly, according to the Court, the former ISRO scientist was “unnecessarily arrested and harassed”.
    • Thus, the court ordered the State of Kerala to pay him Rs.50 lakh as compensation for the damage to his honor and dignity.
    • Lastly, the court also formed a committee headed by Justice D.K. Jain to find ways and means to take appropriate steps against the erring officials
    Recent court order-
    • The SC ordered CBI to investigate the alleged espionage case against a former ISRO scientist in 1994 and to submit a report within three months.
    • Furthermore, the CBI will investigate the report of Justice D.K. Jain Committee on senior Kerala police officials accused of framing ISRO scientist.
    Concerning facts about the case-
    • The ‘ISRO spying case’ has raised significant concerns about police investigations in the country.
    • Also, Kerala’s government has been ignoring calls for disciplinary action against the erring police officers.
    • Moreover, the State government opposed the CBI’s closure report and made an attempt to revive the investigation by its own police.

    Suggestion

    • SC order is a welcome and necessary step toward ensuring transparency for the alleged frame-up.
    • Also, it would be in the best interests of the case if the CBI could continue with its inquiry into the officers involved without hindrance

    OneSource– The Hindu

  • State obliged to facilitate access to education: Supreme Court
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has said that the State has an affirmative obligation to facilitate access to education, at all levels.

    What was the case?
    • 2 students from Ladakh filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The Union Territory administration for MBBS studies nominated them.
    • They were allocated seats in the prestigious Lady Hardinge and Maulana Azad medical colleges. However, they were not admitted.
    • Hence, the students moved to the court saying their fundamental right to education was at risk of the government authorities.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • Firstly, the court ordered that the students be admitted within a week. It was government policy to allot one seat each at Lady Hardinge and Maulana Azad medical colleges from the Central pool.
    • Secondly, the court held that the Right to pursue higher(professional) education is not a fundamental right in Part III of the Constitution. But the State has an affirmative obligation to facilitate access to education at all levels.
    • Further, the court cited the recommendations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR Committee). The committee was formed to monitor the implementation of the UN Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights(ratified by India in 1979). The committee stated that:

      • “As an empowerment right, education is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty and obtain the means to participate fully in their communities”.

    Source: The Hindu

    https://forumias.com/blog/rajya-sabha-clears-national-bank-for-financing-infrastructure-and-development-bill-2021/

  • High Courts should not intervene during police investigation:SC
    What is the News? 

    The Supreme Court has cautioned the High Courts from passing blanket orders for protecting the accused from arrest during the pendency of an investigation.

    What was the case?
    • In 2020, the Bombay High Court in an interim order directed that no coercive measures shall be adopted against the accused. The order was with reference to an FIR lodged in 2019 on allegations of cheating, forgery, and others.
    What did the Supreme Court say?
    • The Supreme Court quashed the judgment of the Bombay High Court.
    • The Court also held that High Courts must not pass blanket orders protecting the accused from arrest during the pending investigation.
      • In case, if it ordered no coercive steps (are) to be adopted, then the High Court must clarify what it means. Because coercive steps have a chance of misunderstood and/or misapplied.
    • Further, the court also reiterated that FIR is not an encyclopedia. As the FIR cannot disclose all facts and details relating to the offense.
    • Hence, when an investigation by the police is in progress, the court should not go into the merits of allegations in the FIR. The court must allow police to complete the investigation.

    Source: Indian Express

  • People are Free to Choose Religion: Supreme Court
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking directions to the Centre to ban black magic, superstition, and deceitful religious conversion.

    What was the case?
    • A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to control black magic, superstition & mass religious conversion of SC/STs. The petition also mentions the religious conversions through intimidation, threats & gifts.
    • The plea argued that such forceful religious conversions by use of black magic are common throughout the country.
    • These incidents are against Articles 14 (right to equality), 21(right to life), and 25 (right to religious freedom). Also, they are against the principles of secularism(part of the basic structure of the Constitution).
    • The plea also said that the Centre and States are obligated under Article 46 to protect the SC/ST community from social injustice and other forms of exploitation.
    • The petitioner also referred to the 1977 Stanislaus vs State of Madhya Pradesh and Others case.
      • In this case, the Supreme Court Constitution bench explained the “word ‘propagate’ used in Article (25). The court held that it means transmitting or spreading information from person to person or from place to place.
      • Further, the court also held that the Article does not grant the right to convert another person to one’s own religion.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • The Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition. It observed that there is no reason why a person above 18 can’t choose his religion.
    • The Court observed that the fundamental right under Article 25 provides people to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. It is subject to public order, morality, and health.
    • Further, the court said that the Religious faith is a part of the fundamental right to privacy. Hence, every person is the final judge of their own choice of religion. Courts cannot sit in the judgment of a person’s choice of religion or a life partner.

    Note: In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India(2017), the Supreme Court ruled that Fundamental Right to Privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty. Thus, it comes under Article 21 of the Indian constitution.

    Source: The Hindu

  • SC Judgment on Rejection of Candidate Acquitted of Serious Crime
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court held that a public employer can reject a candidate if the candidate is unsuitable. Thus, a person acquitted of a serious crime merely on the benefit of the doubt can be rejected.

    What was the case?
    • A man cleared the recruitment exam of a constable in the Rajasthan Police Service.
    • However, he was not appointed to the post. He was acquitted of murder after the witnesses turned hostile in Rajasthan in 2009.
    Supreme Court Observations:
    • The Supreme Court observes that acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically qualify a candidate for appointment to the post.
    • The person should be honorably acquitted of a heinous crime and not on the benefit of the doubt. Only then is a person considered eligible for public employment.
    • An honorable acquittal is when the accused is acquitted after full consideration of the evidence. Also, if the prosecution miserably fails to prove the charges leveled against the accused.
    • However, if this parameter is not met, the acquittal is based on the benefit of the doubt.
    • The present case can hardly fall under the category of an honorable acquittal. The witnesses had turned hostile. Hence, the appointment was rejected.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • SC Cautions Court against Granting Bail in Heinous offences
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court cautioned courts against granting bail in heinous offences. The SC said that the seriousness of the charge is a basic consideration before releasing an accused on bail.

    What was the case?
    • The Kerala High Court granted bail to a man accused of the murder of a 30-year-old dentist in front of her father.
    • The accused had gone absconding for several days before his arrest.
    What did the Supreme Court say?
    • The Supreme Court set aside the Kerala High Court order of granting bail to the accused.
    • The apex court observed that the nature of the offense is one of the basic considerations for the grant of bail. The more heinous the crime is, the greater the chance of rejection of the bail.
    • Further, the court said that the power to grant bail under Section 439 of the Cr.P.C is discretionary. The court also stated that such discretion has to be exercised judiciously by courts.
    • In this case, the crime of the accused is heinous. Moreover, he could be arrested only after receipt of secret information by the investigation agency. Thus, granting bail was not justified.

    SC judge stated

    “while granting bail the court has to keep in mind not only the nature of the accusations, but the severity of the punishment”. 

    • Other criteria for bail include “reasonable apprehensions” of influencing witnesses or tampering of evidence.

     

    Source: The Hindu

  • Why the Places of Worship Act, 1991 has been challenged?

    Synopsis: The enactment of the Places of worship act, 1991 is an act of colourable legislation. Further, it is against the liberty of belief, faith, and worship to all.

    Background
    What is Colourable Legislation?

    The government can enact a law within the power of the legislature. When the government enacts a law, It can hide a provision (illegal provision) within the provisions under the government’s legislative competence. This legislation is called Colourable Legislation.

    The SC in the State of Bihar vs Kameshwar Singh case, used a doctrine of Colourable legislation. Under this, the court held that whatever is prohibited directly is prohibited indirectly also. 

    Why the Places of Worship Act, 1991 is said to be unconstitutional?
    1. First, The Places of Worship Act, 1991 is against the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Because it restricts the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Also, it nullifies the Fundamental Right(s) guaranteed by the Constitution of India as per Article 32.
      • According to Ambedkar, Article 32 is the very soul of the Constitution. It states that “enforcement of fundamental rights” cannot be suspended except as stated in the Constitution.
      • Under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court has the power to issue writs for enforcement of all the Fundamental Rights.
      • Also, the SC on several occasions ruled that no Act of Parliament can exclude or curtail the powers of the Constitutional Courts with regard to the enforcement of fundamental rights”.
      • Hence, the act is appropriately called an Act of colourable legislation. As it limits the powers of constitutional courts though there is no scope for such powers.
    2. Second, the Places of Worship Act, 1991 is against the liberty of belief, faith, and worship to all citizens.
    3. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to all citizens under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
    4. It also includes Rights to pray and perform the religious practice. Therefore, prohibiting citizens from approaching appropriate courts with respect to handover the land of any temple of certain essential significance is arbitrary.
    What is the way forward?
    • The exclusion of the Mathura and Varanasi disputes as being additional exceptions from the Act of 1991 is unacceptable.
    • The Act provides an exception to the “Ram-Janmbhoomi matter”. The need and importance of resolution of such a controversy.
    • The Supreme Court can increase the number of exceptions in Section 5 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, to three.
      • Including, the Gyanvapi Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura along with Ram-Janmbhoomi
      • It can be done through the use of the Supreme Court power under Article 142 of the Constitution.
    • Under Article 142, the Supreme court can pass any order to carry out for doing complete justice being in the public interest, while upholding the Constitution of India.

    Source: The Hindu

  • SC Issues Directions for “Accident Information Report”
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court issues directions to police, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals(MACTs), and insurance companies regarding accident information reports. The aim of the directions is to make the compensation process to victims more smooth and claimant-friendly.

    What was the case?
    • The Insurance company Bajaj Allianz filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The petition raised the issue of the difficulty of accident victims, waiting for years for compensation.
    • Bajaj Allianz said that the police take months to even file an accident report for submission before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals(MACTs). This is the norm in many parts of the country,
    What did the Supreme Court say?

    The Supreme Court issued directions to prevent delays in the disbursement of compensations to victims. The police, motor accident claims tribunals and insurers across the country have to uniformly practice these directions:

    • Firstly, Accident Information Report: The jurisdictional police station shall report the accident under Section 159 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Further, the police need to send the report of the accident to the tribunal and insurer within the first 48 hours.
    • Secondly, Detailed Accident Report: Police shall collect the documents relevant to the accident. This includes documents for computation of compensation and verification of the information and documents. This report shall be emailed to the tribunal and the insurer within three months.
    • Thirdly, the tribunal shall issue summons along with the Report or the application for compensation to the insurer by email.
    • Fourthly, the insurer shall email their offer for settlement/response to the Report to the tribunal.
    • Fifthly, after passing the award, the tribunal shall email an authenticated copy of the award to the insurer.
    • Sixthly, the insurer shall satisfy the award by depositing the awarded amount into a bank account maintained by the tribunal by RTGS or NEFT.

    Further, the Supreme Court has also ordered the Centre to launch a national online platform. The platform could be operated and accessed across the country for submission of accident reports, claims and responses to claims. This would end the distress felt by victims during accidents that happened in places other than their native State.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Supreme Court Allows Sale of “Electoral Bonds”
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has refused to stay the sale of electoral bonds prior to the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

    What was the case?
    • An NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms(ADR), filed a petition. The petition demanded a stay on the sale of the Electoral bonds scheduled between April 1 and 10.
    • The petitioner alleged that there were serious apprehensions in the electoral bonds. Further, the ADR mentioned that the sale of bonds before the elections would increase illegal and illicit funding of political parties through shell companies.
    What did the Supreme Court say?
    • On Anonymity of Buyers: The scheme ensures that unidentified persons cannot a) purchase the bonds; b) give them to the political parties. Under Clause 7 of the scheme, buyers have to apply in the prescribed form either physically or online, disclosing their particulars.
    • On Corporate Houses Can Finance Political Parties: The Companies Act requires registered companies to file financial statements with the Registrar of Companies. Hence, the purchase and encashment of the bonds through banking channels will reflect in their financial statements. Further, it is also available in the public domain.
    • Bonds are not tradable: The court rejected the contention that bonds can be Repurchased with Black Money. It said that under clause 14 of the Scheme, the bonds are not tradable. Moreover, the first buyer will not stand to gain anything out of such a sale except losing white money.
    • Apprehension of Foreign Influence on Elections: The court observed that the apprehension of Foreign Influence on Elections is misconceived as under Clause 3 of the Scheme. Under this, the Bonds may be purchased only by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
    What were the arguments against the Electoral Bonds?
    • The anonymity of Buyers: Neither the donor nor the political party is obligated to reveal whom the donation comes from.
      • Before the introduction of electoral bonds, political parties had to disclose details of all their donors who donated more than Rs 20,000.
    • Corporate Houses Can Finance Political Parties: Electoral bonds could be a channel for corporate bribes paid to political parties as a “quid pro quo” (favour or advantage granted in return for something).
    • Bonds Bought with White Money can be Repurchased with Black Money: The first purchase of the Electoral Bonds may be through banking channels for a consideration paid in white money. But someone may repurchase the bonds from the first buyer by using Black Money.
    • Foreign Influence on Elections: There is an apprehension that foreign corporate houses may buy the bonds and attempt to influence the electoral process in the country.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Need for an Integrated Digital System in Indian Justice System

    Synopsis: Implementation of an integrated digital system for the criminal justice system will help in speedy justice.

    Background

    43 years old Vishnu Tiwari was recently found innocent by the Allahabad High Court. Vishnu was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape under the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He spent 20 years in prison before this decision.

    • His appeal before the Allahabad High Court was pending for 16 years. The reasons behind that were missing documents or documents in the wrong format for listing the case. Moreover, Vishnu’s lawyer had no interest in pursuing the case. So, the appeal stayed defective.
    • Shweta Singh Rana, a legal aid lawyer, was given the case in 2019, at the request of the jail authorities to the High Court. The High Court pointed out in its verdict that the State government did not consider converting his life sentence after 14 years.
    • A sincere lawyer and aware family members are essential to secure justice. However, these facilities have become luxuries that only prisoners with good economic conditions have access to.
    How a poorly designed system is to be blamed in this case?

    An effective justice system should be strong enough to ensure justice for everyone, irrespective of the economic condition of an individual.

    1. Firstly, there is an absence of an integrated digital platform for the criminal justice system. Moreover, present systems are designed poorly.
    2. Secondly, Digitisation has transformed the delivery of public services like passports. Whereas, the criminal justice system is still functioning with old procedures and paper-based processes.
      • The eCourts project has made significant progress in digitising the works of courts. Still, large gaps are present in the system.
    3. Thirdly, criminal cases involve coordination and communication between various institutions such as the police, prosecutors, legal services authorities, and forensic labs. These interactions are not smooth.
    How will an integrated digital system help?

    It allows the interaction between various institutions through a digital platform. This system normalizes the format and content of data across all the systems. Thereby, it helps in smooth communication and avoiding duplication of data.

    • Firstly, this system will notify the registry about the defects in a particular appeal, un-rectified for an extended period. The system would also inform the accused that his lawyer was not pursuing his case carefully.
    • Secondly, the legal service authority would be informed of the case and the lawyer could be replaced. The system should monitor the quality of representation of the lawyer.
    • Thirdly, after 14 years of imprisonment, the system would have notified the State government that the prisoner was eligible for re-sentencing of his sentence.
    Conclusion

    Priority must be given to speeding up the implementation of such a system. It will help in providing transparent, real-time access to criminal justice information to all stakeholders, including accused persons.

    Source: click here

  • NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is against the Principle of Federalism

    Synopsis: The Lok Sabha has passed the Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The Bill is against the constitutional morality and hence, it needs to be declared unconstitutional.

    Background
    • Article 239AA of the Constitution of India granted Special Status to Delhi in 1991 through the 69th constitutional amendment (CAA).
    • The 69th CAA provided Delhi with a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers (CoM). The CoM was made responsible to the legislative Assembly and empowered to deal with matters of concern to the common man.
    • The recently introduced Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is against Article 239AA.

    What are the changes made in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021?

    • The Bill says, the expression “Government” referred to in any law to be made by the Legislative Assembly in Delhi shall mean the “Lieutenant Governor”.

    READ MORE ABOUT THE GNCT OF DELHI BILL, 2021

    What are the related rulings on this issue by the court?
    • First, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018) case: The court stated that the Council of Ministers should keep the LG (Lieutenant Governor) informed of its decisions. The rationale of this decision was to resolve the difference of opinion between the LG and the Delhi government by referring it to the President.
        • Further, the court said the LG should be guided by the concept of constitutional morality. And the exercise of power to refer to the President should be an exception.
    • Second, in Samsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974) the court warned against giving excessive powers to an individual like the Lieutenant Governor. The reasons stated by the court are,
        • One, elections will not have any meaningful value.
        • Two, the voice of the Citizens will go unrecognized. Because elected representatives chosen by the citizens are not given appropriate power to perform their functions
        • Three, it is against the concepts of pragmatic federalism and collaborative federalism.

    Read more – NCT of Delhi Bill Critically Explained 

    What are the issues in the recent amendments?
    • Firstly, the Lieutenant Governor has been made synonymous with the Government. The government that is a collective voice of millions of citizens is replaced by one individual.
    • Secondly, the bill provides the LG with enormous powers to refer all matters to the President.
    • Thirdly, it provides for a mandate to take the opinion of the lieutenant governor before taking executive actions.
    • Lastly, the above two provisions are against the Supreme Court ruling in Govt. of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018) case and doctrine of Pith and substance.
      • The doctrine of Pith and Substance states that within their respective spheres the state and the union legislatures are made supreme. They should not encroach upon the sphere demarcated for the other.

    The bill Is violative of the principles of participative democracy, cooperative federalism, collective responsibility to the House and, constitutional morality, and needs to be aborted

    Source: The Hindu

  • Significance of Supreme Court Guidelines on Gender Stereotypes

    Synopsis: The Supreme Court advocated some important steps to avoid gender stereotypes while setting aside the Madhya Pradesh High Court order. Now it is time for us to work towards its implementation.

    Introduction:

    The Supreme Court set aside the controversial rakhi-for-bail order of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Further, the top court issued a set of guidelines for dealing with sexual assault cases. The courts in the country have to follow these guidelines in entertaining such cases. The SC also mentioned a few important things about gender stereotypes in India.

    The Supreme Court mentioned a quote of a famous Norwegian playwriter Henrik Ibsen to explain gender stereotypes in India. (His playwright uses feisty women characters who break-free from traditions of familial confines). The Court mentioned that a Woman ‘cannot be herself’ in an ‘exclusively masculine society, with laws framed by men’. 

    Avoidable gender stereotypes:

    The SC listed a host of avoidable gender stereotypes. Such as,

    1. Women are physically weak.
    2. Men are the head of the household and must make all the decisions related to family
    3. Women should be submissive and obedient.
    Level of gender stereotypes in India:

    The SC observed certain important observations about gender stereotypes in India. Such as,

    1. Gender violence in India is often covered by the culture of silence.
    2. The court also observed that there is an unequal power equation between men and women. This includes cultural and social norms, financial dependence, and poverty
    3.  The actual data of cases may not reflect the actual incidence of violence against women.
    Other judicial interventions on gender equality:

    The SC expressed gender equity through its judgments. Few important cases in this regard are,

    1. Secretary Ministry of Defence vs. Babita Puniya case: In this case, the court held that men and women working in the Army are equal. The court held that they work as “equal citizens” for a common mission.
    2. Anuj Garg vs Hotel Association of India case: In this case, the court mentioned that the “notion of romantic paternalism” is used to put women “in a cage”.
      Note: Romantic Paternaliam: It is a belief based on the “romantic” notion that women are the weaker sex than nen.

    In conclusion, women are battling societal prejudices. To achieve that everyone must take responsibility, especially institutions and those in important positions.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Madras High Court on Use of Public Funds for Campaigns

    What is the News?

    The Madras High Court has asked the ECI (Election Commission of India) to ensure that public funds are not for campaign purposes.

    What was the case before the Madras High Court?

    • A political party filed the PIL in the Madras High Court. It seeks a direction to ECI to prohibit ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, and all others holding public office from campaigning on behalf of their party’s candidates.
    • The petitioner alleged that these people end up misusing their public office during elections. It becomes a disadvantage for the other candidates in the fray.

    Key Observations made by the Court:

    • ECI has sufficient authority to put in place checks and balances. It can allow Ministers to enjoy their official status and simultaneously can prevent them from spending government funds for campaigning or election purposes.
    • However, security concerns for higher officials like Chief Ministers and those holding Cabinet positions at the Centre shall also be considered.
    • But the EC can still put some guidelines in place in addition to the existing guidelines. It is indicated in the model code to ensure government funds are not used for campaigning purposes, which is a usual exercise at present.

    What is the Model Code of Conduct(MCC)?

    • The Model Code of Conduct(MCC) is a set of guidelines. The Election Commission issues them (EC) to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections.
    • The MCC becomes operational from the date of the announcement of the election schedule until the date of the result.

    MCC guidelines on Party in Power: The MCC incorporated certain restrictions in 1979, regulating the conduct of the party in power.

    • Ministers must not combine official visits with election work or use official machinery for the same. However, the ECI has exempted the Prime Minister from this MCC provision related to the combining of an official visit with an electioneering visit.
    • The party must avoid advertising at the cost of the public exchequer. Also, official mass media shall not be used for publicity of achievements in the elections.
    • Ministers and other authorities must not announce any financial grants, or promise any construction of roads, provision of drinking water among others.
    • Other parties must be allowed to use public spaces and rest houses and these must not be monopolised by the party in power.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Sachin Waze Case | The Issue of Right to Legal Counsel in Custody

    Synopsis – The NIA recently arrested Sachin Waze in the Antilia case. Waze has filed an application seeking permission to meet his lawyer. In this article, we will see the provisions regarding the right to legal counsel for those in police custody.

    Introduction-
    • In Feb., an SUV was found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s multi-story residence Antilia, with gelatin sticks in it. The NIA arrested the Mumbai policeman. Sachin Waze, for his alleged role in this case.
    • The NIA recently claimed in Mumbai Court that Sachin Waze has not been cooperating in the interrogation. He has sought his lawyer’s presence during questioning, while the NIA has argued that this insistence could hamper the investigation.
    Is access to a lawyer, the right of an accused?

    Around the world, arrestees are entitled to various rights. It protects the accused from the use of forced methods like torture to make self-incriminating statements.

    In the US, under Miranda warning, a police officer needs to inform the following rights to the accused, before an arrest

      1. The right to remain silent.
      2. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
      3. The right to speak to an attorney.
      4. To have an attorney present during any questioning.
    Different Constitutional and legal rights of an arrested person in India
    1. Cannot testify against himself-
      • Article 20 (3): No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
    2. Right to know the grounds of arrest
      • Article- 22(1): No police officer can arrest any individual without informing the accused of the reason/ ground of his detainment/ arrest.
    3. Right to consult a Lawyer-
      • Section- 41D of CrPC allows the accused to be able to consult with their lawyers during their interrogation. But lawyers are not allowed to be with the accused throughout the interrogation.

    Are lawyers allowed to remain present during the interrogation of an accused in custody?

    Although the Supreme Court also noted the difficulty and ruled that a lawyer should not be present during interrogation. However, in certain cases, the court permits lawyers to be present during the interrogation:

    • In the judgment of Senior Intelligence Officer vs Jugal Kishore Sharma (2011) case, the following facilities were allowed to accused-
        • The accused’s lawyer was allowed to watch the proceedings from a visible distance which is outside hearing range.
        • The lawyer was not available to the respondent to consult during the questioning.

    In the Sachin Waze case, the special court in Mumbai referred to the same judgment. Waze’s lawyer was permitted to stay in the NIA office during interrogation by the special court, but not allowed to speak with his lawyer in private.

    Source- The Indian Express

  • GNCT of Delhi Amendment Bill 2021 and Supreme Court’s Verdict

    Synopsis: GNCT of Delhi Amendment Bill 2021 appears to go against the idea of representative government.

    Introduction 

    The Centre’s Bill is trying to amend the law that relates to the governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The bill claims that its aim is to implement the Supreme Court judgments on Delhi’s governance structure. However, the proposed changes are the very opposite of what the Court has said.

    What was the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict on the matter?
    • The Constitution Bench verdict in 2018 stated that the LG (Lieutenant Governor) has not been trusted with any independent decision-making power. 
    • The LG either has to act on the aid and advice of council ministers. Or, he has to implement the decision of the President on the matters referred to him.
    • The ‘aid and advice’ clause applies to the matters on which the Delhi Assembly has powers under the State and Concurrent Lists. This comes with an exception of public order, police, and land.
    • Wherever there are differences between the L-G and the elected government, the L-G should refer the question to the President.
    • Further, different judgments have clarified that the power to refer “any matter” to the President does not mean “every matter”.
    • This bill completely undermines the Court’s efforts. The judgment strengthened the elected government in relation to Lieutenant Governor. 

    Read more – NCT Amendment Bill

    What are the issues with the NCT amendment bill? 

    The Court wanted to clarify that the power to refer any matter to the President did not mean that every matter should be referred. 

    1. Firstly, the Bill states all references to the government in the bills and orders would mean the LG. It is irrational to declare LG as the government, in the UT with an elected House.
      • As per the guiding principle, an elected government should not be undermined by the unelected administrator.
    2. Secondly, the provision to Article 239AA empowers L-G to refer the matter to the President, in case of difference of opinion. However, this does not mean that the administrator should come up with a different opinion on every government decision.
      • However, the bill provides the L-G with an opportunity to refer every matter to the President.
    3. Third, instead of Parliament identifying the matters on which the L-G’s opinion should be required, the Bill proposes that the L-G himself would specify such matters.

    This bill amounts to a rollback of representative government. The Union Territory concept is one of the many ways in which India regulates relations between the Centre and its units. It should not be used to undermine the basis of electoral democracy.  

    Source: click here

  • Validity of “State’s resolution against Central laws”
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has found no harm in State Legislative Assemblies passing resolutions against Central laws. It was seen in the cases of the Citizenship Amendment Act or the new farm laws.

    What was the case?
    • Several State Assemblies passed resolutions against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the farm laws. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legislative competencies of states passing resolutions against Central laws. And, this is especially when such laws fall under the Union List of the Seventh Schedule.
    • The petitioner argued that the States cannot make laws on the subjects in the Union List. So the State Assemblies should not give an opinion on the merits or limitations of the central law.

    Supreme Court observations on State’s resolutions against Central laws

    • The Supreme Court has said that states passing resolutions against the Central laws were not disobeying any law. And so, this was only a matter of expressing States opinions.
    • Moreover, the states also have the right to express their opinions. The resolutions do not mean that they are asking people to disobey the law.
    About Seventh Schedule:
    • The seventh Schedule under Article 246 of the constitution deals with the division of powers between the union and the states. It contains three lists-
      • Union List: It contains the subjects on which Parliament may make laws
      • State List: It contains the subjects on which state legislatures may make laws.
      • Concurrent List: It contains subjects in which both Parliament and state legislatures have jurisdiction. However, the Constitution provides federal supremacy to Parliament on concurrent list items in case of a conflict. (Unless the State law gets the assent of the President, the Central law will prevail if there is a conflict between the Central law and the State law.)

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • SC Guidelines for Bail in Sexual Assault Cases to Lower Courts
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court has set aside the “rakhi-for-bail” order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Further, the SC also issued guidelines to be followed by Courts while dealing with sexual assault cases.

    What was the Rakhi for Bail order of the MP High Court?
    • In 2020, the Madhya Pradesh High Court Judge put forward a condition for bail of the accused.  The accused had outraged the modesty of a woman. The condition to be eligible for bail was to present himself before the victim so she may tie a “rakhi” on his wrist.

    Guidelines to be followed by Courts while dealing with Sexual Assault Cases: The apex court issued seven directions to the lower courts. These directions need to be followed while dealing with bail petitions under cases of crimes against women. These guidelines are:

    1. Condition for Bail should not require or permit contact between the accused and the victim.
    2. Protection should be provided to the victim in case of any potential threat of harassment.
    3. The complainant should be provided Information of bail to the accused immediately. Copy of the bail order made should be delivered to him/her within two days.
    4. Bail conditions and orders should avoid reflecting stereotypical or patriarchal notions about women and their place in society.
    5. The courts while adjudicating cases involving gender-related crimes, should not suggest or encourage compromises between the victim and the accused to get married or mandate mediation.
    6. Sensitivity should be displayed at all times by judges. They should ensure that there is no traumatization of the victim during the proceedings.
    7. Judges especially should not use any words, spoken or written, that would undermine or shake the confidence of the survivor in the fairness or impartiality of the court.

    Note: Besides these directions, the apex court also stated that the lower courts should desist from expressing any stereotype opinion such as women are physically weak, should be submissive and obedient, good women are sexually chaste, among others.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • SC sought Centre’s response in “ration cards cancellation” case

    What is the news?

    The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to respond to a plea. The plea is related to the cancellation of over three-crore ration cards for not linking them to Aadhaar.

    What is the case?

    • A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the mother of an 11-year-old. The child died in 2017 allegedly after the ration card of her family was cancelled for not being linked to Aadhaar.
    • The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre on such allegations. During that time, the Centre had denied the allegations and said that the cancelled cards were bogus.

    What did the Supreme Court say?

    • The Supreme Court said that it was a very serious matter if the Centre had cancelled around three-crore ration cards of tribal and poor people solely because they could not get biometrically linked with Aadhaar.
    • Hence, the Supreme Court has said that it will hear the matter and has asked the Centre to respond in four weeks.
    • Also, the SC has sought a report on the implementation of the grievances redressal mechanism. It is contained in Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the National Food Security Act, 2013

    What are Ration Cards?

    • Ration card is an official document issued by state governments in India to households. The Household should be eligible to purchase subsidized food grain under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). They also serve as a common form of identification for many Indians.

    Types of Ration Cards:

    • Under the NFSA, all state governments have to identify eligible households under the Public Distribution System and provide them with ration cards. There are two types of ration cards under NFSA:
      • Priority Household(PHH) ration card: It has gotten issued to households that meet the eligibility criteria set by their state government. Each priority household is entitled to 5 kilograms of food grain per member per month.
      • Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY) ration card: It is issued to the poorest of poor households. Each AAY household is entitled to 35 kilograms of food grain per month.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • The Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021- Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 or the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021 got introduced in Lok Sabha. It amends certain provisions related to the distribution of powers and responsibilities among the L-G (Lieutenant Governor) and the Delhi legislative assembly. The issue of power tussle between the L-G and the elected government of Delhi has come into the limelight again. It is because of the introduction of this bill.

    Key Provisions related to Delhi
    1. Delhi’s current status as a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly is an outcome of the 69th Amendment Act. The act introduced Articles 239AA and 239BB in the Constitution.
      • They have created the Union Territory of Delhi with a legislative assembly.
      • Further, the administrator appointed under article 239 gets designated as the Lieutenant Governor. There shall be a council of ministers to aid and advise LG.
      • Lastly, provisions of public order, police and land are not under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government. The Centre will maintain these provisions.
    2. Article 239AA(4) mandates that in case of a difference of opinion between the L-G and the Council of Ministers, the L-G has to refer the issue to the President.
      • Until the decision is pending before the President, the L-G can use his discretion to take immediate action if urgency requires him/her to take an action.
    3. The GNCTD Act 1991 got passed to supplement the constitutional provisions relating to the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in the national capital. The act outlines few important provisions such as: 
      • the powers of the Assembly
      • the discretionary powers enjoyed by the L-G 
      • duties of the Chief Minister with respect to the need to furnish information to the L-G.
    Salient features of the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021

    The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill mainly aims to amend four clauses of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 (GNCTD Act 1991). They are, 

    1. Section 21 – This section deals with the restrictions on laws passed by the Legislative Assembly concerning certain matters.
      • The Bill provides that the term “government” referred to in any law made by the Legislative Assembly will imply Lieutenant Governor (L-G).
    2. Section 24 – This section deals with assent to Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly. The L-G will reserve the bills for the consideration of the President in a few matters. It includes bills that diminish the powers of the High Court of Delhi, the President directed the L-G to reserve a bill, etc.
      • The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill requires the L-G to reserve bills for the President that incidentally cover any of the matters outside the purview of the powers of the Legislative Assembly.
    3. Section 33- It mentions that the Legislative Assembly will make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly.
      • The 2021 NCT bill states that such rules must be consistent with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
    4. Section 44 – It deals with the conduct of business. Accordingly, all executive decisions taken by the elected government should be under the L-G’s name. 
      • The 2021 bill empowers the L-G to specify his suggestions on certain matters. His opinions has to be taken before making any executive action on decisions of the Minister/ Council of Ministers.  
    Background of LG and Delhi Government Relationship
    1. Frequent tussles have been witnessed between the Delhi government and the L-G of Delhi since 2015. 
    2. The primary reason behind it was the lack of clarity over Article 239AA. The proviso of Article 239AA(4) seems to give primacy to the L-G. Using this, the LG was able to undermine the will of the elected government.
    3. A case also filed on the court about the L-G’s power of discretion. In the

      Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India case 2018, the Supreme Court defined the limits of L-G’s discretionary powers. The important points of that judgement were,

      • L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers except in subjects of land, public order and police.
      • Executive decisions do not need the concurrence of the Lieutenant General. Further, the court also held that the L-G has no powers to overrule the decisions of the elected government.
      • The difference of opinion has to be referred to the president under Article 239AA(4) provision.
        • The Lieutenant Governor cannot act mechanically and refer every decision to the president.
        • Only genuine cases of public interest can be referred to the President.
        • Before referring a bill to the President, the L-G has to consider the principles of collaborative federalism, the concept of constitutional governance, objectivity, etc.
      • Executive power rests with the council of ministers of NCT, Delhi. The union government has no overruling powers with respect to the executive powers.
    Impact of Supreme Court Verdict on NCT of Delhi 
    • It established a situation of calm between the Delhi Government and the L-G.
    • The Delhi government stopped sending files on executive matters to the L-G before the implementation of decisions. This resulted in swifter decisions like: 
      1. Free bus rides to women, 
      2. Doorstep delivery of rations to the city’s residents, 
      3. Free electricity to households that are using less than 200 units of power 
      4. Mechanization of sewage cleaning operations
      5. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government restricted Delhi’s medical resources to its residents alone
    Need for new NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill

    The Centre introduced the bill in Lok Sabha by mentioning the needs of the bill which includes: 

    1. The Bill seeks to give effect to the 2018 judgement and implementing the verdict.
    2. The new Bill is also intended to promote cooperative federalism between the centre and the state.
    3. The Bill would address the ambiguities in the interpretation of legislative provisions.
    Implications of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill
    1. Equating the L-G with the government simply undermines the legitimacy of the elected government thereby disrespecting representative democracy.
    2. Further, The bill goes against the spirit of the 2018 verdict. The provisions such as getting the compulsory opinion from the L-G are against the verdict.
    3. The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill restricts the Delhi government from inquiring into executive matters. The Delhi assembly at present is examining multiple issues ranging from riots to the environment. This disregards the ideal of democracy conceived for the NCT of Delhi by Article 239AA of the Constitution.
    4. The NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill if passed would be a huge setback for Delhi’s quest for full statehood. As the L-G gets precedence to the Delhi government.
    5. The bill empowers L-G to specify certain matters on which his opinion must be taken. This can curtail the autonomy that any elected government legitimately requires for governance.
    6. Providing excess powers to L-G can also distort the federal equilibrium. The centre can use this bill as a precedent to curtail the powers of other states in the future.
    Suggestions
    1. The new bill should be reconsidered in the light of Justice D Y Chandrachud’s note in the 2018 verdict: “In a democratic form of government, the real power must subsist in the elected arms of the state”.
    2. A cautious discussion and deliberation should take place between the Centre and Delhi government on the ambiguous provision of the bill. This will help in the eradication of unconstitutional and undemocratic provisions.
    3. Apart from that, the government at the centre and state must cooperate to make sure that L-G can discharge its constitutional function. At the same time, they need to avoid L-G doesn’t become a hindrance to development.

    Conclusion:

    The government must reconsider the NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill as per the advice of the Supreme Court. The revamped provisions should enable L-G to act as a facilitator for upholding the law of the land and constitutional provisions.

  • Petition in SC for Protection of “Great Indian Bustard”

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court gave several suggestions to protect the Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

    What was the case?
    • A petition has been filed in the SC regarding the deaths of the Great Indian bustard (GIB). The deaths happened due to a collision with high voltage power lines.
    • The petitioner asked the court to order the government to make power transmission lines underground to avoid collision with the GIB.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • Firstly, the Supreme Court asked the government about the possibility of placing underground and overhead power cables.
    • Secondly, the government replied that only low voltage lines could go underground. But not the high voltage ones.
    • Hence, the court has suggested a middle path. It said the low voltage lines could get made underground. And for the high voltage transmission lines that could not get made underground, the court could direct the installation of firefly bird diverters.

    Note: Firefly bird diverters are flaps installed on power lines. They work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance of about 50 meters. It will help them to change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines.

    About the Great Indian Bustard:
    • The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent.
    • Habitat: It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. In India, the population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. A small population occurs in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered species
      • CITES: Appendix I
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972: Schedule I
    • Threats:
      • Collision/electrocution with power transmission lines,
      • Hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan),
      • Irrigation and farming technology
      • Mining
      • Wind turbines and Solar farms (photovoltaic power stations)
      • Plantation of exotic shrub/tree species in deserts and grasslands in the name of afforestation.

    Click Here to Read more about Great Indian Bustard

     Source: The Hindu

  • Plea Challenges “Places of Worship Act,1991” in SC

    What is the news?

    The Supreme Court asked the Centre to respond to a plea challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

    About Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991:

    • The Act was passed in 1991. It seeks to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947. The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute was exempted from the Act.

    Key Provisions of the Act:

    1. Sections 3: It says that no person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination into one of a different denomination or section.
    2. Section 4(2): All cases for converting the character of a place of worship that were pending on August 15, 1947, will stand abated with the enforcement of this act. No fresh proceedings can be filed after that.
      • However, legal proceedings can be initiated if the change of status of religious character of worship place, took place after the cut-off date of August 15, 1947.
    3. Section 6: It prescribes three-year imprisonment and a fine for breach of the provisions of the act.

    Exemptions:

    • Section 5: It says that the Act shall not be applied to Ram Janma Bhumi Babri Masjid dispute. Other than that, the Act also exempts:
      • Any place of worship, that is an ancient and historical monument or an archaeological site. It must be covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958;
      • a suit that has been finally settled or disposed of;
      • any dispute that has been settled by the parties or conversion of any place that took place by acquiescence before the Act commenced.

    Supreme Court on the Act:

    • In the 2019 Ayodhya verdict, the Constitution Bench led by former Chief Justice of India has referred to the law and said it manifests the secular values of the Constitution and strictly prohibits retrogression.

    What are the key objections to the act by the petitioner? The petitioner has challenged the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act,1991 on the following grounds:

    • The act violates secularism. It prohibits Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming their places of worship which were invaded and encroached upon by fundamentalist barbaric invaders.
    • The Centre has no power to legislate on “pilgrimages” or “burial grounds” which is under the state list.
      • However, the government had said it could make use of its residuary power under Entry 97 of the Union List to enact this law. Entry 97 confers residuary powers to the Centre to legislate on subjects that are not enumerated in any of the three lists.
    • The cut-off date of the act is the date of Independence. It means that the status quo determined by a colonial power is considered final.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • Lack of Gender sensitivity in the Court Judgments

    Synopsis:   Lack of gender sensitivity by the judiciary is one of the fundamental reasons for the worsening security of Women in India. The judiciary in many cases enforced societal attitudes towards women.

    The worsening state of security of women in India:
    • India rated as the most dangerous country for women, as per the Thomson Reuters Foundation survey 2018.
    • According to a National Crime Records Bureau report (2019), as many as 32,032 rapes were reported in 2019 (88 incidents of rape a day).
    • Every hour, 39 instances of crime against women including four instances of rape are committed in India.
    Judgments lacking gender sensitivity:
    1. First, instances where marital rape was not acknowledged as a crime.
      • One, SC recently granted bail to a government servant who is accused of repeated rape and torture of a 16-year-old child.
        • During this hearing, CJI questioned that “When two people are living as husband and wife, however brutal the husband is, can the act of intercourse between them be called rape?”
      • Two, a few years ago, the supreme court orally asked a convict who had molested a girl 10 years ago to fall at her feet and that if she forgave him, the Court would limit his sentence of imprisonment to the period already undergone.
      • Three, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court also issued a similar order. It ordered that the sentence of the ‘rape convict can be cut if he agrees to pay ₹1 lakh to the victim.
      • Four, In the Bhanwari Devi case (1995), the Rajasthan court acquitted the accused. The reasons given were not gender sensitivity at all such as
        • Higher caste man cannot rape a lower caste woman for reasons of purity
        • Men who are 60-70 years old cannot commit rape
        • One relative cannot commit rape in front of another relative
    2. Second, instances when the court has upheld the superiority of society’s attitude toward women against the rights of Women.
      • One, in 2020 the Guwahati High Court said that refusal of applying sindoor (vermilion) and wearing conch shell bangles (shaka) as sufficient basis to grant a divorce to the husband.
      • Two, the Madras High Court had earlier stated that divorcees too should maintain sexual purity to claim alimony.
      • Three, In Narendra vs K. Meena (2016), the SC said that under Hindu traditions, a wife after marriage is supposed to fully integrate herself with her husband’s family.
        • Refusal of women to live with in-laws amounts to cruelty. Therefore, the husband would be entitled to divorce her under the Hindu Marriage Act.
    3. Third, instances when women protection laws are diluted without considering the sensitivity of the issue. For example,
        • In Rajesh Sharma vs The State of Uttar Pradesh (2017), the complainant accused that her husband had harassed her for Dowry. And, the trauma faced by the victim has resulted in the termination of her pregnancy
        • It has to be noted that an offense under Section 498A is non-bailable and non-compoundable. Also, a police officer is legally allowed to make an arrest without a warrant from the court.
        • However, the court issued a number of directions in favor of the accused, Such as
          • there should be no automatic arrests on charges of cruelty.
          • Also, no arrest should be done till the newly constituted Family Welfare Committee submit its report.
    4. Fourth, instances when the court has intervened against the right of a woman to marry according to her will. For example, the infamous Hadiya (2017) case.
        • The woman’s father accused her that she was forcefully converted to Islam. Though, Hadia had denied it repeatedly.
        • The court ordered an investigation by the National Investigation Agency for looking into the matter of marriage of two adults.
  • Revisiting the Ruling of Indra Sawhney Case

    Synopsis:

    The Supreme Court is examining the constitutional validity of the Maratha reservation policy. During the hearing, it mentioned that it will re-examine the landmark verdict in the Indra Sawhney vs Union of India case 1992.

    What is the Indra Sawhney Case?
    1. The Mandal Commission-
    • In 1979 the Second Backward Classes Commission was set up by the President.
    • The commission report concluded 52% of the population in India are “Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBCs)”. Further, the commission recommended a 27% reservation for SEBCs. This reservation is provided in addition to the previously existing 22.5% reservation for SC/STs.
    • The government accepted the recommendation and provided the 27% reservation.
    • In 1991, the government enacted provisions for the reservation of 10% of jobs for economically weaker sections (EWS) among higher caste people.
    1. Indra Sawhney vs UOI case or The Mandal case:
    • The Mandal Commission report and the government’s decision to reserve 10 percent for the EWS was challenged in the Supreme Court.
    • A nine-judge Bench gave their verdict in 1992.
    • The important intervention of the case includes,
      • First, the criterion for a group to qualify for reservation is social and educational backwardness only. So, the 10 percent reservation to the EWS becomes unconstitutional.
      • Second, a 50% limit to vertical quotas will apply to ensure efficiency in administration unless in exceptional circumstances. The court in its earlier judgments like M R Balaji v/s State of Mysore (1963) and Devadasan v/s UOI (1964) also mentioned the 50 percent reservation limit.
    Why is the Supreme Court revisiting the Mandal case (Indra Sawhney Case)?
    • In 2018, the Maharastra government enacted a law to provide 16 percent reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and admissions. This violated the 50 percent ceiling mentioned by the Mandal case.
    • But, the Bombay High Court upheld the validity of the quota. But the Court reduced the Maratha reservation to 12-13% (Instead of 16%). This percent is also recommended by the State Backward Classes Commission. (Both are above 50 per cent)
    • An appeal was filed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court during the case said that it will look into the capping of 50 per cent reservation in the Mandal case.

    How does the Maratha reservation relate to the Indra Sawhney case?

    The Maratha reservation law is related to the Indra Sawhney case in Many ways such as,

    1. The President power to notify backward classes–
      • This power is provided by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment provided powers to the President to notify the backward classes. The Court has to find out whether States have powers to notify the backward classes or not.
    2. Validity of 103rd Amendment, 2019
      • This amendment provides for 10% reservation for the EWS in government jobs and educational institutions from the unreserved category.
      • Thus, the Marathas belong to EWS can attain benefits under the 103rd CAA. But the specific quotas to Marathas will turn into a bad example for communities asking for such reservations. For example, Patels in Gujarat, Jats in Haryana and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh.
    3. The Breach of 50% ceiling set by Indra Sawhney Verdict
      • The Maharashtra law if enacted could make a reservation of up to 68%. Further, it can join states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana which already exceed the 50 per cent ceiling.
      • For Example– the Tamil Nadu government reserves 69% of the seats in colleges and jobs in the State government. Further, Tamil Nadu also placed its reservation law in Ninth Schedule
    What is Ninth Schedule–
    • It excludes the law from the jurisdiction of judicial review under Article 31 A of the Constitution.
    • Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be challenged on the ground for violating any fundamental right.
    • However, in I R Coelho v/s Tamil Nadu (2007) case the supreme court held that laws in the ninth schedule can be challenged on the ground of violation of the basic structure of the constitution.

    Landmark verdict on Sexual harassment and its value for Women

  • The Mandal case and Reservation in India – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    Supreme Court (SC) may examine the 50% reservation cap set by the Mandal case ruling of 1992(Also known as Indra Sawhney case). The decision was taken during the examination of the constitutional validity of the Maratha reservation policy of the Maharashtra government.

    During the hearing, the SC asked states whether they are in favour of extending caste-based reservation beyond the 50 percent limit set by the Indra Sawhney case. Since the inception of the Indra Sawhney case, the conditions of society changed a lot. This necessitated the review of the 50% quota cap on the reservation by the Indra Sawhney case.

    What is the Maratha reservation policy?

    In 2018, the Maharashtra government enacted a law,  it provides 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community in jobs and admissions. The law termed the Maratha community as a socially and educationally backward class. However, the Maratha reservation violated the 50% ceiling mentioned in the Indra Sawhney case.

    The law was challenged in Bombay High Court. After recommendations of the State Backward Classes Commission, the Bombay High Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Act. But the Bombay High Court reduced the Maratha reservation to 12-13% (Instead of 16%) as mentioned in the State Backward Classes Commission.

    However, an appeal was filed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court during the case said that it will look into the capping of 50 percent reservation quota to be revisited or not.

    Constitutional provisions regarding reservation
    1. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution provides for “social, economic and political justice”. This aims to create a society without discrimination. Reservation to the weaker section of the society is an aspect of Social Justice.
    2. Part XVI of the Indian Constitution deals with the reservation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Central and State legislatures.
    3. Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Indian Constitution enables the Government to reserve seats in government services. This is provided for the advancement of any Socially or Educationally Backward Classes of citizens (SEBCs) or the members of the SC and STs.
    4. Article 330 and 332 has provisions for specific representation through the reservation for SCs and STs. These reservations provided both in Parliament and in the State Legislative Assemblies respectively.
    5. Article 243D and Article 233T provides for the reservation of seats in every Panchayat and Municipalities respectively for SCs and STs.
    Reservation in India
    1. Under the powers conferred by Article 340, President appointed a B. P. Mandal headed backward class commission in 1978. The Commission suggested a 27% reservation in government jobs for the Other Backward Classes(OBCs). As 52 percent of the country’s population consisted of OBCs.
    2. The recommendations of the Mandal Commission were accepted in 1990 and implemented. By this, the reservation in India raised to 49.5 per cent.
      • 22.5% reservation for SCs and STs (7.5% for STs, 15% for SCs)
      • 27% of seats are reserved for the OBCs
    3. In 1991, the government enacted provisions for the reservation of 10% of jobs for economically weaker sections (EWS) among higher caste people. But, in the Indra Sawhney case or Mandal Case, the supreme court struck down this provision. Further the case also provides for the maximum reservation of 50%
    4. The government under the 103rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2019 again provided a 10% reservation for the EWS in India. The Act amended Article 15 and 16.

    So at present, the total reservation stands at 59.5 per cent. Few State governments also provide the reservation over and above 59.5 per cent. This is a clear violation of the 50% reservation capped in the Indra Sawhney case of 1992.

    Few Examples for reservation above of 50 percent ceiling

    The State and Central governments enacted laws that violate the reservation ceiling. They are,

    1. 103rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2019: By enabling 10% reservation for the EWS the law violated the 50 percent ceiling.
    2. The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, SCs and STs Act, 1993: By this Act, the Tamil Nadu government provided 69 per cent of reservation in educational institutions and jobs in the state government. The State further get the ascent of President and placed this law in Schedule IX of the Constitution.
      Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be challenged in court for the violation of fundamental rights. The Court in the I R Coelho v State of Tamil Nadu case held that the Laws in Ninth Schedule can be challenged for the violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Supreme court is yet to decide the case of Tamil Nadu reservation law.
    3. Haryana and Chhattisgarh have also passed laws that exceeding the 50 per cent reservation mark. These laws also challenged in the Supreme Court.
    4. Apart from these legislations, there are many protests from various parts of India demanding special reservation above the 50 per cent limit. Few examples are,
      • Patels in Gujarat,
      • Jats in Haryana,
      • Kapus in Andhra Pradesh.
    Judicial interventions on reservation policy
    1. State of Madras v. Smt.Champakam Dorairajan (1951) case: In this case, the court held that the caste-based reservations violate provisions of Article 15(1). Article 15(1) provides for non-discrimination of State against citizens on the grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
      This resulted in the First Constitutional Amendment. The Parliament amended Article 15 to include provisions of reservation under Article 15(4).
    2. M R Balaji v State of Mysore case 1963 and Devadasan v Union of India case 1964: In these cases, the court held that the efficiency of public administration is essential. Further the court asked the government to maintain the reservation to 50%
    3. Indra Sawhney vs Union of India Case 1992: In this, the court held that the reservation should not exceed 50 per cent in total, unless in exceptional circumstances. Further, the Court held to remove the creamy layer among OBCs from the reservation. Apart from that, the Court also held that there should not be reservation in promotions.
      But the government enacted the 77th Constitutional Amendment Act(CAA) to provide reservation for SCs and STs in Promotion(Article 16(4A)).
    4.  M. Nagaraj vs Union of India case 2006: In this, the court upheld the 77th CAA. But the court also mentioned certain conditions to be maintained in such reservation. Such as,
      • The reservation policy shall not affect the overall administrative efficiency
      • Reservation is applicable only when the SCs and STs are not adequately represented in public employment.
    Arguments in support of 50 percent quota revision
    1. Inadequate representation of people: The OBCs alone represent 52 per cent of the total population. The SCs and STs and OBCs combined represent more than two-thirds of the population. But they received only 49.5 per cent of the reservation.
    2. Reservation leads to Inclusion: The reservation policy led to inclusive development. It is because of the Reservation policy many unrepresented sections of society are now getting due recognition in jobs and educational institutions. By moving beyond the 50% limit there will be more inclusivity in jobs and educational institutions.
    3. Facilitate Social justice: The expansion of the 50 per cent reservation limit will promise equality and social justice enshrined under various provisions of the Indian constitution. Such as preamble, Article 14 etc.
    Arguments Against the revisit of 50 percent quota
    1. Reservation can lead to political vulnerability: India is a diverse society having a number of Castes. Expanding the reservation policy might act as a political instrument in hands of political parties. They can use the caste-based reservation for electoral gains. The state government at present also providing job reservation in the Private sector also.
    2. Not completely successful: Caste-based reservation policy in India is not completely successful in bringing up the weakest members of the SEBCs. The reservation policy benefitted well-off sections of people in reserved categories. If the reservation is widened then it will be beneficial to the well-off’s, not the intended beneficiaries.
    3. Against meritocracy: By increasing the reservation limit above 50 per cent, the overall efficiency of government jobs and educational quality might be compromised. Further, it can lead to deterioration in these sectors in the long run.
    Suggestions
    1. The government have to subclassify the Backward Classes like in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc. This will provide the benefit to intended beneficiaries. Since the government has already appointed Justice G Rohini Panel on Sub-categorisation of OBCs.  The Panel has to fast pace the sub-classification process.
    2. The government have to remove the well-off sections from the reservation policy. This can be achieved by analysing the reservation policy based on a citizen’s conditions rather than community-based reservations.
    3. Apart from that, the government also understands that the reservation policy is a temporary measure in the direction of social inclusion. Social inclusion can be achieved by better education policies, enhancing the skill development of backward communities, not by providing more reservations.

    In conclusion, Reservation is a temporary policy measure introduced by the constitutional makers that cannot be misunderstood. Providing more and more reservation gradually is itself not a permanent solution. Further, Social Justice has to achieve without compromising efficiency in the long run. So, it is time for the government to move beyond reservation based on caste alone.

  • Supreme Court judgment on Sedition Law

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court in the Rajat Sharma v. The Union of India Case ruled in favour of Farooq Abdullah. The court in its ruling said that disagreeing with the views and policies of the government will not attract the offence of sedition.

    What was the case?

    • A petition was filed in the Supreme Court against Farooq Abdullah, Former Chief Minister of J&K. It alleged that Farooq Abdullah made a seditious statement by saying that to restore Article 370, he would take help from China.
    • Hence, the petition asked the court to terminate the Lok Sabha membership of Farooq Abdullah and book him for sedition under Section 124A of IPC.

    What were the observations made by the Court?

    • The court said that the expression of a view that is different from a decision taken by the Central Government itself cannot be said to be seditious.
    • The court dismissed the petition. It further said that it was a clear case of publicity interest litigation by petitioners to get their names in the Press.
    • The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the petitioner to be deposited with the Supreme Court Advocates Welfare Fund in four weeks.

    Significance of this judgment:

    • This judgment assumes significance in the recent period when the sedition law is invoked by police against activists very frequently. People expressing their opinion or making statements on social networking sites against the government are also facing charges under sedition law.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Issue of adultery in Civil Services and Army

    Synopsis: SC decriminalized the act of adultery in the Joseph Shine vs Union of India case. However, it is still not clear whether adultery is the right ground for departmental enquiries against Civil Servants or Army officials.

    Background

    • Members of All India Services (AIS) are governed by a moral code of conduct. It requires them to “maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty” and do “nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the service”.
    • Similarly, the Army Act also contains penal provisions for displaying “unbecoming conduct” or “disgraceful conduct”.
    • However, the terms “unbecoming conduct” or “unbecoming of a member of a service” are not anywhere defined. It leaves the scope for employers or disciplinary authorities to define them as per their own understanding.
    • It is the reason that there is doubt whether illicit or adulterous relations are covered under these definitions or not.
    • This issue has become more prominent after SC decriminalised adultery in the Joseph Shine vs Union of India case. The Centre has filed an application for clarification with the SC that whether this judgment applies to armed forces or not.
    • The matter has been referred to the constitutional bench. However, Justice Nariman made an observation while issuing the notice. He observed that even if the law is scrapped, the act of adultery will still be an ‘unbecoming conduct’.

    Earlier High Court judgment on adultery and misconduct

    1. The above observation of Justice Nariman is in contrast to earlier High Court judgments.
    2. Calcutta High Court in Rabindra Nath Ghosh in a case of adultery held that the head constable who was living with another woman is not guilty of misconduct in the performance of his duties.
    3. Allahabad HC in In State of U.P. vs BN Singh (1989) held that the act of adultery by a government servant cannot be covered by default within the definition of ‘personal immorality’. For that, there should be a relation between the act of adultery and the reduction of his utility as a public servant.
    4. Rajasthan High Court in Mahesh Chand Sharma vs State of Rajasthan (2019) held that “no employer can be allowed to do moral policing on its employees which go beyond the domain of his public life”.

    Various HC has declared that adultery is not a sufficient ground to initiate departmental proceeding if it is not interfering with official functions.  Whereas Justice Nariman has provided a different interpretation. Thus it becomes utmost important to define the terms like “misconduct” and “immoral act”.

  • Use of Criminal conspiracy Law in India – Explained, Pointwise

    Recently the Delhi High Court granted bail to a climate activist in the Greta Thunberg toolkit case. The court dismissed the criminal conspiracy charges filed by Delhi police due to a lack of evidence. The law on criminal conspiracy was enacted to control the nationalist movement in India before independence. However, even after more than 7 decades of independence, this law is in use frequently.

    What is the recent case on the law of criminal conspiracy?

    Greta Thunberg toolkit was related to the violence committed during the farmer’s protest on January 26. The Delhi Police arrested a Climate Activist in India related to the tool kit case. The police claimed that the climate activist was the editor of “toolkit Google doc” and a “key conspirator” in the toolkit formulation and distribution.

    Delhi Police accused the activist under section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 124A of IPC(sedition). The police claimed the Activist and others were the local collaborators in the conspiracy for inciting disaffection and accelerating the violence.

    But the Delhi high court rejected the Delhi Police accusations and granted her bail. The court mentioned that the police lacked evidence to prove her conspiracy charges. The Court further held that interaction with people of doubtful credentials is not an offence. Apart from that the court also held that the authorities can not consider inferences (prior assumptions) as evidence.

    What is criminal conspiracy law in India?

    In India, criminal conspiracy falls under Section 120 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    1. Section 120A of IPC defines criminal conspiracy.
    2. Section 120B of IPC prescribes punishments for criminal conspiracy.

    Definition:

    It is defined as an “agreement” between two or more persons to commit a criminal offence.

    For an offence to be classified as a criminal offence, certain conditions have to be satisfied. They are,

    • There must be two or more persons indulged in a criminal offence
    • Even if the actual offence has not been committed, an agreement alone is necessary and sufficient to punish the person
    • The agreement has to be either related to committing an illegal act or a legal act committed through illegal means.
    • If such an agreement is reached then such agreement will be considered a criminal conspiracy.
    • But, merely discussing or having knowledge or having any ill intentions of committing a crime would not constitute criminal conspiracy.
    • It is not necessary for all the conspirators to know each other for committing an offence.
    • If the conspiracy charge got proved in court, then all the accused will be held liable for conspiracy. Apart from that, the accused persons shall also be punished separately for the individual offences committed by them.

    For example, if a group of friends (A, B, C, D) are speaking about robbing a bank to get rich, then it is not a criminal conspiracy as they are merely discussing it. But if they agree to rob a bank, and discuss their responsibilities in robbing a bank. Such as Person A and B will rob the money, Person C will threaten the people in Bank and Person D will watch the gate then this will be a criminal conspiracy under the law.

    Punishment:

    Section 120B of IPC prescribes punishments for criminal conspiracy. Section 120B divides criminal conspiracies into two categories.

    1. Criminal conspiracy to commit serious offences: For serious offences the conspirator will get a punishment similar to abetting (encourage or assist (someone) to do the serious offence) the offence.
      Serious offences here include any offences (if committed by the conspirator) that will attract death penalty, life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment (two years or more).
    2. Criminal conspiracy to commit other offences: In this case, the punishment under criminal conspiracy shall not exceed six months of imprisonment or fine or both.

    How criminal conspiracy law evolved in India?

    Initially, during Colonial rule, criminal conspiracy was considered as a civil offence. But the Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1913  changed the conspiracy as a criminal offence. This was used by the British to handle the Revolutionary leaders of India. The famous few cases were,

    • Kakori Conspiracy Case (1925): The case was framed against Hindustan Republican Association for train robbery. The revolutionaries were arrested and tried in court.
    • Lahore Conspiracy Case (1931): This case was framed for the murder of  JP Saunders, a British police officer. The case was filed against Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Chandrashekhar Azad. Except Azad all were caught and punished with death sentence. Azad got killed in an encounter later on.

    What are the observations made by the court on the criminal conspiracy law?

    1. Bimbdhar Pradhan vs. state of Orissa case 1956: The court held that based on sufficient evidence the court can even convict one person alone for criminal conspiracy.
    2. State of H.P vs Krishan lal case: The Court held that the criminal conspiracy consists of a meeting of minds for agreeing to do on offence. The court defined Meeting of Minds as the persons involved in the conspiracy were well aware of the objective and intention behind the conspiracy
    3. Param Hans Yadav Vs State Of Bihar case 1987: The court observed the difficulties in producing evidence for the charges of conspiracy. Establishing the link between the different chain of events was the only way to prove the conspiracy.
    4. State of Tamil Nadu vs Nalini case: If a person has knowledge about the conspiracy, then it would not make him a conspirator. The court also held that providing shelter to the main accused is not considered as evidence of the conspiracy. A meeting of minds will be required to prove the conspiracy.
      For example, If 3 member planned a robbery in a bank and planning to escape by a car belonging to a person X. If X doesn’t know anything about the robbery, then the X cannot be considered to be a conspirator.

    Why do we need to reform the Criminal Conspiracy law?

    1. Law commission report: The law commission in one of its report mentions the needs to reform the criminal conspiracy laws. They were,
      • Section 120A of IPC provides wide-sweeping powers to the government.
      • There is no need for criminal conspiracy legislation especially to punish for conspiracies related to petty offences.
    2. The general rule of crime is not fulfilled by criminal conspiracy law. As a general rule, to constitute a crime, both mens rea (guilty mind or intention)) and actus rea (the guilty act) must be involved. But Section 120 A of IPC punishes merely the guilty mind as a criminal offence.
    3. Section 120-A does not define what are illegal ways to achieve lawful actions. So this provision is getting misused by the government to silence the critics.

    Suggestions:

    1. Law enforcement authorities need education on these laws to prevent the problem of misuse. The enforcement authorities might be trained regarding the application and non-application cases of criminal conspiracy cases.
    2. The government has to define illegal ways to do legal actions. This will ensure clarity in the definition and check the misuse to a great extent.
    3. Further, the government should implement the suggestion of the Law Commission by removing petty crimes from Section 120A of IPC.
    4.  The government can consider rolling back the conspiracy to a civil offence. As it was the practice prior to the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1913. 

    The recent case of climate activist is one of the many instances where the law on criminal conspiracy is getting misused. It is the high time for the government to encourage constructive criticisms and amend Section 120A. This will ensure the midline of encouraging healthy debates and punishing the wrong ones in one go.

  • Landmark verdict on Sexual harassment and its value for Women

    Synopsis – The key takeaways from the landmark verdict on Sexual harassment by Delhi High Court and its value for women.

    Background –

    Recently Delhi court has acquitted a former journalist in a defamation case filed by a former Union minister.

    In this case, a journalist initially made allegations of sexual harassment against the former Union Minister. In turn, a criminal defamation case was filed in Delhi High Court against the journalist by Union Minister. However, Delhi High Court acquitted the journalist of the Criminal Defamation charges in its very recent verdict.

    What is the law for Defamation?

    • Defamation – The act of communicating false statements, spoken or published intentionally with the aim of damage someone’s reputation.
    • Punishment Under section 500 of the IPC – Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with a fine, or with both.

    Why the Journalist was acquitted in a defamation case?

    The law acknowledges that a person’s reputation cannot be used as a defence against their own bad behaviour. Thus, Section 499 of the IPC prescribes several exceptions to claims of defamation. Further, the court held two important observations.

    1. The actions of a journalist are not defamation. Instead, it is the attribution of truth. Such attribution will not fall under defamation.
    2. The journalist made such actions in order to make good for the public (Public good). The Act of public good also not fall under defamation.

    Court’s observation-

    • Women cannot be punished for raising their voices against sexual harassment.
    • A woman has a right to put her grievance on any platform of her choice, even after years and decades.  Because, Vishaka Guidelines and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 were not available at the time of sexual harassment
    • Only because women are not able to provide evidence, Women’s testimonies on sexual harassment cannot be dismissed as false or defamatory.
    • The right of reputation cannot be protected at the cost of a woman’s dignity guaranteed under Article 21.

    Way forward

    • This historic decision has set an example for women to speak up against sexual harassment regardless of time.
    • The verdict was also seen as a huge moral victory for the #MeToo movement.
    • Further, The verdict will help to prevent the unethical use of defamation law.

    Sexual Harassment of women at the workplace – Explained pointwise

  • Judicial Review and Public Protests in India

    Synopsis: The timely judicial review of the constitutional validity of laws would have reduced the number of protests in India.

    Background:

    • In the Shaheen Bagh protest case, in 2020, SC held that there is no absolute right to protest and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely. It affects the right of the general public to move freely without hindrance.
    • Recently, the supreme court has refused to review its earlier verdict on the Shaheen Bagh protest.

    Why the SC decisions on protests are seen as arbitrary?

    • First, Many protests took place because laws passed by the parliament (economic reservation, CAA, Farm laws) were not subject to timely Judicial review.
        • Almost all the major protests that happened recently in India, involved legal and constitutional issues. The court could not deliver the required immediate and effective adjudication over the constitutional validity of bills.
        • If the courts have delivered a timely judgment on the validity of the laws the protests could have been probably reduced.
    • Second, the court is attempting to mediate the issue rather than providing a solution to that.
        • For example, Shaheen Bagh protest case verdict. The court balanced its verdict by upholding the right to peaceful protest while stating public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely.

    Why SC’s refusal to review its earlier judgment is not right?

    The court’s judgment was against the indefinite occupation of public space in Shaheen Bagh protest case. It provides a licence to the police to commit atrocities against the legitimate protest in the name of the occupation.

    During the agitations against farm laws also, the protesters had to face repressive actions of the state. 

    • Protesters prosecuted by the state on serious charges of sedition and terrorism.
    • Not only the protesters but also their supporters, including comedians and journalists were prosecuted. For example, Disha Ravi climate activist recently charged for ‘conspiracy against the government’.
    • Protesters were denied the freedoms of expression and peaceful association under Article 19 of the Constitution.

    SCs globally are seen as guardians of the right to dissent. But it has not provided the protesters with the required support against the state action.

    What is the way forward?

    • A fair and effective justice mechanism on constitutional matters can reduce the protest on the streets.
        • For example, according to Sociologist Luke Martell the radical green movement in Britain was at a lower scale when compared with other parts of Western Europe.
        • This is because the “public enquiry system” in the United Kingdom is good. It “process ecological demands, and integrate them into the political system.
        • This minimised the radicalization of the movement arising out of exclusion and marginalisation.
    • The spirit of judgment in Himat Lal K. Shah vs Commissioner of Police (1972) should be upheld.
        • The Court struck down the rules framed by the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner because it conferred arbitrary power on the police officers in the matter of public meetings.
        • Justice Kuttyil Kurien Mathew, in Himat Lal K. Shah, explained that “freedom of assembly is an essential element of a democratic system” and that “the public streets are the ‘natural’ places for expression of opinion and dissemination of ideas”.
  • The need of explicit details of the offences against the children in POCSO Act

    Source- The Hindu

    Syllabus – GS 2 –  Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

    Synopsis: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was enacted especially to protect children from sexual assault.

    Background

    • In the case of Satish Ragde v. State of Maharashtra, Bombay High Court acquitted the accused under the POCSO Act.
    • The Court stated its ground that the accused groped the victim over her clothes and there was no skin to skin contact i.e. physical contact with the victim.
    • The Supreme Court ordered a stay on the acquittal of the accused.

    Why the legislature enacted the POCSO Act?

    • First, to protect children below 18 years of age from any kind of sexual abuses.
    • Second, before the enactment of this Act, there was no other Act which provides specifically for the sexual offences against children.
    • Third, India has signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The Convention requires sexual exploitation and sexual abuse to be addressed as heinous crimes.
    • Fourth, to provide for strict punishments to create a deterrence effect against the sexual offences against the children.

    Thus, the need for an explicit Act was felt for the offences against children.

    Why the POCSO act is comprehensive than IPC?

    • First, in IPC the definition of assault is generic i.e. ‘assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty’. However, in POCSO the acts of sexual assault are explicitly mentioned.
    • Second, Age- IPC provides punishment for the offence against a victim, irrespective of age. However, POCSO is specifically for the protection of the children.
    • Third, POCSO provides for higher punishment as compare to IPC as the victims are children.

    The findings of the Courts in the cases of sexual assault-

    1. The Supreme Court held in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) that the offences relating to the modesty of woman cannot be treated as trivial.
    2. The High Court of Chhasttisgarh in Pappu v. State of Chhattisgarh (2015) held the conviction of accused of sexual harassment under Section 354A which requires ‘physical contact’ and advances as a necessary element. It didn’t go into the debate of skin-to-skin contact.

    Way Forward

    • The U.K. Sexual Offences Act 2003 mentions clearly that touching with sexual intent includes touching any part of the body, with anything else or though anything.
    • POCSO act must also be modified to remove such ambiguities.
    • However, for the time being, any interpretation which weakens the protection of the children need to be declared ultra vires.  As it can set a dangerous precedent in society.
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  • NITI Aayog study to track “Economic Impact of Green Verdicts”

    What is the News?

    NITI Aayog has commissioned a study to examine the unintended economic consequences of judicial decisions that have hindered and stalled projects on environmental grounds.

    About the study

    • Responsible body: The study is to be undertaken by Jaipur-headquartered CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society) Centre for Competition, Investment, and Economic Regulation. It also has an international presence.

    What is the purpose of this study?

    • The judgments of the different courts negatively impact major infrastructure projects. These decisions don’t adequately consider their economic fallout — in terms of loss of jobs and revenue.
    • Hence, this study aims to sensitize the judiciary on the economic impact of their decisions. The findings will also be used as a training input for judges of commercial courts, NGT, HCs, SCs.

    What will the study examine?

    • The study will examine five major projects that are impacted by judicial decisions of the Supreme Court or the National Green Tribunal.
    • For that, It will interview people who have been affected by the closure of the projects, environmental campaigners, experts, and assessing the business impact of the closure.
    • The five projects to be analyzed include:
      1. Stay on the construction of an airport in Mopa, Goa;
      2. Ending of iron ore mining in Goa.
      3. Shutting down of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
      4. Suspension of sand mining operations in Uttar Pradesh
      5. Stopping of construction activities in the National Capital Region.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Delhi HC stays Future-Reliance deal

    What is the News?

    Delhi High Court has provided interim relief to e-commerce major Amazon. It directed Future Retail Limited(FRL) to maintain the status quo with regard to the transfer of its retail assets to Reliance Retail.

    What are the issues in the Future-Reliance deal?

    1. What is the Future-Reliance deal? In 2020, Biyani’s Future Group has entered into an agreement with Reliance Retail. Under this deal, Future was to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics and warehousing to Reliance.
    2. Why has Amazon objected to the deal? In 2019, Amazon had acquired a stake in Future Coupons in an agreement. As per Amazon, under this agreement, it has the first right of refusal in any stake sale in future retail.
    3. Why did Amazon approach Singapore International Arbitration Centre(SIAC)? Amazon and Future Group have under their agreement agreed to refer their disputes to SIAC. Hence, Amazon approached SIAC to appoint an emergency arbitrator to get urgent interim relief.
    4. SIAC ruling: SIAC emergency arbitrator had ruled in Amazon’s favour. It put the Future-Reliance deal on hold.

    What is the issue now?

    1. Enforcement of Ruling: Currently under Indian law, there is no mechanism for the enforcement of the orders of the Emergency Arbitrator. However, a party can move the Indian High Court under Arbitration & Conciliation Act,1996 to get similar reliefs as granted by the Emergency Arbitrator.
    2. What has the Delhi High Court said? It ruled that the order of the SIAC was enforceable in India the same manner as an order of this court. This provision is covered under Section 17(2) of Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Aspect of Mercy petition in India and Judicial intervention

    Former Punjab CM Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy petition was accepted by the Home ministry in 2019. But the decision could not be implemented as the Council of Ministers didn’t send the file to the President. Recently the Supreme Court criticised the government for their delay and scheduled a hearing for that.

    This created a larger debate on the relevance of mercy petition itself and the pardoning power of Executive in India.

    What is a mercy petition?

    A mercy petition is filed by a convict to change his/her punishment (especially capital) into a lesser form of punishment. It is also called clemency petition/plea or executive clemency.

    Mercy Petition can be exercised after all the legal remedies were exhausted. (Legal remedies include all the remedies available under prevailing law and Constitution).

    A petition can be filed with the President (under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution) or the governor (under Article 161 of the Constitution).

    This provision of pardoning power or mercy towards convicts was first originated in the United Kingdom. Later the concept made its presence in the United States of America, India, Canada, etc.

    What is the procedure to file a mercy petition?

    A convict under a death sentence is eligible to make the mercy petition. But it should be filed within seven days, after the dismissal of her/his appeal by the Supreme Court and intimation of the same to the convict by the Superintendent of the Police (SP).

    First, A written petition is filed before the President/Governor either by the convict or his/her relative on his/her behalf. The petition can be filed on the following grounds:

      • The convicted person is the sole bread earner of their family.
      • The physical/mental fitness of the convict or his/her age.
      • Law for the crime committed was quite harsh.
      • The court committed an error or mistake unknowingly.

    The grounds might play an important role in the decision-making process.

    Second, the Petition will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for comments and recommendations.

    Third, the Home Ministry analyses the merits of the Mercy petition. During this phase, the Ministry also discusses the matter with the concerned State government.

      • After this, the Home Minister makes the recommendation on Mercy petition to the President.

    Fourth, As per the advice of the Council of Ministers (CoM), the President can either accept or reject the mercy plea. There is no time limit prescribed for the President to exercise this power.

    The Governor is also empowered with pardoning powers, but the Governor cannot pardon the Death sentence. However, he can commute, remit, reprieve the death sentence for the offences against the law, which is under executive power of the State.

    What is the reason to have mercy petition?

    First, The option for mercy can result in good conduct by the Convict in the prison. This helps in solving the issue of prison discipline.

    Second, Mercy petition adds a human touch to the country’s judicial process. The mercy petition process judges the convict based on humanity and not on legality (concluding judgement based on evidence and witnesses).

    Third, Mercy Petition can save an innocent person from being punished due to doubtful conviction or miscarriage of justice. Thus, this process is very significant as it provides an opportunity to correct the errors made during the judicial process.

    Fourth, pardoning is provided with the belief that it will serve for better public welfare and for the greater public good.

    Challenges with the mercy petitions in India:

    First, there is no time limit given in the Constitution for a decision on Mercy Plea. There are many instances when the mercy petitions are kept pending for a long period. This is seen as a violation of Human Rights by legal experts. The convicts face mental, emotional and physiological trauma during the delayed period.

    Second, the experts also say, “Mercy petition is dealt largely without mercy by the successive governments”. They point out reasons such as

      • President not bound to accept the Mercy Petitions. It is the discretion of President
      • The critics also point out the information released by the RTI Act, “There are 77 mercy pleas decided by successive Presidents between 1991 and 2010. Of these 69 were rejected and only 8 were accepted”.

    Third, the President is not bound to state the reasons for the rejection of Mercy Petition. It results in a lack of transparency in the process.

    Judicial interventions on Mercy petition:

    First, In Ranga Billa Case: the court mentions that “nature and ambit of the pardoning power is entirely a discretionary remedy. Providing grant or rejection of petition need not state the reason for the actions.

    Second, In the Kehar Singh vs Union of India (1989) case: The court mentions “pardon by the President is an act of grace. Therefore, pardoning cannot be claimed as a matter of right. The power exercisable by the President is exclusively administrative in nature, and it is not justifiable.

    Third, In the Dhananjoy Chatterjee (alias Dhana) vs the State of West Bengal (1994) case: The Supreme Court said that “The pardoning power under Articles 72 and 161 can be exercised by the Central and State Governments. The powers shall not be exercised by the President or Governor on their own”.

    Fourth, In Mohd. Afzal Guru vs. State of Delhi (2014) case: The court said that “there has to be 14 days gap between the rejection of mercy petition and actual execution of the death penalty”.

    Way forward:

    Pardoning power of the executive is very significant as it corrects the errors in the judicial process. Timely disposal of mercy petition is a boon. To ensure that the government have to fix the time frame and create certain binding conditions to exercise the Mercy petition. This will facilitate smooth functioning of Indian democracy.

  • Importance of Allahabad HC judgment on Special Marriage Act

    Synopsis: The Allahabad high court’s recent decision to strike down the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 that make it mandatory for couples to publish a 30-day public notice of their intent to marry is a significant and much-needed correction.

    About the Special Marriage Act

      • The Special Marriage Act was originally enacted in 1872 to provide a framework for inter-caste and inter-religious marriages.
      • The Act allows the solemnization of marriages (performing the public ceremony/rites of marriage) without any religious customs or rituals. The law solemnizes marriages by the way of registration.
      • As per Section 5 of the Special Marriage Act, marriages irrespective of the religion of the couple require parties to give a 30-day public notice of their intention to marry before solemnizing their marriage
      • The provision of mandatory 30 days’ notice period ended up giving vigilante groups, families hostile to inter-faith and inter-caste unions with disproportionate powers to police young couples.
      • The Act is applicable to all Indian citizens and Indian nationals who live in abroad.
      • Allahabad High Court observed the Special Marriage Act as ‘one of the earliest endeavours towards Uniform Civil Code.

    About the case 

    Recently, in response to a writ petition filed, Allahabad High Court gave a judgment that would have far-reaching impacts.

      • In its conclusion, the HC stated, though the couple wanted to marry under the Special Marriage Act, the mandatory provision for 30-day notice, under section 5 of the act, compelled them to take the easier route of religious conversion.
      • Thus, Section 5 acting as a barrier to inter-faith couples, willing to marry under the secular SMA rather than taking religious conversion routes.
      • On this basis, the Court allowed couples not to publish the mandatory 30-day notice of their intention to marry.
      • Also, the court allowed the individuals, who desire to have more information about their counterparts, to opt for publication of notice under Section 6 of the Act. Such publication of notice under free will not be a violation of fundamental rights due to free choice.
      • The court also noted that when marriages under personal law do not require a notice or invitation for objections, such a requirement for inter-faith couples’ is obsolete in secular law and cannot be forced on a couple.
      • As a result, many preferred to convert and marry under personal laws, rather than under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 to prevent themselves from harassment.

    Why the Allahabad high court’s decision is regarded as a significant step?

    The high court’s ruling against the mandatory need for couples to publish a 30-day public notice has been praised for the following reasons,

      • First, the decision comes at the right time where the anti-conversion ordinances in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have endorsed the state intrusions on inter-personal relationships.  The decision will protect the primacy of individual autonomy.
      • Second, the HC ruling is in line with The Law Commission of India report in 2012 that recommended keeping a check on the unnecessary interference by caste assemblies in sagotra, inter-caste or inter-religious marriages.
      • Third, The HC judgment reaffirms the constitutional protection to minorities as even today a minuscule of the minority of marriages are, inter-faith unions.
      • Fourth, it is in line with a series of landmark Supreme Court judgments that are against societal and state interference in personal affairs and firmly establishes personal liberty and privacy to be fundamental. For example,
        • Puttaswamy v Union of India, that recognise the right to privacy as a fundamental right
        • The Hadiya case, right to choose one’s partner.
        • In Navtej Singh Johar case: The ruling that decriminalised homosexuality.
      • It will be a body blow to Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 which have provisions such as
        • Declaring conversion of religion by marriage to be unlawful
        • Mandating a 60-day notice to the District Magistrate
        • Requiring the Magistrate to conduct a police inquiry to know the real intention behind the conversion.
      • As the Special Marriage Act is a central legislation, couples across the country seeking to marry under the law will benefit from the liberal ruling of the provisions.
      • It paves way for abolishing and cleansing obsolete Victorian-era protectionist provisions in other laws as well.

    The Allahabad High Court judgement is a reminder and a warning that the constitution remains the bulwark against an overreaching state policy such as the anti-conversion ordinance in UP and MP.

     

  • SC judgment on farm laws: violation of separation of powers

    Synopsis:  The Supreme court (SC) has stayed the implementation of farm laws. The decision is a case of violation of the separation of powers.  

    Background  

    • Recently, the SC has stayed the implementation of three farm laws until further orders. 
    • The SC has also given direction to set up a four-member committee to break the deadlock between farmers and the Centre. 
    • Many experts opine that by this judgment the supreme court has encroached into political and administrative management without any legal basis and seen as a violation of the separation of powers. 

    Are the reforms necessary? If yes, why it has been opposed? 

    According to many agricultural experts, agriculture needs serious reform for achieving the following objectives. 

    • To improve farmers’ incomes and well-being. 
    • To increase crop diversification. 
    • To make agriculture more environmentally sustainable. 
    • To make subsidies less counterproductive.  
    • To keep food inflation down, and ensure that nutrition reaches all. 

    The government was right to think reforms were necessary. However, the government failed to gain trust among Farmer communities by prioritising the wrong reforms.  For example, “choice of traders,” which did not tackle the underlying issues, but created more uncertainty. 

    What are the negative implications of the recent Supreme Court decision? 

    The Supreme court (SC) decision has been criticised on the following grounds; 

    • First, SC’s involvement in the Farm bill issue will give a misleading impression that a distributive conflict can be resolved by technical or judicial means.  
    • Second, by setting up a four-member committee to hear farmers’ grievances the SC has invaded into political territory. The role of the judiciary is to determine unconstitutionality or illegality of law rather than mediating a political dispute.  
    • Third, the court has lost its neutrality by seeking to break the momentum of a social movement.  
        • Rather than facilitating the orderly and law-bound expression of protest the court has acted to defuse the genuine democratic protest by shifting the onus on the farmers to stop their protests. 
    • Fourth, the court’s action will disrupt the normal political give and take in a democracy between the government and people. 
    • Fifth, the court has redefined the function of mediation the court by violating the first rule of mediation. i.e., The mediators must be acceptable to all parties and appointed in consultation with them. Whereas the SC has Suo Moto appointed a four-member committee without any consultation with farmer groups. 
    • Finally, the court has also positioned itself as an arbiter of national security. It admitted the Attorney General’s contention that farmers’ protests may be the vehicle for the Khalistan movement. 

    What is the way forward? 

    • In principle, any mediation to break the stalemate is welcome. But the mediation has to be a political process between the government and the people and it is the responsibility of the Parliament to fix the issue. 
    • What the farmers need is clarity of law and the right to make their demands heard through the political process and civil society not the paternalism of the court 

    The court, in the process of saving the government from being on the political back foot the court, has forfeited the very thing it needs most, the repository of trust among its citizens.

     

     

  • Supreme Court stays implementation of 3 farm laws

    News: The Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of Three Farm Laws until further Orders.

    Facts:

    Summary of the Supreme Court Order:

    • Stay on Farm Laws: Implementation of three farm laws namely The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act have stayed.
        • The stay on their implementation means the Centre cannot, for the time being, proceed with any executive actions to enforce the laws.
    • No Retrospective Action: No farmer must be dispossessed or deprived of his title as a result of any action taken under the laws.
    • Committee Formed: The court formed a four-member committee of experts to listen to the grievances of the farmers on the farm laws and the views of the government and make recommendations. The Committee shall be provided with a place at Delhi and Government to bear its expenses and give it secretarial assistance
    • Functions of Committee: The representatives of all the farmers’ bodies whether they are holding a protest or not and whether they support or oppose the laws shall p Supreme Court stays  farm laws articipate in the deliberations of the Committee and put forth their viewpoints. The Committee should file the report within 2 months before the Supreme Court.

    Article Source

    Further Reading on Farm Laws: https://forumias.com/blog/issue-of-farm-bills/

     

  • Central Vista judgment: Issue of public participation in public projects

    Synopsis: The issue of public consultation in the project development process should not be underestimated.

    Introduction

    In the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, Rajeev Suri v. Delhi Development Authority, Court granted its approval to the proposed redevelopment of the Central Vista in the national capital. 

    What are the changes proposed?

    • In 2009, the Central Vista was considered as a Grade-I heritage precinct after extensive public consultation, which meant that any development inside the area had to be “regulated and controlled” without damaging its impressive style.
    • However, the Redevelopment plan includes taking down a number of post-Independence buildings, including the National Museum.

    Read more:

    Issues in the judgment on central Vista project

    Following were 2 issues in the Central Vista Judgment, as per Suhrith Parthasarathy, the advocate of Madras High Court;

    • Court refused to acknowledge the existence of a right to public participation, a right, which ought to be seen as fundamental in a democracy.
    • Delhi Development Act, 1957 mandated opportunity to the public to place their objections on the record. Although objections were invited from the public, a mere three-days’ notice was given for the hearing on those complaints
      • However, majority judgment ruled that the law does not make personal hearings mandatory.
      • Issues: 2 issues are involved in this case:
        1. In the past SC itself held that arbitrary state action violates fundamental rights under article 14 i.e. sufficient time should be accorded to the public if any big change is being introduced to imp. Acts like DDA.
        2. For Public to scrutinise the project, authentic technical information on the project was available in the public domain.

    Issues in general in the public projects

    Public participation and architectural services procurement are 2 of several areas that are in urgent need of improvement; 

    The issue of public Participation 

    • Horizontal accountability ensures check on government, by creating connected state organizations such as heritage committees and environmental regulators. 
    • Vertical accountability requires citizen oversight. Citizens are asking for an improved participatory process.  
        • Government argues that horizontal accountability is in place. Provisions for consultation although are not absent, but the process of consultation is vague. 
        • Judgment in central Vista is also not clear on the matter of public participation. 
        • Development of Land Acquisition act provides a few lessons that have spelt out consent required from a minimum number of landowners. 

    Process of architectural services procurement 

    • The process of choosing a designer for a public project needs improvement as there is a lack of evaluation criteria and standards for design. Also, weightage is given to lower fees instead of better designs. 
    • The architecture firms face entry barriers as their expertise is judged on the basis of their company’s turnover. The unreasonable revenue conditions make it difficult for many firms to qualify and also reduce the pool of choice. 

    Way Forward

    • First, according to the dissenting judge, the most basic principles of procedural fairness require the state to make adequate and intelligible disclosures. It becomes more important as the project will have permanent and irreversible consequences.
    • Second, for improving consultation, regulations and process have to clearly state what prior disclosures are required, when meetings have to be held and reasons for accepting and declining suggestions should be listed properly. 
    • Third, the government adopted the Quality and cost based selection (QCBS) for choosing designers. This method specifies requirements for consultants, places higher weightage on their technical capability and lower weightage on financial proposals. 
    • Fourth, in order to reduce the entry barrier, one can consider the suggestions made by the Architects’ Council of Europe. It suggests dropping turnover requirements and emphasized qualitative selection criteria. 
      • Weightage given to design value has to be clear and fixed as more than 65% of the registered architects in India are below 35 years and many firms are medium-sized, such changes are all the more required. 
  • ‘Using God’s name to sell articles illegal’

    News: The Bombay High Court has held that the sale of items, claiming that they possess miraculous or supernatural powers via television advertisement is illegal.

    Facts:

    What was the matter?

    • A petition was filed seeking a direction and injunction to prevent advertisements on television channels that promote the sale of articles like Hanuman Chalisa Yantra.
    • The petitioner had come across advertisements in 2015 on TV claiming special, miraculous and supernatural properties/qualities in Hanuman Chalisa Yantra prepared by one Baba Mangalnath who had achieved ‘siddhi’ (supernatural powers) and was blessed by Lord Hanuman.

    What is the Judgement?

    • The court held that using the name of any God and claiming that it has supernatural qualities is “illegal” and falls under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
    • The court observed that the objectives quoted in the Black Magic Act can be achieved mainly through education.
      • Section 3 of the Black Magic Act prohibits not only commission of acts of black magic, evil practices but also propagation and promotion of such practices and magic. Section 3(2) of the Act provides that abetment of such propaganda is also an offence.
    • Quoting the fundamental duty to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry, the Court said that the reformists like Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar who worked to remove evil practices and spread awareness against superstition, were born on this soil.

    Article Source

  • Supreme Court Judgment on Central Vista Redevelopment Project

    Supreme Court pronounced 2-1 judgment and cleared the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

    Petition challenging the Centre’s change-of-land-use notification of March 2020 for 86 acres of land was filed in SC.

    Following statements were put forward by the majority judgment and dissenting judge:

    Central vista judgment

    More about judgment

    SC Court in its judgment held that it found no issues in the following orders and found them as per laws and procedures.

    • “No Objection” by the Central Vista Committee (CVC);
    • “Approval” by the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) as per the DUAC Act, 1973;
    • “Prior approval” by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) under Building Byelaws for Delhi, 2016.”
    • Exercise of power by central government under DDA (Delhi Development Authority) Act, 1957.
    • Environmental Clearance (EC) recommendation for the project by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

    SC in its judgment also made a statement regarding the limits on its powers. As per the bench, development policies of the Government of the day must be debated in the Parliament. The role of the Court is limited to examining their constitutionality and not to govern.

    Further, it asks for the creation of smog towns and deployment of smog guns to mitigate the pollution from construction materials and directs that waste management at the site be subjected to constant monitoring. 

    What were the issues raised in the petition challenging Central Vista Project?

    Supreme Court was hearing the petition on the following main grounds, put forward by the petitioner:

    1. Change of land use: DDA in its notification made changes in the land use to facilitate the use of public open spaces such as a district park and children’s play area for the use of government office.
    2. Violations of municipal law: consultation with Delhi Urban Commission (DUAC) had to be completed at the plan conception stage itself.
      1. In the absence of a comprehensive consultation, the approvals were granted without proper application of mind.
    3. Violations of environmental law: Parliament building was granted environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change without any Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
    4. Change in heritage Status: Heritage Conservation Committee allowed the demolition of post-independence constructions by redefining the ‘Heritage status’.
    5. Central Vista Committee(CVC): As per the petitioner, CVC was set up to rush the approvals and it consists of the members, who were proponents of the central vista project. Thus, there is an apparent conflict of interest. 

    For more Info. on Issues: Issues with Central Vista Project

    What is Central Vista and Central Vista Redevelopment Project?

    History of Central Vista development

    • Britain’s King George V on December 12, 1911, at his coronation announced the transfer of the seat of the Government of India from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi.
    • This 20 years-long project of Central Vista development was led by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. It was completed in 1927 and inaugurated by Viceroy Lord Irwin.
    • Central Vista is 3.2 kilometre area in Delhi housing Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Blocks, Rajpath, India Gate, National Archives and the then princes’ houses around India Gate.
    • In the 1962 Master plan of Delhi, site was declared a heritage precinct as an “important site to meet the aspirations of a rich culture”.

    About the Central Vista Redevelopment Project

    • Project was announced by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019 as a redevelopment project to give a new identity to the ‘power corridor’ of India.
    • Redevelopment project includes
      • Construction of a new parliament next to existing one,
      • Prime minister and vice-president’s residences along with 10 building blocks that will accommodate all government ministries and departments.
      • Revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath — from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
    • Project will change the structure of the 86-acre area in Lutyens’ Delhi that shows off India’s iconic buildings such as South and North blocks of Central Secretariat, Parliament House, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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      Parliament Complex
    • Complete project is estimated to cost around Rs. 20,000 crores. Of this amount, around Rs. 1000 crores is allocated for construction of Parliament Building.
    • It will be a triangular-shaped Parliament building and spans across over 64,500 square metres.
    • It will be able to accommodate 336 more Lok sabha members and 139 more Rajya Sabha members than the current capacity i.e. 888 Lok Sabha members and 384 Rajya Sabha members.
    • Building is projected to complete by 2022, for which Tata Projects won at Rs. 861.90 crores.

    Why the Central Vista redevelopment Project has been planned?

    • Firstly, the Current Parliament was built in 1927 to house the legislative council and was not intended to house a bicameral legislature that the country has today. The current building will be under more stress when the number of seats to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are raised.
    • Secondly, the present Parliament House signifies an imperial origin, whereas India is a successful citizen-led democracy. Thus, the present parliamentary building is not in accordance with the aspirations of independent Indian citizens and the new building will stand out as an institution created by 130 crore citizens.
    • Thirdly, there are international examples of building new parliamentary structures after gaining independence.
      • The Capitol Building in the USA was constructed within 25 years of the country’s independence.
      • In Brazil, the National Congress Building was constructed, almost 70 years after Independence, in 1960. 
    • Fourthly, Present Parliamentary complex was built by the British on their own patterns and designs. New building’s design and interiors will capture Indian values and the rich diversity of our regional arts, crafts, textiles, architecture, and culture.
    • Fifthly, World history proves that Public infrastructure projects playing a key role in reviving economies in distress. For ex; the Tokyo Tower in Japan, built after World War II, provided employment to thousands of workers, instilled a greater sense of nationalism, and contributed to the resurgence of the Japanese economy.
    • Sixthly, the existing building does not conform to fire safety norms and is not earth quake proof. Water and sewer lines are also haphazard and this is damaging its heritage nature. 2001 Parliament attack is a fit example questioning the safety.

    Although SC has given a green light to Central Vista Project, it also underlined the need for the significance of transparency i.e. if the relevant information is not placed in the public domain, public will be ill-equipped to understand the need and rationale behind such projects.

    Government should become more transparent and try to bring in a consultation process at the initial stage of the project developments to maintain a level of confidence among people of the country.

  • Judgment on the eligibility of Horizontal reservation candidates

    Synopsis: Supreme Court in its recent judgement Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh, has cleared the Issue of eligibility of candidates belong to Horizontal reservation to compete for the open category seats.

    The issues arise due to the difference in the implementation of horizontal reservation among different states in the open category states.

    There are 2 types of reservations; 1) Vertical reservation, 2) Horizontal reservation

    Vertical reservation: It is a class of reservation which provide reservation in terms of caste i.e. SC, ST, OBC and General Category.

    Horizontal reservation: It is a class of reservations under Article 15(3) and 16(1), which cuts across all the caste based categories including reservation for women, differently-abled persons, freedom fighters, army veterans and other categories.

    What are the Horizontal Reservation issues?

    Basic issue is the assumption of critics of reservation that reservations per se are opposed to merit and compromise efficiency in public service. Therefore open category seats must be available only to the candidates belong to non-reserved categories.

    • Upholding the assumption above, few state governments excluded reserved category women from consideration in the general category.
    • This policy in effect declare the open category as a reserved category for upper castes.
    • Further, matter was worsened by the contrary judgments of High Courts:
      • Rajasthan, Bombay, Uttarakhand and Gujarat high courts approved the eligibility of horizontal reservation against ‘open or general category’.
      • Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh High Courts held that candidates from reserved categories can be adjusted only against their own categories and not against the ‘open or general category’.
    • Reservation is an instrument for identifying merit in individuals from historically marginalised communities. By excluding OBC women against general category seats, government is excluding a meritorious candidates.

    Indra sawhney case

    • In Indra Sawhney case 1992, Supreme Court held that in case a reservation has been made under Article 16 (4) for the backward class and the candidate belonging to such back ward caste can compete for non-reserved post.
    • As such candidates are appointed on the basis of their own merit, their number will not be adjusted against the quota to their backward category i.e. the entire reservation quota will be intact and available in addition to those selected under open competition category.

    Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh

    • In this case, there were 3,295 constable posts in UP in the General Category (GC) of which 188 went to women.
    • 21 applicants in the OBC female category scored more than the last female candidate selected in General Category. But in filling up of 188 GC women seats, OBC women (who scored higher) were not considered.
    • Judgment: In this case three judge bench led by Justice Uday U Lalit, ruled against the government order that candidates belonging to reserved categories like SCs, STs, and OBCs can be appointed under open or general category, if they qualified on their own merit.

    Justice Ravindra Bhat’s judgment

    • Justice Bhat also made a concurring judgment, in a similar case.
    • Justice Bhat in his judgment held that there is no rule, or direction which prohibits the adjustment of socially reserved categories of women in the general category or “open category”. Therefore, the open category is not a ‘quota’, but rather available to all women and men alike.

    Anil Kumar Gupta v/s State of Uttar Pradesh

    • In its judgment, the Court had made it clear that horizontal reservation ought to be generally understood in compartmentalised terms, as a nod to recognition of inequalities within each vertical category.

    Vertical and horizontal reservations are methods of ensuring representation in public services. It should not be used as a tool to close the doors to open general category, even for the meritorious candidates, for which she would have been eligible without reservation.

  • Right to Protest in India

    Context: Supreme Court in its recent order stated that farmers have a constitutional right to continue with their protest.

    More about judgment

    • Petition: Order was delivered on the petitions seeking removal of farmers protesting at the borders of Delhi.
    • Order and suggestions
      • Supreme Court in its order upheld the farmer’s right to continue their protest in a peaceful manner as a constitutional right subject to public order.
      • No restriction will be placed in the exercise of such rights as long as it is non-violent and does not result in damage to the life and properties of other citizens.
      • SC suggested farmers engage in talks with the government for positive conclusion and formation of an “impartial and independent committee” of experts in agriculture to hear both farmers and the Union government on the laws.

    A few examples of important peaceful protests in India  

    • Power of peaceful protest was taught to the country by the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, against the mighty British Empire.
    • People not only signed writ petitions but staged dharnas, held large public meetings, peaceful protests and demonstrations and even, for instance in Gandhi’s satyagraha, launched civil disobedience movements.
    • After Independence, many peaceful protests took place, but one of the biggest were protests during an emergency in the 1970s when democracy in India was threatened due to authoritarianism of government.
    • Movements such as Chipko movement (1973) in the upper Alaknanda valley took place for forest conservation.
    • During the movement of Anna Hazare against corruption, thousands participated in the peaceful protests.

    What are the Constitutional provisions ensuring the right to protest?

    The right to protest, to publicly challenge and force the government to answer, is a fundamental political right of the people that flows directly from a democratic reading of various provisions of Article 19.

    Right to Protest is protected under Article 19(1) (a), Article 19(1) (b) and Article 19(1) (c) of the Indian Constitution.

    1. Article 19(1) (a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression;
    2. Article 19(1) (b) assures citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms.
    3. Article 19(1) (c) assures right to form associations or trade unions

    Reasonable restrictions: However, like other fundamental rights, right to protest is also not absolute and also subject to reasonable restrictions mentioned under Article 19(2) and 19(3) on the following grounds;

    1. In the interests of the sovereignty & integrity of India,
    2. The security of the State,
    3. Friendly relations with foreign States,
    4. Violation of Public order,
    5. Decency or morality or in relation to Contempt of court, defamation or incitement of an offence

    The grounds of restrictions based on Violation of public order can be reasonable only when there is evidence that protesters will incite lawless or disorderly acts and that such acts are likely to occur.

    Section 144 and right to protest in India

    • Time and again, to suppress the voice of citizens or for legitimate reasons like controlling the violent protest, the government has kept on using various tools available against protests and section 144 of Cr.PC has been the biggest such tool.
    • Section 144 authorises executive magistrates to pass “prohibitory orders” that restrict people from assembling at particular places to prevent breaches of public order or the triggering of violence.
    • Although the law has been enacted to implement the reasonable restrictions, however, Section 144 is framed in such broad and vague terms that it can be imposed by the executive anywhere to prevent the expression of dissent through public demonstrations and protests.
    • Judgments
      • In the 2012 Ramlila Maidan case, the court held that the “perception of threat to public peace and tranquillity should be real” for Section 144 to be used. The trigger cannot be “imaginary or a mere likely possibility”.
      • In Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v Union of India, the Supreme Court held although recognised the right to protest and asked the government and police to frame guidelines but also held that the order to impose section 144 was not unconstitutional.

    Supreme Court Judgements on Right to Protest:

    • Ramlila Maidan Incident vs Home Secretary, Union of India (2012): The Supreme Court had stated that citizens have a fundamental right to assembly and peaceful protest which cannot be taken away by an arbitrary executive or legislative action.
    • Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) vs Union of India(2018): In this case, SC upheld the fundamental right to assembly and peaceful protest but ordered it to be regulated in such a way that they do not cause inconvenience to residents from Jantar Mantar road or the offices located there.
    • Shaheen Bagh Judgement:
      • The court upheld the right to peaceful protest against a law but made it clear that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely.
      • The right to protest in a public place should be balanced with the right of the general public to move freely without hindrance.
      • Fundamental rights do not live in isolation. The right of the protester has to be balanced with the right of the commuter and has to co-exist in mutual respect.

    What is the significance of the right to protest?

    • Firstly, Right to protest is an essential element of democracy to bring about reforms and lead to the development of the country.
    • Second, Protesting against injustice is not only a constitutional right of the citizens but also their moral duty.
    • Third, Active exercise of Right to protest ensures people’s role as watchdogs that constantly monitors government’s acts and ensure fairness in them.
    • Fourth, it is the biggest weapon of people when the government in a democratic country becomes unresponsive and refuse to listen to them.

    Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and the lifeline of democracy, without which there would be very less accountability left with the ruling government and every citizen has to wait for the election to vent out their anger against it. But reasonable restrictions are also very important so that peaceful protests do not turn into violent and lead to loss of lives and property.

    However, it should not be made an excuse to suppress every form of protest as it is the prime duty of every government to protect the ideals of the constitution.

     

  • Religious Freedom and Personal Choices

    Context: The Allahabad High Court verdict in ‘Salamat Ansari’ is a reminder of the Constitution’s most cherished values.

    What did the court say?
    • Religious conversions, even when made solely for the purposes of marriage, constituted a valid exercise of a person’s liberties.
    • The High Court ruled that the freedom to live with a person of one’s choice is intrinsic to the fundamental right to life and personal liberty.
    • It held that the judgment in Noor Jahan was incorrectly delivered. Marriage is a matter of choice, and every adult woman has a fundamental right to choose her own partner.
    What is the issue?
    • Legislation: Various State governments undertaking projects to outlaw what they describe pejoratively as “Love Jihad”.
    • Petitioners vs. State:
      • The petitioners had approached the High Court seeking orders to quash a First Information Report (FIR). This FIR alleged that crime was committed under Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises the abduction of a woman with an intent to compel her to marry against her will.
      • The State argued that the partnership had no sanctity in the law, because a conversion with a singular aim of getting married was illegitimate.
    What are the other related judgements?
    • Noor Jahan v. State of U.P. (2014): the High Court had held that a conversion by an individual to Islam was valid only when it was predicated on a “change of heart” and on an “honest conviction” in the tenets of the newly adopted religion.
      • Burden of proof: the High Court had ruled that the burden to prove the validity of a conversion was on the party professing the act.
    • Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh: the Court upheld, on grounds of public order, two of the earliest anti-conversion statutes in India: the Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 1968, and the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967. These laws required that a District Magistrate be informed each time a conversion was made and prohibited any conversion that was obtained through fraud or illegal inducement.
    What does the judgement signify?
    • Right to religious freedom: it is neither the province of the state nor any other individual to interfere with a person’s choice of partner or faith.
    • Right to privacy: It held that an individual’s ability to control vital aspects of her life inheres in her right to privacy. Puttaswamy judgement, has recognised that every individual possesses a guaranteed freedom of thought.
    • Right to live with dignity: It includes the preservation of decisional autonomy, on matters such as “personal intimacies, the sanctity of family life, marriage, procreation, the home, and sexual orientation”.
    • Freedom of conscience: Article 25 of the Constitution expressly protects the choices that individuals make. It guarantees to every person the freedom of conscience. The idea of protecting one’s freedom of conscience goes beyond mere considerations of religious faith.

    This is high time that we need to respect people’s choices. When we fail to acknowledge and respect the most intimate and personal choices that people make,we undermine the most basic principles of dignity.

     

    Link to our 7PM editorial of similar article (ISSUE OF INTERFAITH MARRIAGES AND LAWS IN INDIA)

  • ISSUE OF INTERFAITH MARRIAGES AND LAWS IN INDIA

    The article is based on The Big Picture: Special Marriage Act and Indian Express Explained, Roll it back appeared in the month of November. 

    Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared an ordinance that enables the state to police and punish inter-faith marriages with “the sole intention of changing a girl’s religion”.

    Important provisions of Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religious Ordinance, 2020:

    • Law prohibits conversion from one religion to another by “misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement or marriage”.
    • Marriage will be declared “shunya” (null and void) if the “sole intention” was to “change a girl’s religion”
    •  The persons forced the girl to change religious conversion may face jail term of up to 10 years if the girl is minor, a woman from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, if the person involved religious conversion on a mass scale. For the rest of the cases, the jail term ranges from 1 to 5 years.
    • The law also provides for the way to conversion. The person willing to convert to other religion would have to give it in writing to the District Magistrate at least two months in advance.
    • The burden to prove would be on the person who caused the conversion or the person who facilitated it. If any violation is found under this provision, then she/he will face a jail term from 6 months to 3 year
    • ·If any person reconverts to his immediate previous religion, then it shall not be deemed to be a violation of the ordinance.

    Why Uttar Pradesh drafted such an ordinance?

    • In the past few months, cases of alleged “love jihad” have been reported from different parts of the state, especially eastern and central UP especially Lakhimpurkheri.
    • a group of parents from a particular locality in Kanpur had complained that their daughters are being allegedly trapped by Muslim men
    • In some cases, girls refused to accept that they were tempted into marriage.

    Criticisms against the law

    Many critics of the law have put forward a few issues regarding the law:

    • Allowing the police to examine subjective “intentions” of men and women entering a marriage veers into thought control — and sets the law up for rampant abuse.
    • Law against fundamental rights: By clearing the ordinance, the state government has trespassed the fundamental right to marry guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. 
    What is the term ‘Love Jihad’ or ‘Romeo Jihad’?:

    • The term itself is based on a conspiracy Theory. It simply means that the Islamic men target non-Islamic women for religious conversion by feigning their love.
    • This theory is completely unproven. The theory got national attention with the alleged conversions first in Kerala and later in Karnataka in 2009.
    •  In 2010, the speech of then CM of Kerala creates widespread allegation (Source)

     Anti-conversion law at central level:

    Central government proposed various bills but none of them passed and became a law. They are:

    • Indian Conversion (Regulation and Registration) Bill 1954
    • Backward Communities (Religious Protection) Bill 1960
    • Freedom of Religion Bill in 1979

    In 2015, the Law Ministry said passing of any law on religious conversion is purely a “State subject” and Central government has no role in it.

    Is Uttar Pradesh being the only state to initiate law for forceful conversion?

    • No, after the central government failed to pass 1960 bill, Odisha government moved on and passed the first anti-conversion law in 1968
    • After that so far 10 states have had passed anti-conversion laws in India.
    • The Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019, and the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, both prohibit conversion by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, inducement, allurement and ‘by marriage’.

    But Uttar Pradesh has become one of the first State to pass forcible conversion only during Interfaith marriages as special legislation. States such as Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have also sought to bring such legislation.

    Interfaith Marriages:

    • It simply means the matrimonial relation between individuals who follow different religious faiths.
    • Marriage between the same faiths has been governed by the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, Muslim personal Law. But to rectify and include interfaith marriages Centre passed the Special Marriage Act 1954.
    • Special Marriage Act considers Interfaith Marriages as secular.
    Few important provisions of the Special Marriage Act of 1954:

    • The law allows the solemnization of marriages without any religious customs or rituals. The law solemnizes marriages by the way of registration.
    • The consenting couple (Men above 21 years and women above 18 years) who were going to get married have to provide 30-day Notice at the Marriage Registrar’s office.
    • After 30 days they can get married. If there are any objections raised then the Marriage Registrar will investigate the objection
    •  The Act is applicable to all Indian citizens and Indian nationals who live in abroad.
    • Allahabad High Court observed the Special Marriage Act as ‘one of the earliest endeavors towards Uniform Civil Code. (Source)

     Judicial pronouncement regarding interfaith marriages and forcible conversions:

    • The Rev Stanislaus vs Madhya Pradesh case: Supreme Court said Article 25 does provide freedom of religion in matters related to practice, profess and propagate, but the word propagate does not give the right to convert and upheld the laws prohibiting Conversion through force, fraud, or allurement.
    • Based on the above case it is clear that forcible conversion or conversion through fraud and allurement is against the Right to Freedom of Religion.
    • Sarla Mudgal case: The court had held that the religious conversion into Islam by a person from non-Islamic faith is not valid if the conversion is done for the purpose of polygamy.
    • Lily Thomas case: In this case Court observed that marrying another woman after converting to Islam is punishable under the bigamy laws.
    • Hadiya Case: Supreme Court said that the right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Constitution
    • Allahabad High Court, in the case, Noor Jahan Begum @ Anjali Mishra and another vs. State of U.P. and Others observed that one shouldn’t change one’s faith just for the sake of matrimony. As two persons professing different religions can marry under the Special Marriage Act.
    • But in the most recent judgment, Allahabad High Court itself overturned its previous judgment, calling the decision “bad in law”. The division bench of the Allahabad high court said on November 11, that judgment does not take into account the right to life and personal liberty of mature adults.

    Way forward:

    Based on the judicial pronouncements it is clear that the Right to marry a person belongs to another faith is a Fundamental Right but that does not have to be associated only with personal laws or religious conversions. It is the Right of the individual’s personal liberty to involve in Interfaith Marriage either by the Special Marriage Act of 1954 or by Personal laws (after getting himself converted).

  • Regulating free speech

    Context: The Supreme Court’s has questioned the Union government on the measures it can and is willing to take against communally slanted television coverage.

    More on news:

    • It appears to be an attempt to bring about a commitment to a course of action that will curb inflammatory journalism on broadcast media.
    • The Court has distinguished between free speech and ‘hate speech’.

    Give some latest instances of partial news coverage. Also, mention the point-of-view of the Centre and the Court.

    • Coverage of Tablighi jamaat event: The Court is hearing petitions against the communal colour given by some channels to the incidence of large clusters of COVID-19 infections among those who attended a Tablighi Jamaat event in New Delhi.
    • The portrayal of the participants as intentional super-spreaders was vicious and motivated.
    • Case of Sudarshan news: The case of Sudarshan News, which began a series on the channel that propagated hate against Muslims, is an open example.
    • The government has merely administered a ‘caution’ to the channel and asked it to moderate the content of future episodes.
    • Centre’s point of view: The Centre’s affidavit has stated that media coverage “predominantly struck a balanced and neutral perspective”.
      • It further stated that it was open to the viewers to choose from a number of varying perspectives given by different media channels.
    • Court’s point of view: The Court is keen to know what action has been taken under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act against offending broadcasters.
    • The Court appears unconvinced that the present mechanism of self-regulation, i.e. The National Broadcasting Standards Authority is effective.

    What are the safeguards provided under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act?

    • Government’s powers: The government is empowered under the Act to prohibit transmission of programmes that violate the programme or advertising codes (Section 19) and even an entire channel, in public interest (Section 20).
    • In the past, channels have been asked by the I&B Ministry to take some programmes off the air.
    • Penal law: Depending on the damage done to individuals or institutions, or even society at large, there is enough scope for action under the penal law.

    Way forward

    • The distinction between free speech and hate speech should be at the heart of any order creating a new mechanism; to deal with broadcast media excesses.

    A Mystery Behind “Positron Excess Phenomenon” Solved by Researchers

  • Holistic Progress Card

    Source-This post on Holistic Progress Card has been created based on the article “New report card for Classes 9 -12 to cover post-school plans, entrance exams prep and college applications” published in “The Indian Express” on 1 July 2024.

    Why in the news?

    PARAKH, a standard-setting body under NCERT, recently released the Holistic Progress Card, a report card designed for secondary school students (Classes 9 to 12). Similar HPCs were earlier designed for students from classes 1 to 8.

    About Holistic Progress Card

    Objective-To transform evaluations by focusing on diverse skills and competencies, instead of just the performance in periodic pen-and-paper tests and exams.

    Applicability-Classes 9 to 12

    Implementation– It will not be used in the ongoing 2024-25 academic session.

    Features-

    A) Teachers and officials will receive training for its implementation. States have the option to either implement the HPC released by NCERT or adapt it according to their requirements..

    B) The HPC differs from internal marks in Board exam evaluations. It reflects the child’s academic achievements over the years and is intended to enhance the Board exam results. It will be integrated with the Board results.

    C)The progress card includes various sections like the one where students assess themselves on skills like ‘time management‘ and ‘plans after school‘.

    D) It includes an ‘accomplishments inventory‘ covering academic skills such as independent work/research and critical and creative thinking, as well as life skills like understanding the value of money and budgeting etc.

    E) It includes the teacher’s assessment of the student in group projects, the student’s reflections on their own performance, and peer feedback on their understanding and contributions to the project.

    What is the significance of Holistic Progress Card for classes 9 to 12?

    1) It will realign school report cards with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE).

    Read More-Govt. releases pre-draft of National Curriculum Framework for school

    2) It will contribute towards bringing equivalence across different boards.

    UPSC Syllabus-Index and Reports

  • Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2024

    Source- This post “Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2024” has been created based in the World Bank’s article published on 12th June 2024.

    Why in News?

    According to the recently released “Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2024“, the the world is not on course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030.

    SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. The SDG 7 goal includes reaching universal access to electricity and clean cooking, doubling historic levels of efficiency improvements, and substantially increasing the share of renewables in the global energy mix.

    SDG 7 Report
    Source- WHO

    About the Report and its important Findings

    Released ByThe Report is released annually by the five custodian agencies. The agencies are as follows-
    1. The International Energy Agency (IEA)
    2. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
    3. The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
    4. The World Bank
    5. The World Health Organization (WHO)
    Focus of the ReportThis report summarizes global progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean cooking, and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.
    Highlights of the Report1.Insufficient Progress- While the share of renewables in global electricity consumption has increased to 28.2%, this is still insufficient to reach the targets set forth in the SDGs.
    2. Offtrack in achieving universal access to clean cooking- The world remains off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. 2.1 billion people still live without access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, largely in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
    3. Increase in the number of people living without electricity- The number of people living without electricity grew for the first time in over a decade.
    4. Premature Deaths- Household air pollution created by using polluting fuels and technologies for cooking results in 3.2 million premature deaths each year.
    5. Increase in per-capita installed energy-generating capacity- The installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita has reached a new record in 2022 at 424 watts per capita globally.
    However considerable disparities exist between the developed and the developing countries. Developed countries (at 1,073 watts per capita) have 3.7 times more capacity installed than developing countries (at 293 watts per capita).

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

  • Global Gender Gap Report 2024

    Source– This post on Global Gender Gap Report 2024 is based on the article “Gender Gap Report 2024: India fares worse than Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan; scores low in political parity indices”  published in “Down to Earth” on 14th June 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, highlighting persistent gender inequality across various sectors worldwide.

    About Global Gender Gap Report 2024

    1. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 is published by the World Economic Forum.

    2. It assesses gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

    3. It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these gaps over time since its inception in 2006.

    Key findings of the report

    1. The global gender gap score for all 146 countries included in this edition stands at 68.5%.

    2. Among the 101 countries continuously covered since 2006, the gap has also improved by +0.1 points to reach 68.6%.

    3. Despite progress, no country has achieved full gender parity. However, 97% of economies included in this edition have closed more than 60% of their gender gap (compared to 85% in 2006).

    5. Top-Ranking Countries:

    i) Iceland maintained its position as the most gender-equal country for the 14th consecutive year, with a gender gap score of 91.2%.

    ii) Norway, Finland, and Sweden also rank high, consistently placing in the top five.

    About India’s Performance

    1.  India is ranked 129 in this year’s index. The ranking reflects a slight regression compared to the previous edition.

    2. The decline is primarily due to small decreases in ‘Educational Attainment’ and ‘Political Empowerment.’ Despite the overall decline, there was a slight improvement in ‘Economic Participation and Opportunity.’

    3. India ranks the third-lowest among South Asian economies. India fares worse than Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

  • Child Nutrition Report 2024

    Source– This post on Child Nutrition Report 2024 is based on the article “UNICEF: 1 in 4 young children lives in severe food poverty” published in “VOA” on 12th June 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to the recently released Child Nutrition Report 2024, severe food poverty affects one in four children under age 5 around the world.

    About Child Nutrition Report 2024

    1. Published by: UNICEF.

    2. Objective: It examines the status, trends, inequities, and drivers of child food poverty in early childhood.

    3. It addresses the impact of global and local food and nutrition crises.

    4. It concentrates on low- and middle-income countries where most children experiencing food poverty reside.

    5. It explores the effects of child food poverty on undernutrition and poor development.

    6. UNICEF defines Child Food Poverty as children’s inability to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood (first five years of life).

     Highlights of the 2024 Report

    1. Global Impact: One in four children under age 5 worldwide (27% or 181 million) faces severe food poverty and is at risk of life-threatening malnutrition.

    2. Regional Distribution: Over two-thirds of the 181 million young children living in severe food poverty are in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

    3. Key Countries: 20 countries account for 65% of children living in severe food poverty:
    – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen.

    4. Household Impact: Children in both poor and non-poor households face severe food poverty.

    5. Economic Distribution: About half (97 million) of the children in severe food poverty live in middle- and upper-income households.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

  • World Wealth Report 2024

    Source- This post on World Wealth Report 2024 has been created based on the article “Wealth of HNWIs reached unprecedented levels in 2023: Capgemini study” published in “The Hindu” on 8 June 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The Capgemini Research Institute’s recently published World Wealth Report 2024.

    About World Wealth Report 2024

    1. Released By: Capgemini Research Institute.

    2. Coverage: The report covers 71 countries, representing more than 98% of global gross national income and 99% of the world’s stock market capitalization.

    Findings of the report

    About Description
    HNWIs DefinitionIndividuals with investable assets of $1 million or more, excluding their primary residence, collectibles, consumables, and consumer durables.
    Global HNWI Wealth and Populationi) Wealth Expansion: In 2023, global high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) wealth grew by 4.7%, reaching $86.8 trillion.
    ii) Population Growth: The HNWI population increased by 5.1% to 22.8 million globally.
    Wealth Bandsi) Ultra-HNWIs: $30 million or more.
    ii) Mid-Tier Millionaires: $5-30 million.
    iii) Millionaires Next Door: $1-5 million.
    Performance in the APAC Regioni) Top Performers: India and Australia were among the best performers.
    ii) Factors: A resilient economy and strong equity market performance drove the wealth growth in these countries.
    HNWIs in Indiai) Population Increase: The number of HNWIs in India grew by 12.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 3.589 million.
    ii) Wealth Growth: The financial wealth of India’s HNWIs increased by 12.4% in 2023, reaching $1,445.7 billion, up from $1,286.7 billion in 2022.
    Economic Indicators in Indiai) Unemployment Rate: It decreased to 3.1% in 2023, down from 7% in 2022.
    ii) Market Capitalization: It increased by 29.0% in 2023, following a 6% increase in 2022.
    iii) National Savings: As a percentage of GDP, national savings rose to 33.4% in 2023, compared to 29.9% in 2022.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports

  • Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

    Source-This post on Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 has been created based on the article “India ranks 39th on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development” published in “Times Travel” on 24 May 2024.

    Why in News?

    India has raised its ranking in the newly released Travel & Tourism Development Index compared to the previous report.

    About Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

    1.This index is second edition and it has evolved from a flagship series produced by the World Economic Forum since 2007.

    2. It is developed in partnership with the University of Surrey and incorporating insights from top Travel & Tourism (T&T) stakeholders, thought leaders, and data partners.

    3. It evaluates the factors and policies that facilitate sustainable and resilient T&T development.

    4. India holds the 39th position, making it the highest-ranked nation in South Asia and among other lower-middle-income economies. This is a notable rise from the 54th position in 2021.

    2.  Factors Influencing India’s Improved Ranking:

    a) Cultural and Natural Attractions: India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes contribute significantly to its appeal as a travel destination.

    b) Investments in Tourism: Increased investments in tourism infrastructure, along with efforts to enhance sustainability and safety in travel and tourism, have positively impacted India’s ranking.

    c) Competitive Advantages: India is highly ranked for its price competitiveness (18th), air transport (26th), and ground and port infrastructure (25th).

    It stands out as one of only three countries ranked in the top 10 across all resource pillars, with Natural Resources at 6th and Cultural and Non-Leisure Resources at 9th.

    Challenges and Current Performance

    a) Performance Decline Since 2019:  Despite the overall improvement, India’s TTDI score in 2024 is 2.1% lower than in 2019, influenced by global inflation and supply issues.

    b) Recovery from Pandemic: While there has been a decline in price competition, and air transport and tourist services have not fully rebounded to 2019 levels, there is optimism as the sector begins to recover post-pandemic.

    Global Tourism Trends and Outlook

    The lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions and increased travel demand are expected to drive a significant resurgence in international tourist arrivals.

    The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to global GDP is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, boosting the global industry.

    UPSC Syllabus:  Index and Reports 

  • Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024)

    Source-This post on Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) is based on the article “Weather-related disasters continue to displace more than conflict and violence” published in “Down to Earth” on 17th May 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) was released by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).

    Finding of the report

    1. About the report: The report is published annually by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and documents internal displacements caused by conflict, violence, and disasters.

    2. Increase in Total Internally Displaced People: According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024), the number of internally displaced people increased to 75.9 million in 2023, up from 71.1 million in 2022.

    3. Conflict and Violence: 

    a) Displacements due to conflict and violence rose significantly in 2023, with 68.3 million people displaced by the end of the year, marking a 49% increase from 2022.

    b) The main countries affected included Sudan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Colombia, and Yemen, which collectively host nearly half of the world’s internally displaced population.

    4. Displacement Due to Natural Disasters

    a) Displacements caused by disasters totaled 7.7 million by the end of 2023. Earthquakes accounted for a quarter of these displacements.

    b) Significant disaster-related displacements were recorded across 148 countries and territories. Canada and New Zealand reported their highest figures ever.

    5. Weather-Related Displacements

    a) Although there was a one-third reduction in weather-related displacements in 2023 compared to 2022, they still constituted 56% of all displacements, with 2023 being the third highest year for such displacements in the last decade.

    b) This decrease is attributed to the shift from La Nina to El Nino, with La Nina typically associated with more storms and floods, while El Nino often brings drier conditions and droughts.

    6. Impact of Global Weather Phenomena on South Asia

    a) South Asia, including India, reported its lowest internal displacements since 2018 with 3.7 million displacements, of which 3.6 million were due to disasters.

    b) This reduction is linked to the onset of El Nino, which resulted in below-average rainfall during the monsoon and a weaker cyclone season. However, floods and storms continued to cause significant displacements.

    7. The increase in conflict and violence-related displacements in 2023 marks a reversal of the previous trend where natural disasters were the primary cause of displacement.

    8. The 2022 report highlighted a 40% increase in disaster displacements from the previous year, predominantly due to weather-related events like floods and storms during the prolonged La Nina period.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports

  • Internet Shutdowns in India in 2023

    Source-This post on Internet Shutdowns in India in 2023 is based on the article “India records highest number of Internet shutdowns in 2023” published in “The Hindu” on 14th May 2024.

    Why in the News?

    As per the recent study, India had the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally for the sixth consecutive year.

    About Internet Shutdowns in India in 2023

    1. India recorded the highest number of Internet shutdowns worldwide for the sixth consecutive year, with 116 incidents in 2023.

    The frequency of prolonged shutdowns (lasting over five days) increased dramatically, from 15% of all shutdowns in 2022 to over 41% in 2023.

    2. Reasons for Shutdowns: The government often imposed these shutdowns due to reasons such as communal tensions, violence, and exams. Notably, these measures have been criticized both domestically and internationally.

    3. Severe Case in Manipur: The longest Internet shutdown occurred in Manipur, amid severe human rights violations. This state experienced 47 of the shutdown orders.

    4. Regional vs. Local Shutdowns: Increasingly, shutdowns are being implemented on a regional basis. In 2023, 64 orders affected multiple districts within the same state, including a statewide shutdown in Punjab during a manhunt for Amritpal Singh.

    5. Impact on Marginalized Communities: The report emphasized the profound impact on marginalized groups, particularly women in Manipur. The lack of Internet access hindered efforts to document and report atrocities like murder, rape, and arson.

    6. Publication of Orders: There was inconsistent compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines for publishing Internet shutdown orders, adding to the challenges of accountability.

    7. Internet Freedom Over the Decade: Over the past ten years, India has seen over 500 Internet shutdowns, reflecting a frequent use of this contentious measure, especially during protests, exams, elections, and episodes of communal violence.

    8. Global Comparison: Myanmar recorded the second-highest number of shutdowns (37), following its 2021 military coup. Iran, Palestine, and Ukraine also featured prominently in the report with numerous shutdowns.

    UPSC Syllabus: Governance

  • World Press Freedom Index 2024

    Source-This post on World Press Freedom Index 2024 is based on the article “India’s press freedom has rapidly declined in recent years” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

    Why in the News?

    In the World Press Freedom Index 2024, India is ranked 159 out of the 180 nations.

    About World Press Freedom Index:

    Aspects Description
    About The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
    Purpose It compares the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories.
    MethodologyRSF evaluates countries based on various indicators related to press freedom. These indicators include-
    a) media independence
    b) legal framework
    c) safety of journalists
    IndicatorsThe ranking is based on five Indicators- Political, legislative, economic, sociocultural and safety of journalists.

    Findings of World Press Freedom Index 2024:

    World Press freedom index 2024
    Source: The Hindu

    1. India’s Press Freedom Ranking: India is ranked 159th in the 2024. It was ranked 161st in the 2023. This ranking places India alongside nations like the occupied Palestinian territories, UAE, Turkey, and Russia, indicating poor press freedom.

    2. India’s past performance: India has consistently ranked over 100 since 2003, showing a long-term trend of limited press freedom. The country’s press freedom situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent years.

    3. Global Comparisons:

    a) Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) top the rankings with the highest press freedom. Eritrea, Syria, and Afghanistan rank the lowest.

    b) Among BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa rank higher than India, whereas China and Russia are lower. In South Asia, India ranks lower than all countries except Bangladesh.

    4. Global Trends: The global trend shows a decline in press freedom, with an average drop of 7.6 points worldwide, accompanied by an increase in political repression of journalists and media.

    a) Press freedom remains robust primarily in European Union countries, which recently implemented their first media freedom law (EMFA). In contrast, the Maghreb and Middle East regions face the most severe government-imposed press restrictions. 

    b) Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan have seen significant declines in press freedom since 2019 whereas Central African Republic, Timor-Leste, and Montenegro have shown notable improvements.

    Read more: World Press Freedom Index 2023

    UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

  • World Press Freedom Index 2023

    Source– This post on  World Press Freedom Index 2023 is based on the article “India press freedom score fell over the last year: RSF” published in “The Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, World Press Freedom Index 2023 was released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). India’s ranking has dropped to 161 out of 180 countries.

    About World Press Freedom Index 2023:

    Aspects Description
    About The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
    Purpose It compares the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories.
    MethodologyRSF evaluates countries based on various indicators related to press freedom. These indicators include-
    a) media independence
    b) legal framework
    c) safety of journalists 
    IndicatorsThe ranking is based on five Indicators- Political, legislative, economic, sociocultural and safety of journalists.

    Highlights of the World Press Freedom Index 2023

    World Press Freedom Index 2023
    Source: RSF

    1. Brief Overview of Ranking- According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, the situation is “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42, “problematic” in 55, and “good” or “satisfactory” in 52 countries. Norway has maintained its top ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, for the seventh consecutive year.

    2. Status of India’s Ranking- India’s press freedom ranking stands at 161 out of 180 countries. This marks a decline from “problematic” to “very bad,” with an 11-rank drop since the 2022 report.

    India’s Indicator Wise Rankings
    Political indicators169
    Legislative indicators144
    Economic indicator155
    Social indicator143
    Safety of journalists172

    3. Neighbouring countries of India having higher rankings- All neighboring countries have higher rankings than India, with the exceptions of Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173), and China (179). Bhutan ranks at 90, Nepal at 95, Sri Lanka at 135, Pakistan at 150, and Afghanistan at 152.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index

  • Global Report on Food Crises 2024 (GRFC)

    Source- This post on Global Report on Food Crises 2024 (GRFC) is based on the article “Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) report” published in “Down to Earth” on 24th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC), nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023.

    About Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC)

    Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024
    Source: FAO

     

    1. About: The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024 is published annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).

    2. Launched by: It is launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises which is a collaboration involving United Nations agencies, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, and non-governmental organizations working to address food crises.

    3. Key findings from GRFC 2024: The report examined a population of 1.3 billion across 59 countries in 2023.

    a) For the fifth consecutive year, the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity increased. This means they faced severe food shortages that threatened their lives or livelihoods, regardless of the causes or duration.

    b) Nearly 282 million people in 59 countries suffered from high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023.

    c) Conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks were identified as the main drivers worsening food crises worldwide.

    d) Conflict and insecurity were the primary causes in 20 countries which is directly impacting 135 million people, notably in places like the Gaza Strip and Sudan.

    e) The Gaza Strip faced the most severe food crisis in the past eight years while Sudan also experienced a significant crisis, with almost a third of its population requiring emergency food assistance.

    f) Extreme weather events affected 18 countries, with over 72 million people experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.

    g) The ten countries with the most severe food crises in 2023 were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, the Syrian Arab Republic, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

    h) There were positive developments in 17 countries in 2023, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine, where the food situation improved.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

  • Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee 

    Source-This post on Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is based on the article “Pivotal fourth session of negotiations on a global plastics treaty opens in Ottawa” published in “UNEP official website” on 24th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution opened in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

    About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

    Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution
    Source: UNEP

    1. About: a) In March 2022, during the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, a landmark resolution was adopted to establish an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) addressing plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments. 

    b) The INC has been scheduled to convene five times by the end of 2024 to formulate the specific content of the ILBI.

    2. Aim: This instrument aims to encompass the entire life cycle of plastic, covering aspects such as production, design, and disposal.

    3. Goal of the global plastics treaty: The goal of the global plastics treaty is to establish a framework of global standards concerning accountability, responsibilities, financing, material/chemical standards, and import/export restrictions, along with setting targets.

    4. Implementing Agency: Countries will be responsible for implementing policies aligned with these global standards to achieve the set targets.

    5. Focus- Their focus is on reducing unnecessary plastic usage while still employing it for critical purposes such as renewable energy.

    UPSC Syllabus: Environment (International treaties)

  • State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report

    Source-This post on State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report has been created based on the article “Asia worst hit by disasters in 2023, 79 extreme weather events killed over 2,000: WMO report” published in “The Indian Express” on 24 April 2024.

    Why in the news?

    The World Meteorological Organization has recently published the ‘State of the Climate in Asia 2023’ report.

    Highlights of the report

    State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report
    Source: Indian express

    1. Asia has faced the most number of disasters in the world in 2023. There have been recorded instances of  79 events associated with extreme weather, climate, and water-related hazards. These events have affected over nine million people in the region and directly resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives.

    2. The majority of disasters which have occurred in Asia are related to flooding and storms. Over 60% of the 2,000 deaths have been associated with flooding and more than 15% of the deaths were linked to storms.

    3. Asia has warmed faster than the global average. This warming trend has nearly doubled since the 1961-1990 period.

    4.  Deterioration of climate change indicators, such as rise in surface temperatures, glacier retreat, and sea level rise, will have significant consequences for Asia’s economy, ecosystems, and human lives.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports

  • Workers and the climate change risk

    Source-This post on Workers and the climate change risk has been created based on the article “More than 70% global workers exposed to climate change risks: ILO” published in “Business Standard” on 23 April 2024.

    Why in the news?

    As per the report of International Labour Organization (ILO), over 70% of workers worldwide face climate change risks, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly.

    Key Findings of ILO report

    ILO report
    Source-Business Standard

    1) ILO in its report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate” observed that many workers are already facing climate change risks at work, and these numbers may increase in the future.

    2)  There is a need to review current laws or make new rules and advice in the backdrop of rising number of natural hazards due to climate change.

    3) The number of workers facing rising temperatures has increased by about 5% in the last 20 years to 70.9%, the report found. It also mentioned other climate risks, like UV radiation and air pollution, affecting around 1.6 billion people each.

    4) Air pollution leads to about 860,000 work-related deaths yearly for outdoor workers. Excessive heat causes around 18,970 occupational deaths annually, while UV radiation causes roughly 18,960 deaths due to non-melanoma skin cancer.

    5) The report mentions that technologies aimed at combating climate change, such as solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, can sometimes pose new risks because they contain harmful chemicals.

    6) The report highlighted that the working poor, those in informal jobs, seasonal workers, and employees of small businesses will be the most affected by these changes.

    Read more-ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments

    UPSC Syllabus-Index/Reports.

  • World Cybercrime Index

    Source- This post on the World Cybercrime Index has been created based on the article “India ranks number 10 in cybercrime, study finds” published in “Economic Times” on 11 April 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Recently, an international team of researchers has compiled the ‘World Cybercrime Index’.

    About World Cybercrime Index

    1. The ‘World Cybercrime Index’ identifies the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.

    2. The index was developed through a collaborative effort between the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.

    3. It is based on data collected from a survey involving 92 top global experts in cybercrime, who specialize in intelligence and investigations related to cyber activities.

    4. It ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime.

    5. The five major categories of cybercrime assessed by the study were technical products/services, attacks and extortion, Data/identity theft, Scams, cashing out/money laundering.

    6. Key findings from the World Cybercrime Index:

    World Cybercrime Index
    Source: University of oxford

    a) Russia tops the list with the highest cybercriminal threat, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania.

    b) The United Kingdom (UK) ranks at number eight in terms of cybercrime threat.

    c) India was ranked 10th in cybercrime, mostly involving scams that trick people into making advance payments.

    d) The study indicated that certain types of cybercrime were linked to specific countries. For ex- the U.S.A was predominantly connected with data and identity theft crimes, whereas crimes involving technical products or services frequently traced back to China.

    e) The study also found that countries that are cybercrime hubs “specialise” in particular categories. For ex- Russia and Ukraine are highly technical cybercrime hubs, whereas Nigerian cybercriminals are engaged in less technical forms of cybercrime.

    f) The worldwide economic impact of cybercrime is projected to significantly increase over the next four years, escalating from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $13.82 trillion by 2028.

    Read more: Cyber attacks and Cyber Security in India 

    UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

  • IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum

    Source– This post on IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum  is based on the article “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to organise Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore” published in “PIB” on 10th April 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the IPEF organized a Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore.

    About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

    1. The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.

    2. It brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

    3. Managed by: Invest India (India’s National Investment Promotion Agency).

    What are opportunities for the Indian industry?

    The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following track:

    a) Climate Tech Track: This track is open for top climate tech companies and startups from member countries, including India, to present their innovations to global investors. It focuses on recognizing leading enterprises in climate technology.

    b) Infrastructure Track: This track highlights ready-to-invest sustainable projects in energy (solar, wind, hydrogen), transport (EVs, charging stations), and waste management, to be showcased at the 2024 Forum in India.

    About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

    Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). highlights of PM ...
    Source: My gov

    1. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative launched by U.S.A President Joe Biden in 2022.

    2. Objective: It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region.

    3. Members: It has 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, U.S.A and Vietnam.

    4. Nodal agency: Department of Commerce for the IPEF engagements

    5. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.

    Read more: IPEF agreement

    UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

  • Glycaemic index (GI)

    Source– This post on Glycaemic index is based on the article “Strong link between high glycaemic index diet and diabetes, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 9th April 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently a study has found that consuming low glycaemic index diets might prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

    About Glycemic index (GI) and Glycemic load (GL)

    GI
    Source: The Hindu

    1. The glycemic index (GI) ranks foods containing carbohydrates according to their effect on blood glucose levels after eating.

    2. High Glycemic Index (GI) foods are digested and absorbed by the body quickly, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. For ex- Sugary foods and beverages, white bread, potatoes, and white rice.

    3. Low and medium GI foods are digested more slowly, causing a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. For ex- Fruits and vegetables, pulses, and whole grains like porridge oats.

    Glycemic Index and Glycemic load advantages

    1.The glycemic index (GI) is beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes as consuming low GI foods aids in managing blood glucose levels. 

    2. The glycemic load (GL) evaluates the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in a particular food item and the amount of carbohydrate consumed in one serving.

    Findings of the study

    a) People with the highest Glycemic Load (GL) intake faced greater diabetes risks than those with the lowest.

    b) The link between glycemic index (GI) and diabetes risk was notably stronger in individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs).

    UPSC Syllabus: Index, Report and Summits.

  • Nuclear power is key to development-IIM Ahmedabad Study

    Source-This post on Nuclear power is key to development-IIM Ahmedabad Study is based on the article “Nuclear power is key to development, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 4th April 2024.

    Why in the News?

    IIM-Ahmedabad Study on Nuclear Power
    Source- The Hindu

    A recent study by academics at IIM Ahmedabad stated that India must prioritize investment in the energy sector and expand related infrastructure if it aims to become a developed nation by 2047 and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

    About the IIM Ahmedabad Study

    1. Funded by– Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

    2. Methodology applied:
    a. The authors used mathematical models to figure out how much energy from different sources would be needed by 2030 and 2050 to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
    b. They also considered scenarios where India’s population reaches a human development index similar to Western European countries and the cost of energy access decreases.

    What are the key findings of the Study?

    1. Their calculations revealed that in the best-case scenario, emissions in 2070 would decrease to 0.55 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, achieving a ‘net zero’ outcome.

    2. This would require nuclear power to increase five times from current levels to 30 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 265 GW by 2050.

    3. Between 2020 and 2070, India would require approximately Rs.150-200 lakh crore to fund these transformations.

    Note– Currently, according to the Central Electricity Authority, solar energy constitutes 16% of India’s installed generation capacity, while coal accounts for 49%. Meanwhile, nuclear energy only makes up 1.6%.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • India risking ‘squandering’ demographic dividend: World Bank’s Jobs for Resilience report

    Source-This post on India risking ‘squandering’ demographic dividend: World Bank is based on the article “South Asia, India risk squandering demographic dividend: World Bank” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd February 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The World Bank, in its latest regional update titled “Jobs for Resilience”,  has stated that the South Asia region, including India and its neighbours, is not generating sufficient jobs to support its youthful populations.

    This puts the South Asia region demographic dividend at risk, despite experiencing the world’s fastest economic growth, which is projected at 6.0-6.1% for 2024-25.

    What observations has the World Bank made?

    India risks 'squandering' demographic dividend
    Source- The Hindu

    1. Decline in employment ratio:
    a. The World Bank has observed that India failed to match its job creation with the expanding working-age population from 2000 to 2023.
    b. Consequently, India experienced a more significant decline in its employment rate compared to any other nation in the region, except Nepal, until 2022.
    c. In 2023, South Asia’s employment ratio was 59%, compared to 70% in other emerging markets. The World Bank has highlighted that South Asia was the only region where the proportion of employed working-age men decreased over the past two decades.

    2. Low female participation– The employment rates for women in several South Asian countries, including India, rank among the lowest globally, at less than 40%.

    3. Affected sectors– The poor employment patterns in the area mainly affected non-agricultural sectors like manufacturing and services.

    4. Recommended Actions– The Bank has suggested boosting job creation by promoting women’s participation in the economy, enhancing trade openness, and enhancing educational standards.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

  • Food Waste Index Report 2024

    Source: This article on the Food Waste Index Report 2024 is based on “Households across the world waste 1 billion meals a day, says UN report” which was published in “The Hindu” on 29th March 2024.

    Why in news?

    Food Waste Index Report 2024, was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).

    Findings of the report

    Food waste Report 2024
    Source: UNEP

    1) According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024, households across the globe wasted over one billion meals a day in 2022.

    2) Whereas, 783 million people struggled with hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity.

    3) In 2022, 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste generated (including inedible parts) which amounts to 132 kilograms per capita and almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers.

    4) Out of the total food wasted in 2022, 60% happened at the household level, with food services responsible for 28%, and retail 12%.

    5) Many low- and middle-income countries continue to lack adequate systems for tracking progress to meet Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of halving food waste by 2030, particularly in retail and food services.

    6) It was found that food waste is not a “rich country problem”. Difference between average levels of household food waste for high-income, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries, was just 7 kg per capita.

    8) Hotter countries appear to generate more food waste per capita in households. It is potentially due to higher consumption of fresh foods with substantial inedible parts and a lack of robust cold chains.

    9) The report found that food loss and waste generated “8%-10%” of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (almost five times that of the aviation sector).

    The cost of both food loss and waste for the global economy was at $1 trillion.

    10) As compared to urban areas, rural ones generally wasted less food, due to “greater diversion of food scraps to pets, livestock, and home composting”.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports

  • World Air Quality Report 2023

    Source-This post on World Air Quality Report 2023 is based on the article “Delhi World’s Most Polluted Capital Again, India Has 3rd Worst Air Quality: Report” published in “ABP News” on 19th MARCH 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, Delhi was identified as the city with the poorest air quality.

    About World Air Quality Report 2023

    1. Published by– Swiss organisation IQAir.

    2. Data collection – The data encompassed information from 7,812 sites across 134 countries, regions, and territories.

    Key findings

    1. India ranked third in terms of air quality, with an average annual concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) at 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter.

    2. India ranked lower than only two of its neighboring countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

    3. Bangladesh had the highest pollution level globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 micrograms per cubic meter, while Pakistan ranked second with 73.7.

    4. It also named Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth year in a row.

    5. Begusarai in Bihar was identified as the most polluted metropolitan area globally.

    6. India has ten of the top 11 most polluted cities globally, with the remaining one being Lahore in Pakistan.

    7. 96 percent of India’s population faces PM2.5 levels that exceed the WHO annual guideline by more than seven times.

    Particulate Matter (PM)

    1. Particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets.

    2. They remain suspended in the air for long periods of time.

    3. Some particles are visible as soot or smoke due to their size or color, while others are so tiny that they can only be seen with an electron microscope.

    Read more– Particulate Matter (PM)

    UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Reports & Indices

  • Employment status in India

    Source-This post on Employment status in India is based on the article “No major change in employment status or wages in 10 years” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, a report by Bahutva Karnataka shows that the share of self-employed workers increased, while the share of those in formal employment remained low.

    Findings of the report

    Employment rate
    The hindu

    i) Minimum wage: Many households still earn less than the proposed National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW). In 2019, an expert committee recommended the NFLMW to be at least ₹375 per day and ₹3,050 per week.

    ii)  Widening Wage inequality: Widening Wage inequality has widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

    a) According to World Inequality Database 2022, the top 1% and 10% of the population held 22% and 57% of the national income, respectively, while the bottom 50% held 12.7%.

    b) There is negligible increase in wage earnings when adjusted for inflation.

    iii) Low Formal Employment: The share of employment in the formal sector remained below 25%. The share of formal employment with social security and other advantages attached to it has remained stagnant.

    iv) Increase in Self-Employment: The number of self-employed individuals has increased substantially.

    a) The share of those who were self-employed remained above 50% by 2022-23.

    b) The share of self-employed women was the highest in the share of employment. It also saw the highest growth of 8% points from 56.5% in 2011-12 to 64.3% in 2022-23.

    v) Unpaid Labor: The report indicates an increase in the proportion of women working unpaid in family enterprises or farming. This increase indicates a lack of other remunerative job opportunities and stagnating household income.

    vi) Gender Disparities Persist: Despite greater engagement in self-employment, disparities between genders remains. Women are frequently engaged in unpaid labour or informal work due to limited opportunities in the formal sector.

    vii) Economic Stagnation Impact: Economic stagnation has resulted in restricted growth in formal sector employment. This drives many people, particularly women, to pursue self-employment and unpaid labour as alternative sources of income.

    Read more: Present Status of Unemployment In India

    UPSC Syllabus: Economy (Reports) 

  • INFAAR 2019-22 Report: First national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors

    Source-This post on INFAAR 2019-22 Report: First national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors is based on the article “FAO publishes first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors” published in “DownToEarth” on 11th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.

    INFAAR 2019-22 Report is the first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the resistance of microorganisms (bacteria, virus, parasites and fungi) to an antimicrobial agent (antibiotics, fungicides, antiviral agents and parasiticides), to which they were first sensitive.

    Read more– Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
    About INFAAR (Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance)

    1. INFAAR is a laboratory network established by ICAR.

    2. It receives technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    3. It is dedicated to conducting AMR surveillance in the fisheries and livestock sectors.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    INFAAR 2019-22 Report
    Source- FAO

    Data collection:
    a. The (INFAAR) collected data from 2019-2022, covering 3 aquaculture systems (freshwater, brackish-water and marine) and major food-producing animals.
    b. Resistance was profiled for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Aeromonas species Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio sp.

    1. Resistance pattern in fisheries sector:
    a.     Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited high resistance against penicillin across all systems.
    b. Freshwater fish displayed significant resistance to ciprofloxacin (54.8%), while marine samples showed higher resistance to cefotaxime (54.1%).
    c. Significant resistance was also observed in shrimp samples against ampicillin.

    2. Resistance pattern in livestock sector:
    a.     E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from various livestock were tested for antimicrobial resistance profiles. Increased resistance, especially in E. coli and Staphylococci, was noted in the livestock sector.
    b. Isolates from poultry showed higher resistance rates to various antibiotics compared to those from other food animals.

    UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology/Reports & Indices

  • India was the top arms importer in 2019-2023: SIPRI

    Source– This post on India was the top arms importer in 2019-2023: SIPRI is based on the article “India world’s top arms importer between 2019-23: SIPRI” published in “The Hindu” on 12th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s leading arms importer for the period 2019-2023. India’s arms imports saw a 4.7% increase compared to the period from 2014 to 2018.

    What are the key findings?

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
    Source- The Hindu

    1. Russia remains India’s top supplier– Russia is still India’s main arms supplier, making up 36% of imports. However, it’s the first time since 1960-1964 that Russia’s deliveries comprised less than half of India’s arms imports in a five-year period.

    Note– After Russia, France (33%) stands as India’s second-largest arms supplier, while the US (13%) ranks as the third-largest provider of weapons to India.

    2. Asia and the Middle East are the leading importers– In 2019-2023, nine of the top ten arms importers, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, were from Asia, Oceania, or the Middle East.

    3. Increase in European arms imports
    a. The report shows a notable 94% rise in European arms imports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023 which is likely due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
    b. In 2019-2023, European countries imported over half of their arms, 55%, from the U.S., which increased from 35% in 2014-2018.

    4. U.S. and France top arms exports– The United States, the biggest arms supplier globally, experienced a 17% increase in exports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023. Meanwhile, France became the world’s second-largest arms supplier, with exports growing by 47%.

    About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    About– It is an independent international institute headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, dedicated to researching conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

    Vision– A world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained.

    Established in 1966

    Read more– Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Democracy Report 2024

    Source-This post on Democracy Report 2024 is based on the article “India ‘one of the worst autocratisers’: V-Dem report on democracy” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Democracy report 2024
    Source- The Hindu

    The 2024 Democracy Report shows that India, previously labeled as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has worsened across many measures, confirming India’s status as a major autocracy.

    About the Report

    Released by– V-Dem Institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg

    Data collection– This report is a joint effort that engages 4,200 scholars representing 180 countries. It draws from 31 million datasets spanning 1789 to 2023 and covers 202 countries.

    Democracy Assessment Parameters– The report classifies countries into four regime types using the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI): Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    India’s Performance
    a. India is at rank 104 in Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), India ranks in the bottom 40-50% among the 179 countries reviewed.
    b. It has slipped further down in the Electoral Democracy Index, to 110.
    c. India is at rank 92 in Liberal Component Index.

    Spreading of autocratization globally

    1. The report notes a global trend of increasing autocratization, affecting 42 countries and 2.8 billion people, or 35% of the world’s population.

    2. The report indicates that South and Central Asia has become the second most autocratic region globally. In regional terms, Bhutan stands as the sole liberal democracy.

    3. India, with 18% of the world’s population, holds about half of the population in countries experiencing autocratization.

    Component indices which add up

    1. The V-Dem Liberal Democracy Index (LDI) measures both the liberal and electoral aspects of democracy using 71 indicators from the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI).

    2. The V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index (EDI) measures how well regimes conduct fair elections and ensure freedom of expression, access to information, association, and suffrage for both men and women. It also evaluates the extent to which elected officials control government policy.

    3. The Liberal Component Index (LCI) aims to measure the “liberal principle of democracy” by emphasizing the protection of individual and minority rights against both state oppression and majority rule.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Zero-food children

    Source-This post on Zero-food children has been created based on the article “Report turns spotlight on India’s ‘zero-food children” published in “The Hindu” on 8 March 2024.

    Why in the news?

    A recent study had ranked India as having the third-highest percentage of children who had not eaten any food for 24 hours.

    About Zero-food children

    Zero-food children
    Source-DTE

    It refers to those children who did not consume any animal milk, formula, or solid or semi-solid food during the last 24 hours.
    This category is critical because, at approximately six months of age, breastfeeding alone is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of a child.

    Findings of recent studies

    1) As per the study published recently in the peer-reviewed JAMA Network Open journal, India ranks third highest globally, with 19.3% of children not receiving food, following Guinea (21.8%) and Mali (20.5%). In terms of numbers, India has the highest number of zero-food children at more than six million.

    2) As per the study of Lancet Discovery Science, Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for 28.4% of zero-food children in India followed by Bihar (14.2%), Maharashtra (7.1%), Rajasthan (6.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (6%).

    What are the steps taken by government to curb malnutrition in India?

    1) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: It was launched in 1975 to provide food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health checkups, and referral services to children under 6 years old and their mothers.
    2) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): It is a Centrally Sponsored DBT scheme with a cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- (in three instalments) being provided directly in the bank/post office account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers.
    3) National Nutrition Mission (NNM): The government of India has launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan, to eradicate malnutrition by the year 2022.
    4) Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: The mission was launched in 2018 to accelerate anaemia decline by one to three percentage points annually.
    5) Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme: It aims to improve nutrition levels among school children in addition to increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance.
    6) National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: It ensures food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable section of society.

    UPSC Syllabus-Index & Reports.

  • World Poverty Clock: Key findings

    Source-This post on World Poverty Clock: Key findings is based on the article “Less than 3% of India’s population now living under extreme poverty: World Poverty Clock” published in “The Hindu Businessline” on 2nd March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to recent data from the World Poverty Clock, India has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty. Less than 3% of India’s population now lives below the poverty line.

    This accomplishment is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1.1 of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030.

    What are the key findings of the World Poverty Clock?

    World Poverty Clock
    Source- The HinduBusinessline

    1. The clock uses a daily income limit of $2.15 to present its findings.

    2. Accordingly, the number of people in India living in extreme poverty decreased to about 3.44 crore in 2024 from 4.69 crore in 2022, making up 2.4% of the total population.

    Note– The $2.15 per day poverty line, also called the extreme poverty line, represents national poverty lines in numerous poorest countries. It measures progress toward the World Bank’s goal of reducing extreme poverty to under 3% by 2030.

    Niti Aayog recent paper on poverty

    1. A recent paper by NITI Aayog, titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06,’ states that multidimensional poverty dropped significantly from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23. This led to 24.82 crore individuals escaping multidimensional poverty over nine years.

    2. The paper studied how much multidimensional poverty existed in India between 2005-06 and 2022-23.

    Read more– Multidimensional Poverty discussion Paper by NITI Aayog

    What is World Poverty Clock?

    1. About– The World Poverty Clock offers real-time poverty forecasts until 2030 for almost every country globally.

    2. Funding– Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.

    3. Working mechanism:
    a. The Clock illustrates the global count of individuals living in extreme poverty. It categorizes them by age, gender, and whether they reside in rural or urban areas.
    b. Every second, some individuals rise out of poverty while others slip into it, and the Clock registers all these changes.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Global Resource Outlook 2024

    Source-This post on Global Resource Outlook 2024 is based on the article “UNEA-6: Extraction & use of world’s resources has grown three times more in 50 years” published in “Down to Earth” on 1st March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Global Resource Outlook 2024 report has been published by UNEP.

    Key findings of the report

    1. Production and consumption of resources:

    i) The consumption and use of resources is largely driven by demand in upper income countries. 

    ii) Global production and consumption of material resources has grown more than three times over the last 50 year.

    2. Extraction and processing of material resources

    i) The extraction and processing of material resources accounts for over 55 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40 per cent of particulate matter poisoning the environment.

    ii) The extraction and processing of agricultural crops and forestry products accounts for 90 per cent of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress and a one- third of GHG emissions.

    iii) The extraction and processing of fossil fuels, metals and non-metallic minerals including sand, gravel and clay account for 35 per cent of global emissions. 

    3. The report predicts that resource exploitation could increase by almost 60 per cent from 2020 levels by 2060 from 100 to 160 billion tonnes.

    4. The report shows global inequality where low-income countries consume six times lesser materials compared to wealthy nations.

    5. The report highlights that upper middle-income countries have more than doubled their resource utilization over the past five decades to facilitate their own infrastructure growth.

    UPSC Syllabus: Environment

  • Lancet study on Global Obesity rates

    Source-This post on Lancet study on Global Obesity rates is based on the article “Obesity rates going up across the world: Lancet study” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to Lancet study on Global Obesity rates, the obesity rates among children and adolescents worldwide have increased four times from 1990 to 2022. Meanwhile, obesity rates among adults have more than doubled.

    What are the key findings of the Study?

    Obesity rates increasing globally Lancet study
    Source- The Indian Express

    Study conducted by– NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Note– NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) is a global network of health scientists offering thorough and prompt data on risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

    Worldwide Figures– More than one billion people worldwide are living with obesity. Specifically, in 2022, there were 159 million children and adolescents, as well as 879 million adults, who were obese.

    India’s findings

    1. Children and adolescents– The obesity rate for girls rose from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022, while for boys, it increased from 0.1% to 3.9%.

    Note– In terms of obesity rates among girls and boys, India ranked 174th globally in 2022.

    2. Adults– Among women, the obesity rate surged from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, while among men, it rose from 0.5% to 5.4%.

    Methodology used:
    a. More than 1,500 researchers from 190+ countries analyzed weight and height data from over 220 million individuals aged five and older.
    b. They used body mass index (BMI) to study global changes in obesity and underweight from 1990 to 2022.

    Significance of the study:
    a. This discovery is important given India’s existing high rates of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.
    b. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing these diseases, including Type 2 diabetes in teenagers, at an early age.

    Note– Obesity, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to an excessive accumulation of fat that can be harmful to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is classified as obese.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices/Science & Technology

  • Report on Status of Leopard in India

    Source-This post on Report on Status of Leopard in India is based on the article “Leopard numbers show 8% rise from 2018 to 2022” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), unveiled the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India.

    Key findings of the Fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India

    Fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India
    Source- PIB

    1. Population Estimate:
    a.     India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874, showing stability compared to the previous count. The numbers rose by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.
    b. However, this only covers 70% of leopard habitat, with the Himalayas and semi-arid regions not included in the survey.

    2. Region-wise Trends– In Central India, the leopard population remains stable or shows slight growth, whereas in the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains, there is a decline in population.

    3. State-wise distribution:
    a.     The highest number of leopards were reported in Madhya Pradesh (3,907), followed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879) and Tamil Nadu (1,070).
    b. The tiger reserves or locations with the highest leopard populations include Nagarajunasagar Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, followed by Panna and Satpura in Madhya Pradesh.

    4. Survey Methodology– The study targeted forested habitats across 18 states with tiger populations, employing foot surveys and camera traps. It captured over 4,70,81,881 photographs, resulting in 85,488 images of leopards.

    About Leopard

    Indian Leopard
    Created By ForumIAS

    Habitat: In India, the leopard is found in all forest types, from tropical rainforests to temperate deciduous and alpine coniferous forests. It is also found in dry scrubs and grasslands, the only exception being deserts and the mangroves of Sundarbans.

    UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)/Reports & Indices

  • Grey Zone Warfare

    Source-This post on Grey Zone Warfare is based on the article “Grey-zone warfare latest entry in lexicon of warfare, says Chief of Defence Staff” published in “The Hindu” on 24th February 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, at the Raisina Dialogue, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan made a statement regarding grey-zone warfare, specifically in reference to China.

    What is Grey Zone Warfare?

    Grey Zone Warfare
    Source- Qinetiq

    1. Grey Zone Warfare is a strategy where a country tries to gain an advantage without openly going to war.

    2. It involves tactics like cyberattacks, misinformation, and economic pressure to weaken an opponent.

    3. China has been skillfully using this strategy, especially against India and neighboring countries.

    What are China’s Grey Zone Tactics against India?

    1. South China Sea Activities- China employs naval and civilian vessels to assert its control over the South China Sea. It causes tensions with neighboring countries, including India.

    2. Constructing infrastructure in border areas– China builds infrastructure and establishes villages close to India’s borders. It reinforces its territorial assertions and gains strategic benefits.

    3. Investments in digital technologies- China directs investments into apps, media, and various digital platforms within India. This presence in the digital sphere holds the potential to mold public perceptions and narratives.

    What is Raisina Dialogue?

    Raisina dialogue
    Source-ORF

    1. About- Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy.

    2. Organized by– Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation(ORF).

    3. Started- It was inaugurated in 2016. 2024 is the 9th Edition.

    4. Theme for 2024- Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.

    5. Chief Guest- Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

    UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/Summits

  • Munich Security conference 2024

    Source-This post on Munich Security Conference 2024 has been created based on the article “Munich Security Conference 2024: India is non-west but not anti-west, says EAM S Jaishankar” published in “WION” on 18 February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    World leaders have gathered for the Sixtieth (60th) Munich Security Conference, amidst the growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion.

    About Munich Security Conference

    Munich Security Conference
    Source-Wikipedia

    Description– It is the world’s leading forum for debating international security policy. It is often referred to as the ‘Davos of Defence’.

    Objective– Its objective is to build trust and contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, by sustaining a continuous and informal dialogue within the international security community.

    Venue– It has been held in Munich, Germany, since 1963.

    Frequency of conference– The conference is held annually in February.

    Key features-
    1) It is a venue for diplomatic initiatives to address the world’s most pressing security concerns.

    2) It brings together security experts, politicians, military leaders and the defence industry from around the world.

    3) It publishes the Munich Security Report. This is an annual report about figures, maps and research on crucial security challenges.

    What is North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?

    Description– It is a transatlantic security alliance of 31 like-minded North American and European countries.

    Origin- It was established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) on April 4, 1949.

    Objective– Its objective is to protect peace and to guarantee the territorial integrity, political independence, and security of the member states.

    Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium.

    Most important article of the treaty– Article Five (V)– If an armed attack occurs against one of the member states, it should be considered an attack against all members. This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defence.

    Read more about- North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

    UPSC Syllabus-International relation & summits.

  • First-ever Digital India futureSKILLS Summit

    Source– This post on First-ever Digital India futureSKILLS has been created based on the article “Ministry of Electronics & IT to hold first-ever Digital India futureSKILLS summit in Guwahati on Thursday” published in “PIB” on 14 February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is hosting the first-ever FutureSKILLS Summit in Guwahati on February 15, 2024.

    About First-ever Digital India futureSKILLS Summit

    Digital India futureSKILLS summit
    Source-PIB
    AspectDetails
    Hosted byNational Institute of Electronics and IT at Guwahati
    Concerned ministryMinistry of Electronics & IT
    ObjectiveTo deliberate on strategies for catalysing future-ready talent for India & the World.
    To forge partnerships with industry and academic institutes nationwide to ensure that curricula is aligned with industry demands and standards.
    Features1) It will have over 20 strategic collaborations between NIELIT and Intel, HCL, Microsoft, Kindryl, IIM Raipurs etc.
    2) It will have 1000 Prominent Attendees and over 30 Innovative Exhibitions.
    3) It will have four-panel discussions on the following themes:- A) Semicon India #futureSKILLS B)  IndiaAI #futureSKILLS C)  Cyber Security & Emerging Technologies for the #futureSKILLS D) Digital #futureSKILLS – India’s Talent for Global Workforce.

    Read more about- Skill Development

    UPSC Syllabus- National Summits.

  • World Governments Summit 2024

    Source-This post on World Governments Summit 2024  is based on the article “Prime Minister’s participation in World Governments Summit 2024” published in “PIB” on 14th February 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Prime Minister Modi has attended the World Government Summit 2024 in the UAE as a guest of honor. He was a guest of honor at the summit in 2018 as well.

    What is World Governments Summit?

    World Government-Summit 2024
    Source-narendramodi.in

    1. About– It is an annual event where leaders, policymakers, experts, and thinkers from around the world meet to discuss and tackle important global issues.

    2. Started– It started in 2013 under the leadership of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

    3. Location– It takes place every year in Dubai, UAE.

    4. Summit activities focus– The Summit in its diverse activities explores how governments can use innovation and technology to solve global challenges for humanity in the future.

    5. 2024 Theme: Shaping the Future Governments.

    6. The summit agenda will also focus on six main themes:
    a. Government Acceleration and Transformation
    b. Artificial Intelligence and The Next Frontiers
    c. Reimagining Development and Future Economies
    d. Future Societies and Education
    e. Sustainability and The New Global Shifts
    f. Urbanization and Global Health Priorities

    UPSC Syllabus- Index/reports/Summits

  • World Sustainable Development Summit

    Source-This post on World Sustainable Development Summit has been created based on the article “Text of the Vice-President’s speech – World Sustainable Development Summit 2024, TERI” published in “PIB“on 7 February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Vice-President of India has recently inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi in February 2024.

    About World Sustainable Development Summit

    World Sustainable Development (WSDS) Summit 2024
    Source-TERI

    Introduction-It is an annual flagship multistakeholder convening. This was previously called as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.

    Established in – 2001.

    Organized by – The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

    Parties involved – Ministries of Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy and Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

    Objective – To mobilize opinion-makers to address issues concerning sustainable development and climate change.

    NOTE-It is the only independently convened international summit on sustainable development and environment, based in the Global South.

    Key facts about World Sustainable Development Summit-2024

    1) Main theme – Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.

    2) Topics for Discussion  – Integrating SD, nature-based solutions, adaptation and resilience, sustainable consumption and lifestyles, addressing the energy trilemma, and climate action.

    3) Important publication-“Vasundhara Magazine” – Its 14th edition titled ‘EquiClimate’, based on the theme ‘Climate Injustice: Vulnerabilities of the Vulnerable’ will be introduced.

    4) Awareness generation -“Cool it for the climate” – As a behaviour change campaign, it organizes a poster-making competition for school students aimed to promote simple sustainable practices.

    About The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

    Established-It was established in 1974 as an information centre on energy issues.

    Introduction-It is a leading think tank dedicated to conducting research for sustainable development of India and the Global South.

    Areas of work-It is an independent, multi-dimensional organization, with capabilities in research, policy, consultancy, and implementation.

    Objectives-1) Promoting efficient use of resources
    2) Increasing access to and uptake of sustainable inputs and practices
    3) Reducing the impact on environment and climate

    Headquarter-It is headquartered in New Delhi.

    UPSC Syllabus-Summits.

  • RBI Report-Finance of Panchayat Raj Institutions

    Source- This post on RBI Report-Finance of Panchayat Raj Institutions has been created based on the article “Higher autonomy of panchayats leads to better health outcomes” published in “The Hindu” on 5 February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    RBI has recently released “Finance of Panchayat Raj Institutions” report highlighting the significance of financial autonomy of Panchayats.

    Key findings of the report

    charts
    Source-The Hindu

    1) RBI study noted that panchayats earn only 1% of their income through taxes, with the rest being sourced from Central and State grants.

    2) The report noted that Panchayats having more functional and financial autonomy perform well on health, nutrition and sanitation.

    Chart 1 shows this relationship, that is, the higher the score on health, nutrition, and sanitation parameters, the lower the IMR.(Infant mortality rate). For example-Kerala has a high score and low IMR.

    3) RBI uses devolution index prepared by MoPRs (ministry of Panchayat Raj) to checks whether these better-performing States also have greater autonomy at the panchayat level.(Chart-2). For example-Tamil Nadu has high devolution score and low IMR.

    4) Chart 1 and 2 when read together shows that panchayats having higher devolution of power fare well in health outcomes in rural areas.

    NOTE – The devolution index rates a State based on three parameters:-

    1) The transfer of subjects such as drinking water, rural housing, family welfare, and women and child development under the control of panchayats.

    2) The transfer of functionaries, that is, how many positions were filled by panchayats on their own.

    3) The transfer of finances, that is, power of panchayats to raise its own funds and autonomy in decision-making.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

  • RBI report on Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

    Source-This post on RBI report on Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is based on the article “Panchayats earn only 1% of their revenue through taxes” published in “The Hindu” on 24th January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to a report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions for 2022-23, local taxes and fees contributed only 1.1 percent to Panchayats’ total revenue.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    RBI report
    Source- The Hindu

    1) Decline in Panchayat average revenue – According to the report, the average revenue per Panchayat (including taxes, non-taxes, and grants) stood at 21.2 lakh in 2020-21, increased to 23.2 lakh in 2021-22, and then slightly declined to 21.23 lakh in 2022-23.

    2) Panchayat own revenue sources:
    a.     During the study period, the Panchayats’ own revenues (Local taxes and fees) accounted for merely 1.1 percent of their total revenue.
    b. Non-tax revenue, primarily from Panchayati Raj programmes and interest earnings, constituted 3.3 per cent of the total revenue receipts.

    3) Grant reliance:
    a.     Panchayats rely heavily on property taxes, fees, fines, and grants, with approximately 95% of their revenue coming from grants provided by higher levels of government.
    b. Specifically, 80% of the revenue was from Central government grants; only 15% was from State government grants.

    4) Low Expenditure:
    a. The average Panchayat expenditure dropped from 17.3 lakh in 2020-21 to 12.5 lakh in 2022-23, mainly due to higher spending during the pandemic.
    b. Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Sikkim, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest average Panchayat expenditures.
    c. The revenue expenditure of panchayats accounts for less than 0.6% of the gross state domestic product across all states.

    What are the source of Finance for PRIs?

    1) Grants from the Central Finance Commission (tax devolution) and other grants provided by the Central Government.

    2) Revenue collected by the State government on behalf of local bodies (State Finance Commissions Transfer), including tolls, taxes, duties, and fees, as well as grants-in-aid.

    3) As per Article 243-H, PRIs are empowered to levy, collect, and distribute taxes, duties, tolls, and fees.

    UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation/Report & Indices

  • Corruption index: India ranks 93 among 180 nations

    Source-This post is based on the article “Corruption index: India ranks 93 among 180 nations” published in “The Indian Express” on 31st January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to the latest report by Transparency International, India secured the 93rd position out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023.

    What is Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?

    AspectDetails
    PurposeTo rank 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.
    Released byTransparency International annually since 1995.
    ScoringThe index uses a scale of 0 to 100 to rank Corruption Perception Index(CPI), where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

    What are the key findings of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023?

    1) India’s rank worsened– In 2023, India secured the 93rd position among 180 countries, whereas in 2022, it held the 85th rank. India attained an overall score of 39 in 2023, slightly down from its score of 40 in 2022.

    2) Top performer in Asian region– Singapore topped the Asian region with a score of 83, ranking fifth in the Index.

    3) Other South Asian countries– Pakistan is ranked 133, While Sri Lanka is ranked 115 and Afghanistan is ranked 162.

    4) Top rankers– Denmark at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway.

    5) Lowest rank – At rank 180 was Somalia with the lowest score of 11.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Multidimensional Poverty discussion Paper by NITI Aayog

    Source-This post is based on the article “India’s multidimensional poverty rate down to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, NITI Aayog has released a discussion paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’.

    What are the key findings of the NITI Aayog discussion paper?

    Note: The discussion paper utilizes MPI data (MPI, 2023, released in July 2023) derived from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2015-16 and 2019-21, along with NFHS-3 data from 2005-06, to analyze long-term poverty trends. You can also say that it is an updated version of previously released Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index 2023.

    Multidimensional Poverty
    Source- PIB

    1) India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 (a reduction of 17.89 percentage points).
    – In numbers about 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional Poverty in last 9 years.

    2) Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

    3) The paper reveals a faster decline in the poverty headcount ratio from 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate) compared to the period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate).

    4) All 12 indicators of MPI have recorded significant improvement during the entire study period.

    5) India is poised to achieve single-digit poverty rates by the year 2024.

    6) India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2 (reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half) much ahead of 2030.

    What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI)?

    1) The National MPI is a metric used to evaluate poverty in a country by considering multiple dimensions beyond income or consumption expenditure.

    2) Indicators- The index is based on three equally weighted dimensions – health, education and standard of living – which in turn are represented by 12 indicators.
    – However, the National MPI covers 12 indicators while global MPI covers 10 indicators.

    3) Methodology– The National MPI by Niti Aayog uses the Alkire Foster methodology to assess the decline in poverty rates.

    For more information on National MPI Click here to read

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • SBI Report on Income inequality in India

    Source-This post is based on the article “Income inequality shrinks, Mobility on the Rise : SBI Research Report” published in “PIB” on 8th January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    According to SBI Research latest report, there has been a reduction in income inequality in India, signaling a favorable shift towards upward mobility and the expansion of the middle class.

    What are the findings of the report?

    1) Increasing tax base- The report, citing CBDT data, notes a continuous expansion in the Income Tax base. The number of tax filers increased to 74 million in AY 2022-23 from 70 million in AY 2021-22.

    2) Decline in Gini Coefficient- Gini Coefficient(a measure of income inequality) has declined from 0.472 during Assessment Year 2014-15 to 0.402 for AY 2022-23.

    3) Share of Top earners declined – The share of top earners with incomes exceeding Rs 10 crores and Rs 100 crores has decreased from 2013-14 to 2020-21.

    4) Improving upward mobility – The drop in income inequality stems from significant upward mobility.  More than 36% of individuals originally in the lowest income bracket in FY14 have transitioned to higher income levels. It led to a notable 21% increase in their earnings from FY14 to FY21.

    5) The report indicates rising female labour force participation.

    6) Evident shifts in income levels for MSMEs and evolving consumption patterns in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic debunk the myth of K-shaped growth.

    What is Gini coefficient?

    Gini coefficient
    Source- oercommons.org

    1) The Gini coefficient, derived from the Lorenz curve, serves as an indicator of income or wealth inequality.

    2) The coefficient ranges from 0 (0%) to 1 (100%), 0 representing perfect equality (where every resident in a country has the same income) and 1 representing perfect inequality (one resident earned all income and the rest earned nothing). Higher the value of Gini coefficient, higher the inequality.

    UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy

  • SC Report Reveals Accessibility Gaps for People with Disabilities in Indian Courts

    Source-This post is based on the article “SC report exposes severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning report highlights infrastructure deficiencies in Indian district courts. It raised concerns about obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities in seeking justice.

    What are the findings of the report?

    1) It highlighted that only 30.4% of court complexes have separate disabled-friendly toilets.

    2) It reported that over half of the district court complexes nationwide lack ramps, while only 25.2% are equipped with wheelchairs.

    3) It also highlighted that only 5.1% of district courts incorporate tactile paving to aid individuals with visual disabilities in navigating the court premises.

    4) The report disclosed an infrastructure gap of 4,250 courtrooms across India. Only 20,831 courtrooms have been operational out of a sanctioned strength of 25,081 judges in the district judiciary.

    Note- The report indicated that 73.5% of court premises are owned by the judiciary, 13.3% by the state government, 2.6% (626 courtrooms) are rented, and 10.6% are under construction.

    What is the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court?

    It is the Supreme Court’s in-house think tank,

    Aim: Strengthening the knowledge infrastructure of the Supreme Court.

    Mandate- To conduct cutting-edge research on fundamental jurisprudence, principles, doctrines of law, and judicial reforms, aiming to enhance justice delivery and uphold Judicial Independence.

    UPSC Syllabus – Reports & Indices

  • SC Report Reveals Absence of Women’s Toilets in 20% of District Courts Nationwide

    Source- This post is based on the article “One-fifth of district courts in country lack separate toilets for women, says SC report” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd January 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recent Supreme Court Report ‘State of the Judiciary‘ highlights the absence of women’s restrooms in almost 20% of District Court complexes nationwide.

    What are the Key Findings of the Report?

    1) Citing data from the National Judicial Data Grid, it highlighted that almost 20% of district court complexes in the country lack separate toilets for women.

    2) It emphasized the need for women-friendly toilets, noting that just 6.7% have sanitary napkin vending machines.

    3) It noted that court toilets have broken doors and inadequate water supply. It also highlighted the absence of a designated maintenance service in some cases.

    4) It also highlighted lack of toilets for transgender individuals in most district courts, underscoring the importance of having “gender-inclusive toilets” in every court complex.

    UPSC Syllabus – Polity and Nation/Reports & Indices

  • Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) 2023 ranking

    Source– This post is based on the article “Shri Piyush Goyal releases the “Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) 2023” published in “PIB” on 16th December 2023.

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has released the Fifth edition of the LEADS annual exercise.

    What is LEADS ranking ?

    Specifications Details
    What is it?1) Its an annual ranking exercise providing insights into improvement of logistics performance at State/UT level.
    2) It was inspired by the Logistics Performance Index of the World Bank and has undergone continuous development since its inception.
    3) Unlike the LPI, which relies solely on perception-based surveys, LEADS incorporates both subjective and objective measures.
    Launched in 2018
    Launched byMinistry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI)
    ParametersThe survey parameters are based on three key pillars—infra-structure, services, and operating and regulatory environment.

    What are the Key Highlights of the 2023 LEADS Report?

    The report includes 11 states and 2 UTs encompassing coastal, landlocked, North Eastern States and UTs.

    Performance Highlights from LEADS 2023:

    SpecificationsDetails
    Coastal GroupAchievers: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
    Fast Movers: Kerala, Maharashtra
    Aspirers: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal
    Landlocked GroupAchievers: Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
    Fast Movers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
    Aspirers: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand
    North-East GroupAchievers: Assam, Sikkim, Tripura
    Fast Movers: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
    Aspirers: Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram
    Union TerritoriesAchievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
    Fast Movers: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
    Aspirers: Daman & Diu/ Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh

    What is Logistics Performance Index of the World Bank?

    Click Here to read

    UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy/ Reports and Indices

  • Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of ABP

    Source: The post is based on the article “Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of ABP” published in “PIB” on 7th December 2023

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog has released the first Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

    Note- It has also released the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) rankings for the month of October, 2023. Rayagada (Odisha) and Jamui (Bihar) have achieved the first and second ranks respectively. 

    What is the Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    1) The Delta Ranking is a core strategy of the Programme based on the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism.

    2) It is calculated on the basis of performance of blocks and progress achieved in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

    3) Tiriyani Block in Telangana has secured the top position and Kaushambi Block in Uttar Pradesh ranked second.

    4) The top rankers of ABP and ADP will be displayed on the Wall of Fame at NITI Aayog. It will display the projects undertaken by the blocks and districts to improve their indicators.

    What is the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Launched inJanuary, 2023
    Launched byNITI Aayog
    Inspired fromAspirational District Programme 
    PurposeThe programme focuses on improving governance to enhance the quality of life of citizens and service delivery in the remotest and less developed blocks of India.
    Blocks covered500 blocks from 329 districts in 27 states and 4 Union Territories.
    ThemesEach block will be monitored based on following themes:
    1) Health and Nutrition
    2) Education
    3) Agriculture and Allied Services
    4) Basic Infrastructure and
    5) Social Development.
    Implementation strategyThe program strategy is based on three levels:
    1) Convergence (of Central & State Schemes)
    2) Collaboration (of NITI Aayog, Central Ministries and Departments, State Governments and District and Block Administration) and
    3) Competition among blocks driven by a spirit of mass Movement.
    Nodal Officers1) Block Officials are identified as Leaders of Change. They will be equipped with skills to drive transformation in blocks.
    2) They will work under the guidance of their respective state and district administrations.
    RankingsNITI Aayog in partnership with the states will release a quarterly ranking of these blocks.

    What is the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)?

    Click Here to read

    UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News

  • WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 – Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023: Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 has been released.

    What is the Global Status Report on Road Safety?

    Released by: World Health Organization (WHO) 

    Aim: To detail the scale of global road traffic deaths and progress in advancing laws, strategies and policies to reduce them around the world. 

    Key Findings of the report:

    WHO Report on road deaths
    Source: The Hindu

    1) Global Decline in Road Traffic Deaths: Between 2010 and 2021, road traffic deaths worldwide dropped by 5% to 1.19 million annually.

    2) Countries making progress: Around 108 UN member countries reported a decrease in road traffic deaths. 10 countries achieved above 50% reduction in deaths. 35 countries reduced fatalities by 30-50%.

    3) India: India, on the other hand, saw a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities rising from 1.34 lakh in 2010 to 1.54 lakh in 2021.

    3) Impact on age groups: Road crashes remain a major cause of death among youth (5-29 years) and the 12th leading cause of deaths among all age groups.

    4) Population Growth vs Road Fatalities: In the last decade, the global population increased by about 14 billion or 13% but road traffic deaths decreased by 5%. Therefore, the road fatality rate per 100,000 people has seen a reduction.

    5) Vehicle Growth Impact: The global motor vehicle fleet increased by 160%. Therefore, the annual fatality rates per 1 lakh vehicles dropped from 79 deaths to 47 deaths marking a 41% reduction.

    6) Higher road deaths in Low and Middle Income Countries: Nine in 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries which is disproportionately higher when set against the number of vehicles and roads they have.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

  • Food Security and Nutrition Report 2023: 74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021

    Source: The post is based on the article “Food Security and Nutrition Report 2023: 74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a report titled “Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends”.

    What is the Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023 Report?

    Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    Aim: To inform stakeholders on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition.

    – The report is a glimpse of the progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly (WHA) Global Nutrition Targets 2025.

    Key Findings of the report:

    Asia-Pacific Region:

    1) During the pandemic and the “5Fs” crisis (food, feed, fuel, fertiliser, and finance), the Asia Pacific region experienced troubling statistics.

    2) About half of the world’s undernourished people live in the Asia-Pacific region, with more women than men being food insecure.

    3) Southern Asia has highest prevalence of undernourishment at 15.6 percent.

    India:

    1) Affordability of Healthy Diet: In 2021, over 74% of Indians (76.2% in 2020) could not afford a healthy diet.

    2) Undernourishment: 16.6% of India’s population is undernourished, facing economic and social costs.

    3) Prevalence of Child Malnutrition:
    a. Stunting (low height for age): 31.7% of children under the age of five.
    b.     Wasting (low weight for height): 18.7% (the highest rate in the region)
    c. Overweight: 2.8%.

    4) Low Birth Weight: 27.4% (highest regional prevalence in the region)

    5) Anaemia: 53% of women aged 15-49 had anaemia in 2019 (largest prevalence in the region)

    6) Exclusive Breastfeeding: India has a higher prevalence (63.7%) of exclusive breastfeeding in infants (0-5 months) compared to the world average (47.7%).

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

  • India Infrastructure Report 2023

    Source– This post is based on the article “India Infrastructure Report 2023 released” published in “PIB” on 5th December 2023.

    Why in the News?

    Shri Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India, has released The India Infrastructure Report 2023 on Urban Planning and Development.

    What is India Infrastructure Report?

    1) The report focused on wide range of various complex issues related to urban planning and development along with solutions to make Indian cities sustainable.

    2) It is a collaborative effort of the IDFC Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

    What are the Key highlights of the India Infrastructure Report 2023?

    1) Role of digital technology– The report highlights the transformative role of digital technology in shaping India’s urban landscape with focus on areas like smart cities.

    2) Financing urban development– It examines the financial dimensions of urban development, with a special emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs). The report also analyses the financial sustainability of urban local bodies.

    3) Component of effective urban governance- Report focuses on transient-oriented development, regulation of floor space and land prices, etc.

    4) It also laid out a roadmap on how to improve the existing cities through urban redevelopment which merited the attention of planners and policy-makers.

    What is the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)?

    1) NIUA, established in 1976, is a Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

    2) It has been bridging the gap between research and practice on issues related to urbanization and suggest ways and mechanisms to address urban challenges in the country

    UPSC Syllabus- Governance/ Reports and Indices

  • Glaciers shrank 1 meter a year in a decade: WMO

    Source– This post is based on the article “Glaciers shrank 1 m a year in a decade: WMO” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2023.

    Why in the News?

    A recent report by World Meteorological Organisation ‘The Global Climate 2011-2020: A Decade of Acceleration’ highlights the impact of climate change from 2011-2020.

    What re the Key highlights of the report?

    1) The 2011-2020 decade, despite being the warmest recorded, saw the lowest number of deaths from extreme events. The decade marked the first since 1950 without a single short-term event causing 10,000 deaths or more.

    2) Improved early warning systems, forecasting, and disaster management contributed to the decrease in casualties. India benefited from improved cyclone forecasting, enhancing preparedness and evacuation measures

    3) The ozone hole visibly showed signs of recovery for the first time during this decade.

    4) Glaciers globally shrank by approximately 1 meter per year on average from 2011 to 2020.
    – Greenland and Antarctica lost 38% more ice from 2011 to 2020 compared to the 2001-2010 period.

    5) While heatwaves were responsible for the highest number of human casualties, tropical cyclones caused the most economic damage.

    6) Public and private climate finance nearly doubled during the decade. But it needed to increase by at least seven times by the end of 2011-20 to achieve climate objectives, including limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    What is WMO?

    Click Here to read

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports/Indices

  • NCRB Report 2022

    Source- This post is based on the article “One-third of all 2022 suicides were of daily wage earners, farmers, says NCRB report” published in “The Hindu” on 4th December 2023

    Why in the News?

    Recently, NCRB has released the annual Crime in India report and the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report for 2022.

    What are the Major Findings of the Crime in India report?

    Increase in Cyber Crimes
    1) It indicated a 24% surge in cyber crimes across India compared to 2021.

    2) Bengaluru ranked the highest in cyber crimes. OTP and online bank frauds were the most common cybercrimes reported in the city

    3) Cybercrime cases in Delhi almost tripled in 2022 . Most of the crimes related to offences such as publication and transmission of content depicting children in sexually explicit acts in electronic form.

    Increase in crimes against SC and ST
    1) It showed overall increase in crimes and atrocities committed upon Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)

    2) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan continued to figure at the top with the highest incidents of crimes and atrocities committed upon SCs and STs.

    3) Mizoram, which had reported no cases of atrocities against either SCs or STs in 2021, reported 34 cases of atrocities in 2022.

    Increase in UAPA cases
    1) A 25% increase in cases registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) suggests increase in offences against the State.

    2) It also shows dip in sedition cases after Supreme Court 2022 Judgement to keep sedition cases in abeyance.

    Fake currency notes crimes
    Government authorities seized counterfeit Indian currency notes worth over ₹342 crore in 2022, most of which are Rs.2000 currency notes, followed by Rs.500 notes.

    What are the Major Findings of the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report?

    Increase in suicide rate
    1) India reported a total of over 1.7 lakh suicides in 2022, nearly one-third of whom were daily wage earners, agricultural labourers, and farmers.

    2) The maximum suicides in the year were reported from Maharashtra (22,746), Tamil Nadu (19,834), Madhya Pradesh (15,386), Karnataka (13,606), Kerala (10,162), and Telangana (9,980).

    Common causes of suicides–

    The report pointed out that the most common causes for suicides reported in 2022 were “family problems” and “illness”, which together accounted for almost half of all suicides in the year. This was followed by drug abuse, alcohol addiction, marriage related issues.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023

    Source– This post is based on the article “Union Minister For Jal Shakti Releases Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report For The Country For The Year 2023.” published on “PIB” on 1st December 2023.

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Jal Shakti has released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for the year 2023.

    What is Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report?

    1. Aim– To determine the prevailing status of groundwater resources and the impact of ongoing groundwater management practices.

    2. Conducted jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs.

    3. Previously carried out in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2022

    What are the Highlights of Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023?

    1. Increase in ground water recharge: Total annual ground water recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022.

    2. Increase in annual ground water extraction: Total annual ground water extraction for the entire country is 241.34 BCM.

    3. Decrease in stage of groundwater extraction level: Currently stands at 59.23%.

    Note- Stage of groundwater extraction is a measure of annual ground water extraction for all uses (irrigation, industrial and domestic uses) over annual extractable ground water resource

    4. Out of total 6553 assessment units–
    – 736 units (11.23%) have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ (where the annual ground water extraction is more than annual extractable ground water resource), witnessing a decline.
    – 4793 units categorized as ‘Safe’

    What are the initiatives taken by government to improve ground water resources?

    1. Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Its a Rs. 6000 crore Central Sector Scheme, undertaken with World Bank assistance, for ensuring sustainable management of ground water resources.

    2. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, it aims to promote water conservation and water resource management in 256 water stressed districts in the country through targeted interventions

    For more information on Ground water use and its Governance in India Click Here to read

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments”

    Source: The post is based on the article “ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments”” published in “The Hindu” on 28th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report titled “A Call for safer and healthier working environments”.

    The report will be discussed at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work.

    What are the key findings of the ILO report?

    ILO Report
    Source: The Hindu
    SpecificationsDetails
    Work Related DeathsAround 30 lakh workers globally die due to work-related accidents and diseases. Over 63% of these deaths occur in the Asia-Pacific region.
    Primary causes of work related deaths1) Long working hours (55 hours or more per week)
    2) Exposure to occupational particulate matter, gases and fumes
    3) Occupational injuries.
    Deaths attributed to1) Around 26 lakh deaths were due to work related diseases while work accidents resulted in 3.3 lakh deaths.
    2) The diseases that caused most work-related deaths were circulatory diseases, malignant neoplasms and respiratory diseases

    What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Established in1919
    AimTo set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
    Members187 (India is a founder member)
    HeadquartersGeneva, Switzerland
    Significance1) It is the first affiliated specialized agency of the United Nations
    2) It is the only tripartite U.N. agency that brings together governments, employers and workers
    Reports1) World Employment and Social Outlook
    2) Global Wage Report
    3) World Social Protection Report.
    RecognitionIt received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 “for creating international legislation insuring certain norms for working conditions in every country”

    Which are the ILO conventions ratified and not ratified by India?

    SpecificationsDetails
    ILO Core Conventions ratified by IndiaIndia has ratified 6 out of the 8 core/ fundamental ILO conventions:
    1) Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
    2) Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
    3) Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
    4) Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
    5) Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
    6) Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
    ILO Core Conventions not ratified by India1) Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
    2) Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)

    Other ILO Conventions not ratified by India:
    1) Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
    2) Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No.187)

    What is the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Organized byInternational Labour Organization(ILO), Government of Australia, Safework New South Wales and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
    To be held atAustralia
    AimTo create international connections, hear different perspectives, and learn new skills to lead safety and health in the future of work.
    Theme for 2023“Shaping change: Collaborating for a healthier and safer world of work”

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

  • The OECD report on climate finance

    Source– This post is based on the article “The OECD Report on Climate Finance” published in “The Hindu” on 21 November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published a new assessment report on climate finance ahead of the UN climate summit (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

    What is OECD?

    Click Here to read

    What is Climate Finance?

    Click Here to read

    What are the Key Findings of the Report?

    OECD Climate Finance report
    Source- OECD
    Total climate finance In 2021, total climate finance provided and mobilised by developed countries for developing countries amounted to USD 89.6 billion, showing a significant 7.6% increase over the previous year.
    However, this fell short of the target to jointly mobilise $100 billion a year, as pledged by the developed nations at COP15 (Copegnhagen, Denmark) in 2009.
    Public Climate Finance (bilateral and multilateral) Contribution1. It almost doubled over the 2013-21 period, from USD 38 billion to USD 73.1 billion, accounting for the vast majority of the total USD 89.6 billion in 2021.
    2. But almost two-thirds of public climate financing was provided as loans. It means the conditions attached to such financing could further exacerbate debt stress in poorer countries.
    Private Climate financeThe report shows that private financing for climate action has stagnated for a decade. In 2021 in particular, it showed that private funding reverted to its 2019 level following a slight dip in 2020.
    Adaptation financeFinances for adaptation dropped by 14% in 2021 compared to 2020. As such, their share in the total climate finance has decreased from 34% to 27%.
    Financial assistance needed by developing countriesBy 2025, developing countries are estimated to require around $1 trillion a year in climate investments, rising to roughly $2.4 trillion each year between 2026 and 2030.

    UPSC Syllabus- Environment & International Organisations

  • Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023: India Slides Sharply, Worst Among the BRICS Group

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023:India Slides Sharply, Worst Among the BRICS Group” published in “The Wire” on 15th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023 has been released.

    What is the Global Talent Competitiveness Index?

    Global Talent Competitiveness Index
    Source: INSEAD
    SpecificationsDetails
    Published byINSEAD, in collaboration with Descartes Institute for the Future.
    AimTo measure how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent.
    Coverage134 countries 
    ParametersThe index is calculated based on two sub-indices:
    1) Input framework: It measures countries’ regulatory and business environments, as well as what they are doing to attract, grow and retain talent.
    2) Output framework: It measures the quality of talent in a country.

    What are the key rankings of Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Topped bySwitzerland, Singapore and the United States are the top three ranked countries.
    India’s rank103 out of 134 countries.
    Note: India’s rank was 83 ten years ago.
    BRICS countriesChina remained the leading member of the BRICS group at rank 40.
    India’s performance is the worst amongst that of the BRICS countries.

    What are the reasons for India’s fall in GTCI 2023?

    1) India’s business sentiment decline affected talent attraction domestically and internationally. This impacted ‘External Openness’ and ‘Internal Openness’ rankings.

    2) Challenges persist in aligning available skills with market demands. This resulted in lower rankings for ‘Employability’ and ‘Vocational and Technical Skills’.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports/Index in News

  • Logistics Performance Index (LPI):11 Stakeholder Ministries/Departments meets on Measures Taken and Action Plan for Improving India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Ranking

    Source: The post is based on the article “Logistics Performance Index (LPI):11 Stakeholder Ministries/Departments meets on Measures Taken and Action Plan for Improving India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Ranking” published in “PIB” on 18th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    Several Ministries recently held discussions on measures taken and action plans needed for improving India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

    What is the Logistics Performance Index(LPI)?

    Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
    Source: Economic Times
    SpecificationsDetails
    Released byWorld Bank
    AimIt is a tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.
    ParametersThere are six parameters:

    1) Customs performance

    2) Infrastructure quality

    3) Ease of arranging shipments

    4) Logistics services quality

    5) Consignment tracking and tracing

    6) Timeliness of shipments

    Duration of releaseIt is a biennial report (once every 2 years) that started in 2010 with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. A restructured index was released in 2023.
    India’s rank in LPI 202338 among 139 countries.

    This is a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 44th in 2018 and 54th in 2014.

    India’s TargetIndia’s National Logistics Policy has fixed a target to take up India’s ranking in top 25 by 2030.

    What are the measures India is taking to improve its Logistics Performance Index(LPI) ranking?

    1) PM Gati Shakti initiative: Launched in 2021, it is a national master plan for multimodal connectivity. It aims to reduce logistics costs and boost the economy by 2024-25.

    2) National Logistics Policy (NLP): It was introduced in 2022 to solve transport issues, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and speed up last-mile delivery in the logistics sector.

    3) Land Port Management System (LPMS): It was implemented by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to digitize operations and facilitate a secure electronic flow of information between all stakeholders at the Integrated check posts (ICPs). It has been successful in reducing the dwell time from 57 days to less than 24 hours.

    – Note: Dwell time refers to the amount of time a ship or cargo spends at a port or terminal before being loaded or unloaded onto a vessel.

    4) Ministry of Railways: It discussed railway initiatives including 100% electrification of railway tracks , increased CAPEX of INR 2.6 lakhs in FY24 and Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors.

    5) Ministry of Ports: It has taken several initiatives such as automation of weightbridges, improving scanning facilities at the ports and simplifying processes by creating Standard Operating Procedures (SoPS) across all the ports.

    UPSC Syllabus: Index/Reports in News

  • India’s heft in MSCIEM index: what it means

    Source– This post is based on the article “India’s heft in MSCIEM index: what it means” published in “Live mint” on 17th November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    India’s weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets(EM) index will rise after inclusion of nine Indian stocks.

    What is MSCI Emerging Markets Index?

    AspectDetails
    What is it?It is a NYSE(New York Stock Exchange) listed global index that is designed to track the financial performance of key companies in fast-growing nations.
    Launched byMSCI Inc., formerly Morgan Stanley Capital International in 1988.
    Significance1. Its stock indices widely tracked by global asset managers, banks, insurance companies, corporates and various other entities to allocate funds across global markets.
    2. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index reflects the performance of large-cap and medium-cap companies in 25 nations.
    3. It is also used by emerging market Exchange Traded Funds and mutual funds as a benchmark to measure their own performance.
    How stocks are  included?1. The stock weight on EM index are based on free float market capitalization(capital available for trade in the stock market).
    2. The higher the market capitalization, the higher the weight and the allocation by investors.
    MSCI EM index
    Source- Live mint

    How India performed in the Index?

    1. India included in the index in 1994.

    2. After inclusion of nine Indian stocks, India’s current representation in MSCI EM index will reached to 131 stocks.

    3. India, has the second-highest weightage in the index after China’s.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

  • Innovation Handshake: India and US launch ‘Innovation Handshake’ to deepen bilateral tech ties

    Source: The post is based on the article “Innovation Handshake: India and US launch ‘Innovation Handshake’ to deepen bilateral tech ties” published in “Business Standard” on 17th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    India has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the US on “Enhancing Innovation Ecosystems through an Innovation Handshake”.

    What is an Innovation Handshake?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Launched byIndia and US
    Launched underIt is a concept developed under the US-India Commercial Dialogue
    AimTo bring the two governments together with venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and industry players.
    They will have open discussions to explore opportunities and tackle challenges in key sectors highlighted in the US-India Critical and Emerging Technology initiative.
    Objectives1) To connect the two sides’ dynamic startup ecosystems
    2)To address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation
    3)To share information and best practices for startup fundraising
    4)To promote innovation and job growth, particularly in critical and emerging technologies(CET)

    What is US-India Commercial Dialogue?

    Commercial Dialogue(CD) is a dialogue at Ministerial level between India and the U.S.It involves regular government-to-government meetings to be held alongside private sector meetings.

    Aim: To facilitate trade and maximize investment opportunities across a broad range of economic sectors.

    UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

  • 9th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 to be held at Faridabad, Haryana

    Source: The post is based on the article “9th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 to be held at Faridabad, Haryana” published in “PIB” on 16th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 will be held at Faridabad, Haryana.

    What is the India International Science Festival(IISF)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Started in2015
    Organized byMinistry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy in partnership with Vijnana Bharati.
    PurposeIt is a science movement spearheaded by scientists of the nation with swadeshi spirit.
    AimTo provide a platform for inspiring public at large and individuals with diverse levels of interests like students, educators, scientists, researchers and science communicators
    Theme for 9th IISF‘Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal’

    UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

  • World Governance Index: Need for World Bank’s governance indicators to be transparent

    Source: The post is based on the article “World Governance Index: Need for World Bank’s governance indicators to be transparent” published in “Indian Express” on 16th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    Chief Economic Advisor has raised concerns over the use of Worldwide Governance Index Indicators in ratings assessment by credit ratings agencies. He has called for the World Governance Index to be more transparent and less subjective.

    What is the World Governance Index?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Published byWorld Bank
    PurposeIt provides a ranking of 215 countries territories based on six dimensions of governance:
    1)Voice and Accountability
    2)Political Stability and Absence of Violence
    3)Government Effectiveness
    4)Regulatory Quality
    5)Rule of Law
    6)Control of Corruption
    SourcesWGI aggregates information from over 30 data sources provided by various institutions like survey institutes, think tanks, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector firms.
    Examples include the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project and Freedom House.
    SignificanceWGI plays a key role in deciding the sovereign credit rating of any country.

    What are the concerns of India related to the World Governance Index?

    1) The World Bank compiles the World Governance Index Indicators using data from think tanks and organizations like Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project and Freedom House. However, India has argued that these indicators have methodological problems as they are based on subjective opinions of some experts who do not have presence on the ground. For instance, US-based Freedom House has given India a score of 66 out of 100 and tagged it ‘partly free’. EIU 2022 Democracy Index ranked India at 46 and classed it as a ‘flawed democracy’. 

    2) These indicators are then used by global rating agencies to assess governance levels while deciding on countries’ credit ratings. A lower credit rating increases the borrowing cost for countries. Hence, that’s why India has called for the World Governance Index to be more transparent and less subjective.

    UPSC Syllabus: Index/Reports in News

  • THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023

    Source– This post “THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023” is based on the article “The Apex-level International outreach of the Indian Navy towards a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific” published in “PIB” on 14 November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    The annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy – the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) – will be held in New Delhi from 15 to 17 November 2023.

    What is Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)?

    What is it?It is an apex level international annual conference of the Indian Navy
    ObjectiveIt reviews the current geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region and identifies opportunities, dangers, and problems that are arising.
    Organised by National Maritime Foundation (NMF)-
    1. Indian Navy’s knowledge partner and chief organiser of each edition of the IPRD.
    2. It aims to review various maritime trends within the Indo-Pacific region and foster the exchange of solution-oriented dialogue amongst key stakeholders.
    Previous Editions1. 2018, 2019 and 2022 respectively held at New Delhi.
    2. IPRD 2020 was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak
    3. 2021 held in online mode
    Theme of 2023 DialogueGeopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity
    IPRD 2023 Sessions Six professional sessions spread over a three-day period.
    Other Similar Programs1. Goa Maritime Conclave 2023(Project the Indian Navy’s cooperative engagement at the strategic-operational level)
    2. IPRD, on the other hand is the principal manifestation of the Navy’s international engagement at the strategic-level, addressing ‘holistic’ maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific.

    UPSC Syllabus- IR(Summits)

  • State of Application Security Report: Digital infra gaps drive surge in cyberattacks in India

    Source: The post is based on the article “State of Application Security Report: Digital infra gaps drive surge in cyberattacks in India” published in “Business Standard” on 15th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    According to the State of Application Security Report, India has witnessed a 70% rise in cyberattacks in the third quarter (Q3) in 2023.

    What is the State of Application Security Report?

    Released by: Indusface, an app security solutions firm

    Key Findings of the report:

    1)India has experienced over 1.6 billion cyberattacks in the second quarter of 2023. This is an increase of 70% over the previous quarter.

    2)Bot attack: It is a type of cyberattack that uses automated scripts to disrupt a site, steal data, make fraudulent purchases, or perform other malicious actions. India, US and UK emerged as top victims of bot attacks.

    3)Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): It is an attack where cybercriminals significantly increase traffic to the target website using an army of the compromised computers in order to deny service to the regular visitors to a site. This makes the website unavailable to the user, causing losses to the service provider. The top victims of DDoS attacks were India, the United States and Germany.

    Why is India vulnerable to cyberattacks?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Accelerated digital adoption, over a short span of timeThe widespread digital adoption has left little or no time for the proper development of a backend cyber security infrastructure, putting a large amount of data at risk.
    Limited understanding about cyber securityThe understanding of cyber security and its prevention continues to be limited among the end users.
    Lack of Cyber LawsThere is a lack of strong cyber security laws and stringent legal framework for identifying and taking cyber criminals.
    Lack of International CoordinationInternational cooperation and consensus is missing in this field.
    Adverse relations with ChinaChina is considered one of the world leaders in information technology. Therefore, it is expected to have capabilities to disable or partially interrupt the information technology services in another country. 

    UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Reports)

  • NDC Synthesis Report: World is severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions

    Source: The post is based on the article “NDC Synthesis Report: World is severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Synthesis Report has been released.

    What is the NDC Synthesis Report?

    Released by: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)

    Purpose: The report has analyzed the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement.

    Key Findings of the report:

    1)If the current Nationally Determined Contributions(NDC) are implemented, global greenhouse gas emissions are set to increase 9% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. 

    2)This is a marginal improvement over last year’s assessment, which found countries were on a path to increase emissions by 10.6% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.

    3)But the studies have clearly indicated that emissions need to be cut by 43% by the end of 2030 compared to 2010 levels to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.  

    What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Established in1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
    AimTo provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments related to climate change
    IndiaIndia is one of the member of IPCC
    Working GroupsWorking Group I: Focuses on the physical science basis of climate change.
    Working Group II: Addresses impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability.
    Working Group III: Examines options for mitigation of climate change.
    Does IPCC conducts its own researchIPCC itself does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters.
    Instead, thousands of scientists from all over the world contribute to the work of IPCC on a voluntary basis.
    Nobel PrizeThe 2007 Nobel Peace Prize was shared between the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and United States former vice president, Al Gore. 

    UPSC Syllabus: Environment (Reports and Indices)

  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): India will host 33rd Conference of WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific

    Source: The post is based on the article “World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): India will host 33rd Conference of  WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific” published in “PIB” on 14th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    India is set to host the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific at New Delhi.

    What is the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific?

    The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has set up five Regional Commissions to express specific problems facing its Members in the different regions of the world.

    The Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific is one of them. It organizes a Conference once every two years in one of the countries of the region.

    These conferences aim to develop technical items and foster regional cooperation for the control of animal diseases.

    The 33rd conference is being hosted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying at New Delhi.

    What is the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Founded in1924
    TypeIntergovernmental organisation
    AimTo coordinate, support and promote animal disease control
    Members183 (India is one of the member)
    HeadquartersParis, France
    SignificanceRecognized as the reference organization for international animal health standards by the World Trade Organization (WTO)

    UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations

  • Open Doors 2023 report: India Reached An All-Time High In International Student Enrollment In The USA

    Source: The post is based on the article “Open Doors 2023 report: India Reached An All-Time High In International Student Enrollment In The USA” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange has been released.

    What is the Open Doors 2023 Report?

    Released by: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE)

    Aim: To provide comprehensive information on international students studying at higher education institutions.

    Key Findings of the report:

    SpecificationsDetails
    International students in USThe US hosted more than one million international students during the 2022/2023 academic year, a 12% increase compared to the previous academic year.
    It is the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years
    Country wise China retained its top position as the leading source of international students in the U.S.
    IndiaIndia was the second leading country of origin of students to the US.
    It has reached an all-time high of around 2.6 lakh international students in 2022/23, an increase of 35% year-over-year.
    Contribution of International Students to US economyInternational students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and contributed nearly $38 billion to the U.S. economy 

    UPSC Syllabus: International Relations and Reports and Indices

  • IQAir report: Delhi most polluted city in world

    Source: The post is based on the article “IQAir report: Delhi most polluted city in world” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    IQAir has released the Air Quality Index(AQI).

    What is the Air Quality Index(AQI)?

    IQAir
    Source: IQAir
    SpecificationsDetails
    Released byIQAir, a Swiss based air purifier company
    PurposeTo measure air quality levels data from 109 countries
    Based onUS Methodology
    ParameterIt measures air quality levels based on the concentration of airborne particles known as PM2.5.

    What are the key findings of the IQAir Air Quality Index(AQI)?

    1)Most Polluted City: Delhi was the most polluted city in the world. It was followed by Lahore, Pakistan.

    — Note: Air pollution in parts of Delhi was 30 times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) contributed in part by the firecrackers.

    2)Other Indian Cities in top 10 polluted cities: Kolkata was fourth on the list, followed by Mumbai in ninth place.

    3)Cleanest City: Mexico City was declared the cleanest city in the world.

    UPSC Syllabus: Environment

  • INDUS-X: First INDUS-X Investors Meet held in Delhi ahead of 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue

    Source: The post is based on the article “INDUS-X: First INDUS-X Investors Meet held in Delhi ahead of 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue” published in “PIB” on 9th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has organized the first INDUS-X Investors Meet at New Delhi.

    What is INDUS-X?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Full FormIndia – U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) 
    Launched inJune 2023
    AimTo expand strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between governments, businesses and academic institutions of India and US. 
    Led byIndia’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) 
    ActivitiesINDUS-X will organize several initiatives such as joint prize challenges for start-ups, roundtable events, mentor-protege initiatives between major primes and startups, formation of a Senior Advisory Group among others.
    SignificanceThis initiative builds on a commitment by the U.S. and Indian National Security Advisors in January 2023.
    They committed to launch an “Innovation Bridge” to connect U.S. and Indian defence start-ups as part of the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology(iCET)

    UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

  • UNEP Production Gap Report: World will overshoot 2030 fossil fuel limit by twice over

    Source: The post is based on the article “Production Gap Report :World will overshoot 2030 fossil fuel limit by twice over” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published the Production Gap Report 2023.

    What is the Production Gap Report?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Prepared byUNEP, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G AND International Institute for Sustainable Development.
    First Launched in2019
    AimTo track the discrepancy between governments’ planned fossil fuel production and global production levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C
    Key Focus of the reportThe report analyzes emissions trends for 20 major fossil-fuel-producing countries. One among them is India.

    What are the key findings of the Production Gap Report 2023?

    Production Gap Report
    Source: UNEP

    (1) Under the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to a long-term goal of limiting average global temperature to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and even try to limit them further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

    (2) However, the report analyzed the 20 major fossil fuel producing countries.

    (3) It found that these countries plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and 69% more than that would be consistent with 2 degrees Celsius.

    What are the recommendations given by the Production Gap Report 2023?

    (1) Increase transparency in the plans, projections and support for fossil fuel production.Align those plans with national and global climate goals;

    (2)Aim for a near total phase-out of coal production and use by 2040 and a combined reduction in oil and gas production and use by three-quarters by 2050 from 2020 levels.

    UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Reports and Indices)

  • State of Climate Services Report for 2023

    Source– This post ” State of Climate Services Report for 2023” is based on the article “Health sector poorly equipped to prevent heat hazards & impacts of other extreme weather events, says WMO report” published in “DownToEarth” on 07 November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicated that the health sector is inadequately prepared to safeguard people from the effects of heat and other extreme weather events.

    What is World Meteorological Organisation?

    About Its a specialised agency of the United Nations.
    ObjectiveIt handles international cooperation and coordination on the state of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is formed for exchanging weather data and research.
    Established in In 1950-originated from the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO).
    HeadquarterGeneva ( Switzerland)

    What is State of Climate Service report ?

    Released byWorld Meteorological Organisation(Annually)
    2023 report focus areaHealth
    What is its highlight?It highlights the need for tailored climate information and services to support the health sector in the face of more extreme weather and poor air quality, shifting infectious disease patterns and food and water insecurity.

    What are the Key findings of the 2023 report?

    Climate Change impact on Health
    (1) Health of the most vulnerable countries and populations will be impacted by the extreme weather events resulting from climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires.
    (2) Around 50 per cent of excess mortality resulting from climate change by the year 2050 will occur in Africa (least emitter of global Green house Gas Emissions), according to the WMO report.

    Lack of infrastructure and ineffective utilisation of Data.
    (1) Less than 25 percent health ministries utlises the climate information & services to monitor climate-sensitive health risks.
    (2) Around 74 per cent of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide data services for the health sector but it was not utilised effectively for the health sector.
    (3) 85 percent of nations lack a formal agreement between the Ministry of Health and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS)s to facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
    (4) Only 26 countries have climate-informed, heat-health early warning systems.

    Way Forward

    As Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the WMO wrote in the report there is limited cooperation and most government agencies dealing with health and climate need to develop and strengthen their partnerships.

    UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Index

  • India’s hypertension map: How different states, regions fare

    Source: The post is based on the article “India’s hypertension map: How different states, regions fare” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The recent analysis of the National Family Health Survey(NFHS) data has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.

    What is Hypertension?

    AspectDescription
    DefinitionHigh blood pressure exceeding normal levels, typically above 130/80 mm Hg.
    Risk FactorsUnhealthy diet, obesity, lack of exercise, genetics, age, stress, and certain medical conditions.
    DiagnosisBlood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer. Hypertension: Above 130/80 mm Hg.

    What are the key findings of the data on Hypertension in India?

    Hypertension
    Source: Indian Express
    SpecificationsDetails
    Southern States vs National Average(1) Hypertension prevalence in southern states slightly exceeded the national average (29.9% vs. 26.8%).
    (2) The proportion of diagnosed individuals with hypertension was similar in southern states but showed higher treatment and control rates compared to the national average.
    Districts LevelIn Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension was similar in the districts. But the proportion of those diagnosed varied significantly.
    Gender DisparityMen are more prone to hypertension. But women are more likely to be diagnosed, treated and have controlled blood pressure.
    Age disparityThe prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control were all higher among those over the age of 65 years when compared with youngsters. 
    Wealth wiseHypertension was found to be highest among the wealthiest fifth of the population.
    EducationThe prevalence of hypertension was similar among those who had had no schooling and those who had passed Class 11. But the diagnosis, treatment and control was higher among those who had completed schooling.

    What is the significance of this district wise data on Hypertension?

    Understanding the district-wise data helps state governments in allocating resources more effectively, identifying regions needing additional care or facilities.

    What should be done to control Hypertension in India?

    According to the WHO report on Hypertension, nearly 4.6 million deaths can be averted in India by 2040 if just half of the hypertension patients are able to control their blood pressure.

    In line with this, the Government of India has launched an ambitious initiative to put 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes on treatment by 2025.

    UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Health)

  • Global TB Report: India had highest number of TB cases globally in 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global TB Report: India had highest number of TB cases globally in 2022” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global TB Report 2023.

    What are the key findings of the Global TB Report 2023?

    Globally:

    SpecificationsDetails
    TB cases in 20227.5 million.This is the highest number since WHO began global TB monitoring in 1995.
    TB incidence rate (new cases per 100,000 population per year) Increased by 3.9 per cent between 2020 and 2022.This marks a reversal from the previous declining trend.
    Deaths due to TB in 20221.30 million deaths.This was down from estimates of 1.4 million in both 2020 and 2021 and almost back to the level of 2019.
    High TB Burden countries(1) Overall, 30 high burden countries collectively made up 87% of global TB cases.
    (2) Two-thirds of the global TB cases was in eight countries namely: India (27%), Indonesia (10%), China (7.1%), the Philippines (7.0%), Pakistan (5.7%), Nigeria (4.5%), Bangladesh (3.6%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.0%). 

    India:

    SpecificationsDetails
    TB cases in 20222.8 million TB cases in 2022 with a 12% case fatality ratio.
    Multidrug-resistant(MDR) TB cases Around 1.1 lakh cases
    Deaths due to TB3,42,000 (3,31,000 among HIV-negative people and 11,000 among those with HIV)
    India’s contribution to TB cases worldwideIndia accounted for the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world in 2022.It contributed 27% of the total TB cases.

    UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Diseases), Reports and Indices

  • National Coal Index

    Source– This post “National Coal Index” is based on the article”National Coal Index Increases by 3.83 points in September” published in “PIB” on 7th November 2023.

    Why in News?

    The National Coal Index (NCI) has increased first time since April 2023.

    What is National Coal Index?

    SpecificationDetails
    Started in4th June 2020
    Started byMinistry of Coal
    Other participating InstitutionsThe concept and design of the Index have been developed by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
    ObjectiveIt is a price index(released monthly) which reflects the change of price level of coal in a particular month relative to the fixed base year.
    Base YearThe base year for the NCI is Financial Year 2017-18
    Components Composed of five sub-indices:
    (a) Three for Non-Coking Coal-The three sub-indices for Non Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Non Coking Coal.
    (b) Two for Coking Coal-Two sub-indices for Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Coking Coal.
    Compilation Parameters(1) Prices of coal from all the sales channels of coal(Notified Prices, Auction Prices and Import Prices) are taken into account for compiling the NCI.
    (2) The amount of revenue share per tonne of coal produced from auctioned blocks would be calculated by means of defined formula.
    Who notified the prices?(1) Non-Coking coal – Coal India Limited fixes notified prices for each grade (uniform for both regulated and non regulated sector).
    (2) Coking Coal – Subsidiaries of Coal India Limited notified the prices.
    Benefits(1) The Coal Index is the base indicator for the purpose of taxation.
    (2) This Index will be helpful For future calculation of upfront amount and intrinsic value of mine.
    (3) This index can be basis for calculation of annual escalation (monthly payment).

    What does the upward movement of the National Coal index indicates?

    (1) It indicates rising demand of coal because of upcoming festive season and winter in the country.
    (2) It will encourage coal producer to take maximum benefit by further scaling-up domestic coal production to meet the growing energy demands.

    UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Reports & Index)

  • World Local Production Forum

    Source: The post is based on the article “World Local Production Forum”published in “PIB” on 7th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers is participating in the 2nd World Local Production Forum (WLPF) at The Hague, Netherlands.

    What is the World Local Production Forum(WLPF)?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Initiative of World Health Organization (WHO) 
    AimTo increase access to medicines and other health technologies.
    FunctionsThe forum provides Member States a regular platform to shape strategies and foster partnerships on sustainable local production to improve timely and equitable access to quality assured health products.
    SecretariatThe Local Production and Assistance Unit of WHO
    WLPF meetings1st WLPF: Held in 2021
    2nd WLPF: 2023 

    Host Country: Netherlands

    UPSC Syllabus: International Summits

  • Hunger Hotspot

    Source: This post “Hunger hotspot” is based on the article”Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity | June-November 2023 Outlook” in “World food programme Report” on 29 May 2023.

    Why in News?

    FAO and WFP have warned that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots – comprising a total 22 countries – during from June to November 2023.

    What is World Food programme?

    The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It was established in 1961. The aim of the organisation is to save lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity.

    Hunger Hotspot

    About the report

    AspectDetails
    What is the report? The FAO-WFP Hunger Hotspots study focusses on acute food insecurity in hunger hotspot regions of the world.
    Issued ByJointly by Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) and World Food programme(WFP).
    Countries Covered22 Countries

    What are the key findings of the Report?

    (1) Hotspots with highest concern- Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen remain hotspots of highest concern for the June to November 2023 outlook.
    Haiti, the Sudan and Sahel region (Burkina Faso and Mali) have been included in this category for this edition, increasing the level of concern from very high in the last edition.

    (2) Hotspots with very high concern- The Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic are hotspots of very high concern, and the alert is also extended to Myanmar in this edition.

    (3) Other countries that Requires monitoring- Democratic Republic of Korea, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Colombia, Gambia and Senegal.

    Factors causing food insecurity in these hotspots

    (1) Violence- Population displacement, abandonment of agricultural land, loss of life and assets, disruption of trade and cropping and loss of access to markets caused by conflicts can worsen food insecurity.

    (2) Natural Hazards- Extreme weather conditions and climate variability are likely to affect several parts of the world during the outlook period.

    (3) Poor humanitarian access- Humanitarian access is limited in various ways, including administrative/bureaucratic impediments, movement restrictions, security constraints and physical constraints related to the environment.

    Upsc Syllabus- Food security(Report)

  • Adaptation Gap Report 2023

    Source: This post “Adaptation Gap Report 2023” is based on the article”Adaptation gap in developing countries widening even as extreme weather events worsen: UNEP“ published in “Down To Earth” on 2nd November 2023.

    Why in News?

    Recently, The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 was issued by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). According to the report, the world is underprepared, under invested and lacks the necessary planning for adaptation to climate change.

    What is UNEP?

    GenesisIt was established after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972.
    Establishment year1972
    ObjectiveUNEP’s mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
    SecretariatNairobi, Kenya
    MembershipAll countries part of UN. (India is a member)

    What is Adaptation Gap Report ? What are the findings of 2023 Report?

    What is it?The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) series provides an annual science-based assessment of the global progress on adaptation planning, financing, and implementation.
    Issued byThe AGR is co-produced by UNEP, the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre(UNEP-CCC) and World Adaptation Science Programme(WASP).
    Other Reports by UNEPEmission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.

    Key observations of the report
    (1) Slowed climate Adaptation progress
    (a) Countries need financing of $215 billion to $387 billion every year to adapt to climate change. But they have been receiving only $21.3 billion.
    (b) The adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10-18 times greater than what they have been receiving.

    (2) Increasing Loss and damages
    (a)A recent study indicates that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies alone have already experienced losses and damages of more than US $500 billion in the last two decades.

    Recommendations of the report
    (1) Invest in adaptation and mitigation-     Every billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding leads to a USD 14 billion reduction in economic damages.

    (2) COP 28 must deliver new momentum on adaptation and loss and damage –Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors and the private sector must ensure the same

    UPSC syllabus- Environment

  • NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago

    Source: The post is based on the article “NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago” published in “Indian Express” on 6th November 2023

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog is said to have marked the Composite Water Management Index’ report for the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 for “internal use” after having publicly released the previous editions.

    What is the Composite Water Management Index?

    SpecificationsDetails
    Started in2018
    Started byNITI Aayog
    Associated MinistriesWater Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation and Rural Development
    AimTo evaluate and rank the states and Union Territories in India on their management of water resources.
    ObjectiveTo enable effective water management in Indian states in the face of this growing crisis.
    ParametersThe index consists of 9 key themes which are
    1.Restoration of Water Bodies
    2.Groundwater
    3.Major and Medium Irrigation
    4.Watershed Development
    5.Participatory Irrigation Practices
    6.Sustainable on-form Water Use Practices
    7.Rural Drinking Water
    8.Urban Water Supply and Sanitation
    9.Policy and Governance.

    What does the latest Composite Water Management Index report say?

    The latest Composite Water Management Index report maps the performance of states for 2018-19 and 2019-20.According to the report: 

    1. Water scarcity is a “national problem”. 

    2. The average annual per capita water availability is expected to reduce to 1,486 cubic meters per person per year by 2021 from 1,545 cubic meters per person per year in 2011.

    – Note: As per the annual water availability norms, the availability value of less than 1,700 cubic meter/person/year indicates water shortage. Water availability below 1,000 cubic metre/ capita/ year is considered as “scarcity”.

    3. Gujarat tops the list with continuous improvements year on year. It is closely followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in terms of performance.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports/Index

  • Prime Minister inaugurates World Food India 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “Prime Minister inaugurates World Food India 2023” published in “PIB” on 3rd November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister has inaugurated the second edition of the ‘World Food India 2023’ in New Delhi.

    What is World Food India 2023?

    SpecificationDetails
    Organized byMinistry of Food Processing Industries
    AimTo present India as the ‘food basket of the world’ and commemorate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
    Partner countryNetherlands
    Events focus countryJapan

    What are the key focus pillars of World Food India 2023?

    1. Shree Anna (Millets): Leveraging India’s Super Food for the World: Millets are ancient grains that have been part of India’s rich heritage for millennia.They are super foods that provide high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness.

    – The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the production and consumption of millets worldwide.

    2. Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as the Global Hub: India has a vision to become a global hub for food processing and create a competitive advantage for itself in the world food market. Financing Agri Food Value Chains, especially supporting MSMEs, is a key focus area.

    3.Strategic Segments: Unlocking Potentials for Growth: India is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of food products.

    – India leads the world in the production of milk, bananas, mangoes, papayas, guavas, ginger, okra and buffalo meat. It ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, potatoes, garlic, cashew nuts.

    4.Creating an Inclusive and Efficient Ecosystem: Removing barriers and establishing a coordinated framework for inclusive opportunities. In line with this, government has allowed 100% FDI under the automatic route in food processing industries in India

    5.Sustainable Development for Prosperity: Embracing sustainable practices, renewable energy and eco-friendly agricultural and food processing methods for a more sustainable future.

    UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy (Food Processing Industry)

  • Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The sixth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report has been released.

    What is the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report?

    Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023

    Released by: Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a non-profit institution

    Aim: To highlight the challenges and constraints faced by the Local Governments in Indian Cities.

    Key Highlights from the report:

    SpecificationsDetails
    Active Master Plan39% of India’s capital cities lack an active master plan. 
    Sectoral PlansOnly nine cities have prepared sectoral plans for key aspects such as sanitation, comprehensive mobility, and sustainability.
    Urban LegislationsEastern states, comprising Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal have relatively better urban legislations followed by southern states.
    Limited control over finances(1) Majority of local governments are financially dependent on their State governments.
    (2) Only Assam empowers its city governments to collect all key taxes.
    (3) Except five States — Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan — all the others have to get approval from the State before borrowing money.
    Power Asymmetry across city categoriesMayors in megacities are not directly elected and do not have a five-year tenure, whereas mayors in smaller cities are directly elected but have limited authority over city finances
    Limited Authority in Staff appointmentsMayors and city councils have limited authority in appointing and promoting staff, including senior management teams, leading to challenges in accountability and efficient administration.
    Transparency issues Only 11 of the 35 States/Union Territories have enacted the Public Disclosure Law that mandates publishing of key civic data
    Staff Shortage(1) 35% of posts in India’s municipal corporations are vacant.
    (2) The vacancy progressively worsens with 41% posts being vacant among municipalities and 58% being vacant in town panchayats

    UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Governance

  • India won’t meet UN targets to reduce premature mortality from major non-communicable diseases: ICMR-NCDIR

    Source: The post is based on the article”India won’t meet UN targets to reduce premature mortality from major non-communicable diseases: ICMR-NCDIR“published in “DownToEarth” on 25 october 2023.

    Why in the news?

    According to an analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India will likely miss reaching targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to reduce premature deaths from four major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)

    What are the details of the ICMR study ?

    Key areas Details
    Target setting organisationsWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations
    What are four major diseases(1)Cancer
    (2)Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
    (3)Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD)
    (4)Diabetes
    Targets(1) “25 by 25 target” of WHO- 25 per cent reduction in premature mortality for the four NCDs by 2025 as compared to 2010 (WHO adopted this target as part of global NCD monitoring framework in 2013)
    (2) SDG Target by UN– To reduce premature deaths from the four major NCDs by one-third (33 percent) from 2015 to 2030.
    Source of ICMR data(1) Census data
    (2) Sample Registration System (SRS) for cause of death by 5-year-age groups.

    What are the results of the ICMR study ?

    (1) Decrease in premature mortality rate- The premature mortality rate of the four major non-communicable diseases is projected to decrease by 13.9 per cent from 2010 to 2025 in India.

    (2) Decrease in premature deaths as compared to the SDG target- The premature deaths due to these four NCDs in India is projected at 15.6% from 2015 to 2030. However, the SDG target is to reduce 33% from 2015 to 2030.

    (3) Higher UPoD among males- UPoD was higher among males, particularly around the age of 44, owing to risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption. (The WHO has defined the unconditional probability of dying (UPoD) from the four NCDs between the ages of 30 and 69 as the progress indicator for monitoring the reduction in premature mortality)

    (4) Possible timeline of achieving the WHO and UN target- The target of 25 per cent (WHO) and 33 per cent (SDG) could possibly be reached by 2039 and 2053 in India.

    (5) Regions of majority of deaths- Majority of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in productivity loss and economic impact.

    What are the government initiatives to tackle this issue?

    (1) National Program for Noncommunicable Diseases
    (2) The National Tobacco Control Program
    (3) The Eat Right India movement
    (4) The National Health Policy of 2017,
    (5) The National multi-sectoral action plan for prevention and control of Common NCDs 2017-2022.

    Upsc syllabus – Science and Technology (Health)

  • 53 accidents, 19 deaths per hour in road crashes in 2022: Road Transport Ministry

    Source: The post is based on the article “53 accidents, 19 deaths per hour in road crashes in 2022: Road Transport Ministry” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd November 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH) has released a report titled ‘Road accidents in India -2022’.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Aspect2022 Statistics
    Total Road Accidents 4.6 lakhs
    Total deaths due to Road accidents1.68 lakhs
    Increase in accidents and deaths from previous year11.9% in accidents and 9.4% in fatalities
    Road accidents and deaths every hour or dailyIndia witnessed 53 accidents and 19 deaths every hour or an average of 1,264 accidents and 42 deaths daily due to road crashes.
    Location of accidentsNational Highways(32.9%), State Highways (23.1%) and Other Roads (43.9%)
    Age group of accident victimsYoung adults in the age group of 18 – 45 years accounted for 66.5% of victims
    Childrens died in accidentsOver 9000 children were killed due to road crashes.This means that around 26 children died every day during 2022.
    Rural vs. Urban Accident DeathsRural: 68%, Urban: 32%
    Vehicle categories involved in road accidentsTwo-wheelers accounted for the highest share in total accidents and fatalities 
    States with Most Accidents on National HighwaysTamil Nadu followed by Madhya Pradesh
    States with Highest FatalitiesUttar Pradesh followed by Tamil Nadu

    What do other reports say on Road Accidents in India?

    According to the Save Life Foundation’s analysis, India ranks among the top 20 worst countries for road crashes.

    According to the World Road Statistics 2022 from the International Road Federation, India was followed by China and the United States in terms of the total number of road fatalities.

    UPSC Syllabus: Reports

  • Bletchley Declaration

    Source: This post is based on the article “Bletchley Declaration” published in “Business standard” on Thursday November 2 2023.

    Why in news ?

    Twenty-nine countries such as the US, the UK, China, Australia, Brazil and India, along with the European union have agreed to work together to prevent “catastrophic harm, either deliberate or unintentional” which may arise from artificially intelligent computer models and engines.

    What is Bletchley Declaration?

    Central objective- The central objective of the Bletchley Declaration is to address risks and responsibilities associated with frontier AI in a comprehensive and collaborative manner.  The document emphasizes the necessity of aligning AI systems with human intent and urges a deeper exploration of AI’s full capabilities.

    Bletchely Declaration
    Source- UKTN

    Member countries
    Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Saudi, Arabia, Netherlands, Nigeria, The Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, and the European Union.

    Significance

    It was marked by an agreement which resolved to establish “a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI”. It includes: 

    1) Identifying misuse: Acknowledgment of the substantial risks from potential intentional misuse or unintended issues of control of frontier AI — especially cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation risks. 

    2) Identifying risks: The declaration noted the potential for serious harm, deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the most significant capabilities of these AI models, as well as risks beyond frontier AI, including those of bias and privacy. 

    3) Focusing on international cooperation: These risks are “best addressed through international cooperation”. As part of the agreement on international collaboration on frontier AI safety, future summits will be held annually.  

    4) It highlights the importance of safeguarding human rights, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability, regulation, safety, human oversight, ethics, bias mitigation, privacy, and data protection.

    Challenges
    • It reflects the complex negotiations between nations with conflicting interests and legal systems, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and China.

    Upsc syllabus : GS 2-International relations

  • In FSSAI index, nearly all major states slip on food safety compared to 2019

    Source: This post is based on the article “In FSSAI index, nearly all major states slip on food safety compared to 2019” published in “ Indian Express” on 1st November 2023.

    Why in the News?

    Recently Food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) published its fifth consecutive State Food Safety Index. This index is used to measure the performance of states across various parameters of food safety.

    What is state food safety index? What is new parameter?

    It is an index developed by FSSAI. It helps to measure to performance of states on five significant parameters of food safety. These include compliance, Human resources and institutional data, Food testing- infrastructure and surveillance, training & capacity building and consumer empowerment.

    A new parameter is included in 2023 index “Improvement in SFSI rank”. The index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all states/ UTs.

    State Food Safety Index
    Source- The Indian Express

    What is the parameter wise performance of large states ?

    ParameterTop performersWorst performers
    Consumer empowermentTamil Nadu ,Kerala, Madhya PradeshBihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh
    Human resource and institutional dataWest Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil NaduBihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
    Food testing infrastructureGujarat, Kerala, west BengalAndhra Pradesh, Maharashtra ,Bihar
    Training and capacity buildingTamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya PradeshAssam, Haryana ,Rajasthan
    CompliancePunjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar PradeshJharkhand, Assam, Telangana

    Key findings of the State food safety index

    (1) After adjusting for a new parameter included in the 2023 index, 15 out of 20 states recorded lower 2023 scores compared to 2019.
    (2) 19 out of 20 large states — including Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh — recorded a drop in their 2023 scores from 2019.
    (3) The worst drop has been recorded in the ‘Food Testing Infrastructure’ parameter, where the average score for all large states dropped to 7 points out of 17 in 2023 from 13 points out of 20 in 2019.
    (4) The only parameter which recorded significant improvement was ‘Training and Capacity Building’, which was given the least weightage of 8 per cent in 2023 (10 per cent in previous years).

    UPSC syllabus-Science and Technology (Health)

  • Union Finance Minister inaugurates the first Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Finance Minister inaugurates the first Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi” published in “PIB” on 31st October 2023

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Finance has inaugurated the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi.

    What is the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM)?

    SpecificationDetails
    Hosted byDirectorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in consultation with World Customs Organisation (WCO).
    AimTo facilitate sharing of insights, best practices and to serve as a catalyst for enhancing collaboration with Indian Customs’ partner Administrations. 
    Theme‘It takes a Network to fight a Network’

    What is the World Customs Organisation (WCO)?

    SpecificationDetails
    TypeAn intergovernmental organization.
    Established in1952
    AimTo enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. 
    Members185 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade
    HeadquartersBrussels, Belgium
    SignificanceIt is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters
    Initiatives1.SAFE Framework of Standards.
    2.Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature.

    UPSC Syllabus: Economy

  • International Migration Outlook 2023: Nearly half a million Indians migrated to OECD countries in 2021

    Source: The post is based on the article “International Migration Outlook 2023: Nearly half a million Indians migrated to OECD countries in 2021” published in “Down To Earth” on 30th October 2023

    Why in the News?

    The International Migration Outlook 2023 has been released.

    What is the International Migration Outlook 2023?

    Released by: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

    Aim: To analyze the migration trends worldwide.

    Key Highlights from the report:

    SpecificationDetails
    India Leads in Migration to OECD CountriesIndia has emerged as the leading source of migration to OECD nations in 2021 and 2022, surpassing China and other countries.
    Climate induced displacementClimate-induced displacement is a growing concern, but very few OECD nations have clear policies to address this issue.
    Trends in International MigrationThe top four destination countries are:The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.They registered year-on-year increases between 21% and 35%.
    Type of Migration(1)In 2022, family migration remained the primary category of entry for new permanent-type migrants.It represented 40% of all permanent-type migration.
    (2)    The share of labour migration has increased over time.In 2022, labour migration represented 21% of permanent-type migration, it accounted for only 16% in 2019.

    UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

  • World Energy Outlook 2023: Substantial cut likely in India’s CO2 emissions by 2050

    Source: The post is based on the article “World Energy Outlook 2023: Substantial cut likely in India’s CO2 emissions by 2050” published in “TOI” on 27th October 2023

    Why in the News?

    The International Energy Agency(IEA) has released the World Energy Outlook 2023.

    What is the World Energy Outlook 2023?

    Released by: International Energy Agency(IEA)

    Aim: To provide in-depth analysis and strategic insights into every aspect of the global energy system.

    Key Highlights from the report:

    Globally: 

    1.Fossil fuel share in the global energy supply is projected to reduce from around 80% to 73% by 2030. 

    2.Investment in clean energy has risen by 40% since 2020.

    3.In 2020, one in 25 cars sold was electric.in 2023, this is now one in 5. 

    India:

    India is expected to have the highest growth in energy demand over the next three decades.

    But India’s industrial sector will emit 30% less CO2 by 2030 and passenger cars will emit 25% less CO2 per kilometer driven.

    This is due to the government policies in addressing climate commitments through increased efficiency and new technologies.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: Renewable Energy

  • Global Tax Evasion Report 2024

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global Tax Evasion Report 2024” published in “EU” on 27th October 2023

    Why in the News?

    The European Union Tax Observatory has released ‘Global Tax Evasion Report 2024’.

    What is the Global Tax Evasion Report 2024?

    Released by: European Union Tax Observatory

    Aim: To discuss tax evasion, the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) and measures to combat tax evasion.

    Note: Tax evasion is the illegal act of not paying owed taxes to the government by under-reporting income, hiding money offshore or inflating deductions to reduce tax liability.

    Key highlights of the report: 

    1.Tax Rates for Global BillionairesGlobal billionaires often have effective tax rates as low as 0% to 0.5% due to the use of shell companies to avoid income taxation.
    2.Profit Shifting by Multinational Corporations (MNCs)In 2022, MNCs shifted around USD 1 trillion to tax havens, equivalent to 35% of their profits earned outside their home countries.
    – “Greenwashing the Global Minimum Tax” allows MNCs to use ‘green’ tax credits to lower their tax rates below the 15% minimum.
    3.Challenges in Curbing Offshore Tax EvasionOver the past decade, offshore tax evasion has reduced, with only 25% of previously untaxed wealth remaining.
    – However, challenges persist such as non-compliance by offshore financial institutions and limitations in sharing bank information automatically.

    Key recommendations of the report:

    1.Global Minimum Tax for Billionaires: Proposes a global minimum tax of 2% on billionaires’ wealth to increase government revenue and reduce wealth inequality.

    2.Reform Corporate Taxation: Reform international agreements on minimum corporate taxation by implementing a 25% tax rate and eliminating tax competition loopholes.

    3.Unilateral Measures for Tax Collection: Implement unilateral measures to collect taxes from multinational companies and billionaires if global agreements fail.

    4.Global Asset Registry: Work towards establishing a Global Asset Registry to enhance the fight against tax evasion.

    5.Strengthen Economic Substance and Anti-Abuse Rules: Strengthen the application of economic substance and anti-abuse rules to deter tax avoidance and evasion.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: Taxation- Indian Economy

  • ISA to release report on global adoption of solar technology in November

    Source: The post is based on the article “ISA to release report on global adoption of solar technology in November” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2023

    Why in the News?

    The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will for the first time compile and release a ‘Global solar stocktake report’.

    What is the Global solar Stocktake Report?

    To be released by:  International Solar Alliance(ISA)

    Inspired by:‘Global Stocktake’ of the United Nations Conference of Parties

    Aim: To take stock of the progress made by countries in the solar energy sector.

    Focus of the report: In 2020, there was about $300 billion invested in solar, and in 2022, it was around $380 billion. But most of the manufacturing is in China.The stocktake will explore ways to diversify this manufacturing.

    What is a Global Solar Facility?

    To be Launched by: International Solar Alliance(ISA)

    Aim: To help reduce the remaining constraints related to contracts and financing for solar energy projects.

    Focus area: To expand solar installations in Africa and then expand it to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

    Funds: It will have three funds: 1) payment guarantee fund 2) Insurance fund to mitigate project risks and 3) Investment fund for technical assistance.

    How much gigawatts of solar photovoltaic panels have been installed globally?

    As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations have reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW) with 191 GW added in 2022.

    China accounts for about a quarter of this total solar photovoltaic installations followed by the United States.

    India is also among the top five countries globally with 62 GW of installations.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: International Organizations

  • Losses from extreme events over 31 years were $3.8 trillion

    Source: The post is based on the article “Losses from extreme events over 31 years were $3.8 trillion” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023

    What is the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) has released a report titled ‘The Impact of Disaster on Agriculture and Food Security’.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Warmest Decade: In 2023, we saw the end of the warmest decade on record with a lot of extreme weather and disasters.These disasters were made worse by conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Rising Disaster Frequency: Over the past 50 years, the number of extreme disaster events has increased significantly.

    – In the 1970s, there were about 100 disasters per year, but in the last 20 years, it’s gone up to about 400 annually globally.

    Impact on Agriculture: Agricultural activities and livelihoods depend on environmental conditions, natural resources, and ecosystems.

    – But the agriculture sector is facing threats from hazards such as flooding, water scarcity, drought, and environmental degradation. 

    – For instance, in Pakistan, exceptional monsoon rainfalls in 2022 led to nearly $4 billion in damages to the agricultural sector.

    Agriculture losses due to disasters: Over the last 31 years, extreme events have caused around $3.8 trillion in losses to agriculture.

    – Droughts are the biggest threat to agriculture, causing over 65% of losses.

    – Floods, storms, cyclones, and volcanic activities each account for around 20% of losses.

    Region wise differences: Asia has the highest economic losses from disasters (45%). Oceania experienced the lowest losses from disasters.

  • PM unveils long-term blueprint for India’s maritime economy

    Source: The post is based on the article “PM unveils long-term blueprint for India’s maritime economy” published in “The Hindu” on 18th October 2023

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai.

    What is the Global Maritime India Summit?

    Organized by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

    Aim: To boost the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.

    The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai while the Second Maritime Summit was held virtually in 2021.

    What are the key highlights from the Global Maritime India Summit 2023?

    Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: It is a 25-year blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy. 

    – The plan outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices and facilitating international collaboration.

    Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal: It is going to be built at Deendayal Port in Gujarat.

    – The port will be developed through a public-private partnership(PPP) mode.

    – The port will handle modern vessels with a capacity exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

    – It will also serve as a key entry point for Indian trade along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

  • 1st P20 Summit hosted by India has been the most successful P20 Summit ever: Lok Sabha Speaker

    Source: The post is based on the article “1st P20 Summit hosted by India has been the most successful P20 Summit ever: Lok Sabha Speaker” published in “PIB” on 16th October 2023

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister inaugurated the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit(P20) in New Delhi.

    What is the P20 Summit?

    Parliament 20(P20) Engagement Group was started during Canada’s G20 Presidency in 2010.

    The group is led by Speakers from Parliaments of G20 countries.

    Aim: To bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance, raise awareness, build political support for international commitments and ensure that these are effectively translated into national realities. 

    Who hosted the 9th P20 Summit?

    Hosted by: Parliament of India in cooperation with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Theme: ‘Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future’. 

    The summit hosted discussions on four subjects: 1) Accelerating SDGs 2) Sustainable Energy Transition 3) Women led Development and 4) Transformation in Peoples’ Lives through Public Digital Platforms. 

    What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU)?

    Click Here to read

  • World Health Summit 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “World Health Summit 2023” published in “PIB” on 16th October 2023

    What is the News?

    India’s Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare attended the World Health Summit 2023.

    What is the World Health Summit?

    World Health Summit is the unique international strategic forum for global health

    Founded in: 2009 on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Berlin’s Charité Hospital.

    Held under: It is held under the patronage of the German Chancellor, President of the Republic of France, President of the European Commission and Director-General of the World Health Organization(WHO).

    Held at: annually held in Berlin, Germany 

    Aim: To set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and wellbeing for all.

    Theme for 2023: “A Defining Year for Global Health Action.”

    What are the key highlights from the Health Minister’s address at the World Health Summit 2023?

    Union Minister highlighted the steps taken by India to reduce the prevalence and impact of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Some of these steps are: 

    National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): It was launched under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2010. It aims to strengthen infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral. 

    75/25 initiative: It is aimed at screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025.

    Budget 2023-24: The Outcome Budget document of the Union Budget for 2023-2024 has included hypertension and diabetes treatment as output indicators for the first time. 

    Population-Based Screening(PBS): It is organized under the umbrella of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) across Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC). 

    – The individuals in the age groups of 30 years and above are targeted for risk assessment and screening of common NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer).

    National NCD portal: It is being used for prevention, control, screening and management of common NCDs. 

    – Primary-level information is captured through this portal at public health facilities for reporting and monitoring individual-wise screening and compliance of treatment for NCDs. 

  • Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023 Released

    Source: The post is based on the article “Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023 Released” published in “PIB” on 10th October 2023

    What is the News?

    The National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) has released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2022-23.

    What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS)?

    Launched in: 2017 by National Sample Survey Office(NSSO)

    Objectives: To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio(WPR), Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR), Unemployment Rate(UER)) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).

    – To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

    Click Here to read more about PLFS

    What are the key findings of PLFS Annual Report 2022-23?

    Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR): It increased significantly over the last six years, from 36.9 per cent in 2017-18 to 57.9 percent in 2022-23.

    – In rural areas, LFPR increased from 50.7% in 2017-18 to 60.8% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it increased from 47.6% to 50.4%. 

    – LFPR for male in India increased from 75.8% in 2017-18 to 78.5% in 2022-23 and corresponding increase in LFPR for females was from 23.3% to 37.0%.

    Worker Population Ratio (WPR): In rural areas, WPR increased from 48.1% in 2017-18 to 59.4% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it increased from 43.9% to 47.7%. 

    – WPR for male in India increased from 71.2% in 2017-18 to 76.0% in 2022-23 and the corresponding increase in WPR for females was from 22.0% to 35.9%.

    Unemployment Rate (UR): India’s unemployment rate dropped to a six-year low in the financial year July-June 2022-23 to 3.2 per cent.

    – In rural areas, UR decreased from 5.3% in 2017-18 to 2.4% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it decreased from 7.7% to 5.4%. 

    – UR for male in India decreased from 6.1% in 2017-18 to 3.3% in 2022-23 and corresponding decrease in UR for females was from 5.6% to 2.9%.

  • India expanding censorship regime, creating uneven playing field: study

    Source: The post is based on the article “India expanding censorship regime, creating uneven playing field: study” published in “The Hindu” on 6th October 2023

    What is the News?

    Freedom House, a Washington-based non-profit organization has released a report titled “Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence”.

    What is the Freedom on the Net report?

    Freedom on the Net is an annual study of human rights in the digital sphere. 

    The report assesses internet freedom in 70 countries, accounting for almost 89 percent of the world’s internet users. 

    This report covered developments between June 2022 and May 2023. 

    What are the key findings of the Freedom on the Net report?

    Source: The Hindu

    Global Internet Freedom Decline: Internet freedom has declined globally for the 13th consecutive year.Out of 70 countries assessed, 29 have witnessed a deterioration in online human rights, while only 20 have shown improvements.

    Worst country for Internet Freedom: China was ranked as the world’s worst environment for Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year.Myanmar emerged as the world’s second most repressive country for online freedom.

    – Iran also experienced a significant increase in digital repression, including Internet shutdowns and social media blockages during anti-government protests.

    Legal Consequences for Online Expression: A record 55 countries saw individuals facing legal repercussions for online expression.

    – The number of countries imposing arrests and long prison terms for online activities has risen from 18 in 2014 to 31 in 2023.

    Elections as Triggers: Elections often serve as triggers for digital repression.Incumbent leaders frequently criminalize speech, block independent news sites, and control information to influence election outcomes.

    What are the key findings of the report related to India?

    India’s Censorship measures: India has incorporated censorship including the use of automated systems, into the country’s legal framework. 

    – The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require large social media platforms to use AI-based moderation tools for broadly defined types of content — such as speech that could undermine public order, decency, morality, or the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and security, or content that officials had previously ordered removed.

    Censorship methods adopted by India: The report evaluates countries on five censorship methods — Internet connectivity restrictions, blocks on social media platforms, blocks on websites, blocks on VPNs, and forced removal of content.

    – India engaged in all forms of censorship methods except one (VPN blocking).

    Digital Freedom score: India received a score of 50 on a scale of 1 to 100 for Digital freedom where ‘100’ represented highest digital freedom.Iceland had the highest Internet freedom with a score of 94.

  • India retains 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “India retains 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023” published in “PIB” on 28th September 2023.

    What is the News?

    Global Innovation Index 2023 has been published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

    What is the Global Innovation Index?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key findings of Innovation Index 2023?

    Global Innovation Index 2023

    Source: Economic Times

    Top Five countries: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore are the world’s most innovative economies in 2023.

    India: India has maintained its 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023. In 2015, India stood at the 81st spot and has been rising in the past eight years.

    – India ranked first among the 37 lower-middle group of income and first among the 10 economies in Central and South America.

    – India holds top rankings in key indicators such as: ICT services exports (5th rank), flow of venture capital (6), graduates in science and engineering (11) and global corporate R&D investors (13).

    – The areas where India needs to improve a lot are infrastructure (84th rank), business sophistication (57) and institutions (56).

  • Greater one-horned rhinos thriving in India Nepal despite poaching threat Report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Greater one-horned rhinos thriving in India Nepal despite poaching threat Report” published in “The Week” on 26th September 2023.

    What is the News?

    The State of the Rhino Report, 2023 has been released by US-based International Rhino Foundation(IRF).

    The report comes ahead of World Rhino Day, an annual global celebration of the five rhino species and their conservation on September 22.

    What are the key findings of State of the Rhino Report, 2023?

    Source: International Rhino Foundation(IRF)

    Threats: Habitat loss, poaching and climate change continue to threaten the existence of all five rhino species.

    – Rhino populations that were once considered less threatened have seemingly become the primary target of poaching efforts which are orchestrated by highly organized, transnational criminal syndicates.

    Impact of Climate Change: In Africa, climate change-induced drought is causing myriad detrimental impacts.

    – In Asia dramatically increased precipitation and longer monsoon periods could cause more direct deaths of rhinos and humans alike.

    – Changing weather conditions and landscapes can also trigger an increase in invasive plant species, crowding out or overtaking native rhino food plants and causing general habitat degradation.

    Greater One Horned Rhino: Greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) reside primarily in India and Nepal, though there is a population that occasionally crosses into Bhutan. 

    – Bhutan, India and Nepal work together to implement a trans-boundary management strategy for the greater one-horned rhino. 

    – Thanks to this collaboration and strict government protection and management, the greater one-horned rhino population has steadily increased over the last century, and has grown about 20% over the last decade. 

    Deaths of Greater One Horned Rhino: After reporting no poaching deaths in 2022, India has recorded two deaths of Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) until September 2023.

    – The deaths were reported from Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park. 

  • Aadhaar unreliable in ‘hot, humid’ India: Moody’s

    Source: The post is based on the article “Aadhaar unreliable in ‘hot, humid’ India: Moody’s”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

    What is the News?

    Global rating major Moody’s Investors Service has released a report titled “Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets”.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Source: The Hindu

    Moody has acknowledged Aadhaar as the world’s largest digital ID program that assigns unique numbers to over 1.2 billion Indian residents using biometric and demographic data.

    However, Moody has raised some concerns over Aadhar such as:

    Biometric issues: Aadhar often results in service denials and the reliability of biometric technologies especially for manual laborers in hot, humid climates, is questionable.

    – These remarks assume significance in view of the government’s adoption of Aadhaar for routing direct benefit transfers to beneficiaries of official welfare schemes and in particular, the use of Aadhaar-based payments for labourers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

    Centralized Identification system: Aadhaar is a centralized identification system.This leads to the concentration of sensitive information with specific entities and increases the risks of data breaches.Hence, that’s why Moody has favoured adoption of decentralized ID (DID) systems.

    – In decentralized ID (DID) systems, personal data is saved in a user’s digital wallet and identity verification takes place not via a single, centralized institution but on a decentralized digital ledger such as a blockchain.This increases privacy and reduces the amount of personal information held by intermediaries.

    – For instance, Estonia, known for its fully digitalized public services has embraced SSI [Self-Sovereign Identity] to grant citizens complete control over their digital identities.

    – However, digital IDs, centralized or not can have negative social repercussions, since they may strengthen group identities and political divides, particularly if offered by technology and social media companies with significant monopolistic influence.

  • National Education Policy 2020 | Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel

    Source: The post is based on the article “National Education Policy 2020 | Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has released a report titled ‘Implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 in Higher Education’.

    The committee has advised the Union government to hold discussions with stakeholders before implementing the option of multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) under the national education policy(NEP). 

    What is Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME)?

    Source: The Hindu

    National education policy(NEP) proposes Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME).

    The system allows students to drop their course and resume it at a later stage as and when they desire or deem it worth pursuing. 

    This arrangement will prove to be helpful for those students who cannot continue their studies due to financial, social or any other reason and desire to resume their studies when the conditions become favourable in due course of time.

    What are the challenges in implementing MEME according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee?

    Predicting Student Flow: MEME looks like a flexible system which is being operated by western educational institutions effectively.But it might not work well in the country.

    – This is because in India, with its high population, it is challenging for institutions to predict how many students may exit or join midway.This uncertainty could disrupt the pupil-teacher ratio.

    Uneven Distribution of Institutions: The uneven geographical distribution of higher educational institutions, especially in rural areas could create obstacles in implementing MEME effectively.

    What are the recommendations given by the committee to implement MEME effectively?

    Develop comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework for MEME options, including specific eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms providing a clear road map for students pursuing different exit points.

    Conduct wider consultations with universities, institutions, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to address the challenges and difficulties associated with MEME implementation.

    How is the Kerala Government implementing MEME?

    The Kerala government has decided not to implement MEME in colleges and universities in the State. 

    The curriculum document of the State had said that the government would allow multiple entry, but exit will be allowed either after three years with a degree or after four years with honours degree.

  • Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments

    Source: The post is based on the article “Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments”  published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture has called for revising rules of construction around protected Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) monuments.

    What are the rules of construction around protected ASI monuments?

    ​​The prohibited and restricted area provision was introduced in 2010 through an amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. 

    It prohibits and regulates all activities like mining and construction around 100 metres and 300 metres. 

    What are the observations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture on this?

    The committee has observed that the provision of 100-metre prohibited area and 300-metre regulated area around all monuments protected by the ASI has pitted the local community against these heritage structures in many places as they find it difficult to carry out necessary repair work of their residential spaces.

    The committee has asked the government to revise the rules to make them realistic.It has also recommended rationalizing the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments.

    The committee has also recommended that the list of all 3,691 ASI-protected monuments be rationalized and categorized based on their national significance, unique architectural value and specific heritage content.

  • India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

    Source: The post is based on the article “India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

    What is the News?

    India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.

    What is the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement(ICCC)?

    International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement(ICCC) is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete. 

    The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918.

    The 9th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) and the present 16th ICCC is being held at Bangkok, Thailand.

    What is the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM)?

    National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

    Purpose: It is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.

    Significance: NCCBM has a proven track record of executing biennial NCB International Seminars/Conferences of similar magnitude, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.

    India’s Cement Industry:

    India is the fifth largest economy and is likely to become third largest by the next five years.

    India’s cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes. 

    The cement industry in India plays a key role in the circular economy framework in the country by utilizing various industrial wastes and is having one of the lowest CO2 footprints and most energy efficient in the world. 

  • Union Health Minister addresses annual meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Health Minister addresses annual meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health”  published in PIB on 19th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Union Health Minister addressed the annual meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health on the occasion of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

    What is the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs (UNIATF)?

    UNIATF was established by the UN Secretary-General in 2013 and placed under WHO’s leadership. 

    Its role is to bring the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations together to support governments to meet the NCD-related SDG targets which includes mental health.

    The Task Force supports governments to meet high-level commitments made at the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, including the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013–2030. 

    The task force reports each year to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

    What are the key highlights from the Union Health Minister address to UNIATF?

    Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health problem, responsible for about 74% of all deaths worldwide, and in India, they account for 63% of all deaths.This places immense pressure on healthcare systems and has a substantial socioeconomic impact.

    India’s approach towards tackling NCDs includes implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).The strategy aims to provide standard care to 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes by 2025.

    For every individual, a single Ayushman Bharat Health Account Number (ABHA-ID) is being maintained and tracking of every single individual with NCDs is done through National NCD Portal. 

    Ayushman Bharat has introduced Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) that offer population-level interventions for the prevention, screening, control, and management of five common NCDs i.e., hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. 

    Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health assurance/ insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Rs. 5 lakh coverage per family per year is provided to over 600 million beneficiaries.

  • Fourth G20 Global Partnership For Financial Inclusion Meeting is scheduled to be held in Mumbai

    Source: The post is based on the article “Fourth G20 Global Partnership For Financial Inclusion Meeting is scheduled to be held in Mumbai”  published in PIB on 14th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Fourth G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Meeting is being held in Mumbai 

    What is Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion(GPFI)?

    Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion(GPFI) was officially launched in 2010 in Seoul,South Korea.

    It is an inclusive platform for all G20 countries, interested non-G20 countries and relevant stakeholders.

    Purpose: To carry forward work on financial inclusion, including implementation of the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan, endorsed at the G20 Summit in Seoul.

    GPFI’s efforts include helping countries put into practice the G20 Principles for Innovative Financial Inclusion, strengthening data for measuring financial inclusion, and developing methodologies for countries wishing to set targets.

    The first G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency was held in 2023 in Kolkata,West Bengal. 

  • President of India to Inaugurate ‘First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ at ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi

    Source: The post is based on the article “President of India to Inaugurate ‘First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ at ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi”  published in PIB on 12th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The President of India will inaugurate the first ‘Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ (GSFR) at the ICAR Convention Centre, National Agricultural Science Centre Complex in New Delhi.

    What is the Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights'(GSFR)?

    Organized by: Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome.

    Hosted by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) among others.

    Aim: To contribute to the understanding of the challenges and opportunities of implementing farmers’ rights by the signatory countries and other stakeholders. 

    Significance: India is hosting its first ‘Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’.

    – Note: India has been the first country in the world to include Farmers’ Rights in the context of Plant Variety Registration through its Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001.

  • G20 document prepared by World Bank lauds India’s progress

    Source: The post is based on the article “G20 document prepared by World Bank lauds India’s progress” published in PIB on 9th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion document prepared by the World Bank has lauded the transformative impact of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India over the past decade under the Central Government.

    What is Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI)?

    Click Here to read

    What did the World Bank document say about India’s Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI)?

    World Bank document discusses the significant achievements and impact of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in various areas:

    Financial Inclusion: India’s DPI particularly the JAM  (short for Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) Trinity, has greatly improved financial inclusion, increasing the adult inclusion rate from 25% to over 80% in just six years.This progress would have taken decades without DPI.

    Government to Person (G2P) Payments: India’s digital G2P system, built on DPI, has facilitated the transfer of $361 billion directly to beneficiaries through various government schemes, resulting in significant savings.

    UPI (Unified Payments Interface): UPI transactions in May 2023 alone exceeded 9.41 billion.For the fiscal year 2022–23, the total value of UPI transactions was nearly 50 percent of India’s nominal GDP.

    DPI Benefits for the Private Sector: DPI has increased efficiency for private organizations by reducing complexity, costs, and processing times.This has had positive effects on sectors such as SME lending, depreciation costs and fraud detection.

    Lower KYC Compliance Costs: The India Stack has digitized and simplified KYC procedures, reducing banks’ compliance costs from $0.12 to $0.06 and making it more profitable to serve lower-income clients.

    Cross-Border Payments: The UPI-PayNow interlinking between India and Singapore, operationalized in February 2023, promotes faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments.

    Account Aggregator (AA) Framework: India’s AA Framework, regulated by RBI, enables individuals and enterprises to share data securely and with consent. There are 1.13 billion cumulative accounts enabled for data sharing.

    Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA): DEPA empowers individuals to control their data and share it across providers, fostering innovation and competition without heavy investments in client relationships.

  • Conference on Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid held in New Delhi

    Source: The post is based on the article “Conference on Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid held in New Delhi” published in PIB on 6th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The conference on “Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” was held in New Delhi.

    The conference was organized by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a ‘Maharatna’ company under the Ministry of Power.

    What is One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) Initiative?

    Origin: The idea for the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was put forth by the Prime Minister of India at the First Assembly of the ISA in 2018. 

    Launched in: It was jointly launched by the Prime Minister of India and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the ‘Accelerating Innovation and Clean Technology Deployment’ event at the World Leaders Summit held on 2 November 2021 during COP26.

    Vision: The vision behind the OSOWOG initiative is the mantra that “the sun never sets”.

    Aim: To aid in developing a worldwide grid through which clean energy can be transmitted anywhere, anytime (use power at night in one part of the world from solar energy generated on the other side of the world where it is day time). 

    How will the OSOWOG Initiative be implemented?

    OSOWOG is divided into three main phases:

    In the first phase, the Indian grid would be connected to the grids of Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia to develop a common grid. This grid would then be used to share solar energy as per need, in addition to other renewable energy sources.

    The second phase would connect the functional first phase to the pool of renewable resources in Africa.

    The third phase would look at achieving true global interconnection.The idea will be to integrate as many countries as possible to create a single power grid of renewable energy.This can then be accessed by all countries.

    How will the OSOWOG Initiative help the world become more sustainable?

    All participants in the initiative will focus on attracting effective investments in renewable energy sources by utilizing technology, finance and skill.When all stakeholders coordinate, it is expected to bring down project cost, lead to higher efficiencies and increased asset utilization for all involved.

    The initiative may also have a spillover effect as the cost effective source of energy production could be used in other areas such as poverty alleviation, provision of drinking water, sanitation facilities and food security.

  • Government proposes in SC tech panel to evaluate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States


    Source:     The post is based on the article “Government proposes in SC tech panel to evaluate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States”  published in The Hindu on 5th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change suggested steps to assess the accurate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States.

    What is Carrying Capacity?

    The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustain without getting degraded.

    What are the suggestions given by the Central Government to assess the carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States?

    The Union government has urged the Supreme Court to issue directives to all 13 Himalayan states and Union territories for immediately assessing the carrying capacity of mountainous regions.

    These 13 Himalayan states and UTs include Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal.

    States could constitute committees headed by their respective Chief Secretaries to collect information on the load-carrying capacity of their hill stations, cities and eco-sensitive zones.

    The Centre will then form a 13-member technical committee headed by the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment to evaluate the information collected by the States.

    What is the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)?

    The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). 

    The mission is aimed at evolving management measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan glaciers and mountain ecosystem. 

    The measures include enhanced monitoring of the Himalayan ecosystem through establishment of the monitoring network, promoting community based management, human resource development and strengthening regional cooperation.

  • ‘Gujarat Declaration’ underlining outcome of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 released

    Source: The post is based on the article “Gujarat Declaration’ underlining outcome of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 released”  published in PIB on 4th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) released the outcome document of the summit in form of “Gujarat Declaration’.

    What is the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key points of the Gujarat Declarations?

    Gujarat declaration reaffirmed global commitments towards indigenous knowledges, biodiversity and traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.

    The key action points outlined in the declaration are:

    Health and Well-being: Scale up evidence-based traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) for universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.Use science and technology to validate TCIM’s contribution to health and well-being.

    Global Health Leadership: Expand multi-regional collaborations through the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and Respect Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge on health.

    Research and Evidence: Mobilize research funding for TCIM and strengthen research capabilities.

    Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems: Integrate TCIM into national health systems and adapt laws and policies for TCIM safety and accessibility.

    Digital Health and AI: Develop digital health resources, including AI, for TCIM.

    Biodiversity and Sustainability: Support UN biodiversity agreements and Indigenous Peoples’ involvement.

    Human Rights, Equity, and Ethics: Recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge.Incorporate ethical practices in TCIM.

  • The northern plains of India is the most polluted region

    Source: The post is based on the article “The northern plains of India is the most polluted region”  published in The Hindu on 4th September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Air Quality Life Index 2021 has been released.

    What is the Air Quality Life Index?

    Released by: Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) 

    Purpose: It is a pollution index that quantifies the relationship between long-term exposure to particulate pollution and life expectancy.

    What are the key findings of the Air Quality Life Index?

    Pollution and Life expectancy: Pollution remains the foremost external threat to human health around the world.

    – Its impact on life expectancy rivals that of smoking, surpassing alcohol use, unsafe water, and even exceeding car crash injuries.

    – If the world were to permanently reduce fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline, the average person would add 2.3 years onto their life expectancy.

    South Asia: South Asia is home to the four most polluted countries in the world and nearly a quarter of the global population.

    – Between 2013 to 2021, particulate pollution in South Asia surged by 9.7%, which is estimated to reduce life expectancy in the region by an additional six months.

    Most polluted countries in the world: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan where 22.9% of the global population lives are the four most polluted countries in the world.

    – In Bangladesh, people potentially lost an average of 6.8 years of life due to air pollution not meeting WHO guidelines.In contrast, the average person from the U.S. lost just 3.6 months.

    China: China stands out due to its success in reducing pollution by a staggering 42.3% from 2013 to 2021 and extending the average life expectancy of its population by 2.2 years.This reduction can be attributed to the country’s policy initiatives to combat pollution in 2014.

    India: India is the second-most polluted country in the world in 2021.

    – The average Indian resident is set to lose 5.3 years of life expectancy if WHO guidelines remain unmet.In contrast, cardiovascular diseases reduce the average Indian’s life expectancy by about 4.5 years, while child and maternal malnutrition reduces it by 1.8 years.

    – Delhi is the world’s most polluted city.If the PM2.5 level in Delhi is reduced to meet the WHO guideline, a resident in Delhi could gain 11.9 years in life expectancy.

    – Northern plains, which is home to over half a billion people and 38.9% of India’s population, is the most polluted region. 

    – The northern plains include the States and Union Territories of Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

    – In the northern plains, the average resident is set to lose about 8 years of life expectancy if pollution levels persist and policies do not succeed in reducing pollution to levels as prescribed by the WHO.

  • PM congratulates RBI Governor for being rated “A+” in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “PM congratulates RBI Governor for being rated “A+” in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023”  published in PIB on 2nd September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister has congratulated RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das for being  rated “A+” in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023.

    What is Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023?

    The Central Banker Report Cards has been published annually by Global Finance since 1994.

    Purpose: It grades the central bank governors of 101 key countries, territories and districts, including the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States.

    Parameters: The grades are based on a scale from A to F for success in inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability, and interest rate management, according to a statement by Global Finance magazine. 

    – An ‘A’ represents an excellent performance and an ‘F’ stands for an outright failure.

    Note: Recently, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was also awarded the “Governor of the Year” at the Central Banking Awards 2023 in London.

    – Central Banking is a London-based international economic research journal. 

    – Shaktikanta Das is the second RBI governor to receive this award after Raghuram Rajan, who was given the title in 2015.

  • Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood

    Source: The post is based on the article “Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6 shows that disability remains misunderstood”  published in Indian Express 1st September 2023

    What is the News?

    The Government of India has decided to omit disability-related questions from the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).

    What is the National Family Health Survey(NFHS)?

    Click Here to read

    When was disability related questions included in the NFHS Survey?

    The questions on disability were included for the first time in the NFHS-5 which was carried out during 2019-21.

    Based on the NFHS-5 report, it was observed that disability prevalence was only 1% for rural areas and 0.9% for urban areas.

    However, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) estimates for the year 2018 showed 2.3% for rural areas and 2% for urban areas.

    Why has NFHS-6 decided to omit disability-related questions?

    According to the Ministry of Health, the disability related questions are not included in NFHS-6 as the disability data will not change very fast and there is no reason to collect this data every time.

    This decision has been criticized as the persons with disabilities make up around 2.21% of India’s population, totaling about 2.68 crore people according to the 2011 Census.

    The Census data does not fully represent the current disabled population due to population growth over the past decade and the limited categories of disabilities recognized in the Census.

    What are the other issues faced by disabled people in government policy making?

    Limited Understanding of Disability: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) report on ‘Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India — A Statistical Profile: 2021’ refers to only eight categories of disabilities. 

    – It fails to acknowledge and account for the 21 categories of disabilities recognised in law after the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWDA).

    Invisible disability not acknowledged: Niti Aayog’s visionary blueprint, ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’, which delineates the government’s goals for 2022-23, recognises the challenges posed due to a lack of detailed data in drafting policies for persons with disabilities. 

    – However, the document lacks measures for those with invisible disabilities such as mental health conditions. 

  • In India, 74% can’t afford a healthy diet: UN agency report

    Source: The post is based on the article “In India, 74% can’t afford a healthy diet: UN agency report”  published in The Hindu on 31st August 2023

    What is the News?

    The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023 report has been released with the theme “Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation, and healthy diets across the rural-urban continuum”.

    What is the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World(SOFI) Report?

    SOFI is an annual flagship report jointly prepared by: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

    Aim: To inform on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and to provide an in-depth analysis of key challenges for achieving this goal in the context of the SDG.

    What are the key findings of the SOFI 2023 related to India?

    Source: The Hindu

    Healthy diet: India has the lowest cost of a healthy diet among BRICS nations and neighboring countries.However, a significant portion of the population can’t afford it due to stagnant or decreasing incomes. 

    – For instance, meal costs in Mumbai increased by 65% in five years, while salaries/wages only grew by 28%-37%. 

    Healthy diet in terms of Purchasing Power Parity(PPP): In India, a healthy diet costs 3.066 PPP dollars per person per day, the lowest among the countries considered. 

    – PPP stands for ‘Purchasing Power Parity’.In simple terms, 1 PPP dollar in the United States should buy the same amount of goods and services as 1 PPP dollar in, say, India or Brazil. 

    Share of the population that is unable to afford a healthy diet in 2021: In India, 74% were not able to afford a healthy diet, the fourth highest share among the nations considered. 

    Change in the cost of a healthy diet over the years across regions: Between 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021, the expense of maintaining a healthy diet increased by almost 9% in Asia — the highest across regions.

    Change in the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet over time across regions: Between 2019 and 2021, Asia and Africa saw the highest growth in the number of people who could not afford a healthy diet. 

    – In Asia, South Asia had the highest number of people (1.4 billion) and the highest share (72%) who could not afford a healthy diet.

  • Ministry of Jal Shakti Releases the 6th Census Report On Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Jal Shakti Releases the 6th Census Report On Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes”  published in PIB on 28th August 2023

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the 6th Census Report on Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes.

    What are Minor irrigation(MI) schemes?

    Minor irrigation (MI) schemes are defined as those structures either in ground water or in surface water category having Culturable Command Area (CCA) up to 2,000 ha.

    Minor irrigation schemes are categorized into six types: (1) Dug wells/dug-cum-bore wells (2) Shallow Tube wells (3) Medium Tube wells and (4) Deep tube wells comes under the category of Ground water schemes whereas (5) Surface flow schemes and (6) Surface lift schemes comes under the category of Surface water schemes. 

    What is the Census Report on Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes?

    The Government of India has been conducting census of minor irrigation schemes. So far, five censuses have been conducted with reference year 1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-07 and 2013-14 respectively.

    The census is conducted under the centrally sponsored scheme “Irrigation Census”. 

    The 6th minor irrigation census with reference year 2017-18 was completed in 32 States/ UTs. For the first time, information about the gender of the owner of the MI scheme was also collected in case of individual ownership.

    What are the key findings of the 6th Census Report on Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes?

    Minor irrigation schemes: There are 23.14 million minor irrigation schemes in India spread over 695 districts. Of these 21.93 million (94.8%) are groundwater and 1.21 million (5.2%) are surface water schemes.

    – Dug wells have the highest share in MI schemes followed by shallow tube wells, medium tube wells and deep tube wells.

    State wise: Uttar Pradesh possesses the largest number of MI schemes in the country (17.2%) followed by Maharashtra (15.4%), Madhya Pradesh (9.9%) and Tamil Nadu (9.1%). 

    Increase in MI Schemes: There has been an increase of about 1.42 million in MI schemes with their number standing at 23.14 million during 6th MI Census as compared to 21.7 million in 5th Census.

    Ownership of minor irrigation schemes: 96.6% of minor irrigation schemes are under private ownership whereas 3.4% are under public ownership. Therefore, most minor irrigation schemes are owned by individuals or groups of farmers.

    The most notable finding was that 18.1% of minor irrigation schemes are owned by women. 

  • State of birds report 2023: Most species show dip, Indian Peafowl among those flourishing

    Source: The post is based on the article “State of birds: Most species show dip, Indian Peafowl among those flourishing”  published in Indian Express on 28th August 2023

    What is the News?

    The State of India’s Birds, 2023 has been released.

    What is the State of India’s Birds Report, 2023?

    State of India’s Birds Report ​​is an assessment of the distribution range, trends in abundance and conservation status of 942 of India’s 1,200 bird species.

    Published by: State of India’s Birds Partnership, a group of 13 governments (including SACON, WII, ZSI) and non-governmental organizations.

    What are the key findings of the State of India’s Birds, 2023?

    Source: Hindustan Times

    Decline in birds: Of the 338 species that had enough data to assess for long-term trends, 60% of the species showed long-term declines.

    – Birds that feed on vertebrates and carrion (including raptors and vultures) have declined greatly, suggesting harmful pollutants in their food resources, a decline in prey availability, or both.

    Endemic Birds: Birds endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspots have rapidly declined in India over the past few decades. India is home to 232 endemic species, found nowhere else in the world.

    Birds that live in open habitats are severely impacted: Open habitats in India have been severely compromised by the spread of invasive, drought tolerant woody plants, as well as wind turbines and power lines, impacting several bird species. Of particular note is the Great Grey Shrike, which has suffered a worrisome long-term decline of more than 80%.

    Three Indian Bustard species face imminent extinction: The three bustard species that breed in India – the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican – face imminent extinction.

    Migratory birds under greater threat than resident species: Birds face many dangers during migration, from extreme weather events, to predation, starvation, and hunting/illegal killing.

    Long-distance migrants have declined the most, by over 50% followed by short-distance migrants.

    Some bird species are in abundance: Several species like the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel, and House Crow are thriving and increasing in both abundance and distribution.

    – For instance, there has been a 150% increase in the abundance of peafowl across the country over the past decades.

    What are the major threats to birds in India highlighted in the report?

    The major threats are: Climate Change, Urbanization, Monocultures, Energy Infrastructure, ecosystem degradation and environmental pollutants.

  • 7th GEF Assembly: Global Biodiversity Framework Fund ratified

    Source: The post is based on the article “7th GEF Assembly: Global Biodiversity Framework Fund ratified”  published in Down To Earth on 25th August 2023

    What is the News?

    The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) was finally ratified and launched at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada. 

    What is the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)?

    Aim: To directly support global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, a goal agreed to by 196 countries as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework established at COP15.

    Hosted by: Global Environment Facility (GEF) 

    Funding: Governments, non-profits, and the private sector can now contribute their funds to GBFF.

    Fund allocations: 20% will be allocated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs)

    – 36% of the fund’s resources are aimed to support the most vulnerable people, small island developing states.

    – 3% to LDCs (Least Developed Countries)

    – About 25% of the fund will be delivered through selected international financial institutions to increase resources through private sector involvement and ensure policies are streamlined.

    Note: This is the first time there would be funds channeled to non-state actors like the indigenous communities.

    First meeting: The first GBFF Council meeting will be held in January 2024.

    What is the Global Environment Facility (GEF)?

    Click Here to read

  • Indore best city, M.P. top State in Smart Cities contest

    Source: The post is based on the article “Indore best city, M.P. top State in Smart Cities contest”  published in The Hindu on 26th August 2023.

    What is the News?

    The President of India will present the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC), 2022.

    What is the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC)?

    India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC) is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

    Aim: To recognize and reward cities, projects and innovative ideas that are promoting sustainable development across the 100 smart cities as well as stimulating inclusive, equitable, safe, healthy and collaborative cities leading to a better quality of life for all.

    The ISAC award had a two-stage submission process consisting of ‘Qualifying Stage’, which involved overall assessment of the city’s performance, and the ‘Proposal Stage’ which required the smart cities to submit their nominations for six award categories.

    This is the fourth edition of the ISAC awards with the previous ones held in 2018, 2019, and 2020.There were no awards in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    What are the key takeaways from ISAC 2022?

    Indore has been named as the best Smart City. Surat and Agra are the second and third place winners among cities.

    Madhya Pradesh has been chosen as the top state. Tamil Nadu is the second in State category followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

    The award for the best Union Territory has gone to Chandigarh.

  • More students using smartphones for entertainment than study: survey

    Source: The post is based on the article “More students using smartphones for entertainment than study: survey”  published in The Hindu on 9th August 2023.

    What is the News?

    The Union Education Minister has released the State of Elementary Education in Rural India report.

    What is the State of Elementary Education in Rural India Report?

    The report is based on a survey conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit(DIU), a collaboration between Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research and Communications.

    The survey was conducted on 6,229 parents of schoolchildren aged six to 16 in rural communities across 21 States.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Increased access to smartphones: Around 49.3% of students in rural India have access to smartphones. 

    – However, a significant portion, 76.7% of these students primarily use their phones for entertainment purposes, such as playing video games and watching movies. 

    – Only 34% of smartphone-accessible students use their devices for study-related downloads, while 18% access online learning through tutorials.

    Higher Education: At least 78% of the parents of girls and 82% of the parents of boys wanted to educate their children to the level of graduation or above.

    Reasons for dropout and out-of-school children: Among the parents of 56 students who dropped out of school, 36.8 percent mentioned that their daughters’ dropout was due to the need to contribute to the family’s earnings. 

    – For boys, the primary reason cited for dropping out was lack of interest in studies.

    Learning environment at home: The survey revealed that 40% of parents have age-appropriate reading materials available at home, beyond school books. Additionally, only 40% of parents engage in daily conversations with their children about their school learning, while 32% have such discussions a few days a week.

    Parental participation: A positive aspect observed was that 84% of parents regularly attend parent-teacher meetings, demonstrating their active involvement in their children’s education.

  • WHO report on tobacco control: Key findings, how India fares

    Source: The post is based on the article “WHO report on tobacco control: Key findings, how India fares”  published in Indian Express on 2nd August 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently released a report on tobacco control measures.

    This was the ninth WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic. It tracks the progress made by countries in tobacco control since 2008.

    What are MPOWER measures?

    In line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), WHO had introduced the MPOWER measures in 2008. 

    MPOWER are a set of six cost-effective and high impact measures that help countries reduce demand for tobacco.

    These measures include: 1) Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies 2) Protecting people from tobacco smoke 3) Offering help to quit tobacco use 4) Warning about the dangers of tobacco 5) Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and 6) Raising taxes on tobacco.

    What are the key findings of the WHO report on tobacco control?

    MPOWER: In the 15 years since the MPOWER measures were first introduced, 5.6 billion people in the world – or 71% of the entire population – remain protected by at least one of the measures. This has increased from just 5% of the population in 2008.

    Countries implementing MPOWER measures: The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased from 44 countries in 2008 to 151 in 2022.

    However, there are at least 44 countries in the world that still do not implement any MPOWER measure.

    Harmful effects of e-cigarettes: E-cigarettes are harmful to both the people using them and those around them, especially when used indoors.

    The tobacco industry is aggressively promoting E-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes. This is undermining the progress made on tobacco control.

    Controlling second-hand smoking: The report focuses on controlling second-hand smoking (being in the presence of someone who is smoking).

    It talks of creating smoke-free public areas and also de-normalising the act of smoking in the society.

    Of the estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year, 1.3 million are of non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

    Moreover, severe asthma, respiratory tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome are more common among children exposed to second-hand smoke.

    What does the WHO report say about India?

    India has the highest level of achievement when it comes to putting health warning labels on tobacco products and providing tobacco dependence treatment.

    With 85% of cigarette packs carrying health warnings both on the front and back, India figures among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of health warnings. The cigarette packets in the country also carry a toll-free number for a quit-line.

    India has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes, and banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

    India is also implementing warnings on OTT platform content when actors are seen using tobacco products. This would make India the first country in the world to do so.

  • Panel submits report on sub-categorisation of OBCs after 6 years

    Source: The post is based on the article “Panel submits report on sub-categorisation of OBCs after 6 years”  published in The Hindu on 2nd August 2023

    What is the News?

    The report of a Rohini Commission set up to examine the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has been submitted to the President.

    However, the contents of the report have not been made public as yet.

    What is the need for sub-categorisation of OBCs?

    OBCs get 27% reservation in central government jobs and admission to educational institutions. 

    There are more than 2,600 entries in the Central List of OBCs but over the years only a few affluent communities among them have benefited from the quota. 

    Therefore, there is an argument that a “sub-categorisation” of OBCs — quotas within the 27% quota — is needed in order to ensure “equitable distribution” of the benefits of reservation.

    What were the terms of reference of the Rohini Commission?

    Examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List.

    Work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs  and

    Take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.

    How did the work of the commission proceed till now?

    In 2018, the commission analyzed the data of 1.3 lakh central government jobs under the OBC quota over the preceding five years, and OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, including universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs and AIIMS, over the preceding three years.

    The analysis showed 97% of all jobs and education seats have gone to 25% of OBC castes and 24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities. 

    As many as 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total — were found to have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions and 994 OBC sub-castes had a representation of only 2.68% in recruitments and admissions. 

    However, this analysis suffered from limitations due to the absence of updated population data.

  • IMD has launched Heat Index

    Source: The post is based on the article “IMD has launched Heat Index”  published in PIB on 20th July 2023.

    What is the News?

    India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched the Heat Index on an experimental basis. 

    What is the Heat Index?

    Source: TOI

    Heat Index is also known as the apparent temperature. It is the temperature humans feel when relative humidity combines with the air temperature.

    For instance, you may experience unusually high levels of heat despite the official temperature forecast indicating a ‘normal’ range. Say, if the absolute humidity of an area is high, you may feel hot, even though the temperature may not necessarily be that high.

    Similarly, say there is a wind blowing; you will automatically feel colder, even if the temperature may not be so low.

    How will the Heat Index be calculated by IMD?

    At present, heat index is derived using the heat index equation similar to what is used by National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.

    What are the colour codes used for Heat Index?

    The colour codes used for Experimental Heat Index are as follows: 1) Green: Experimental heat Index less than 35 deg C 2) Yellow: Experimental heat Index in the range 36-45 deg C 3) Orange: Experimental heat Index in the range 46-55 deg C and 4) Red: Experimental heat Index greater than 55 deg C.

  • India climbs seven points to 80 on Passport Index; Singapore at top position

    Source: The post is based on the article “India climbs seven points to 80 on Passport Index; Singapore at top position”  published in The Hindu on 20th July 2023

    What is the News?

    Henley Passport Index 2023 has been released by the consultancy firm named ‘Henley & Partners’.

    What is the Henley Passport Index?

    ​​Henley Passport Index is the ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. 

    The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.

    What are the key rankings of Henley Passport Index 2023?

    Source: The Hindu

    Globally: Singapore has topped the index. It is now officially the most powerful passport in the world with its citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.

    – Germany, Italy, and Spain occupied the second place. 

    – Japan, which occupied the top position Index for five years, has dropped to the third place.

    India: India has climbed seven places in 2023 and is ranked at 80th position. Indian citizens can now enjoy visa-free access to 57 destinations.

    – In 2014, India was ranked 76 with 52 countries allowing Indian passport holders visa-free access but its performance has not been linear. 

    – It ranked 88 in 2015 (visa-free access to 51 countries), 85 in 2016, 87 in 2017, 81 in 2018, 82 in 2019 and 2020, and 81 in 2021.

    What is the Henley Openness Index?

    Henley Openness Index measures how many nations does a country allows visa-free access to.

    The top 20 ‘most open’ countries are all small island nations or African states, except for Cambodia.

    Here, India was ranked 94 out of a total of 97 ranks for allowing only four countries visa-free access.

  • Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog export preparedness index 2022, Gujarat skids to 4th slot

    Source: The post is based on the article “Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog export preparedness index 2022, Gujarat skids to 4th slot”  published in The Hindu on 19th July 2023

    What is the News?

    NITI Aayog has released the third edition of Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2022.

    What is the Export Preparedness Index(EPI)?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key findings of Export Preparedness Index(EPI) 2022?

    Topped by: Tamil Nadu has topped the index followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

    – Gujarat, which held the top position in EPI 2021 (released in 2022) has been pushed to the fourth slot in EPI 2022.

    Hilly States: Uttarakhand secured the top position among hilly/Himalayan states in the EPI 2022. 

    Landlocked States: Haryana topped the chart among the landlocked regions, indicating its preparedness for exports. It was followed by Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

    Union Territories/Small States: Goa has ranked first followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Ladakh.

    Districts: Out of the 680 districts engaged in exports, the top 100 districts contribute about 87% of the total exports from India. 

    – Among export districts, Jamnagar in Gujarat tops the index. It was followed by Surat, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai, Pune, Bharuch and Kanchipuram.

    India’s exports: Despite global slowdown, India’s exports in 2021-22 crossed an unprecedented USD 675 Billion, with trade in goods accounting for USD 420 billion.

    – The value of merchandise exports crossed USD 400 billion in FY2022, an ambitious goal set by the government, reaching up to USD 422 billion by March 2022.

    Recommendations: 1) Location-specific strategies to boost exports 2) Diversification of export markets (such as based on Gl products) 3) Leveraging foreign markets using FTAs 4) Identifying high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, textiles and renewable energy  and 5) Improvement in data availability.

  • 13.5 crore Indians move out of multidimensional poverty in five years: Niti Aayog report

    Source: The post is based on the article “13.5 crore Indians move out of multidimensional poverty in five years: Niti Aayog report”  published in The Hindu on 18th July 2023

    What is the News?

    Niti Aayog has published the second edition of National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A progress of Review 2023.

    What is the National Multidimensional Poverty Index?

    Click Here to read

    National MPI 2023 is based on the latest National Family Health Survey (2019-21) and represents progress made by India in reducing multidimensional poverty between the two surveys, NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21).

    What are the key findings of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023?

    Source: The Print

    About 135.5 million (13.5 crore) persons have exited poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

    – In 2015-16, one in four Indians (24.85%) met the criteria for multidimensional poverty. By 2019-21, this percentage decreased to 14.96% or one in seven.

    Rural areas saw a faster reduction in their MPI value, compared to urban areas. The incidence of poverty fell from 32.59% to 19.28% in rural areas compared to a decline from 8.65% to 5.27% in urban areas between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

    Uttar Pradesh has registered the largest decline in the number of poor with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty.

    The number of states with less than 10 per cent people living in multidimensional poverty doubled in the five years between 2016 and 2021.

    – In 2015-16 (NFHS-4), only seven states had less than 10% of their population living in multidimensional poverty — Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala.

    – In 2019-21 (NFHS-5), the list had doubled to include 14 states, with the seven new additions being Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, and Uttarakhand.

    Except for Bihar, no other state in India has more than one-third of its population living in multidimensional poverty.

    – Even Bihar has also made remarkable improvement. In 2015-16, over 51.89 per cent of Bihar’s population lived in multidimensional poverty. By 2019-21, the figure had dropped to 33.76 per cent.

  • Export Preparedness Index (EPI) Report, 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Export Preparedness Index (EPI) Report, 2022” published in PIB on 14th July 2023

    What is the News?

    NITI Aayog will be releasing the third edition of Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for States/UTs of India for the year 2022.

    What is the Export Preparedness Index (EPI)?

    EPI is a comprehensive tool which measures the export preparedness of the States and UTs in India.

    Aim: To undertake a comprehensive analysis of States and UTs across export-related parameters in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

    – To present a comprehensive picture of  states and UT’s export preparedness.

    – To highlight the achievements of states/UTs and encourage peer-learning among the states/UTs to uphold the spirit of competitive federalism. 

    Pillars: The index assess the performance of the States and UTs across four pillars:

    – Policy Pillar evaluates states and UTs’ performance based on its adoption of the export-related policy ecosystem at a state and district level as well as the institutional framework surrounding the ecosystem.

    – Business Ecosystem assesses the prevailing business environment in a state/UT, along with the extent of business-supportive infrastructure, and a state/UTs’ transport connectivity.

    – Export Ecosystem focuses on the export-related infrastructure in a state/UT along with the trade support provided to the exporters, and the prevalence of Research and Development in the state/UT to foster innovation.

    – Export Performance is an output-based indicator which gauges the growth of a state’s export over the previous year and analyzes its export concentration and footprint on the global markets.

  • 415 million Indians came out of multidimensional poverty in 15 years, says UNDP study

    Source: The post is based on the article “415 million Indians came out of multidimensional poverty in 15 years, says UNDP study” published in The Hindu on 12th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI) 2023 has been released.

    What is the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?

    Global MPI is a key international resource that measures acute multidimensional poverty across more than 100 developing countries.

    It was first launched in 2010 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

    The Global MPI advances SDG 1 – ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. It also measures interconnected deprivations across indicators related to SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11.

    Click Here to read more

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Source: UNDP

     

    Globally: 25 countries including India have successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years, indicating that substantial progress is attainable.

    – Around 1.1 billion out of 6.1 billion people (just over 18%) live in acute multidimensional poverty across 110 countries.

    – Sub-Saharan Africa (534 million) and South Asia (389 million) are home to approximately five out of every six poor people.

    – Nearly two-thirds of all poor people (730 million people) live in middle-income countries, making action in these countries vital for reducing global poverty.

    – Children under 18 years old account for half of MPI-poor people (566 million). The poverty rate among children is 27.7%, while among adults it is 13.4%. 

    – Poverty predominantly affects rural areas, with 84% of all poor people living in rural areas.

    India: Around 415 million people exited poverty within a span of just 15 years between 2005 to 2021 in India.

    The number of people in multidimensional poverty in India decreased from approximately 645 million in 2005-06 to about 370 million in 2015-16 and further to 230 million in 2019-21.Hence, the incidence of poverty fell from 55.1% to 16.4% during the period.

    Deprivation in ​​​​all indicators declined in India.

    The poorest states and disadvantaged groups, including children and individuals from marginalized castes, experienced the fastest progress in reducing poverty.

    People who are multidimensionally poor and deprived under the nutrition indicator in India declined from 44.3% in 2005/2006 to 11.8%in 2019/2021 and child mortality fell from 4.5% to 1.5%.

  • Ministry of Education releases combined report on Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for the year 2020-21 & 2021-22

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Education releases combined report on Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for the year 2020-21 & 2021-22” published in PIB on 9th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) combined report for 2020-21 and 2021-22.

    What is the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D)?

    Aim: To assess the performance of the school education system at the District level by creating an index for comprehensive analysis.

    Methodology: PGI-D structure comprises of total weight age of 600 points across 83 indicators, which are grouped under 6 categories viz., Outcomes, Effective Classroom Transaction, Infrastructure Facilities & Student’s Entitlements, School Safety & Child Protection, Digital Learning and Governance Process. 

    – These categories are further divided into 12  domains such as Learning Outcomes and Quality (LO), Access Outcomes (AO), Teacher Availability, Learning Management (LM), Infrastructure, Facilities, school Safety and Child Protection (SS&CP), Digital Learning (DL) among others.

    Categories: PGI-D has 10 grades under which districts are categorized with Daksh being the highest grade (above 90%) followed by Utkarsh (81%-90%); Ati-Uttam (71%-80%); Uttam (61%-70%); Prachesta-1 (51%-60%); Prachesta-2 (41%-50%); Prachesta-3 (31%-40%); Akanshi-1 (21% to 30%); and Akanshi-2 (11% to 20%). 

    – The lowest grade is Akanshi-3, for districts that score less than 10%.

    Significance: PGI-D is expected to help the state education departments to identify gaps at the district level and improve their performance in a decentralized manner.

    What are the key findings of PGI-D 2020-21 and 2021-22?

    Source: The Hindu

    There are no districts in the country figuring in the top two grades — “Daksh” and “Utkarsh” in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 index.

    121 districts were graded as Ati-Uttam for 2020-21.This number fell by more than half in 2021-22 with just 51 districts making the grade.

    Among the best-performing districts in 2020-21, the maximum are from Rajasthan (26) followed by Gujarat (22) and Punjab (19).All nine districts of Delhi have figured in the “Ati Uttam” category.

    In the digital learning domain during 2021-22, the majority of districts are still in the bottom three grades indicating the need for boosting the digital learning aspect. 

  • Explainer: What is the Farmers Distress Index?

    Source: The post is based on the article “Explainer: What is the Farmers Distress Index?” published in Down To Earth on 6th July 2023

    What is the News?

    Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed an early warning system called ‘farmers distress index’.

    What is the Farmers Distress Index?

    Aim: To minimize the agrarian distress in the form of crop loss / failure and income shock. This will help in decreasing farmer suicides.

    Working of the index: The index methodology involves going  through local newspapers, other news platforms and social media platforms for any report on incidence of farmers distress like localised cases of issues with debt repayment, death by suicide, pest attacks, drought, floods, migration, among others.

    – Following this, contacts of farmers from the area will be collected to conduct telephonic interviews, which will have 21 standardized questions to gauge early signs of distress. 

    – Based on these questions, the degree of distress will be identified.The index will have values from 0-1. A value between 0-0.5 will indicate ‘low distress’, 0.5-0.7 will indicate ‘moderate’ distress and above 0.7 will indicate ‘severe’ distress. 

    – If the index is severe, it will identify which component among the seven is more severe and contributes maximum to farmers’ distress.

    Significance of the index: The index will help in anticipating agrarian distress and prevent its spread from a few farmers to the village or block level by pre-warning different stakeholders, including central, state, local and also non-government agencies about the future occurrence of farmers distress in a particular block / district so that they can take timely preventive measures.

  • Ministry of Education releases report on Performance Grading Index 2.0 for States/UTs for the year 2021-22

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Education releases report on Performance Grading Index 2.0 for States/UTs for the year 2021-22” published in PIB on 7th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The Union Ministry of Education has released a report on Performance Grading Index 2.0 for States/UTs for the year 2021-22.

    What is the Performance Grading Index?

    The Performance Grading Index is prepared by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education. It was first released for the year 2017-18.

    It assesses the performance of the school education system at the State/UT level by creating an index.

    The PGI 2.0 structure comprises total weightage of 1000 points across 73 indicators, which are grouped under 2 Categories viz., Outcomes and Governance & Management. 

    These categories are further divided into 6 domains, viz., Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E), Governance Processes (GP) and Teacher Education & Training (TET).

    Scores obtained by States/UTs have been classified into 10 grades with the highest achievable Grade is Daksh, which is for State/UT scoring more than 940 points out of a total of 1000 points.  The lowest grade is Akanshi-3 which is for a score up to 460. 

    What are the key findings of  Performance Grading Index 2.0 for 2021-22?

    Source: PIB

    None of the States/UTs has attained the highest Grade i.e Daksh. 

    Only 2 States and UTs, namely Punjab and Chandigarh have attained Grade Prachesta -2 (score 641-700).

    The three poorest performing States/UTs Akanshi 3 are Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram. 

    The maximum and minimum scores obtained by the States/UTs in 2021-22 are 659.01 and 420.64 respectively. The deviation between the maximum and minimum scores obtained by States/UTs is 23.8% of the maximum points, indicating that states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram has to put more effort to reach the top slot. This disparity was 51 % in 2017-18.

  • Outstanding performance by India in United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific’s (UNESCAP) Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation

    Source: The post is based on the article “Outstanding performance by India in United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific’s (UNESCAP) Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation” published in PIB on 7th July 2023

    What is the News?

    United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific’s (UNESCAP) has released the Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2023.

    What is the Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation?

    UNESCAP has been conducting the Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation since 2015.

    Aim: To review the progress of trade facilitation reforms in their respective Member States. 

    Parameters: The survey covers WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) along with set of nearly 60 trade facilitation measures categorized into eleven sub-groups, namely: 1) Transparency 2) Formalities 3) Institutional arrangement and cooperation 4) Transit facilitation 5) Paperless trade 6) Cross-border paperless trade 7) Trade facilitation for SMEs 8) Agricultural trade facilitation 9) Women in trade facilitation 10) Trade finance for trade facilitation and 11) Trade facilitation in times of crisis. 

    The survey is fact-based rather than perception-based. A three-step approach to data collection and validation is generally followed, implemented over a 6-month period every 2 years.

    What are the key findings of the survey related to India?

    India has positioned itself at the forefront of global trade facilitation efforts with an impressive score of 93.55% in 2023 vis a vis 90.32% in 2021.

    India is now the best performing country amongst all the countries of the South Asia region. The overall score of India has been greater than many developed countries including Canada, France, UK, Germany etc.

    India has achieved a perfect score of 100% in four key areas: Transparency, Formalities, Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation, and Paperless Trade.

    India has witnessed a substantial improvement in the score for “Women in Trade Facilitation” component from 66.7% in 2021 to 77.8% in 2023 thereby indicating commitment to gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women in the trade sector.

    This outstanding recognition reflects India’s continuous efforts to streamline trade procedures and improve transparency through initiatives such as Turant customs, single window interface for facilitation of trade (SWIFT), pre-arrival data processing, e-Sanchit, and coordinated border management.

  • Iceland is the world’s most peaceful country; check where India stands

    Source: The post is based on the article “Iceland is the world’s most peaceful country; check where India stands” published in Indian Express on 7th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The 2023 Global Peace Index(GPI) has been released.

    What is the Global Peace Index(GPI)?

    Released by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

    Aim: To present the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies.

    Countries covered: The index covers 163 countries comprising 99.7 percent of the world’s population.

    Parameters: It measures the state of peace across three domains: 1) Societal safety and security 2) Ongoing domestic and international conflict and 3) Militarisation.

    What are the key findings of the 2023 Global Peace Index(GPI)?

    Globally: The average level of global peacefulness has deteriorated by 0.42%.

    – Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world – a title it has held since 2008.

    – Afghanistan is the least peaceful country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.

    India: India has occupied the 126th spot in the rankings, two higher than its previous position.

    – India has experienced an improvement of 3.5 per cent in overall peacefulness over the past year, owing to improvements in violent crime, neighboring countries’ relations and political instability.

    – Further, the reduction in geopolitical tensions with China owing to the decrease in border incidents as well as less social unrest has led to an improvement in the political instability in India.

  • India and Asean top recipients of FDI, says UNCTAD report

    Source: The post is based on the article “India and Asean top recipients of FDI, says UNCTAD report” published in Economic Times on 6th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published its World Investment Report 2023.

    What are the key findings of the World Investment Report 2023?

    Globally: The global FDI fell by 12% in 2022 to $1.3 trillion mainly due to overlapping global crises: the war in Ukraine, high food and energy prices, and soaring public debt.

    – The decline was felt mostly in developed economies where FDI fell by 37% to $378 billion.But flows to developing countries grew by 4% with a few large emerging countries attracting most of the investment while flows to the least developed countries declined.

    – Investments in renewables have nearly tripled since 2015.But most of the money has gone to developed countries.

    – Developing countries need renewable energy investments of about $1.7 trillion each year but attracted only $544 billion in clean energy FDI in 2022.

    India: India was the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield projects in the world in 2022.

    – The FDI flows into India rose 10 percent from $44.7 billion in 2021 to $49.3 billion in 2022.

    – However, the total FDI inflows to India in 2022 was still lower than what was recorded in 2020, when India received $64 billion of foreign investments.

    – India was also the second-largest recipient of international project finance in the world in 2022. International project finance is when international lenders provide debt or equity to infrastructure projects in various countries.

    – Moreover, Indian multinational companies substantially increased their overseas investments in 2022.Indian companies’ invested about $42 billion overseas, a three-fold increase in total investments.

  • Secretary, DARPG launches the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) portal

    Source: The post is based on the article “Secretary, DARPG launches the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) portal” published in PIB on 6th July 2023

    What is the News?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAPRG) Secretary has launched the third edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA).

    What is National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA)?

    The NeSDA framework was launched in 2018 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAPRG).

    Objective: To measure the depth and effectiveness of existing e-Governance service delivery mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective.

    The framework is based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of UNDESA eGovernment Survey. It has been customized for the Indian federal structure and the e-Governance landscape of the States and UTs.

    DARPG undertakes NeSDA study biennially. It has successfully released 2 editions of NeSDA study: NeSDA 2019 was released in 2020 and second edition – NeSDA 2021 was released in 2022.

    NeSDA 2023 Framework: The framework for NeSDA 2023 study has been elaborated under the following three dimensions: 

    Portals Coverage: All Government Portals assessed during NeSDA are classified into two categories viz., (i) State, UT, Central Ministry Portal and (ii) State, UT, Central Ministry Services Portals.

    – NeSDA 2023 framework proposes to evaluate the maturity of e-Government at the City level as well by assessing City Portal i.e., the official portal of respective City/Urban Local Body that provides a single window access to the information and links to the services being provided for the citizens and other stakeholders in the city.

    – For City portal assessment, States/UTs may propose one of the 3 most populous cities.

    Focus Sectors and Mandatory Services Coverage: The NeSDA framework covers G2C and G2B services across seven sectors: Finance, Labour Employment, Education, Local Governance Utility Services, Social Welfare (including Health, Agriculture, Home Security), Environment (including Fire) and Tourism sectors. 

    – The framework for NeSDA 2023 proposes an expansion on focus sectors with an addition of Transport and Public Grievance.

    Assessment Parameters: To make the NeSDA framework more robust and align with global digital government trends it is proposed to include three additional assessment parameters namely: Open Government Data (OGD), E-Participation and Leveraging Emerging Technologies.

  • India ranked 67th on Energy Transition Index, Sweden on top: WEF

    Source: The post is based on the article “India ranked 67th on Energy Transition Index, Sweden on top: WEF” published in The Hindu on 28th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Economic Forum(WEF) has released the Energy Transition Index 2023.

    What is the Energy Transition Index?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key takeaways from Energy Transition Index 2023?

    Rankings: Sweden has topped the list and was followed by Denmark, Norway, Finland and Switzerland in the top five.

    – France (7) was the only G20 Country in the top 10, followed closely by Germany (11), the U.S. (12), and the U.K. (13).

    India: India has been ranked 67th out of 120 countries.

    Observations made on India: India is the only major economy with energy transition momentum accelerating across all dimensions.

    – Despite continued economic growth, India has successfully reduced the energy intensity of its economy and the carbon intensity of its energy mix, while achieving universal energy access and effectively managing affordability of electricity.

    Contributors: Universal access to electricity, replacing solid fuels with clean cooking options and increasing renewable energy deployment have been primary contributors to the improvement of India’s performance.

    Concerns: Rising import dependence amid global energy market volatilities, predominantly carbon-intensive energy mix. Challenges include balancing economic growth and creating quality jobs for the growing working-age population.

    Recommendations: Continued progress of India will be challenged by two key macro trends: strong economic growth and the urgency to create quality jobs for a growing working age population.

    – Hence, for this a skilled workforce, public-private collaboration in innovation, and investment in research and development in low-carbon technologies are necessary to enable India’s energy transition.

  • Rockies, Alps, Himalayas: More rain, less snow in Northern hemisphere mountains as temperatures rise, says report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Rockies, Alps, Himalayas: More rain, less snow in Northern hemisphere mountains as temperatures rise, says report” published in Down To Earth on 29th June 2023

    What is the News?

    Researchers have found that climate change will cause a shift from snowfall to rainfall on mountains across the Northern Hemisphere.

    What are the key findings of the study?

    Climate change could cause a shift from snowfall to rainfall in mountain regions across the Northern Hemisphere.

    The Himalayas and other mountains across the Northern Hemisphere are likely to see 15% more rain for every 1-degree Celsius rise in temperature due to climate change.

    For 2 degrees and 3 degrees rise, the world would see a 30 percent and 45 percent increase in rain.

    This shift from snowfall to rainfall will increase the risk of disasters such as floods, landslides, and soil erosion.

    One-quarter of the global population lives in or downstream from mountainous regions. They are going to be directly affected by this risk.

    However, not all mountain regions are at high risk. The Himalayas and the North American Pacific Mountain ranges, including the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and coastal ranges (from Canada to Southern California) are more threatened than the Rockies or the Alps.

  • UNODC World Drug Report 2023 warns of converging crises as illicit drug markets continue to expand

    Source: The post is based on the article “UNODC World Drug Report 2023 warns of converging crises as illicit drug markets continue to expand” published in UN on 29th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released the World Drug Report 2023.

    What are the key findings of the World Drug Report 2023?

    Globally, over 296 million people used drugs in 2021, an increase of 23 percent over the previous decade. 

    The number of people who suffer from drug use disorders has reached 39.5 million, a 45 percent increase over 10 years.

    Only one in five people suffering from drug-related disorders were in treatment for drug use in 2021 with widening disparities in access to treatment across regions.

    Youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorder in several regions. 

    Large inequalities in access and availability of controlled drugs for medical use persist, particularly for pain management. The disparity is particularly prevalent between the global North and South, and across urban and rural areas.

    Drug trafficking is accelerating environmental devastation, particularly in the Amazon Basin. The production of illicit drugs contributes to deforestation, pollution, and the use of harmful chemicals, leading to ecological harm and the loss of biodiversity.

    The opium ban in Afghanistan had a positive result, but concerns remain about the production of synthetic drugs. However, farmers’ income has suffered in Afghanistan due to the Opium ban by the Taliban.

    What are the key recommendations given by the report?

    Public health, prevention, and access to treatment services must be prioritized worldwide.

    Law enforcement forces need to keep pace with criminal business models and the proliferation of cheap synthetic drugs that are easy to bring to market.

  • India slips to 40th spot in world competitiveness ranking

    Source: The post is based on the article “India slips to 40th spot in world competitiveness ranking” published in India Today on 29th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has released the World Competitiveness Ranking 2023.

    What is the World Competitiveness Ranking?

    The World Competitiveness Ranking is a comprehensive annual report and worldwide reference point on the competitiveness of countries. 

    It analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation.

    It evaluates countries based on four key factors: economic performance, government efficiency, infrastructure and business efficiency.

    What are the key findings of World Competitiveness Ranking?

    Top three countries: Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland have been named the top three among 64 economies.

    India: India has been ranked 40th.India has slipped three spots from the previous year but has improved from its 43rd rank in 2019-2021.

    Observations made on India: India has witnessed improvements in government efficiency but slightly underperformed in business efficiency, infrastructure, and economic performance when compared to other countries. 

    – The top three contributing factors that positively impacted India’s score are: Exchange rate stability, compensation levels, and advancements in pollution control.

    – Challenges for India: Sustaining high GDP growth, managing financial market volatility, controlling inflation and fiscal deficit, accelerating digital transformation and mobilizing resources for infrastructure development.

  • Global Liveability Index: These are the world’s most liveable cities for 2023

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global Liveability Index: These are the world’s most liveable cities for 2023” published in Indian Express on 23rd June 2023

    What is the News?

    Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released the Global Liveability Index 2023.

    What is the Global Liveability Index?

    Global Liveability Index quantifies the challenges presented to an individual’s lifestyle in 173 cities worldwide. 

    The index ranked the cities based on these five metrics: healthcare, culture, environment, education, and stability.

    This ranking offers insights into the cities that excel in providing an exceptional quality of life.

    What are the key rankings of the Global Liveability Index 2023?

    Top Liveable cities: Vienna (Austria), Copenhagen (Denmark), Melbourne and Sydney (Australia).

    Bottom 3 Liveable cities: Algiers (Algeria), Tripoli (Libya) and Damascus (Syria).

    From India, New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st position and Chennai at 144th. Ahmedabad and Bengaluru are ranked 147 and 148.

    Observations made by the index: Attempts to restore normalcy after the Covid-19 pandemic and the “incremental improvements in liveability made by many developing countries” have been the biggest drivers of changes in its global liveability rankings.

    – Those in Western Europe, in particular, have slipped in rankings due to increased instances of workers’ strikes failing to “match gains” made by cities in Asia and the Middle East.

    – The cities which are plagued by ongoing civil unrest and military conflicts, amongst other issues, remained at the bottom of the list.

  • First-ever Comprehensive Energy Sector Report of BEE’s Energy Data Management Unit released

    Source: The post is based on the article “First-ever Comprehensive Energy Sector Report of BEE’s Energy Data Management Unit released” published in PIB on 23rd June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power has released a report titled National Energy Data: Survey and Analysis 2021-22.

    What is National Energy Data: Survey and Analysis 2021-22?

    Prepared by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Ministry of Power) in collaboration with NITI Aayog.

    Objectives of the report: To provide granular information about energy supply and consumption patterns across various sectors of the Indian economy.

    – To provide an overview of the impact of various energy conservation policies and their associated carbon dioxide emission reduction and monetary savings. 

    What are the key findings of the report?

    National Energy Data: Survey and Analysis 2021-22
    Source: BEE

    India conserved 249 billion units (BUs) of electricity to save Rs 1.60 lakh crore in bills for the 2021-22 financial year.

    The total equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions is around 280 Million Tonnes annually.

    There exists limited data on non-commercial energy sources such as biomass, although these modes meet significant energy needs.

  • Union Minister launches Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2022” published in PIB on 23rd June 2023

    What is the News?

    Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances has launched the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2022.

    What is Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI)?

    GRAI was conceptualized and designed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

    Objective: To present an organisation-wise comparative picture and provide valuable insights about strengths and areas of improvement regarding the grievance redressal mechanism.

    Parameters: Eighty-nine Central Ministries and Departments were assessed and ranked based on a comprehensive index in the dimensions of (1) Efficiency, (2) Feedback, (3) Domain and (4) Organizational Commitment and corresponding 12 indicators.

    Source of data: To compute the index, data between January and December 2022 was used from the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS).

    Groupings: Ministries and Departments were grouped into three groups based on the number of grievances registered in the calendar year 2022 at CPGRAMS

    What are the key findings of the GRAI 2022?

    Rankings: The Department of Posts, Department of Financial Services (Pension Reforms) and Department of Land Resources have topped the rankings in Group A, B and C respectively.

    For the first time, the average disposal time of public grievances by central ministries and departments has come down to 16 days, a reduction of about 50%.

    What is the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS)?

    Click Here to read

  • India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index: WEF report

    Source: The post is based on the article “India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index: WEF report” published in The Hindu on 22ndJune 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Gender Gap Report, 2023.

    What is the Global Gender Gap Report, 2023?

    The Global Gender Gap Report has been released annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF) since 2006.

    It measures gender parity in 146 countries and across four areas: 1) economic participation and opportunity 2) educational attainment 3) health and survival and 4) political empowerment.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Globally: Iceland topped the ranking for the 14th consecutive year with 91.2% of its overall gender gap closed. It is also the only country with a score which is above 90%.

    – The overall gender gap closed by a mere 0.3% compared to the previous year. The world would take 131 years to close the overall gender gap between men and women at the current rate of progress.

    – In terms of overall gender parity, the Southern Asian region ranked second-lowest of the eight regions with 63.4%.

    – The last five countries on the list – Pakistan (57.5%), Iran (57.5%), Algeria (57.3%), Chad (57%), and Afghanistan (40.5%) – have scored below 60 per cent.

    India: India was ranked 127 among 146 countries in gender parity — up eight places from 2022. India was ranked 135 in 2022. 

    – India had closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap. The country had improved by 1.4 percentage points from then, marking a partial recovery towards its 2020 parity level.

    – However, the report underlined that India had reached only 36.7% parity in economic participation and opportunity. The country had attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education.

    – In India, while there had been an uptick in parity in wages and income, the share of women in senior positions and technical roles had dropped slightly since the last edition, the report said.

    – On political empowerment, India has registered 25.3% parity, with women making up 15.1% of MPs.

    – Of the 117 countries with available data since 2017, 18 — including Bolivia (50.4%), India (44.4%) and France (42.3%) — have achieved women’s representation of over 40% in local governance.

  • CBIC releases National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report

    Source: The post is based on the article “CBIC releases National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report” published in PIB on 18th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has released the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report.

    What is the National Time Release Study(NTRS)?

    Time Release Study is essentially a performance measurement tool for assessing the cargo clearance process of international trade as recommended by the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Trade Facilitation Agreement(TFA) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). 

    It measures cargo release time defined as the time taken from arrival of the cargo at the Customs station to its out-of-charge for domestic clearance in case of imports and arrival of the cargo at the Customs station to the eventual departure of the carrier in case of exports.

    The ports included in the study include seaports, air cargo complexes (ACCs), inland container depots (ICDs) and integrated check posts (ICPs) which account for approximately 80% of bills of entry and 70 percent of shipping bills filed in the country.

    What are the key findings of the National Time Release Study(NTRS) report?

    The average import release time has continued to improve, achieving 20% reduction in release time for ICDs; an 11% reduction for ACCs and a 9% reduction for seaports in 2023 over 2022.

    The report reaffirms the 3-fold ‘Path to promptness’ comprising 1) advance filing of import documents enabling pre-arrival processing 2) risk-based facilitation of cargo and 3) benefits of trusted client programmes – Authorized Economic Operators.  

  • Union Health Minister releases fifth State Food Safety Index

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Health Minister releases fifth State Food Safety Index” published in AIR on 15th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Union Health Minister has released the fifth State Food Safety Index in New Delhi.

    What is the State Food Safety Index?

    State Food Safety Index is an annual assessment released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

    Started in: 2018-19

    Purpose: It is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.

    Parameters: This index is based on the performance of the State/ UT on five significant parameters, namely 1) Human Resources and Institutional Data 2) Compliance 3) Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance, 4) Training & Capacity Building and 5) Consumer Empowerment.

    Significance: The index is meant to create a competitive and positive change in the food safety ecosystem in the country.The step was also taken to galvanize states and union territories to work towards ensuring safe food for citizens.

    What are the key rankings of the index?

    Among the large state category: Kerala is the top-ranking state followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

    Among the small states category: Goa is the top-ranking state followed by Manipur, and Sikkim.

    Among the Union Territories category: Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh secured first, second and third ranks respectively.

  • Gender Social Norms Index 2023: Prejudices against women didn’t reduce in last decade; 90% people still hold gender bias: UN

    Source: The post is based on the article “Prejudices against women didn’t reduce in last decade; 90% people still hold gender bias: UN” published in Down To Earth on 15th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023 has been released.

    What is Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI)?

    Released by: United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) 

    Purpose: The index tracks people’s attitudes towards women in four dimensions: political, educational, economic and physical integrity.

    – This helped in examining how biased beliefs can obstruct gender equality and human rights.

    What are the key findings of the Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023?

    Gender Bias: Nearly 90% of people still hold at least one bias against women.

    Political Participation: Around half the world’s population believe that men make better political leaders than women, and two in five believe that men make better business executives than women.

    Countries with greater bias exhibit a lower representation of women in parliament.

    On average, the share of heads of state or government who are women has remained around 10% worldwide since 1995, and women hold just over a quarter of parliament seats globally.

    Women are grossly underrepresented in leadership in conflict-affected countries, mainly at the negotiation tables in the recent conflicts in Ukraine (0%), Yemen (4%), and Afghanistan (10%).

    Indigenous women, migrant women, and women with disabilities face even more significant challenges in attaining political representation.

    Economic Gap: Despite progress in education, gender gaps in economic empowerment persist.

    The increase in women’s education has not translated into better economic outcomes.

    In 59 countries where adult women are more educated than men, the average income gap is 39%.

    Women in domestic chores and work: In countries with higher bias in gender social norms, women spend more time than men — nearly six times — on domestic chores and care work.

    Gender-based inequalities in empowerment are partly because of biased gender social norms or the undervaluation of women’s capabilities and rights.

    What are the hopeful signs highlighted by the index?

    Overall progress has been limited. But there is an increase in the share of people with no bias in any indicator in 27 out of 38 surveyed countries.

    The largest improvements were seen in Germany, Uruguay, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan, with progress greater among men than women.

    These major improvements in gender social norms were influenced by policies, regulations and scientific breakthroughs.

  • Global Slavery Index 2023: G20 nations fuelling modern slavery

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global Slavery Index 2023: G20 nations fuelling modern slavery” published in Business Standard on 13th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Global Slavery Index 2023 has been released.

    What is the Global Slavery Index?

    Global Slavery Index(GSI) provides national estimates of modern slavery for 160 countries.

    It is presented by Walk Free, a human rights organization and is based on data provided by the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery which, in turn, is produced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

    What is Modern Slavery?

    It refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuses of power.

    It is an umbrella term and includes a whole variety of abuses such as forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, forced or servile marriage, and the sale and exploitation of children.

    Note: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations resolve to end modern slavery. Target 8.7 of the SDGs states: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025, end child labour in all its forms”.

    What are the key findings of Global Slavery Index 2023?

    Prevalence of Modern Slavery: An estimated 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021, an increase of 10 million people since 2016.

    – Among these 50 million (of which 12 million are children), 28 million suffer from forced labour and 22 million from forced marriages.

    Modern Slavery among countries: There are three sets of key findings: 

    – The first set consists of countries that top in terms of the prevalence of modern slavery. The prevalence refers to the incidence of modern slavery per 1,000 population. On this count, the following 10 countries are the worst offenders: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, the UAE, Russia, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

    – The second set consists of countries with the lowest prevalence. The list includes countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, and Finland.

    – The third set consists of countries hosting the maximum number of people living in modern slavery. The list is as follows: India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, and the US. 

  • Global DPI Summit successfully organized

    Source: The post is based on the article “Global DPI Summit successfully organized” published in PIB on 13th June 2023

    What is the News?

    The Global DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) Summit was held as the side event of the third meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.

    What is Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI)?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key highlights from the Global DPI Summit?

    India launched the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) partnership to enable countries, especially low and middle-income brackets, to learn from its experiences in harnessing technology to improve governance, and for social, economic, digital and sustainable development.

    India also introduced the idea to form an alliance of countries called One Future Alliance which would allow like-minded nations to use technology to improve people’s lives.

    India signed MoUs with Armenia, Sierra Leone, and Suriname to share its successful digital solutions implemented at scale through the India Stack.

    Draft Public Key Infrastructure(PKI) Mutual Recognition Framework has also been released by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India with an aim to take the lead on the subject of implementation and adoption of India’s DPI beyond the country’s borders.

  • World Energy Investment Report 2023: Clean energy funds rise, but mostly in China, Europe, U.S.

    Source: The post is based on the article “Clean energy funds rise, but mostly in China, Europe, U.S.” published in The Hindu on 31st May 2023

    What is the News?

    The International Energy Agency has released the World Energy Investment Report 2023.

    What are the key findings of the World Energy Investment Report 2023?

    Investment in clean energy has increased in recent years: Investments in clean energy have surpassed investments in fossil fuels by 70% with the transition mainly fuelled by Electric Vehicles (EVs) and renewable power

    – For every dollar spent on fossil fuels, $1.7 is now allocated to clean energy, a significant increase from the 1:1 ratio observed five years ago.

    – The report also highlights the influence of recent geopolitical events on the energy market. Specifically, it points out that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to substantial instability in the fossil fuel markets. This volatility has inadvertently accelerated the deployment of various renewable energy technologies, despite triggering an immediate scramble for oil and gas resources.

    Clean energy investments concentrated in advanced economies: Over 90% of the surge in clean energy investment since 2021 has been concentrated in advanced economies and China. 

    The increases in clean energy investment in these regions since 2021 have outstripped the total clean energy investment in the rest of the world combined.

    However, there are other regions that are also demonstrating significant progress. India, for instance, continues to exhibit robust investment in solar energy.

    Challenges in transitioning towards clean energy: There are many hurdles for many countries in transitioning towards clean energy such as Higher interest rates, ambiguous policy frameworks, market designs, financially constrained utilities and a high cost of capital are all impeding investment.

  • Joint Malnutrition Estimate: India sees reduction in stunting; but wasting, obesity are concerns: report

    Source: The post is based on the article “India sees reduction in stunting; but wasting, obesity are concerns: report” published in The Hindu on 29th May 2023

    What is the News?

    Recently, a Joint Malnutrition Estimate was released by the UNICEF, the WHO and the World Bank.

    What are the key concerns highlighted by the Joint Malnutrition Estimate?

    The world has shown insufficient progress to reach the 2025 World Health Assembly global nutrition targets and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 targets.

    Only about one-third of all countries are ‘on track’ to halve the number of children affected by stunting by 2030. Even fewer countries are expected to achieve the 2030 target of 3% prevalence for overweight.

    What are the key findings of Joint Malnutrition Estimate?

    Joint Malnutrition Estimate
    Source: The Hindu

    Stunting: India continues to show a reduction in stunting and recorded 1.6 crore fewer stunted children under five years in 2022 than in 2012.

    Stunting among children under five years in India dropped from a prevalence rate of 41.6% in 2012 to 31.7% in 2022.

    India’s share of the global burden of stunting also declined from 30% to 25% in the past decade.

    Note: Globally, stunting declined from a prevalence rate of 26.3% in 2012 to 22.3% in 2022.

    Wasting: The overall prevalence of wasting in 2022 was 18.7% in India, with a share of 49% in the global burden.

    Obesity: The prevalence of obesity marginally increased in a decade from 2.2% in 2012 to 2.8% in 2022, thereby contributing to 8.8% of the global share.

    Note: The overall classification for obesity is low and much lower than the global prevalence of 5.6%.

    Does the global report is in sync with national findings?

    The decline in stunting in India is commensurate with National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-2021) data which estimated its prevalence at 35.5% as against 38% in NFHS-4 (2016) and 48% in NFHS-3 (2006).

    The NFHS also highlighted that almost two-thirds of children at 12 or 24 months had wasting at birth or at one month of age. This means two-thirds of the wasting is caused by maternal malnutrition.

  • Some key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue

    Source: The post is based on the article “Some key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue” published in Down To Earth on 10th May 2023

    What is the News?

    The Petersberg Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Berlin, Germany. It was hosted by Germany and the United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

    What is the Petersberg Climate Dialogue?

    The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an annual high-level political and international forum held before the United Nations Climate Change Conferences(COP).

    It was initiated in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel following the nearly unsuccessful negotiations at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15).

    Its central goal is to strengthen trust both in multilateral climate negotiations and between states.

    The focus this year included topics such as climate adaptation, climate finance and dealing with loss and damage, but in particular the first-ever global stocktake.

    What are the key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue?

    Clean up economies: The UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for cleaning up our economies — breaking the world’s fossil fuel addiction and driving decarbonisation in every sector to achieve a 1.5 degree global warming pathway.

    – He also reiterated his earlier call for an Acceleration Agenda, where all countries hit fast-forward on their Net Zero deadlines.

    – The Agenda calls for coal phaseout by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, and by 2040 in all others, as well as achieving Net Zero electricity generation and decarbonising major sectors.

    Renewable Energy: COP28 President called on meeting participants to ramp up renewable energy capacity building.

    – He called for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 followed by a doubling in 2040, but his address focused on reducing fossil fuel ‘emissions.

    $100 billion climate finance: Developed countries are “on good track” to deliver the $100 billion per year they had promised to mobilize by 2020 during the COP15 in 2009.

    – However, recent estimates peg climate finance needs at $1 trillion per year by 2030 for emerging markets alone. 

    – This means that climate finance needs are more than 10 times the amount that developed countries have been able to mobilize, 14 years after committing to the $100 billion figure. 

    Global Stocktake: 2023 is the year for the Global Stocktake, which is essentially a periodic review of global climate action which aims to assess whether current efforts will enable us to reach the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement.

  • China-Central Asia Summit: Chinese President to host first meet with all Central Asia leaders

    Source: The post is based on the article “Chinese President to host first meet with all Central Asia leaders” published in The Hindu on 9th May 2023

    What is the News?

    The Chinese President will be hosting a China-Central Asia Summit.

    About China-Central Asia Summit

    The China-Central Asia Summit is the first of its kind since the establishment of formal relations 31 years ago.’

    Leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to attend the summit.

    The focus of the summit will be on strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between Central Asia and China.

    What is the importance of Central Asia for China?

    Central Asia had relatively a lower strategic priority for China prior to the 2000s. However, it has risen in prominence in China’s foreign policy in recent years.

    A few of the reasons for this are:

    – It has become a zone of strategic interest for the security of Xinjiang in western China- as it shares borders with three of the Central Asian countries i.e., Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; 

    China’s commercial and resource interests: The Central Asian region is rich in natural resources: gas in Turkmenistan; oil, gas and uranium in Kazakhstan; uranium and gas in Uzbekistan; hydropower in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan;

    – as a ‘testing ground’ for China’s foreign engagements, including multilateral institution building,

    – The region is characterized by cheap wages and a willingness by governments to provide tax breaks and other subsidies for foreign investors in strategic industries. It will also give China access to the European market.

  • Report on Currency & Finance 2022-23: Adapting to climate change to cost India ₹85.6 lakh crore by 2030’

    Source: The post is based on the article “Adapting to climate change to cost India ₹85.6 lakh crore by 2030” published in The Hindu on 4th May 2023

    What is the News?

    Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) has released a report titled “Report on Currency & Finance 2022-23”. The theme of the report is ‘Towards a Greener Cleaner India’.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Net zero target: India aims to achieve the net zero target by 2070. But this would require an accelerated reduction in the energy intensity of GDP by around 5% annually and a significant improvement in its energy mix in favour of renewables to around 80% by 2070-71.

    – The cumulative total expenditure for adapting to this climate change in India is estimated to be Rs 85.6 lakh crore (at 2011-12 prices) by the year 2030.

    Implications for Financial Stability: The financial sector faces the dual challenge of recalibrating its operations and business strategies to support the green transition process while also strengthening resilience to rising vulnerability to adverse climate events so as to safeguard financial stability.

    – On the first challenge, estimates suggest that the green financing requirement in India could be at least 2.5% of GDP annually to address the infrastructure gap caused by climate events.

    – On the second challenge, the results of a climate stress-test reveal that public sector banks may be more vulnerable than private sector banks in India.

    What are the suggestions given by the report?

    – Introduce an Emissions Trading System (ETS) linked to green taxonomy, covering all sectors of the economy which can partly balance subsidies (less polluting industries getting carbon credits for trading) and tax (more polluting industries that should have to buy carbon certificates). 

    – Ramp up domestic capacity to mine rare earth elements or procure them through long-term contracts and outward FDI; 

    – Complementing green building standards with IoT-based monitoring and AI and ML to manage and reduce energy demand; 

    – Boost climate-resilient agriculture; 

    – Production of green hydrogen using renewable energy; and 

    – Investment in carbon capture and storage technologies.

  • World Press Freedom Index 2023: India slips in press freedom index, ranks 161 out of 180 nations

    Source: The post is based on the article “India slips in press freedom index, ranks 161 out of 180 nations” published in The Hindu on 4th May 2023

    What is the News?

    Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released the World Press Freedom Index 2023.

    What is the World Press Freedom Index?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key findings of the World Press Freedom Index 2023?

    Norway is ranked first for the seventh consecutive year. 

    India is ranked 161 out of 180 countries. Press freedom in India has gone from “problematic” to “very bad”, with the country slipping 11 ranks since the 2022 report.

    Except for Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173) and China (179), all other neighbours have a better rank than India — Bhutan (90), Nepal (95), Sri Lanka (135), Pakistan (150), Afghanistan (152).

    According to the report, violence against journalists, the politically partisan media and the concentration of media ownership all demonstrate that press freedom is in crisis in India, the world’s largest democracy.

    What is Reporters Without Borders (RSF)?

    RSF is an international NGO whose self-proclaimed aim is to defend and promote media freedom.

    It has consultative status with the United Nations.

    Headquarters: Paris, France.

    RSF defines press freedom as “the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety”.

  • “Future of Jobs” Report: India to witness less job churn in the next five years: WEF report

    Source: The post is based on the article “India to witness less job churn in the next five years: WEF report” published in Business Standard on 1st May 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Economic Forum(WEF) has released the “Future of Jobs” Report. The report maps the jobs and skills in the coming years and tracks the pace of change.

    What are the key findings of the “Future of Jobs” Report?

    The report suggests that around 69 million jobs will be created and 83 million positions will be eliminated by 2027.

    This will result in a net loss of 14 million jobs, equivalent to 2% of current employment.

    The fastest declining roles will be secretarial and clerical roles such as bank tellers and cashiers which can be automated while demand for AI machine learning specialists and cybersecurity experts is expected to grow significantly.

    What are the key findings of the “Future of Jobs” Report related to India?

    “Future of Jobs” Report
    Source: Business Standard

    Labour markets in India over the next five years are expected to witness a “Labour market churn” lower than the global average.

    Note: Labour-market churn refers to the expected job movement, including new roles being created and existing roles being destroyed, as a proportion of current employment. 

    – This excludes situations where a new employee replaces someone in the same role. 

    Which sectors will drive employment in India?

    The fastest-growing jobs in the near future will be led by technology-driven sectors like artificial intelligence and machine learning followed by data analysts and scientists and data entry clerks.

    On the other hand, labour-intensive sectors like accountants and auditors, operations managers and factory workers are expected to witness the least job growth.

  • What the latest National Health Account figures say about India’s healthcare sector

    Source: The post is based on the article “What the latest National Health Account figures say about India’s healthcare sector” published in Indian Express on 29th April 2023

    What is the News?

    National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates for India for 2019-20 has been released.

    What are National Health Account (NHA) estimates?

    The National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive NHA estimates report prepared by NHSRC, designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by the Union Health Ministry.

    The NHA estimates are prepared by using an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of System of Health Accounts, 2011, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    What are the key findings of the National Health Account (NHA) estimates?

    National Health Account (NHA) estimates
    Source: Indian Express

    Government spending on healthcare has been on the rise: The money spent by the government on healthcare as a percentage of GDP has increased from 1.13% in FY 2015 to 1.35% in FY 2020.

    – Although the number is still far from the target of 2.5% investment in healthcare by 2025, the number is likely to shoot up in next year’s report, with the increased government spending during the pandemic getting reflected.

    Money spent by people from their own pocket on healthcare has been going down: The share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in total Health Expenditure (THE) declined from 62.6% to 47.1%. The continuous decline in the OOPE in the overall health spending show progress towards ensuring financial protection and Universal Health Coverage for citizens.

    Major chunk of the government’s health spend was in the primary sector: Out of the total spending by the government on healthcare in FY 2020, 55.9% went to primary care, 29.6% went to secondary care, and 6.4% went to tertiary care.

    There has been a consistent increase in social security expenditure by the government: It increased from 5.7% of the total spending on health in FY 2015 to 9.3% in FY 2020.

    Increased spending on Insurance: There has been an increase in spending on privately purchased health insurance as well.Privately purchased health insurance made up for only 3.9% of the total health expenditure in FY 2015, which increased to 7.72% in FY 2020. 

    – The government financed health insurance spending also went up from 3.8% of the total money spent on healthcare in FY 2015 to 6.37% in FY 2020.

    Health spending by States: National Health Policy 2017 says that 8% of states’ budget should go towards healthcare.

    – As per report, only two big states and three of the smaller ones have crossed the 8% target in FY 2020 – Delhi (contributing 18.7% of its total spending on health), Kerala (8%), Puducherry (10.5%), Meghalaya (8.9%), and Goa (8.7%).

  • India up 6 places on WB’s logistics index

    Source: The post is based on the article “India up 6 places on WB’s logistics index” published in TOI on 24th April 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released the Logistics Performance Index 2023.

    What is the Logistics Performance Index(LPI)?

    Released by: World Bank

    Purpose: It is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.

    The index measures the ease of establishing reliable supply chain connections and structural factors that make it possible, such as the quality of logistics services, trade and transport-related infrastructure, as well as border controls.

    LPI 2023 allows for comparisons across 139 countries.It measures for the first time the speed of trade with indicators derived from big datasets tracking shipments.

    What are the key findings of LPI 2023?

    Logistics Performance Index
    Source: Economic Times

    Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest-ranked LPI countries as per the 2023 LPI.

    India: India is ranked 38 out of 139 countries, climbing six places from the previous index. This achievement is credited to India’s investments in soft and hard infrastructure, along with technology.

    What are the initiatives taken by India that helped in improving its ranking?

    In 2021, the Government of India launched the PM Gati Shakti initiative, a national master plan for multimodal connectivity, aimed at lowering logistics costs and stimulating the economy by 2024-25.

    Subsequently, the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was introduced in 2022 to solve transport issues, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and speed up last-mile delivery in the logistics sector.

    India implemented a supply chain visibility platform under a public-private partnership, leading to significantly reduced delays.

    NICDC Logistics Data Services provides RFID (radio frequency) tagging on containers. This enables end-to-end tracking for supply chain consignees.

    From May to October 2022, India and Singapore had an average dwell time of three days for containers — better than some developed countries. The United States had a seven-day dwell time, while Germany’s was 10.

    – Dwell time refers to the amount of time a ship or cargo spends at a port or terminal before being loaded or unloaded onto a vessel. Any delays in a port can disrupt shipping schedules, affecting the entire service.

  • Bengal tops list of States with most ponds and reservoirs: first-ever waterbody census

    Source: The post is based on the article “Bengal tops list of States with most ponds and reservoirs: first-ever waterbody census” published in Indian Express on 22nd April 2023

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the report of the first census of water bodies.

    What is the Census of Water Bodies?

    Objective: To develop a national database for all water bodies by collecting information on all important aspects of the subject including their size, condition, the status of encroachments, use, storage capacity, the status of filling up of storage etc.

    Definition: The census defines a waterbody as “all natural or man-made units bounded on all sides with some or no masonry work used for storing water for irrigation or other purposes (example industrial, pisciculture, domestic/drinking, recreation, religious, groundwater recharge etc).

    The water bodies census was conducted along with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census for 2017-18. 

    What are the key findings of the Census of Water Bodies?

    Census of Water Bodies
    Source: Indian Express

    Waterbodies: India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks and lakes.

    – West Bengal accounts for most of the water bodies and Sikkim the least.

    – West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas has been ranked as the top district having the highest (3.55 lakh) number of water bodies across the country.

    Classification of waterbodies: Around 59.55% of water bodies are ponds, followed by tanks(15.7%), reservoirs(12.1%), water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3%), lakes (0.9%) and others (2.5%).

    – West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs whereas Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks. 

    – Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes and Maharashtra is the leading state with water conservation schemes.

    Encroachment of water bodies: The census also collected data on the encroachment of water bodies for the first time, revealing that 1.6% of all enumerated water bodies are encroached, with 95.4% of encroachments in rural areas and the remaining 4.6% in urban areas.

    What is the significance of the census of water bodies?

    The census provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of water bodies in India, highlighting the states and districts with the highest number of water bodies.

    The data on the encroachment of water bodies can help in identifying areas where conservation efforts are needed to protect these valuable resources.

  • Faith in children’s vaccines has gone up in India, says UNICEF

    Source: The post is based on the article “Faith in children’s vaccines has gone up in India, says UNICEF” published in The Hindu on 21st April 2023

    What is the News?

    UNICEF has released the report titled ‘The State of the World’s Children 2023: For Every Child, Vaccination’.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Vaccine hesitancy on the rise: The public perception of the importance of vaccines for children declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 52 out of 55 countries studied.

    – China, India and Mexico were the only countries examined where the perception of the importance of vaccines remained stable or even improved.

    – The report warns the confluence of several factors suggests the threat of vaccine hesitancy may be growing. These factors include uncertainty about the response to the pandemic, growing access to misleading information, declining trust in expertise, and political polarization.

    Childhood vaccination: The pandemic interrupted childhood vaccination almost everywhere, especially due to intense demands on health systems, the diversion of immunization resources to COVID-19 vaccination, health worker shortages and stay-at-home measures.

    – The report warns a total of 67 million children missed out on vaccinations between 2019 and 2021, with vaccination coverage levels decreasing in 112 countries. 

    – In 2022, for example, the number of measles cases was more than double the total in the previous year. The number of children paralyzed by polio was up 16 per cent year-on-year in 2022.

    Deepening inequalities: The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities related to vaccination.

    – Overall, in low and middle-income countries, one in 10 children in urban areas and one in six in rural areas had not received a single routine vaccination.

  • State of World Population Report, 2023: India’s population to edge ahead of China’s by mid-2023, says U.N.

    Source: The post is based on the following articles 

    – “India’s population to edge ahead of China’s by mid-2023, says U.N.” published in The Hindu on 20th April 2023

    – “India becomes world’s most populous nation: What’s behind the population numbers?” published in Indian Express on 20th April 2023

    What is the News?

    The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has released the State of World Population Report, 2023.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Globally: The population of the world is 8,045 million.

    – Out of this, the largest share (65%) is of people between the ages of 15 – 64 years, followed by those in the 10-24 years group (24%).10% of the population is above 65 years of age.

    Most populous regions: The world’s two most populous regions are Eastern and South-Eastern Asia [2.3 billion people – 29% of the global population]; and Central and Southern Asia [2.1 billion – 26%].

    – China and India accounted for the largest populations in these regions, with more than 1.4 billion each in 2022.

    Rate of population growth: The rate of global population growth has fallen, and has been at less than 1 per cent since 2020. 

    – This is primarily due to declining fertility. Around two-thirds of people live in a country or area with a total fertility rate at or below 2.1 children per woman (widely considered the “replacement fertility” rate, also called the “zero-growth fertility” rate). In 1950 the global fertility rate stood at 5. 

    Life expectancy: The life expectancy among men now stands at 71 years while among women it stands at 76 years. 

    Future Projections: The global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100.

    – Central and Southern Asia are expected to become the most populous region in the world by 2037.

    – More than half of the projected increase in global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in eight countries – Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania.

    What does the State of World Population Report, 2023 say about India?

    State of World Population Report, 2023
    Source: Indian Express

    India now has 1,428.6 million people and is the most populous country in the world, outstripping China’s population.

    As much as 68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world. 

    However, the fertility rate in India has been steadily dropping. The National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16).

    The increased use of contraceptive methods, spacing of pregnancies, access to health care and the impetus to family planning, besides increasing wealth and education, has contributed to the growth rate of the population slowing. 

    What does this mean for India?

    India is in a unique position where the young and working population is larger than the population that needs care (children and the elderly).

    This is unlike countries such as Japan with a declining population and an increasingly elderly population.

    Such countries are, and will be, in dire need of skilled labour, and this is something that India can provide, capitalizing on its demographic dividend.

    What are the suggestions given by the report?

    The report has called for a radical rethink on how countries address changing demographics and cautioned against the use of family planning as a tool for achieving fertility targets. 

    It warned that global experience showed that family planning targets can lead to gender-based discrimination and harmful practices such as prenatal sex determination leading to sex-selective abortion.

    Instead, it strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart, such as parental leave programmes, child tax credits, policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

  • FAO: Closing gender gap in agri-food systems can boost global economy by $1 trillion

    Source: The post is based on the article “FAO: Closing gender gap in agri-food systems can boost global economy by $1 trillion” published in Down To Earth on 15th April 2023

    What is the News?

    According to the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) report titled “The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems”, closing the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agri food-system employment would increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 1% or nearly $1 trillion. 

    About The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems report

    The report is the first of its kind since 2010 (State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2010–11: Women in Agriculture – Closing the gender gap for development).

    It goes beyond agriculture to provide a comprehensive picture of the status of women working across agri-food systems.

    What are the key findings of the Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems report?

    The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems report
    Source: FAO

    Almost four billion people rely on agri-food systems for their livelihoods and around half of them (are women) are prevented from realizing their potential.

    They are often held back by: 1) Inequality and discrimination – Rigid gender norms and roles, unequal power dynamics and discriminatory social structures, 2) Marginalized and denied agency, 3) Work in poorer conditions with lower wages and 4) Carry a greater burden of care and unpaid work.

    These impediments are compounded by additional challenges – climate, economic and price shocks, conflicts and the increasing risks of gender-based violence.

    Even though women have gained more access to some resources (digital technology, financial services), gaps are either unchanged or growing especially for rural women.

    Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the gap between women’s and men’s food security has grown to 4.3%.

    Men have a larger share in agricultural households compared with women owning land in 40 out of the 46 countries reporting on SDG Indicator 5.a.1. 

    Women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men and closing these gaps would greatly improve food security, nutrition and increase economic growth. 

    What are the recommendations given by the Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems report?

    -Close the gender gaps related to access to assets, technology and resources.

    -Access to childcare has a large positive effect on mothers’ employment, while social protection programmes have shown to increase women’s employment and resilience.

    -Address the continued lack of high-quality data disaggregated by sex, age, and other forms of social and economic differentiation which is paramount to monitoring and accelerating progress towards gender equality in agrifood systems.

  • What was the U.N. water conference and what happened there?

    Source: The post is based on the article “What was the U.N. water conference and what happened there?” published in The Hindu on 5th April 2023

    What is the News?

    The 2023 UN Water Conference took place at UN Headquarters in New York.

    What is the 2023 UN Water Conference?

    The 2023 UN Water Conference was co-hosted by Tajikistan and the Netherlands.

    Aim: To support the achievement of internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    It took 46 long years for the UN to organize the Water Conference in 2023, the first being held in 1977 in Mar de Plata, Argentina.

    The 1977 conference resulted in the first global ‘Action Plan’ recognising that all peoples, whatever their stage of development and social and economic conditions, have the right to have access to drinking water in quantities and of a quality equal to their basic needs. 

    This declaration led to several decades of global funding and concerted effort to provide drinking water and sanitation for all.

    What were the challenges in front of the 2023 UN Water Conference?

    Firstly, finding money to pay for extending access to water and sanitation to underserved populations is challenging.

    Secondly, improving access to water and sanitation no longer translates directly to sustained access to water and sanitation. For example, many drinking-water projects have failed because they drew too much groundwater or their water sources were contaminated. This in turn resulted in communities “slipping back” into having no access.

    Thirdly, the water problem is no longer about access to water and sanitation; these represent only two of the eight water-related SDGs. The remaining SDG 6 targets address the need to sustain agriculture, industry, and natural ecosystems. They have metrics that track better governance, improve the efficiency of irrigation water use, restore the water quality in lakes and rivers and improve wastewater management.

    – These problems are inherently harder because they can’t be fixed by better infrastructure. They require tough political choices, empowering agencies and strengthening democratic processes.

    What was the outcome of the 2023 UN Water Conference? 

    The complexity of today’s water problems was reflected in the conference’s proceedings –  fragmented discussions and no binding commitments.

    Instead, there were 713 diverse voluntary commitments by philanthropic donors, governments, corporations, and NGOs. 120 of these were relevant to India. They included a USD 50-billion commitment from India to improve rural drinking water services under its Jal Jeevan Mission.

    Some of the commitments announced at the event, with examples of projects that showed potential are,

    – Technology: There were specific innovations in wastewater treatment or solar treatment of water in remote areas and a number of proposals for incubation platforms including IBM Sustainability Accelerator focused on water management.

    – Data and models: Large investments must be done with careful simulation. But the simulation requires a large amount of data.

    – Knowledge sharing: One useful tool here is the W12+ Blueprint, a UNESCO platform that hosts city profiles and case studies of programs, technologies, policies that addresses common water security challenges.

    – Capacity building: Many people lack access to basic services because they are unable to advocate for themselves. Efforts like the Making Rights Real initiative offered to help marginalized communities and women understand how to exercise their rights. 

    – Environmental, social, and corporate governance:  The conference concluded that a big barrier to farmers and industries using water more efficiently is that they have no incentive. Specifically, farmers aren’t becoming more efficient or going pesticide-free unless consumers are willing to pay a premium for more sustainably produced goods.

  • Technology and Innovation Report 2023: Deepening green tech divide between Global North, South to worsen economic inequality, warns UN

    Source: The post is based on the article “Deepening green tech divide between Global North, South to worsen economic inequality, warns UN” published in Down To Earth on 24th March 2023

    What is the News?

    The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) has released the Technology and Innovation Report 2023.

    What is the purpose of the Technology and Innovation Report 2023?

    The report highlights the opportunities that green innovation – goods and services with smaller carbon footprints – offer developing countries to spur economic growth and enhance technological capacities.

    It analyzes the market size of 17 green and frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and electric vehicles, and their potential to create jobs.

    It also assesses countries preparedness for frontier technologies. It presents a “readiness index” ranking 166 countries based on five building blocks: 1) ICT deployment, 2) skills 3) research and development (R&D) activity, 4) industry activity and 5) access to finance.

    What are the key findings from the Technology and Innovation Report 2023?

    Green and Frontier Technologies: The 17 frontier technologies covered in the report such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and green hydrogen already represent a $1.5 trillion market, which could grow to over $9.5 trillion by 2030 – about three times the current size of the Indian economy.

    – But so far, developed economies are seizing most of the opportunities, leaving developing economies further behind.

    – The total exports of green technologies from developed countries jumped from around $60 billion in 2018 to over $156 billion in 2021. 

    – In the same period, exports from developing nations rose from a similar starting line of $57 billion to only about $75 billion. In three years, developing countries’ share of global exports has fallen from over 48% to under 33%.

    Frontier Technology Readiness Index: The index shows that countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa are the least ready to use, adopt or adapt to frontier technologies and are at risk of missing current technological opportunities.

    – In general, those most ready are high-income economies, notably the United States, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

    – China, the most-ready developing country, ranked 35, followed by Brazil (40), India (46) and South Africa (56).

    Overperformance in Frontier Technologies: The readiness index shows that some developing countries in Asia are performing better than expected.

    – Their overperformance is measured as the difference between the actual index rankings and the projected rankings based on per capita income. In general, it results from increased investment in infrastructure, enhanced technical skills and a conducive business climate.

    – India remains the greatest overperformer ranking at 67 positions better than expected, followed by the Philippines (54 positions better) and Vietnam (44 better).

  • World Happiness Report: Finland happiest country in the world, India ranked 126th: U.N. report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Finland happiest country in the world, India ranked 126th: U.N. report” published in Indian Express on 22nd March 2023

    What is the News?

    The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network has released the World Happiness Report 2023.

    What is the World Happiness Report?

    The World Happiness Report is a publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

    Parameters: The report measures happiness based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and low corruption. 

    The report was released on March 20, which is celebrated as International Day of Happiness. 

    What are the key findings of the World Happiness Report?

    World Happiness Report
    Source: Indian Express

    Globally: The Happiest country in the world was Finland. Two more Nordic countries – Denmark and Iceland – are second and third on the list.

    – Afghanistan has occupied the bottom spot on the table since 2020. It saw its humanitarian crisis deepen since the Taliban government took power in 2021 following the US-led military pull-out.

    India: India was placed at the 126th position out of 137 countries. It has improved from the 2022 index where it was ranked 136th.

    – However, still India was ranked below Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In Asia, India is only better off than Afghanistan which was placed at 137th position.

  • Women and Men in India 2022: Sex ratio improves but female participation in workforce still low

    Source: The post is based on the article “Women and Men in India 2022: Sex ratio improves but female participation in workforce still low” published in Down To Earth on 21st March 2023

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the Women and Men in India 2022 report.

    What is Women and Men in India 2022 Report?

    Sex Ratio at birth: The sex ratio at birth went up by three points to 907 in 2018-20 from 904 in 2017-19.

    – India’s sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) is expected to improve to 952 by 2036, up significantly from 943 in 2011.

    India’s Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR): It is defined as the percentage of people in the labour force of India in the total population.

    – LFPR for those above 15 years of age has been on the rise since 2017-2018. However, women are severely lagging behind men.

    – The rate was 77.2 for males and 32.8 for females in 2021-22, with no improvement in this disparity over the years.

    Population Growth: Population growth, already on a downward trend from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, is projected to fall further to 0.58% in 2036.

    – In absolute figures, this translates into 1.2 billion people with 48.5% female population as per Census 2011 to an expected 1.5 billion in 2036 with a marginal improvement in the female population share (48.8%).

    Age Structure: India’s age and sex structure, as per which the population under 15 years of age is expected to decline and the population above 60 years is expected to increase by 2036.

    Fertility rate: The fertility rates for the age groups 20-24 years and 25-29 years declined from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6, respectively, between 2016 and 2020.

    – This is likely due to economic independence from getting a proper education and securing a job.

  • IPCC AR 6 Synthesis Report

    Source: The post is based on the following articles

    – “IPCC AR 6 Synthesis Report” published in PIB on 20th March 2023.

    – “U.N. panel calls for rapid action against climate change to secure a liveable future”  published in The Hindu on 21st March 2023.

    – “India faces highest risk of climate change: IPCC”  published in the Business Standard on 21st March 2023.

    What is the News?

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has released AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023.

    What is a Synthesis Report?

    The Synthesis Report (SYR) is the culmination of a cycle of reports (the Sixth Assessment) that have been published over the past five years.

    Click Here to read more

    What are the key findings of the Synthesis Report?

    Temperature breaching the 1.5C threshold: Average temperatures have already touched 1.1°C (about 1.07°C was contributed by human activities) above pre-industrial times.

    By 2030 there is a 50% chance that global surface temperature in any single year could exceed 1.5°C.

    The world is still not doing enough to limit global temperatures from breaching the 1.5C threshold despite there being multiple, feasible and effective options to do so.

    Overshooting 1.5°C will result in irreversible adverse impacts on certain ecosystems with low resilience, such as polar, mountain, coastal ecosystems, etc.

    To keep within the 1.5°C limit, emissions need to be reduced by at least 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, and at least 60% by 2035. This is the decisive decade to make that happen.

    Impact of Climate Change: Adverse climate impacts are already more far-reaching and extreme than anticipated. 

    About half of the global population currently contends with severe water scarcity for at least one month per year, while higher temperatures are enabling the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, West Nile virus and Lyme disease. 

    Climate change has also slowed improvements in agricultural productivity in middle and low latitudes, with crop productivity growth shrinking by a third in Africa since 1961. 

    Carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions: CO2 is the primary GHG and needs to be drastically reduced. The report mentions that for every 1000 GtCO2 emitted by human activity, global surface temperature rises by 0.45°C (best estimate, with a likely range from 0.27 to 0.63°C). 

    Finance: Finance flows from developed to developing countries fall short of the levels needed to meet climate goals across all sectors and regions. 

    – It also acknowledges that in 2018, public and publicly mobilized private climate finance flows from developed to developing countries were below the collective goal under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement to mobilize USD 100 billion per year by 2020.

    What does the Synthesis report say about India?

    Synthesis Report
    Source: TOI

    Despite minimal contribution to global warming over the past century, India is among the countries that face the highest risk from climate change’s impact, ranging from heat waves to cyclones and urban and rural displacement.

    India is the hotbed of global climate investment but it needs to distribute equally to adaptation, along with mitigation efforts in the clean energy space.

    The report also echoes the Prime Minister’s vision for “LiFE”, or Lifestyle for Environment, which is a global mass movement for promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles to protect and preserve the environment.

    What are the recommendations given by the Synthesis Report?

    Need for better quantification of losses and damages, which will enable policymakers to negotiate better.

    Climate justice is crucial because those who have contributed least to climate change are being disproportionately affected.

    The world must not emit more than 500 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent after 2020.

    The strategies to counter climate change needed to be rooted in diverse values, including scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge and local knowledge.

    Apart from public finance (includes the promised but never received $100 billion), other avenues including private finance, local finance, national and international, bilateral, and multilateral finance need to be explored.

  • Afghanistan most impacted by terrorism for fourth straight year, India ranks 13th: Global Terrorism Index

    Source: The post is based on the article “Afghanistan most impacted by terrorism for fourth straight year, India ranks 13th: Global Terrorism Index” published in Indian Express on 19th March 2023

    What is the News?

    The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report 2022 has been released.

    What is the Global Terrorism Index(GTI)?

    Global Terrorism Index(GTI) is a comprehensive study analyzing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries.

    Published by: Institute for Economics & Peace(IEP) using data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources. 

    What are the key findings of the GTI 2022?

    Globally, deaths from terrorism fell by nine per cent to 6,701 deaths, marking a 38% decrease from its peak in 2015. 

    Afghanistan remains the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year though violence has declined.

    The report does not include acts of state repression and violence by state actors such as acts committed by the Taliban.

    South Asia remains the region with the worst average GTI score.

    India: India ranked 13th on the index, marking only a marginal decrease from the previous year. India was among the 25 worst-hit nations on the index.

  • Access to facilities and basic it skills

    Source: The post is based on the article “Access to facilities and basic it skills” published in The Hindu on 19th March 2023

    What is the News?

    The National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) has released the findings of the Multiple Indicator Survey(MIS).

    What are the key findings of the survey?

    Distance to water: Over a third of households in India had their principal source of drinking outside their premises. 

    – In rural India, fetching water is a task almost exclusively performed by women. The greater the distance to the primary source of water, the more they will be exposed to heat stress on a hot day. 

    – In seven States more than 50% of households reported that their drinking water source was located outside the premise with Odisha having the Largest share (66.9%) of such households followed by Jharkhand (63.8%) 

    Unclean fuel: Over 33% of households in India used firewood, chips and crop —-residue as the primary source of fuel for cooking. 

    – Many southern States reported the lowest share of such households, while many eastern and central States reported the highest share. 

    – Even as fuel prices increased, the government withdrew support for LPG subsidies, likely forcing more households to revert to biomass-fuelled stoves called chuthas, which expose women who cook to soot and other harmful particulate matter.

    Persons in debt In India: Over 15,000 persons per lakh were indebted to some institutional /non-institutional agency as of 2020-21. 

    – Southern States stood out when it came to indebtedness with Andhra Pradesh having the highest number of indebted persons per lakh (46,330), followed by Telangana (39,358), Kerala (31,510) and Tamil Nadu (31,085). 

    – Northeastern States such as Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland had the lowest number of persons indebted per lakh.

    Piped water: Just over 35% of persons in India had access to piped water in their dwellings. 

    – Among States, access to piped water inside dwelling/yard/plot ranged from over 90% in Goa to close to 6% in Assam. 

    – In as many as 12 States less than 30% of persons had access to piped water and most of them were in the eastern and northeastern regions. 

    In search of jobs: For about 13.7% of the persons who were willing to move out from their present place of residence in India, the main reason was the “search for employment”. 

    – Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland and Bihar had the highest share of persons who were willing to move out in search of employment. 

    – Nine States including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala and Gujarat had less than 10% of persons willing to move out to search for employment.

  • 3 out of 4 rural homes without piped drinking water: NSSO

    Source: The post is based on the article “3 out of 4 rural homes without piped drinking water: NSSO” published in TOI on 15th March 2023

    What is the News?

    The National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) has released the findings of the Multiple Indicator Survey(MIS).

    What is a Multiple Indicator Survey(MIS)?

    Multiple Indicator Survey(MIS) was part of the 78th round of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). 

    Objective: 1) To collect information for developing estimates of some important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators and 2) To collect information on Migration.

    What are the key findings of the survey?

    Multiple Indicator Survey(MIS)
    Source: TOI

    Drinking water: Less than a quarter of rural households and under two-thirds of urban ones in India reported having piped water for drinking in their houses or yard.

    – Although penetration of piped drinking water is abysmal in many states, more than 95.7% of people reported having access to an improved source of drinking water. 

    – This is defined as water taken from packed bottles, piped water into a house, yard or from a neighbour, public tap, tube well, hand pump, covered well, tanker and so on.

    Access to latrine: About 70% of the rural households reported having exclusive access to a latrine while 21. 3% reported having no access to a latrine, exclusive or otherwise. 

    Financial Inclusion: The survey confirms the progress in financial inclusion in India with nearly 90% of those surveyed reporting having an account individually or jointly with banks, other financial institutions or mobile money service providers.

    Cooking: Almost half of the rural households are still using firewood as the primary source of energy for cooking.

    Not in education, employment or training: During the time of the survey, 16.1% of males and 43. 8% of females aged 15-24 were neither studying nor working or being trained. 

  • India remains biggest arms importer between 2018-22 despite drop in overall imports

    Source: The post is based on the article “India remains biggest arms importer between 2018-22 despite drop in overall imports” published in The Hindu on 14th March 2023

    What is the News?

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report titled “Trends in International Arms Transfers 2022”.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Arms imports: India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and China are the top five arms importers in 2018–22.

    Arms exports: US, Russia, France, China, and Germany as the five biggest arms exporters. The five countries alone accounted for 76% of global arms transfers between 2018 and 2022. 

    India’s arms imports: India was the world’s largest arms importer between 2018 and 2022, accounting for 11% of global imports.

    – Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India in both 2013–17 and 2018–22. Russia accounted for 45% of India’s imports followed by France (29%) and the US (11%).

    India’s arms exports: Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market to three countries — Russia, France, and Israel and the second-largest export market to South Korea.

    – India was also the third-largest market for South Africa, which was ranked 21 on the list of arms exporters.

    What are the observations made by the report on India?

    Reduced in arms imports: India is still the largest arms importer, but its arms imports dropped by 11% between 2013 and 2017 and 2018 to 2022.

    The decrease can be attributed to several factors, including India’s slow and complex arms procurement process, efforts to diversify its arms suppliers, and attempts to replace imports with major arms that are designed and produced domestically.

    Decrease in arms imports from Russia: Russia’s position as India’s main arms supplier is under pressure due to strong competition from other supplier states, increased Indian arms production, and, since 2022, also the impact of the war in Ukraine.

  • NITI Aayog Releases Task Force Report on “Production and Promotion of Organic and Bio fertilisers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas”

    Source: The post is based on the following articles

    “Help cow shelters market dung-based formulations for farming: NITI Aayog” published in The Hindu on 11th March 2023.

    “NITI Aayog Releases Task Force Report on “Production and Promotion of Organic and Bio fertilisers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas” published in the PIB on 10th March 2023.

    What is the News?

    NITI Aayog has released the Task Force report titled “Production and Promotion of Organic and Bio fertilisers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas”.

    What is the purpose of the task force?

    The Task Force was constituted by NITI Aayog to suggest measures to make Gaushalas economically viable, address the problem of stray and abandoned cattle and effective utilization of cow dung and cow urine in the agriculture and energy sectors.

    What are the key highlights from the report?

    Gaushalas to promote Organic and Natural Farming: In the last 50 years, a serious imbalance emerged in the use of inorganic fertilizer and livestock manure. This is adversely affecting soil health, food quality, efficiency, environment and human health.

    – Recognising this, the Government of India is promoting sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming and natural farming.

    – Gaushalas or cow shelters can be of great help in promoting natural farming and organic farming. The agri-inputs developed from cattle wastes- cow dung and cow urine can reduce or replace agrochemicals, serving as plant nutrients and plant protection.

    – This effective utilization of cattle waste is an ideal example of a circular economy that harnesses the waste-to-wealth concept.

    – Moreover, cow dung­ based organic fertilizers would have a huge impact in fulfilling the constitutional mandate under Article 48 that the State shall take steps for preserving and improving cattle breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves, and other milch and draught cattle.

    Gaushalas could also address the problem of stray cattle that damaged crops in many parts of the country.

    What are the key recommendations given by the report?

    Cow dung is the major produce of Gaushala. It faces several challenges in realizing its economic value. Gaushalas should be helped through capacity development and other means to generate income from gobar. This should include proper processing of gobar using biogas plants, value addition, marketing and certification of the cow dung-based organic as well as biofertilizers. 

    Heavy subsidy on inorganic fertilizers especially on urea discourages the use of organic sources of nutrients, which do not get any subsidy. There is a need for some parity in support of chemical fertilizers vis-a-vis organic.

    A portal should be created like the Darpan portal of NITI Aayog for online registration of all Gaushalas. 

    The goal of promoting natural farming in the country should be integrated with the cow economy.

  • Raisina Security Dialogue: Away from the spotlight, India holds conference of global intelligence chiefs

    Source: The post is based on the article “Away from the spotlight, India holds conference of global intelligence chiefs” published in The Hindu on 6th March 2023.

    What is the News?

    India has held the second Raisina Security Dialogue conference.

    What is Raisina Security Dialogue?

    Raisina Security Dialogue is a conference of intelligence and security chiefs and top officials from around the world.

    Organized by: Research and Analysis Wing(R&AW) and the National Security Council Secretariat(NSCS).

    The conference was held for the first time in 2022, a day before the start of Raisina Dialogue.

    The focus of the discussions of the dialogue was largely focused on global security which encompassed counterterrorism, radicalisation, drugs trafficking, and illegal arms smuggling among others.

    The conference is modelled on the lines of the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri­La Dialogue.

    What is Raisina Dialogue?

    Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy.

    It is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation(ORF).

    Theme for 2023: “Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest”

  • ADSI Report 2021 – Student suicides in India at a five-year high, majority from Maharashtra: NCRB data

    Source: The post is based on the article “Student suicides in India at a five-year high, majority from Maharashtra: NCRB data” published in Indian Express on 9th February 2023.

    What is the News?

    National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) has released the (Accidental Deaths and Suicide in India) ADSI Report 2021.

    What are the key findings of the ADSI Report 2021?

    Accidental Deaths and Suicide in India 2021
    Source: Indian Express

    Student Suicides in 2021: The number of deaths by suicide by students saw an increase of 4.5% in 2021.

    – Maharashtra had the highest number of student deaths by suicide in 2021 with 1,834 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 1,308 and Tamil Nadu with 1,246 deaths.

    A steady increase in student suicides: Student suicides had gone up drastically during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and have been steadily rising in the last five years.

    Reasons for student suicides: The specific reasons behind student deaths by suicide are not given in the report. However, the report does state that the major reasons for suicide in the age group (under 18 years) were family problems and failure of the examination.

    Gender-wise student suicide rates: The percentage of women’s student suicide was at a five-year low of 43.49% while men’s student suicides made up 56.51% of the total student suicides.

    – But still, women’s student suicides have increased. In 2017, 4,711 women students died by suicide while in 2021 such deaths increased to 5,693.

    Educational status of student suicides: The educational status of suicide victims was that only 4.6% of total suicide victims were graduates and above. About 11% of the victims were illiterate, while 15.8% of them were educated up to the primary level.

  • NCAER Report on Farm Machinery Industry in India presented to MoS (Agriculture) Ms. Shobha Karandlaje

    Source: The post is based on the article “NCAER Report on Farm Machinery Industry in India presented to MoS (Agriculture) Ms. Shobha Karandlaje” published in PIB on 7th February 2023.

    What is the News?

    National Council of Applied Economic Research(NCAER) has released a report titled “Making India a Global Power House on Farm Machinery Industry”.

    What is the purpose of the report?

    The report analyzed the non-tractor farm machinery industry from both demand and supply side perspectives, bringing out the challenges in the sector. It aims to make India a Global Power House of Farm Machinery.

    What are the key highlights from the report?

    Challenges of Farm Mechanization in India: Availability of adequate farm power is very crucial for timely farm operations for increasing production and productivity and reducing losses.

    Though India is witnessing considerable progress in farm mechanization, its spread across the length and breadth of our country still remains uneven.

    India’s farm power availability is at 2.49 Kw/ha in 2018-19 which is much lower as compared to Korea (+7 kw/ha), Japan (+14kw/ha), USA(+7kw/ha).

    Steps taken by Government to promote Farm Mechanization: The Government is already promoting farm mechanization through various schemes and programmes like Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization(SMAM), Drones promotion etc.

    The institutes have done commendable work in testing and training and have provided a pool of more than 2.3 lakh of skilled professionals in the area of farm mechanization.

  • Student enrolments went up by 7.5% in 2020-21, All India Survey on Higher Education data show

    Source: The post is based on the following articles:

    “Ministry of Education releases All India Survey on Higher Education(AISHE) 2020-2021” published in PIB on 29th January 2023

    “Student enrolments went up by 7.5% in 2020-21, All India Survey on Higher Education data show” published in The Hindu on 30th January 2023

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021.

    What is the All India Survey on Higher Education(AISHE)?

    The AISHE survey has been published by the Ministry of Education since 2011.

    The survey covers all higher educational institutions located in Indian Territory imparting higher education in the country. 

    The survey collects detailed information on different parameters such as student enrollment, teacher’s data, infrastructural information, financial information etc. 

    For the first time, in AISHE 2020-21, HEIs have filled data using an entirely online data collection platform through the Web Data Capture Format(DCF) developed by the Department of Higher Education through the National Informatics Centre(NIC).

    What are the key findings of the AISHE 2020-21 survey?

    Higher Education enrolment: Enrolment in higher education has increased by 7.5% in 2020-21 from 2019-20, with female admissions increasing from 18.8 million to 20.1 million in this period.

    – Since 2020-21, the year when the COVID-19 pandemic began, there was a 7% rise in enrolments in distance education programmes.

    Female Enrolment: Female enrolment in higher education programmes had increased to 49% of total enrolments in 2020-21 compared to 45% the previous year.

    – The highest enrolment was seen at the undergraduate level which accounted for 78.9% of all enrolments followed by postgraduate level courses, which accounted for 11.4% of the year’s total enrolments.

    Popular courses: Among all undergraduate enrolments, the most popular remained the Bachelor of Arts programmes which saw 104 lakh enrolments (52.7% women; 47.3% men) followed by Bachelor of Science courses where women outnumbered men.

    Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): The GER in higher education has increased to 27.3 from 25.6 in 2019-20. GER is the ratio of 18-23-year-old adults attending college to the total population. It has been calculated according to the 2011 census. 

    – Female GER has overtaken Male GER since 2017-18. Gender Parity Index (GPI), the ratio of female GER to male GER, has increased from 1 in 2017-18 to 1.05 in 2020-21.

    Social groups: The overall enrolment percentage of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Class(OBC) students in higher education institutions have increased notably from 2014-15 to 2020-21, with ST students registering nearly a 50% growth.

    Universities: During 2020-21, the number of Universities has increased by 70, and the number of Colleges has increased by 1,453.

    Rajasthan hosts the maximum number of universities in India followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

    Teachers: The number of teachers increased across higher education institutes but still SC and ST teachers continued to be under-represented. 

    – The survey also found that there were 75 women teachers for every 100 male ones across institutes in the country. 

    – The teacher-pupil ratio was at 27 for all universities, colleges and standalone institutions and at 24 if only regular mode is considered. The best teacher-pupil ratio was found in States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

  • Five billion people unprotected from trans fat leading to heart disease

    Source: The post is based on the article “Five billion people unprotected from trans fat leading to heart disease” published in WHO on 23rd January 2023

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) has released a report titled “Countdown to 2023 – WHO report on global trans fat elimination”.

    What are the key findings of the WHO report on global trans fat elimination?

    WHO had called in 2018 for harmful trans fatty acids to be eliminated by 2023. They are thought to be responsible for around 500,000 premature deaths from coronary heart disease each year.

    Since then, 43 countries have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans fat, with some 2.8 million people now protected, a nearly six-fold increase.However, the elimination goal currently remains unattainable. 

    Currently, 9 of the 16 countries with the highest estimated proportion of coronary heart disease deaths caused by trans-fat intake do not have a best-practice policy. Some of these countries are Australia, Bhutan, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Nepal, and Pakistan among others.

    What are the best practices to eliminate trans-fat?

    Best practices in trans-fat elimination policies follow specific criteria established by WHO and limit industrially produced trans-fat in all settings. There are two best-practice policy alternatives:

    – mandatory national limit of 2 grams of industrially produced trans-fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods and 

    – mandatory national ban on the production or use of partially hydrogenated oils as an ingredient in all foods.

    What are the recommendations given by the WHO report on global trans fat elimination?

    WHO recommends that countries focus on adopting the best-practice policy, in addition to monitoring and surveillance, healthy oil replacements and advocacy.  

    In meanwhile, food manufacturers should be encouraged to eliminate industrially produced trans fat from their products.

    What is Trans Fat?

    Click Here to read

  • Survival of the Richest: The India story – India’s richest 1% own more than 40% of total wealth: Oxfam

    Source: The post is based on the article “India’s richest 1% own more than 40% of total wealth: Oxfam” published in The Hindu on 18th January 2023.

    What is the News?

    Oxfam has released a report  titled “Survival of the Richest: The India story”.

    What are the key findings of the Survival of the Richest: The India story?

    Wealth Inequality: The richest 1% in India now own more than 40% of the country’s total wealth, while the bottom half of the population together share just 3% of the wealth.

    – The combined wealth of India’s 100 richest has touched USD 660 billion (Rs 54.12 lakh crore) — an amount that could fund the entire Union Budget for more than 18 months.

    Gender and social inequality: Female workers earned only 63 paise for every 1 rupee earned by male workers.

    – The situation is even worse for Scheduled Castes and rural workers, as they earned 55% and half of what the advantaged social groups earned respectively, between 2018 and 2019.

    GST: Approximately 64% of the total Rs 14.83 lakh crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) came from the bottom 50% of the population in 2021-22, with only 3% of GST coming from the top 10%.

    What are the suggestions given by the report to combat inequality?

    Implement inheritance, property and land taxes, as well as net wealth taxes, in order to reduce inequality and generate revenue for social programs.

    – For instance, taxing India’s ten-richest at 5% can fetch entire money to bring children back to school or if India’s billionaires are taxed once at 2% on their entire wealth, it would support the requirement of Rs 40,423 crore for the nutrition of malnourished in the country for the next three years. 

    Enhance the budgetary allocation of the health sector to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as envisaged in the National Health Policy.

    Enhance the budgetary allocation for education to the global benchmark of 6% of GDP.

    Impose a windfall tax on food companies that are making large profits as inflation has surged.

     

  • ASER 2022: ASER Report flags widening learning gaps

    Source: The post is based on the article “ASER Report flags widening learning gaps” published in The Hindu on 19th January 2023.

    What is the News?

    Annual Status of Education Report(ASER) 2022 has been released by Pratham, a non-governmental organization.

    What is the ASER?

    ASER is a household survey conducted across 616 rural districts covering 6.9 lakh children in the three-to-16 age group to record their schooling status and assess their basic reading and arithmetic skills. 

    The report is being brought out after four years and records the impact of school closures in 2020 and 2021 as well as the return to school of children in 2022. 

    What are the key findings of ASER 2022?

    ASER 2022
    Source: Indian Express

    Increase in school enrollment: Despite the prolonged closure of schools, the overall enrollment in schools across the country has increased at all levels, with 98.4% in the age group of 6-14 years currently enrolled in schools. The figure stood at 97.2% in 2018.

    Girl’s enrollment increased: The proportion of girls not enrolled in schools has also reduced across age groups. For girls aged 11-14, this share dropped from 4.1% in 2018 to 2% in 2022.

    Drop in Learning levels: Between 2014 and 2018, learning levels in terms of foundational skills in reading and arithmetic had been rising gradually. For example, the proportion of Class 3 students who could read a Class 2 textbook had gone up from 23.6% in 2014 to 27.2% in 2018, while those who could do at least subtraction rose from 25.3% to 28.2%.

    – However, in 2022, the basic reading ability of children in Class 3 dipped by 6.8% points from 2018 and the proportion of children in Class 3 who could do at least subtraction fell to 25.9% in 2022.

    – Clearly, the pandemic has resulted in a learning loss. However, the loss is much greater in reading as compared to arithmetic.

    Increase in children availing private tuitions: A small, steady increase in the proportion of children availing private tuitions. Between 2018 and 2022, this proportion increased further – from 26.4% to 30.5%.

    Enrollment in government schools: The percentage of children aged 11 to 14 who are enrolled in government schools has risen from 65% in 2018 to 71.7% in 2022.

    – This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including job losses and the closure of budget private schools in rural areas during the pandemic.

    Read more: ASER Survey and issues in school education – Explained, pointwise

     

  • Global Risk Report: Natural disasters, extreme weather second-most severe global risk in short term, says WEF report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Natural disasters, extreme weather, second-most severe global risk in short term, says WEF report” published in Down To Earth on 16th January 2023.

    What is the News?

    The World Economic Forum(WEF) has released the 18th Edition of Global Risks Report 2023.

    What is ‘Global risk’?

    ‘Global risk’ is defined as the possibility of the occurrence of an event or condition which, if it occurs, would negatively impact a significant proportion of global gross domestic product, population or natural resources.

    What is the Global Risk Report?

    Click Here to read

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Global Risk Report
    Source: WEF

    Major global risks: 

    In the next 2 years: Cost of living crisis, natural disasters and extreme weather events, geoeconomic confrontation, failure to mitigate climate change and large-scale environmental damage incidents, among others.

    In the next 10 years: Failure to mitigate climate change and climate change adaptation, biodiversity loss, large-scale involuntary migration and natural resources crises amongst others.

    Climate Action and Biodiversity Loss: The world has struggled to make the required progress on climate change despite 30 years of global climate advocacy and diplomacy.

    – Failure of climate action to address climate change has continued to figure among the top risks in the report since 2011.

    – Biodiversity within and between ecosystems is already declining faster than at any other point during human history.

    – But unlike other climate-related risks, ‘Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse’ has not been perceived to be of concern over the short term. It has been ranked as the 4th most severe risk in the long term or over the next ten years (by 2033).

    Dangerous interconnections: Over the next 10 years or by 2033, the interconnections between biodiversity loss, pollution, natural resource consumption, climate change and socioeconomic drivers will make for a dangerous mix.

    Major Risks to India

    A cost of living crisis, digital inequality, geopolitical contest for resources, natural disasters and extreme weather events are the biggest risks for India over the short and medium term.

    Extreme weather events in India: India recorded extreme weather events on 291 of the 334 days between January 1 and November 30, 2022.

    – This means that the country witnessed an extreme weather event of some sort in one or more of its regions for more than 87 percent of the time over these 11 months.

    – These extreme events have a link with human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis.

     

  • Wealth Report 2023 Attitude Survey: India Findings: Wealth of 9 in every 10 ultra-rich Indians rose in ’22: Knight Frank report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Wealth of 9 in every 10 ultra-rich Indians rose in ’22: Knight Frank report” published in Business Standard on 16th January 2023.

    What is the News?

    Real estate company Knight Frank has released a report titled “Wealth Report 2023 Attitude Survey: India Findings”.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Wealth of Ultra-high-net-worth Individuals(UHNWIs) in India: The wealth of nine out of every 10 UHNWIs in India increased in 2022. This is more than double the global average where four in every 10 enjoyed wealth growth.

    UHNWIs in India own 5.1 homes which are higher than the global average of 4.1.

    19% self-made Indian UHNWIs below the age of 40. The global average is 23%.

    About 84% of the investable wealth of Indian UHNWIs is allocated between equities, real estate and bonds. 

    In 2023, 100% of the UHNWIs in India and 69% globally expect their wealth to grow.

    What UHNWIs want: Art remains the first choice as the “investment of passion” in India followed by watches and luxury handbags.

    – The UK is the most favoured country for home investment; UAE and USA follow.

    – 18% of Indian UHNWIs want to apply for new citizenship in 2023.

     

  • Report on municipal finances: Municipal corporations in India are gasping for funds

    Source: The post is based on the article “Municipal corporations in India are gasping for funds” published in Business Standard on 10th January 2023

    What is the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has released a study titled “Report on municipal finances”.

    The study reveals how municipal bodies are increasingly dependent on fund transfers from the State and the Centre while their revenue earning capacity is limited. 

    What are the key findings from the study?

    The combined budget of all the municipal corporations in India is much smaller than that of the Central and State governments.

    Inadequate Taxes: Taxes earned by municipal corporations in India are grossly inadequate to meet their expenditure needs.

    – In India, the own tax revenue of municipal corporations, comprising property tax, water tax, toll tax and other local taxes, formed 31-34% of the total revenue in the FY18-FY20 period. This share was low compared to many other countries and it also declined over time. 

    – Limited funds aside about 70% of it gets spent on salaries, pensions and administrative expenses with the rest left for capital expenditure. Above all, municipal corporations don’t borrow much leaving them gasping for funds.

    Variations in Tax revenue: Large variations can be observed if the municipal corporations’ own tax revenue is sliced State-wise.

    – The own tax revenue of municipal corporations as a share of the State’s GDP in 2017-18 crossed the 1% mark in Delhi, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, while it was 0.1% or less in Karnataka, Goa, Assam and Sikkim.

    Major revenue from property taxes: Municipal corporations’ revenue-raising capabilities are dependent on property taxes. 

    – In 2017-18, the property taxes formed over 40% of the municipal corporations’ own tax revenue. Despite such dominance, property tax collection in India was much lower compared to OECD countries due to undervaluation and poor administration.

    Dependent on Funds: The ​​municipal bodies are increasingly dependent on fund transfers from the State and the Centre. Property taxes are not efficiently collected. The generated funds are mostly spent on revenue expenditure, leaving a much smaller pie for capacity building.

     

  • Remote work helped in saving jobs during COVID: ILO report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Remote work helped in saving jobs during COVID: ILO report” published in The Hindu on 7th January 2023

    What is the News?

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released a report titled ‘Working Time and Work-Life Balance Around the World’.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    The report examines the effects that working hours and time schedules have on the performance of businesses and their employees.

    Covering the periods before and during COVID-19, the report reveals that more than a third of all employees are regularly working more than 48 hours per week, while a fifth of the global workforce is labouring fewer than 35 hours per week on a part-time basis.

    The report found that short-time work and work-sharing measures or other forms of job retention helped people reduce the volume of work and save jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Moreover, the system of reduced working hours and flexible working time arrangements can benefit economies, enterprises and workers and lay the ground for a better and more healthy work-life balance.

    The so-called ‘Great Resignation’ phenomenon has placed work-life balance at the forefront of social and labour market issues in the post-pandemic world.

    However, the report also cautioned that the benefits of some flexible arrangements such as spending more time with the family may also be accompanied by greater gender imbalances and health risks. 

    What are the recommendations given by the report?

    Firstly, countries should continue to support pandemic-era initiatives such as inclusive short-time work schemes, which not only saved jobs but also boosted purchasing power and helped cushion the effects of economic crises.

    Secondly, a public policy shift must happen to reduce the number of working hours in many countries and promote a healthy work-life balance.

    Thirdly, encourage teleworking to help maintain employment and give workers more agency.

    However, to contain potential negative effects, it warned that these and other flexible working arrangements need to be well-regulated, to support what is often called the “right to disconnect” from work.

     

  • Ministry of Road Transport & Highways -Annual report ‘Road accidents in India — 2021’

    Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Road Transport & Highways -Annual report ‘Road accidents in India — 2021” published in PIB on 28th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published the annual report ‘Road accidents in India — 2021’.

    About Road accidents in India Report 2021

    Purpose: The report provides information on various facets of road accidents in the country during the calendar year 2021. 

    Data source: The report is based on the data/information received from police departments of States/Union Territories collected on a calendar year basis.

    Key Findings of the report

    Road accidents in 2021: There was 4.12 lakh unfortunate incidences of road accidents during 2021 which claimed around 1.5 lakh lives. Young adults in the age group of 18-45 years accounted for 67.6% of victims in 2021.

    – During the previous year 2020, the country saw an unprecedented decrease in accidents, fatalities and injuries. This was due to the unusual outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

    Major indicators related to accidents have performed better in 2021 when compared to 2019.

    – Road accidents decreased by 8.1% and injuries decreased by 14.8% in 2021 compared to 2019.

    However, fatalities on accounts of road accidents increased by 1.9% in 2021 corresponding to the same period in 2019.

    State-wise: Uttar Pradesh retained its top position in road accident fatalities at the national level like in 2020 accounting for 15.2% of the total fatalities followed by Tamil Nadu (9.4%) Maharashtra (7.3%) and Rajasthan (6.8%).

    Death due to not wearing Helmets/Seatbelts: At least 8 out of every 10 occupants, nearly 83%, killed in accidents across India were not wearing seatbelts. Also, 2 out of every 3 who died in road crashes on two-wheelers were not wearing helmets.

  • ‘Create in India,’ says task force on gaming, animation and VFX

    Source: The post is based on the article “‘Create in India,’ says task force on gaming, animation and VFX” published in The Hindu on 27th December 2022. 

    What is the News?

    The task force on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) promotion has submitted its report recently.

    About the task force on AVGC promotion
    Read here: Ministry of I&B Constitutes Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Promotion Task Force
    About India’s AVGC sector

    India today contributes about $2.5-3 billion of the estimated $260-275 billion worldwide AVGC market.

    The Indian market currently employs about 1.85 lakh AVGC professionals and can witness a growth of 14-16% in the next decade. Further, India also require 20 lakh skilled professionals in the AVGC sector in this decade.

    What are the major recommendations of the AVGC task force?

    The government should a) Conduct a “Create in India” campaign with an exclusive focus on content creation, b) Create an international platform AVGC aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, co-production treaties and innovation in collaboration with international counterparts, c) Facilitate national and regional centres of excellence for skill development, d) Leverage the National Education Policy to develop creative thinking at school level, e) Ministry of Education may advise NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) to create books focusing on subjects relevant to AVGC, f) University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognised curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, g) Memorandum of Cooperation may be signed between India and other developed global AVGC markets, and h) Democratise AVGC technologies by promoting subscription-based pricing models for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), start-ups and institutions.

  • CPCB report shows fewer polluted river stretches, but worst ones remain unchanged

    Source: The post is based on the article “CPCB report shows fewer polluted river stretches, but worst ones remain unchanged” published in The Hindu on 26th December 2022. 

    What is the News?

    According to a recent report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the number of polluted stretches in India’s rivers has fallen from 351 in 2018 to 311 in 2022. However, the number of most polluted stretches is practically unchanged.

    About the working of CPCB report on water quality

    The CPCB network monitors water quality at 4,484 locations across the country.

    Conditions for determining water quality: a) Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) exceeding 3 milligrams per litre (mg/l) is identified as polluted locations, b) A BOD less than 3 mg/l means the river stretch is fit for “outdoor bathing,” and c) Two or more polluted locations identified on a river in a continuous sequence are considered as a “polluted river stretch.

    Categorisation: There are five priority categories. 1) BOD exceeding 30 mg/l are considered “Priority 1” (P1), meaning, the most polluted and thus needing the most urgent remediation, and 2) The rest of the categories “Priority 2” (P2) to P5 were defined based on BOD less than 30mg/l.

    Significance: The success of river-cleaning programmes are measured by the number of stretches moving from 1 to 2, 2 to 3 until those in 5 (requiring the least action) to reduce.

    Reason for the report: The National Green Tribunal passed orders that the CPCB and the Jal Shakti Ministry monitor river pollution and ensure that it was dealt with. Every State had to ensure that at least one river stretch was “restored” to at least be fit for bathing.

    About the recent CPCB report on water quality

    There is almost no change/slight change in the P1 and P2 categories of polluted river stretch from 2018 and the present report. This indicates that further stringent actions are required for control of organic pollution from various point sources of pollution including the development of infrastructure and its proper operation for treatment of wastewater before discharge into recipient water bodies,

    Performance of states: Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of “Priority 1” river stretches (6). Maharashtra had the most polluted river stretches of 55, followed by Madhya Pradesh (19), Bihar (18), and Kerala (18).

    The overall decrease in the net number of identified polluted river stretches, which have shown improvement in water quality, “could be attributed” to the efforts done for infrastructure development for pollution control.

  • Urban-20 (U20) event being organized under G20 presidency of India

    Source: The post is based on the article “Urban-20 (U20) event being organized under G20 presidency of India” published in PIB on 22nd December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is organizing the Urban 20 event under the G20 Presidency of India.

    What is Urban 20 (U20)?

    Urban-20 (U20) is one of the Engagement Groups of G20.

    Purpose: It provides a platform for cities from G20 countries to facilitate discussions on various important issues of urban development including climate change, social inclusion, sustainable mobility, affordable housing and financing of urban infrastructure and propose collective solutions.

    Hosted by: Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage city will host the U20 event.

    Significance: The initiative facilitates a productive dialogue between the national and local governments and helps promote the importance of urban development issues in the G20 agenda.

    – Note: Ahmedabad became a member of the C40 in 2022 and has been a member of other global alliances like the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives(ICLEI).

    – ICLEI is an international coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change.

  • Social Progress Index(SPI) for States and Districts received by EAC-PM, released

    Source: The post is based on the article “Social Progress Index(SPI) for States and Districts received by EAC-PM, released” published in PIB on 21st December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released the Social Progress Index(SPI).

    What is the Social Progress Index(SPI)?

    Prepared by: Institute for Competitiveness and Social Progress Imperative and was mandated by the Economic Advisory Council- Prime Minister(EAC-PM).

    Purpose: It is a comprehensive tool that can serve as a holistic measure of a country’s social progress at the national and sub-national levels. 

    Parameters: The index assesses states and districts based on 12 components across three critical dimensions of social progress:

    Social Progress Index(SPI)
    Source: PIB

    Ranking: Based on the SPI scores, states and districts have been ranked under six tiers of social progress with the Tier 1 indicating Very High Social Progress while the Tier 6 indicating Very Low Social Progress.

    Note: The report dwells on India’s performance based on the global Social Progress Index(SPI) that is brought out by Social Progress Imperative since 2013. In its 2022 report, India has been ranked 110th (out of 169 nations) on the index and India’s aggregate SPI score of 60.2 in 2022 is slightly lower than the world average of 65.2.

    What are the key findings of the Social Progress Index(SPI)?

    States ranking: Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Goa have emerged as best-performing among all States and Union Territories in the index while Jharkhand and Bihar as worst.

    District wise: Aizawl (Mizoram), Solan (Himachal Pradesh) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) have emerged as the top 3 best-performing districts.

    Aspirational District Programme(ADP): Around 27 out of 112 districts under the ADP have scored above the national average on the SPI.

    What is the significance of Social Progress Index(SPI)?

    Firstly, by evaluating change in the performance of some key social indicators since 2015-16, the report presents a broad picture of the social progress in India.

    Secondly, GDP is an incomplete measure of progress and endeavours such as the SPI, that weave in sociological factors into economic progress provides more robust and reliable analysis.

    Thirdly, the findings in the report will pave the way for policymakers to make informed decisions. 

  • GLAAS Report: Extreme weather events continue to hamper access to potable water, sanitation; urgent action needed: WHO

    Source: The post is based on the article “Extreme weather events continue to hamper access to potable water, sanitation; urgent action needed: WHO” published in Down To Earth on 14th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) and UN-Water have released the Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water(GLAAS) report.

    What is the GLAAS Report?

    The GLAAS 2022 report compiles new data on drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) from 121 countries and territories and 23 External Support Agencies(ESAs).

    It serves as a global reference to inform commitments, priority-setting and actions during the second half of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the 2023 Conference for the Review of Implementation of the United Nations Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018–2028).

    What are the key findings of the GLAAS Report?

    Human Resource for WASH Tasks: Less than one-third of countries reported maintaining enough human resources to manage essential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) tasks.

    Drinking water and Sanitation Targets: 45% of countries are on track to meet their drinking-water coverage targets, but only 25% are meeting their sanitation targets. More acceleration is needed to achieve national targets.

    Inadequate resources: While WASH budgets in some countries have increased, a significant portion — more than 75% of them — reported having inadequate resources to carry out their WASH plans and objectives.

    Climate Change and WASH: Most WASH policies and plans do not consider climate change threats to WASH services, nor do they take the climate resilience of WASH technology and management systems into account.

    What are the recommendations given by the report?

    Urgent action is required at global and local levels to ensure universal access to WASH in order to avert catastrophic effects of infectious diseases on the health of millions of people.

    In many countries, progress must be accelerated to meet United Nations-mandated (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six — ensuring universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

    Governments must also target underserved populations and settings – such as people living in poverty or in remote or hard-to-reach areas – to ensure they also have access to safe, sustainable WASH services.

  • Curbing air pollution in India needs efforts across South Asia: WB report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Curbing air pollution in India needs efforts across South Asia: WB report” published in The Hindu on 15th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released a report titled “Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia”.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Air Pollution in South Asia: South Asia is home to 9 of the world’s 10 cities with the worst air pollution.

    Currently, over 60% of South Asians are exposed to an average 35 µg/m3 of PM2.5 annually. In some parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) it spiked to as much as 100 µg/m3 – nearly 20 times the upper limit of 5 µg/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation,

    Exposure to such extreme air pollution has impacts ranging from stunting and reduced cognitive development in children to respiratory infections and chronic and debilitating diseases. This drives up healthcare costs, lowers a country’s productive capacity, and leads to lost days worked.

    What are the recommendations given by the report to reduce air pollution in South Asia?

    Airsheds in South Asia: Air pollution travels long distances— crossing municipal, state, and national boundaries—and gets trapped in large “airsheds” that are shaped by climatology and geography. 

    India has six large airsheds, some of them shared with Pakistan, between which air pollutants move. 

    For instance, when the wind direction was predominantly northwest to southeast, 30% of the air pollution in Indian Punjab came from the Punjab Province in Pakistan and on average, 30% of the air pollution in the largest cities of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna) originated in India. 

    ThiCurbing air pollution in India needs efforts across South Asia: WB reporteans that even if Delhi were to fully implement all air pollution control measures by 2030 while other parts of South Asia continued to follow current policies, it wouldn’t keep pollution exposure below 35 µg/m3. 

    However, if other parts of South Asia also adopted all feasible measures it would bring pollution below that number. 

    Hence, based on these findings the report recommends India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries establish a dialogue on air pollution to tackle it with an ‘airshed approach’. 

  • Union Minister for Jal Shakti Inaugurates The 7th Edition of India Water Impact Summit

    Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister for Jal Shakti Inaugurates The 7th Edition of India Water Impact Summit” published in PIB on 15th December 2022

    What is the News?

    Union Minister for Jal Shakti has inaugurated the 7th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) at New Delhi.

    What is the India Water Impact Summit?

    Organized by: National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) along with the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies(c-Ganga).

    Aim: To impart impetus towards developing water and environmental infrastructure to protect rivers and water bodies in India.

    Theme: ‘Restoration and Conservation of Small Rivers in a Large Basin’ with emphasis on ‘Mapping and Convergence of 5Ps’ – People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project.

    What is cGanga?

    Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) was established at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) in 2016. 

    Purpose: The Centre is a Centre of Excellence for data collection,  the creation and dissemination of knowledge and information for the sustainable development of the Ganga River Basin. 

    The centre acts in the capacity of a comprehensive think-tank to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

  • 2022 Prison Census: Number of journalists jailed has reached record high: CPJ report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Number of journalists jailed has reached record high: CPJ report” published in The Hindu on 15th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released a report titled “2022 Prison Census”.

    Note: The Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ) is an American independent non-profit, non-governmental organization based in New York with correspondents around the world.CPJ promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Journalists Jailed: The number of journalists jailed around the world for practising their profession has touched a record high with 363 reporters deprived of their freedom as of December 1, 2022. This figure is a new global high that overtakes last year’s record by 20%.

    Countries with the most journalists jailed: The top five jailers of journalists were Iran, China, Myanmar, Turkey, and Belarus respectively. 

    Reason for jailing Journalists: The key driver behind authoritarian governments’ increasingly oppressive efforts to stifle the media was the intent to keep the lid on broiling discontent in a world disrupted by COVID-19 and the economic fallout from Russia’s war on Ukraine.

    Repression of Minorities: In Iran and Turkey – both classified as “worst offenders” – it was Kurdish journalists who bore the brunt of the government crackdown. In China, too, many imprisoned journalists were Uighurs from Xinjiang.

    What does the report say about India?

    India continues to draw criticism over its treatment of the media, in particular for the use of the preventive detention law, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act(PSA). This law has been used to keep Kashmiri journalists behind bars after they were granted court-ordered bail in separate cases.

    Moreover, six out of the seven jailed journalists are being investigated under or charged under the anti-terrorism law Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Of these seven journalists, three have been in jail for more than a year.

  • World Malaria Report 2022: Malaria cases, deaths begin stabilizing after COVID disruption: WHO

    Source: The post is based on the article “Malaria cases, deaths begin stabilizing after COVID disruption: WHO” published in Down To Earth on 13th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) has released the World Malaria Report 2022.

    What are the key highlights from the report?

    Deaths due to Malaria: Despite disruptions to prevention, diagnostic and treatment services during the pandemic, countries around the world have largely held the line against further setbacks to malaria control.

    – There were an estimated 6.19 lakh malaria deaths globally in 2021 compared to 6.25 lakh in the first year of the pandemic in 2020. In 2019, before the pandemic struck, the number of deaths stood at 5.68 lakh. 

    Malaria cases: Malaria cases continued to rise between 2020 and 2021, but at a slower rate than in the period 2019 to 2020. The global tally of malaria cases reached 247 million in 2021, compared to 245 million in 2020 and 232 million in 2019. 

    High-Burden Malaria Countries: Among the 11 high-burden countries, five — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, India, Niger and the United Republic of Tanzania — recorded a decline in deaths.

    – But these countries continued to contribute heavily to the global disease burden.

    Hurdles against malaria control: Funding to deploy new tools to help defeat malaria, impeding progress due to mutating parasites which can evade rapid diagnostic tests, increasing drug resistance and the invasion of an urban-adapted mosquito in Africa which is resistant to most insecticides used in this geography.

    Progress on ending malaria: The WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 aims to reduce malaria case incidence and mortality rates by at least 40% by 2020, at least 75% by 2025 and at least 90% by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.

    – In 2021, the case incidence was 48 per cent off track — at 59 cases per 1,000 population at risk, compared to a target of 31. Death incidence is also 48% off track — 14.8 in 2021 against a target of 7.8. If these trends continue, the world will be 88% off target in its fight against malaria.

  • What’s in the World Bank’s new toolkit on making urban transport better for Indian women?

    Source: The post is based on the article “What’s in the World Bank’s new toolkit on making urban transport better for Indian women?” published in Indian Express on 11th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released a report titled “Toolkit on Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces in India” with the aim of suggesting ways to make public transport in Indian cities more inclusive of women’s traveling requirements.

    What are the problems faced by women in using public transport services?

    Women are amongst the biggest users of public transport across Indian cities. 

    84% of trips taken by women for work were estimated to be by public, intermediate public, and non-motorised transport.

    However, public transport services are not traditionally designed keeping in mind women’s safety and their specific travel needs.

    Lack of safety, dearth of good street lighting, no reliable last mile transport and high waiting time at remote bus stops are just some of the challenges women face in this regard. This severely limits their access to work, education and life choices. 

    India has amongst the lowest female labour force participation rates globally, at 26.2 percent in 2020-21.

    What are the recommendations given by the World Bank to enable gender-responsive urban mobility?

    The World Bank has suggested a four-pillar implementation structure for urban entities to construct a gender-responsive urban transportation and public spaces programme:

    First, there has to be a greater effort made to understand the on-ground situation with a gender lens.

    Second, once prevailing issues are identified, policies and development plans must reflect the concerns of women. For this to happen, there must be more women in key institutions in charge of decision-making. 

    Third, the toolkit emphasizes on building gender sensitivity and awareness among service providers through mandatory programmes and community action. 

    Fourth, investment has to be made in better infrastructure and services with a focus on women-friendly design.

  • Only 31% women own mobile phones, says Oxfam report on India digital divide

    Source: The post is based on the article “Only 31% women own mobile phones, says Oxfam report on India digital divide” published in Hindustan Times on 7th December 2022

    What is the News?

    Oxfam has released a report titled ‘India Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide’. The report highlights the extent of the digital divide in India and its impact on essential services such as education, health and financial inclusion.

    What is Digital Divide?

    Digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to both their opportunities to access information and communication technologies(ICTs) and to their use of the internet for a wide variety of activities.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    61% of men-owned mobile phones in 2021 compared to just 31% of women. 

    Only 31% of the rural population uses the Internet compared to 67% of their urban counterparts.

    The reach of digital technologies remains largely limited to male, urban, upper-caste, and upper-class individuals. While 8% of the general caste have access to a computer or a laptop, less than 1% of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 2% of the Scheduled Castes(SC) afford it.

    The use of computer devices has decreased in rural areas. While 3% of the rural population used to own a computer before the pandemic, the number slipped to just 1% post-Covid.

    The employment status of Indians also proved to be linked to access to digital services as 95% of the permanent salaried workers have phones, as compared to only 50% of the unemployed.

    The digital push driven by the pandemic resulted in India experiencing the largest number of real-time digital transactions in 2021 at 48.6 billion. However, the likelihood of a digital payment by the richest 60% is four times more than the poorest 40% in India.

    Among states, Maharashtra has the highest internet penetration, followed by Goa and Kerala, while Bihar has the lowest, followed by Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

    What are the recommendations given by the report to bridge the digital divide?

    a) Improve internet availability in rural and hard-to-reach areas through community networks and public Wi-Fi/ internet access points, b) Improve affordability by investing in digital infrastructure, bringing a strong regulatory framework and lowering taxes on computers and phones, c) Conduct digital literacy camps, especially in rural India, and digitize panchayats and schools, and  d) Grievance redressal mechanism to handle EdTech and Healthtech related complaints.

  • Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities: Health inequities to be blamed for premature deaths among people with disabilities: WHO

    Source: The post is based on the article “Health inequities to be blamed for premature deaths among people with disabilities: WHO” published in Down To Earth on 5th December 2022

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) has released a report titled- “Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities”.

    What are the key highlights from the report?

    Data related to PwDs: Approximately 1.3 billion people or 16% of the population has significant disability.

    – Because of the systemic and persistent health inequities, many persons with disabilities face the risk of dying much earlier—even up to 20 years earlier—than persons without disabilities.

    – They have more than double the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, stroke or depression. 

    – PwDs have more limitations in functioning – for example, inaccessible health facilities are up to 6 times more hindering for them. 

    Factors for inequity in Healthcare to PwDs: 1) Hostile attitudes of healthcare providers, 2) Non-comprehensible health information formats, 3) Physical barriers, lack of transportation, or financial constraints that prevent access to a health center.

    What are the recommendations given by the report?

    Firstly, the report recommends 40 disability-targeted actions in areas like Political commitment, governance, Health financing etc  

    Secondly, it recommends 3 principles for all governments and health sector partners: 1) Include health equity for PwD at the centre of any health sector action, 2) Ensure empowerment and meaningful participation of PwD in implementing any health sector action and 3) Monitor and evaluate the extent to which health sector actions lead to health equity for PwD. 

    Thirdly, Governments, health partners and civil society should ensure all health sector actions are inclusive of persons with disabilities so that they can enjoy their right to the highest standard of health.

  • State of Finance for Nature report: Double financing for natural ecosystems by 2025 to deal with climate, biodiversity crises: UN report

    Source: The post is based on the article “Double financing for natural ecosystems by 2025 to deal with climate, biodiversity crisis: UN report” published in Down To Earth on 4th December 2022

    What is the News? 

    The second edition of the State of Finance for Nature report has been released.

    What is the State of Finance for Nature report?

    Released by:  UN Environment Programme(UNEP) along with the Economics of Land Degradation initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD) and the European Commission.

    Purpose: The report quantifies public and private finance flows to nature-based solutions (NbS) to tackle global challenges related to biodiversity loss, land degradation and climate change.  

    What are Nature-based solutions(NbS)?

    Nature-based solutions(NbS) are actions to protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems that address societal challenges such as climate change, human health, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

    What are the key findings of the report related to NbS financing?

    Finance flows to nature-based solutions(NbS) are currently US$154 billion per year. Under this, public funds make up 83% of the total and the private sector contributes approximately 17%.

    This finance flow is less than half of the US$384 billion per year investment in NbS needed by 2025 and only a third of the investment needed by 2030 (US$484 billion per year) 

    What are the recommendations given by the report?

    Firstly, financing for NbS needs to be doubled to deal with multiple global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.

    Secondly, there is a need for private investments in nature-based solutions. For this, private companies must create a sustainable supply chain, reduce activities that negatively impact climate and biodiversity, offset any unavoidable activities through high-integrity nature markets, pay for ecosystem services and invest in nature-positive activities. 

  • India saw highest levels of Covid-19 related religious hostilities in 2020: Pew Research Center

    Source: The post is based on the article “India saw highest levels of Covid-19 related religious hostilities in 2020: Pew Research Center” published in The Hindu on 5th December 2022

    What is the News?

    According to a Pew Research Center report, India saw the highest level of religious hostilities during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

    About Pew Research Center Report

    The Pew Research Center’s study on restrictions on religion around the world is published every year.

    The report measures levels of restrictions in 198 countries and self-governing territories using two 10-point indexes: the Government Restrictions Index (GRI) and the Social Hostilities Index (SHI). 

    The 198 countries included in the study account for more than 99.5% of the world’s population.

    What is the Social Hostilities Index?

    Purpose: To measure acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organizations or groups. 

    Parameters: The index comprises 13 questions that measure hostilities both between and within religious groups, including mob or sectarian violence, crimes motivated by religious bias, physical conflict over conversions, harassment for attire for religious reasons, and other religion-related intimidation and violence.

    Key Findings related to India: India saw the highest level of religious hostilities during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

    At a score of 9.4 out of 10, India fared the worst in Social Hostilities Index in 2020, more than its neighbours Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    India was also among the countries in which private individuals or organizations linked the spread of the coronavirus to religious groups citing the circulation of Islamophobic hashtags such as “Corona Jihad”.

    What is the Government Restrictions Index(GRI)?

    Purpose: It looks at laws, policies and state actions restricting religious beliefs and practices. 

    Parameters: The GRI comprises 20 measures including efforts by governments to ban particular faiths, prohibit the conversion, limit preaching or give preferential treatment to one or more religious groups. 

    Key Findings: China ranked the worst with a score of 9.3. 

    – India was ranked 34th with a score of 5.8. India was categorized among countries with “high” levels of government restrictions. 

  • Adivasis at bottom rung of India’s development pyramid, finds Tribal Development Report 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “Adivasis at bottom rung of India’s development pyramid, finds Tribal Development Report 2022” published in Down To Earth on 2nd December 2022

    What is the News?

    Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation(BRLF) has released the Tribal Development Report 2022. It is claimed to be the first of its kind report since 1947.

    Note: BRLF was set up by the Government of India in 2013 as an independent society under the Union Ministry of Rural Development to scale up civil society action in partnership with central and state governments.

    What is the Tribal Development Report 2022?

    The report focuses on the status of tribal communities at an all-India level and central India in particular.

    Note: Central India is home to 80% of the tribal communities in the country.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Tribal Population: India’s tribal communities form 8.6% of the country’s population according to the 2011 Census.

    – Of the 257 Scheduled Tribe districts, 230 (90%) are either forested or hilly or dry. But they account for 80% of India’s tribal population.

    Tribals most deprived: Tribals are at the bottom of the country’s development pyramid even after 75 years of independence.

    Be it sanitation, education, nutrition, or access to drinking water and education, despite 70 years of independence, they are the most deprived.

    Reason for deprivation: Tribal areas are areas that have faced a lot of disturbance and conflict. This is one of the reasons why many government welfare schemes and policies are unable to take off in these areas.

    Tribal rights and environment: During British colonial rule, the bond between Adivasis and their relation of symbiosis with their immediate environment was ruptured.

    – After the enactment of the Forest Conservation Act in 1980, the conflict came to be seen as between environmental protection and the needs of local Adivasi communities, driving a wedge between people and forests.

    – It was in the National Forest Policy of 1988 that domestic requirements of local people were explicitly recognised for the very first time.

    – The Policy emphasized safeguarding their customary rights and closely associating Adivasis in the protection of forests. But the movement towards a people-oriented perspective has not been matched by reality on the ground.

    What is the way forward suggested by the report?

    It is important to understand the special characteristics of tribal communities to frame policies for them.

    There are many tribal communities that prefer isolation and silence. They are shy and are not going to reach out to the outside world on their own. 

    Hence, policymakers and leaders of the country need to understand this trait and then work towards the welfare of Adivasis so that they connect with them in a better way.

  • Over 160-200 million Indians could be exposed to lethal heat waves annually: World Bank

    Source: The post is based on the article “Over 160-200 million Indians could be exposed to lethal heat waves annually: World Bank” published in The Hindu on 1st December 2022.

    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released a report titled “Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector”.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    Impact of Higher Temperatures on India: By 2030, over 160-200 million people across the country could be exposed to lethal heat waves annually. 

    Around 34 million people in India will face job losses due to heat stress-related productivity decline.

    Due to this, by 2037, the demand for cooling is likely to be eight times more than current levels. This means there will be a demand for a new air-conditioner every 15 seconds leading to an expected rise of 435% in annual greenhouse gas emissions over the next two decades.

    Recognizing this challenge, India is already deploying new strategies to help people adapt to rising temperatures. In 2019, India launched the India Cooling Action Plan(ICAP).

    The report proposes a roadmap to support ICAP through new investments in three major sectors: Building construction, Cold chains and Refrigerants.

    What is the roadmap suggested by the report in these three major sectors?

    Building construction: 

    Firstly, adopt climate-responsive cooling techniques as a norm in both private and government-funded constructions. This can ensure that those at the bottom of the economic ladder are not disproportionately affected by rising temperatures.

    – The report suggests that India’s affordable housing program for the poor, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(PMAY) can adopt such changes on a scale.

    Secondly, enact a policy for district cooling which could lead to the consumption of 20-30% less power than the most efficient conventional cooling solutions. District cooling technologies generate chilled water in a central plant which is then distributed to multiple buildings via underground insulated pipes. This brings down the cost for providing cooling to individual buildings.

    Fix Gaps in Cold Chains Network: To minimize rising food and pharmaceutical wastage during transport due to higher temperatures, the report recommends fixing gaps in cold chain distribution networks. Investing in pre-cooling and refrigerated transport can help decrease food loss by about 76% and reduce carbon emissions by 16%.

    Refrigerants: India aims to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which are used as coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators by 2047. 

    – The report recommended improvements in servicing, maintenance and disposal of equipment that use HCFCs alongside a shift to alternative options with a lower global warming footprint. 

    – This can create 2 million jobs for trained technicians over the next two decades and reduce the demand for refrigerants by around 31%.

  • INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2022(IPRD)

    Source: The post is based on the article “INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2022(IPRD)” published in PIB on 23rd November.

    What is the News?

    Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is scheduled to be held from 23 to 25 November 2022.

    What is Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue(IPRD)?

    IPRD is an apex-level international annual conference of the Indian Navy.

    Organized by: National Maritime Foundation(NMF) 

    Note: NMF was established in 2005. It is the nation’s sole maritime think-tank that concentrates upon the entire gamut of activities relevant to India’s maritime interests and has gained significant international traction for the conduct of independent, original and policy-relevant research on all ‘matters maritime’. 

    Purpose: It is an annual international conference that seeks to foster an exchange of ideas and promote deliberations on maritime issues relevant to the Indo-Pacific.

    Theme of 2022: ‘Operationalising the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)’

    What is the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative(IPOI)?

    The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative(IPOI) was articulated by the Indian Prime Minister at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2019. 

    It is a comprehensive and inclusive construct for regional cooperation that is focused on seven interconnected spokes or pillars: 1) Maritime Security, 2) Maritime Ecology, 3) Maritime Resources, 4) Disaster Risk-reduction and Management, 5) Trade-Connectivity and Maritime Transport, 6) Capacity-building and Resource sharing and 7) Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation.

  • India jumps 2 spots higher and now ranks 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI, 2023)

    Source: The post is based on the article “India jumps 2 spots higher and now ranks 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI, 2023)” published in PIB on 22nd November 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 has been released.

    What is the Climate Change Performance Index?

    Released by: German Watch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network International based in Germany. 

    Published since: 2005

    Aim: To enhance transparency in international climate politics and enable comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.

    Parameters: CCPI assesses each country’s performance in four categories: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall ranking), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%) and Climate Policy (20%).

    What are the key findings of the index related to India?

    Ranking: ​​India has been ranked 8th amongst a group of 59 countries and the European Union. It has risen two spots since last year.

    Denmark, Sweden, Chile and Morocco were the only four small countries that were ranked above India as 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th respectively. The first, second and third ranks were not awarded to any country. 

    In effect, therefore, India’s rank is the best among all large economies.

    Observations: India earned a high rating in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, while a medium for Climate Policy and Renewable Energy. 

    The aggressive policies of India towards rapid deployment of renewables and robust framework for energy efficiency programs have shown considerable impact. 

    As per the Index, India is on track to meet its 2030 emissions targets (compatible with a well-below- 2°C scenario).

    Significance: The ranking given by CCPI places India as the only G-20 country in the top 10 ranks.

    India will now be assuming G-20 Presidency, and it will be an opportune time to show the world about its climate mitigation policies. Such as the deployment of renewable sources of energy and other energy transition programmes.

  • Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India 2022: Groundwater report waters down aquifer-level data, say experts

    Source: The post is based on the article “Groundwater report waters down aquifer-level data, say experts” published in Business Standard on 22nd November 2022.

    What is the News?

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti has released the Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India 2022.

    What are the key findings of the report?
    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India 2022
    Source: Business Standard

    Groundwater: The total annual groundwater recharge for the country this year has increased by 1.29 billion cubic meters(bcm), in contrast with the last assessment conducted in 2020. 

    – The total annual extractable groundwater resources have also increased by 0.56 bcm.

    – However, the annual groundwater extraction for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses has decreased by 5.76 bcm during this period.

    Major consumer of Groundwater resources: The agriculture sector is the predominant consumer of groundwater resources.

    – About 87% of the total annual groundwater extraction is for irrigation use. Only 30.69 bcm is for domestic and industrial consumption which is about 13% of the total extraction.

    Of the total 7,089 assessment units in the country, a) 1,006 units or 14% have been categorized as over-exploited, b) 260 units or 4% as critical, c) 885 units or 12% as semi-critical and d) 4,780 units or 67% as safe.

    State-wise Groundwater Extraction: The overall stage of groundwater extraction in the country is 60.08%.

    – The stage of groundwater extraction is very high in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu where it is more than 100%.

    – In the states of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and UTs of Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, the stage of groundwater extraction is between 60-100%.

    – In the rest of the states, the stage of groundwater extraction is below 60 %.

    Impact of rock formations: The type of rock formations and their storage and transmission characteristics have a significant influence on groundwater recharge. 

    – Porous formations such as the alluvial formations in the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra basin generally have high specific yields and are good repositories of groundwater. 

    – Groundwater occurrence in the fissured formations occupying nearly two-thirds of the geographical area of the country, on the other hand, it is mostly limited to the weathered, jointed and fractured portions of the rocks.

    What are the issues with this Groundwater Report?

    According to experts, the groundwater data showing an increase in recharge and a decrease in extraction may not be offering an accurate representation. This is because the assessment units are too large in size and too few in number to present a micro-level picture.

  • India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022

    Source: The post is based on the article “India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022” published in PIB on 19th November 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Network Readiness Index(NRI) 2022 has been released.

    What is the Network Readiness Index?

    Prepared by: Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit institute based in Washington DC.

    Aim: To rank the network-based readiness landscape of 131 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact – using 58 different indicators. 

    What are the key takeaways from NRI 2022?

    India: ​​India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61st rank.

    – India leads in several indicators. It has secured a) 1st rank in “AI talent concentration”, b) 2nd rank in “Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country” and “International Internet bandwidth”, c) 3rd rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services” and “Domestic market size”, d) 4th rank in “ICT Services exports” and e) 5th rank in “FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions” and “AI scientific publications”.

    – India has a greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level.  

    – India is ranked 3rd out of 36 in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Ukraine (50) and Indonesia (59). India has a score higher than the income group average in all pillars and sub-pillars.

    Globally: The United States takes the 1st spot from the Netherlands (4th) as the most network-ready society. 

    – The biggest mover is Singapore (2nd) which surged from the seventh position to second in this year’s index.

  • Moscow Format: India takes part in Moscow talks on forming ‘inclusive government’ in Afghanistan

    Source: The post is based on the article “India takes part in Moscow talks on forming ‘inclusive government’ in Afghanistan” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

    What is the News?

    India participated in the fourth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow, Russia.

    What is Moscow Format?

    Moscow format is one of the several dialogue platforms on Afghanistan which began before the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

    The format consists of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and India.

    What were the issues discussed at the 4th Moscow Format?

    The participants discussed issues related to Afghanistan. These include 1) the current humanitarian situation and the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders to provide assistance, 2) intra-Afghan talks, 3) the formation of an inclusive and representative government and 4) efforts to counter threats of terrorism and ensure regional security.

  • War causing immense human suffering: G20 declaration

    Source: The post is based on the article “War causing immense human suffering: G20 declaration” published in The Hindu on 17th November 2022

    What is the News?

    The G20 Bali Declaration was finally adopted by consensus even though it failed to overcome serious differences over the Russia-Ukraine war.

    What are the key highlights of the G20 Bali Declaration?

    On Russia-Ukraine war: The declaration acknowledged differences among members on the Russia-Ukraine war but stressed that it was “essential to uphold international law and the multilateral system” as “today’s era must not be of war”.

    – It also said that the threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

    – The declaration also recognised that G20 is not the forum to resolve security issues. However, it agreed that security issues can have significant consequences for the global economy.

    On Terrorism: The declaration called upon the international community to “step up” efforts to counter money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing and urged the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies to “lead global action” to respond to these threats.

    Other issues covered: The declaration covered a range of issues from climate change to corruption, and from Covid vaccination to imparting computer skills to women.

    How has India contributed to this G20 declaration?

    The G20 declaration proclaimed “today’s era must not be of war”, echoing the Indian PM’s remarks before the Russian President on the sidelines of the SCO summit in September.

    The declaration also strongly endorsed the Indian PM’s emphasis on three key points: the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, diplomacy and dialogue and today’s era must not be of war.

  • India moves two ranks in climate performance index

    Source: The post is based on the article “India moves two ranks in climate performance index” published in Indian Express on 16th November 2022

    What is the News?

    The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 has been released by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network.

    What is the Climate Change Performance Index?

    Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) is an independent monitoring tool for tracking the climate protection performance of 59 countries and the European Union which together generate over 92% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

    Aim: To enhance transparency in international climate politics and enable comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.

    Parameters: CCPI assesses each country’s performance in four categories: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall ranking), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%) and Climate Policy (20%).

    What are the key findings of CCPI 2023?

    India’s Ranking: India has been ranked 8th amongst a group of 59 countries and the European Union. It has risen two spots since last year.

    – Parameter-wise, India has earned a high rating in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories with a medium for Climate Policy and Renewable Energy.

    Observations made on India: India had increased its climate targets in the NDC (nationally determined contributions) and also announced a net zero target for 2070. 

    – However, India’s climate actions were still not consistent with the 1.5 degree Celsius goal. For instance, India has plans to increase its oil and gas production by over 5% by 2030. This is incompatible with the 1.5-degree Celsius target.

    Globally: Denmark and Sweden have been assessed to be the top performers this year as well.

    – China has been ranked 51st. It has dropped 13 places mainly because of the country’s continued reliance on coal and lack of clarity on long-term climate policies. 

    – The United States has been ranked 52nd. It has risen three ranks because of the recent climate measures announced by the US administration.

  • World Population Prospects 2022: India’s Population Growth Appears To Be Stabilising: United Nations

    Source: The post is based on the following articles

    “India’s Population Growth Appears To Be Stabilising: United Nations” published in NDTV on 16th November.

    “World @ 8 billion, India set to be most populous” published in Indian Express on 15th November 2022.

    What is the News?

    The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations has released the World Population Prospects 2022.

    According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the world population touched eight billion on November 15, 2022. India was the largest contributor to the milestone having added 177 million people of the last billion people born in the world.

    What are the key findings of the report about India’s population?
    World population prospects 2022
    Indian Express

    -India’s population growth appears to be stabilising. The Total Fertility Rate has declined from 2.2 to 2.0 at the national level.

    -A total of 31 states and Union Territories (constituting 69.7 per cent of the country’s population) have achieved fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1.

    Reasons for the decline: a) Adoption of modern family planning methods (from 47.8% in 2015-16 to 56.5% in 2019-21), b) Reduction in unmet need for family planning by 4% over the same period and c) Significant improvements in access to family planning related information and services.

    All this shows India’s national population policies and health systems are working.

    India’s population is a global resource: The UNFPA has said India is a youthful nation with the largest cohort of young people anywhere in the world. India’s “youth bulge” will last till 2025.

    Since many parts of the world are ageing, India’s youthful population can be a global resource to solve global problems.

    What are the key findings of the report about the global population?

    -The world’s population will continue to grow to around 10.4 billion in the 2080s. But, the overall rate of growth is slowing down.

    -The world is more demographically diverse than ever before, with countries facing starkly different population trends ranging from growth to decline.

    -Population growth has become increasingly concentrated among the world’s poorest countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.

    -As of 2022, more than half the world’s population lives in Asia, China and India being the two most populous countries with more than 1.4 billion people each.

    China: China is projected to enter a “severe ageing” phase in 2035 with 400 million people above 60 years. This can be blamed mainly on its decades of the one-child policy.

    What are the major recommendations of the report?

    To all countries: The world needs to a) invest in each person to achieve a quality of life that allows them to thrive equally and with dignity in the modern world, b) build inclusive societies and sustainable economies, and c) Provide good quality of life to people and lift up and empower most marginalised sections.

    To India: The government needs to focus on a) gender equality with the greatest youth generation in history, b) Providing world-class innovation in digital public goods.

  • Global Trends Report on Forced Displacements Released by UNHCR

    What is the News? The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has released the Global Trends Report on Forced Displacements.

    About Global Trends Report:
    • The Global Trends Report is an annual report. UNHCR publishes this report.
    • Purpose: The report counts and tracks the numbers of refugees, internally displaced people. It also tracks people who have returned to their countries or areas of origin, asylum-seekers, stateless people, and other populations of concern.
    Key Takeaways from the Report:
    • Around 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced, by the end of 2020. Reasons behind that were, persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and events seriously disturbing public order.
      • This is a 4% increase in forcibly displaced people when compared to 2019.
    • Countries: More than two-thirds of all people who fled abroad came from just five countries: Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar.
    • Turkey is hosting the largest refugee population worldwide for the seventh year in a row, It was followed by Colombia, Pakistan, Uganda, and Germany.
    • Climate Change: Climate change is also driving displacement and increasing the vulnerability of those already forced to flee.
    • Demographics: Children are particularly affected during displacement crises, especially if their displacement drags on for many years. They account for 30% of the world’s population, but an estimated 42% of all forcibly displaced people.
    • Covid-19: As of May 2021, more than 165 million people worldwide have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 since the first case was recorded in December 2019. People who have been forcibly displaced have been among the hardest-hit groups among them.

    Source: UNHCR

  • “Global Peace Index 2021” Released

    What is the News? The 15th edition of Global Peace Index 2021 has been released.

    About Global Peace Index:
    • The Global Peace Index is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an international think tank.
    • Aim: The index presents the most comprehensive analysis of trends in peace. It ranks countries according to their levels of peacefulness and identifies potential determinants of peace.
    • Coverage: The index measures the peacefulness of 163 countries and territories. It covers 99.7% of the world’s population.
    • Parameters: The index is composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources. These indicators are grouped into three key domains:
      • ongoing conflict
      • safety and security and
      • militarization

    Read Also :-Afghan Peace Process and India

    Key Takeaways from the index:
    • Iceland has topped the peace index. It was followed by New Zealand, Denmark, and Portugal.
      • Out of the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, 8 are from Europe.
    • Afghanistan is the least peaceful country in the world for the fourth consecutive year.
    • Only three out of nine regions in the world improved in the peace index. The largest improvement took place in the Middle East and North Africa.
    • The economic impact of violence on the global economy in 2020 was $14.96 trillion in purchasing power parity(PPP) terms. It is equivalent to 11.6% of the world’s economic activity.
    • There was an increase in military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the second straight year. This indicator has deteriorated in 105 countries.
    • Moreover, the average level of global peacefulness deteriorated by 0.07% in the Index. This is the ninth time in the last 13 years that global peacefulness has deteriorated.

    India:

    • India has been ranked 135th in the 2021 Global Peace Index.
    • Bhutan and Nepal are the first and second most peaceful in the South Asia region. India is the 5th most peaceful country in this region.
    • Bangladesh was 91st out of 163 countries across the world, while it was at 3rd place in South Asia.
    • Pakistan witnessed the most improvement in peacefulness, with 150th rank globally and 6th in the South Asia region.

    Source: AIR

  • “World Competitiveness Index 2021”: India maintained 43rd position
    What is the news?

    World Competitiveness Index 2021 has been released by the Institute for Management Development (IMD).

    About World Competitiveness Index

    • The World Competitiveness Index is an annual report published since 1989.
    • Released by: The index is released by the Institute for Management Development (IMD).
    • Aim: The index ranks 64 economies. It assesses the extent to which a country promotes the prosperity of its people by measuring economic well-being through data and survey responses.
    • Parameters: The index measures the prosperity and competitiveness of countries by examining four factors:
      • Economic performance
      • Government efficiency
      • Business efficiency
      • Infrastructure
    Key Findings of World Competitiveness Index 2021:
    • Top Rankings: Switzerland has topped the index. It was followed by Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands and Singapore.
    • Asia: The top-performing Asian economies in order are: Singapore (5th), Hong Kong (7th), Taiwan (8th) and China (16th).
    • The UAE and the USA remain in the same spots as last year (9th and 10th, respectively)
    Key Findings Related to India:
    • India’s Ranking: India has maintained the 43rd rank in the world competitiveness index 2021.
      • In 2020, India was ranked 43rd on the index.
    • Comparison with BRICS Countries: Among BRICS countries, India was ranked second (43rd) after China (16th), followed by Russia (45th), Brazil (57th) and South Africa (62nd).
    • Performance of India:
      • Among the four factors, India made significant improvements in government efficiency this year. These improvements are due to the following reasons:
        • Relatively stable public finances (despite difficulties brought by the pandemic, in 2020 the government deficit stayed at 7 per cent) and
        • Positive feedbacks registered among Indian business executives with respect to the support and subsidies provided by the government to the private companies
      • But India’s performance in other parameters such as economic performance, business efficiency and infrastructure remained the same.
    • Strengths of India: India’s strengths lie in investments in telecoms (1st), mobile telephone costs (1st), ICT services exports (3rd), remuneration in services professions (4th) and terms of trade index (5th).
    • Weaknesses of India: India’s weakness lies in the broadband subscribers (64th), exposure to particulate pollution (64th), human development index (64th), GDP per capita (63rd) and foreign currency reserves per capita (62nd).
    Also read: World Ease of Doing Business Report
    Qualities of higher-ranked countries

    The report finds that

    • Qualities such as investment in innovation, digitalization, welfare benefits and leadership, resulting in social cohesion, have helped countries to perform better. Thus ranked higher in competitiveness.
    • Top-performing economies are characterized by varying degrees of investment in innovation, diversified economic activities, and supportive public policy.
    • Competitive economies succeeded in transitioning to a remote work routine while also allowing remote learning. Addressing unemployment has been fundamental

    Source: Business Standard

    Read Also :-Highlights of 43rd GST Council Meeting

  • UNESCO Science Report Finds India’s investment in Research Unsatisfactory

    What is the News? The UNESCO Science Report(USR) has been released.

    About UNESCO Science Report(USR):
    • UNESCO Science Report is a global monitoring report. It is published every five years by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization(UNESCO).
    • Objective: The report monitors trends in science governance worldwide to identify which development path countries are following.
    • Latest Report: The latest edition was published with the title ‘The race against time for smarter development’. The report has an exclusive chapter on India.
    UNESCO Science Report(USR) on India:

     India’s Investment in Research:

    • India’s investment in research and development(R&D) remains unsatisfactory.
    • The gross domestic expenditure on research(GERD) has been stagnant at 0.7% of the GDP for years. However, in absolute terms, the research expenditure has increased.
    • India also has one of the lowest GERD/GDP ratios among the BRICS nations.
    • Target: The Science and Technology Policy of 2003 fixed the threshold of devoting 2% of GDP to research and development (R&D) by 2007.
      • However, the target has not been achieved and is being extended again and again.
    Density of Scientists and Engineers:
    • In 1990, the density of scientists/engineers engaged in R&D in India per 10,000 of the labour force stood at 10.
    • This has now marginally increased to just 11 in 2018. This is too low when compared to 50 in China, 130 in Japan, and 180 in South Korea.
    R&D by Government and Private Sector:
    • Research and Development(R&D) in the government sector has been declining steadily since 2015.
    • On the other hand, the share of private business enterprises in R&D has increased to 42%.
    • Moreover, investment in R&D by foreign multinationals is on the rise. Ir accounts for as much as 16% of private-sector investment in R&D in 2019.
    Scientific Publications:
    • There has been an increase in scientific publications by Indian researchers on cutting-edge technologies. Total publications have risen from 80,458 in 2011 to 1.61 lakh in 2019.
    • However, patenting by domestic corporations, research institutes, universities, and individuals remain low in India.
    Recommendations:
    • The report underscores the need for ‘policy bridges’ for developing a more effective interaction between foreign and local research firms.
    • The report has also called for improved linkages between the start-up ecosystem and manufacturers. It will push technological development in sectors where India enjoys a global presence.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • NATO Summit 2021 – Countries Agreed to Step Up Defense

    What is the News?

    The NATO Summit was held recently in Brussels. During the summit, countries agreed to step up their collective defence against threats from all directions.

    Key Outcomes of NATO Summit

    NATO summit concluded on the following points:-

    • It will respond to Russia’s increasing nuclear arsenal.
    • Further, It called on Iran to stop all ballistic missile activities.
    • All members will strengthen their collective defense against all threats from all directions.
    • It asked Russia to drop the designation of “unfriendly countries” for US and and the Czech Republic.
    About NATO:
    • North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) also called North Atlantic Alliance is an intergovernmental military alliance.
    • Formed in: NATO was formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty.
    • Members: It consists of 30 countries from North America and Europe.
      • The most recent member state is North Macedonia, included in NATO in 2020.
    • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

    Mandate of NATO: NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means:

    • Political – NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues.
    • Military- NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, if diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations.
      • These operations are carried out under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Article 5 states that if one member of the alliance is attacked in Europe or North America, it is to be considered an attack on all members.
      • So far, Article 5 has been invoked once – in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.
    NATO membership:
    • NATO membership is open to any other European state which can follow the principles of this Treaty and contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.
    • It also has what it calls the Membership Action Plan(MAP). It helps the aspiring members in preparation for membership and meet key requirements by providing practical advice and targeted assistance.
      • Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently participating in this plan.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “World Giving Index 2021” – 10th Edition Released

    What is the News? The 10th edition of the World Giving Index (WGI) 2021 has been released.

    About World Giving Index(WGI):
    • The World Giving Index(WGI) is published by the Charities Aid Foundation(CAF).
    • Parameters: The index provides combined insight into the scope and nature of giving around the world. It looks at three aspects of giving behavior and asks: Have you done any of the following in the past month?
      • Helped a stranger or someone you didn’t know who needed help?
      • Donated money to a charity?
      • Volunteered your time to an organization?
    • Data Source: The index uses data gathered by Gallup and ranks countries in the world according to how charitable they are.
      • The report includes the results of 1.6 million individuals interviewed across the globe since 2009.
    What are the Key Findings of the World Giving Index 2021?

     India:

    • India is among the top 20 generous countries in the world. It has been ranked 14th position in the Index.
      • This is a significant improvement from the 10-year global rank of 82.
    • In India, at least 61% of Indians helped strangers. Meanwhile, 34% volunteered for a cause and 36% donated money.
    Other key takeaways from the World Giving Index 2021:

    Read Also:-India and EU promising relationship

    • Topped by: Indonesia has topped the index. It was followed by Kenya in second place.
    • Four African nations are in the top 10 in the index. Three of them (Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda) are for the first time in the top 10.
    • More than 3 billion people helped someone they didn’t know in 2020.
    • Despite or perhaps because of the pandemic, money donation increased across the globe.
    • Moreover, more people donated money in 2020 than had done so in the last five years (31 percent).

    Read Also:-Bowled over by a sea of blue 

    Source: Indian Express

  • G7 Summit Presents a Template for Indian Engagement With the West

    Synopsis:

    The recent meeting of G7 countries was attended by India as a guest country. The meeting provided a template for Indian engagement with the West based on shared democratic values and mutual cooperation.

    Background:
    • The recent summit of G7 countries took place in Cornwall, England from 11-13th June 2021. India, Australia, South Korea, and South Africa were invited as guest countries for the Summit.
    • A joint statement on Open Societies was adopted. The statement reaffirms and encourages the values of freedom of expression, both online and offline. 
      • It recognizes freedom as a virtue for safeguarding democracy and allowing people to live free from fear and oppression. 
    Significance of the summit:
    • Indian Participation shows it is a natural ally of the G-7 and its partners. Further, laying emphasis on shared democratic values that bind India with the West shows a greater willingness to cooperate with India.
    • The summit can be seen as the beginning of institutionalization of India’s cooperation with the West.
    • The joint statement on open societies shows a willingness to construct an alliance of democratic countries. This can be leveraged as a common platform to counter China’s assertiveness over India and the western countries.
    • It also shows the revived importance of the grouping in comparison to the G20. The revival has been on account of China’s rise in the global economic order and rising U.S-China and U.S-Russia rivalry.

       Read Also :-Important Reports and Index 

    Relations between India and West:
    • India and U.S: The relations were not very conducive during the Cold War. The 1998 nuclear test saw the imposition of sanctions by the U.S over India.
      • However, prudent efforts have been made since 1998 to improve the relations based on the shared commitment to democratic values.
      • The Indian government supported the U.S’s initiative on building a global community of democracies. It later joined the Bush Administration in promoting a Global Democracy Fund at the UN.
      • The recent deterioration of US-China and Indo-China relations induced both countries to further improve their bilateral relations.
    • India and Europe: The improvement in Indo-U.S relations didn’t automatically compute into broader warmth towards the West. 
      • However, this position began to change in the last few years, as Delhi embarked on an expansive engagement with Europe.

    Read Also :-“G7 Foreign Ministers Summit” Held

    Way Forward:
    • The grouping can be used to reorient global supply chains and reduce dependency on Chinese products. It can be used to initiate a fresh inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic in China.
    • India should participate in the grouping for ensuring a peaceful Indo-Pacific, mitigating climate change and prudently managing the Covid pandemic. 
    • Further, there is a need for sustained consultations based on democratic values between India and the West over new challenges posed by digital technologies. This includes radicalization, disinformation, electoral interference, cyberattacks, and the role of large social media companies.

    Source: Click Here

  • “SIPRI Yearbook 2021”: China, India, Pakistan expanding “nuclear arsenal”
    What is the News?

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) has released the SIPRI Yearbook 2021. The report assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security.

    What are the key findings of the SIPRI Yearbook 2021?
    • Nine Nuclear-Armed States- the US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea together possessed an estimated 13,080 nuclear weapons at the start of 2021.
    • Russia and the U.S. together possessed over 90% of global nuclear weapons. Further, both of them have an extensive and expensive modernisation programme underway.
    • China is in the middle of significant modernisation and expansion of its nuclear weapon inventory. India and Pakistan also appear to be expanding their nuclear arsenals.
    • India possessed an estimated 156 nuclear warheads at the start of 2021 compared to 150 at the start of 2020.
      • On the other hand, Pakistan had 165 warheads, up from 160 in 2020. China’s nuclear arsenal consisted of 350 warheads, up from 320 at the start of 2020.
    • Concerns: The overall number of nuclear warheads in global military stockpiles appears to be increasing. This is a worrying sign as the declining trend that started since the end of the Cold War has stalled.
    Other reports on nuclear arsenal:

    International Institute for Strategic Studies(IISS), London has released a report titled ‘Nuclear Deterrence and Stability in South Asia: Perceptions and Realities’.

    • The report examines nuclear deterrence and stability in South Asia by assessing the extent to which India and Pakistan may be at risk from mistaken the use of nuclear weapons.
    • According to the report, India and Pakistan were at risk of using nuclear weapons during the crisis of February 2019.
    • Moreover, India and Pakistan are also in the process of seeking new technologies and capabilities. But these dangerously undermine each other’s defence under the nuclear threshold.
    • The report concludes by saying that robust, trusted, reliable backchannel talks between India and Pakistan leadership are the most promising way. By that, both India and Pakistan could achieve greater strategic and nuclear-deterrence stability.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • G7 accommodates Indian stand on the need for “Internet shutdown”
    What is the News?

    The G7 countries statement on the Internet Shutdown was amended after India objected to the original language criticising “Internet shutdowns”.

    Internet Shutdowns all over the world:
    • According to a report by digital rights and privacy organisation Access Now, of the total 155 internet shutdowns globally in 2020, India alone accounted for 109.
    • The next highest Internet Shutdowns was in Yemen, with six. It was followed by Ethiopia with four.
    Examples of Internet Shutdowns in India:
    • Jammu and Kashmir had Internet and mobile telephony shutdown since Article 370 was amended in 2019.
    • Internet shutdowns were also witnessed in Delhi during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act during 2019-2020 and the farmer’s protest in 2020.

    Read Also :-The value of the SC’s Kashmir order

    What was the original G7 statement on Internet Shutdown?
    • The G7 Countries had issued a statement expressing concerns over actions by states to intentionally disrupt their own populations’ access to data online.
    • The statement noted that internet shutdowns had undermined civic space both online and offline. They also noted that the shutdowns unjustifiably limited access to information and the rights of peaceful assembly, association and freedom of expression online.
    • Moreover, the statement also referred to “Politically Motivated Internet Shutdowns” which indirectly addresses Internet blackouts in various parts of the world including India.
    What were India’s objections to the G7 statement?
    • India has asked for a change in the original language criticising “Internet shutdowns”.
    • Further, India has objected to the Politically Motivated Internet Shutdowns. India has also said that national security and public order concerns as an exception should be added to the statement.
    Was the G7 statement on Internet shutdown changed then?
    • Yes, it was changed. The statement clarified that Internet shutdowns to protect the national security and public order concerns as an exception to the need for Internet freedoms.

    Source: The Hindu

    Read Also :-“G7 Foreign Ministers Summit” Held

  • Key Outcomes of the G7 Summit
    What is the News?

    The 47th Group of Seven(G7) summit has concluded in Cornwall, UK. India also virtually participated in the summit as a guest country.

    What are the key outcomes of the summit?

    On Covid-19 Pandemic:

    • The G7 countries have pledged to donate 1 billion vaccine doses to poorer countries by the end of 2021.
    • Carbis Bay Declaration: The G7 countries have signed the Carbis Bay Declaration. Under it, member countries pledged to end the pandemic and prepare for the future, as well as to “build back better.

    On Climate:

    • G7 countries will support a green revolution that creates jobs, cuts emissions, and seeks to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.
    • The countries have agreed to increase their climate finance contributions and meet an overdue spending pledge of $100 billion a year to help poorer countries.
    • Moreover, the G7 countries have also promised to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. They have also pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
    Read Also :-“G7 Foreign Ministers Summit” Held
    Build Back Better World(B3W) Initiative:
    • Build Back Better World(B3W) is an initiative launched by the G7 countries.
    • Purpose: It is a new infrastructure financing mechanism that will provide a transparent infrastructure partnership to help narrow the $40 trillion needed by low and middle-income countries by 2035.
    • Led by: The initiative will be led by the United States.
    • Coverage: The initiative will be global in coverage. It will cover Latin American countries to the Caribbean, Africa, and Indo-Pacific.
    • Significance: The initiative is designed to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).

    Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate:

    • The Finance Ministers from the G7 countries have reached a landmark accord setting a Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate (GMCTR) of 15%.

    On China:

    • The G-7 countries have hit out at China on violation of human rights and freedom in Xinjiang (Uyghur Muslims) and Hong Kong, and the unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea.

    India at the G7 Summit:

    • Firstly, India has called for a “one earth, one health” approach. It aims for unity and solidarity among the states of the world to deal with the pandemic.
    • Secondly, India has said that the planet’s atmosphere, biodiversity, and oceans cannot be protected by countries acting in isolation. Hence, collective action on climate change is required.
      • India is the only G20 state on track to meet its Paris Accord commitments.
    • Lastly, India has called on G7 states to meet their unfulfilled promise of $100 billion annually in climate finance.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Small Island Developing States” faced most GDP loss in 2020: UN report

    What is the News? The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) has released a report titled “Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures”. The report highlights the numerous challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    Key Findings of the Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures Report:
    • Small island developing states(SIDS) faced thrice as much fall in Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in 2020 as other developing countries.
      • SIDS GDP is expected to decline by 9% in 2020 compared to 3.3% for developing countries.
    • The SIDS countries were also 35% more vulnerable to external economic and financial shocks than other developing countries.
    • Moreover, COVID-19 has affected all spheres of life in SIDS including health, the economy, and trade.
      • For instance, COVID-19 has affected tourism services across the world. This has had a huge impact on SIDS as most of them are heavily reliant on tourism.
    What is Small island developing states(SIDS)?
    • Small Island Developing States(SIDS) are a distinct group of 38 UN Member States and 20 Non-UN Members/Associate Members of UN regional commissions that face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
      • Maldives is one of the Small Island Developing States(SIDS).
    • They were recognized as a distinct group of developing countries in June 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development.
    • The geographical regions in which SIDS are located are the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the AIS (Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea).
    • The Barbados Programme of Action was produced in 1994 in order to assist the SIDS in their sustainable development efforts.
    • The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) represent this group of states.
    Why are Small Island Developing States are unique?
    • SIDS countries are unique as most of them hardly emit greenhouse emissions but are the first to suffer the impacts of climate change.
    • Many of them are low-lying, situated just five metres above sea level. This makes them vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges and coastal destruction.
      • According to the 2020 Environmental Vulnerability Index, 4 of the top 10 most environmentally vulnerable countries in the world are SIDS.
    • According to the United Nations report on World Population Prospects 2019, many SIDS countries would not be able to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 because of increasing populations and climate risks.

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • G7 countries (Group of 7)- Issues and Prospects – Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    The meeting of G7 countries is going on in Cornwall, England. The expectation from this meeting is to draw out a framework that is inclusive and resilient in nature. The new Cornwall Consensus should be able to overcome the lacunas of the current Washington consensus.

    The Washington consensus supports the notion of free market and globalization. However, it failed to prevent the occurrence of the 2008-09 financial crisis, raised inequalities within the countries, and neglected focus on social goods like education and health. Due to this, the countries are facing greater challenges in coping up with the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, relying on the Washington consensus is not feasible for developed as well as developing countries.

    Therefore, it is now imperative that grouping creates a new consensus that can reflect the demands of the 21st century.  

    About G7 countries
    • The G7, originally G8, was set up in 1975 as an informal forum. It brought together the leaders of the world’s leading industrial nations. It was established to tackle the oil crisis of 1973 created by the OPEC oil embargo.
    • The member states are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The EU is not a member but is usually invited to the summits.
    • The member countries represent 40% of the global GDP and 10% of the world’s population. 
    • From1998 to 2014, it was the G8 that included Russia. However, post the Crimean crisis, Russia was expelled from the group.
      • In 2014, Russia carried out armed aggression on Ukraine and ceded the Crimean Peninsula from it.
    Current Scenario of G7 countries 
    • The recent summit of G7 is going on in Cornwall, England from 11-13th June as the UK is holding the G7 presidency for 2021. It will witness a hybrid of physical and virtual participation.
    • India, Australia, South Korea, and South Africa are invited as guest countries for the Summit. 
    • The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Build Back Better’ and the focus would be on 4 priority areas:
      1. Leading the global recovery from coronavirus while strengthening resilience against future pandemics; 
      2. Promoting future prosperity by championing free and fair trade; 
      3. Tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity; 
      4. Championing shared values and open societies
    • This holistic vision will help in developing the Cornwall Consensus that will displace the “Washington consensus.
    • At the end of the summit, the UK will publish a document called a communiqué which will outline what has been agreed upon during the meeting.
    Significance of G7 countries
    • The major purpose of the G-7 is to discuss and sometimes act to help resolve global problems, with a special focus on economic issues.
      • In response to mounting concern over money laundering, the Financial Action Task Force was established by the G-7 group in Paris in 1989.
    • It became more relevant in the 1980s when it started discussing issues related to foreign policy and security as well. 
    • In recent years, G7 leaders have met to formulate common responses to challenges encompassing counterterrorism, development, education, health, human rights, and climate change.
      • In 1997, the G7 countries agreed to provide $300 million in order to contain the effects of the reactor meltdown in Chernobyl. 
      • Then, in 2002, members decided to launch a coordinated response to fight the threat of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This led to the formation of the Global Fund, an innovative financing mechanism that has disbursed more than $45 billion in aid. 
      • In 2015, members launched the Global Apollo Program. It was designed to tackle climate change through clean energy research and development.
        • The programme calls for developed nations to commit to spending 0.02% of their GDP on tackling climate change from 2015 to 2025. This would mean spending $150 billion over a 10-year period.
    • It is considered to be the second most important grouping after the UNSC which can effectively deal with global issues. 
    Issues with G7 countries
    • Disregards the interest of smaller nations:  Several countries and individuals still perceive the G7 as an exclusive, closed group that blatantly exercises its power over other nations. The collective power of the group is so huge that it creates a disproportionate impact on other nations.
      • For instance, the 1985 Plaza Accords had major ramifications for global currency markets as they brutally impacted exchange rates of various currencies.
    • Shortcomings of Washington Consensus: The grouping has mainly focused on realising the Washington consensus. It is a collective term used for 10 economic policy prescriptions to promote a free-market economy. It was promoted for crisis-wracked developing countries. However:
      • It puts ruthless conditions on the global South countries that undermine their economic sovereignty.
      • Furthermore, it ignores environmental and social considerations for economic growth. The mere focus placed on global good like health enhanced the vulnerability of smaller nations against the pandemic.
      • It enhanced the economic inequality within and among the countries.
      • The East Asian crisis in the late 1990s and the global recession of 2008–09 were further reminders that increased deregulation would only result in financial instability.
    • A tussle between the members: The US relationship with Germany and Canada deteriorated during the trump era.
      • He criticised Germany for its trade surplus and threatened to block the US import of German cars. 
      • Further, the U.S refused to endorse the official G7 statement of the 2018 summit as Trump got offended by the Canadian PM’s comments during a news conference.
    • Failed in tackling Global problems: G7 accounts for 59% of historical CO2 emissions and pledged to phase out fossil fuels. Yet there is no visible progress of the same, and they currently account for twice the CO2 emission than African continent.
      • In terms of terrorism, ISIS has thousands of fighters from G7 countries.
      • The West Asian crisis in Syria, Yemen, Iraq led to a migrant exodus towards the European nations. G7 nations failed in addressing this migrant crisis, leading to deaths and inhumane statelessness for millions.
    • Outdated Group: The group no longer reflects the modern-day geopolitical realities. Many incumbent members like Italy and Canada possess less economic and political power in comparison to nonmembers like India and China.
    • Non-Binding nature:  Unlike other bodies such as NATO, the G7 has no legal existence or a permanent secretariat. Further, the meeting commitments are non-binding in nature.
      • All decisions and commitments made at G7 meetings need to be ratified independently by governing bodies of member states.
    Suggestions 
    • The grouping needs expansion to reflect the current geopolitical reality. It can be converted to G 11 with the inclusion of India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia.
    • The G7 countries should expeditiously fulfill their commitment to supply one billion doses of Covid vaccines to poor and middle-income countries. 
      • The doses would be supplied as part of a campaign to “vaccinate the world” by the end of 2022.
    • The grouping requires a G7 charter and a permanent secretariat for the organisation. It must realise that global interdependence cannot be managed without global public goods.
    • A consensus should be formed over the Global Minimum Corporate Tax by the head of states. The consensus of 15% Global Minimum Corporate Tax was developed in a recent meeting of G7 country’s finance ministers.
    • India should actively participate in the talks, especially the ones related to global vaccine delivery as it is both – a major manufacturer and consumer of vaccines. 
    Conclusion

    The grouping should become more representative in nature and emerging economies like India and South Korea must be made a part of the group. The new principles and policies of the group should reflect a global outlook rather than merely focusing on the myopic interests of the developed world. This would result in prudent tackling of global problems like climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • “G7 summit” takes place in the UK: Indian PM will participate virtually

    What is the News?

    Indian Prime Minister will participate in the Outreach Sessions of the G7 Summit in virtual format.

    What is G7?
    • The G7 (Group of Seven) is an organisation of the world’s seven largest so-called advanced economies. They are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the United States.
      • The European Union is also represented within the G7.
      • Russia joined the Group in 1998 creating the G8 but was excluded in 2014 for its takeover of Crimea.
    • The group meets annually to discuss issues such as global economic governance, international security and energy policy.
    • The group does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during annual summits are non-binding.
    Why is the G7 summit in the UK?
    • The UK is holding the G7 presidency for 2021, so this is where the summit is taking place.
    • Guest Countries: India along with Australia, the Republic of Korea and South Africa are guest countries for the Summit.
    • Theme: The theme for the summit is ‘Build Back Better’
    • Priority Areas: The UK has outlined four priority areas for its summit. These are
      • Leading the global recovery from coronavirus while Restrengthening resilience against future pandemics;
      • Promoting future prosperity by championing free and fair trade;
      • Tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity; and
      • Championing shared values and open societies.
    Is India attending it for the first time?
    • Since 2014, this is the second time Indian PM will be participating in a G7 meeting.
    • India had been invited by the G7 French Presidency in 2019 to the Biarritz Summit as a “Goodwill Partner”.
    • During the earlier Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s rule, India attended the G8 summit five times.

    Read Also :-“G7 Foreign Ministers Summit” Held

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Global Liveability Index” 2021 Released by EIU

    What is the News? Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) has released the Global Liveability Index 2021.

    About Global Liveability Index:
    • The index assesses the locations that provide the best and the worst living conditions around the world. It assesses 140 cities around the world.
    • Parameters: The index takes into account more than 30 qualitative and quantitative factors. These factors are spanning five broad categories: stability (25%), healthcare (20%), culture and environment (25%), education (10%), and infrastructure (20%).
      • However, due to the pandemic, the EIU added new indicators to it. It includes stress on healthcare resources as well as restrictions around local sporting events, theatres, music concerts, restaurants, and schools.
    • Scores: Each factor in a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable, or intolerable. Factor-wise scores are then compiled and weighted to provide a score of 1–100 where 1 is considered intolerable and 100 is considered ideal.

    Read Also :-India’s low rank in Global Health Index, 2020

    Key Takeaways from the index:
    • Top Five Liveable Cities: Auckland (New Zealand), Osaka (Japan), Adelaide (Australia), Wellington (New Zealand), and Tokyo (Japan).
    • Top Five Least Liveable Cities: Damascus (Syria), Lagos (Nigeria), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Algiers (Algeria).
    Other Takeaways from the index:
    • The Covid-19 pandemic has reduced liveability level. Cities experience lockdowns and significant strains on their healthcare system.
      • Impact: This led to an unprecedented level of change in the rankings, with many of the cities that were previously ranked as the most liveable came down.
    • Austria’s Vienna was number one in both 2018 and 2019. However, it is out of the top 10 due to the effects of Covid-19 and now ranks 12.
    • Auckland topped the ranking due to its successful approach in containing the Covid-19 pandemic. It allowed its society to remain open and the city to score strongly on a number of metrics including education, culture, and environment.
    • Damascus remains the world’s least liveable city as the effects of the civil war in Syria continues to take their toll.

    Read Also :-EIU’s Democracy Index – India at 53rd Position

    Source: Hindustan Times

  • “Child Labour: Global estimates 2020” report released by ILO
    What is the news?

    “Child Labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward” report has been released by International Labour Organization and UNICEF.

    What is Child labour?

    As per ILO,

    Child labour is defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.

    It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children. Or the work schedule that interferes with their ability to attend regular school or work that affects in any manner their ability to focus during school or experience healthy childhood.

    What is not Child labour?

    Children or adolescents who participate in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling is not child labour. Such work includes activities such as helping their parents at home, assisting family or earning pocket money outside school hours and on holidays.

    Key Findings of the Child Labour: Global estimates 2020 report

    Overall gist: The report warns that progress to end child labour has stalled for the first time in 20 years. It has reversed the previous downward trend that saw it fall by 94 million between 2000 and 2016.

    • The number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide – an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years.
    • Covid-19 Impact: Globally, 9 million additional children are at risk of being pushed into child labour by the end of 2022 as a result of the pandemic.
    • Sectors: The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of children in child labor (112 million) followed by 20% in services (31.4 million) and 10% in industry (16.5 million).
    • Age Group: Nearly 28% of children aged 5 to 11 years and 35% of children aged 12 to 14 years in child labour are out of school.
    • Gender: Child labor is more prevalent among boys than girls at every age. But the gap narrows when household chores performed for at least 21 hours per week are taken into account.
    • Rural vs Urban: The prevalence of child labor in rural areas (14%) is close to three times higher than in urban areas (5%).
    Also read: World day against Child labour
    Recommendations of Child Labour: Global estimates 2020 report
    • Adequate social protection for all, including universal child benefits.
    • Increased spending on quality education and getting all children back into school – including children who were out of school before COVID-19.
    • Promotion of decent work for adults, so families don’t have to resort to children helping to generate family income.
    • An end to harmful gender norms and discrimination that influence child labor.
    • Investment in child protection systems, agricultural development, rural public services, infrastructure and livelihoods.
    Child labour in India
    • As per Census 2011, the total child population in India in the age group 5-14 years is 259.6 million.
    • Among them, over 10 million (4% of total child population) are working either as ‘main worker’ or ‘marginal worker’.
    • The Census data indicates the decreased incidence of child labour in India by 2.6 million between 2001 and 2011.
    • Moreover, there is a greater decline in rural than in urban areas. This is because an increase in rural-to-urban migration is driving demand for child workers in urban areas.

    Source: India Today

  • How is the “UN Secretary-General” appointed?
    What is the news?

    Secretary-General António Guterres has been formally approved for a second term by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He will have a term of five more years starting January 1, 2022.

    • The recommendation will now go to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) which is expected to make the appointment.
    Process of UN Secretary-General Appointment:
    • Appointment: The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the UN Security Council.

    Procedure:

    • To be selected as a UN Secretary-General, a candidate must receive the votes of at least 9 members of the United Nations Security Council, with no vetoes from permanent members.
    • Therefore, the Secretary-General’s selection is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members (France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) of the UN Security Council.
      • The US used this power to deny Egypt’s Boutros-Ghali a second term in 1997 and China did the same in 1981 for denying Austria’s Waldheim a third term.
    • The other 10 elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council do not have veto powers. But their backing is crucial, as a candidate requires at least 9 out of 15 votes to be recommended for the top job.
    • Moreover, for any candidate to have a real chance at being considered for the top post, a recommendation by any UN member state is essential.
      • In the current race, Guterres was endorsed by Portugal for a second term, and none of his seven other challengers received backing from a member state.
    Functions of UN Secretary-General:
    • The UN Charter refers to the Secretary-General as the UN chief administrative officer.
    • Mandate: UN Secretary-General shall act and perform such functions as given to him by the UN Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and other United Nations organs.
    • Functions: The Secretary-General’s day-to-day work includes:
      • attendance at sessions of United Nations bodies;
      • consultations with world leaders, government officials and
      • worldwide travel intended to keep the Secretary-General in touch with the peoples of the UN member states.

    Note:

    • All the nine occupants of the post have been men.
    • There is technically no limit to the number of five-year terms a Secretary-General may serve. But none so far has held office for more than two terms.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Operation Pangea” of Interpol targets counterfeit and illicit health products

    What is the News?

    Interpol has conducted Operation Pangea XIV to target the sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines and medical products.

    About Operation Pangea:

    • Operation Pangea is an international effort to target the online sale of counterfeit and illicit health products. It also aims to raise public awareness of the potential dangers of buying medicines online.
      • The first time Operation Pangea was conducted was in 2008.
    • Led by: The operation is coordinated by INTERPOL. It involved police, customs and health regulatory authorities from 92 countries.
    • India: Indian agencies also participated in the operation. The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) is the nodal body for Interpol in the country.
    • Impact:
      • The operation resulted in around 1 lakh web links including websites and online marketplaces being closed down or removed.
      • Moreover, more than half of all medical devices seized during the operation were fake and unauthorized COVID-19 tests.

     Read Also :-Report card of demonetization after one year 

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons” and “Chemical Weapons Convention”
    What is the news?

    The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has informed the United Nations(UN) Security Council (UNSC) that in 17 cases, chemical weapons were likely or definitely used by Syria.

    About Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW):
    • OPCW is an intergovernmental organization and the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention. This convention has been in force since 1997 and 193 members.
    • Aim: To achieve the vision of a world free of chemical weapons by implementing the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
    • Powers:
      • The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.
      • It can also perform testing of sites and victims of suspected chemical weapons attacks.
    • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
    • Significance: The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
    About Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC):

    Read Also :-ICAN and Nuclear Deterrence

    • Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a multilateral treaty that bans chemical weapons and requires their destruction within a specified period of time.
    • The negotiations for the convention started in 1980 at the UN Conference on Disarmament. The convention opened for signature in 1993 and entered into force in 1997.
    • The convention prohibits the large-scale use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons and their precursors, except for very limited purposes (research, medical, pharmaceutical or protective).
    • The convention is implemented by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
    • Members: The convention is open to all nations and currently has 193 states-parties. India signed the treaty in 1993.
      • Israel has signed but has yet to ratify the convention.
      • Three states have neither signed nor ratified the convention are Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan.
    • Significance: A unique feature of the Convention is its incorporation of the ‘challenge inspection’. Under this, any State Party in doubt about another State Party’s compliance can request a surprise inspection.

    Read Also :-Amendments proposed to the Juvenile Justice Act 

    Steps taken by India against Chemical Weapons:
    • India was the First State Party of the CWC to secure the distinction of chemical weapon-free state Party by destroying all its stockpile of its chemical weapons amongst all State Parties of the Convention.
    • India enacted the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000 to implement the CWC.
      • Under the act, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) has been established for implementing the provisions of the Convention. NACWC is an office in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India.
      • NACWC also acts as the national focal point for effective liaison with the OPCW and other State Parties on matters relating to the CWC.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects Report” predicts India’s growth as 8.3%
    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released the Global Economic Prospects Report.

    About the Global Economic Prospects Report:
    • Global Economic Prospects is a World Bank Group flagship report. It is issued twice a year, in January and June.
    • Aim: To examine global economic developments and prospects with a special focus on emerging markets and developing economies.
    Key Findings of Global Economic Prospects Report related to India:
    • The World Bank has reduced its growth forecast for India for the 2021-’22 financial year to 8.3% from 10.1% estimated in April.
      • Reason: It has attributed it to the devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic that slowed down the economic revival in early 2021.
    • Moreover, the report has said that the economic activity in India would likely follow a similar but less pronounced ‘collapse and recovery’ trend seen during the first wave.
    Key Global Findings of Global Economic Prospects Report:
    • The global economy is expected to expand 5.6% in 2021. This is the fastest post-recession pace in 80 years, largely due to strong rebounds from a few major economies.
    • However, many emerging markets and developing economies continue to struggle due to the following reasons,
      • A resurgence of COVID-19 cases,
      • Lagging vaccination progress
      • The withdrawal of policy support in some instances.
    • Among major economies, the growth of the US is projected to reach 6.8% this year. This is due to large-scale fiscal support and the easing of pandemic restrictions.
    • Among emerging markets and developing economies, China is anticipated to rebound to 8.5% this year, reflecting an increase in demand.

    Source: The Hindu

  • China hosts “ASEAN foreign ministers meeting”
    What is the news?

    China is hosting ASEAN foreign ministers meeting this year. This year (2021) also marks the 30th anniversary of the dialogue relations between China and the 10-member ASEAN countries. Association of Southeast Asian Nations

    Read Also :-India and East Asia Relations

    Key Focus of the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting:

    The meeting will focus on

    • Combating COVID-19
    • Promoting economic recovery
    • Discussing the proposal of vaccine passport connecting China and ASEAN countries
    Significance of this ASEAN foreign ministers meeting:
    • This meeting comes in the backdrop of China criticizing the Quad (India, Australia, Japan and the United States grouping) during recent visits to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
    • China’s Defence Minister has called on both countries to reject “military alliances” — a term that China is using to describe the Quad but a label that the Quad group rejects.

    Read Also :-India and ASEAN

    China and ASEAN Cooperation:
    • China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) countries established a strategic partnership in 2005.
    • China-ASEAN free trade zone was formally established in the year 2010.
    • China and ASEAN countries are a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal.
    • China has been ASEAN’s largest trade partner for 12 consecutive years. On the other hand, ASEAN became China’s largest trade partner in 2020.
    • China has pledged to deliver 100 million doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine to ASEAN nations. Apart from that, China will also provide other pandemic-fighting materials and technical help to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in ASEAN Countries.

    Read Also :-India’s Act East Policy

    About ASEAN:
    • ASEAN is a regional grouping that was established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
    • Members: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos.
    • Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia.

    Source: The Hindu

  • NTPC joins “UN’s CEO Water Mandate” to work on water conservation
    What is the News?

    India’s largest power utility, NTPC Ltd has become a signatory of UN’s CEO Water Mandate.

    About UN’s CEO Water Mandate:
    • UN’s CEO Water Mandate is a UN Global Compact initiative to demonstrate the commitment and efforts of companies towards better water and sanitation agendas as part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Purpose: The mandate is designed to assist companies in the development, implementation, and disclosure of comprehensive water strategies and policies.
    • It also provides a platform for companies to partner with like-minded businesses, UN agencies, public authorities, civil society organizations and other key stakeholders.
    • Companies: The mandate is now endorsed by over 180 companies from a range of industry sectors and regions around the world.

    Read Also :-United Nations Organisations in News

    About United Nations Global Compact Initiative:
    • United Nations Global Compact is a non-binding United Nations Initiative.
    • Purpose: It aims to encourage companies worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. For that, the UN categorised 10 principles range from human rights, anti-corruption, environment, labour, etc.
    • Launched in: The initiative was announced by the then UN Secretary-General in 1999. It was officially launched at UN Headquarters in New York City in 2000.

    Source: DDNews

  • INTERPOL launches “I-Familia” to identify missing persons

    What is the News?

    Interpol has launched a new global database named “I-Familia”.

    About I-Familia:

    • I-Familia is a global database launched to identify missing persons through family DNA. It will help the police to solve cases in member countries.
    • Interpol applies cutting-edge scientific research and uses the DNA of relatives to identify missing persons or unidentified human remains around the world.
      • DNA kinship matching is used mostly in cases where a direct sample of the missing person is not available.
    • Components: I-Familia has three components:
      • Dedicated global database to host the DNA profiles provided by relatives. It is held separately from any criminal data;
      • DNA matching software called Bonaparte developed by Dutch company Smart Research; and
      • Interpretation guidelines developed by Interpol.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • ILO releases “World Employment and Social Outlook” report
    What is the News?

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released the annual World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2021 (WESO) report.

    About the World Employment and Social Outlook report:
    • The report analyses key labour market issues including unemployment, labour underutilisation, working poverty, income inequality, labour income share and factors that exclude people from decent work.
    • It highlights how the COVID-19 crisis had worsened pre-existing inequalities by hitting vulnerable workers harder.
     Key Findings of the World Employment and Social Outlook report
    • COVID-induced job loss: Covid-19 induced jobs loss will reach 75 million in 2021, before falling to 23 million in 2022.
      • Further, people who have held onto their jobs have seen their working hours cut dramatically.
    • Global Unemployment: Unemployment is expected to stand at 205 million people in 2022. This far greater than the 187 million in 2019. This corresponds to an unemployment rate of 5.7%.
    • Poor quality of jobs: The quality of newly created jobs would likely deteriorate in developing and emerging economies.
    • Increase in Poverty: Compared to 2019, an additional 108 million workers worldwide are now categorized as poor or extremely poor. This means they and their families live on the equivalent of less than US$3.20 per person per day.
    • Women: Covid-19 crisis has hit women disproportionately. They have lost jobs at a greater rate than men. Moreover, additional domestic responsibilities for women from crisis lockdowns have created the risk of a “re-traditionalization” of gender roles.
    • Child Labour: The crisis has also appeared to reverse the decade of progress in battling child labour and forced labour.

    The report cautions that in absence of any decisive action, COVID-crisis will impact the global labour market for the long term.

    Source: Indian Express

  • World Health Assembly Adopts New Resolution to End Malaria

    What is the News? The 74th World Health Assembly(WHA) has adopted a new resolution to end malaria. It will accelerate efforts towards this aim.

    About the Resolution to End Malaria:
    • The resolution is led by the United States of America and Zambia.
    • The aim of the resolution is to urge the Member States to step up progress on containing the disease. It is in line with WHO’s updated global malaria strategy and the WHO Guidelines for malaria.
    • The resolution called on countries to expand investment, scale-up funding for a global response. Also, it will boost investment in the research and development of new tools.
    About WHOs Global Malaria Program:
    • The WHO Global Malaria Program is responsible for coordinating WHO’s global efforts to control and eliminate malaria.
    • The work of the program is guided by the “Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030”.
    Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016–2030
    • The WHO’s global technical strategy was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015.
    • Aim: The strategy provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries working towards malaria control and elimination.
    • Targets: Its global targets for 2030 include:
      • Reducing malaria case incidence by at least 90%.
      • Reducing malaria mortality rates by at least 90%.
      • Eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries.
      • Preventing a resurgence of malaria in all countries that are malaria-free.
    About Malaria:
    • Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
    • The disease claims more than 400,000 lives annually. In 2019, the world reported an estimated 229 million cases of malaria and 409,000 deaths.
    • However, an estimated 6 million deaths and 1.5 billion cases had been averted since 2000. But the global gains in combating malaria have leveled off in recent years.

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • Jan 30 Declared World “Neglected Tropical Diseases” Day by WHA

    What is the News?

    The 74th World Health Assembly has declared January 30 as ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day.

    About World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day:
    • The first World Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) Day was celebrated informally in 2020.
    • UAE moved the proposal to recognize this day as ‘World NTD Day’
    • Significance: World NTD Day commemorates the simultaneous launch of the first NTD road map and the London Declaration on NTDs on 30 January 2012.
    About Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD):
    • Firstly, Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) are a group of infections. These diseases are most common in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas among marginalized communities. The basic reason behind them is no access to clean water or safe ways to dispose of human waste.
    • Secondly, Caused by: A variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms.
    • Thirdly, these diseases generally receive less funding for research and treatment than diseases like tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and malaria.
    • Fourthly, some examples of NTDs include snakebite envenomation, scabies, yaws, trachoma, Leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.
    • Cases: NTDs affect more than a billion people globally. However, the diseases are preventable and treatable.
    About London Declaration:
    1. London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases was a collaborative disease eradication program. It launched on 30 January 2012 in London.
    2. Based on: World Health Organization 2020 roadmap to eradicate or prevent transmission of neglected tropical diseases.
    3. This declaration aimed to eliminate or control 10 neglected diseases by 2020 by providing more than US$785 million to support research and development.
      • Great progress has been made since 2012, but not all the goals have been met by 2020.
    WHO’s New Roadmap for NTDs for 2021-30:
    • The World Health Organization(WHO) has launched a new road map to
      • prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate a set of 20 diseases termed neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
      • Reducing the number of people in need of NTD treatment by 90%.
      • Elimination of at least one NTD in more than 100 countries.
      • Complete elimination of dracunculiasis (guinea worm) and yaws
    • Strategy: The roadmap calls for three strategic changes in approach to end NTDs:
      1. From measuring process to measuring impact.
      2. From disease-specific planning and programming to collaborative work across sectors.
      3. Lastly, From externally driven agendas on programmes that are country-owned and country-financed.

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • WHO report on “Origin of Covid-19”: India seeks more studies on virus
    What is the News?

    India has welcomed the global study on the origin of Covid-19 convened by the World Health Organisation(WHO). However, India demanded initiating further studies in order to reach robust conclusions.

    WHO report on Origin of Covid-19:

    The report had listed “four pathways” or possible options that led to the Covid-19 pandemic:

    • A direct zoonotic transmission;
    • Introduction of the virus through another intermediate host or animal;
    • Introduction through the cold chain or food chain;
    • Laboratory incident.
    What did the Global Study on the Origin of Covid-19 found?
    • The study was conducted by the World Health Organisation(WHO) in association with China.
    • The study has said that direct zoonotic transmission or the introduction of the virus through another intermediate host or animal are the most likely theories of the origin of Covid-19.
    • Moreover, the introduction of the Covid-19 through the cold chain or food chain is also possible.
    • However, the lab leak theory of the virus was “extremely unlikely”. But there was a need for further research.
    India’s stand on WHO’s study:
    • India has called for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism to investigate the origin of Covid-19 in cooperation with all stakeholders.
    • Further, India also demanded that the mechanism should be supported by an additional WHO mission. This mission should have the power to visit the Chinese sites for further studies.

    China’s stand on WHO’s study:

    • China has denied the theory that there was a leak from the Wuhan lab (research on zoonotic transmissions of coronaviruses was taking place).

    Source: The Hindu

  • “One Health High-Level Expert Panel” – A WHO panel to investigate zoonotic diseases

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) has formed a One Health High-Level Expert Panel.

    About One Health High-Level Expert Panel:
    • Purpose: The panel has been formed to study the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. Such as H5N1, avian influenza, MERS, Ebola, Zika and possibly the novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19).
    • Mandate of the Panel:
      • Firstly, to consider the impact of human activity on the environment and wildlife habitats.
      • Secondly, to analyse the factors that lead to transmission of a disease from animal to human and vice versa
      • Thirdly, to develop risk assessment and surveillance frameworks;
      • Fourthly, to identify capacity gaps as well as agreement on good practices that help to prevent and prepare for zoonotic outbreaks.
    • Approach: The panel will operate under the One Health Approach. This approach recognizes the links between the health of people, animals, and the environment.
    • Advisory Role: The panel will advise four global agencies on how future outbreaks especially due to zoonotic diseases can be averted. These four organisations are:
      • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
      • World Health Organization(WHO)
      • World Organisation for Animal Health(OIE) and
      • United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP).
    What is One Health Approach?

    One health

    • It is an approach that recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems as interconnected one.
    • Hence, it involves applying a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach at the local, regional, national and global levels. It will address potential or existing risks that originate at the animal-human ecosystems interface.
    What are Zoonotic Diseases?
    • Zoonosis is an infectious disease that spreads from non-human to humans.
    • Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic. They can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water, and the environment.
    • Three of every four infectious diseases are caused by zoonosis. Moreover, scientists across the world suspect COVID-19 is also a zoonosis disease.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • Union Minister virtually Chairs 74th “World Health Assembly”
    What is the News?

    As the Chairman of WHO Executive Board, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare of India has virtually chaired the 74th World Health Assembly.

    WHO Decision Making Bodies: The World Health Organisation(WHO) is governed by two decision-making bodies — the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board.

    About World Health Assembly:
    • The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation(WHO).
    • The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States. The assembly focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
    • Functions: The main functions of the World Health Assembly are:
      • Firstly, To determine the policies of the Organisation
      • Secondly, To appoint the Director-General
      • Thirdly, to supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
    About WHO Executive Board:
    • Firstly, WHO Executive Board is composed of 34 members technically qualified in the field of health. The members of the executive board will be elected for three-year terms.
    • Secondly, Functions: To give effect to the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly. Further, the board will advise and generally facilitate the work of the Assembly.
    • Thirdly, Chairman: It is held in rotation for one year by each of the WHO’s six regional groups. This includes the African Region, Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region and Western Pacific Region.
    • Fourthly, Meeting: The Board meets at least twice a year, once usually in January and then in May.

    Source: PIB

     

  • “Global Health Summit 2021” adopted “Rome Declaration”
    What is the News?

    The Virtual Global Health Summit 2021 is being held in Rome, Italy.

    About Global Health Summit 2021:
    • Global Health Summit was organised by Italy in its role as president of the G20 in partnership with the European Commission.
    • Purpose: The summit seeks to empower and enable stakeholders to address the challenges in the third sustainable development goal(SDG) of Health and Wellbeing for all.
    Rome Declaration:
    • The Rome Declaration was adopted at the Global Health Summit 2021.
    • Principles: The declaration is made up of 16 mutually agreed principles. These principles aim at guiding joint action to prevent future health crises and to build a safer, fairer and more equitable and sustainable world.
    Key Features of the Rome Declaration:
    • Firstly, to support and enhance the existing multilateral health architecture.
    • Secondly, to promote the multilateral trading system and global supply chains related to Health emergencies,
    • Thirdly, to enable equitable, affordable, timely global access to high-quality, safe, effective prevention, detection and response tools.
    • Fourthly, to support low and middle-income countries to build expertise and develop local and regional manufacturing capacities for tools.
    • Fifthly, to facilitate data sharing, capacity building, licensing agreements among stakeholders. Further, it aims to facilitate voluntary technology and know-how transfers on mutually agreed terms.
    • Sixthly, to invest in the worldwide health and care workforce
    • Seventhly, to increase the effectiveness of preparedness and response measures by promoting inclusive dialogue with local communities,
    • Lastly, to seek to ensure the effectiveness of financing mechanisms.

    Source: WHO

     

  • Lithuania quits China’s “17+1 cooperation forum”

    What is the News?

    Lithuania has pulled out of China’s 17+1 cooperation forum with central and eastern European states.

    About 17+1 cooperation forum:

    • The 17+1 cooperation forum is a China-led initiative founded in the year 2012.
    • Aim: The aim is to expand cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European(CEE) member countries. This is done through investments and trade for the development of the CEE region.
    • The initiative also focuses on infrastructure projects such as bridges, motorways, railway lines and the modernisation of ports in the member states.
    • Significance: The initiative is largely seen as an extension of China’s flagship Belt and Road initiative (BRI).

    About Lithuania:

    • Lithuania is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. Its capital and largest city is Vilnius.
    • It is one of the Baltic States and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea.
    • Border Countries: Sweden, Denmark, Latvia Belarus Poland and Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “BRICS Astronomy Working Group” Proposes Networking of Existing Telescopes
    What is the News?

    India virtually hosted the 7th meeting of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) under the Science, Technology, and Innovation track of the BRICS 2021.

    Note: India has assumed the BRICS Presidency from January 2021.

    About BRICS Astronomy Working Group(BAWG):
    • Astronomy was established as one of five thematic science areas within BRICS at a ministerial meeting held in South Africa in 2014.
    • Formed in: The BRICS Astronomy Working Group(BAWG) established in 2015.
    • Purpose: The group provides a platform for the BRICS member countries to collaborate in the field of astronomy.
    About 7th BRICS Astronomy Working Group(BAWG) Meeting:
    • The Department of Science and Technology(DST), Government of India, and Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune coordinated the meeting from the Indian side.
    • During the meeting, the countries recommended the networking of existing telescopes in BRICS countries and creating regional data networks.
    • Further, the members recommended that each country should present the scientific results of the work being carried out in their country.
    • Moreover, the countries indicated research in the following areas. Such as, building networks of intelligent telescopes, a study of transient astronomical phenomena in the universe, Big data, Artificial Intelligence among others.
    About BRICS:
    • Firstly, BRICS is the acronym coined for an association of five major emerging national economies. It stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
    • Secondly, BRICS does not exist in the form of organization, but it is an annual summit between the supreme leaders of five nations.
    • Thirdly, Chairmanship: The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
    • Fourthly, Recent Summits: The 2020 BRICS summit was the twelfth annual BRICS summit.It was hosted by Russia. The theme was “Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth”.
    • Fifthly, BRICS 2021: The chair of BRICS 2021 is in India. It will be the third time that India will be hosting the BRICS Summit after 2012 and 2016.
      • The theme of the Summit is, ‘BRICS @ 15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus.’

    Source: The Hindu

  • World Bank’s “Migration and Development Brief”: India is the top receiver of remittances

    What is the News?

    The World Bank has released a report titled “Migration and Development Brief, 2020”.

    Key Findings of the Migration and Development Brief:

     Findings Related to India:

    • Firstly, India has received the highest amount of remittances in 2020. This was followed by China, Mexico, the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, France and Bangladesh.
    • Secondly, India’s Remittances: India has received over USD83 billion in remittances in 2020. This was despite the pandemic that devastated the world economy.
      • In 2019, India had received USD83.3 billion in remittances.
    • Thirdly, India’s remittances fell by just 0.2% in 2020. This was due to a 17% fall in remittances from the United Arab Emirates. However, this was offset by the resilient flows from the United States and other host countries.
    • Fourthly, Remittances outflow from India in 2020 was USD7 billion. In 2019, it was around USD7.5 billion.
    Other Key Findings:
    • China received $59.5 billion in remittances in 2020 against $68.3 billion in 2019.
    • The remittance outflow was maximum from the United States. This is followed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Germany and China.
    • Remittance inflows have increased in Latin America, South Asia, Middle East and North Africa.
    • However, remittances have fallen for East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
    About Migration and Development Brief Report:
    • Prepared by: The report is prepared by the Migration and Remittances Unit, Development Economics (DEC)- the premier research and data arm of the World Bank.
    • Aim: The report aims to provide an update on key developments. Especially in the area of migration and remittance flows and related policies over the past six months.
      • The report also provides medium-term projections of remittance flows to developing countries.
    • The report is produced twice a year.
    About Remittances:
    • Remittance is money usually sent to a person in another country. The sender is typically an immigrant and the recipient a relative back home.
    • Remittances represent one of the largest sources of income for people in low-income and developing nations.

     Source: Indian Express

  • Shakuntala Haraksingh of Indian descent wins “World Food Prize”

    What is the News?

    Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh, a global nutrition expert of Indian descent has won the prestigious 2021 World Food Prize. She was awarded for her research in developing holistic, nutrition-sensitive approaches to aquaculture and food systems.

    About World Food Prize:

    • Firstly, the World Food Prize is an international honor recognizing the achievements of individuals. Especially persons who have achieved human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.
    • Secondly, the World Food Prize Foundation presents the award.
    • Thirdly, regarding categories, the award recognizes contributions in any field involved in the world food supply. This includes plant, animal and soil science; food science and technology; nutrition, rural development among others.
    • Fourthly, on eligibility, the prize is open to every individual without regard to race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs.
    • Lastly, Significance of this award:
      • Dr. Norman E. Borlaug conceived the award in 1987. He was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work in global agriculture. He is also known as the Father of the Green Revolution.
      • M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s green revolution was the first recipient of this award in 1987.

    Source: Indian Express

    Government congratulated “International Ranger Award” winner from India

  • US joins “Christchurch Call to Action” against online extremism

    What is the News?

    The United States has announced that it will be joining “Christchurch Call to Action” against online extremism.

    About Christchurch Call to Action:

    • Christchurch Call to Action was launched during the Online Extremism Summit in Paris, France in 2019. The summit was co-chaired by New Zealand and France.
    • Objective: The Christchurch Call is a global pledge by member governments and technology partners. Under this, they work together to address terrorist and violent extremist contents online.
    • Named after: The call is named after the New Zealand city. In Christchurch, 51 members of the Muslim community were murdered in a live-streamed terrorist attack in 2019.
    • Member Countries: Seventeen countries originally signed the agreement. Another 31 countries signed the agreement later.
    • India: India is one of the member countries.
    • Sections: The pledge is non-binding. It consists of three sections or commitments.
      • The governments,
      • Online service providers and
      • Ways in which the earlier two can work together.
    • Measures: The plan commits Governments, international organizations and Internet companies to perform a range of measures. This includes,
      • Developing tools to prevent the upload of terrorist and violent extremist content;
      • Countering the roots of violent extremism;
      • Increasing transparency around the detection and removal of content;
      • Ensuring that algorithms designed and used by companies do not direct users towards violent and extremist content.

    Source: AIR

    [Answered] “World is facing an unprecedented threat from intolerance, violent extremism and terrorism, exacerbating conflicts and destabilising entire regions”. Discuss how India should tackle the growing threat of extremism and terrorism in the region?

  • India participates in the “3rd Arctic Science Ministerial”
    What is the News?

    India is participating in the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) meeting.

    About Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM):
    • Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM) is a global platform for discussing research and cooperation in the Arctic region.
    • The USA and Germany held the first two Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM) meetings in 2016 and in 2018 respectively.
    3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3):
    • Iceland and Japan have jointly organised The 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM3). It is the first Ministerial meeting being held in Asia.
    • Purpose: The meeting is designed to provide opportunities to various stakeholders to enhance collective understanding of the Arctic region. The meeting also emphasizes the constant engagement in monitoring and strengthen Arctic observations.
    • Theme: ‘Knowledge for a Sustainable Arctic’.

    India’s Engagement in the Arctic Region:

    • Firstly, India’s engagement with the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in Paris.
    • Secondly, since July 2008, India has had a permanent research station in the Arctic called Himadri at NyAlesund, Svalbard Area in Norway.
    • Thirdly, India has also deployed a multi-sensor moored(anchored) observatory called IndARC in the Kongsfjorden fjord since July 2014.
    • Fourthly, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, coordinates the research in the Arctic region from India. The NCPOR falls under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
    Arctic Council:
    • The Arctic Council was formally established in 1996 by the Ottawa Declaration.
    • Purpose: It is an intergovernmental forum for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States.
    • Members: The members of the Arctic Council include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
    • Observer Status: Since 2013, India enjoys ‘Observer’ status in the Arctic Council. Twelve other observer countries are Japan, China, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Spain, Netherlands, Singapore, and South Korea.

    Source: PIB

    “3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order

  • GNAFC releases “Global Report on Food Crises 2021”
    What is the News?

    Global Network Against Food Crises(GNAFC) has released the “Global Report on Food Crises 2021”.

    Key Findings:
    • Firstly, more than 155 million people experienced acute food insecurity in 2020. This is an increase of 20 million as compared to 2019.
    • Secondly, two-thirds of the people in acute food crisis levels were in 10 countries. Such as Congo, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, northern Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Haiti.
    • Thirdly, the majority of the people facing acute food insecurity depend on agriculture.
    • Fourthly, according to the report, 40.5 million people in 17 countries faced acute food insecurity because of “economic shocks”. This is primarily due to cut in jobs and incomes.
    • Reasons: The magnitude and severity of food crises in 2020 worsened due to:
      • Prolonged conflicts
      • Economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic
      • Weather extremes that increased pre-existing fragilities.
    About Global Report on Food Crises 2021:
    • The report focuses on 55 countries that account for 97% of the humanitarian assistance.
    • Also, the report depicts the acute food insecurity and malnutrition situation in countries chronically vulnerable to food crises. These countries often affected by fragile agri-food systems.
    About Global Network Against Food Crises(GNAFC):
    • It was founded during the first World Humanitarian Summit in 2016. It was jointly found by
      • European Commission for International Cooperation and Development,
      • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and
      • The World Food Programme(WFP)
    • Purpose: It is an alliance that is united by a common commitment to tackle the root causes of food crises. They aim to tackle the food crisis through increased sharing of knowledge and analysis and strengthened coordination.

    Source: Business Today

  • “G7 Foreign Ministers Summit” Held

    What is the News?

    The G7 Foreign Ministers meeting was held ahead of the G7 leader’s summit.

    About the G7 Summit:
    • The G7 Summit takes place at Carbis Bay in Cornwall in the UK. It is the first in-person G7 Leaders Summit in almost two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • The aim of this year’s G7 summit is to help the world fight and then build it better from coronavirus. It is to create a greener and more prosperous future.
    • Guest Countries: India, Australia, and South Korea have been invited to participate in the proceedings of the summit as “guest countries”.
    Group of Seven(G7) 
    • G7 is an intergovernmental organization formed in 1975. The bloc meets annually to discuss issues of common interest like global economic governance, international security, and energy policy.
    • Countries: G-7 consists of the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan.
    • Origin: The G-7 was formerly referred to as the G-8 until Russia was suspended from the group in 2014 after illegally annexing Crimea.
    • The G-7 is not an official, formal entity and therefore has no legislative or authoritative power to enforce the recommended policies and plans it compiles.
     D10 Group of Countries:
    • D10 is a proposal by the UK Prime Minister. It is to turn the G7 into a forum for the world’s ten leading democracies.
    • The D10 would include G7 countries – UK, US, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, and Canada – plus Australia, South Korea, and India.

    Source: The Hindu

  • India’s Oil Imports From OPEC Down To 20-Year Low
    What is the News?

    The share of India’s oil imports from OPEC countries dropped to its lowest in at least 20 years in the fiscal year ending March 2021.

    India’s Oil Imports:
    • India’s overall oil imports fell by nearly 12% in the Fiscal Year 2021 compared to the previous fiscal year.
    • Of all those imports, the share of OPEC reduced to 72% from 80%. It is the lowest share of crude oil imports from OPEC since at least Fiscal Year(FY)-2002.
    • Further, India bought more US and Canadian oil. This was at the expense of the reduction from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) countries.
      • US and Canadian oil accounted for about 7% and 1.3% respectively of India’s imports compared to 4.5% and 0.60% a year earlier.
      • Moreover, the US has also emerged as the fifth-biggest oil supplier to India in FY21, up by two places from FY20.
    Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC):
    • It is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization created at the Baghdad Conference in 1960. Its founding members are Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
    • Purpose: The purpose is to manage the supply of oil in an effort to set the price of oil in the world market. Further, it also aims to manage price fluctuations that might affect the economies of both producing and purchasing countries.
    • Members: Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela
    • Secretariat: Vienna, Austria.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Global Electric Vehicles Outlook 2021” released by IEA
    What is the News?

    International Energy Agency(IEA) has released a report titled “Global Electric Vehicle Outlook Report,2021”.

    The Global EV Outlook(GEVO) is an annual report published by IEA. The report looks at the latest EV trends. Apart from that, it also looks at the drivers for road transport sector electrification around the world.

    Key Findings of Global Electric Vehicles Outlook 2021 related to India:
    • More than 30% of the new vehicle sales in India will be electric by 2030.
    • Electric Vehicles(EV) deployment in India will mainly be achieved through the electrification of two/three-wheelers. The report mentions that electric two/three-wheeler sales will reach a sales share of almost 50% by 2030.
    • However, the lack of government spending under the FAME II Scheme has delayed EV deployment in India.
    • Further, EV deployment was also delayed due to pressure on domestic automakers to focus on BS-VI innovation instead of EVs.
    International findings of Global Electric Vehicles Outlook 2021:
    • Firstly, three million new electric cars were registered in 2020. This was 41% higher than those registered in 2019.
    • Secondly, the rise in electric car sales in 2020 came even as the worldwide automobile market contracted by 16% due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • Thirdly, apart from that, the number of electric cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks on roads is expected to hit 145 million by 2030.
    • Fourthly, if the governments improve their efforts to meet international climate goals, then the number of global electric vehicles will increase to 230 million by 2030.
    About International Energy Agency(IEA):
    • It was established in 1974 as an autonomous intergovernmental organization under the OECD framework.
    • Objective: To ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for its member countries and beyond.
    • Members: It has 30 member countries and eight association countries. India became an associate member in 2017.
    • Secretariat: Paris, France.

    Source: IEA

  • “Immunisation Agenda 2030 or IA2030” launched on World Immunisation Week.

    What is the News?

    Global agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI and others have launched the Immunisation Agenda 2030 or IA2030 during World Immunisation Week.

    World Immunisation Week:
    • It is celebrated every year in the last week of April. It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.
    • The theme for 2021: Vaccines bring us closer.
    About Immunisation Agenda 2030(IA2030):
    • The Immunisation Agenda 2030(IA2030) sets an ambitious, overarching global vision and strategy for vaccines and immunisation for the decade 2021–2030.
    • Vision: IA2030 envisions “A world where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being.”
    • Based on: The IA2030 is based on the learnings from Global Vaccine Action Plan(GVAP). IA2030 has a target to address the unmet targets of the GVAP.
      • The GVAP  was developed to help realize the vision of the “Decade of Vaccines(2011–2020)”.
      • GVAP was launched in 2012 with the aim to prevent millions of deaths by 2020. The GVAP aims to achieve this through more equitable access to vaccines for people in all communities.
    • Core Principles: The IA 2030 strategy is guided by four core principles: it puts people in the centre. The strategy is led by countries. They will implement the strategy through broad partnerships and data.
    Key Features of Immunisation Agenda 2030:
    • The IA2030 will ensure the benefits of immunisation are shared equitably among and within countries.
    • It will focus on a bottom-up approach. This is in contrast to the GVAP’s ‘top-down’ approach.
    • It will give priority to people particularly, the most marginalised communities living in fragile and conflict-affected settings. It also gives priority to mobile populations such as people moving across borders.
    Targets:
    • Firstly, to avoid 50 million vaccine-preventable infections in this decade as part of this immunization program.
    • Secondly, to reduce the number of zero-dose children by 50%. The programme hopes to do this by extending immunisation services to 13 million such children.
      • Zero-dose children are those who have received no vaccines through immunisation programs.
    • Thirdly, to achieve 90% coverage for essential vaccines given in childhood and adolescence
    • Fourthly, completing 500 national or subnational introduction of new or under-utilized vaccines. This includes vaccines such as COVID-19, rotavirus, or human papillomavirus(HPV), etc.
    Significance:
    • The agenda will help by contributing to the achievement of the UN-mandated sustainable development goals or SDGs, specifically SDG3. SDG 3 aims to“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • Saudi Arabia joins “Net Zero Producers Forum” on climate change
    What is the News?

    Saudi Arabia has announced that it will be joining Canada, the US, Qatar and Norway in the formation of the Net Zero Producers Forum.

    About Net Zero Producers Forum:
    • The Net Zero Producers Forum has been formed for the oil and gas producing countries. The Forum aims to discuss the ways to achieve net zero carbon emission targets to limit global warming.
    • The countries will also discuss ways to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
    • Strategies: The Forum will consider strategies and technologies which include

    Note: Qatar, the US, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Norway are collectively responsible for 40% of global oil and gas production.

    Targets of Countries under Paris Climate Agreement:
    • US: It has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 50-52 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
    • Canada: It has pledged to cut emissions by 40-45 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.
    • Saudi Arabia has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by generating 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
    • EU: It has shown a commitment to reduce emissions by 55 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030.
     What is Net-Zero?
    • Firstly, net-zero is also referred to as carbon-neutrality.
    • Secondly, it does not mean that a country would bring down its emissions to zero.
    • Thirdly, net-zero, rather is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
    • Fourthly, absorption of the emissions can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests
    • Fifthly, the removal of gases from the atmosphere requires futuristic technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

    Source: AIR

  • Migrants Workers, Who Returned to Cities Earned five-fold : Study
    What is the News?

     Yale University tracked 5,000 migrants workers across north and central India from April 2020 to February 2021. Recently, it released the findings of the survey.

    The survey was conducted over the phone by researchers from Yale and the Inclusion Economics India Centre. Bihar and Chhattisgarh are “source states”.

    What are the key findings of the survey?
    • Migrant workers who returned to cities for work after the first Covid-19 lockdown earned roughly five times as much as those who stayed back.
    • The first Covid-19 induced lockdown affected women migrants, more than men.
    • After the first lockdown, only 45% of female migrants returned to their urban workplaces. However, 40% of them earned no income across a week in which they were tracked in February 2021.
      • In comparison, 55% of men returned to their workplaces and only a quarter of them had no income across the same week in February 2021.
    • Male migrant workers who returned to urban areas after the first lockdown for work earned up to 90% of their pre-pandemic earnings. But the women earned up to 72% of their pre-pandemic income.
      • While, female migrant workers who did not return to urban areas earned only 23% of their pre-pandemic income. Whereas female migrant workers earned just 13%.
    • Further, more than 40% of those who stayed home were still concerned about running out of food after the harvest season. More than 20% of them said they were eating less than normal.
    Conclusion of the survey:
    • The survey has found that those migrant workers who remained at home in rural areas after the first lockdown were more likely to report being unemployed. It reduced their food consumption, mortgaging or selling assets, spending down savings, and taking loans to make ends meet.
    • Hence, it has urged policymakers to make efforts to retain workers in urban areas. It has also asked them to focus more on women by providing economic support through employers and rations.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • “Supply Chain Resilience Initiative or SCRI” launched by India, Japan and Australia

    What is the News? India, Japan, and Australia have launched the SCRI or Supply Chain Resilience Initiative in a virtual Trilateral Ministerial Meeting.

    What do you mean by Supply Chain Resilience?
    • It is the capability of the supply chain of a country to handle any kind of disruption and function normally in difficult times. One approach is diversifying the source of supply across a group of supplying nations instead of being dependent on just one or a few.
    • Need: Disruption of supplies from a particular country can happen due to natural calamities such as pandemics or man-made events such as armed conflicts. It can adversely impact the destination country’s economic activities.
    • Example: Japan imported $169 billion worth from China in 2019 accounting for 24% of its total imports. However, Japan’s imports from China fell by half in February 2020 that impacted Japan’s economic activity.
    About Supply Chain Resilience Initiative:
    1. Aim: The initiative aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing supply chain resilience to attain strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth in the region.
    2. Projects: The initial projects under the SCRI will be:
      • Sharing of best practices on supply chain resilience and
      • Organizing Investment promotion events and buyer-seller matching events. It will provide stakeholders an opportunity to explore the possibility of diversification of their supply chains.
    3. Policy Areas: The possible policy measures may include:
      1. supporting the enhanced utilization of digital technology and
      2. supporting trade and investment diversification.
    4. Meeting: The meeting by the trade ministers of three countries will be convened at least once a year. It will be helpful in the implementation of the SCRI as well as to consult on how to develop the Initiative.
    What was the need for this initiative?
    • Firstly, Covid-19 Impact: With the disruption by Covid-19, countries have realized the shortcomings of that dependence over a single nation. Thus, the initiative aims to reduce the dependency on a single nation (at present China).
    • Secondly, Impact of US-China Trade Tensions: The tariff sanctions imposed on each other during the US-China trade threatened all significant economies heavily reliant on international trade.
    • Thirdly, to counter China’s Influence in the Indo-Pacific Region.

    Source: Hindu Businessline

     

  • “Chandlers Good Governance Index” 2021 Released
    What is the News? 

    The Chandler Good Government Index(CGGI) 2021 has been released.

    About Chandler Good Government Index(CGGI):
    • The Chandler Institute of Governance(CIG) publishes the Chandler Good Government Index(CGGI) . It is an international non-profit organization, with headquarter in Singapore.
    • Objective: The index measures the effectiveness and capabilities of 104 governments around the world in terms of government capabilities and outcomes.
    • Parameters: The Index comprises of 34 indicators. They are organized into seven pillars:
      1. Leadership and Foresight
      2. Robust Laws and Policies
      3. Strong Institutions
      4. Financial Stewardship
      5. Attractive Marketplace
      6. Global Influence and Reputation
      7. Helping people rise.
    Key Findings:
    • India’s ranking: India has been ranked 49th in the Chandler Good Government Index(CGGI).
    • Topped by: Finland has topped the index.
    • South Asian Countries: At 74th ranks Sri Lanka. Further, Pakistan is at 90th and Nepal at 92nd.
    • Seven of the top ten countries are from Europe. But there are four continents represented in the top ten. Here, Singapore stands first in Asia, New Zealand leading Oceania, and Canada leading in the Americas.
    • All the top ten countries are high-income as defined by the World Bank.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • India is 3rd Highest Military Spender in 2020: SIPRI

    What is the News? Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) released a report titled “Trends in World Military Expenditure Report, 2020”. The report provides data related to the military expenditure by countries in 2020.

    Note: SIPRI is an independent international institute established in 1966 in Stockholm, Sweden. Its functions are to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

    Key Findings Related to India:
    • Firstly, India was the 3rd largest military spender in the world in 2020 behind only the US and China.
    • Secondly, India’s military expenditure was $72.9 billion in 2020. This is an increase of 2.1% since the year 2019.
    • Thirdly, India’s military spending is 2.9% of its Gross Domestic Product(GDP).
    • Fourthly, India accounted for 3.7% of the money spent on the military globally.
    Other Key Findings:
    1. World military expenditure was $1981 billion in 2020. It is an increase of 2.6% compared to 2019.
      1. The increase in military spending came in a year when the global GDP shrank by 4.4% largely due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    2. Total military spending accounted for 2.4% of global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.
    3. The five biggest spenders in 2020 were the United States, China, India, Russia, and the United Kingdom. These countries together accounted for 62% of world military spending.
    4. The United States accounted for 39% of the money spent on the military globally. It spent $778 billion on the military in 2020 representing an increase of 4.4% over 2019.
    5. Whereas, China accounted for 13% of the money spent on the military globally with $252 billion on the military in 2020, representing an increase of 1.9% over 2019.
    6. Likewise, the other top military spenders include Russia with $61.7 billion, the UK at $59.2 billion, Saudi Arabia at $57.5 billion, followed by Germany and France at just under $53 billion each.
    7. From 2011 to 2020, US military expenditure dropped by 10%. But China saw a 76% growth while India’s military spending grew by 34%.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “GloLitter Partnerships Project” – 30 countries join the initiative to tackle marine litter

    What is the News? Around 30 Countries from across the oceans have joined the GloLitter Partnerships Project to tackle marine plastic litter.

    GloLitter Partnerships Project:
    • GloLitter Partnerships Project was launched by the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO). The Government of Norway provided initial funding for the project.
    • Aim: The project aims to help the maritime transport and fishing sectors to adapt to a low-plastic future. To achieve this goal, this initiative will assist developing countries to apply best practices for prevention, reduction, and control of marine plastic litter from those sectors.
    • Participating Countries: 30 Countries will be participating in the project. India is one of the participating countries.
    • Significance:
      • The project will promote compliance with the Voluntary Guidelines of the MARPOL Convention. It contains regulations against discharging plastics into the sea.
      • Further, protecting the marine environment is also the objective of Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 14.
    About MARPOL:
    • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is one of the main international conventions. It aims at the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
    • Adopted in: The Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation(IMO) on 2nd November 1973.
    • India is a signatory to the MARPOL Convention.
    • Annexes: The convention currently includes six technical Annexes:
      • Firstly, Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil
      • Secondly, Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
      • Thirdly, Annex III: Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form
      • Fourthly, Annex IV: Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships
      • Fifthly, Annex V: Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships
      • Sixthly, Annex VI: Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships.
    About International Maritime Organization(IMO):
    • International Maritime Organization(IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 1948.
    • Purpose: IMO is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships.
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

    Source: IMO

  • Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons or OPCW
    What is the News?

    India’s Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) GC Murmu selected as an external auditor to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons(OPCW). His term will be for 3 years, starting in 2021.

    India was also selected as a member of the Executive Council of the OPCW. It is representing Asia Group for another two-year term during the OPCW Conference of State Parties.

    About Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons(OPCW):
    • OPCW is an intergovernmental organisation and the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention. This convention is in force since 1997 and 193 members.
    • Aim: To achieve the vision of a world free of chemical weapons by implementing the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
    • Objectives:
      • Destroying all existing chemical weapons under international verification.
      • Monitoring chemical industry to prevent chemical weapons from re-emerging.
      • Providing assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical threats.
      • Fostering international cooperation to strengthen implementation of the Convention and promote the peaceful use of chemistry.
    • Powers:
      • The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.
      • It can also perform testing of sites and victims of suspected chemical weapons attacks.
    • Members: It has 193 members including India.
    • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
    • Significance: The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
    • Relations with UN: OPCW is not a United Nations(UN) organization. However, by the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the UN, the OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary-General.

    Source: AIR

     

  • “UN-ECOSOC” -India Elected to 3 Key Bodies

    What is the News? India has been elected to three key bodies of the UN ECOSOC (United Nations’ Economic and Social Council).

    These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme.

    United Nations Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC)
    • UN- ECOSOC was established in 1945. It is one of the six main organs of the United Nations.
      • Other organs are UNSC, UNGA, Trusteeship Council, ICJ, and UN secretariat.
    • Aim: To serve as a forum for discussing international economic and social issues. It also works towards formulating policy recommendations addressed to the Member States and the United Nations system.
    • Members: The Council consists of 54 Member States. The UNGA will elect them for a three-year term.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States.
     Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ):
    • Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice(CCPCJ) is a functional commission of the UN-ECOSOC
    • Purpose: The commission serves as the primary organ that guides the activities of the United Nations. Especially in the fields of crime prevention and criminal justice.
    • Members: CCPJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC.
    • Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
    UN Women
    • UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
    • The UN General Assembly established UN Women in 2010 to accelerate the progress on meeting women’s needs worldwide.
    • Members: The Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States
    World Food Programme(WFP):
    • Both the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) founded the WFP in 1961.
    • Aim: To eradicate hunger and malnutrition with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for food aid itself.
    • Significance: It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee.
    • Members: The Executive Board of WFP consists of 36 states members. The board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP.
    • Funding: Voluntary donations from world governments, corporations and private donors will entirely fund the operations of WFP.
    • Nobel Prize: WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. This is for the following reasons,
      • Firstly, WFP’s contribution in combating hunger,
      • Secondly, Work of WFP towards bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas
      • Thirdly, Its role as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.
    • Headquarters: Rome, Italy

    Source: WION

  • “E-2025 initiative” – WHO Identifies 25 countries with potential to be malaria-free by 2025

    What is the News? WHO has launched the E-2025 initiative. Under this initiative WHO Identifies 25 countries with the potential to be malaria-free by 2025.

    Malaria: It is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. It transmits to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

    World Malaria Day:
    • World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 every year by the WHO.
    • The 60th session of the World Health Assembly in 2007 identified April 25 as World Malaria Day.
    • 2021 Theme: “Reaching the Zero Malaria target”.
    About ‘Zeroing in on malaria elimination’ Report:
    • Purpose: The report provides the progress made by 21 malaria eliminating countries as part of the “E-2020 Initiative”.
      • The E-2020 initiative was launched by WHO in 2017. The initiative supported 21 countries in their efforts to get to zero malaria cases within the 2020 timeline. The countries were identified by WHO in 2016 as having the potential to become malaria-free by 2020.
    • Findings: According to the report, 8 of the 21 E-2020 member countries reported zero indigenous cases of human malaria by the end of 2020. However, the progress was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    About E-2025 initiative:
    • Building on the successes of the E-2020, WHO has launched the E-2025 initiative.
    • As part of this initiative, WHO has identified 25 countries that have the potential to eliminate malaria within a 5-year timeline.
    • The countries will receive technical and on-the-ground support by WHO and its partners, in their work towards the target of zero malaria.
    • In return, the countries will audit their elimination programs annually, participate in elimination forums, conduct surveillance assessments, and share malaria case data periodically.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • WMO Releases “State of the Global Climate Report 2020”



    What is the News?

    The World Meteorological Organization(WMO) has released its annual State of the Global Climate Report 2020.

    Key Findings of annual State of the Global Climate Report 2020:
    • Temperature: 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record, despite a cooling La Niña. The other two warmest years were 2016 and 2019.
      • Moreover, the six years since 2015 have been the warmest on record. Further, 2011-2020 was the warmest decade on record.
    • Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic: Extreme weather combined with COVID-19 is a double blow for millions of people in 2020. However, the pandemic-related economic slowdown failed to slow down climate change and its impacts.
    • Greenhouse Gases: Concentrations of the major greenhouse gases continued to increase in 2019 and 2020 despite a temporary reduction in emissions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 response.
    • Oceans: In 2020, the oceans had the highest heat content on the record. Over 80% of the ocean services area experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2020.
    • Sea-level rise: Sea level has recently been rising at a higher rate partly due to the increased melting of the ice sheets.
    • Arctic Region: In 2020, the Arctic sea-ice extent came down to second-lowest on record.
    • Antarctica Region: Antarctic ice sheet has exhibited a strong mass loss trend since the late 1990s. This trend accelerated around 2005.
    Findings Related to India:
    • India experienced one of its wettest monsoons since 1994, with a seasonal surplus of 9% that led to severe floods and landslides.
    • Cyclone Amphan which hit Kolkata in May 2020 was the costliest tropical cyclone for the North Indian Ocean region. It brought about an estimated loss of USD 14 billion.
    About World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
    • WMO is an intergovernmental organization established by the ratification of the WMO Convention in 1950.
    • Origin: WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization(IMO) which was established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
    • Members: 193 Member States and Territories. India is one of the members.
    • Significance: It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • WEF Releases “Energy Transition Index 2021”

    What is the News?

    The World Economic Forum(WEF) has released the Energy Transition Index, 2021.

    About Energy Transition Index(ETI), 2021:

    • Energy Transition Index is an annual report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It prepares the report in collaboration with Accenture.
    • Purpose: The ranking aims to enable policy-makers and businesses to plan for a successful energy transition.
    • ETI checks the readiness of countries for transition to secure, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive energy systems.
    • Parameters: The index ranks 115 countries on the basis following three dimensions:
      • Economic development and growth,
      • Environmental sustainability and
      • Lastly, Energy security and access;
    Key Findings Related to India:
    • Firstly, India ranks at the 87th position among 115 countries in the Energy Transition Index (ETI).
    • Secondly, the report also says India improved in energy transition through the subsidy reforms and by increasing energy access with a regulatory environment and strong political commitment.

    Other Key Takeaways:

    • Firstly, Sweden tops the index. It is followed by Norway and Denmark.
    • Further, China has been ranked 67th on the index. India and China collectively account for a third of global energy demand. However, their improvement level is strong over the past decade even though coal continues to play a significant role in their energy mix.

    Source: Economic Times

     

  • “Boao Forum for Asia” Annual Conference 2021
    What is the News?

    The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 was held in Boao, China.

    Boao  Forum for Asia -Annual Conference 2021:
    • More than 2,600 guests from over 60 countries and region attended the conference.
    • Theme: “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation.”
    Boao Forum for Asia(BFA):
    • Boao Forum for Asia(BFA) is a non-profit international organization founded in the year 2001.
    • Purpose: The Forum is committed to promoting regional economic integration in Asia. It also aims at bringing Asian countries even closer to their development goals.
    • Members: 29 participant countries including India. Other countries include China, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal among others.
    • Annual Conference: BFA holds its annual conference in Boao in Hainan, China on a regular basis.
    • Significance: Boao Forum is modelled after the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, Switzerland. So it also called Davos of the East.
    • Headquarters: China.

    Source: Livemint

     

     

  • Indian Ads Increase Gender Stereotypes, Shows Study
    What is the News?

    UNICEF and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media(GDI) have released a study titled “Gender bias and inclusion in advertising in India”.

    About the study:
    • Purpose: The study measures the level and type of gender stereotyping found in Indian advertisements on TV and YouTube. For this purpose, over 1,000 most viewed advertisements were analyzed in 2019.
    • The study found that female representation in Indian ads still depicts colorism, hypersexualization, and also women without careers or aspirations outside the home.
    Key Findings of the study:
    • Women in ads dominate the screen and speaking time with 59.7% and 56.3% of female representation respectively. This is above the global average of 44% and 39%
    • Female-dominated activities in ads include roles of shopping, cleaning, and preparing meals.
    • Male-dominated activities in these ads include them being in an office, outdoors, or at a sporting event
    • A greater percentage of female characters are depicted as married, than male characters (11% compared with 8.8%).
    • Female characters are thrice as likely to be shown as caretakers or a parent than male characters (18.7% to 5.9%).
    • Male characters are more likely to be shown making decisions about their future than female characters (7.3% compared with 4.8%),
    • Lower Income Class: Characters of a lower-income class are underrepresented. Only 6.4% of the ads show people from that class. The Middle-class is most prominent with 51.3% representation.
    • Sexualisation: Female characters are 6 times more likely to be in revealing clothing than men (11.2% to 1.7%). They are 5 times more likely to be sexually objectified (4.7% compared to 0.9%).
    • Intelligence: Male characters are more likely to be shown as smart, than female characters (32.2% compared to 26.2%).
    • Skin Tone: Two-thirds of female characters (66.9%) in Indian ads have light or medium-light skin tones — a higher percentage than male characters (52.1%).

    Source: The Hindu

  • USCIRF Recommends “Country of Particular Concern” Tag for India



    What is the News?     The USCIRF (US Commission on International Religious Freedom) has recommended classifying India as a Country of Particular Concern(CPC). It is due to the worst violations of religious freedom in India in 2020.

    Reasons for recommendations:
    • USCIRF has recommended India to be put on a Countries of Particular Concern(CPC) list because of:
      • Religiously Discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act
      • Seeming police complicity in the Delhi riots
      • During the COVID-19 pandemic, disinformation and hateful rhetoric including from government officials targeted religious minorities.
      • Efforts to prohibit interfaith marriage – such as those in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh among other reasons.

    Suggestions by USCIRF:

    • Firstly, the US administration should impose targeted sanctions on Indian individuals and entities for ‘severe violations of religious freedom’.
    • Secondly, the US administration should promote interfaith dialogue and the rights of all communities at forums such as Quadrilateral [the Quad].
    • Thirdly, the US Congress should raise issues in the U.S-India bilateral space by hosting hearings, writing letters, and constituting Congressional delegations.
    Other Recommendations of USCIRF:
    • Other new recommendations by USCIRF for the CPC list 2021 are Russia, Syria, and Vietnam.
      • Moreover, countries already on the CPCs list and recommended by USCIRF for re-designation are Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
    • Special Watch List Countries: Comoros, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Russia.
    About Country of Particular Concern(CPC):
    • USCIRF recommends the Country of Particular Concern(CPC) designation to the US State Department. It recommends countries engaged in severe violations of religious freedom under IRFA (International Religious Freedom Act) 1998.
      • The IRFA 1998 promotes religious freedom as a foreign policy of the United States.
    • Why is the country given the CPC designation? The countries that receive this designation either engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, glaring violations of religious freedom.
    • In addition to its CPC recommendations, the USCIRF established a Special Watch List countries. The list includes countries which does not fit in the CPC criterion, but still engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom.

    Note: The recommendations given by the USCIRF are non-binding on the US Government.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “Global Youth Mobilization Initiative” launched by UN
    What is the News? 

    United Nations agencies, youth organisations, and WHO have come together to launch the Global Youth Mobilization Initiative for local Solutions.

    About Global Youth Mobilization Initiative:
    • World Health Organization and United Nations Foundation are supporting Global Youth Mobilization Initiative. Whereas, it is led by the world’s six largest youth organisations, including
      1. First, the World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations
      2. Second, World Young Women’s Christian Association
      3. Third, the World Organization of the Scout Movement
      4. Fourth, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
      5. Also, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
      6. Lastly, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
    • Aim: The aim is to address the negative impact of the pandemic on young people and support them to build back better.
    • Funding: Young people from around the world can apply for funding. It will support innovative Local Solutions to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Need of the Initiative
    • Firstly, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) terms the current young population as the ‘lockdown generation’.
    • Secondly, as per some estimates, around 90 per cent of young people “reported increased mental anxiety during the pandemic”.
    • Whereas “one in six young people worldwide has lost their jobs during the pandemic”.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • “World Press Freedom Index” 2021 Released

    What is the News? The World Press Freedom Index 2021 released.

    About World Press Freedom Index:
    • Published by: Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders since 2002.
    • Purpose: The purpose of the Index is to rank 180 countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists.
      • However, the index neither ranks public policies and nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country or region.
    • Parameters: The index ranks 180 countries based on the following parameters, such as a) pluralism, b) media independence c) environment and self-censorship d) legislative framework e) Transparency f) Infrastructure, and g) Abuses.

    Also Read- Reports and Index in news

    Key Findings Related to India:
    • India ranks 142nd on the World Press Freedom Index 2021. The rank is the same as in 2020 after it had consistently slid down from 133 in 2016.
    • India continues to be counted among the countries classified “bad” for journalism. Similarly, India is termed as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists trying to do their jobs properly.
    Other key Findings:
    • Topped by: Norway tops the index, followed by Finland and Denmark.
    • China: China ranks 177 in the index. It is only above North Korea at 179 and Turkmenistan at 178.
    • India’s South Asian neighborhood: Nepal is at 106, Sri Lanka at 127, Myanmar (before the coup) at 140, Pakistan at 145, and Bangladesh at 152.
    • Further, the report shows that journalism is completely or partially blocked in 73% of all the countries on the index

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Global Diabetes Compact” – To Increase Access to Treatment

    What is the News? The World Health Organization (WHO) launches a Global Diabetes Compact Initiative.

    About Global Diabetes Compact Initiative:
    • Global Diabetes Compact aims to reduce the risk of diabetes. It will ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, quality treatment and care.
    • This initiative launched at the Global Diabetes Summit. WHO and the government of Canada Co-hosted the summit with the support of the University of Toronto.
    • Global Targets: The initiative will set standards for tackling the disease in the form of ‘global coverage targets’. It will ensure a wider reach of diabetes care. A “global price tag” will also quantify the costs and benefits of meeting these new targets.
    Need of Global Diabetes Compact
    • Diabetes is one of the major comorbid conditions. It is linked to severe COVID-19 infections.
    • The number of people with diabetes quadrupled in the last 40 years. It is also the only major non-communicable disease for which the risk of dying early is going up rather than down.
    • About half of all adults with type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed. And 50% of people with type 2 diabetes don’t get the insulin they need.

    Also read – Increasing cases of getational Diabetes

    About Diabetes:
    • Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

    Read Also–Increasing Cases of Gestational Diabetes … –

    Types of Diabetes:
    • Type I diabetes: It is also known as juvenile diabetes (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years). It occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin. People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.
    • Type 2 diabetes: It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. This is also the most common type of diabetes, and it has strong links with obesity.
    • Gestational diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes becomes less sensitive to insulin.

    Source: Down To Earth

    [Answered] Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?

  • “Inclusive Internet Index 2021” Released

    What is the News? Inclusive Internet Index 2021 has been released.

    About Inclusive Internet Index, 2021
    • Facebook Commissions the Inclusive Internet Index, 2021, and The Economist Intelligence Unit will develop the index.
    • Purpose: It seeks to measure the extent of accessibility and affordability of the Internet. Also, the internet should be able to enable positive social and economic outcomes at the individual and group levels.
    • Countries Covered: The index assesses the performance of 120 countries representing 98% of global GDP and 96% of the global population.
    • Categories: The Index score is based on the scores of 4 categories;
      1. Availability: It examines the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of Internet usage.
      2. Affordability: It examines the cost of access relative to income and the level of competition in the Internet marketplace.
      3. Relevance: It also examines the existence and extent of local language content and relevant content.
      4.  Readiness: Furthermore, it examines the capacity to access the Internet. It includes skills (literacy), cultural acceptance, and supporting policy. Literacy measures the level of education and preparedness to use the Internet
    Key Findings Related to India:
    • India’s Rank: 49th out of 120 countries in the Index.
    • India is set to reach one billion internet users by 2025. There were over 687.6 million internet users in India in 2020.
    Other Findings:
    • Topped by: Sweden ranks 1st in the index, followed by the US and Spain.
    • The majority of countries (77 out of 120) saw improvements in internet inclusion overall, in part because of increased availability.
    • People in low and lower-middle-income countries relied more on online education during the pandemic in comparison to wealthier countries.

    Source: EIU

    Important Reports and Index

  • IFPRI Releases “Global Food Policy Report 2021”

    What is the News? The International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) released the Global Food Policy Report, 2021.

    About Global Food Policy Report, 2021:
    • Purpose: The report provides lessons drawn from the current crisis. Especially the lessons that can help
      • transform food systems to reduce the impact of the ongoing pandemic,
      • better prepare for future shocks, and
      • address long-standing weaknesses and inequalities.
    • Theme: “Transforming Food Systems After COVID-19”.
    Key Findings related to India:
    • Firstly, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pandemic restrictions resulted in half of India’s poor people deprived of nutritious food.
    • Secondly, the midday meal program of India that covers 80% of primary-school-age children in the country, was affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
    • Thirdly, 50% of households in India reported that women spent more time fetching firewood and water in comparison with the previous year.
    • Fourthly, efforts of India to incorporate migrant workers into social protection programs were a huge success.
    Other Key Findings:
    • The number of poor people living below the poverty line is to increase by 150 million as compared to the pre-pandemic levels.
    • Women accounted for 39% of employment globally. However, they incurred 54% of job losses during the pandemic.

    About IFPRI:

    • International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) is a non-profit international research center founded in 1976.
    • Mandate: To provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.
    • Headquarters: Washington, USA.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace” – Microsoft Urges India to Join in
    What is the News?

    The Microsoft president urged India and the U.S. to join the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace. The Paris call for Trust and Security now has 75 countries on board. It deals with the new cybersecurity threats faced in the world.

    About Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace:
    • The Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace was announced in 2018 by the French President. It was announced during the Internet Governance Forum held at UNESCO and the Paris Peace Forum.
    • Purpose: It is a non-binding declaration. It calls states, private sector and civil society organizations to work together to promote security in cyberspace, counter disinformation. Also, it aims to address new cyber threats endangering citizens and infrastructure.

    Nine Principles: The Paris Call is based on nine common principles. Such as:

    1. Firstly, Protect Individuals and Infrastructure: Prevent and recover from malicious cyber and digital activities. As it threatens or causes significant, indiscriminate or systemic harm to individuals and critical infrastructure.
    2. Secondly, Protect the Internet: Prevent activity that intentionally and substantially damages the general availability or integrity of the public core of the Internet.
    3. Thirdly, Defend Electoral Processes: Strengthen capacity to prevent interferences by foreign actors. Especially those aimed at undermining electoral processes through malicious cyber activities and disinformation.
    4. Fourthly, Defend Intellectual Property: Prevent information and communications technology-enabled theft of intellectual property. Such as trade secrets or other confidential business information. It provides a competitive advantage to info. Holder.
    5. Fifthly, Non-Proliferation: Develop ways to prevent the proliferation of malicious software and practices intended to cause harm.
    6. Sixthly, Lifecycle Security: Strengthen the security of digital processes, products, and services, throughout the lifecycle and supply chain.
    7. Seventhly, Cyber Hygiene: Support efforts to strengthen advanced cyber hygiene for all actors.
    8. Eighthly, No Private Hack Back: Take steps to prevent non-State actors, including the private sector, from hacking back for their own purposes.
      • Hacking back: It means giving corporations and other hack victims, the permission to counter-attack cyber-threats. The Hacking back can be more aggressive against perpetrators as it is a retaliatory attack.
    9. Ninthly, International Norms: Promote the widespread acceptance and implementation of international norms of responsible behavior. It also aims to generate confidence-building measures in cyberspace.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “UN Food Systems Summit 2021” -India Holds National Dialogue
    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Agricultural and Farmers Welfare conducted a National Dialogue on UN Food Systems Summit 2021.

    About UN Food Systems Summit,2021:
    • The first-ever UN Food Systems Summit 2021 is expected to hold in September 2021. For that, the United Nations Secretary-General has called for members to participate.
    • Purpose: The summit will strategize the actions for positive change in Agri-food systems in the world. It will help to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
    • Focus: The Summit will focus on levers and pathways to shape food systems nationally and globally.
    • Significance: The summit will be held as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

    Action Tracks: The Summit’s Action Tracks offer stakeholders to learn and share new actions, partnerships and to amplify existing initiatives. The five Action Tracks are:

    1. Track 1: Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all.
    2. Track 2: Shift to sustainable consumption patterns.
    3. Track 3: Boost nature-positive production.
    4. Track 4: Advance equitable livelihoods.
    5. Track 5: Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks, and stress.
    Why food systems?
    • Firstly, the term “food system” refers to the constellation of activities involved in producing, processing, transporting, and consuming food.
    • Secondly, food systems touch every aspect of human existence. The health of our food systems profoundly affects the health of our bodies as well as the health of our environment, our economies, and our cultures.
    • Hence, when they function well, food systems have the power to bring us together as families, communities, and nations.

    Source: PIB

  • Issues and Challenges facing BIMSTEC Organisation

    Synopsis: Recently, the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held. In this article, we will discuss the progress, issues, and challenges concerning the BIMSTEC organisation.

    Background
    • Recently, the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held online. The foreign ministers of BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) were the participants.
    About BIMSTEC
    • Initially, BIMSTEC was a grouping of four nations (India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) formed through the Bangkok Declaration of 1997. Its aim was to promote rapid economic development.
    • Later, three more countries (Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan) also included in BIMSTEC.
    • The progress under BIMSTEC was slow in the first 2 decades of its establishment. For instance, only 3 summits were held in the first 20 years.
    • However, After the failure of SAARC, India changed its foreign policy to treat it as a more important instrument for regional cooperation.
    • BIMSTEC Leaders’ Retreat, followed by their Outreach Summit with the BRICS leaders in Goa in October 2016, gained international attention.
    • Later, the 4th leaders’ summit, held in Kathmandu in August 2018. It framed an ambitious plan for institutional reform to include economic and security cooperation.
    • During the 4th summit, the decision was also taken to form the BIMSTEC charter.
    • Today the shared goal is to aim for “a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region”.

    What are the developments in the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting?

    • One, the meeting welcomed the proposal to hold the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in Sri Lanka in the next few months.
    • Two, the ministers recommended the early adoption of BIMSTEC charter.
    • Three, they also endorsed the rationalization of sectors and sub-sectors of activity, with each member-state serving as a lead for the assigned areas of special interest.
    • Four, they also supported the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will be adopted at the next summit.
    • Five, three MoUs / Agreements were also endorsed for signing at the next BIMSTEC Summit.
      1. Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
      2. Cooperation between diplomatic academies.
      3. The establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo.
    What were the opportunities missed out in the recent ministerial meeting?
    • One, lack of deliberation on the trade and economic front. The BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Framework Agreement, signed in 2004 remains unsuccessful even after 20 rounds of negotiations. A recent study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry had suggested that BIMSTEC should aim for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement to be a real game-changer.
    • Two, there is no effort from the BIMSEC leaders to expand their dialogue by involving the vibrant business communities.
    What are the issues that are hampering the progressive development of BIMSTEC?

    BIMSTEC has achieved much progress in the fields of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and coastal security cooperation.

    Also, the academic and strategic community actively interact through the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks. Despite these developments, some concern remains

    1. One, lack of cordial bilateral relations between its member states. For instance, India-Nepal, India-Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh-Myanmar ties are not good, due to political, economic, and social reasons.
    2. Two, uncertainties over SAARC impact the development of BIMSTEC. For instance, BIMSTEC members Nepal and Sri Lanka want a revival of the SAARC summit.
    3. Third, the growing influence of China in South Asia is another threat to BIMSTEC cooperation. For instance, a popular Bangladeshi scholar supported admitting China as a partner in BIMSTEC. However, India will not welcome this idea.
    4. Fourth, the ongoing military coup in Myanmar and popular protest against the military coup is a new practical challenge.
    5. Fifth, apathy towards holding regular annual summits. For instance, while most of the regional organisation (SCO, ASEAN, G20) were able to meet at a high political level even during the Pandemic, BIMSTEC leaders failed to meet.

    Source: The Hindu

  • IEVP or International Virtual Election Visitors Programme (IVEP) 2021
    What is the News?

    The Election Commission of India hosted the International Virtual Election Visitors Programme(IEVP) 2021.

    About International Virtual Election Visitors Programme (IEVP) 2021:
    • The Election Commission of India(ECI) organized IEVP 2021.
    • Attended by: Election Management Bodies(EMBs)/ Organisations from 26 countries and three International Organisations attended it.
    • Focus of the programme: The programme aims to provide the participants with an overview of:
      • The large canvas of the Indian electoral process.
      • The ECI will take new initiatives on voter facilitation, transparency and accessibility of the electoral system.
      • ECI’s response to the changing needs of training and capacity building and New formats necessitated by COVID-19
      • insights into the elections underway in different states.
    About Association of World Election Bodies(A-WEB):
    • Association of World Election Bodies(A-WEB) was established in 2013 in South Korea. It is the largest association of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide.
    • Purpose: The purpose is to achieve sustainable democracy around the world.
    • Chaired by: India is currently chairing A-WEB for the 2019-21 term.
    • Members: At present A-WEB has 115 EMBs as Members & 16 Regional Associations/Organisations as Associate Members.
      • ECI is very closely associated with the process of formation of A-WEB since 2011.
    • Secretariat: Seoul, South Korea.
    • Programmes: A-WEB undertakes Election Visitor and Observation Programmes in various countries. These programs aim to study various election management practices and share knowledge with other Member of EMBs.

    Source: PIB

     

  • Delhi CM to represent Delhi at “World Cities Cultural Forum”
    What is the News?

    The Delhi CM will represent Delhi and India at the World Cities Cultural Forum.

    About World Cities Cultural Forum:
    • The World Cities Culture Forum got established in London in 2012. Eight cities are its member(London, New York City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, Istanbul, Sydney and Johannesburg).
    • Organized by: It is an initiative of the Mayor of London. BOP Consulting, a specialist consulting firm, is organising and coordinating it.
    • Purpose: The forum provides a way for policymakers to share research and intelligence. Further, they can explore the vital role of culture in their future prosperity.
    • Participating Cities: The forum now has 43 participating member cities. Delhi has been invited this year, but it is not a part of member cities.
    World Cities Cultural Forum Summit:
    • Each year, members of the World Cities Culture Forum meet at the World Cities Culture Summit.
    • The member cities host the summit on a rotating basis. Deputy Mayors for Culture and Heads of Culture from the member cities attend it.
    • The theme for 2021: The Future of Culture.
    Publications by Forum:
    • World Cities Culture report: The forum publishes it in every three years. It contains data and details on innovative projects from cities across the world. The last report was published in 2018.
      • Delhi will now also be part of the World Cities Culture Report.
    • World Cities Culture Finance Report: It is the first comparative analysis of culture financing in world cities. It was first published in 2017. Further, the reports get updated annually.

    Source: The Hindu

    India participated in ‘World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2021’

  • India-NATO alliance – Why India Should think About it?

    Synopsis: India maintains a distance from the NATO alliance due to various reasons. However, it is not the right strategy to continue in the present scenario. India NATO alliance will be in line with India’s present policies.

    Introduction
    • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries. Its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party.
    • India, as per its non-alignment strategy, still maintains a distance from the NATO alliance.
    • This stand is not in line with some steps taken by India
      • India is doing military exercises with countries like China and Pakistan.
      • India already has military engagements with many NATO members, such as the US, Britain, and France.

    Then, why India cannot have a military alliance with NATO?

    What are the arguments favouring India NATO Alliance?
    • Engagement with NATO could facilitate productive developments against terrorism, changing geopolitics, the evolving nature of military conflict, the role of emerging military technologies, and new military doctrines.
    • Further, it would be easier for India to deal with the military establishments of its 30 NATO member states.
    • On a bilateral front, each of the members of NATO can support in strengthening India’s national capabilities.
    Why India didn’t give much attention to Join NATO?
    • First, India has viewed European Powers with suspicion. This mindset is due to India’s historical struggle against European powers-The France, Portuguese, Dutch.
    • Second, India’s reliance on Russia during the Cold War years due to the political divide between the west.
    • Third, after the end of the Cold War, the India-Europe tie could not be strengthened due to a lack of high-level political interest. This prevented India from taking full advantage of a re-emerging Europe.
    What are the arguments against India NATO Alliance?
    1. First, the Idea of Non-alignment after the Cold War years has little relevance. For example, after the Cold War years, NATO built partnerships with many neutral and non-aligned states.
    2. Second, most of the NATO members are well-established partners of India. For example, India has military exchanges with many members of NATO — including the US, Britain, and France
    3. Third, for the European and NATO members to play any role in the Indo-Pacific, they need partners like India, Australia, and Japan.
    4. Fourth, if India wants to draw Russia into discussions on the Indo-Pacific then, engagement with NATO is significant. Because, NATO has regular consultations with both Russia and China.
    5. Fifth, Russia and China have intensive bilateral engagement with Europe, India cannot afford to miss out.
    6. Sixth, India’s worry that joining NATO will upset Russia-India relation is groundless. As engagement with Quad and a closer alliance with the US have already strained India-Russia relations. Further, deepening ties between China and Russia calls for India’s application of Strategic Autonomy.
    What are the present issues in the NATO alliance?
    1. One, it is divided on how to share the military burden and balance between NATO and the EU’s willingness for an independent military role.
    2. Two, there is no convergence in decision-making in matters related to Russia, the Middle East, and China.
    3. Three, conflicts among NATO members have increased. For example, Greece and Turkey.
    4. Four, NATO’s recent adventures in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya have not been successful.

    Way Forward

    • The present government efforts to end the prolonged political neglect of Europe is a significant improvement in building India-Europe ties. For example,
      • Deepening maritime partnership with France since 2018.
      • Joining the Franco-German Alliance for Multilateralism in 2019
    • Further India needs to strengthen this by joining NATO.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “E9 Initiative” to Accelerate Digital Learning

    What is the News? The Minister of State for Education will attend a consultation meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries called the E9 Initiative.

    About the E9 Initiative:
    • Theme of the Meeting: “E9 initiative: Scaling up digital learning to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4”
    • This consultation meeting will be the 1st of the 3 phase process to co-create a Digital Learning initiative. Marginalized children and youth, especially girls, would be the target population.
    • The initiative will aim to accelerate recovery and advance the Sustainable Development Goal 4 agenda by driving rapid change in education systems.
    • The initiative will also focus on three of the 2020 Global Education Meeting priorities namely: (i) support to teachers; (ii) investment in skills and (iii) narrowing of the digital divide.
    About E9 Partnership:
    • Launched in: 1993 at the UNESCO’s Education For All (EFA) Summit in New Delhi.
    • Member Countries: The United Nations is spearheading the initiative with nine countries namely Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
    • Purpose: The E9 forum aims to achieve the goals of UNESCO’s Education For All(EFA) initiative. It strengthens political will and collective effort to ensure quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
    • The forum represents over half of the world’s population and 70% of the world’s illiterate adults.
    • Significance: E-9 Initiative has become a forum for the countries to discuss their experiences related to education, exchange best practices, and monitor EFA-related progress.
    About Education For All(EFA) Summit:
    • Education For All(EFA) is a global movement led by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) with the aim to meet the learning needs of all children, youth, and adults.
    • EFA was adopted by The Dakar Framework in 2000 at the World Education Forum in Senegal, Africa.

    Source: PIB

    Central Vista judgment: Issue of public participation in public projects

  • Relevance of BIMSTEC in the Present Scenario-Explained, Pointwise
    Introduction

    Recently the 17th Ministerial level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) took place in a virtual format. India committed to make BIMSTEC a stronger, vibrant and result-oriented grouping. So, it will help in strengthening regional cooperation among countries. Nonetheless, certain challenges have to be addressed to unleash the true potential of BIMSTEC.

    Outcomes of the recent BIMSTEC meeting
    1. Sri Lanka Chaired the 17th Ministerial Meeting.
    2. During the recent meeting, the leaders agreed to adopt the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. They aimed to adopt this in the next BIMSTEC summit (5th) hosted by Sri Lanka. It will lead to better connectivity and integration in the region.
    3. Further, the BIMSTEC members also aim to sign 3 more agreements in the next summit. Such as,
      • Agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters
      • MoU on cooperation between diplomatic academies of member states
      • Memorandum of association for establishing a technology transfer facility in Colombo
    About BIMSTEC
    1. BIMSTEC Stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. It is a regional organization founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
    2. It is an international organization of seven nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia. All the members of the organization are lying in the littorals and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. 
      • Members – Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
    3. Aim: To create an enabling environment for economic development; accelerate social progress and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region.
    4. Significance: Nearly 1.5 billion people or 22% of the global population comes under the BIMSTEC. Together, it has a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.7 trillion.
    5. Sectors: Currently, the organization is involved in 15 sectors. This includes sectors such as trade, technology, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, energy, and climate change among others for sectoral cooperation.
    6. First Summit: Bangkok, Thailand conducted the First BIMSTEC Summit Meeting in 2004.
    7. BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia, but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
    Relevance of BIMSTEC in Present scenario
    1. Huge untapped potential: A study by Asian Development Bank has identified 167 projects within the BIMSTEC region that can boost connectivity. However, the grouping has to date only focused on 66 of them. The remaining have not yet received enough attention.
    2. Synergy with other regions: Better BIMSTEC connectivity can help to improve relations with other regions like south-east Asia. 
      • For instance, the BIMSTEC master plan will also promote synergy with other connectivity frameworks such as the ASEAN master plan on connectivity 2025.
    3. Tackling Security Challenges: Members of the grouping face several traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Enhanced cooperation can address them effectively. 
      • In this regard, National Security Advisors of member countries have met thrice since 2017. Further, the members are collaborating on controlling drug trafficking, facilitating intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism, coastal security, cybersecurity, etc. 
    4. Strategic location: The Bay region is a key transit route between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Therefore, BIMSTEC as a grouping can help in ensuring freedom of navigation in the waters. It can also help in harnessing and sharing the Bay’s natural wealth.
    5. Combating the web of uncertainties: The institution can help member states to tackle any future uncertainties. Especially like challenges in climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and balancing US-China relations, etc. 
    Achievements of BIMSTEC
    1. The BIMSTEC Permanent Secretariat was opened in 2014 in Dhaka. It helps in better management of regional issues.
    2. BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) to deal with administrative and financial matters of the Secretariat was set up post the 4th Kathmandu summit of 2018.
    3. BIMSTEC convention on cooperation in combating international terrorism, transnational organised crime, and illicit drug trafficking has come into force in March 2021. It encourages data sharing and intelligence gathering on criminal activities.
    Importance of BIMSTEC for India
    1. Development of North East: BIMSTEC can boost the development of the northeast region by providing greater interaction with Bangladesh and Myanmar. For instance, the master plan of connectivity includes the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and Kolkata-Siliguri-Guwahati-Imphal link.
    2. Alternative of SAARC: The persistent differences between India and Pakistan in the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have crippled the organisation. As BIMSTEC comprises similar members excluding Pakistan, it can improve greater cooperation in the region.
    3. Better cooperation with ASEAN: India has already come out of the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) agreement. As it may hinder India’s trade potential. Therefore, more robust cooperation with Thailand and Myanmar can help in resolving India – ASEAN differences and ensure better implementation of ‘Act East Policy’.
    4. Countering China: BIMSTEC can help in countering China’s Cheque Book diplomacy. Further, it can strengthen India’s position as a responsible regional power in the Indo-Pacific.
    Challenges of BIMSTEC development
    1. Stalemate on Agreements: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA), coastal shipping agreement, and motor vehicle agreement have undergone numerous negotiations. But so far no consensus is developed over them.
    2. Priority to Bilateralism: The members of the organization focused primarily on enhancing bilateral ties, with multilateralism. This restricts the development of BIMSTEC despite having common ecological concerns and a shared past.
    3. Big brother attitude: Allegations are made on India for playing a dominant role in the organisation and neglecting the agendas of small states.
    4. Irregularity in working: The summits are not held at regular intervals. A slow pace is observed in working. For instance, it took almost 17 years to establish a permanent secretariat.
    5. Preference to other organisations: Countries like Myanmar and Thailand show more enthusiasm towards ASEAN and neglect the vision of BIMSTEC.
    6. Resource Deficit: Lack of adequate financial and manpower resources is impairing the performance of the body. Although, India is the largest contributor. India alone contributes about 32% of the annual budget of BIMSTEC.
    Suggestions to improve BIMSTEC cooperation
    1. Member states should adopt the proposed agreements in the upcoming BIMSTEC summit. This will boost the confidence of the organisation.
    2. Further, the organisation has to develop consensus on long-pending agreements like the BIMSTEC coastal shipping agreement and motor vehicles’ agreement.
    3. Apart from that, the group has to move forward by doing ‘institutional hedging’. This means focusing on developing collective soft and hard power for the group. Thereby, it will protect individual interests and shape up a regional order.
    4. Also, The group should focus on facilitating tourism diplomacy, academic and student-exchange programmes, and cross-border public health initiatives. 
    5. India should project itself as a compatriot and an equal partner to other BIMSTEC member-countries. This will reduce the trust deficit and ensure better integration in the region.
    6. BIMSTEC members have to finalise the Visa Facilitation agreement expeditiously. This will help strengthen the interest of the common man in regional groupings. This is significant as a tide of protectionism is flowing across the world.
    Conclusion

    The year 2022 will mark the silver jubilee of the organization and would provide a symbolic opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and multilateral ties. Considering this, India and other member states must work on 3Cs – cooperation, coordination, and collaboration that would unleash the true potential of BIMSTEC.

  • India contributes $300,000 to “UN Women”

    What is the News? India contributes USD 300,000 to the UN Women to support gender equality and women empowerment.

    About UN Women:

    • UN Women is the United Nations entity, dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.
    • Headquarter: New York
    • Established in: 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly to accelerate the progress on meeting women’s needs worldwide.
    • UN Women formed by merging the four previously distinct parts of the UN system which are:
      • Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)
      • International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW)
      • Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI)
      • United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
    • Objectives of UN Women:
      • To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women in their formulation of policies, global standards, and norms.
      • To help the Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society.
      • Furthermore, to hold the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality. It includes regular monitoring of system-wide progress.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States

    Source: The Hindu

  • “BIMSTEC” 17th Ministerial Meeting
    What is the News?

    India’s External Affairs Minister attended the 17th ministerial meet of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries.

    About the 17th ministerial meet of the BIMSTEC
    • Sri Lanka Chaired the 17th Ministerial Meeting.
    • In meeting External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reiterated India’s commitment to take BIMSTEC forward.
    About BIMSTEC:
    • It is a regional organization consisting of members from South Asia and South-East Asia. It was founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
    • Objective: The organization aims to harness shared, accelerated growth through mutual cooperation on multiple areas of common interests. The members will achieve this by using regional resources and geographical advantage.
    • Members: It comprises seven Member States:
      • Five from South Asia including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
      • Two from Southeast Asia including Myanmar and Thailand.
    • Chairmanship: BIMSTEC Chairmanship rotates among member countries (alphabetically).
    • Significance: Nearly 1.5 billion people or 22% of the global population comes under the BIMSTEC. Together, it has a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.7 trillion.
    • Sectors: Currently, it is involved in 15 sectors. This includes sectors such as trade, technology, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, energy, and climate change among others for sectoral cooperation.
    • First Summit: The First Summit Meeting of the Heads of the BIMSTEC Countries was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2004.
    • Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Global Wind Report 2021

    What is the News?

    The Global Wind Energy Council(GWEC) has released the Global Wind Report,2021.

    About Global Wind Report:

    • The Global Wind Report highlights the role of wind power on the road to net-zero emissions.

    Key Findings of the report:

    • Firstly, Wind Energy: The world’s capacity to generate electricity from wind jumped 53% in 2020. A total of 93 gigawatts (GW) capacity was installed in the year.
      • However, this growth is not sufficient for the world to reach a ‘net zero’ emission status by 2050. The world needs to install a minimum of 180 GW of new wind energy capacity every year.
    • Secondly, Current Global Wind Energy Capacity: At present, the world has a total wind energy capacity of 743 GW. This has helped avoid an annual CO2 emission of over 1.1 billion tonnes which is equivalent to the volume of carbon South America emits in a year.
    • Thirdly, China and the United States accounted for 75% of the new installations and over half the world’s wind power capacity.

    India’s Wind Power Capacity:

    • Wind power generation capacity in India has significantly increased in recent years.
    • As of February 2021, India’s total installed wind power capacity was 38GW, the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.

    About Global Wind Energy Council(GWEC):

    • The Global Wind Energy Council(GEWC) was established in 2005. It provides a credible and representative forum for the entire wind energy sector at an international level.
    • Aim: Its mission is to establish wind power as one of the world’s leading energy sources, providing substantial environmental and economic benefits.
    • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • Foreign Minister attends “Heart of Asia” Ministerial Conference
    What is the News?

    India’s Foreign Minister is attending the 9th ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

     About Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process:
    • Firstly, Heart of Asia Istanbul Process is a regional initiative of Afghanistan and the Republic of Turkey. It was launched in November 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.
    • Secondly, the process aims to promote economic and political cooperation for Afghanistan peace through dialogue and confidence-building measures (CBMs).
    • Thirdly, Composition: The platform comprises 15 participating countries, 17 supporting countries, and 12 supporting regional and international organizations.
      • India is one of the participating countries.
      • Other participating countries are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates
    • Fourthly, Pillars: The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process is based on three pillars:
      • Political Consultations to resolve disputes in the region and Afghanistan.
      • Implementation of the Confidence Building Measures(CBMs) and
      • Cooperation with Regional Organizations.
    • Fifthly, De facto Secretariat: The Directorate-General for Regional Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.
    • Lastly, has India ever hosted the conference: India co-hosted the 6th Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar, Punjab in 2016.

    Source: AIR

  • IMD launches “Climate Data Service Portal” on World Meteorological Day
    What is the News?

    India Meteorological Department(IMD) launches the Climate Data Service Portal on the occasion of World Meteorological Day.

    About Climate Data Service Portal:
    • Aim: Climate Data Service Portal serves as an integrated platform that aims to provide weather and climate services to the users.
    • Developed by: India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune
    Components of the Climate Data Service Portal:

    The major components of the portal are:

    • Real-Time monitoring of weather observations recorded by IMD Observatories.
    • Online access to meteorological data through Data Supply Portal.
    • Free download facility for Gridded Temperature and Rainfall Data of India.
    • Climatological Tables, Extremes and Normal.
    • Information on Monsoon Rainfall and Cyclone frequencies among others.
    About India Meteorological Department (IMD):
    • India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875. It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology.
    About World Meteorological Organization(WMO):
    • Firstly, World Meteorological Organization(WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and geophysics.
    • Secondly, WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO). The idea of IMO comes from the Vienna International Meteorological Congress, 1873.
    • Thirdly, WMO was then established by the ratification of the WMO convention in 1950. After that, the organization became a specialized agency of the United Nations(UN) in 1951.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    About World Meteorological Day:
    • World Meteorological Day is observed on March 23rd every year. It is observed to mark the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
    • The theme for 2021: The Ocean, Our Climate, and Weather.

    Source: PIB

  • PM thanks “United Nations Institute for Training and Research(UNITAR)”
    What is the News?

    Recently the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) appreciated India’s progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Indian Prime Minister(PM) has thanked the UNITAR in return.

    About United Nations Institute for Training and Research(UNITAR)
    • United Nations Institute for Training and Research(UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations system. It was founded in 1963.
    • Purpose: UNITAR provides training and learning services to individuals, organizations and institutions. The services of UNITAR aims to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.
    • Governance: UNITAR is operated as an autonomous body within the United Nations system. It is headed by an Executive Director and governed by a Board of Trustees. They are appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
    • Funding: UNITAR does not receive any funds from the United Nations budget. The institute is financed entirely from voluntary contributions. It receives contributions mainly from the UN Member States, other UN agencies, Intergovernmental organization, NGOs and the private sector.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    About United Nations University(UNU):
    • United Nations University(UNU) is the academic and research arm of the United Nations established in 1972.
    • Purpose: Its mission is to help resolve global issues related to human development and welfare through collaborative research and education.
    • Significance: Since 2010, UNU has been authorized by the UNGA to grant degrees, offering several masters and doctoral programs.
    • Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “International Intellectual Property Index” 2021 Released
    What is the News?

    The International Intellectual Property Index,2021 has been released.

    About International Intellectual Property Index:
    • It is an annual report that the US Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Centre(GIPC) releases.
    • Aim: The aim of the index is to evaluate Intellectual Property rights in 53 global economies. These economies represent together over 90% of global GDP.
    • Parameters: It ranks countries based on 50 unique indicators. These indicators are divided across nine categories of protection: 1) Patents 2) copyrights 3) trademarks 4) design rights 5) trade secrets 6) commercialization of IP assets 7) enforcement 8) systemic efficiency and 9) membership and ratification of international treaties.
    Key Findings Related to India:
    • India ranks 40 in the 2021 index among the 53 global economies. In 2020, India ranked 40 as well.
    • Among BRICS nations, India registered the second-highest growth with an overall improvement of over 13%,
    Other Key Findings Globally:
    • Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the global IP environment continued to strengthen. In the 2021 report, 32 of the 53 economies had positive improvements in their scores.
    • Further, the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Japan are the top five economies on the IP Index in 2021.

    Source: NDTV

  • India abstains in the “UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka”
    What is the News?

    India has abstained from a crucial vote on Sri Lanka’s human rights record at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC).

    About UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka:
    • Firstly, the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) adopted a resolution titled “Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka”.
    • Secondly, the resolution said that the human rights situation in Sri Lanka has deteriorated under the current administration. Further, the resolution also mentions that the rights defenders and ethnic and religious minorities are facing problems.
    • Further, the UNHRC resolution provides the UNHRC chief mandate to collect and preserve evidence of crimes related to Sri Lanka’s civil war. The Civil War ended in 2009 with the defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels.
    Was the Resolution adopted or rejected?
    • The UNHRC resolution was adopted after 22 states of the 47-member Council voted in its favor.
    • However, 11 countries including Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan voted against the resolution. On the other hand, 14 countries, including India, Indonesia, Japan, and Nepal abstained.
    Sri Lanka’s Reaction:
    • Sri Lanka rejected the UNHRC resolution. It said that the resolution cannot be implemented without the consent and acceptance of the country concerned.
    About UNHRC
    • The UNHRC is a United Nations body established in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
    • Read more about UNHRC

    Source: The Hindu

  • India participated in ‘World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2021’
    What is the News?

    Union Minister of Telecom has represented India at the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2021.

     About World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2021(WSIS):
    • World Summit on the Information Society(WSIS) is one of the world’s largest annual gathering of the ‘ICT for development’ community.
    • The UN General Assembly approved the holding of WSIS in two phases. One in 2003 at Geneva and the other in 2005 at Tunis.
    • Aim: WSIS’s chief aim is to bridge the global digital divide separating rich countries from poor countries. The WSIS aims to achieve this by increasing internet accessibility in the developing world.
    • Organized by: The summit is co-organized by International Telecommunication Union(ITU), UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD.
    About International Telecommunication Union(ITU):
    • International Telecommunication Union(ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.
    • It was originally established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It is one of the oldest international organizations in operations.
    • Members: It is open to all Member States of the United Nations. There are currently 193 Member States of the ITU. This includes all the UN member states except the Republic of Palau.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

    Source: PIB

    “India Telecom 2021” Event Inaugurated

  • India partnered with ‘United Nations Office for Project Services'(UNOPS)

    What is the News?

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti Ministry has entered a partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) and the government of Denmark. The agreement aims to bring tap water connections to 11 water-scarce districts in Uttar Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan mission.

    About United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS):

    • The United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) was established in 1973 as part of the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). It became an independent, self-financing organization in 1995.
    • Aim: It is dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System. Apart from that, UNOPS also help in project implementation of international financial institutions, governments and other partners around the world.
    • Significance: UNOPS is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG).
    • The headquarters of the United Nations Office for Project Services is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Click Here to Read about Jal Jeevan Mission

    About United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG):

    • The United Nations Sustainable Development Group(UNSDG) was established in 1997. It was previously known as the United Nations Development Group (UNDG).
    • It is a consortium of 36 United Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, departments and offices playing a role in development.
    • The UNSDG was created by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Furthermore, it is created with the intent to improve the effectiveness of United Nations development activities at the country level.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States

    Click Here to Read about Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban)

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Military Direct releases “Ultimate military strength Index”.
    What is the News?

    A Defence Website Military Direct has released a study titled “Ultimate military strength Index”.

    About Ultimate military strength index:
    • Firstly, the Ultimate military strength index ranks the strongest military forces in the world.
    • Secondly, the index calculated this after taking into consideration various factors. The factors include budgets, average salaries, number of inactive and active military personnel. The index also includes total air, sea, land, and nuclear resources and the weight of equipment.

    Key Findings of Ultimate military strength index related to India:

    • India has the fourth strongest military force in the world.
    • India is the world’s third-biggest military spender. According to the index, India spends almost a budget of USD 71 billion.
    Other Key Findings of the Ultimate military strength index:
    • Firstly, China has the strongest military force in the world. Despite the enormous military budget, the USA gets a second position. This is followed by Russia, India, and France.
    • Secondly, The US is the world’s biggest military spender with a budget of USD 732 billion per year. This is followed by China(USD 261 billion) and India.
    • Thirdly, based on the number of air, sea, land resources the Ultimate military strength index predicted a winner in terms of hypothetical conflicts.
    • Finally, the report predicts China would win by sea, the USA would win by air, and Russia by land in this hypothetical conflict.

    Source: The Hindu

    Dire need of Police reforms

  • United Nations SDSN publishes “World Happiness Report 2021”
    What is the News?

    World Happiness Report 2021 has been released. The report evaluated levels of happiness by accounting factors such as GDP, social support, personal freedom, and levels of corruption in each nation.

     About The World Happiness Report:
    • The World Happiness Report is an annual report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network(SDSN).
    • The report ranks countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.
    • The World Happiness Report 2021 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and how people all over the world have fared.

    Parameters: The survey used the Gallup World Poll. The poll asked people to vote on three indicators:

    • Firstly, Life Evaluations: Under this, people were asked to evaluate their current life using the image of a ladder. The best possible life for them is rated at 10 and the worst possible at 0.
    • Secondly, Positive Emotions: Under this, respondents were asked whether they smiled or laughed a lot the previous day. An affirmative response is coded as a 1 while a negative response is coded as 0.
    • And lastly, Negative Emotions: Under this, people were asked whether they have experienced negative emotions such as worry, sadness, and anger a lot on the same day.
    Key Findings Related to India:
    • India has been ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the World Happiness Report 2021.
    • In 2020, India was ranked 144 out of 156 countries.

    Other Key Findings of the World Happiness Report 2021:

    • Finland ranked as the happiest country in the world for the fourth consecutive year.
    • It was followed by Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Norway.
    • Afghanistan(149) is the most unhappy country. Zimbabwe (148), Rwanda (147), Botswana (146), and Lesotho (145) followed it.

    Source: Indian Express

  • EU joins “CDRI or Coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure initiative”
    What is the news?

    The 27-member European Union joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiative.

    About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure(CDRI) Initiative:
    • Firstly, Prime Minister of India launched it in 2019 at the UN Climate Change Summit.
    • Secondly, it is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, private sector, academic and knowledge institutions.
    • Thirdly, it aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. It also supports sustainable development.
    • Fourthly, Governing Council: The Governing Council is the highest policy-making body of the CDRI. It is co-chaired by India and a representative of another nation, nominated by rotation every two years.
    • Fifthly, funding: A large share of the fund over the first five years has been invested by India. There are no obligations on the part of members to make financial contributions to CDRI. However, at any point, members of the CDRI may make voluntary contributions.
    • Lastly, Secretariat: New Delhi, India.

    Source: Livemint

     

  • “SIPRI Report” – India Remains the 2nd Largest Arms Importer
    What is the news?

    Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) released a report titled “Trends in International Arms Transfers Report”. It presents global trends in arms exports and imports.

    What are the key findings of the SIPRI report?

    SIPRI Report on India:

    1. Second Largest Arms Importer: India remains the second largest arms importer after Saudi Arabia.
    2. Decrease in Arms Imports: However, India’s arms imports have decreased by 33 % between 2011-15 and 2016-20.
      • Reason: The decrease in arms imports is mainly due to complex and lengthy procurement processes. Also, India is attempting to reduce its dependence on Russian arms by diversifying its network of arms suppliers.
    3. India’s Arms Imports: India’s top three arms suppliers during 2016-20 were Russia (accounting for 49% of India’s imports), France (18%), and Israel (13%).
      • The US was the 4th largest arms supplier to India. Its imports to India reduced by 46% between 2016-20.
    4. India’s Arms Exports: India accounted for 0.2% of the share of global arms exports during 2016-20. It makes the country the world’s 24th largest exporter of major arms. Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are the top recipients of Indian military hardware.
    Other Global Findings of SIPRI report:
    • Firstly, the volume of international transfers of major arms in 2016–20 was 0.5% lower than in 2011–15 and 12% higher than in 2006–10.
    • Secondly, the five largest arms exporters in 2016–20 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and China.
    • Thirdly the five largest arms importers were Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia, and China.
    • Lastly, the arms import by Pakistan between 2011–15 and 2016–20 decreased by 23%. China accounted for 61% of its imports in 2011–15 and for 74% in 2016–20.

    Source: The Hindu

  • WHO Announced “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”

    What is the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) announced an initiative called the “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”.

    About Global Breast Cancer Initiative:

    • Aim: The initiative aims to reduce global breast mortality by 2.5% by 2040.
    • The initiative will particularly focus on reducing deaths in low-income countries. There the progress to tackle the disease is relatively slow.
    • Key Features of the Initiative:
      • Guidance to Governments: Under the initiative, WHO will work with other UN agencies. They will provide guidance to governments on how to strengthen systems for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. It is expected to improve capacities to manage other types of cancer.
      • Evidence-based Technical Package: An evidence-based technical package will also be provided to countries as part of the initiative. It will incorporate existing WHO cancer tools and products.

    About Breast Cancer:

    • Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It is responsible for one in six cancer deaths among women and has overtaken lung cancer as the world’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
    • Survival Rates: Breast cancer survives for five years after diagnosis exceeds 80% in most high-income countries. However, it is 66% in India and 40% in South Africa.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • “Index of Economic Freedom” 2021 released


    What is the News?

    The Heritage Foundation releases The Index of Economic Freedom 2021.

    Key Findings of  Index of Economic Freedom 2021
    • India ranked 121st in the index with a score of 56.5 points under the category of ‘mostly unfree’.
    • In Asia-Pacific, India ranked 26th among the 40 countries.

    Other Key Findings

    • Singapore tops the index followed by New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, and Ireland.
    • Hong Kong was left out of the 2021 index calculation for the first time. It is because of China’s increasing control over the city’s economic policies. Hong Kong topped the index for 25 out of 26 years except for 2020.
    About Index of Economic Freedom
    • It is an annual index.  This index created in 1995 by think-tank The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.
    • Purpose: It measures the degree of economic freedom in countries across the world.
    • Coverage: The Index covered economic freedoms in 184 countries.

    Parameters: The index measures 12 indicators grouped into four broad categories of economic freedom:

    • Rule of Law (property rights, government integrity, judicial effectiveness)
    • Government Size (government spending, tax burden, fiscal health)
    • Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labour freedom, monetary freedom)
    • Open Markets (trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom).

    Each of these twelve economic freedoms within these categories is graded on a scale of 0 to 100. Score 0 is the least economic freedom and score 100 is the highest economic freedom.

    Source: Business Standard

  • PM received “Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award”

    What is the News?

    The Prime Minister received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award.

    Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award:

    • Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award was instituted in 2016.
    • Awarded by: the Cambridge Energy Research Associates Week (CERAWeek).
    • Purpose: The Global Energy and Environment Leadership award recognize the commitment of leadership to the future of global energy and the environment. Awarded for: Providing solutions and policies for energy access, affordability, and environmental stewardship.

    CERAWeek:

    • It was founded in 1983 by Daniel Yergin. It is an annual energy conference organized by the information and insights company IHS Markit in Houston, US.
    • The conference provides a platform for discussion on a range of energy-related topics.

    Source: The Hindu

    Knowledge Economy in India

  • WHO released “World Report on Hearing”


    What is the news?

    The World Health Organization(WHO) releases its first-ever World Report on Hearing. This report released on World Hearing Day (observed on 3rd March).

    About World Report on Hearing:
    • The report has been developed in response to the World Health Assembly resolution adopted in 2017. The resolution aims to provide guidance for the Member States to integrate ear and hearing care into their national health plans.
    • Purpose: The report presents data on hearing loss. It outlines available cost-effective solutions to prevent hearing loss.
    Key Findings of World Report on Hearing:
    • Around 5% of the world population (430 million people) suffers from disabling hearing loss. Further, one-third of people above 65 years of age affected by hearing loss.
    • Nearly 2.5 billion people (1 in 4 people) will be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050. At least 700 million of these people will require access to ear and hearing care and other rehabilitation services unless governments start preventive actions.
    Suggestions by World Report on Hearing

    The World Report on Hearing mentions the acronym “H.E.A.R.I.N.G.”. Stands for:

    • Hearing screening and intervention
    • Ear disease prevention and management
    • Access to technologies
    • Rehabilitation services
    • Improved communication
    • Noise reduction and
    • Greater community engagement

    The report suggested governments can provide access to quality ear and hearing care to everyone through this “H.E.A.R.I.N.G.” initiative.

    India specific findings of World Report on Hearing:
    • Disabling hearing loss has affected 2.9% of the Indian population. Further, hearing loss will affect communication, education and work-related problems for them.
    • Over 27,000 children are born deaf every year in India. This is because hearing impairment or loss is often neglected or in most cases, the diagnosis is delayed.
    • According to a 2018 WHO report, 2% of India’s population, mainly children, suffer from the condition of Otitis Media.
      • Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear. It can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection.

    Indian initiative towards improving ear and hearing care:

    The Indian government is implementing a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness. The salient points about the programme are,

    • Nodal Ministry: It was launched in 2006 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • Objectives: The program aims:
      • To prevent the avoidable hearing loss on account of disease or injury.
      • Early identification, diagnosis and treatment of ear problems responsible for hearing loss and deafness.
      • To develop institutional capacity for ear care services by providing support for equipment and material and training personnel.
    • Funding: The programme is funded completely by the Government of India.
    • Target: The programme aims to target over 6% of India’s population with Disabling Hearing Loss.

    Source: WHO

    https://forumias.com/blog/polity-and-governance-news/judiciary-news-and-updates/

  • UNEP releases “Food Waste Index Report 2021”


    What is the news?

    The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) releases the Food Waste Index Report 2021.

    About Food Waste Index Report, 2021:
    • Aim: The Report aims at supporting the goals of SDG 12.3. It does so by presenting the most comprehensive food waste data collection and analysis.
      • SDG Target 12.3: It aims to halve global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses, including post-harvest losses, along supply chains by 2030.
    Key Findings of the report:
    1. Food Waste: An estimated 17% (931 million tonnes) of total global food production was wasted in 2019. Among them, 61% of the global waste came from households, 26% from food service and 13% from retail.
    2. Food Wastes across income groups: Household per capita food waste generation is broadly similar across country income groups. It suggests that action on food waste is equally relevant in high, upper‐middle and lower-middle-income countries.
    3. Hunger Across the World: In 2019, some 690 million people were impacted by hunger and three billion were unable to afford a healthy diet.
    Impact of Food Waste:
    • Environment Impact: Around 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed.
    • Economic Impact: Food loss and waste cause about $940 billion per year in economic losses.

    Suggestions for Reducing Food Waste:

    • Include Food Waste in NDC’s: None of the Nationally Determined Contributions(NDCs) to the Paris Agreement mention food waste and only 11 countries mentions food loss. Hence, countries can raise climate ambition by including food systems in their NDCs.
    About Food Systems Summit:
    • UN Secretary-General will convene the Food Systems Summit in 2021. It is part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
    • Purpose: The Summit will launch bold new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs. Each of the actions relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems.

    Source: Down To Earth

    https://forumias.com/blog/upsc-previous-year-question-papers/

  • Ranking of Indian Universities in “QS World University Rankings 2021”

    What is the News?

    The QS World University Rankings 2021 released.

    About QS World University Rankings 2021

    • Released by: Global higher education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds releases annually.
    • Parameters: It calculates the performance of the universities based on the following four parameters:
      1. Academic reputation
      2. Employer reputation
      3. Research impact (citations per paper)
      4. Productivity of an institution’s research faculty
    • Subjects Covered: It covers a total of 51 disciplines grouped into five broad subject areas: 1) Arts & Humanities 2) Engineering and Technology 3) Life Sciences & Medicine 4) Natural Sciences and 5) Social Sciences & Management.

    Key Findings Related to India:

    1. Twelve Indian universities and higher education institutions have achieved top-100 positions in their subject. In total, 25 Indian programs have achieved top-100 positions – two fewer than in 2020.
    2. The top-ranked Indian programme globally is the IIT Madras petroleum engineering program. It is followed by mineral and mining engineering at Bombay and Kharagpur IITs.
    3. Engineering and Technology: Only three institutions made it to the top 100 in this category — the Bombay, Delhi, and Madras IITs. In 2020, 5 institutions were ranked in the top 100.
    4. Social Sciences and management: the University of Delhi is the highest-ranked Indian institution in this category. But it fell 48 places at 208.
    5. Life Sciences and Medicine: All India Institute of Medical Sciences remained the only institution in the top 300 in this category.
    6. Natural Sciences: Indian Institute of Science(IISc) has entered into the top 100 in this category.
    7. Arts & Humanities: Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) anthropology program has been ranked 159th in this category.
    8. Private Institute: OP Jindal Global University is the only Indian private institution in the top 100 list. It entered into the top 100 law schools of the world with a rank of 76.

    Source: The Hindu

     

    [Answered]What is good governance? Discuss recent findings of Good Governance Index report in India. Suggest some measures to improve the governance in Indians states.

  • “Freedom in the World 2021 Report” Downgrades India’s Ranking

    What is the News? 

    Freedom House releases the report titled “Freedom in the World 2021 – Democracy under Siege”. Freedom House is a US-based Human rights watchdog.

    About Freedom in the World 2021 Report:

    • Freedom in the World is an annual global report that tracks political rights and civil liberties. The report has been produced since 1973.
    • Methodology: The report’s methodology is derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN General Assembly adopted the declaration in 1948.
    • The report assesses the individual’s real-world rights and freedoms. It doesn’t focus on governments or government performance in Human Rights.
    • Countries: The 2021 edition covers developments in 195 countries and 15 territories from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.
    • Parameters: The countries are awarded scores based on:
      • Political rights indicators such as the electoral process, political pluralism and participation, and government functioning.
      • Civil liberties indicators are related to freedom of expression and belief, associational and organizational rights, the rule of law and personal autonomy, and individual rights.
    • Categories: These two score totals are then weighted equally to determine a country/territory’s status of a) Free b) Partly Free or c) Not Free. Countries are ranked from 1 to 100, 100 being the ranking for the freest country.

    Key Findings Related to India:

    • India’s rank has fallen from 83 to 88 out of 195 countries and 15 territories.
    • India’s score decreased from 71 to 67.
    • India’s status has been downgraded from ‘Free’ to ‘Partly Free’.

    Why has India’s status been downgraded? The report has highlighted the following reasons for the downgrade:

    • Use of the sedition law and other charges in recent years to deter free speech
    • Government’s coronavirus response including the lockdown.
    • The migrant crisis and violent and discriminatory enforcement by police and civilian vigilantes
    • Attack on Minorities
    • The decrease in Judicial Independence among others.

    Other key Findings Related to India:

    • Kashmir: The Freedom House report has listed “Indian Kashmir” separately and retained its status as last year of “not free”. The score fell from 28 to 27.
    • Internet Freedom in India: India’s Internet Freedom Score has stayed at 51. However, the report has stated that Internet freedom in India has declined dramatically for a third straight year. It is due to reasons like Internet shutdowns, blocked content, misinformation spread by political leaders, online harassment among others.

    Other Key Findings Globally:

    • There is a decline in global democracy over the last 15 years. Nearly 75% of the world’s population lived in a country that faced deterioration over the last year.
    • Finland, Norway, and Sweden are the most free countries in the world, with a score of 100. While the least free countries are Tibet and Syria, with a score of 1.

    Source: The Hindu

    Freedom In The World 2020 Report

  • Pakistan Remains on FATF’s Grey list

    Synopsis: Pakistan avoided the blacklist in the recent FATF meeting. However, it has to do more, to come out of the grey list of FATF.

    Introduction: 

    The recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting has once again decided to keep Pakistan in their grey list of countries under “increased monitoring”.

    Further, the FATF ruled out the option of placing Pakistan on blacklist like Iran and North Korea. It is because Pakistan made some progress on its commitments to FATF. Further, the FATF also provided a 3-month time limit to Pakistan for fulfilling its remaining commitments.

    Pakistan’s progress under FATF grey list:

    1. Pakistan was removed from the Financial Action Task Force lists in 2015. But in 2018, it was again put on the list. Pakistan was provided with a 27-point action list to fulfill, to come out of the FATF grey list.
    2. FATF President Marcus Pleyer acknowledged Pakistan’s “significant progress”. However, He further mentioned that Pakistan fulfilled 3 points on the list only partially. Notably, 3 of them in the area of curbing terror financing. The FATF mentions the few important areas of non-compliance such as,
      • Demonstrating terror-funding prosecution is accurate, effective, and dissuasive
      • Implementing financial sanctions against all terrorists designated by the UN Security Council. This includes LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, JeM chief Masood Azhar and those who belong to al-Qaeda.

    India’s relations with Pakistan

    Since 2016, political, trade, cultural ties between Pakistan and India are minimal. But recently the recent decision of Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO’s)  to strictly observe the ceasefire agreement, is a great first step.

    The move indicates more dialogues are possible between both countries. But the success of dialogues also depends upon Pakistan’s compliance with other points in the 27 point action list. Such as

      • Successfully prosecuting terrorists and terror financiers.
      • Addressing cross-border terror that emanates from Pakistan.

    Conclusion

    India Pakistan relations may progress by fulfilling Pakistan’s commitment to the FATF action list. Because these actions also address India’s main grievance with Pakistan on State-sponsored terrorism.

     

  • 5th edition of “Asia Economic Dialogue” held

    What is the News?

    The 5th edition of the Asia Economic Dialogue(AED) held virtually.

     About Asia Economic Dialogue(AED):

    • Asia Economic Dialogue(AED) is the flagship geo-economics conference of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).
    • The dialogue focuses on trade and finance dynamics in Asia and its extended neighbourhood.

    AED 2021:

    • It is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC).
    • Theme: “Post Covid-19 Global Trade and Finance Dynamics”.
    • Focus: The dialogue focuses on the pandemic’s impact on trade and finance, on the world, and on Asia in particular. It also discusses strategies to deal with this impact.

    Source: The Hindu

    “3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order

  • World bank Released “Education Finance Watch(EFW) Report” 2021

    What is the News?

    The World Bank and UNESCO released the Education Finance Watch Report (EFW), 2021.

    About the Education Finance Watch Report:

    • The report is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report.
    • It summarizes the available information on patterns and trends in education financing around the world.

    Key Findings of the Education Finance Watch Report:

    • Global spending on education has increased continuously in absolute terms over the last 10 years. However, the pandemic may interrupt this upward trend.
    • Education Budgets: 2/3rd of low and middle-income countries reduced their education budgets since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. In comparison, only a third of upper-middle and high-income countries have reduced their budgets.
    • Spending on Child’s Education: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, high-income countries were spending annually the equivalent of $8,501 for every child’s education. It was $48 in low-income countries. The pandemic has further widened this spending gap.
    • Access to education has improved in low and middle-income countries. However, the learning poverty rate (the proportion of 10-year-olds unable to read a short, age-appropriate text) was at around 53%. It was only 9% for high-income countries. This has increased further to 63% after COVID-19-related school closures.

    Global Education Monitoring Report(GEM Report):

    • Published by: It is an annual report published by UNESCO. The report was formerly known as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report.
    • Mandate: The report aims to monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on education. It also targets education-related goals in the SDG agenda.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • COVAX program

    What is the News?

    Ghana has become the first country in the world to receive a shipment of coronavirus vaccines under the COVAX program.

    What is the COVAX program?

    • The COVAX program is led by the vaccine alliance GAVI, the World Health Organisation(WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations(CEPI). The COVAX program is in partnership with UNICEF, vaccine manufacturers and the World Bank.
    • Aim: The COVAX program aims to ensure rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all the countries around the world.
    • The COVAX program forms a key part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools(ACT) Accelerator.
    • Target: To vaccinate roughly 20% of the population in the 92 Advance Market Commitment (AMC) countries. This includes middle and lower-income nations that cannot afford to pay for COVID-19 vaccines.
    • Process of Vaccination: Once the vaccines receive approval, the vaccines will be bought by the COVAX facility. The COVAX facility will then try to provide it to the 20% population of each of the eligible countries at free of cost.
    • Funding: The funding target for this program for 2021 is about the US $6.8 billion. The funding is partly coming from high and middle-income countries that will also receive a share of the vaccines produced for COVAX.

    ACT Accelerator

    • It is a framework that was set up in response to a call from G20 Leaders in 2020. ACT Accelerator was launched by the WHO, European Commission, France and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in April 2020.
    • Goal: To end the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly as possible. The ACT Accelerator aim to achieve this by reducing COVID-19 mortality and controlling the severe disease spread. This will be targeted through the accelerated development, equitable allocation and scaled-up delivery of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
    • Pillars of ACT Accelerator: The Accelerator comprises four pillars:
      • Diagnostics
      • Treatment
      • Vaccines (also known as COVAX)
      • Health system strengthening.
    • Significance: ACT accelerator is not a legal or decision-making entity. Instead, it has been set up as a support structure. It will help in the working of the delivery partners and facilitate knowledge sharing among them.

    Source: Indian Express

  • India hosts meeting of “BRICS finance and central bank Meeting” 2021

    What is the News?

    India has virtually hosted the BRICS Finance and the central bank meeting.

    BRICS Finance and the central bank Meeting:

    • It was the first meeting on the BRICS Financial Cooperation held under India’s Chair.
    • The meeting was co-chaired by the Secretary, Department of economic affairs, Ministry of finance, and Deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
    • Other participants in the meeting included BRICS finance and central bank deputies of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.

    Issues discussed during the meeting:

    • During the meeting, India has discussed issues such as:
      1. Global Economic Outlook and Response to COVID-19
      2. Social Infrastructure Financing and Use of Digital Technologies
      3. New Development Bank(NDB) Activities
      4. Fintech for SME and Financial Inclusion,
      5. BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).

    Click Here to Read about BRICS

     BRICS chairmanship for 2021:

    • India has assumed the chairmanship for BRICS in 2021. It is the year in which BRICS is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
    • Theme: BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation

    BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement(CRA)

    • Established in: It was established in 2015 as a part of the Fortaleza Declaration at the Sixth BRICS summit.
    • Aim: It aims to provide short-term liquidity support to the members through currency swaps. It will help to mitigate the Balance of Payment(BOP) crisis situations in case such a situation arises.
    • Other objectives:
      • It will help member countries to forestall short-term liquidity pressures,
      • Moreover, it will provide mutual support and further strengthen financial stability.
      • It would also contribute to strengthening the global financial safety net and complement existing international arrangements (from IMF) as an additional line of defence.

    Source: PIB

    [Answered] “BRICS is becoming a magnet for many emerging economies.” In light of this discuss the significance of BRICS as a pillar of the emerging, fairer poly-centric world order.

  • Sri Lanka looking for Indian Support ahead “46th Session of UNHRC”

    What is the News?

    46th session of the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) will start next week. Sri Lanka has officially sought India’s support for its nation’s rights and accountability record.

    About past UNHRC resolution

    • In 2015, UNHRC had adopted a resolution on accountability for the alleged human rights violations during the Sri Lankan civil war.
    • The resolution was adopted against the accusation of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan army. This 37-year guerrilla war ended in May 2009.
    • The resolution had called upon Sri Lanka to establish a credible judicial process. This process requires the participation of the Commonwealth and other foreign judges, defence lawyers and authorised prosecutors and investigators to look into the alleged rights abuses.
    • However, the current Sri Lankan government has officially withdrawn from the resolution.

    Present Status:

    • During the 46th UNHRC session in Geneva, Sri Lanka’s record in human rights and related accountability will be probed.
    • It is expected that a tougher resolution will be passed. This resolution may call for action against Sri Lanka.

    United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

    • The UNHRC is a United Nations body established in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
    • Aim: To promote and protect human rights around the globe. Apart from that, the UNHRC also investigates alleged human rights violations in countries.
    • Members: The council has 47 members elected for a 3-year term.
    • Meeting: The members meet around three times a year to debate human rights issues.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Resolutions: The UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but carry moral significance.

    Click Here to Read more about UNHRC

     Source: The Hindu

  • United Nations Capital Development Fund UNCDF

    What is the news?

    Indian-origin investment and development banker Preeti Sinha is appointed as Executive Secretary of UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

     UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF):

    • It was established by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) in 1966.
    • Mandate: To provide microfinance access to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It will unlock the full potential of public and private finance in these countries.
    • Funding: UNCDF is an autonomous, voluntarily funded UN organization affiliated with UNDP. Its funding comes from UN member states, foundations, and the private sector.
    • Headquarters: New York, United States.
    • Financing Model: UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels:
      • Financial Inclusion: It expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy. Moreover, it provides them with the tools to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives.
      • Localised Investments: It shows how fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development.

    Source: Business Standard

  • “3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order

    What is the News?

    The 3rd Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) meeting of the foreign ministers of India, Australia, Japan, and the USA held virtually. This is the third such meeting since 2019 when the Quad was upgraded to the ministerial level.

    Focus of the meeting: The QUAD meeting focussed on issues such as countering disinformation, counter-terrorism, maritime security. It also set the priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region.

    Key highlights of the QUAD meeting:

    • On Covid-19: The ministers discussed efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic including vaccination programs. They also agreed to cooperate on enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines, and medical equipment.
    • On Myanmar: The Indian and the US statement reflected the difference in the approach to the military coup in Myanmar:
      • The US asked for an urgent need to restore the democratically elected government in Myanmar. It also referred to Myanmar as Burma, the name it stopped using since the 1989 military coup in Myanmar.
      • On the other hand, India adopted a more cautious approach. It emphasized on upholding of rule of law and the democratic transition.

    About Quad Group

    Read More – About Quad

    • It is the strategic dialogue between four countries viz. India, United States, Japan, and Australia.
    • Origin:
      • The grouping traces its genesis to 2004, when the four countries came together to coordinate relief operations in the aftermath of the tsunami.
      • However, the idea of Quad was initiated in 2007 by the Japanese Prime Minister.  But it was dropped with the withdrawal of Australia. It was later revived in the year 2017.
    • Objective: It is viewed as a group of four democracies. They have a shared objective to ensure and support a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
    • The foundation of Quad is also based on collective effort and shared commitment to counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, maritime security cooperation, development finance, and cybersecurity.

    Source: The Hindu

  • India to gift 2 lakh vaccine doses to ‘UN peacekeeping forces’

    What is the News?

    India has announced a gift of 2,00,000 doses of vaccine to the UN Peacekeeping Forces.

    About United Nations Peacekeeping forces:

    • It was created in 1948. They are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets
    • Purpose: It provides security, political, and peacebuilding support to countries under conflicts. It helps countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
    • Principles: They are guided by three basic principles:
      • Consent of the parties
      • Impartiality
      • Non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate.
    • Authorised by: Every peacekeeping mission is authorized by the UN Security Council.
    • Peacekeeping forces: Member states contribute their manpower for Peacekeeping forces on a voluntary basis.
    • Funding: The financial resources of UN Peacekeeping operations are the collective responsibility of UN Member States. Every Member State is legally obligated to pay their respective share for peacekeeping.

    India and the UN Peacekeeping forces:

    • India is consistently among the top troop-contributing nations to the UN. At present, 5,424 personnel of India are serving in eight countries. It is currently the fifth-largest contribution.
    • India’s contribution to the regular budget is 0.83% and 0.16% of the peacekeeping budget.

    Other Countries Contributions:

    • The US has never contributed ground troops. But it contributes 27% of the U.N. peacekeeping budget.
    • China currently contributes over 2,500 troops in various UN missions. It provides for 12% of the UN’s regular general budget and 15% of the peacekeeping budget.

    Source: The Hindu

  • ‘ICC ruling’ over Palestinian Territories

    Synopsis: The recent ICC (International Criminal Court) ruling allows it to prosecute war crimes in Palestinian Territories. The ruling is welcomed by Palestine but criticized by the U.S. and Israel.

    Background: 

    • Israel had been accused of committing atrocities in Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1967.
    • Palestine joined the ICC in 2015 but remained silent towards the atrocities during the Trump administration. It was because it didn’t want to end U.S. aid towards Palestinian Territories.  
    • It is notable that the US Congress was allowed to freeze US Aid in Palestinian territory if Palestine pursues its own legal matters.
    • The change of administration in the U.S. allowed it to be more focal in the ICC. The recent February 2021 ruling of ICC is a result of this changed stance. 

    About the Ruling:

    • It allows the ICC to investigate persons committing war crimes in the Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza Strip.
    • However, there is no possibility of immediate investigations, even on the cases already filed in front of ICC.
    International Criminal Court:

    • It is the only court in the world to try individuals for international crimes.
    • It is headquartered in Haque, Netherlands.
    • Not only that, but it is empowered to try crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
    • A war crime is an act that constitutes a serious violation of the laws of war which includes intentionally killing civilians or prisoners, torturing, destroying civilian property among others.

    Significance of Judgement:

    • It will ensure accountability and justice delivery in the region.
    • It will ensure that individuals and militant groups like Hamas are subjected to international law. Furthermore, it will impose adequate criminal responsibility on them.  

    The response of various countries:

    • Palestine: It welcomed the judgement as a step towards correcting past injustices suffered by the country since the 1967 occupation of Israel.
    • Israel: It criticised the judgement of being Anti-Semitic and accused the court of ignoring atrocities done by Iran and Syria in the region.
    • US: It objected against the judgement and reminded that Israel was not a member of the ICC.
    • India: It has refrained from commenting on the judgement based on its geopolitical interest as both Palestine and Israel share a good bond with it.   

    ICC has said that any future conduct would be based on a thorough examination of judgement based on principles of impartiality and objectivity.

     

  • “International Criminal Court (ICC)” has jurisdiction in Palestinian Territories

    What is the News?
    The International Criminal Court has said that it has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian Territories.

    About ICC:

    • It is the world’s first permanent International Criminal Court (ICC). It was created by the 1998 Rome Statute and entered into force on July 1,2002.
    • Furthermore, it was created on the principle of complementarity. It is only intended to complement existing national judicial systems. Therefore, it may exercise its jurisdiction only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals.
    • Headquarters: Hague, Netherlands.

    Jurisdiction

    The Rome Statute grants the ICC jurisdiction over four main crimes:

    1. Crime of Genocide: Acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
    2. Crimes against Humanity: A large-scale attack against any civilian population.
    3. War crimes: These are grave breaches of the Geneva conventions in the context of armed conflict.
    4. Crime of Aggression: It is the use of armed force of a State against the sovereignty, integrity or independence of another State.

    How is it related to the United Nations?

    • ICC is not part of the UN. It was established by the Rome Statute. This treaty was negotiated within the UN. However, it created an independent judicial body distinct from the UN.

    Territorial Jurisdiction:

    • The ICC lacks universal territorial jurisdiction. It may only investigate and prosecute crimes committed within the Member States or by nationals of member states. It also investigates the crimes referred to it, by the United Nations Security Council.

    Who are Member Parties of ICC?

    • To become a member of the ICC, States need to become a party to the Rome Statute. As of December 2020, there are 123 ICC member countries.
    • 42 countries including India have not signed the Rome Statute.
    • India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and hence is not a member of the ICC. India did not sign the statute because of reasons such as state sovereignty, national interests, difficulty in collection of evidence, problem to find impartial prosecutors and definition of crime.

    Funding:

    • The Court is funded by contributions from the States Parties. Funds also come from voluntary contributions of governments, international organizations, individuals, corporations and other entities.

    Limitations of ICC:

    • The ICC court has no retrospective jurisdiction. It can deal only with crimes committed after 1 July 2002 when the 1998 Rome Statute came into force.
    • ICC cannot impose a death sentence; it can impose lengthy terms of imprisonment of up to 30 years of life. However, it depends upon the gravity of the cases.
    • ICC does not have its own police force or enforcement body. Thus, it relies on cooperation with countries worldwide, for support.
    • The Court also has no jurisdiction with respect to any person who was under the age of 18 when the crimes concerned were committed.

    Source: Indian Express

  • CFS endorses Voluntary guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition

    What is the News?

    The UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has endorsed the first-ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition(VGFSyN).

    About the guidelines:

    • These guidelines will support countries in their efforts to eradicate all forms of hunger and malnutrition.
    • It will utilize a comprehensive food systems approach for this aim. It will be built upon the existing work and mandate of other international bodies. For example, the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition(2016-2025) and Sustainable Development Goal (2) of ‘Zero Hunger’.

    These guidelines are framed around 7 Focus areas:

    1. Governance, which is Transparent, democratic, and accountable.
    2. Sustainable food supply chains to achieve healthy diets.
    3. Equal and equitable access to healthy diets.
    4. Food safety.
    5. People-centred nutrition knowledge, education, and information.
    6. Gender equality and women’s empowerment across food systems.
    7. Resilient food systems in humanitarian contexts.

    Significance of the guidelines:

    • Guidelines call for the realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security for all. Its particular focus is on the most vulnerable and affected groups.
    • They focus on policy planning and governance so that food systems can be made more resilient and responsive. The food system will be mould in accordance with the needs of consumers and producers too, especially small and marginal farmers.

    Committee on World Food Security(CFS):

    • It was established in 1974 as an intergovernmental body. It serves as a forum in the United Nations System for review and follow-up of policies concerning world food security including production and physical and economic access to food.
    • Secretariat: It has a permanent Secretariat. It is located in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy,
    • Reports to: The Committee reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and to FAO Conference.
    • Funding: It receives its core funding equally from The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and The World Food Programme (WFP).

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • US decides to rejoin “UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)”

    What is the News?
    The US President has decided to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The moves come after the former US President had withdrawn from the global body three years ago.

    Facts:

     United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

    • The UNHRC is a United Nations body established in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
    • Aim: To promote and protect human rights around the globe. Apart from that, the UNHRC also investigate alleged human rights violations in countries.
    • Members: The council has 47 members elected for a 3-year term. 5 Regional groups elect these 47 members.
      • Five regional groups for membership: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe.
    • Duration: The members are elected for a period of three years. Each member can hold office for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
    • Meeting: The members meet around three times a year to debate human rights issues. In addition to that, the commission also passes non-binding resolutions and recommendations by majority vote.
    • Working: The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR). The commission also engages in the UN’s special procedures.
      • UN’s Special Procedures of Human Rights Council: These are independent human rights experts. They have the mandate to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.
    • Universal Periodic Review(UPR): The council also carries out the Universal Periodic Review of all UN member states. This allows civil society groups to bring accusations of human rights violations in member states to the attention of the UN.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Resolutions: The UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but carry moral significance.

    Source: The Hindu

  • EIU’s “Democracy Index” – India at 53rd position

    What is the News?

    The Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) has released the Democracy Index, 2020. In that, India dropped two places and currently at 53rd position.

    Facts:

    Democracy Index 2020:

    • It was started in 2006 by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The index provides a clear image of the status of democracy worldwide in 167 countries.
    • Categories: The index is based on five categories :
      • Civil liberties,
      • Electoral process and pluralism;
      • Functioning of government;
      • Political participation;
      • Political culture.
    • Classification: Each country will be provided with a score of 0 to 10. These scores are decided based on the 60 indicators within the five categories. Based on their scores, each country is then classified into any one of the four types of regime. Such as,
      • full democracy,
      • flawed democracy,
      • hybrid regime,
      • authoritarian regime.

    Findings Related to India:

    • India has dropped two places and India’s score was 6.61. Currently, India was in 53rd position in 2020. This is due to,
      • A lapse in democratic processes among authorities.
      • Suppressive actions by the government on civil liberties.
    • India has been classified as a ‘flawed democracy’ along with countries such as the US, France, Belgium and Brazil.
    • However, India’s rank was higher than most of its neighbouring countries, such as Sri Lanka (68), Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105).

    What is “Flawed Democracy” country?

    These are the countries which hold free and fair elections and respect the basic civil liberties. But they have notable weaknesses with regards to democracy. Such as an underdeveloped political culture, problems in governance and low levels of political participation.

    Other Findings:

    • Topped by: Norway has topped the index followed by Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada.

    Source: The Hindu

  • World Economic Forum launches “EDISON Alliance”

    What is the News?
    The World Economic Forum has announced the launch of an Essential Digital Infrastructure and Services Network(EDISON) Alliance.

    About Essential Digital Infrastructure and Services Network(EDISON) Alliance:

    • Aim: To work towards ensuring global and equitable access to the digital economy.
    • How will it ensure equitable access to the digital economy? The alliance will work with governments and industries. It will accelerate digital inclusion and will ensure cross-sectoral collaboration between the technology industry and other critical sectors of the economy.
    • Advisory Board: An expert group of Champions Leaders board will advise and support the Alliance. The board will be chaired by Verizon’s Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg.
    • Secretariat: The World Economic Forum (WEF) will serve as the secretariat and platform for the Alliance.

    What was the need of the alliance?

    • Access to digital technologies has enabled many to work, learn and live during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • However, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing digital gaps and inequalities in the global population.
    • Some 3.6 billion people remain offline and broadband services are too expensive for 50% of the population in developed countries. This hampers access to health, education, and economic inclusion.

    Source: The Hindu

  • World Economic Forum launches “Global artificial intelligence alliance”

    What is the News?
    The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched the Global AI Action Alliance (GAIA).

    About the alliance:

    1. GAIA: It is a multi-stakeholder collaboration platform. It has been designed to accelerate the adoption of inclusive, transparent, and trusted artificial intelligence tools globally and in industry sectors.
    2. Members: The alliance is consisting of over 100 leading companies, governments, international organizations, non-profits, and academics. They all are committed to maximizing AI’s societal benefits while minimizing its risks.
    3. Committee: A steering committee will guide the alliance. It is consisting of top global leaders from industry, government, academia, and civil society.
    4. Significance: The alliance will provide a platform for members to;
      • engage in real-time learning,
      • frame new approaches to ethical AI,
      • increase adoption of best practices and
      • undertake collective action to ensure that AI’s benefits are shared by all.

    Additional Facts:

    • Artificial Intelligence(AI): It is a constellation of technologies that enable machines to act with higher levels of intelligence. It emulates the human capabilities of sense, comprehend and act, in the machines.
    • Importance of AI: Artificial Intelligence(AI) could contribute more than $15 trillion to the world economy by 2030, adding 14% to global GDP. This would make AI the biggest economic opportunity of the next decade. It represents more value than today’s insurance, oil, and gas, commercial real estate, and automotive industries combined.

    Source: Hindustan Times

  • Chasing National Interests at the UN high table

    Source: click here

    Syllabus: GS 2

    Synopsis: India’s mission of achieving its goals at the UNSC should have a clear plan and reveal its material and geopolitical confines.

    Introduction

    India has got a two-year non-permanent period at the UNSC. But it is almost certain that India is not getting permanent membership of UNSC  anytime soon. Thus, this opportunity should be viewed as a once in a decade opportunity to pursue the national interests of the country.

    What are the trends that will dominate UNSC?

    New Delhi’s entry into the UNSC coincides with the rise of the new world order. There is an absence of global leadership. The world is divided into rival blocs for narrow national interests.

    Currently, the relevance of the UNSC is in serious doubt, and it is not able to do justice to its primary objective i.e. “the maintenance of international peace and security”.

    Biden’s administration will be busy undoing the policies of the previous regime for some time. Thus, nothing much should be expected from US as of now.

    India’s term at the UNSC comes at a time when its military rivalry with China is increasing. This has come to the UNSC table after china opposed the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to be chaired by India in 2022.

    How will India’s approach be in addressing its key issues at UNSC?

    • India’s seat at the UNSC is important for keeping in check the further Chinese invasions along the line of actual control. 
    • Terror is going to be a major focus for India at the UNSC. New Delhi’s approach on the issue is going to be on the lines of external minister’s statement: “Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones. Those who propagate this distinction have an agenda. And those who cover up for them are just as culpable”.
    • Recently India assumed the chair of the Taliban sanctions committee. India’s policy approach on the Taliban will be very important for its global image.
    • India should focus to use the platform and its engagement there to build alliances among like-minded states. It should set out its priorities for the next decade from climate change to non-proliferation.
    • India would try to shape the narrative and global policy engagement regarding the Indo-Pacific concept. This would also provide an opportunity to improve its relations with Moscow.

    The way forward

    • New Delhi must focus its energies on what it can achieve during the short period that it would be in the UNSC rather than expecting a permanent membership because UNSC is unlikely to admit new members anytime soon.
  • “Corruption Perception Index 2020” – India’s Rank Slips to 86th

    What is the News?

    Transparency International(TI) has released the Corruption Perception Index, 2020.

    About Corruption Perception Index, 2020:

    1. Transparency International publishes this index annually, since 1995.
    2. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.  Corruption is measured based on expert assessments and surveys of business people. It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

    Key Findings:

    1. India: India’s rank on this index, has slipped six places to 86th among 180 countries in 2020. However, the CPI score for India is constant at 40 this year as well as in 2019.
    2. Topped by: New Zealand and Denmark are ranked at the first position with scores of 88.
    3. Bottom in the index: Somalia and South Sudan were ranked lowest at 179th position with scores of 12.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • What is Covid Performance Index?

    What is the News?

    The COVID Performance Index has been released by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank.

    Facts:

    • COVID Performance Index: The index aims to rank the best-performing countries in their response to the pandemic. It measures the impact of geography, political systems, population size, and economic development on COVID-19 outcomes, for a conclusion.
    • Measuring Indicators: To assess the performance of countries, the index tracked six measures of COVID-19 in the 98 countries for which data was available. The six indicators are:
      • Confirmed cases
      • Confirmed deaths
      • Confirmed cases per million people
      • Confirmed deaths per million people
      • Confirmed cases as a proportion of tests
      • Tests per thousand people.
    • An average across indicators was then calculated for individual countries in each period and normalized to produce a score from 0 (worst performing) to 100 (best performing).

    Rankings:

    1. India: India has been ranked at 86 out of 98 countries in the index.
    2. Topped by: New Zealand has topped the index followed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and Cyprus.
    3. Bottom Countries: The United States has been placed at 94 and Brazil at the bottom of the index.
    4. South Asia: Sri Lanka was the best performing nation in South Asia ranking at 10, while the Maldives was at 25, Pakistan at 69, Nepal at 70, and Bangladesh at 84.
    5. Region-wise: The countries in the Asia-Pacific region did a better job at controlling the pandemic while Europe and the US were quickly overburdened by the COVID-19 cases.
    6. China was not included in the index due to a lack of publicly available data on testing.

    Factors that played the role in the Performance of countries:

    1. Population size: Smaller countries with fewer than 10 million people consistently outperformed their larger counterparts throughout 2020.
    2. Levels of economic development or differences in political systems between countries had less impact on the handling of Covid-19 outcomes.
    3. Democratic countries have found to be marginally more successful than other forms of government in their handling of the pandemic.

    Source: The Hindu

  • India ranks 10th in Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index

    Why in News?
    Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released the ‘Asia-Pacific Personalized Health Index’.

    India has been ranked 10th out of 11 Asia Pacific countries in the index.

    Facts:

    Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index

    • The index measures the progress of Asia Pacific countries in adopting personalised healthcare. It includes enabling the right care to be tailored for the right person at the right time.
    • Countries covered: The index ranks 11 countries of Asia Pacific namely Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and New Zealand.
    • Indicators: It measures performance against 27 different indicators of personalised health across four categories called ‘Vital Signs’. These include:
      • Health Information Indicator: It takes into account data, infrastructure, and technical expertise driving personalized healthcare.
      • Health Services Indicators: It takes into account planning, organization, and delivery of services with respect to personalized healthcare.
      • Personalized Technologies indicator: It takes into account the devices, applications, platforms, and reimbursement structures that will drive personalized healthcare based on the needs of stakeholders.
      • Policy Context indicator: It takes into account the polities, frameworks, partnerships, people, and drivers that will facilitate personalized healthcare.

    Other Takeaways from the index:

    • Topped by: Singapore has topped the index followed by Taiwan (2nd), Japan (3rd), and Australia (4th).
    • Bottom in the index: Indonesia was ranked 11th in the index.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • 4th edition of “Future Investment Initiative” Forum

    Why in News?

    The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has addressed the 4th edition of the Future Investment Initiative(FII) Forum.

    Facts:

    • Future Investment Initiative(FII): It is an annual investment forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Forum discusses trends in the world economy and investment environment.
    • Hosted by:  Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). The first event was held in 2017.
    • Purpose of 4th FII: To find solutions on how business and government can expand access to healthcare, train healthcare workers, remove regulatory barriers and encourage investment in advanced health technologies.

    Key Highlights from the address: Union Minister has highlighted the five big trends which are influencing global business, due to COVID-19:

    • The impact of Technology and Innovation
    • Importance of Infrastructure for Global Growth
    • Changes coming in human resource and future of work
    • Compassion for environment
    • Business-friendly governance with a focus on the whole of society and government approach.

    Source: PIB

  • India Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with IEA

    What is the News?

    Indian Government has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the International Energy Agency(IEA).

     About the Strategic Partnership agreement

    • The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation with India in global energy security, stability, and sustainability. Both IEA members and India will jointly decide the terms of the partnership. It will include a phased increase in benefits and responsibilities for India as an IEA strategic partner.
    • Implementation: The IEA Secretariat will be responsible for
      • The implementation of the agreed activities in India.
      • Facilitating discussion between the IEA members and India, to further develop the strategic partnership.
    • Significance: This strategic partnership will lead to an extensive exchange of knowledge. It would also be a stepping stone towards India’s full membership of IEA.

    International Energy Agency(IEA):

    1. It was established in 1974 as an autonomous intergovernmental organization under the OECD framework.
    2. Objective: To ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for its member countries and beyond.
    3. Focus areas: It has four main areas of focus: a) Energy security b) Economic development c) Environmental awareness and d) Engagement worldwide.
    4. Members: It has 30 member countries and eight association countries. India became an associate member in 2017.
    5. Oil Stock: IEA member countries need to maintain total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90 days of the previous year’s net imports.
    6. Secretariat: Paris, France.
    7. Reports: It releases the World Energy Outlook report annually.

    Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP)

    1. It was launched at the IEA Ministerial Meeting in 2017. It will provide technical support to governments, whose energy policies can facilitate the global transition towards a sustainable energy future.
    2. Priority Countries: The CETP’s priority countries are Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa. These countries collectively accounted for 41% of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in 2018 and two-thirds of emissions from developing economies.

    Source: PIB

  • Oxfam International

    Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organizations. The Oxfam International Secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Apart from that, they are also having offices in 7 other locations.

    The Oxfam International aims to maximize efficiency and achieve greater impact to reduce global poverty and injustice

    The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief. It was founded in Britain in 1942 during the Second World War. During the world war, the group campaigned for food supplies to starving women and children in Greece.

    After the war, they served Europe and later shifted their focus to the people in developing countries.

    At present, Oxfam is working in more than 90 countries. Oxfam International confederation has 19 member organizations in total and India is one of them.

    Oxfam International has released major reports such as The Inequality virus, Reaching People: Empowering Lives, etc.

     

  • World Economic Forum: Need for ‘the Great Reset’ of capitalism

    Source: Indian Express

    GS-2: Important International Institutions, agencies, and fora  – their Structure, Mandate

    Synopsis: WEF’s executive chairman Klaus Schwab is advocating for rearrangement of the global order through “The Great Reset”. India should also take this development seriously and try to limit the potential implications of this possible global reset.

    Background

    • The WEF’s (World Economic Forum) online  Summit began recently. Its physical meeting is scheduled to take place in Singapore in June 2021. It is only the second time after 2002 that Davos annual meeting is taking place outside Davos.
    • Choice of place in Singapore instead of any European or American city is a symbol of shifting focus on Asia.
    • In this context, the World Economic Forum’s initiative for “The Great Reset” has gained attention.
    • In this article, we will discuss what is “Great Reset” and what are the key changes suggested by the “Great Reset” initiative, and how India should plan for it?

    What is “The Great Reset”?

    • The concept has been given by the founder and executive chairman of the WEF- Klaus Schwab.
    • The concept is developed, based on the assessment that the world economy is in deep trouble. Events like the pandemic, ongoing technological revolution, impacts of climate change have further worsened the global situation.
    • Hence, the concept of  “The Great Reset” suggests, there is an urgent need to reform global societies and economies. Reforms should be brought into every country and industry of the world.
    • This initiative will mainly focus on reforming market-led Capitalism into stakeholder capitalism. Which will be focussed on ensuring equality and sustainability.

    Why the “Great Reset” initiative is a step in the right direction?

    Firstly, economic reforms like deregulation and globalization reduced barriers to capital movement within the countries. Now it is being challenged even in a country like the US.

    Secondly, US and EU countries failed in dealing with the COVID pandemic and its economic impacts. Whereas Asian Countries handled it effectively. It magnifies the failure of the Capitalism model of these countries.

    How focus areas of The Great Reset’ are relevant for the present world?

    The agenda of The Great Reset focuses on many key issues faced by the world today. Three important themes among them are,

    • First, serious thinking on moving from capitalism to “stakeholder capitalism”. Because
        • One, capitalism’s lack of concern for stakeholders/society’s interests and its greed for profit maximization. For example, Tech giants who are the big beneficiaries of deregulation pay few taxes and actively depress wages for working people.
        • Two, their increasing power to influence the governments is a cause of concern.
    • Second, with the US rejoining the 2015 Paris accord on mitigating climate change. Now the focus needs to shift on equal distribution of economic and social costs of moving away from carbon use. 
    • Third,  Liberalism of the ’90s resulted in increasing conflicts among nations and resulted in present “competitive multilateralism”. The forum will focus on global cooperation on important universal issues.

    What India should do to deal with the impacts of the Global reset?

    Rearrangement of the global order looks inevitable. India should prepare for changes that will be introduced due to it;

    • First, making capitalism more responsive is the duty of the state. The balance of political forces within societies will facilitate beneficial policy choices for different stakeholders.
    • Second, to resolve the challenge of climate change, the economic and social costs required for moving away from carbon use need to be equally distributed among different stakeholders.
    • Third, to promote Global co-operation, India must actively contribute to the framing of new rules to govern global capitalism and the reshaping of international institutions.
        • Simultaneously, we must also reform our own economy and society to make it more equitable, sustainable.
  • World Economic Forum(WEF)
    • World Economic Forum (WEF): It was established by Klaus Schwab in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation. It was initially named as European Management Forum. Later, it changed its name to the World Economic Forum in 1987.
    • Aim: To improve the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Reports: a) Global Competitiveness Report b) Global Gender Gap Report c) Global Risks Report and d) Global Travel and Tourism Report among others.

    WEF Davos Agenda Summit,2021:

    • It will be organized virtually by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
    • The summit will mark the launch of WEF’s “Great Reset Initiative” which aims to rebuild the economy sustainably following the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Themes: The seven key themes of the summit are: How to Save the Planet, Fairer Economies, Tech for Good, Society, and Future of Work, Better Business, Healthy Futures and Beyond Geopolitics.

    Source: Indian Express 

  • Global Firepower Index 2021

    Why in News?

    Global Firepower has published the Global Firepower Index (GFP) /Military Strength Ranking 2021.

    Facts:

    • Global Firepower Index: It ranks each nation’s potential war-making capability across land, sea and air with conventional weapons.
    • Factors: The index is calculated using fifty individual factors such as geography, logistical capability, manpower, land forces, airpower, natural resources, naval forces and financials.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The United States military was ranked the most powerful armed force in the world closely followed by Russia and China.
    • India was ranked fourth in the Index with 542 combat aircraft, 17 submarines, 4,730 tanks, and 37 attack helicopters.
    • Pakistan was ranked the tenth most powerful country in the Index. It has surpassed Israel, Indonesia, Iran, and Canada in terms of military power.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Henley Passport Index 2021

    News: Henley & Partners has released the Henley Passport Index 2021.

    Facts:

      • Henley Passport Index(HPI): It is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom for their citizens.
      • When was it started? It was started in 2006 as Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI) and was modified and renamed in January 2018.
      • Based on: The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association(IATA) which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information and research by the Henley & Partners Research Department.

    Key Takeaways:

      • Topped by: Japan continues to hold the number one position on the index, with passport holders able to access 191 destinations around the world visa-free.
      • India: India ranks 85th in the index with a visa-free score of 58.
      • Neighboring countries: Pakistan (rank 107) and Nepal (rank 104) continue to be in the ‘worst passports to hold’ category with Pakistan having a visa-free score of 32 countries and Nepal having a score of 38 destinations.
      • Worst Passports: Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan continue to be the countries with the worst passports to hold with a passport score of 29, 28 and 26 respectively.

    Article Source

     

     

  • Importance of Reviving SAARC

    Synopsis- SAARC has become dysfunctional and not able to meet since las 6 years. Reviving SAARC is crucial for countering common challenges in the region, amid COVID pandemic. 

    Introduction 

    • The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia founded in 1985 with 7 member nations. 
    • The group was established to promote regional economic growth through active collaboration. But in past years there has been deadlock type condition especially due to India-Pakistan conflict.  
    • In 2016, the Summit schedule in Pakistan got canceled in the backdrop of the terrorist attack in Pathankot and Uri. Since then, no SAARC meeting has been held.  

     Why SAARC failed? 

    The last physical SAARC summit was held in 2014 and subsequently, summits could not be held after that. The reasons for a dysfunctional SAARC are; 

    • First, India-Pakistan bilateral relations–Enmity between India and Pakistan is one of the main reasons why SAARC is not prospering. This long-standing conflict has impacted other meeting of SAARC as well, making it easier for member countries, as well as international agencies, to deal with South Asia as a fragmented group. 
    • Second, the novel coronavirus pandemic and China’s aggressions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) put a new spotlight and shadows for SAARC meeting. 

    India’s position on not attending SAARC is particularly confusing. It has been attending SCO meeting even after clashes with China and engaged with Nepal even after boundary related issues.    

    Why reviving SAARC can be helpful in countering the common challenges? 

    1. Pandemic Challenges–.  
      • First, South Asia’s experience of the pandemic has been very unique. The COVID-19 has provided a window for introspection and for scaling up preparedness for inevitable pandemics in the future. 
      • Second, a Collaborative approach is also necessary for the distribution and further trials needs for the vaccine as well as developing cold storage chain.  
      • Third, the pandemic’s impact on South Asian economies– The economic consequences of COVID -19 on South Asia are proving to be even greater than the health Challenges in the region. 
    1. China’s Factor in SAARC– Amid India- China border tensions, as part of its global expansionism, China is chipping away at India’s interests in South Asia, a unified South Asian platform remains India’s most potent countermeasure. 
      • China expanding footprints in South Asia by investments in trade, tourism, BRI, and other programs should be given attention. All SAARC members except Bhutan, are Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partners of China will be hard placed to help individually. 
      • Only a matter of time before china, it may hold a meeting of all SAARC countries except minus India and Bhutan for they are all part of the BRI, and even that they will be invited to join RCEP, which India declined. 

    Way forward 

    • To make SAARC more effective the organization must be reformed and member countries must reach a consensus regarding the changes required.  
    • The tragedy of Covid-19 provided an opportunity for India to demonstrate its compassionate face to secure a region at peace with itself 
    • In dealing with the challenge from China too, both at India’s borders and in its neighborhood, a unified South Asian platform remains India’s most potent countermeasure. 

     

     

  • India at the UN – challenges, significance and way forward

    This article is based on the recent Indian Express article India at UN high table.
    Context

    Recently India has been elected as a non-permanent member to UN Security Council for the 8th time.

    The United Nations is the most powerful International Organisation that ever existed in the history of mankind. 193 members of the UN have participated and contributed their part to make the UN a truly global organisation. India as a country and a member have participated and contributed significantly to the United Nations.

    About United Nations (Source)

    •  The name “United Nations”, was coined by then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Declaration during the peace declaration of Second World War, where the representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against global challenges.
    •   As an International Organization, The United Nations was founded in 1945.
    •  The powers vested in the UN Charter facilitate the United Nations to take action on a variety of global issues such as peace, security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, global governance, food production, etc.
    •  The Six major organs of UN are
    1. UN General Assembly (UNGA)
    2. The UN Security Council (UNSC)
    3. Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)
    4.  International Court of Justice (ICJ)
    5.  UN Secretariat
    6. Trusteeship Council

    All the six were established in 1945 during the formation of the UN.

    • Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.  The UNSC has 15 Members of which 5 are permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, and the U.S.) and other 10 are non-permanent members elected for 2 year terms. Each Member has one vote and the permanent members have Veto Powers.

    History of India’s participation at the UN:

    India is a founding member of UN. India signed the UN charter on 1945. Since the Independence the participation of India in the UN is huge and highly commendable. The participation can be divided into 3 Phases.

      1. During Cold war period (1947 to 1990)
      2. A decade of economic reforms in India (1990-2000)
      3. The phase of New India (Since 2000’s)

    During Cold war period (1947 to 1990):

      • In 1950-51, India, being a  President of UNSC, India presided over the adoption of resolutions asking for a cessation of hostilities during the Korean War and also for assisting the Republic of Korea.
      • In 1967-68, India co-sponsored a Resolution for extending the mandate of the UN mission in Cyprus.
      • In 1977-78, India was a strong supporter of Africa and spoke against apartheid, and also raise concerns for the independence of Namibia.
      • In 1984-85, India was leading supporter in the UNSC for the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.

    A decade of economic reforms in India (1990-1992):

      • India suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of Japan in the 1996 contest for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC.
      • India stood against indefinite extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT)in 1995, and rejected the backdoor introduction for adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty(CTBT) in 1996
      • With the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat terrorism, India piloted a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996.

    The phase of New India (Since 2000’s)

    India’s Economic policies and globalization strengthened India’s role and negotiating powers in the UN.

      • Gradually India became a strong voice for the developing world, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and concerns about the problems in the African nations.
      • During the 2011-12 term, India chaired the UNSC Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, a Working Group concerning the threat to international peace and security by terror acts, and Security Council Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.
      • India worked closely with its supporters in the UNSC and in May 2019 India succeeded in placing Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar under the UNSC’s 1267 Sanctions Committee concerning al-Qaida and ISIS and associated individuals and entities, The action which was pending since 2009.

    Significance of India to the UN:

      • Firstly, India is the 3rd largest economy in terms of GDP (PPP) and the 2nd most populous nation.
      • Secondly, India is a founding member of the UN, and India has been a  non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 8th term and also a member of other international structures such as MTCR, The Wassenaar Arrangement, etc.
      • Thirdly, India enjoys the backing of major powers including four permanent members other than China and also the African Union, Latin America, Middle Eastern countries, and other LDCs from different parts of the globe.
      • Fourthly, India provides large numbers of soldiers to the UN for peacekeeping missions,
      • Fifthly, India is a responsible nuclear nation, which has stated a clear no-first-use policy and also followed the same in spirit and soul.
      • Sixthly, India’s success in space technology is another point for its candidature.
      • Lastly, India has been a responsible power and it has contributed significantly to global peace efforts and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief measures in various countries such as Pakistan, Yemen, South Sudan and the majority of the South Asian nations, etc.

    Read Also :upsc current affairs

    What are the Challenges to India at the UN?

    • Firstly, the China Factor: China does not want India and Japan to join the UNSC as permanent members. China is against India for reasons such as
      • On the issue of cross-border terrorism, China continues to protect Pakistan.
      • China tried to get the UNSC to focus on India’s constitutional changes in Kashmir.
      • China uses India’s non-membership in the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as the reasons to deny India’s entry into UNSC.
    • Secondly, Challenge to multilateralism– There is a rift between the permanent members of the Security Council. For example,
      • China has stepped in to take advantage of the West’s retreat from multilateralism and China is also flouting international law and order.
      • BREXIT has shown that nationalism still remains a strong factor in Europe.
      • The recent Coup in the USA and the global wave of right wing politics failed to reach a consensus on critical issues.
    • Thirdly, change in Contemporary geopolitical realities:The global power matrix has moved towards multilateralism but the UNSC and UN’s power matrix concentrated on select countries.
    • Fourthly, under-representation of Countries: The regions like far East Asia, South America, Africa have no representation in the permanent membership of the council which can push for reforms at the UN level.

    What are the solutions for India?

      • Firstly, making the UN effective. India needs to carve out a larger room for itself and try to create an atmosphere of cooperation as done by the US and USSR on nuclear proliferation.
      • Secondly, making the UN more representative. India should push its efforts in partnership with Brazil, Germany, and Japan (G4 countries), to expand the UNSC.
      • Thirdly, India has to deal with China’s growing enmity: By presenting the real facts on the issue of cross-border terrorism and the constitutional changes in Kashmir.
      • Fourthly, India should renew its ties with African Nations:  60 percent of UNSC documents and 70 percent of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa. So there is an opportunity for India to deepen ties on peace and security issues in Africa at bilateral, regional, and global levels.
      • Fifthly, P5 has to be realistic: The UNSC’s Permanent members have to accept the present world’s challenges and the significance of co-operation at multi-level, especially the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fault lines and the need for a multilateral collective solution.

    Way forward:

    UN should not merely be an institution but also an instrument for positive change. But the UN as an institution for conflict resolution has not developed as desired and India along with other nations should try to reform the UN structure.

     

  • What is USTR? What are their powers?

    The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is a government agency responsible for developing and recommending international trade policy to the US president.

    The USTR directly negotiate with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve trade disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations.

    The US Trade Act gives the USTR broad authority to investigate and respond to a foreign country’s action. These actions include unfair or discriminatory practices as well as policies negatively affect US commerce.

    The USTR publishes few major annual reports. Such as

    • National Trade Estimate Report
    • The Special 301 Report – identifies trade barriers to United States companies and products
  • Way forward for India at UNSC

    Synopsis: As India assumes UNSC membership for the 8th time as one of the 10 non-permanent members, it should integrate UNSC functions with national objectives while adjusting to changed realities. 

    Introduction  

    Dynamics at UNSC have changed completely since the cold war, while India’s attitude has changed from the reactive to the proactive. 

    India needs to align its goals of national objectives at UNSC with the present dynamics at UNSC to achieve maximum gain. 

    • India’s new term should be led by purposeful and pragmatism.
        • Purposefulness is about tightly incorporating UNSC meeting with India’s broader national goals.  
        • Pragmatism requires adapting to the changed conditions at the UNSC and avoiding overly ambitious goals. 

    How UNSC and India evolved post-cold war? 

    • During 1991-92, India’s term at UNSC was influenced by collapse of the Soviet Union. 
    • Delhi was fixing its broken economy and was reorganising its foreign policy to survive in the post-Soviet world.
        • Countries Like EU and Us wanted to transform this “inter-national” forum into a “supra-national” institution, to interfere actively in the matter of countries.  
        • India had to resist external solutions to its problems on issues like the Kashmir question and the nuclear.
        • Thus, India was not vocal and adopted a defensive approach at that time.
    • In 2011-12, revived Russia and a rising China began influencing UNSC to resist west.  
    • India witnessed rapid economic growth in the first decade of 21st century which resulted in improvement of its own relative position in the meeting. 
        • Delhi was less defensive than in the 1990s, but was struggling to change its new strengths into practical outcomes.
    • At present UNSC term of India, it is facing the challenge of sharp competition between US, China and Russia. Which is enforced by closeness of Russia-China and disagreement between US and EU.   

    What objectives India would be taking along at the UNSC? 

    To make its present term fruitful, India needs to work towards 5 objectives; 

    • Firstly, making the UNSC effective. Except brief moment of cooperation in 1990s, UNSC is dealing with the divisions among 5 permanent members, making it less effective.  
        • India needs to carve out the larger room for itself and try to create an atmosphere of cooperation as done by US and USSR on nuclear proliferation.  
    • Secondly, making the UNSC more representative. India wanted permanent membership since the end of the Cold War but China does not want India and Japan to join the UNSC as permanent members. 
        • However, India should push its efforts in partnership with Brazil, Germany and Japan, to expand the UNSC.  
    • Thirdly, India has to deal with China’s growing enmity. On the issue of cross-border terrorism china continues to protect Pakistan from the international pressures and also tried to get the UNSC to focus on India’s constitutional changes in Kashmir. 
        • India should try to get the wind in its favour by presenting real facts  
    • Fourthly, the engagement with peace and security issues at the UNSC. India will be able to strengthen its new coalitions. 
        • For example, the Quad which brings together Australia, India, Japan and the US.
        • Collaboration with its European partners like France and Germany in the security field. 
    • Fifthly, Delhi should renew its ties with its old partners. Delhi should express the peace and security concerns of the global south in UNSC. Supporting the rule and survivability of the island states is a critical political task for India. 
        • 60 per cent of UNSC documents and 70 per cent of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa. There is an opportunity for Delhi to deepen India’s engagement on peace and security issues in Africa at bilateral, regional and global levels.
  • India lost Retrospective taxation case to Cairn

    Synopsis: In a 2nd setback after Vodafone case, Indian government has lost an International arbitration case to energy giant Cairn, on the issue of retrospective taxation.  

    Introduction 

    • The Indian government has lost an international arbitration case to energy giant Cairn Plc over the retrospective levy of taxes, and has been asked to pay damages worth RS. 8000 crore to the UK firm. 
    • This is the second setback for Indian government related to retrospective taxation after it lost the arbitration case against Vodafone. 

    What is retrospective taxation?  

    Retrospective taxation allows a country to pass a rule on taxing certain products, items or services and deals and charge companies from a time behind the date on which the law is passed. 

    • Countries use this route to correct any anomalies in their taxation policies that have, in the past, allowed companies to take advantage of such loopholes. 

    Apart from India, many countries including the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Australia and Italy have retrospectively taxed companies. 

    What is the case? 

    The case pertains to the tax demand related to an alleged Rs24,500 crore worth capital gains it made in 2006 while transferring all its shares of Cairn India Holdings to a new company, Cairn India, and got it listed on the stock exchanges.  

    However, Cairn argued the retroactive application of a newly enacted law is a breach by India of its obligations under the Treaty [UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty] to treat Cairn and its investments fairly and equitably and refrain from unlawfully expropriating Cairn’s assets.  

    • Owing to different interpretations of capital gains, the company refused to pay the tax. 
    • This prompted cases being filed at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) and the High Court. 

    What is the verdict of Court? 

    The Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague has maintained that the Cairn tax issue is not a tax dispute but a tax-related investment dispute and, hence, it falls under its jurisdiction. 

    • India’s demand in past taxes, it said, was in breach of fair treatment under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty. 
    • The GOI was ordered to compensate for the total harm suffered together with interest and cost of arbitration.  

    The order does not contain a provision for challenge or appeal. Moreover, Cairn can use the arbitration award to approach courts in countries such as the UK to seize any property owned by India overseas to recover the money if the award is not honored.  

    Way forward- 

    Government needs to assured global investors that concerns over retrospective taxation would be taken care of. 

  • Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

    Indian government has lost an arbitration case in Permanent Court of Arbitration, to energy giant Cairn Plc over the retrospective taxation, India has to pay damages worth Rs 8,842 crore ($1.2 billion) to the UK firm.

    This was a Second such case in which India lost with respect to retrospective taxation after the arbitration case of Vodafone Plc.

    There are three major Judicial organizations in the world. The major difference between them is listed in the table below.

    TopicICJ (International Court of Justice)ICC (International Criminal Court)PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration)
    Established underEstablished under UN Charter 1945 (which also established UNSC) to act as a principal Judicial organ of UNSetup under Rome Statute in 1998 Established by the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, concluded at The Hague in 1899 and the convention revised in second Hague Peace Conference in 1907.
    Head QuartersHague, The Netherland

    (Only principal UN organ not located in New York)

    		Hague, The NetherlandHague, The Netherland
    MembershipMembers of UN automatically becomes the member of ICJThe nations have to sign and ratify the Rome Statute to become the member of ICCThe nations have to sign and ratify any one of the above conventions to become a member of PCA
    CapacityCivil courtCriminal CourtArbitration tribunal
    Area of function ICJ Settles legal disputes between Nations only. ICJ settle disputes on issues of Sovereignty, trade, treaty violations and interpretations, etc.ICC Tries Individual only for the crimes like Genocide, war crimes, crimes of aggression and crimes against humanity.PCA settles disputes between member states, International organizations or private parties, like territorial and maritime disputes, sovereignty, human rights, International investments and regional trade etc.
    Jurisdiction ·         Once the country accepts UN intervention then the judgement is binding.

    ·         Judgments given in contentious cases between states are also binding in nature

    ·         Court also gives advisory opinions to the Council, the General Assembly and other authorized bodies on legal questions referred to it by these entities

    		·         Co-operation of non-party state is voluntary.

    ·         If the case is referred by UNSC then the judgement is binding on all UN members

    		Rulings are binding in nature. But the PCA has no powers to enforce the rulings.
    Relationship with UNNot Applicable (Principal Judicial organ of UN)Observer Status in UNObserver Status in UN
    Members15 members elected for 9 years.

    ·         To get elected candidate has to get absolute majority in UNGA and UNSC

    ·         5 Judges are elected for 3 year once

    ·         No two Judges can be from same nationality

    ·         Members can be re-elected

    		18 judges elected among member countriesNo sitting judges for the organization. Parties select their arbitrators
    SpecialtyAs it is the UN principal judicial organ it is called as “world court”Worlds first Permanent Criminal Court.

    The ICC is a court of last resort. It acts essentially as a safety net when national courts are unable to prosecute, either because the criminal justice system is unequipped or collapsed, or because the perpetrators continue to wield influence over the government

    		First permanent intergovernmental organization to provide arbitration
    Membership of IndiaIndia is a member of UN so India is a member of ICJ also.

    Indian Judge Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected in 2018.

     

    		India is not a signatory to Rome StatuteIndia is member of PCA. India ratified the 1899 convention in 1950.
    Few important cases related to India·         The Kulbhushan Jadhav case – India approached ICJ against Pakistan denying India, its right of consular access to Jadhav that is in violation of the Vienna Convention. ICJ ruled Pakistan to provide access and to review the sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

    ·         Right of Passage over Indian Territory (Portugal v. India) 1954 – Provided then Portugese territories Dadra and Nagar-Aveli the right to passage but the right did not extend to armed forces, armed police, arms and ammunition

    		Not applicable as the Jurisdiction is limited to individual·         Enrica Lexie case – A dispute about a shooting by two Italian marines off the western coast of India. The Tribunal ruled Italy to compensate India.

    ·         The Bangladesh v. India (Bay of Bengal Maritime Boundary) case – tribunal awarded Bangladesh 19,467 sq. km of the 25,602 sq. km sea area of the Bay of Bengal. India accepted the terms.

    ·         The recent Cairn Plc case and Vodafone Plc case – India lost both the cases and asked to pay compensation.

     

     

  • India looks at integrating more countries into coastal radar network

    Source: The Hindu 

    News: India is in talks with Maldives, Myanmar and Bangladesh to set up coastal radar stations as part of efforts to further expand the coastal radar chain network meant to enable real-time monitoring of the high seas for threats.

    Facts:

    • Countries already integrated in the Coastal Radar Network: Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka have been integrated into the country’s coastal radar chain network.

    Other Developments:

    • Information Management and Analysis Centre(IMAC): It was established in 2014 and is the nodal centre for maritime security information collation and dissemination.
      • Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
      • Operated by: It is jointly operated by the Navy and Coast Guard.
    • White Shipping agreements: It refers to exchange of relevant advance information on the identity and movement of commercial non-military merchant vessels.
      • Indian Navy has been authorised to conclude white shipping agreements with 36 countries and three multilateral constructs. So far agreements have been concluded with 22 countries and one multilateral construct.
    • Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean region(IFC-IOR): It was set up in 2018 within the premises of the IMAC to coordinate with regional countries on maritime safety and security and act as a regional repository of maritime data.
  • Asia-Pacific Broadcast Union(ABU)

    Source: Click here

    News: Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Sekhar Vempati has been elected as Vice President of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union(ABU).

    Facts:

    • ABU: It was established in 1964 as a non-profit, non-governmental, non- political, professional association with a mandate to assist the development of broadcasting in the region.
    • Objective: To promote the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters as well as key industry players and facilitate regional and international media co-operation.
    • Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • India and UK launches Virtual Vaccines Hub

    Source: Click here

    News: India and the UK Government has launched a Virtual Vaccines Hub. 

    Facts: 

    • Objective: To distribute vaccines for Covid-19 and other deadly viruses by sharing knowledge on clinical trials and regulatory approvals and get vaccines to people who need them most in a safe, secure and energy-efficient way. 

    Previous such collaboration with the UK: 

    • This Serum Institute and Oxford University partnership demonstrates the UK-India relationship at its best: a vaccine developed in the UK and made in India 
    • According to the British High Commission, India supplies over 50 per cent of the world’s vaccines and 25 per cent of the Britain’s National Health Service’s (NHS) generic drugs. 

    Need for Collaboration: 

    • The new hub will enable both country experts to share knowledge on clinical trials and regulatory approvals. 
    • A global pandemic requires a global solution. Scientific cooperation has made breakthroughs on corona virus vaccines at record-breaking pace 
    • The UK-India Vaccine Hub will now build on innovations, to bring COVID crisis and also to an end and protect against future pandemics 
    • A closer UK-India cooperation on medicines and vaccines approvals will ensure speedy access for the UK to Indian-produced pharmaceuticals and help safeguard future supplies to the National Health Services of Britain. 
    • A closer UK-India relationship is a part of a wider UK Programme to focus on partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Global COVAX initiative: 

    Millions of doses made will be distributed to the world’s poorest people through the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. 

  • New technology coalitions

    Context: India must actively participate in new technology coalitions to secure its geopolitical interests.

    Why India needs Tech-coalition?

    • Reducing economic and digital dependence on China.
    • China’s use of newly acquired technological muscle in support of its expansionist aims.
    • To promote and regulate advanced technologies.
    • India is also now a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement that regulates the flow of dual-use technologies and the Missile Technology Control Regime.
    • The size of India’s market as well as technological capabilities make India an attractive partner in the effort to build “technology coalitions of the capable and willing”.
    • Developing trusted global supply chains that are not vulnerable to Beijing’s weaponisation of economic interdependence.

    How issue-based coalitions are growing?

    • Biden promised to convene a “Democracy Summit” with multiple objectives, including the promotion of human rights and protection of democracies from new digital technologies.
    • Britain has been discussing the merits of a “Democracy Ten” that brings India, South Korea and Australia with the G-7 to build telecom products to reduce the current global reliance on China.
    • European Union has offered to rebuild the transatlantic alliance with a special focus on technological cooperation.
    • France and Canada launched the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence to promote responsible development and use of AI. India was among the 15 founding members.
    • “Digital Nations” that was founded in 2014 by Britain, Estonia, Israel, South Korea and New Zealand to mobilise digital technologies to enhance the quality of life for their citizens.
    • “Artemis Accords” which outline a set of principles for the cooperative and transparent exploration of outer space. The founding members of the Artemis Accords are Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the US.

    What are the future prospects for India-USA coalition?

    • New presidency in USA: Restoring multilateralism is among Biden’s top priorities.
    • USA’s technological objectives: for example, the US negotiated arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, during the Cold War. Also,USA worked in multilateral forums to produce the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and exclusive groupings like the Nuclear Suppliers Group to regulate the flows of civil nuclear technology.
    • India’s growing significance: USA devoted much energy to the consolidation of the Quad and idea of a “Quad Plus” to discuss the coordination of national responses to the pandemic.
    • Against China’s assertion: USA mobilised allies and partners to shun China’s telecom companies in the rollout of 5G or “fifth-generation” wireless technology and promoted the idea of a coalition of “clean networks”.
    • Intelligence sharing: USA expanded the ambit of Five Eyes (US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) by initiating consultation with Japan and India on addressing the tension between encryption, privacy and law enforcement.

    What is way forward?

    • Appreciate the value of issue-based coalitions in producing more productive outcomes in the technological arena.
    • Coalitions will complement India’s traditional focus on multilateralism. For example, International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
    • Like-minded countries can come together to cope with emerging global challenges, including the governance of emerging technologies that are reshaping relations within and among societies.
  • ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus(ADMM-Plus)

    Source: Click here

    News: India’s defence minister attended the 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus organized online at Hanoi,Vietnam.

    Facts:

    • ADMM-Plus: It is a platform for ASEAN countries and its eight Dialogue Partners.It was held for the first time in Hanoi,Vietnam in 2010.
    • Eight Dialogue Partners: Australia,New Zealand, India, China, Russia, the US, Japan and South Korea.
    • Aim: To promote mutual trust and confidence between defence establishments of ASEAN and its eight partner countries through greater dialogue and transparency.
    • Areas of Cooperation: Maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations military medicine and humanitarian mine action.

    Additional Facts:

    • ASEAN: It is a regional grouping which was established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
      • Members: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos.
      • Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • SAARC Celebrates 36th Charter Day

    Source: Click here

    News: The 36th SAARC Charter Day is being observed on 8th December.This day marks the signing of the SAARC Charter in 1985 by the leaders of SAARC Countries at the First SAARC Summit held in Dhaka (Bangladesh).

    Facts:

    • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC): It is a regional intergovernmental organization of states in South Asia. It was established in 1985.
    • Aim: To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life, and to accelerate economic growth, among other things.
    • Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
    • Secretariat: Kathmandu, Nepal.

    Challenges Faced by SAARC:

    • As per the World Bank report, with intra-regional trade at less than 5% of total trade, South Asia is the least integrated region in the world.
    • The South Asia Free Trade Agreement(SAFTA) that came into force in 2006 is yet to be implemented in spirit.
    • Pakistan’s non-cooperation has stalled some major initiatives under SAARC such as Motor Vehicle agreement among others.
  • UN removes cannabis from ‘most dangerous drug’ category

    Source: Click Here

    News: United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs(CND) has voted to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

    Facts:

    • Earlier Status: Cannabis was a part of both Schedule I and IV of the UN’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs — and while drugs in Schedule I can be used for medicinal purposes with state consent, drugs in Schedule IV are strictly controlled and their usage is a criminal offence.
    • Present Status: Now, both cannabis and cannabis resin will only remain on Schedule I which includes the least dangerous category of substances.
    • Status in India: Currently in India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, illegalises any mixture with or without any neutral material of any of the two forms of cannabis – charas and ganja — or any drink prepared from it.
    • Significance: This decision has opened the door to recognising the medicinal and therapeutic potential of cannabis.

    Additional Facts:

    • Cannabis: It is a generic term used to denote the several psychoactive preparations of the plant Cannabis sativa.According to WHO, cannabis is by far the most widely cultivated, trafficked and abused illicit drug in the world.
    • Commission on Narcotic Drugs: It is the UN agency mandated to decide on the scope of control of substances by placing them in the schedules of global drug control conventions.It was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Vienna,Austria.
    • Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961: It is an international treaty to prohibit production and supply of specific (nominally narcotic) drugs and of drugs with similar effects except under licence for specific purposes, such as medical treatment and research.India is a party to the convention.

    For further read Click here

  • India’s stand against ‘UN’s selectivity on religions’

    Context: India criticised UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) for “selectivity” in seeking to protect Abrahamic religions — Islam, Christianity and Judaism over others.

    What is UNAOC?

    • UNAOC is an organisation which was set up in 2005
    • Objective: to prevent polarisation between societies and cultures and to bridge differences between them.

    How UNAOC criticised India?

    • The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, for example, has been criticised for offering fast-track citizenship to only a select group of religions, leaving out Muslims.
    • India cannot call for a culture of peace that stitches together an alliance of faiths, while Indian States bring laws that seek to make difficult inter-faith marriages.

    What are the key highlights of statements issued by India while criticising the world body?

    • India pointed out that previous resolutions of the UNAOC dating back to 2006 had repeatedly decried the hatred against those religions “Islamophobia, Christianophobia and anti-Semitism”
    • However, the body didn’t condemn attacks on other religious groups including Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, who have suffered terror strikes and seen their shrines destroyed in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
    • The UNGA statement welcomed the Kartarpur Gurdwara corridor agreement between India and Pakistan.
    • The world body failed to note that Pakistan’s government has taken over the management of the Sikh shrine, which it called a contravention of the agreement and a violation of Sikh beliefs.
    • India’s delegate also accused Pakistan of a “culture of hatred” against “religions in India” and fostering cross-border terrorism.
    • UNAOC only serves to further the theory of an inevitable “clash of civilisations”.

    What are India’s concerns?

    • UNAOC portrays only three religions as victims of religious hatred.
    • It is important that they are broadened to include every community that faces religion-based violence.
    • It is also important that the government thwarts Pakistan’s particularly insidious attempts to create a controversy against India at this time, by pushing these resolutions as India steps to take its two-year seat at the UN Security Council.
    • India has been concerned by an increase in intrusive language from the UN bodies concerned as well, given that UNAOC issued a statement of “grave concern” over the Delhi riots this year that it said resulted in casualties of “mostly Muslims”.
    • India is keen to push back on the UNAOC and other UN arms, like the UN Human Rights Council, that have criticised the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

    India needs to maintains its own secular credentials enshrined in the Constitution and its pluralistic ethos.

  • Origin of COVID-19

    Context: WHO must work alongside China in quickly uncovering the origins of the virus.

    Uncovering the origin of corona virus is shrouded in mystery due to various factors. Discuss.

    • Origin of the virus: In the case of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), its source is still unknown even 11 months after WHO reported the first case.
    • Knowing the natural reservoirs, intermediate hosts and the events that allowed the virus to jump across the species barrier are important in prevention.
    • Soon after the virus spread around the world, there was heightened demand to identify its origin in China’s Wuhan where the first case cluster was reported.
    • Efforts to find the origin: It was only in early August that WHO completed the mission to lay the groundwork for joint efforts to identify the origin.
    • It was only in late October that China began early studies for the two-phase investigation.
    • Politicizing the issue: If China failed to alert WHO immediately after a Wuhan cluster was reported, its reluctance to quickly and earnestly investigate the source can partly be explained by U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to politicise the issue.
    • Economic cost: The reluctance has only increased after mounting international anger over its reporting the outbreak and the huge economic cost of the pandemic globally.
    • Susceptibility: One way to find this out is to know the susceptibility of different animal species.
      • There is strong evidence that the virus originated in bats and probably spread to humans through an intermediate species.
      • Already, many animals including cats have been found susceptible to the virus in the lab and outside.
      • With the virus spread so wide, zeroing in on the intermediate host becomes more difficult as the possibility of humans having spread the virus to animals cannot be ruled out.

    Way forward

    • A multi-pronged approach with an emphasis on investigating China’s wildlife farms becomes crucial. This highlights the importance of working alongside China to uncover the virus’s origin.
  • 15th East Asia Summit

    News: India’s External Affairs Minister has represented India at the 15th East Asia Summit(EAS).

    Facts:

    • The summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of Vietnam.
    • During the summit, countries adopted the Ha Noi Declaration and discussed ways to strengthen the EAS platform and make it more responsive to emerging challenges.

    Additional Facts:

    east asia summit

    • East Asia Summit: It was established in 2005.It is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region dealing with issues relating to security and defence.
    • Members: It comprises the ten member states of the ASEAN countries along with 8 members Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.India is a founding member of the East Asia Summit.
    • Priority Areas: There are six priority areas of regional cooperation within the framework of the EAS which are a) Environment and Energy b) Education c) Finance d) Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases e) Natural Disaster Management and f) ASEAN Connectivity.
    • Significance: The members of the EAS together represent 54% of the world population and account for 58% of the global GDP.

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  • 206th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    News: The 206th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU) will be held from 1st to 4th November 2020.

    Facts:

    1. Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU): It was established in 1889 as a global organization of national parliaments.
    2. Aim: To promote parliamentary dialogue worldwide and works for peace and cooperation among the people.
    3. Members: It consists of 179 Member Parliaments and 13 Associate Members.
    4. Significance: IPU has permanent observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.
    5. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

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  • Post Quad era for India

    Context: Future possible rearrangement of the global structures will have major consequences for India’s economic prosperity and technological future.

    What are the likely changes?

    • Expansion of the Five Eyes forum with inclusion of India: Recently India was invited to join the Five Eyes meeting earlier this month in Tokyo on communications security.
    • The growth of “Quad Plus”: Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, South Korea, and Vietnam can be added along with the existing Quad members.
    • Emergence of league of democracies: To address a wide range of issues, including the defence of shared values, commerce, corruption, taxation, climate change and digital governance.
    • Emergence of the ideas of the “free world: New international coalitions will be formed to address the emerging challenges from China.
    • Expansion of G-7: It will have new nations like Australia, India, Russia and South Korea.
    • Coalition of 10 democracies, including India: it will contribute to the construction of secure 5G networks and reduce the current dependence on China.
    • Demand to reform the global trading system: it has been distorted by Chinese success in subverting it.
    • Reforming the global trade rules: Moving away from the free trade and more focus on self-reliance. For example, American industrial policy and “Buy American” strategy and India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
    • Development of Clean Network: Clean Network is a broader effort among like-minded countries to build secure technology ecosystems.it eliminates untrustworthy vendors from telecom systems, digital apps, trans-oceanic cables and cloud infrastructure.

    What are the opportunities for India?

    • India will engage more closely with Japan and Australia: it will help in developing resilient supply chains to reduce the reliance on China.
    • Opportunities for responsible development of AI: France and Canada have invited India to join the Global Partnership on artificial intelligence a collaboration of 15 countries.

    The post-Quad era opens a new phase in which India, for the first time, can help shape global institutions.

  • IBSA

    News: External Affairs Minister of India has chaired the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Foreign Ministers meet.

    Facts:

    • The countries called for accelerated and comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
    • They also agreed to extend their support to the African Union in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
    • Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration: It was adopted by the African Union in 2003 to call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC.

    About IBSA

    It is a unique Forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa. The grouping was formalized and named the IBSA Dialogue Forum when the Foreign Ministers of the three countries met in Brasilia in 2003 and issued the Brasilia Declaration.

    Cooperation in IBSA is on three fronts:

    • Forum for consultation and coordination on global and regional political issues.
    • Trilateral collaboration on concrete areas/projects, through fourteen working groups and six People-to-People Forums for the common benefit of three countries and
    • Assisting other developing countries by taking up projects in the latter through IBSA Fund.

    IBSA Fund: It was established in 2004 and became operational in 2006 to support projects on a demand driven basis through partnerships with local governments, national institutions and implementing partners.

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  • WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR)

    News: The 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region was held under the Chairmanship of Minister of Health, Thailand.

    Facts:

    • WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR): It was established at the First World Health Assembly in 1948.
    • Objective: To address persisting and emerging epidemiological and demographic challenges in the South East Asia Region.
    • Member States: It has 11 Member States – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.
    • Regional Office: New Delhi.
    • Programmes: The Region has eight flagship priorities.
      • Measles and rubella elimination
      • preventing non-communicable diseases
      • reducing maternal, under-five and neonatal mortality
      • universal health coverage with a focus on human resources for health and essential medicines
      • combating antimicrobial resistance
      • scaling up capacities for emergency risk management

    eliminating neglected tropical diseases and accelerating efforts to end TB.

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  • BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
    • Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC): It is a regional organization founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
    • Aim: To create an enabling environment for economic development; accelerate social progress and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region.
    • Members: It comprises seven Member States: five deriving from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.
    • Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    • First Summit: The First Summit Meeting of the Heads of the BIMSTEC Countries was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2004.
    • The Fourth Summit was held in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018.
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)

    News: After 35 years, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization(ILO).

    International Labour Organization(ILO):

    • Established in: 1919
    • Aim: To promote social and economic justice through setting up of international labour standards.
    • Members: 187 member states
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
    • Significance: It is the first affiliated specialized agency of the United Nations and the only tripartite U.N. agency that brings together governments, employers and workers to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
    • Recognition: It received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for improving peace among classes, pursuing justice for workers and for technical assistance to other developing nations.
    • Reports: a) World Employment and Social Outlook b) Global Wage Report and c) World Social Protection Report.
    • ILO Conventions ratified by India:
      • The six conventions of ILO which have been ratified by India are a) Forced Labour Convention b) Abolition of Forced Labour Convention c) Equal Remuneration Convention d) Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention e) Minimum Age Convention and f) Worst forms of Child Labour Convention.
      • The other two conventions namely a) Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organised Convention b) Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention has not been ratified by India.

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  • G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group

    News: Union Minister has addressed the 1st ever Ministerial Meeting of G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group.

    Facts:

    • G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group: It was set up in June 2010 at the Toronto Summit of G-20.
      • Objective: To prepare comprehensive recommendations for consideration by leaders on how the G20 could continue to make practical and valuable contributions to international efforts to combat corruption.
    • G20: It is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
      • Origin: It was initially founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis.However after the 2008 Financial Crisis, the meeting has been held annually since 2010.
      • Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA and the EU.
      • G20 Summit,2020: Saudi Arabia is the first Arab nation to hold the G20 presidency in 2020.Theme: “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”.

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  • India’s UN journey and its role

    What are the different phases of India’s journey in UN?

    1. Phase 1- Before the end of the Cold War in 1989-
    • The Indian leadership learned that the UN could not be relied upon to impartially resolve vital security disputes.
    • The UN only to focus on common causes such as anti-colonialism, anti-racism, nuclear disarmament, environment conservation and equitable economic development.
    • In 1988- India claims the moral high ground by proposing, three-phase plan to eliminate nuclear weapons from the surface of earth.
    1. Phase 2- The demanding decade from 1990-2000-
    • There was a change in India’s foreign policy which was reflected in voting patterns at the UN.

    For example– India showed pragmatism in enabling the toughest terms on Iraq even after eviction from occupied Kuwait, or in reversing the hitherto stated position on Zionism as racism

    • India’s diplomatic difficulties were exposed when it suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of Japan in the 1996 contest for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC.
    • India stood against indefinite extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1995, and rejected the backdoor introduction for adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 1996.
    1. Phase 3- Wind of changes – 21st century.
    • India strengthened its profile- The economic liberalization and globalization policies, helped India to strengthening its profile.
    1. The reliable and substantial troop contributions to several peacekeeping operations in African conflict theatres.
    2. India has emerged as a responsible stakeholder in non-traditional security issue areas such as the spread of small and light weapons, the threat of non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction, and the impact of climate change.

    What will be the role of India as a non-permanent UNSC member?

    India’s areas of priority will continue to be-

    • The upholding of Charter principles in the backdrop of a turbulent world..
    • Mounting effective punitive measures against those who support, finance and sponsor terrorists.
    • Striving for securing due say to the troop contributing countries in the management of peace operations.

    Challenge for India-

    1. In the midst of multilateralism and, and China’s aggressive territorial forays India may face challenges and opportunities in the UNSC.
    2. Voting scenario– China might succeeding in convening a formal meeting on Kashmir, India may have to choose either to abstain in the vote since it is a party to the dispute or vote against any unfavorable proposal that might be tabled.
    • The growing proximity with the US may prompt India not to stay neutral in order to counter balance China.

    Way forward-

    • India’s future role will probably depend on its ability to weather the impact of the multiple crises it now faces on account of an unabated economic slowdown and a troubled relationship with China.
      Read also:-

    India’s UN journey and its role

  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
    • The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris.
    • Its Secretariat is located at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris.
    • The objectives of the FATF are to (a) set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures (b) for combating money laundering (c)terrorist financing and (d) other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
    • Currently, the FATF comprises 37 member jurisdiction and 2 regional organisations representing most major financial centres in all parts of the globe.
    • The FATF is, therefore, a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas.

    Listing by FATF:

    • Grey List: Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist.
    • Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly adding or deleting entries
  • UN Reforms

    Source- Live Mint

    Context- UN  reforms are urgently required. India’s absence from UN decision-making structures and lack of genuine reforms might force India to look for alternatives.

    What are the current issues of the UN?

    1. Ineffectiveness of UN-The UN has been unable to respond effectively to the once-in-a-century global crisis triggered by the coronavirus.
    • A global health pandemic should have been the high point of the multilateral search for a collective solution. Instead, it has turned out to be its nadir.
    1. Challenge to multilateralism– The rift between the permanent members of the Security Council has already started affecting the work of the UN Security Council.
    • China has stepped in to take advantage of the West’s retreat from multilateralism.
    • The U.S. withdrawing from multilateralism.
    • Brexit has shown that nationalism remains strong in Europe.

    What steps should India take in future with regard to UN?

    1. Reforming UNSC – Equitable representation as well as expansion of the UNSC is the desired reform that India envisages.
    • It is not readily evident if the global multilateral order will be able to reform itself and cope with rising geopolitical tensions and new security challenges.
    1. Looking for Alternatives– If the extant multilateral order will not work to secure Indian interests, then India will have to look for alternatives.
    • Today, the Indo-Pacific is driving the global economic and political agenda. Global institutional frameworks should reflect this shift.
    • Reforming UN multilateralism is wishful thinking and countries like India should embrace plurilateral setups, where like-minded nations come together on common interests.

    Way forward-

    • India called for a new template of multilateralism that reflects today’s reality, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges, and focuses on human welfare.
    • For India, the status quo is no longer a viable option. If UN reforms fail, New Delhi’s approach to the United Nations could significantly alter in the coming years as India would feel it necessary to look elsewhere for solutions.

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  • About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) 

    Quad is an informal strategic forum among the like-minded democracies across the Indian and the Pacific Ocean aimed to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. It comprises of the USA, India, Japan and Australia.

    It is rooted in the formation of “core group”, in response to Tsunami in 2004.

    The idea was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.

    The Quadrilateral coalition was refurbished as ‘QUAD 2.0’ in 2017 on the lines of ASEAN Summit. Quad meetings are taking place on a biannual basis since then but the inclusion of Australia into ‘Malabar’ naval exercise is still being discussed.

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  • 7 PM Editorial | Quad and India: challenges and opportunities | 15th October 2020

    Topic –Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting the Indian interests

    Quad and India

    In the wake of recent aggression by China in Ladakh and Taiwan, foreign ministers of the US, India, Japan and Australia Quadrilateral Security Dialogue was held in Tokyo. Countries reaffirmed their “collective vision” of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in this meeting.

    About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)   

    Quad is an informal strategic forum among the like-minded democracies across the Indian and the Pacific Ocean aimed to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. It comprises of the USA, India, Japan and Australia.

    It is rooted in the formation of “core group”, in response to Tsunami in 2004.

    The idea was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.

    The Quadrilateral coalition was refurbished as ‘QUAD 2.0’ in 2017 on the lines of ASEAN Summit. Quad meetings are taking place on a biannual basis since then but the inclusion of Australia into ‘Malabar’ naval exercise is still being discussed.

    Challenges for India

    Non-alignment: India is abandoning its “sacred” tradition of non-alignment in favour of a military alliance with the US in order to counter the China threat.

    Trustworthiness of US: At present, political discourse in Washington is hostile to alliance-making. Thus, any military alliance offered by US may not translate into reality. There have been previous examples as well for that, like

    • US never (was close a few times) involved militarily with Pakistan after 1954 bilateral security agreement in its conflicts with India.
    • US military alliances with Japan and the Philippines has not provided any challenge to Chinese aggression in the region.

    No clarity on objectives: India wants advancing the security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region as stated in Quad ministerial meeting by External Affairs Minister whereas US secretary of the state Mike Pompeo is pitching for mutating the Indo-Pacific Quad into a more formal security grouping modelled on NATO.

    Individual visions of the Indo-Pacific: The Indo-pacific system, as muted by Quad is not clear. British empire never managed to combine the Indo and the Pacific into a unitary system It would be difficult to align the combined vision of the grouping with that of their individual visions regarding Indo-Pacific.

    Internal economic changes: If India wants to engage the Quad partners on reforming the China-centred economic globalisation, it also requires to engineer many changes on trade-related aspects, which might prove to be difficult, given India’s drive for self-reliance.

    Significance of Quad for India

    Defence-related spending: China’s spending on defence ($261 b) is more than the collective spending of India ($71.1 b), Japan ($ 47.6 b), Australia ($25.9 b). In this time of COVID pandemic and fund crunch associated with lockdowns, Entry of US will provide heavyweight to the alliance.

    Challenges on the continental sphere: China is neither keen on ending the ongoing border stalemate nor reinstating the status quo with India as of March 2020. The situation has been aggravated by geopolitical collusion between Islamabad and Beijing to contain and pressure India, creating a ‘nutcracker situation’ for India.

    Keeping in mind the relations of India with Taliban, US withdrawal from Afghanistan will hurt India’s interest in the region and deteriorating Iran-India relations will further dampen India’s ‘Mission Central Asia’.

    Looking at the challenges on the continental sphere, India must start giving importance to the maritime sphere which is far more important to China compared to opportunistic land grab attempts in the Himalayas. Joining Quad will strengthen India’s position in the maritime sphere Vis-à-vis China.

    Sustainable Development in the Indian Ocean Region: India, as a mistress of the Indian Ocean, holds the responsibility to act as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. India along with likeminded countries needs to counter China’s String of Pearls strategy and ‘debt-trap’ diplomacy.

    Act East policy: Joining Quad group will strengthen and supplement India’s Act East policy.

    Issue-based alliance or minilateralism: As per the statement of foreign secretory of India last year, India has moved beyond non-alignment towards an issue-based alliance with no formal agreements. Therefore, joining Quad will be in line with the present foreign policies of the government.

    Way forward

    • In the wake of recent aggression, India would require to be more aggressive diplomatically, therefore rather than involving in the Russia-India-China trilateral, India should look for reliable partnerships to deal with China. The Quad is not a panacea, but it’s shaping up as the backbone of India’s post-Covid foreign policy.
    • Quad should avoid becoming an Asian-NATO as being projected in the discussions. Such an alliance has the potential to start an arms race in the region. It should be more inclusive, taking into consideration the interest and concerns of littoral and ASEAN countries.
    • India should not compromise on its strategic autonomy unlike Australia and Japan, which are bound by alliance treaties to the U.S.
  • World Food Programme (WFP)

    WFP was created in 1961 as an experiment to provide food aid through the UN system and in 1965, it was enshrined as a fully-fledged UN programme. It launched its 1st development program in Sudan.

    Headquarters: Rome, Italy

    Since then, WFP has been forefront at the conflict-ridden countries like for humanitarian assistance to the hungry and needy people. Globally, WFP functions in more than 83 countries including India, reaching 86.7 million people.

    Aim: To eradicate hunger and malnutrition with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for food aid itself.

    It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee.

    Funding: Its operations are funded entirely by voluntary donations from world governments, corporations and private donors. It raised US$8 billion in 2019

    WFP is governed by a 36-member Executive Board and partners with more than 1,000 national and international NGOs to provide food assistance and tackle the underlying causes of hunger.

Protected areas in India

  • Flaws in Haryana Government’s order demanding demolition of Khori Gaon Jhuggis
    Synopsis:

    The Haryana government’s order demanding the demolition of Khori Gaon Jhuggis is surrounded by multiple flaws. It would result in brutal violations of human rights. Therefore, the government should provide alternative land and reasonable facilities to those facing eviction.

    Background:
    • The Haryana government has ordered to break 10,000 jhuggis in Khori Gaon without providing any rehabilitation plan.
      • Khori Gaon is located on the Delhi-Haryana border and comes under the Faridabad Municipal Corporation (FMC) jurisdiction.
    • The demolition is imperative as the jhuggis are located in a forest area and the residents don’t have any ownership over them. However, the order is surrounded by multiple flaws.
    Issues associated with the Order:
    • First, it will put unprecedented stress on the residents, who are already facing immense uncertainties during the pandemic. Eviction may endanger the health, economic well-being, and lives of thousands.
      • Recently, a construction labourer (named Ganeshilal) committed suicide on hearing the demolition news.
    • Second, the order doesn’t extend to big high-rise buildings located in the same forest area. This includes The Taj Vivanta Hotel, the Sarovar Portico Hotel, the Pinnacle Business Tower, and the Radha Soami Satsang Centre.
    • Third, it undermines the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution as no prudent plan for rehabilitation is given.
      • In the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation case, the Supreme Court held that it would be the duty of the state to provide the right to shelter for the poor and needy.
      • In the Shantistar Builders case, the Supreme Court held that the right to life includes the right to have reasonable accommodation.
    • Fourth, it violates India’s international obligation. The country has ratified the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights which guarantees a right to housing for all irrespective of income.

    Apart from this, there exist other issues that make the situation worse for the poor dwellers.

    Other Concerning issues:
    • First, the cut-off date for rehabilitation hasn’t been updated by Haryana Urban Development Authority since 2010. The cut-off date was fixed as 2003 but since then massive migration has taken place in the state, but the date hasn’t been updated.
      • Gujarat has a cut-off date of 2010 while Rajasthan and Bihar use 2009, and Karnataka requires just a one-year stay.
    • Second, several of those residents who settled before the cut-off date don’t possess the requisite documents. Thus, 90% of the 10,000 houses of the settlement of Khori Gaon will be denied rehabilitation.
    • Third, the multiple housing schemes of the government including the current PM Awas Yojana have not been implemented properly.

    Read Also :-Higher Education in India: An Analysis 

    Way Forward:
    • The Haryana government should do rehabilitation of the jhuggi-dwellers prior to their removal. This would involve 
      • conducting a detailed survey prior to the eviction, 
      • drawing up a rehabilitation plan and 
      • ensuring that upon eviction the dwellers are immediately rehabilitated
    • The Haryana government should update its rehabilitation policy by learning from other states’ progressive housing policies.
      • For instance, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board Act provides for a survey, removal and resettlement plan.
      • Under this, removal is done only when land is required for a public purpose; else the jhuggis are upgraded and improved in-situ.
      • An alternate house is provided if the family is staying in the jhuggi since 2015.

    Source: Click Here

  • SC refuses to stay demolition of settlements in “Aravalli range” in Haryana
    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court of India has refused to stop the demolition of over 10,000 settlements encroaching on forests in the Aravalli range in Haryana’s Faridabad district.

    What was the case about?
    • Public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the demolition of the settlements.
    • The petitioners had also asked the court for more time to produce documents to claim rehabilitation.
    What did the Supreme Court say?
    • The Supreme Court has refused to stop the demolition. It said that the residents had enough time to prove their claims in accordance with a notification issued by Haryana in 2020.
    • The court also said the onus was on the State to rehabilitate the residents in compliance with a 2003 scheme. Hence, demolition should continue.
    About Aravalli Range:

    Read Also :-Are courts encroaching on the powers of the executive?

    • Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India and one of the oldest mountain systems in the world.
    • The Aravalli range is spread across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
    • History:
      • The natural history of the Aravalli Range dates back to times when the Indian Plate was separated from the Eurasian Plate by an ocean.
      • Mining of copper and other metals in the Aravalli range dates back to at least the 5th century BCE, based on carbon dating.
    • Rivers: The three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli. Namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.
    • Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar Peak on Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range (1,722 m).

    Source: The Hindu

  • Maharashtra’s “Chandrapur” district is a hotbed for human-animal conflict
    What is the News?

    Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district has seen 22 deaths from tiger attacks in 2021. However, the Central Chanda divisional forest area has kept the numbers down to two only.

    Tigers in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra:
    • Chandrapur accounts for as many as 200 of Maharashtra’s 311 tigers. Under this, the Central Chanda area is estimated to hold 25 adult tigers. Hence, this district is a hotbed for man-animal conflict.

    How did the Central Chanda area reduce deaths from the Tiger attack? The forest officials from Central Chanda has taken a series of measures. This includes,

    • Raising awareness among locals and avoiding accidental run-ins with the tiger
    • Changing timings of entry of villagers into the forest area
    • Ensuring villagers went in groups and not alone
    • Entry Registers were set up at the entrance of the forest area to act as a deterrent for those trying to sneak into the forest.
    • An anti-snare campaign was organized to educate villagers against setting up traps to catch small herbivores which end up attracting tigers
    • To motivate the forest staffers, certificates for good work were provided to them.
    Tiger Reserves and Sanctuaries in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra:

    Tadoba Tiger Reserve:

    • Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in Chandrapur district in Maharashtra.
    • The reserve includes the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Vegetation: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak Forests.
    • Significance: It is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park.It was established as the second Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra in 1994-95.
    Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary:
    • Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve established in 2018 in the Chandrapur district in Maharashtra.
    • The sanctuary is considered a key region on the connecting corridor for the tiger migration between the Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Lake: Ghodazari lake is an important destination for native and migratory birds due to its undisturbed water body and abundance of food.
    • Fauna: Tigers are the main attraction and reason behind the creation of the sanctuary. Other wildlife mammals and reptiles are also found in the sanctuary.
    • Flora: The Sanctuary consists mainly of deciduous forest. It has an extensive distribution of teak, ain, Bamboo and other trees.

    Source: Indian Express

    Read Also :-WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972 

  • Issues with NTCA Circular on Shutting Down Tourism in Tiger Reserves

    Synopsis: The recent NTCA Circular on tiger reserves shut down the tourism activities in tiger reserves. But the circular needs course correction.

    Introduction:

    India’s Project Tiger program is a globally successful initiative to conserve tigers. At present, India has 51 tiger reserves now boasts of at least 3,000 tigers.

    The entire country is gearing up to relax the lockdown norms. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) closed the tourism activities in tiger reserves till further announcement. This deserves a wider public discussion.

    The reason behind the NTCA Circular on tiger reserves:
    • A lion at Chennai’s Vandalur Zoo has died of suspected coronavirus infection. Similarly, a tiger died at Jharkhand’s Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park after suffering from fever. This raised the suspicion regarding  Covid-19 disease transmission from human beings to captive wild animals.
    • This is why the NTCA issued a circular to chief wildlife wardens of all the tiger range states.
    Issues with the NTCA Circular on tiger reserves:
    1. Encroachment into the power of States: Forests and wildlife reserves fall under the concurrent list. The state chief wildlife wardens are the ultimate deciding authority for most issues concerning state forests. Thus, the recent NTCA Circular violates decentralized decision-making. For example, the Madhya Pradesh government has challenged the decision of NTCA.
    2. Against Vaccination Policy of locals: Tiger reserves were closed for almost two months during the second wave. Government and civil society organizations used this lockdown time to propagate the uses of vaccines, educate the nearby community towards testing, treating the Covid-19 diseases. All this done with one incentive, that is, faster reopening of forest reserves to the public to boost their economic activity. If this is reversed by the recent NTCA Circular, then the vaccination policies might delay in and around the tiger reserves.
    3. Research on the vulnerability of animals to Covid-19: The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to zoo animals and domestic pets has been documented earlier. But these studies mention that the fatality rate in the animal is a rare case.
      • Further, these studies also point out that, direct contact with infected humans is the primary cause for infection in wild animals. That is not feasible in the majority of the wildlife reserves in the world. As Jeeps and people are required to keep a distance from park animals. Not only that, In India the masks are mandatory for visiting the tiger reserves. So, the NTCA circular failed to look into the scientific aspects of disease transmission.
    4. Loss of revenue and biodiversity: The wildlife tourism economy brings in substantial revenue to the state governments. When the governments are opening up their economy, the revenues from wildlife tourism is very essential for their economic recovery.
      • The role of tribal people to live close to or inside the protected areas is very important. As they collect minor forest produce and help to conserve the forests.
      • The cost-benefit analysis shows the entire biodiversity also faces losses during the lockdown. This is due to reasons such as uncontrolled fires, poaching, etc.
    5. The arbitrary reason to exclude other protected areas: The NTCA circular only protects the 51 tiger reserves in India. In India, there is an enormous presence of wildlife outside the tiger reserves.
    Read more: “Srivilliputhur-Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is the 51st tiger reserve in India”
    Suggestions to improve the recent NTCA Circular on tiger reserves:
    1. Training the local forest officials: Instead of a blanket ban, the government can train the local officials to decide whether to allow safaris for people based on local conditions.
    2. Utilizing the opportunity: Forest departments should prepare the protected areas against future pandemics by implementing steps such as
      • Setting up Non-invasive, bio-safe protocols for Covid-19 vulnerable species under wildlife surveillance.
      • Creating Early warning systems for preventing the Covid-19 spread if any wild animal died from Covid-19.
    3. Encouraging the role of environmental research organizations in conserving species during the pandemic.
    4. Launching scientific research and prevention measures: State government should launch these measures to decide whether to open the protected area or not.

    Read Also :-Stressed assets circular to be revised soon

    The NTCA circular on tiger reserves is a centralized, non-scientific-based decision. This decision has to be replaced with decentralized, science-based decision-making to protect the bio-diversity of India. 

    Source: The Indian Express 

  • “Srivilliputhur-Mudumalai Tiger Reserve” and “Vaigai River”
    What is the news?

    The declaration of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu can rejuvenate Vaigai, India’s heritage river.

    Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu
    Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve will be the 5th tiger reserve of Tamil Nadu. The other four are:

    • Mudumalai (MTR)
    • Anamalai (ATR)
    • Sathyamangalam (STR)
    • Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR)
    About Vaigai River:
    • Vaigai is a river in Tamil Nadu. The river is also referred to as Shiva Ganga in many places.
    • It is also called Kritamaala, for it runs around the city of Madurai like a garland
    • It travels through the Pandiya Nadu region of Tamil Nadu.
    • Historic significance: The Vaigai was the river that flowed through the city of Madurai, the capital of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom located in southern Tamil Nadu.
      • The river also finds a mention in Sangam literature dated to 300 before the Common Era (BCE).
      • The story of Vaigai is told in Thiruvilayadal Puranam
    • Origin: The river originates in the Varusanadu Hills, the Periyar Plateau of the Western Ghats range.
    • Empties into: The river finally empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.
    • Tributaries: Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaaga Nadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.
      • The Vattaparai Falls are also located on this river.
    • Significance: The river fulfils the drinking water requirement of five districts of Tamil Nadu namely Theni, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Dindigul.
    How did things deteriorate for the Vaigai River?
    • The deterioration of the Vaigai River happened at the end of the 18th century when the British started deforesting the Megamalai region which acts as a major catchment for Vaigai.
      • Consequently, the water flow in the river reduced gradually. As a result, a famine occurred and around 2 lakh people died in this region in 1876-77.
    • Following the famine, the British Crown proposed diverting water from the Periyar and feeding it to the Vaigai through Periyar Dam. After the dam completion, the water from Periyar was successfully brought to the Vaigai and was revived again.
    • Presently, due to the indiscriminate removal of sand from the river, whatever water flows into the Vaigai gets drained within a few days.
    • Moreover, Megamalai as a Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) also failed to withstand undue pressure. The sanctuary is devastated by the encroachers and the money-minded private estate owners which resulted in the degradation of the existing forests.

    How will the declaration of Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve help?
    It is expected that the declaration of Srivilliputhur-Megamalai as a Tiger Reserve will help protect wild animals and the natural forests, their habitats which act as watersheds.

    • This will provide protection to Megamalai, the Vaigai River’s primary catchment, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river.

    Also read: Tiger reserves of India

    About Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve:
    • Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is the fifth Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu and the 51st tiger reserve of India.
    • It was jointly declared as a Tiger Reserve by the Centre and Tamil Nadu governments in February 2021
    • For this, the Megamalai WLS and the adjoining Srivilliputhur WLS were clubbed together.
    • Vegetation: It has a mix of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, grassland.
    • Fauna:
      • Meghamalai has a large population of ungulates (hoofed mammals), spotted deer, Indian gaurs, wild boars and other carnivores.
      • The adjoining Srivilliputhur hosts grizzled giant squirrels, flying squirrels, leopards, Nilgiri tars, jungle cats, Sambars, elephants, lion-tailed macaques and many species of birds.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • Declining “forest bird species” in Western Himalayan region


    What is the News?

    According to research published in Global Ecology and Conservation, there has been a decline in forest bird species in the Western Himalayas Region.

    Note: The State of Uttarakhand has extremely cold winters and pleasant summers. It is home to the Western Himalayan temperate forests. These forests harbour a large number of endemic bird species.

    About the Research:
    • The researchers studied an area of about 1,285 square kilometres between the altitudes of 1,700 and 2,400 metres in the Western Himalayas Region.
    • Land Types: They studied six land-use types within moist temperate forest which includes:
      • Natural (protected) oak forest,
      • Degraded (lightly used) oak forest,
      • Looped (heavily used) oak forest,
      • Pine forest
      • Agricultural cultivation area and
      • Sites with buildings.
    Key Findings:
    • Firstly, there was a moderate to drastic forest bird species loss in all modified land-use types in comparison to natural oak forest.
    • Secondly, a strong decline was noticed in some habitats guilds. It was especially in the areas of visible land-use change.
      • Habitats guilds are groups of bird species that have common habitat preferences.
    • Thirdly, the species that dropped out of the modified land areas were recognised as oak forest specialists. Such as Rufous-bellied woodpecker, greater yellow nape, rufous sibia, white-throated laughing thrush and black-faced warbler.
      • Forests Specialists include species that search for food and breed only in dense protected oak forests at this altitude.
      • On the other hand, Forest Generalists include species that can adapt to modified habitats such as orchards and degraded forests.
    • Lastly, the reasons for the loss of forest bird species in the region were found to be:
      • Tourism and other anthropogenic activities
      • Rapid Invasion by non-native species. For example, Pigeon and Black Kites are not found in these High Altitudes. But with increasing concrete urban ghettos, these birds have become common in this region.
    Study on Woodpeckers:
    • Firstly, the researchers also studied the woodpeckers in the Western Himalayas region. This is to understand how they can be used as indicators of bird diversity and also to understand habitat degradation:
    • Secondly, they found that the higher number of woodpeckers at a site, results in higher richness of all other birds.
      • Reason: The cavities that woodpeckers make on trees are used by a number of other birds to nest in. This may be the primary reason how woodpeckers enhance the diversity in a region.
    • Thirdly, the two species (Rufous-bellied woodpecker and greater yellow nape) have shown great potential as indicators of forest quality. They are most likely to be found in dense canopied forests with larger and taller trees on which they preferred to forage.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “Banni Grasslands” -NGT Upholds Rights of Maldharis
    What is the News?

    The National Green Tribunal(NGT) has ordered all encroachments to be removed from Gujarat’s Banni grasslands within six months. Further, NGT directed a joint committee to prepare an action plan in a month.

    The court also said the Maldharis will continue to hold the right to conserve the community forests in the Banni Grasslands area. These rights were granted to them as per the provisions in Section 3 of Forest Rights Act, 2006.

    About Banni Grasslands:
    • Firstly, Banni Grassland is situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. It is considered to be the largest Grassland in Asia.
    • Secondly, the grassland spreads over 2,618 kilometers and accounts for almost 45% of the pastures in Gujarat.
    • Thirdly, Formation: The word ‘Banni’ comes from the Hindi word ‘banai’, meaning made. The land here was formed from the sediments that were deposited by the Indus and other rivers over thousands of years.
    • Fourthly, Ecosystem: Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands are juxtaposed in Banni.
    • Fifthly, Vegetation: The vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall. It is dominated by low-growing forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt-tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub. The grasslands were traditionally managed by a system of rotational grazing.
    • Sixthly, Flora and Fauna: The area is rich in flora and fauna with 192 species of plants, 262 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
    • Seventhly, Reserve Forest: In 1955, the court notified the grassland will be a reserve forest. In, 2019, the NGT ordered to demarcate the boundaries of the Banni grassland and restricted non-forest activities.
    • Lastly, Significance: Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has identified this grassland reserve as one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India. Also, a possible reintroduction site for the species.
    About Maldhari Tribe:
    • Maldharis are a tribal herdsmen community in Gujarat, India. The literal meaning of Maldhari is a keeper (dhari) of the animal stock (mal).
    • The Maldharis have lived in the Gir National Park, in the Banni Grasslands Reserve area, for the past thousand years.
    • They have co-existed with the lions which the Gir National Park was created to preserve, for these thousand years.
    • Maldhari community breeds Banni Buffaloes, a species endemic to the region. The buffaloes are adaptive to Kutch’s hot weather condition.

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • Odisha Government Proposes “Mahendragiri Biosphere Reserve”
    What is the news

    The Odisha government submits a proposal to establish the Mahendragiri biosphere reserve. It is the 2nd biosphere reserve in the state and situated in the southern part of the state at Mahendragiri hill ecosystem.

    Note: Similipal Biosphere Reserve was Odisha’s first such reserve and was notified in 1996.

    About Mahendragiri Biosphere Reserve
    • Mahendragiri is a hill mountain located in Odisha. The area of the proposed Biosphere Reserve is spread over Gajapati and Ganjam districts in the Eastern Ghats.
    • Transitional Zone: The hill ecosystem acts as a transitional zone between the flora and fauna of southern India and the Himalayas. Consequently, the region is an ecological estuary of genetic diversity
    • Mythological Significance: Centre has included Mahendragiri in the Ramayana Circuit. The hilltop has ancient temples of Kunti, Yudhistir, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadev of the Mahabharata.
    • Besides, the hill has water streams and the origin of the Mahendratanaya River.
    • Vegetation: There are four types of vegetation of the Mahendragiri hill complex. They are:
        1. Sal forests,
        2. mixed forests,
        3. grassland,
        4. scrubs.
    • Tribe: Some of the major tribes that inhabit Mahendragiri are the Soura tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group, also the Kandha tribe.
    • Flora: Mahendragiri accounts for 40% of the reported flora of Odisha. 29-nine of the 41 species of threatened medicinal plants of Odisha are found in the proposed biosphere reserve area.
    • Fauna: The Indian elephant is the most important animal of Mahendragiri. The other wild animals include the tiger, leopard, hyena, wild bear, deer, antelope, peacock, snake.
    • Besides, it is home to 165 species of birds, 23 species of snakes, 15 species of amphibians, three species of turtles, and 19 lizards.

    Click Here to Read about Biosphere Reserves

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • “Pong Dam wildlife sanctuary” – 27 Migratory Birds Found Dead
    What is the news?

    As many as 27 migratory birds died on account of avian influenza in Himachal Pradesh’s Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Click Here to Read about Avian Influenza

    About Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary or Pong Dam Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake is in Himachal Pradesh.
    • Created in: The dam was created in 1975 and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
    • Ramsar Site: In 1994, Government of India declared Pong Dam Lake as a “Wetland of National Importance”. In 2002, it became a Ramsar Site in November 2002 by government notification.
    • Vegetation: The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests. Thus, it shelters a great number of Indian Wildlife animals.
    • Rivers: The lake is fed by the Beas River. Its numerous perennial tributaries are Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner.
    • Fauna: The sanctuary is a host to around 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families. Migratory birds from all over Hindukush Himalayas and also as far as Siberia come here during winter.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Tiger Reserves” in India
    What is the News?

    Six tigers are unaccounted for in the Ranthambore tiger reserves in Rajasthan, since March 2020. But State officials are not willing to label them as missing. NTCA has constituted a committee in this regard.

    About Tiger Reserves:
    • Tiger Reserves are areas of protection for tigers. They aim to conserve the habitat to ensure a viable population of the tigers along with their prey base in their habitat.
    • Declared by: The National Tiger Conservation Authority via Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act,2006 under Project Tiger, declares tiger reserves .
      • Project Tiger: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India launched in 1973. It aims for in-situ conservation of wild tigers in designated tiger reserves.
    • Proposal for tiger reserves: To declare an area as Tiger Reserve, the state governments can forward their proposals to NTCA. The Central Government via NTCA may also advise the state governments to forward a proposal for creation of Tiger Reserves.
    • Tigers Reserves in India: There are 51 tigers reserves in India. The Project Tiger governs these reserves and the National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) administers them.
      • Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka is the first tiger reserve in India
      • Srivilliputhur- Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu is the 51st Tiger Reserve in India.
    • Largest Tiger Reserve: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve located in Andhra Pradesh is the largest tiger reserve in India.
    • Tiger Reserve with the Highest Tiger counts: Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand has the highest number of tigers. And then comes the Nagarhole tiger reserve(Karnataka) and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve(Karnataka).

    About National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA):

    • NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • It got established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
    • Objectives of National Tiger Conservation Authority:
      • Firstly, providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance with its directives becomes legal.
      • Secondly, fostering accountability of Center-State in the management of Tiger Reserves by providing a basis for MoU with States within our federal structure.
      • Thirdly, providing for oversight by Parliament.
      • Lastly, addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tigers Reserves.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Simlipal Biosphere reserve” Catches Forest Fire

    What is the News?

    A massive forest fire broke out in the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha. The core area of the biosphere was untouched by the fire. However, the fire is threatening to damage its rich biodiversity.

    About Similipal Biosphere Reserve:

    1. Location: Simlipal is a national park and a tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the 7th largest national park in India. It lies in the eastern end of the Eastern Ghat.
    2. Part of: The Park is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. It includes three Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
    3. Origin of Name: The park derives its name from ‘Simul’ which are red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
    4. Flora: The park has a high biodiversity with about 94 species of orchids and 3,000 species of plants. Among them, Sal is a dominant tree species in the park.
    5. Fauna: The park is home to the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha. It is also home to some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani Falls.
    6. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: The park was declared a biosphere reserve by the Government of India in 1994. It is a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
    7. Tribes: The two tribes namely Erenga Kharias and the Mankirdias inhabit the reserve’s forests and practice traditional agricultural activities. Other dominant tribes include the Ho, Gonda, and Munda among others.

    Reasons for Forest Fires in the Simlipal National Park: The forest fires seemed to be both due to natural causes and human-made causes:

    • Natural causes such as lighting or even soaring temperatures can sometimes result in these fires. Moreover, the forests of Similipal are of dry deciduous type and the fallen leaves become highly inflammable if there is no precipitation.
    • Man Made Causes:
      • Poaching and hunting: the poachers set a small patch of forest on fire to divert the wild animals. It can lead to forest fires.
      • Forest areas are set on fire by the villagers to clear the dry leaves on the ground for easy collection of mahua flowers. These flowers are used to prepare a drink that is addictive in nature.

    Source: Indian Express

  • World Wildlife Day 2021

    What is the News?

    World Wildlife Day 2021 is being celebrated on 3rd March 2021.

    About World Wildlife Day:

    • World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year since 2013.
    • The 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 proclaimed this day.
    • The date chosen coincides with the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
    • Aim: To raise awareness about animals going extinct by celebrating the world’s flora and fauna
    • Secretariat: CITES Secretariat has been designated as the facilitator for the global observance of this day for wildlife.
    • Theme: “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.

    India’s Wildlife Biodiversity: India has thriving wildlife & biodiversity. It has 70% of the Global Tiger population, 70 % of Asiatic Lions, and 60% of the Leopard population. Some important wildlife places are:

    • Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is known for tigers, spotted deer, elephants, golden jackal and sambar deer.
    • Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is famous for tigers, leopards, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes. It is also home to a wide range of birds like pelicans, ibis, flamingos, egrets, and parakeets.
    • Gir National Park in Gujarat is known for Asiatic lions. Other than lions, Indian leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, striped hyenas, snakes, blackbucks, crocodiles, monitor lizards, also found here.
    • Bannerghatta Biological Park in Karnataka is known for Butterfly Park tigers, leopards, elephants, spotted deer, butterflies, snakes and more.
    • Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its rhino and tiger population.
    • Hemis National Park in Ladakh is globally famous for its snow leopards. It is believed to have the highest density of snow leopards in any protected area in the world.

    Source: Indian Express

    World Wildlife Day

  • “Himalayan serow” spotted in the Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam

    What is the News?

    Himalayan Serow has been spotted in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.

     About Himalayan Serow:

    • Himalayan serow is a subspecies of the mainland serow. It resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
    • Species: There are several species of serows in the world. All of them are found in Asia. However, the Himalayan serow is restricted to the Himalayan region.
    • Habitat: They are found at high altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres. They are known to be found in the eastern, central and western Himalayas but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
    • Diet: Himalayan serows are herbivores animals.
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • The Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I.

    Significance of the sighting of Himalayan Serow:

    • Himalayan serow has been spotted for the first time in the Manas tiger reserve or anywhere else in Assam. However, this does not mean the animal never visited Assam forests before.
      • The sightings of these rare animals and birds are due to better access to remote parts of the protected area.
      • The other rare animals and birds sighted recently in Manas National Park were,

    Manas National Park:

    • Manas national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve.
    • Location: It is located in the Himalayan foothills in Assam. It is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
    • Origin of Name: The name of the park is originated from the Manas River.
    • Significance: The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. It is also famous for its population of wild water buffalo.
    • Human History: Pagrang is the only forest village located in the core of the Manas national park. Apart from this village 56 more villages surround the park. Many more fringe villages are directly or indirectly dependent on the park.
    • River: The Manas river flows through the west of the park. Manas is a major tributary of Brahmaputra river. The river is named after the serpent goddess Manasa

    Source: The Hindu

    Environment laws and initiatives in India

  • Elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia(HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

    What is the News?

    6 elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia(HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

    Haemorrhagic septicaemia(HS)

    • It is a contagious bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida.
    • In this disease, the respiratory tract and lungs of the animals are affected, leading to severe pneumonia.
    • Vulnerable Group: It commonly affects cattle and water buffaloes. The Mortality rate is high in infected animals. There are no reported cases of human infection.
    • Transmission: The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals, through ingestion or inhalation of the bacteria among others.
    • Symptoms: Primary symptoms include swishing tails, undigested food in faeces, and reduced milk yield.
    • Distribution: The disease occurs mostly in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and most of Africa. In Asia, this disease outbreak is concentrated mostly in areas with climatic conditions typical of monsoon (high humidity and high temperatures).
    • Treatment: Treatment is usually effective in the early stage only when fever sets in.

    Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

    • It is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Kalahandi district in Odisha. The sanctuary is famous for the lush green dry deciduous forest.
    • Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a plethora of wildlife animals such as leopard, gaur, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, mouse deer, soft claws ottawa and a wide variety of birds.
    • Flora: The sanctuary consists of flora like Sal, Bija, Asan, Harida, Amala, Bahada, and Bamboo and varieties of medicinal plants.
    • Waterfalls: There are several small and big waterfalls inside the sanctuary like Phurlijharan, Ghusrigudi, Dumnijhola, Kamalajharan, Koyirupa, Kuang, and Raja Rani.

    Source: Indian Express

    Issue of cruelty against wild animals in India

     

  • “Mandarin Duck” spotted in Assam’s Maguri Beel after 118 years

    What is the News?

    Mandarin ducks appeared after 118 years in the Maguri-Motapung beel in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

    Mandarin Duck:

    • It is provided with a tag of the most beautiful duck in the world. Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carl Linnaeus first spotted and identified this bird in 1758.

    Key Characteristics of Mandarin Duck:

    • Features: Male mandarins are colorful compared to females. Males have elaborate plumage (feathers) with orange plumes on their cheeks, orange ‘sails’ on their back, and pale orange sides. On the other hand, females are dull in comparison, with grey heads, brown backs, and white eyestripe.
    • Feed on: These birds feed on seeds, acorns, small fruit, insects, snails, and small fish.
    • Habitat: Its habitats include temperate forests near wetlands including rivers, streams, bogs, marshes, swamps, and freshwater lakes.
    • Distribution: It is native to East Asia but has established populations in Western Europe and America too. It breeds in Russia, Korea, Japan, and the northeastern parts of China.
    • India: The duck does not visit India regularly. It is because India is not on its usual migratory route. It was recorded in 1902 in the Dibru river in the Rongagora area in Tinsukia (Assam). More recently, it was sighted in Manipur’s Loktak Lake in 2013 and in Savoini Beel in Manas National Park in Assam in 2014.
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

    Maguri Motapung Beel

    • It is a wetland and lake located near to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam. It serves as a natural home to wildlife. Furthermore, it is also a source of livelihood for the local communities.
    • Important Bird Area: It was declared as an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society.
    • Significance: The wetland is very important. It is home to at least 304 bird species, including a number of endemic ones like Black-breasted parrotbill and Marsh babbler.
    • Concerns: In 2020, a blowout and fire at an Oil India Limited-owned gas well affected this wetland adversely. The resulting oil spill killed a number of fish, snakes as well as an endangered Gangetic dolphin.

    Source: The Hindu

  • 175% rise in waterfowls in “Kaziranga National Park”

    What is the News?

    The third annual census of birds in the Kaziranga National Park has been released. The main objective of the census was to record and estimate waterfowls and winter migratory birds. It also monitors and assesses the health of wetlands in the Park.

    Water fowls and Winter Migratory Birds:

    • The Park has recorded a 175% increase in the number of waterfowl and winter migratory birds.
      • Waterfowl are birds that are strong swimmers with waterproof feathers and webbed feet. They use their webbed feet as flippers to push through the water. Ducks, geese, and swans are waterfowl.
    • Reason: Better conservation of water bodies, improved habitat management, and lesser human interference within the core area of the park and sensitive areas are the reasons for an increase in their numbers.
    • The highest number of these bird species was from the family Anatidae comprising ducks and geese.
    • The maximum increase was witnessed in Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
    • The top three species counted by the number are Eurasian Coot, Bar Headed Geese, and Common Teal.

    Kaziranga National Park:

    • It is located in the State of Assam. It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
    • The park was declared as a National Park in 1974 and was also declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. In 1985, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
    • It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
    • It also houses the world’s largest population of Great One-horned Rhinoceros (IUCN Status- Vulnerable).
    • Area Under Wetland: The area under wetlands in Kaziranga has reduced from 8.5% of the total area to 6.7% over a period of 30 years till 1977.
      • However, efforts to check siltation, erosion, and fragmentation of the beels (wetlands) and removal of invasive species have breathed fresh life into the park’s ecosystem.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary”- Migratory water birds arrived

    What is the News?
    Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh in Winter 2020-21.

    Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary:

    • Pong Dam Sanctuary is also known as Pong Dam Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake. It is located in Himachal Pradesh.
    • The dam was created in 1975 and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983. The lake was declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002.
    • Vegetation: The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests. It shelters a great number of Indian Wildlife animals.
    • Rivers: The lake is fed by the Beas River. Its numerous perennial tributaries are Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner.
    • Fauna: The sanctuary is a host to around 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families. Migratory birds from all over Hindukush Himalayas and also as far as Siberia come here during winter.
      • The flagship species of the lake are Bar Headed Geese. Other species having a high population at the sanctuary include Eurasian Coot, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Great Cormorant, GreyLag Goose, etc.
    • Concerns: The total population of birds as well as the number of species counted this year is marginally less as compared to last year, probably due to the impact of the avian influenza

    Source: Indian Express

  • Prime Minister lauds efforts of Kerala man for “Vembanad lake” clean-up

    What is the News?
    During Mann ki Baat address, Prime Minister has praised the efforts of a Kerala man. He engages in cleaning the Vembanad Lake despite his physical challenges.

    Facts:

    • Vembanad Lake: It is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. The lake is situated at sea level and is separated from the Laccadive Sea by a narrow barrier island.
    • Other Names: The lake is also known as Punnamada Lake (in Kuttanad) and Kochi Lake (in Kochi).
    • Significance: Vallam Kali (a.k.a Nehru Trophy Boat Race) is a Snake Boat Race held every year in the month of August in Vembanad Lake.
    • Ramsar Site: In 2002, the lake was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention. It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India, only after the Sunderbans in West Bengal.
    • Bird Sanctuary: The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
    • Unique Characteristic: The unique characteristic of the lake is the Thanneermukkom saltwater barrier. It was constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of saltwater into the Kuttanad low-lands.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • India gets its first “Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM)”

    What is the news?

    The Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the establishment of a Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management(CWCM) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This announcement came on the occasion of World Wetland Day.

    About Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management(CWCM):

    1. The Centre has been established as a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management(NCSCM). This centre comes under the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
    2. Aim: To address specific research needs and knowledge gaps in the conservation and management of wetlands.
    3. Key Functions of the centre:
      1. It will help in building partnerships and networks with relevant national and international agencies.
      2. Center will serve as a knowledge hub. It enables exchange between State/ UT Wetland Authorities, wetland users, managers, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners.
      3. Moreover, it will assist the national and State/ UT Governments in the design and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks for conservation.

    Additional Facts:

    1. World Wetlands Day: It is celebrated every year on 2 February. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
    2. Aim: To raise global awareness about the vital role played by wetlands for people and our planet.
    3. The theme for 2021: ‘Wetlands and Water’. This year’s theme is most significant as the UN Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration begins in 2021.
    4. Wetlands in India: Nearly 4.6% of India’s land is designated as wetlands. They cover an area of 15.26 million hectares.
    5. Moreover, India has 42 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 1.08 million hectares.

    Source: PIB

  • Nilgiri Elephant Corridor and Biosphere Reserve

    What is the News?
    The Supreme Court has appointed a new member to the Technical Committee on Nilgiri Elephant Corridor.

    The Supreme court last year constituted a committee to hear complaints by landowners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector. The Nilgiris collector’s action includes the sealing of landowners’ buildings in the Nilgiris Elephant Corridor.

    Facts:

    Nilgiris Elephant Corridor:

    • Elephant corridors allow elephants to continue their nomadic mode of survival. Despite the shrinking forest cover, the corridors facilitate the travelling of elephants between distinct forest habitats.
    • Nilgiris elephant corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau. The plateau connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats. Apart from that, the plateau also sustains elephant populations and their genetic diversity.
    • It has the Nilgiri Hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar River Valley on its north-eastern side. The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water.

    Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:

    • The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected forest area in India. The Biosphere Reserve spread across three states. Namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
    • The Nilgiri Sub-Cluster is a part of the Western Ghats which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012.
    • The reserve includes the Aralam, Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Silent Valley national parks. Similarly, the reserve also includes the Wayanad, Karimpuzha, and Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuaries.
    • It has the largest population of two endangered species, the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. The reserve hosts more than 400 tigers. Most importantly, the reserve is having more tigers than any other place on earth.
    • About 80% of flowering plants reported from the Western Ghats occur in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Kalrav festival at Nagi- Nakti bird sanctuaries in Bihar 

    Why in News?  

    ‘Kalrav’, Bihar’s 1st state–level festival started at the Nagi-Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district, Bihar. 

    About the festival: 

    • About the Festival: The festival is hosted by the department of forest, environment and climate change. 
    • Aim: The event is intended to create awareness about the conservation of birds and their habitat, the wetlands. 
    • Importance of Birds:  
      • Those who can understand a bird’s behavior can understand that it sends a signal of any impending natural calamity. 
      • Birds also help in the pollination of plant species. 
    • Hence, as a part of the bird conservation plan, the forest department has developed a bird ringing station at Bhagalpur 

     Nagi- Nakti Bird Sanctuaries: 

    • Nagi Dam and Nakti Dam are although two different sanctuariess but  they can be taken as one bird area due to their closeness. 
    • These sanctuaries are a home to wide variety of indigenous species and migratory birds that turn up during the winters from places like Eurasia, Central Asia, the Arctic Circle, Russia and Northern China. 
    • Birdlife International has declared it as an important bird area due to a rare phenomenon. I.e. appearance of Around 1,600 bar-headed geese which is about 3% of the global population of this variety, at this sanctuary. 
    • The sanctuary is unique for its rock formation, “tor” in Jamui area. In India, this rock formation is available only in Hampi in Karnataka. 

    Article Source

  • Winter migratory water birds make a beeline to Punjab’s Harike wetland

    News: Winter migratory waterbirds using the central Asian flyway have started making a beeline to Punjab’s Harike wetland.

    Facts:

    • Harike Wetland: It is one of the largest man-made wetlands of northern India which shares its area with the Tarntaran, Ferozpur and Kapurthala districts of Punjab.
    • It came into existence in 1952 after the construction of a barrage near the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas. The grand Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan is fed from this wetland.
    • The wetland was accorded the wetland status in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention.
    • Migratory Birds:
      • The wetland is a significant abode for the migratory birds as every winter, the birds make their way to India through the central Asian flyway which covers a large continental area of Europe-Asia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans.
      • Birds such as the Eurasian coot, Greylag goose, Bar-headed goose, Gadwall and the northern shoveler are the prominent ones that could be sighted at Harike Wetland.
    • Fauna: The wetland also harbors endangered aquatic mammalian as well as reptilian fauna like the Indus river dolphin, smooth-coated otter and seven species of rare freshwater turtles.
    • Concerns: Over the years, the number of certain species visiting the wetland has been falling. The key reasons attributed to the drop are increased human interference in their breeding regions, oil exploration, use of pesticides in farms, climate change and rising air and water pollution.

    Article source

    UPSC Syllabus 2021

     

     

  • More wildlife in Aravallis at Faridabad, Gurgaon than at Asola, need better protection: Study

    News: According to a Study, the wildlife corridor of the Aravallis in Gurgaon and Faridabad harbours a richer variety of mammals than the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary despite not having as much protection.

    Facts:

    • About the Study: The study was conducted under the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s small grants programme and was supported by the non-profit Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR).
      • Small Grants Programme: It is an initiative of WWF. It aims to encourage young Indians to respond innovatively and independently to the conservation issues which affect the country by offering eligible individuals a one-time grant of upto INR 400,000 over a maximum period of 2 years for undertaking conservation research/ action research.

    Key Takeaways from the study:

    • Aravallis: Aravallis in both Faridabad and Gurugram has a larger variety of mammals compared to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary which is classified as a protected area and enjoys legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
      • Reason: It can be attributed to the attitude of tolerance to wildlife amongst the local population, general low density of people and “subsistence agricultural practices prevalent in the two districts.
    • Significance: The hotspot of wildlife in Aravallis is between Damdama and Mangar Bani and wildlife moves from there to Asola through the Aravalli in Faridabad. This indicates that Asola will survive as long as the Aravalli region of Gurgaon and Faridabad survives.
    • Mammals Species: The study has revealed that around 15 species of mammals were recorded in the 200 sq km area that was covered including Gurgaon Aravallis, Mangar Bani, Faridabad Aravallis and Asola Wildlife Sanctuary.
      • Among these mammals, two species—the leopard and the honey badger- are classified as endangered under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
    • Concerns: Increasing construction is a major threat to the wildlife corridor. Hence, it is imperative to control land-use change and protect the wildlife corridor and habitat from further fragmentation, construction and deforestation.
    • Suggestions: Construction of expressways and highways also needs to take into account wildlife in the city such as by constructing underpasses or flyovers that allow at least a portion of the wildlife to cross from one part to the other and prevent complete fragmentation of wildlife populations between Aravallis of Delhi and Haryana.

    Additional Facts:

    leopard and the honey badger

    Source: Wikipedia

    • Aravallis Range: It is a mountain range in Northwestern India running approximately 692 km starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan and ending in Gujarat. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres.

    Article Source

     

  • Government released Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report for protected areas

    News: Union Environment Minister has released Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of 146 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

    Facts:

    What is Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE)?

    • Management Effectiveness Evaluation(MEE) tool is increasingly being used by governments and international bodies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the protected area management systems.
    • It is defined as the assessment of how well National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are being managed—primarily, whether they are protecting their values and achieving the goals and objectives agreed upon.
    • Indicators: There are 30 ”Headline Indicators” developed under six elements of MEE framework suitable in Indian context for evaluation. The ratings are assigned in four categories, as Poor – upto 40%; Fair – 41 to 59%; Good – 60 to 74%; Very Good – 75% and above.
    • What was the need of this tool? At present, India has a network of 903 protected areas covering about five per cent of the total geographic area of the country. India also has 70% of the global tiger population, 70% of Asiatic lions and more than 60% of leopards global population. Hence, in order to assess the efficacy of protected areas, evaluation of management effectiveness is required.
    • Results:
      • The results of the present assessment are encouraging with an overall mean MEE score of 62.01% which is higher than the global mean of 56%.
      • Jaldapara national park (West Bengal), Raiganj wildlife sanctuary (West Bengal), Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh), Tirthan wildlife sanctuary(Himachal Pradesh) and Great Himalayan national park (Himachal Pradesh) have been declared as top five national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India.
      • Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh was the worst performer in the survey.

    Other Initiatives launched:

    • MEE of Marine Protected Areas: A new framework for MEE of Marine Protected Areas has been also jointly prepared by Wildlife Institute of India(WII) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
    • Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos(MEE-ZOO): It is a framework which proposes guidelines, criteria and indicators for evaluation of zoos of the country through Management Effectiveness Evaluation Process(MEE-ZOO) in a manner which is discrete, holistic and independent.
      • The assessment criteria and indicators look beyond the traditional concepts including issues of animal welfare, husbandry and sustainability of resources and finance.

    Article Source

    To read about Protected Areas(PA) Networks: https://forumias.com/blog/all-about-protected-area-networks/

     

  • Equip forest officers adequately to fight poachers – SC

    News: The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern about the absence of security for forest officials in the country against poachers.

    Facts:

    • Background: A petition was filed in the apex court challenging the prosecution launched against few forest officers in Rajasthan. The petitioner submitted that the FIRs against the forest officials were a ‘counter-action’ for their action taken against poachers.

    Key Observations made by the Supreme Court:

    • The central government should provide weapons and bulletproof vests and vehicles to the officials as India accounted for 30% of fatalities among forest rangers in the world(highest in the world).
    • Centre should consider involving premier organisations such as the CBI to help the forest staff. There should even be a separate wing or wildlife division in the Enforcement Directorate with clean officials to track and investigate crimes of the poachers and the proceeds of their crime.
    • The court noted that states such as Assam and Maharashtra have deployed armed guards to protect forest officers and no one dares come near them.

    Article Source

     

  • Community fishing banned at Deepor Beel

    News: Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has prohibited community fishing at Deepor Beel, a wetland on the south-western edge of Guwahati and Assam’s only Ramsar site.

    Facts:

    Read  more:-Daily current affairs

    • Deepor Beel: It is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam.It is a permanent freshwater lake and drains into the Brahmaputra river.
    • Climate: The climate is humid and tropical monsoon, with a prolonged monsoon season from May to September and a relatively cool, winter.
    • Ramsar Site: Deepor Beel was designated a Ramsar site in 2002 for sustaining a range of aquatic life forms besides 219 species of birds.
    • Significance: Considered as one of the largest beels in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam, it is categorized as a representative of the wetland type under the Burma monsoon forest biogeographic region.
    • IBA: It is also an important bird sanctuary(IBA) habituating many migrant species.
    • Concerns: Deepor Beel is in a bad state as it is losing connectivity with small rivers like Kalmoni, Khonjin, and Basistha due to encroachment upon the natural channels through Guwahati, municipal waste dump at Boragaon almost on the edge of the wetland, and over-exploitation of the wetland.

    Article source

  • International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across the Country

    Source: PIB

    News: Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has virtually hoisted the international blue flags in 8 beaches across the country.

    Facts:

    • During October 2020; Eight beaches of India spread across five states and two union territories have been awarded the Blue Flag Certification. These eight beaches are:
      • Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat)
      • Ghoghla (Diu)
      • Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka)
      • Kappad (Kerala)
      • Rushikonda (AP)
      • Golden (Puri-Odisha) and
      • Radhanagar (A&N Islands).
    • India has also set up an ambitious target of getting the Blue Certification tag for 100 more beaches in the next 3 years.

    Blue flag beaches

    Additional Facts:

    • Blue flag certification: It is an international recognition conferred on beaches that meet certain criteria of cleanliness and environmental propriety.
      • The certification programme is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).
      • Criteria: The certification is based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads (i) Environmental Education and Information (ii) Bathing Water Quality, (iii) Environment Management and Conservation and (iv) Safety and Services in the beaches.
      • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark.
      • Receiving Blue Flag Certification is an indication of high environmental and quality standards and certified beaches are considered the world’s cleanest beaches. Certification will promote tourism to the listed beaches in India.
      • India is now the first country in the “Asia-Pacific” region which has now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries that too in just about 2 years’ time.

    India’s initiative to get Blue Flags: BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) ZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project in order to undertake the sustainable development of coastal regions and to achieve the goal of having Blue Flags for 100 beaches in India.

    • Objectives: The objectives of BEAMS program is to:
      • Abate pollution in coastal waters,
      • Promote sustainable development of beach facilities,
      • Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources,
      • Strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness,
      • Hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.
  • Ladakh’s Tso Kar Wetland Complex now a Wetland of International Importance

    Source: PIB

    News: India has added Tso Kar Wetland Complex in Ladakh as its 42nd Ramsar site which is a second one in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. 

    Facts: 

    • Tso Kar Basin: It is a high-altitude wetland complex consisting of two principal waterbodies Startsapuk Tso( a freshwater lake of about 438 hectares to the south and Tso Kar (a hypersaline lake of 1800 hectares to the north) situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh, India.  
    • Significance: It is also called Tso Kar meaning white lake because of the white salt efflorescence found on the margins due to the evaporation of highly saline water. 
    • Important Bird Area: The Tso Kar Basin is an A1 Category Important Bird Area (IBA) as per Bird Life International and a key staging site in the Central Asian Flyway. 
    • Important Breeding Ground: The site is one of the most important breeding areas of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India. It is also the major breeding area for Great Crested Grebe Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Brown-headed Gull, Lesser Sand-Plover and many other species. 

    Additional Facts: 

    • Wetlands: It provides a wide range of important resources and ecosystem services such as food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood moderation, erosion control and climate regulation.  
    • They are a major source of water and our main supply of freshwater comes from an array of wetlands which help soak rainfall and recharge groundwater. 
    • Ramsar Convention on Wetland (1971): It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. 
    • Aim: To develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits. 
    • Montreux Record: It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance. It shows such sites where there has been or likely to be adverse ecological changes due to anthropogenic activities. Indian sites in the Montreux Record are Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur). 

    For Further Read: https://forumias.com/blog/wetlands/ 

  • What are Eco-ducts or Eco-bridges?

    Eco-ducts or Eco-bridges?

    Source: Click Here

    News: Ramnagar Forest Division in Nainital district,Uttarakhand has recently built its first eco-bridge for reptiles and smaller mammals.

    Facts:

    ● Eco-ducts or Eco-bridges

    • Eco-ducts or Eco-bridges: These are areas of wildlife habitat that aim to enhance wildlife connectivity that can be disrupted because of highways or logging.Usually these bridges are overlaid with planting from the area to give it a contiguous look with the landscape.
    • Types of Eco-bridges: It includes canopy bridges (usually for monkeys, squirrels and other arboreal species); concrete underpasses or overpass tunnels or viaducts (usually for larger animals); and amphibian tunnels or culverts.
    • Significance: Eco-bridges play a very important role in maintaining connections between animal and plant populations that would otherwise be isolated and therefore at greater risk of local extinction.
  • Atlantic Ocean’s largest protected marine reserve?

    News: Tristan da Cunha has been declared as the largest Marine Protection Zone of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Facts:

    • Tristan da Cunha: It is an isolated UK Overseas Territory located 6,000 miles from London in the South Atlantic Ocean.
    • The island is inhabited by less than 300 humans and the water around the islands is considered to be the richest in the world.It is also home to the World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands,which is one of the most important seabird islands in the world.
  • What are deemed forests?

    News: Karnataka Forest Minister has announced that the state government would soon declassify 6.64 lakh hectares of the 9.94 lakh hectares of deemed forests in the state (nearly 67%) and hand it over to Revenue authorities.

    Facts:

    • Deemed Forest: The concept of deemed forests has not been clearly defined in any law including the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
    • However, the Supreme Court in the case of T N Godavarman Thirumulpad(1996) had broadened the definition of the forest to include not just land classified as forest under forest or revenue departments but also those that are forests according to the definition of a forest.
    • It had also asked states to form committees to identify forests, irrespective of the nature of land ownership or whether they are notified, recognized, or classified in a time-bound manner.
    • Hence, an expert committee constituted by the Karnataka government after the Supreme Court order identified ‘deemed forests’ as “land having the characteristic of forests irrespective of the ownership’”.
  • Lonar lake, Sur Sarovar declared as Ramsar sites

    News: : India has named Lonar lake and Sur Sarovar lake as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

    Facts:

    Lonar Lake:

    • It is a notified National Geo Heritage Monument located at Lonar, Maharashtra.
    • Formation: The lake is believed to have been formed when a meteorite crashed into Earth around 50,000 years ago.The lake sits inside the Deccan Plateau- a massive plain of volcanic basalt rock created by eruptions some 65 million years ago.
    • Significance: The lake is mentioned in ancient scripts like the Skanda Purana, the Padma Purana and the Ain-i-Akbari.

    Soor Sarovar Lake:

    • It is also known as Keetham lake and is situated alongside river Yamuna in Agra,Uttar Pradesh.
    • The lake is situated within the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary which was declared as a bird sanctuary in the year 1991.It also has a Bear Rescue centre for rescued dancing bears.

    Additional Facts:

    • Wetland Sites in India: India now has a total of 41 wetlands that are recognised as Ramsar sites which is the highest in South Asia.
    • Ramsar Convention: It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
    • Montreux Record: It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance. It shows such sites where there has been or likely to be adverse ecological changes due to anthropogenic activities. Indian sites in the Montreux Record are Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur).
  • Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program

    Land Degradation and Coral Reef program

    News: Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program has been launched at G20 Environment Ministers Meet.

    Facts:

    • Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation: It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt and reverse land degradation within G20 member states and globally taking into account possible implications on the achievement of other SDGs.
    • Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform: It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at creating a global research and development(R&D) program to advance research, innovation and capacity building in all facets of coral reef conservation.

    Additional Facts:

    • Land Degradation: It is any reduction or loss in the biological or economic productive capacity of the land resource base.
    • Corals: They are small (0.25-12 inches), soft-bodied marine organisms. They live in colonies called reefs that they build using a limestone skeleton(calicle) lying at their base.
    • G20: It is an international group initially founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries and the European Union.
  • Plan to build temporary bird shelters near Sambhar Lake

    News: Rajasthan government has decided to build temporary shelters for migratory birds near the Sambhar Lake (near Jaipur) before 2020’s winter season.

    Facts:

    • Sambhar Lake: It is India’s largest inland saline water body located near Jaipur in Rajasthan.
    • Geography: 
      • The lake is surrounded on all sides by the Aravali hills and is spread across Jaipur and Nagaur districts and also a part of Ajmer district in Rajasthan.
      • The lake receives water from five rivers Medtha, Samaod, Mantha, Rupangarh, Khari and Khandela.
    • Significance: The lake was also designated as a Ramsar site in 1990.It is also famous for salt production and is also an Important Bird Area(IBA).
    • Why there is a need for shelters: Every year, a large number of birds from the cold northern regions of Central Asia come to Sambhar Lake.In 2019, more than 20,000 migratory birds died due to avian botulism in the lake.

    Additional Facts:

    • Avian Botulism: It is a neuro-muscular illness caused by Botulinum (natural toxin) that is produced by bacteria, Clostridium botulinum.
      • The bacteria is commonly found in the soil, rivers, and seawater.It affects both humans and animals.
      • The bacteria also need anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions and do not grow in acidic conditions.
      • The illness affects the nervous system of birds, leading to paralysis in their legs and wings.
  • Asan Conservation Reserve gets Ramsar site tag

    News: The Asan Conservation Reserve (ACR) was declared as a site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention becoming Uttarakhand state’s first entry into the coveted list and 38th Ramsar Wetland Site of India.

    Facts:

    • Asan Conservation Reserve: It is located on the banks of Yamuna river near Dehradun district in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
    • Species: It is home to species such as white rumped vulture(Critically Endangered), ruddy shelduck(Least Concern), red-headed vulture (Critically Endangered), Asian woolly neck(Vulnerable) among others.
    • Significance: The wetland also acts as host to several migratory birds from October till March.

    Additional Facts:

    • Ramsar Convention on Wetland (1971): It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
    • Montreux Record: It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance. It shows such sites where there has been or likely to be adverse ecological changes due to anthropogenic activities. Indian sites in the Montreux Record are Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur).

     

  • Kabartal Wetland designated as Ramsar Site

    Kabartal Wetland:-

    News: Kabartal Wetland has been designated as Ramsar sites.With this, the total number of Ramsar sites in India is 39, the highest in South Asia.

    Facts:

    • Kabartal Wetland: It is also known as Kanwar Jheel.It covers 2,620 hectares of the Indo-Gangetic plains in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
    • Significance: It acts as a vital flood buffer for the region besides providing livelihood opportunities to local communities.
    • Biodiversity: Significant biodiversity is present in the wetland.It is also an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway for migratory waterbirds.
    • Species: It is home to species such as white rumped vulture(Critically Endangered), red-headed vulture (Critically Endangered) and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).

    Additional Facts:

    • Ramsar Convention on Wetland (1971): It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
    • Montreux Record: It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance. It shows such sites where there has been or likely to be adverse ecological changes due to anthropogenic activities. Indian sites in the Montreux Record are Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur).
  •  UNESCO includes Panna in the “World Network of Biosphere Reserves”

    News: UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere(MAB) program has included the Panna Biosphere Reserve to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

    Facts:

    • Panna Biosphere Reserve: It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
    • Vegetation: Panna is characterized by forests and marshy vegetation, with an abundance of rare medicinal plants as well as other non-timber forestry products such as Kattha, gum, and resins.
    • Significance: It is a critical tiger habitat area and hosts the Panna Tiger Reserve, as well as the World Heritage site of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

    Additional Facts:

    • MAB program: It is an intergovernmental scientific program launched in 1971 by UNESCO to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
      • Under the program, UNESCO has established the World Network of Biosphere Reserves(WNBR). Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments. If selected by UNESCO, they are included in the WNBR.
    • There are 12 biosphere reserves of India which have been recognized internationally under the Man and Biosphere(MAB) Reserve program. These are: 1) Nilgiri(First one to be included) 2) Gulf of Mannar 3) Sunderban 4) Nanda Devi 5) Nokrek 6) Pachmarhi 7) Similipal 8) Achanakmar – Amarkantak 9) Great Nicobar 10) Agasthyamala 11) Khangchendzonga (2018) and 12) Panna(2020).
  • ‘adopt-an-animal’ scheme of Nandankanan zoo

    News: Nandankanan Zoological Park(NZP) which suffered a huge loss following its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic has revived its innovative ‘Adopt-An-Animal’ programme to mobilise resources for animals.

    Facts:

    • Nandankanan Zoological Park(NZP): It is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Unlike other zoos in the country, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set in a completely natural environment.
    • Uniqueness:
      • It is the first zoo in the World to breed White tiger and Melanistic tiger and it is the only conservation breeding centre of Indian Pangolins in the world.
      • First captive breeding centre for endangered Gharials in the year 1980.
      • Kanjia Lake – A wetland of National importance (2006).
      • It is the only zoological park in India to become an institutional member of World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).
      • It is the only zoo in India after which an express train Puri-New Delhi express has been named as “Nandankanan Express”.
      • It is the first zoo in India where endangered Ratel was born in captivity.
  • Blue flag certification awarded to 8 Beaches of India

    On Sunday, India has received prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification for all its eight beaches, spread across five states and two union territories that were recommended by the government. 

    The recommendation was made on September 18 by the government. 

    Beaches awarded blue certification are

    1. Shivrajpur in Gujarat, 
    2. Ghoghla in Diu, 
    3. Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka (2) 
    4. Kappad in Kerala, 
    5. Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, 
    6. Golden in Odisha and 
    7. Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,

    Blue Flag Certification 

    Blue flag can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) member countries.

    Awarded by:  Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards Blue Flag Certification. 

    Criterion: It is a globally most recognized eco-label accorded based on 33 stringent criteria under four major heads: 

    1. Environmental education and information, 
    2. Bathing water quality 
    3. Safety and services at the beaches
    4. Environment management and conservation

    In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. 

    The international jury for the award comprises of members of the Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

    From 50 countries 4,664 beaches have been selected so far by FEE for the eco-label. As of now Spain will around 684 Blue Flag Beaches, Marinas, and Boats, tops the list of Certifications, followed by France and Turkey.

    blue certification

    Significance of recognition 

    Receiving Blue Flag Certification is an indication of high environmental and quality standards and certified beaches are considered the world’s cleanest beaches. Certification will promote tourism to the listed beaches in India.

    India is now in the first country in the “Asia-Pacific” region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years’ time and is now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries.

    About the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

    With members in 77 countries, FEE is the world’s largest non-government, non-profit organization promoting sustainable development through environmental education. 

    Following are 5 Environmental Education Programs by FEE: 

    1. Blue Flag, 
    2. Green Key
    3. Eco-Schools, 
    4. Young Reporters for the Environment
    5. Learning about Forests 

    Organisation has been recognised by UNESCO and UNEP as a world-leader within the fields of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development.

     

Biodiversity and conservation

Due to human intervention in the ecosystem, many species have either extinct or on the verge of extinction. Many initiatives are ongoing all around for the conservation of biodiversity. In this section, we will provide you with updates on all related aspects:

Biodiversity and conservation updates/news
  • “Black Softshell Turtle” – Pact Signed for Conservation in Assam

    What is the News? The Hayagriva Madhava Temple Committee in Assam has signed an MoU with Turtle Survival Alliance India, Help Earth, and Assam Forests Department to conserve the Black Softshell Turtle.

    As part of the pact, a Vision Document 2030 was also released. The document aims to raise at least 1,000 black softshell turtles by 2030.

    About Black Softshell Turtle(Nilssonia nigricans):
    • Black Softshell Turtle is a species of freshwater turtle. It is found in India and Bangladesh.
    • Distribution:
      • Brahmaputra’s drainage and Near Temple Ponds in Assam
      • Bangladesh (Chittagong and Sylhet)
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
    • Indian Wildlife Protection Act,1972: It does not enjoy legal protection.
    • Significance:
      • Temple Ponds in Assam conserve Turtles based on religious grounds.
      • At the Bayazid Bostami shrine in Chittagong, Bangladesh, the black softshell turtle is known as mazari(inhabitant).
    • Threats:
      • Hunted for turtle meat and cartilage in regional and international markets.

    Read Also :-Environment Legislation News

    About Hayagriva Madhava temple
    • The Hayagriva Madhava temple exists in a hilly place which is located at Hajo nearby Guwahati, Assam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
    • Built by: The present temple structure was constructed by King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583.
      • According to Historians, the temple was built during the Pala period of 10th-12th century A. D.
    • Significance: The temple is revered by Buddhists also, as they believe that Hayagriva Madhava temple is the place where Buddha attained Nirvana. Thus, the temple becomes an ancient pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “Bharitalasuchus tapani”- A carnivorous reptile, lived 240 million years ago
    What is the News?

    Researchers from the Indian Statistical Institute had carried out extensive studies on rocks of the Yerrapalli Formation in Telangana during the mid 20th Century. During that time, they uncovered several fossils. By studying some of these fossils, the team has now provided information on one of the reptiles(Bharitalasuchus tapani).

    What information they have provided on the Bharitalasuchus tapani?

    Bharitalasuchus tapani

    • The reptile has been named Bharitalasuchus tapani. It is a carnivorous reptile that lived 240 million years ago.
      • In the Telugu language, Bhari means huge, Tala means head, and Suchus is the name of the Egyptian crocodile-headed deity.
    • Named after: The reptile has been named after palaeontologist Tapan Roy Chowdhury. For his contribution to Indian vertebrate palaeontology, and especially his extensive work at Yerrapalli Formation.
    • Genus: The reptile belonged to a family of extinct reptiles named Erythrosuchidae.
    • Key Features:
      • Bharitalasuchus Tapani were robust animals with big heads and large teeth, and these probably predated other smaller reptiles.
      • They were approximately the size of an adult male lion and might have been the largest predators in their ecosystems.

    Read Also :What are Eco-ducts or Eco-bridges?

    About Erythrosuchidae:
    • Erythrosuchidae (meaning red crocodiles) are a family of large basal archosauriform carnivores. They lived from the later Early Triassic to the early Middle Triassic.
      • The Triassic is a geologic period and system which spans 50.6 million years from the end of the Permian Period to the beginning of the Jurassic Period. It is the first and shortest period of the Mesozoic Era.
    • The first Erythrosuchidae remains were discovered in South Africa in 1905 and more were found in China and Russia.
      • The South African one is about 245 million years old, while the ones from China and Russia are around 240 million years old.
    About Yerrapalli Formation:
    • Yerrapalli Formation is located primarily in the Pranhita–Godavari Basin in Telangana.
    • It is a Triassic rock formation consisting primarily of red mudstones. The area preserves fossils of freshwater and terrestrial vertebrates, as well as trace fossils of invertebrates.

    Source: The Hindu

     Read Also :-First Case of “Yellow Fungus” detected in UP

  • Govt. report flags lapses in “filovirus study” among Nagaland bats

    What is the News?

    The government of India has concluded that there have been lapses in the conduct and protocols followed for the filovirus study of bats in Nagaland.

    What was the filovirus study about?
    • Researchers from India, China and the US had conducted a study in Nagaland on bats and humans carrying antibodies to deadly viruses like Ebola.
      • From India, the National Centre for Biological Sciences(NCBS) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research(TIFR) participated in the study.
    • Findings: The study found the presence of filovirus reactive antibodies in human and bat populations in northeast India. Hence, the study suggested that Bats in South Asia act as reservoir hosts of a diverse range of filoviruses.

    Note:

    • Filoviruses belong to a virus family called Filoviridae and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates.
    • So far, three varieties of this virus family have been identified: Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus.
    Significance of this filovirus study:
    • The findings of the study became significant given the debate over the origins of COVID-19 worldwide and the handling of bat samples at the Wuhan Institute laboratory.
    • However, scientific experts and officials have made it clear that the Nagaland bat study on filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg) was in no way related to the coronavirus(SARS) studies at Wuhan.
    Government of India’s inquiry into filovirus study:
    • The Government of India had ordered an inquiry in 2020 into this study. The inquiry investigated how the scientists were allowed to access live samples of bats and bat hunters (humans) without due permission.
    • The inquiry concluded that there have been lapses in the conduct and the protocols followed by the study. The lapses include:
      • Firstly, the study did not have the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR)
      • Secondly, the Bangalore based National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) is not equipped in terms of Biosafety and Biosecurity for testing samples.

    Source: The Hindu

    Read Also :-Most pollution linked deaths occurs in India

  • “Gharials Conservation” – Odisha Forest department Announces Cash Reward

    What is the News?

    The Mahanadi Wildlife Division in Odisha has announced a cash reward of Rs 1,000 for rescuing Gharials and informing wildlife personnel. The division will also provide compensation to fishermen whose fishing nets are destroyed by gharials.

    About Gharials:
    • Gharials are one of the longest of all living crocodilians. They derive their name from ghara, an Indian word for pot. It is named so because of a bulbous knob (narial excrescence) present at the end of their snout.
    • Features: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a fish-eating crocodile. It is also the only living crocodilian with visible sexual dimorphism.
    • Indicator Species: They are also a crucial indicator of clean river water.
    • Distribution:
      • Gharials were once abundant in the main rivers and tributaries of the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi-Brahmani river systems.
      • But they are now limited to only 14 widely spaced and restricted localities of India and Nepal.
      • In India, Gharials are present in Son River, Girwa River, the Ganges, Mahanadi River, and the Chambal River.
      • The Satkosia gorge in the Mahanadi is the southernmost limit of gharials.
    • Protected areas: National Chambal Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
    • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Threat: Construction of Dam, barrages, and water abstraction, entanglement in fishing nets, River bed cultivation, and sand mining.
    • Initiatives: Indian government launched Project Crocodile with UNDP and FAO in 1975. It included an intensive captive rearing and breeding programme intended to revive the dwindling gharial population.
    Crocodiles in India: India has three species of Crocodiles, namely:
    1. Gharials (Gharials are genetically weaker than salt water crocodiles and muggers)
    2. Mugger crocodile IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    3. Saltwater crocodile IUCN Status: Least Concern.
    Crocodiles in Odisha:
    • Odisha is the only state in India having all three species of crocodiles (gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodiles).
    • Odisha State Forest Department has begun conservation of these three crocodile species since 1975 by establishing three rearing centres
      • Tikarpada for gharials in Angul district,
      • Ramatirtha for muggers in Mayurbhanj, and
      • Bhitarkanika for saltwater crocodiles in Kendrapara district.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • Global studies on “vulnerability of animals to Covid-19”
    What is the news?

    A lion at Chennai’s Vandalur Zoo has died of suspected coronavirus infection. Similarly, a tiger died at Jharkhand’s Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park after suffering from fever. This sparked the debate regarding the study of the vulnerability of animals to Covid-19.

    Mechanism of Coronavirus Infection:
    • The coronavirus initiates infection using the spike protein on its surface. On the surface of the human cell are proteins called ACE2 receptors. The spike protein binds with the ACE2 receptor, then invades the cell and goes on to replicate.
    • Different species express ACE2 to different extents and this plays a key role in determining how much a species is susceptible to coronavirus infection.
    Global studies on vulnerability of animals to Covid-19:

    A study by PLOS Computational Biology regarding vulnerability of animals to Covid-19:

    • Research: In December 2020, researchers looked at the ACE2 receptors of 10 different species and compared their affinity for binding with the virus spike protein.
    • Method: The researchers used computer modelling to test this. They compared the “codon adaptation index” which is a measure of how efficiently the virus replicates after entering the cell.
    • Findings: The most vulnerable species to coronavirus infection next to humans are ferrets followed by cats and civets.

    Read Also :-National Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report

    A study by PNAS, a research journal of US:

    Researchers studied a detailed genomic analysis of the relative coronavirus risks faced by 410 species.

    • Method: In humans, 25 amino acids of ACE2 are important for the virus to bind with the cell. The researchers used modelling to evaluate how many of these 25 are found in the ACE2 of other species. The more the matches with the human ACE2, the lower the risk of infection.
    • Findings:
      • At very high risk are primates such as chimpanzee, rhesus macaque.
      • At high risk are species such as blue-eyed black lemur.
      • Cats were found to have medium risk, while dogs had a low risk.

    Read Also :-Reducing the vulnerabilities of urban employment

    A study by the University of Bologna regarding vulnerability of animals to Covid-19:
    • Researchers at the University of Bologna collected tissues from six cats and a tiger. They found wide expression of ACE2 in their gastrointestinal tracts. This was more prominent in the cats than in the tiger.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • Role of National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being on India’s Biodiversity

    Synopsis: The pandemic has exposed the dysfunctional relationship between humanity and nature. The National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being will help India to restore that dysfunctional relationship.

    Background
    • Globally, there is a decline in biodiversity. Since 2000, 7% of intact forests have been lost.
    • Further, Climate change and the ongoing pandemic will add additional stresses to our natural ecosystems.
    • Protecting Biodiversity loss is critical for India’s development. Effective implementation of The National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being can safeguard and reclaim India’s Biodiversity
    Significance of Biodiversity

    India is home to nearly 8% of global biodiversity on just 2.3% of the global land area. India contains four of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots. The varied ecosystems across land, rivers, and oceans provide us with the following benefits

    • Food security
    • Enhanced public health security
    • Protection from environmental disasters.
    • Source of spiritual enrichment, catering to our physical and mental well-being.
    • The economic value provided by ecosystem services.

    Thus, preserving biodiversity is directly relevant to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our people

    Significance of National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being (NMBHWB)
    • The mission was approved in 2018 by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) in consultation with MoEF&CC and other Ministries.
    • The Mission will strengthen the science of restoring, conserving, and sustainably utilising India’s natural heritage.
    • It will enable biodiversity as a key consideration in all developmental programmes, particularly in agriculture, ecosystem services, health, bio-economy, and climate change mitigation.
    • It will establish a citizen and policy-oriented biodiversity information system.
    • The Mission will enhance capacity across all sectors for the realisation of India’s national biodiversity targets and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
    • Furthermore, it will allow India to emerge as a leader in demonstrating the linkage between the conservation of natural assets and societal well-being.
    • Above all, the Mission offers a holistic framework, integrated approaches, and widespread societal participation.

    Read Also :-Nutritional Security

    Effective implementation of the mission will benefit India in many ways
    • The Mission’s comprehensive efforts will empower India to restore, and even increase, our natural assets by millions of crores of rupees.
    • It will help in rejuvenating agricultural production systems and increase rural incomes from biodiversity-based agriculture.
    • It will also result in creating millions of green jobs in restoration and nature tourism.
      • For instance, Restoration activities across India’s degraded lands (1/3rd of our land area), alone could generate several million jobs.
    • The Mission will help India to meet its international commitments under the new framework for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and UN SDGs by facilitating poverty alleviation, justice and equity.
    • It will facilitate the creation of climate-resilient communities by offering nature-based solutions to numerous environmental challenges.
    • Further, it will aid in conservation and ecosystem management by gaining from the Scientific inputs related to geospatial informatics and policy.
    • More importantly, it has the potential to curtail future pandemics. Since, the mission encompasses the “One Health” Programme, integrating human health with animal, plant, soil and environmental health.
    Way forward

    To improve the results of the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being further, India can implement the following suggestions. Such as, 

    • India needs to build an extensive cadre of human resources required to meet the enormous and complex environmental challenges of the 21st century.
    • Capacity building of professionals in sustainability and biodiversity science.
    • Investment in civil society outreach.
    • Public engagement, in the exploration, restoration and conservation of biodiversity, is critical.

    Source:  The Hindu

  • “Blue finned Mahseer” now placed under Least Concern (LC) status of IUCN red list

    What is the news?

    Blue Finned Mahseer which was on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list of endangered species has now moved to the ‘Least Concern (LC)’ status.

    About Blue Finned Mahseer:

    Blue-finned Mahseer

    Source: The Indian Express

    • Blue Finned Mahseer is a freshwater fish. It is also known as Deccan Mahseer or Tor Khudree.
    • It is one of the sub-species of Mahseer.
    • IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
    • Features:
      • It is a silvery-bluish coloured fish with blood-red fins or fins tipped with a bluish tinge.
      • Indicator species: Blue finned Mahseer is very sensitive to dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature and sudden climatic changes. It just cannot bear pollution.
        • Hence, it acts as an indicator of ecosystem health because its prime requirement is a clean and pure environment.
    • Diet: The fish feeds on plants, fruits, insects, shrimps and molluscs and may be grown in ponds. They are also predatory and prey on smaller mahseer.
    • Habitat: Blue Finned Mahseer is found in the Mula-Mutha River close to the Indian city of Pune, a part of the Krishna River basin. It is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau.
    • The species is migratory and moves upstream during rains
    Conservation Initiative by Tata power:
    • Tata Group is involved in the conservation of the blue-finned and golden mahseer for 50 years in an Artificial Lake at the Walvan Hatchery in Lonavala (near Pune), Maharashtra.
      • The company created a huge lake by damming the Indrayani River. It is at this artificial lake where Blue-Finned and Golden species of Mahseer congregate. Once the eggs hatch, they remain in the lake for 4-6 months.
      • They are then handed over to various fisheries departments across the country, who in turn introduce them to lakes and rivers in their states.
    • Hence, due to these initiatives, Blue Finned Mahseer has now been moved to the ‘least concern’ status. However, the golden mahseer is still in danger of going extinct.

    Source: Indian Express

  • “Litoria Mira” — A Chocolate Frog Species found in New Guinea
    What is the News?

    A research team led by Griffith University has discovered a new Frog Species in New Guinea. It has been named Litoria Mira.

    About Litoria Mira:

    Source: – Indian Express

    • The Litoria Mira or chocolate frog is a tree frog belonging to the genus Litoria.
    • Name: Litoria is the genus of the common tree frog, and Mira comes from Latin mirum which means strange or surprised.
    • When was it discovered? The frog was first discovered in 2016 in the rainforest swamps of New Guinea. However, it took years to complete the genetic analysis and found out that it is a completely new tree frog species.
    Features:
    • Litoria Mira can be distinguished from all other Litoria. It has a unique combination of moderately large size, webbing on hand, relatively short and robust limbs, and small violet patch of skin on the edge of its eyes.
    • Moreover, it was found that the litoria Mira looks similar to the Australian green tree frog. However, there is only one difference, the former is usually green while Litoria Mira usually has chocolate coloring.
    Why do chocolate frogs and Australian green tree frogs look similar?
    • Australia and New Guinea used to be linked by land for much of the late Tertiary period (2.6 million years ago) and share many biotic elements.
    • However, today the island of New Guinea is separated from the ‘horn’ of Queensland by the Torres Strait. New Guinea is dominated by rainforest, and northern Australia by the savannah.
    • Hence, the two frog species have now evolved to become genetically distinct to a point where they will not be able to breed.

    Source: Indian Express

  • Declining “forest bird species” in Western Himalayan region


    What is the News?

    According to research published in Global Ecology and Conservation, there has been a decline in forest bird species in the Western Himalayas Region.

    Note: The State of Uttarakhand has extremely cold winters and pleasant summers. It is home to the Western Himalayan temperate forests. These forests harbour a large number of endemic bird species.

    About the Research:
    • The researchers studied an area of about 1,285 square kilometres between the altitudes of 1,700 and 2,400 metres in the Western Himalayas Region.
    • Land Types: They studied six land-use types within moist temperate forest which includes:
      • Natural (protected) oak forest,
      • Degraded (lightly used) oak forest,
      • Looped (heavily used) oak forest,
      • Pine forest
      • Agricultural cultivation area and
      • Sites with buildings.
    Key Findings:
    • Firstly, there was a moderate to drastic forest bird species loss in all modified land-use types in comparison to natural oak forest.
    • Secondly, a strong decline was noticed in some habitats guilds. It was especially in the areas of visible land-use change.
      • Habitats guilds are groups of bird species that have common habitat preferences.
    • Thirdly, the species that dropped out of the modified land areas were recognised as oak forest specialists. Such as Rufous-bellied woodpecker, greater yellow nape, rufous sibia, white-throated laughing thrush and black-faced warbler.
      • Forests Specialists include species that search for food and breed only in dense protected oak forests at this altitude.
      • On the other hand, Forest Generalists include species that can adapt to modified habitats such as orchards and degraded forests.
    • Lastly, the reasons for the loss of forest bird species in the region were found to be:
      • Tourism and other anthropogenic activities
      • Rapid Invasion by non-native species. For example, Pigeon and Black Kites are not found in these High Altitudes. But with increasing concrete urban ghettos, these birds have become common in this region.
    Study on Woodpeckers:
    • Firstly, the researchers also studied the woodpeckers in the Western Himalayas region. This is to understand how they can be used as indicators of bird diversity and also to understand habitat degradation:
    • Secondly, they found that the higher number of woodpeckers at a site, results in higher richness of all other birds.
      • Reason: The cavities that woodpeckers make on trees are used by a number of other birds to nest in. This may be the primary reason how woodpeckers enhance the diversity in a region.
    • Thirdly, the two species (Rufous-bellied woodpecker and greater yellow nape) have shown great potential as indicators of forest quality. They are most likely to be found in dense canopied forests with larger and taller trees on which they preferred to forage.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • Odisha’s “blackbucks” double in 6 years, reveals census
    What is the News?

    According to a census carried out by the Odisha State Forest Department, Odisha’s blackbuck population has doubled in the last six years.

    Blackbucks in Odisha:
    • Firstly, the Blackbuck is known in Odisha as Krushnasara Mruga.
    • Secondly, Blackbucks are found only in the Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha. It used to be sighted in the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary till 2012-13. But now has vanished from the area.
    • Thirdly, according to Census 2021, Blackbuck is numbered around 7,358 in Odisha in 2021. This means that the blackbuck population in Odisha has doubled in the last six years(3,806 in 2015).
    • Reasons for the increase in population:
      • Improvement of habitats,
      • The protection given by the local people and forest staff.
    About Blackbucks:

    Blackbuck

    Source: Deccan Herald

    • The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is also known as the Indian antelope. It is an antelope native to India and Nepal.
    • Habitat: It inhabits grassy plains and lightly forested areas with perennial water sources.
    • Features:
      • Males weigh heavier than Female Blackbucks. Males have long, ringed horns. Females may also develop horns.
      • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
      • Blackbuck is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah.
      • The blackbuck is a herbivore and grazes on low grasses as well.
    • State Animal: Blackbuck has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Protection Status:
      • IUCN Status: Least Concern
      • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
      • CITES: Appendix III
    • Religious Significance:
      • The blackbuck is routinely depicted in miniature paintings of the Mughal era (16th to 19th centuries) depicting royal hunts often using cheetahs.
      • Blackbuck is mentioned in Sanskrit texts such as Krishna Mrig. According to Hindu mythology, the blackbuck draws the chariot of Lord Krishna.
      • Villagers in India and Nepal generally do not harm the blackbuck. Tribes such as the Bishnois revere and care for most animals including the blackbuck.
    • Protected Areas:
      • Gujarat: Velavadar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gir Forest National Park
      • Bihar: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
      • Maharashtra: Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
      • Madhya Pradesh: Kanha National Park
      • Among others.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • A study found the reason behind “crocodile tears”
    What is the News?

    Around the world, the phrase Crocodile Tears is most often used for politicians who are seen as being fake and theatrical in their reactions to misery and suffering. But scientists so far never understood the complete reason behind Crocodile tears.

    When do Crocodiles Cry?
    • A study was conducted in 2006 by the researchers to understand when crocodiles cry.
    • The researchers filmed seven crocodiles as they were fed on dry land in a park away from the water.
    • They found that five of the seven crocodiles developed moisture in their eyes. Apart from moisture, they also develop bubbles or overflow bubbles within minutes before, during or after eating.
    • Hence, the conclusion was made that crocodiles do indeed cry when they eat.
    What makes the crocodiles cry while eating?
    • While eating the aggressive movement of jaws might be a possible reason for tears. As the movement forces air into the sinuses of the crocodiles and stimulates the tear glands. Hence, crocodile tears are not from emotional distress.
    Can a human being also cry while eating?
    • In humans, there is something called “crocodile tear syndrome” or Bogorad syndrome. It is a medical condition in which patients who are recovering from Bell’s Palsy shed tears while eating or drinking.
      • Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. It can occur when the nerve that controls facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed. It can also occur due to a viral infection.

    Source: Indian Express

  • How Whiteflies are Damaging Crops in India?

    What is the News?

    According to a study by ICAR– National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Invasive Whiteflies Species are increasing in India.

    Whiteflies:
    • Whiteflies are sap-sucking insects. They are members of the insect family Aleyrodidae (order Homoptera). These insects become abundant during warm climates and are found on houseplants and in greenhouses.
    • Origin: Most of the whitefly species are native to the Caribbean islands or Central America.
    • India: Around eight types of whitefly species are found in India. The first invasive whitefly was reported from Kerala in 1995. These species are now distributed throughout India except Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Invasive Species: Whitefly species reduce the yield and also damage crops. Hence, they are considered as invasive species. These insects excrete sticky honeydew and cause the yellowing or death of leaves.
    Key Findings of the study:
    • Expanding host range: Whitefly species are expanding their host range (Species on which they feed) on valuable plant species like coconut, banana, mango, sapota, guava, cashew, oil palm, and important medicinal plants.
    • Reason for expanding host range: The host range of all the whiteflies is increasing due to their polyphagous nature (ability to feed on various kinds of food) and prolific breeding.
    • Resistance to available insecticides: Whiteflies have also been difficult to control by using available synthetic insecticides.
    Suggestions:
    • Firstly, Monitoring of Whitefly Species: The administration should ensure continuous monitoring of the whitefly species, their host plants, and geographical expansion.
    • Secondly, Phytosanitary Measures: States should ensure stricter phytosanitary measures at relevant places to reduce the chances of incoming exotic species.
    • Thirdly, Awareness among citizens: The state should work towards increasing awareness among the public about the threat posed by invasive species. This will help reduce the chances of the public indulging in illegal or unintentional import of invasive species.
    • Fourthly, Biological Control Methods: As the whiteflies are getting difficult to control by using synthetic insecticides. Therefore, naturally occurring insect predators, parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi (fungi that can kill insects) could be used as novel biological control of the invasive whiteflies.

    Source: The Hindu

  • WWF Report on Snow Leopards

    What is the News? The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has released a report. Its title is “Over 100 Years of Snow Leopards Research — A spatially explicit review of the state of knowledge in the snow leopard range”.

    About the Report:
    • The report provides a comprehensive overview of research carried out across the snow leopard range.
    • It also identifies gaps that need to be addressed to ensure effective snow leopard conservation.
    Key Findings of the Report:
    • The studies on snow leopard started in the 1970s, and it continued to increase exponentially since then.
    • However, just four hotspots of snow leopard have been researched so far (sites with continued multi-year research). It constitutes less than 23% of the snow leopard range.
    • Hence, more than 70% of the habitat of the species spanning over 12 Asian countries remains un-researched.
      • Reason: This species of leopard lives in rugged terrain — some of the harshest landscapes on the planet. Therefore, research poses significant logistical challenges.
    • Nepal, India, and China had conducted the most snow leopard research, followed by Mongolia and Pakistan.
    Threats :
    • Globally, there could be as few as 4,000 snow leopards left in Asia’s high mountains. This remaining population also faces continued and emerging threats such as:
      • Increased habitat loss and degradation
      • poaching
      • conflict with communities among others.
    About Snow Leopards:
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
    • State Animal: It is the State animal of Himachal Pradesh.
    • It lives at high altitudes in the steep mountains of Central and Southern Asia, where the climate is extremely cold.
    • Indicator Species: The Snow Leopard (also known as Ghost of the mountains) acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live. It is because of their position as the top predator in the food web.
    • Range Countries: Further, it is found in 12 range countries namely Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
    • India: In India, it inhabits the higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan landscape in the states/union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

    Click Here to Read more

    Source: Down To Earth

     

  • Can a Single Lightning Flash kill 18 Elephants?
    What is the News?

    Recently, 18 elephants died on a hilltop in Assam. The preliminary post-mortem report indicates they had been struck by lightning.

    Process of formation of lightning
    • During a storm or rain, particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds collide with each other. It creates a negative charge in the lower reaches of storm clouds and a positive charge in the upper reaches of clouds. This imbalance results in inter-cloud lightning.
    • Ground Objects like trees and earth itself during storms become positively charged due to friction with particles. It creates an imbalance between earth and cloud. Thus, nature seeks to balance this by passing current between the two charges i.e. from clouds to earth.
    • Thus, lightning is the process of occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. It is accompanied by a bright flash and sound and sometimes thunderstorms.
    • Types:
      • Inter cloud or intra cloud(IC) lightning are visible and are harmless.
      • It is cloud to ground (CG) lightning that is harmful as the ‘high electric voltage and electric current’ leads to electrocution.

    How does lightning kill animals? Lightning may injure or kill animals in a number of ways such as:

    • Direct Flash: An animal in an open field may be struck directly by lightning if part of its body covers or is over other objects in the vicinity. Taller animals are more vulnerable.
    • Side Flash: When lightning strikes a tall object such as a tree, it may generate a side flash that can strike an animal standing underneath the tree.
    • Touch Potential: If one part of a tall animal’s body is in contact with the ground, while another part touches a lightning-struck object like a tree, a partial current may pass through its body.
    • Step Potential: It is the most common lightning hazard among four-legged animals. When an animal’s front and hind feet are far enough apart, a partial current may pass through the body in certain circumstances.

    As per the investigation team, it may be the step potential that killed the Elephants.

    Why are elephants more vulnerable to lightning?
    • An elephant’s front and hind feet are wide apart. Therefore, it would appear to make it more vulnerable than a smaller animal, such as a rat.
    • This is because the potential difference increases with the increasing distance between the two feet. The larger the potential difference, the greater the current through the body.

    Source: Indian Express

  • Understanding the feeding behaviour of “Northern Elephant seals”
    What is the News?

    Scientists have conducted the most thorough study of the unique feeding behaviour of northern elephant seals, especially focusing on the female elephant seals.

    About the study:
    • The Northern Elephant seals are famous for their large breeding assembling. So the reproductive behaviour of them is well studied. But the female Seals are not observed in Coastal areas after breeding. So, the scientists know only a little about feeding behaviour.
    • To solve this, the scientists tracked 48 female elephant seals from Año Nuevo State Park in California. (this site is an important breeding colony).

    Key Findings:

    • Elephant Seals were found to spend more than 20 hours every day – and sometimes a full 24 hours in continuous deep-diving to feeding. They feed on multitudes of small fish instead of larger prey favoured by other deep-diving marine mammals.
      • This is being done to gain the body fat essential for successful reproduction and insulation in the frozen depths.
    • Female elephant seals are only about one-third of the size compared to male elephant seals. So, they hunt smaller fish in a deep-sea region. On the other hand, male elephant seals feed only in coastal waters.
    Elephant Seals:
    • Elephant seals are the largest seals on earth. They get their name from the prominent noses of the males that resemble an elephant’s trunk.
    • Features: Male Elephant seals grow to over 13 feet long and weigh up to 4,500 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, measuring up to 10 feet in length and weighing in at 1,500 pounds.
    • Diet: Elephant seals eat rays, skates, fish, squid, and sharks that live near the bottom of the ocean.

    Species: There are two species of elephant seals:

    Northern Elephant Seals:
    • Northern elephant seals are found across the Pacific coast of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
    • They generally breed and give birth in California and Baja California. That too usually on offshore islands from December to March. They fast during mating season, losing perhaps a third of their body weight.
    Southern Elephant Seals:
    • Southern elephant seals are the largest of all seals. They live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters that feature brutally cold conditions.
    • But these regions are rich in the fish, squid, and other marine foods these seals enjoy.
    • Southern elephant seals breed on land but spend their winters in the frigid Antarctic waters near the Antarctic pack ice.

    Source: The Hindu

    “African Forest Elephants” declared Critically Endangered

  • New species of “Asian gracile skink” found from Western Ghats
    What is the News?

    A new species of an Asian gracile skink has been discovered recently at Anaikatti hills, Coimbatore.

    About the new species of Asian gracile skink:

    Asian gracile skink

    Source: The Hindu

    • The New Species of Asian Gracile Skink has been named Subdoluseps nilgiriensis after Nilgiris. The species is closely related to Subdoluseps pruthi found in parts of the Eastern Ghats.
    • Features: The species has a slender body of just about 7 cm. It is sandy brown in colour. The unnoticeable limbs of skinks make them resemble snakes.
    • Protection Status: Subdoluseps nilgiriensis is currently considered a vulnerable species.
    • Significance: This species is only the third skink species discovered from mainland India in the last millennium.
    • Threats:
      • Seasonal forest fires
      • Housing constructions and brick kiln industries in the area.
      • Rapid urbanisation has also increased the road networks in the area.
    Significance of this discovery:
    • The new species of Skink was found in a dry deciduous area. This shows that even the dry zones of our country are home to unrealised skink diversity. So these regions needs to be further explored.
      • Hence, there is an urgent need to change the notion that high biodiversity can be found only in wet and evergreen forests.
    • Further, most of the studies in Tamil Nadu are carried out only in the protected areas and focus only on megafaunas such as tigers, elephants and other such charismatic species.
      • However, we also need to study the little-known animal groups inside our forests. They are fundamental and indispensable components of our biodiversity.
    About Skinks:
    • Skinks are lizards belonging to the family Scincidae, a family in the infraorder Scincomorpha.
    • Features: Skinks are characterized by their smaller legs in comparison to typical lizards. They are mostly found in a variety of habitats except for arctic and subarctic regions.
    • Behaviour: Many species of skink does digging and burrowing. They also spend the majority of their time underground. As they can stay safe from predators and the underground tunnels also help them with easy navigation.
    • Diet: Skinks are generally carnivorous and in particular insectivorous. They are known to feed on insects such as termites, crickets and small spiders.
    • Most skinks are diurnal and are usually secretive in their habits. So not much is known about their natural and evolutionary history.
    • The skinks are also non-venomous. They resemble snakes because of the inconspicuous limbs and the way they move on land.
    • Protection Status: Most of the species are placed under the data-deficient category.

    Source: The Hindu

     

     

    Forest Survey of India

  • 186 Elephants killed by Trains in Over 10 Years: MoEFCC Data

    What is the News?

    Project Elephant Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has published data. It highlights the number of elephants killed by trains on railway tracks.

    Key Highlights from the Published data:
    • There was killing of a total of 186 elephants after being hit by trains across India between 2009-10 and 2020-21.
    • Assam accounts for the highest number of elephant casualties on railway tracks. It was followed by West Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
    •  In the year 2012-13, 27 elephants were killed in 10 States. It is the highest number of elephants killed in a year due to trains.
    Measures taken to avoid elephant casualties on railway lines:

     Permanent Coordination Committee to prevent elephant deaths by trains:

    • A Permanent Coordination Committee has been constituted between the Ministry of Railways(Railway Board) and the MoEFCC for preventing elephant deaths in train accidents.
    • Composition: The committee comprises officers from the Indian Railways and State Forest Departments.
    • Steps Taken: The committee has taken steps such as:
      • clearing of vegetation along railway tracks to enable clear view for loco pilots;
      • signage boards at suitable points to alert loco pilots about elephant presence;
      • moderating slopes of elevated sections of railway tracks; underpass/overpass for safe passage of elephants;
      • regulation of train speed from sunset to sunrise on vulnerable stretches; and
      • regular patrolling of vulnerable stretches of railway tracks by the frontline staff of the Forest Department and wildlife watchers.
    Funds released under Project Elephant:
    • The MoEFCC has released 212.49 crores between 2011-12 and 2020-21 to elephant range States under Project Elephant to:
      • Firstly, to protect habitats and corridors of elephants
      • Secondly, to address issues of man-elephant conflict and
      • Thirdly, to protect captive elephants.
    • Kerala stood at the top in getting funds during the above period. On the other hand, Punjab received the lowest of the funds.

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “Red Eared Slider Turtles” Threaten Native Indian turtles across Northeast

    What is the News?

    Red Eared Slider Turtles are threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast region in India.

    About Red-eared slider:

    • Firstly, the red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic turtle belonging to the family Emydidae.
    • Secondly, Origin: They are native to the Southern United States and northern Mexico. But they are found in other countries as well because they are famous as pets.
      • People keep the Red-Eared slider turtle as pets. They release them in natural water bodies after they outgrow an aquarium, tank, or pool at home.
    • Thirdly, Invasive Species: These turtles are considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. This is because they grow fast and virtually leave nothing for the native species to eat.
      • Invasive Species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.
    • Fourthly, Name: They get their name from the small, red stripe around its ears or where its ears would be and from its ability to slide quickly off rocks and logs into the water.
    • Fifthly, Description: The females of the species are usually larger than the males. They typically live between 20 and 30 years, although some individuals have lived for more than 40 years.
    • Sixthly, Significance: Red-eared sliders are poikilotherms. This means that they are unable to regulate their body temperatures independently. Hence, they are completely dependent on the temperature of their environment.
      • For this reason, they need to sunbathe frequently to warm themselves and maintain their body temperatures.
    Red-eared Slider Turtle in India:
    • A team of herpetologists from the NGO ‘Help Earth’ found red­ eared sliders in the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ugratara temple pond in Assam.
      • The turtle was also collected from an unnamed stream, connected to the Tlawng River, on a farm near Mizoram capital Aizawl.
    • Concerns: As Red Eared Sliders are considered invasive, they are threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast region.
      • The North East Region is home to 21 of the 29 vulnerable native Indian species of freshwater turtles and tortoises.

    Source: The Hindu

    Environment laws and initiatives in India

  • ZSI research helps in categorising “Indian and Chinese Pangolin” scales

    What is the News?

    Researchers at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata have developed tools to differentiate the scales of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).

    About the Research:
    • The researchers characterised the morphological features of the Indian and Chinese Pangolin.
    • They also investigated genetic variations between the two species. The researchers investigated this by sequencing 624 scales of pangolins. After sequencing, they compared the sequences with all eight pangolin species.
    • Based on the size, shape, weight and ridge counts on the scales, the team was able to categorise the difference between the Indian and Chinese Pangolin.
    Difference between Indian and Chinese Pangolin:

    Indian vs Chinese Pangolin

    Source: The Hindu

    • The Chinese Pangolin has smaller scales compared to the Indian pangolin.
    • A terminal scale is present on the lower side of the tail in the Indian Pangolin. But the terminal scale is absent in the Chinese Pangolin.
    • The dry weight of the scales from one Chinese pangolin is roughly about 500 to 700 grams. However, in the case of Indian pangolin, it goes up from 1.5 kg to 1.8 kg.
    Significance of this research:
    • The wildlife officers during the confiscation of Pangolin scales can just weigh and estimate how many pangolins might have been killed.
    • These findings will also helpful for law enforcement agencies to identify the pangolin species on the spot during large seizures.
    About Pangolin:
    • Firstly, Pangolins are scaly anteater mammals of the order Pholidota. They have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin. They are the only known mammals on earth to have this feature.
    • Secondly, Pangolins in India: Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin are found in India.
    • Thirdly, Indian Pangolin:
      • Distribution of Indian Pangolin is wide in India, except in the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
      • IUCN Status: Endangered
      • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: under Schedule I.
    • Fourthly, Chinese Pangolin:
      • Distribution of Pangolins happen widely in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and the northeastern part of India.
      • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
      • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Under Schedule I
    • Fifthly, Threats:
      • Between 2000 and 2019, an estimate of about 8.9 lakh pangolins was trafficked globally. This mainly involved Asian and African pangolins. This has led to a drastic decline of the species.
      • Traditional East Asian medicines also use the Pangolins scale. So, Pangolins are killed for their scales.
      • All this has led to an estimated illegal trade worth $2.5 billion every year.

    Click Here to Read more about Pangolins

     Source: The Hindu

    Wildlife Crime Control Bureau(WCCB)

  • “Olive Ridley turtles” likely to skip mass nesting on Rushikulya river mouth this year

    What is the News?

    The annual mass nesting of millions of Olive Ridley sea turtles near the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha is likely to be missed this year.

    Mass nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles:
    • The Rushikulya river mouth is considered the second-biggest nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles in India.
    • The Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha is considered the world’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles. The mass nesting in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary occurred in March 2021.
    • However, the mass nesting near the Rushikulya river mouth is likely to be missed in 2021. As the time for nesting is almost over.
    • But this won’t be the first time they won’t come for mass nesting. In 2002, 2007, 2016 and 2019, the turtles had not shown up at Rushikulya.
    About Olive Ridley Turtles:
    • The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
    • They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

    Characteristics:

    • Features: Males and female Olive Ridley Turtles grow to the same size. However, the females have a slightly more rounded carapace(shell) as compared to the male.
    • Diet: These turtles are carnivores. They feed mainly on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, molluscs and a variety of fish and their eggs.
    • Migration: They spend their entire lives in the ocean. Further, they migrate thousands of kilometres between feeding and mating grounds in a year.
    • Arribada (Mass Nesting): They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada. Under this, thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
    • Nesting Sites: The coast of Odisha in India is the largest mass nesting site for the Olive-ridley. This is followed by the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica.
    Conservation status:

    Threats: The major threats to Olive Ridley turtles are:

    • Firstly, poor fishing practices,
    • Secondly, development and exploitation of nesting beaches for ports, and tourist centres,
    • And lastly, poaching for their meat, shell and leather.
    Initiatives:
    • Indian Coast Guard undertakes “Operation Olivia” every year. It is an Olive Ridley Turtle protection program.
    • To reduce the accidental killing in India, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for trawls to use Turtle Excluder Devices(TEDs). It is a net specially designed with an exit cover that allows the turtles to escape while retaining the catch.

    Source: Down To Earth

  • “White-Bellied Heron” spotted in Arunachal Pradesh

    What is the News?

    The white-bellied heron was spotted at Walong in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. This is the first time the white-bellied heron was sighted at a height of 1,200 meters above sea level in India.

    About White-Bellied Heron:

    White-bellied heron

    Source: eBird

    • The White-bellied Heron is a rare and elusive bird. It is the second-largest living species of heron.
    • Characteristics: The White-bellied Heron is extremely shy to human presence. It is plain dark grey in colour except for the white belly part. It has a long neck.
    • Habitat:
      • It is one of the rarest birds in the world. At present, it is found only in Bhutan, Myanmar and the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
      • But the bird has also recorded in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Lohit district in Arunachal Pradesh through camera trap images.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
      • Indian Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule IV
    • Threats:
      • Loss and degradation of lowland forests and wetlands through direct exploitation and disturbance by humans
      • Natural forest fires have destroyed nests of Heron

    Source: TOI

  • “Great Indian Bustard” Poaching in Pakistan desert

     


    What is the News?

    A group of hunters shot down two Great Indian Bustards(GIBs) in a protected area of southern Punjab’s Cholistan in Pakistan. This has left wildlife activists in India shocked and outraged.

    Why is India Concerned?
    • Firstly, the Grassland Habitat in Pakistan’s Cholistan desert is very similar to the habitat in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park(DNP). Where the Great Indian Bustard(GIB) was killed.
    • Secondly, in these areas, the last remaining populations of  Great Indian Bustard reside.
    • Thirdly, Rajasthan shares the international border with Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces. The remaining Indian-bred GIBs may also fly across to Pakistan’s desert and become easy prey for the gun-toting poachers.
    • Hence, the hunting of the GIB will not only drastically reduce India’s GIB population but will also affect the desert ecosystem.

    Note: The hunting of the Houbara bustards in Pakistan has also led to an alarming decline in their numbers. It also has drastically reduced India’s share of annual winter migration of this bird.

    Read Also: Sonneratia alba or mangrove apple

    About Great Indian Bustard:
    • The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
    • Vegetation: It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent.
    • Flagship Species: It is the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
    • Habitat: It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. In India, the population confines mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat.
      • In Rajasthan also GIB’s population is less than 100. This accounts for 95% of its total world population.
    • State Bird: GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix I
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972: Schedule I
    • Threats: The bird under constant threat due to a) Collision/ electrocution with power transmission lines b) Hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan) c) Irrigation and farming technology among others.
    Initiatives for Protection of GIB:
    • Great Indian Bustard Project: It was launched by the Rajasthan Government. It aims at the conservation of the remaining population of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) locally called Godawan.
    • The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has included the Great Indian Bustard(GIB) under the Species Recovery Programme.

    Source: The Hindu

    ‘Firefly bird diverters’ to save the Great Indian Bustard

  • Meghalaya Records India’s First “Disc Footed Bat” with Sticky Disks

    What is the News? 

    Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) discovers India’s first disc footed bat with sticky nodes, near the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya. This location is about 1,000 km west of its nearest habitat in Myanmar.

    Also Read – Other Species in News for Prelims, 2021

    About Disc Footed Bat:
    • This bat(Eudiscopus denticulus) is a bat species that is very different. It has a flat skull, prominent disk-like pads in the thumb, and bright orange colouration.
    • This bat rests inside bamboo internodes. Their sticky disks and flattened skull help them in this.
    • Habitat: So far, this species only thrive in a few localities in Southern China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.
    • The disc-footed bat is genetically very different from all other bats bearing disc-like pads.
    Significance of this discovery:
    • Firstly, the disc footed has raised Meghalaya’s bat count to 66, the most for any State in India.
    • Secondly, it has also helped add a genus and species to the bat fauna of India taking the species count of the flying mammal in the country to 130.

    Source: The Hindu

    Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat

  • “Indus and Ganges River Dolphins” are two different species

    What is the News? According to an analysis of the Indus and Ganges River dolphins, it was found they are not one but two separate different species.

    What is the current classification?
    • Currently, Indus and Ganges River dolphins are classified as two subspecies under South Asian river dolphins(Platanista gangetica).

    What has the analysis revealed?

    • Firstly, the researchers examined the DNA samples of the Indus and Gangetic River Dolphins.
    • Secondly, they found out that the Indus and Ganges river dolphins have clear genetic differences. Also, there is a difference in the numbers of teeth, colouration, growth patterns, and skull shapes.
    • Hence, they concluded that the Indus River dolphin and the Ganges river dolphin are two separate different species.
    About Gangetic River Dolphin:
    • Gangetic River Dolphin is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
    • Habitat: They prefer deep waters in and around the confluence of rivers. They also act as an indicator of the health of the freshwater ecosystem as they can only live in freshwater.
    • Population: The population of the Ganges river dolphins is declining. As per estimates, several thousand individuals spread across rivers systems in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Status: Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix I (It means we cannot transfer any tissue or sample to foreign countries without getting CITES permission from the Competent Authority of Government of India)
      • Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972: Schedule 1
    • Threats:
      • Physical barriers such as dams and barrages created across the river have reduced the flow to a great extent making the species endangered.
      • The River flow is also declining very fast. It is because of the diversion of the river water through the barrages, and this has affected the dolphin habitats.
      • Mechanized boats are also causing accidental injury to the dolphins.

    Click Here to Read more about Gangetic River Dolphin

     About Indus River Dolphin:
    • Indus Water Dolphin is a freshwater Dolphin. They are found in Pakistan and River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India.
    • Population: The population of Indus River dolphins has achieved an impressive recovery over the last 20 years. Their numbers going up from approximately 1,200 in 2001 to almost 2,000 in 2017.
    • State Animal: Indus River Dolphin is the state aquatic animal of Punjab.
    • IUCN Status: Endangered

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “Indian Rhino Vision 2020” – Last 2 Rhinos Translocated


    What is the News?

    Indian Rhino Vision 2020(IRV 2020) came to an end with the release of two rhinos. An adult male and a female rhino transported to Assam’s Manas National Park from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary about 185 km east.

    Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020:
    • Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020 was launched in 2005.
    • Vision: The vision of IRV is to:
      • Increase the Rhino Population in Assam from about 2000 to 3000 by 2020.
      • Ensure that one-horned rhinos are spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.
    • Seven Protected Areas: The seven protected areas are Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary, and Dibru Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary.
    • Implementation: The Department of Environment and Forest, Assam in partnership with Bodo Autonomous Council implemented the plan.
    • Supported by:  WWF India, WWF areas (Asian Rhino and Elephant action strategy) program, the international rhino Foundation(IRF), US fish and wildlife service, and others support the plan.
    Achievements of Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020:
    • The Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020 has likely achieved its target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos in Assam.
    • However, the plan to spread the one-horned rhinos across four protected areas beyond Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora could not materialize.
    Reasons for the launching of the Indian Rhino Vision plan:
    • Assam had at least five rhino-bearing areas till the 1980s. Better conservation efforts helped maintain the population of the one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga, Orange and Pobitora National Parks.
    • But the encroachment and poaching wiped out the one-horned rhinos from Manas and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • This led to the Manas National Park (known for the near-extinction of the pygmy hog) losing the World Heritage Site tag it received in 1985 along with Kaziranga from UNESCO.
    • However, the translocated rhinos helped Manas National Park get back its World Heritage Site status in 2011.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Dolphin Census” Registers Increase in Numbers of Dolphins

    What is the News?

    The Odisha State Forest and Environment Department released the final data on the dolphin census. The census covers almost the entire coast of Odisha.

    What are the Key Findings of the Dolphin Census?
    • Number of Dolphins: The number of dolphins increased by 311 in Odisha taking the total number up to 544 Dolphins. In the 2020 census, there were a total of 233 dolphins in the Odisha state.
    • Dolphin Species: Census recorded three species of Dolphins: Irrawaddy, bottle-nose, and humpback dolphins.
    • Irrawaddy Dolphins: The population of Irrawaddy dolphins jumps from 146 in 2020 to 162 this year. These Dolphins mostly reside in Chilika lake. Apart from Chilika, 39 Irrawaddy dolphins also sighted in the Rajnagar mangrove division.
      • The rise in the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Chilika is due to the eviction of illegal fish enclosures.
    • Humpback Dolphins: The highest growth is observed in the case of humpback dolphins. In 2021, their population increased to 281.
    • Bottlenose Dolphin: The number of bottle-nose dolphins increases from 23 in 2020 to 54 in 2021.
    About Irrawaddy Dolphins:
    • Firstly, Irrawaddy Dolphins(Orcaella Brevirostris) are oceanic dolphins. Thus, It resides in brackish water near coasts, river mouths, and estuaries in South and Southeast Asia.
    • Secondly, Features: They have a bulging forehead and short beak. Further, They pop out their head out of the water to breathe.
    • Thirdly, Habitat: It extends from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea and the Philippines.
    • Fourthly, Rivers: They reside in three rivers namely The Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo), and the Mekong.
    • Fifthly, Population: As per estimations, there are less than 7500 Irrawaddy Dolphins in the world. More than 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins have been reported from Bangladesh.
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    About Humpback Dolphin:
    • Humpback dolphins stay in relatively shallow nearshore waters throughout their range. It includes most of the coastlines in Australia, Africa, and Asia.
    • Species: There are four species of humpback dolphins with very little overlap between their ranges:
      • Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)
      • Indian Ocean humpback dolphin(IUCN Status: Endangered)
      • Atlantic humpback dolphin(IUCN Status: Critically Endangered)
      • Australian humpback dolphin(IUCN Status:  Vulnerable)
    About Bottlenose Dolphin:
    • Firstly, Bottlenose dolphins are the most common members of the family of oceanic dolphins.
    • Secondly, Bottlenose dolphins inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide. Thus, they are found everywhere except for the Arctic and Antarctic Circle regions.
    • Species: Following are three species of Bottlenose dolphins:
      • Common bottlenose dolphin (IUCN Status: Least Concern)
      • Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (IUCN Status: Near Threatened)
      • Burrunan dolphin (IUCN Status: Yet to be categorised).

    Source: The Hindu

    Terms to Know

  • Government aims to boost “opium production”

    What is the News?

    The Union government has decided to bring in the private sector in the production of poppy straw from opium production.

    This move is expected to boost the yield of alkaloids which are used for medical purposes and exported to several countries.

    Opium Production in India:
    • India is one of the few countries that grow opium legally. It currently only extracts alkaloids from opium gum at few facilities. The Revenue Department in the Finance Ministry controls these facilities.
      • This is done by using the poppy straw method. Under this, the farmers extract gum by manually cutting the opium pods and selling the gum to government factories.
        Note:  Alkaloids are a huge group of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain nitrogen atom or atoms (amino or amido in some cases) in their structures. This includes morphine, strychnine, quinine, ephedrine, and nicotine.
    • However, India’s opium production has been declining over the years. It is depending heavily on imports. Especially to meet the need for Poppyseed for edible purposes and codeine (extracted from opium) for medicinal uses.
      Codeine is the methyl ether derivative of morphine found in the opium poppy
    • Hence, the government decided to adopt the public-private partnership(PPP). Under this, the government will switch to new technologies after trial cultivation by two private firms showed higher extraction of alkaloids using the Concentrated Poppy Straw(CPS).
      • CPS is a mechanised system under which the entire harvest will be cut by machine and transferred to government factories.
    Issues in bringing Private Sector in Opium Production:
    • The government will need to amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,1985 to bring in the private players in opium production.
    • Hence, the government has appointed a consultant to help frame an appropriate public-private partnership(PPP) model. It will advise on the changes needed to the rules and laws to facilitate the process. Further, it will also recommend security measures to protect the crop and the final product.

    About Opium:

    • Firstly, Opium is dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy Papaver somniferum.
    • Secondly, India is one among 12 countries in the world where legal cultivation of opium is permissible. It is permissible within the ambit of the United Nations, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961.
    • Thirdly, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are the three traditional opium-growing States. In those states, poppy cultivation is allowed based on licences issued annually by the Central Bureau of Narcotics.

    About Poppy Straw:
    Poppystraw

    • Poppy Straw is the husk left after the opium is extracted from pods. They are used in the commercial manufacture of morphine or other poppy alkaloid derived drugs.
    • Poppy straw is one of the narcotic drugs under the NDPS Act, 1985. Hence, anyone who possesses, selling, purchasing, or using poppy straw without a license or authorization is liable to prosecution under the NDPS Act.
    • Further, the Possession, sale, use of poppy straw is regulated by the State Governments under the State NDPS Rules.
    • Farmers sell the poppy straw to those licensed by the State Governments to purchase poppy straw. Any excess poppy straw is ploughed back into the field.

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Culex or Common House Mosquitoes” Reappears in Delhi
    What is the News?

    With the change in season and rise in temperature, culex or common house mosquitoes have made a reappearance across Delhi.

    About Culex or Common House Mosquitoes:
    • Culex is a genus of mosquitoes. They are carriers of some serious diseases. They can fly up to a distance of 1-1.5 km.
    • Diseases: Culex mosquitoes serve as a vector of one or more serious diseases. Such as the West Nile virus, Japanese Encephalitis or St. Louis encephalitis, Cat Que Virus (CQV), filariasis and avian malaria.
    • Presence of Culex Mosquitoes: They are present in hot and humid regions throughout the globe. They are not found in extreme northern latitudes.
    • Ideal Temperature: The ideal condition for Culex mosquitoes to breed is between 10 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius.
    • Breeding Ground: They breed in dirty, stagnant water and preferred oviposition habitats. Like rainwater barrels, catch basins, and septic tanks are rich in organic material.
      Oviposition: It is the method of expulsion of the egg from the oviduct to the external environment

    How is the Government responding? The Government has taken several initiatives to control Culex Mosquitoes such as:

    • Firstly, Putting mosquito larvicidal oil-coated blocks in the breeding grounds. This will create a layer that the mosquitoes cannot evade.
    • Secondly, Underground Insecticide fogging is also an another method to paralyse the mosquitoes.
    • Thirdly, Sprays and medicines. They are being put inside the drains as a preventive measure.
    • Fourthly, Visiting homes to inspect coolers, tanks surroundings. This helps in removing stagnant water or other favourable breeding ground in their surroundings.

    Source: Indian Express

    Gardening as a hobby

  • “Nacaduba Sinhala” – the new butterfly species

    What is the News?

    A group of lepidopterists discovered a new species of butterfly. It is called “Nacaduba Sinhala Ramaswamii Sadasivan”.

    Note: A lepidopterist is a person who specializes in studying butterflies and moths.

    About the Nacaduba Sinhala Butterfly Species:

    Nacaduba Sinhala

    • Nacaduba Sinhala is a Line Blue Butterfly Species that belongs to the Nacaduba genus group.
      • Line Blues are small butterflies belonging to the subfamily Lycaenidae. Their distribution ranges from India and Sri Lanka to the whole of southeastern Asia, Australia and Samoa.
    • Where was it discovered? This butterfly species was discovered in the Agasthyamalai in the Western Ghats a decade ago. But now it found a place in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
    • Significance: It is the first time that a butterfly species was discovered by an all-Indian research team from the Western Ghats.

    About Journal of Threatened Taxa(JoTT):

    • Journal of Threatened Taxa(JoTT) is an open-access peer-reviewed, monthly international journal on conservation and taxonomy.
    • Published by: The journal is published by the wildlife conservation and research NGO Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO).

    Source: The Hindu

     

  • “African Forest Elephants” declared Critically Endangered
    What is the news?

    The IUCN declares African Forest elephants as ‘critically endangered’ and Savanna (or bush) elephants as ‘endangered’.

    Note: Previously IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) listed both African elephants as “vulnerable”. But now it has opted to list them separately. It is after genetic evidence has proved that both are different species.

    About African Elephants
    1. African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. They are slightly larger than Asian Elephants and can be identified by their larger ears. (Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears)
    2. Elephants are matriarchal. It means they live in female-led groups. The matriarch is usually the biggest and oldest.
    3. Keystone Species: African elephants are keystone species, i.e., they play a critical role in their ecosystem. They are also known as “ecosystem engineers” as they shape their habitat in many ways.
    4. Range: Distribution of African elephants is throughout the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa and the rainforests of Central and West Africa.
    5. Types: There are two subspecies of African elephants:
      • African Savanna (or bush) elephant: They are larger animals that roam the plains of sub-Saharan Africa. They are listed as endangered under the IUCN Red List.
      • African Forest Elephants: They are smaller animals that live in the forests of Central and West Africa. They are listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
    About Asian Elephants:
    1. IUCN Red List: Endangered 
    2. CITES: Appendix I.
    3. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
    4. The Asian elephant is the largest land mammal on the Asian continent. They inhabit dry to wet forest and grassland habitats in 13 range countries spanning South and Southeast Asia.
    5. Significance: Asian elephants are extremely sociable, forming groups of six to seven related females that are led by the oldest female, the matriarch.
    6. Subspecies: There are three subspecies of Asian elephants – the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. The Indian has the widest range and accounts for the majority of the remaining elephants on the continent.
    7. In India, the Asian elephant is found in four fragmented populations, in south, north, central and north-east India.

    Source: The Hindu

    Biodiversity and conservation

  • The first “Inter-State Tiger Relocation Project” Suspended

    What is the News?

    The first inter-state tiger relocation project has been suspended.

    About the First Tiger Relocation Project:
    •  The National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) launched the first Tiger Relocation Project in 2018.
    • Under the Project, two tigers a male (Mahavir) from Kanha Tiger Reserve and a female (Sundari) from Bandhavgarh from MP, were relocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha.

    Why Relocation of Tigers? The relocation serves two purposes:

    1. To reduce the tiger population in areas with excess tigers to majorly reduce territorial disputes
    2. To reintroduce tigers in areas where the population has considerably reduced due to various reasons.
    About Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and why was it chosen for Relocation?
    • Satkosia Tiger Reserve comprises two adjoining sanctuaries of central Odisha named Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary.
    • The reserve lies in a transitional zone extending between the Chhota Nagpur Plateau and the Deccan Plateau.
    • Satkosia was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2007. It had a population of 12 tigers then. However, the numbers reduced to two in 2018.
    • Hence, the purpose of the relocation was to repopulate tigers in the reserve areas. Also, Satkosia was found to fall under reserves where there is a potential for increasing tiger populations.

    Why has then the Tiger Relocation Project suspended? The project got suspended due to the following reasons:

    • Protests by villagers living on the sidelines of the forest as they felt that their lives and livestocks were endangered.
    • Lack of confidence and trust-building between the forest department and the villagers.
    • One of the tigers, Mahavir was found dead and a field inspection report claimed poaching as the cause of death.
    • Further, the tigress Sundari was blamed for the death of a woman and another person. Hence, the tigress Sundari was then tranquilized and was shifted.
    • Following this, the National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) suspended the first tiger relocation project.

    Source: Indian Express

     

  • “House Sparrow” population is increasing in India

    What is the News?

    House Sparrow population was on the decline in cities, for decades. But now, as per Nature Forever Society (NFS) president, due to the citizen-led movements across various states, their population has started increasing.

    About House Sparrow:
    • House Sparrow(Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is found in most parts of the world.
    Characteristics of House Sparrow:
    • The male and female House Sparrow are easily distinguishable not in size but in colouration. The male is dark brown with a black bib, grey chest, and white cheeks. Whereas, the female is light brown throughout its body, with no black bib, crown, or white cheeks.
    • The bird is known to stay close to human habitations. So it is among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities.
    Habitat of House Sparrow:
    • Firstly, the house sparrow is widespread across the world, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica, and countries like China and Japan. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa.
    • Secondly, in India, House Sparrow is found throughout the country. It is found up to the Assam valley and lower parts of the Assam hills. In the eastern Himalayas, the house sparrow species is replaced by the Eurasian tree sparrow.
    Protection:
    • State Bird: House Sparrow is the State bird of Bihar and Delhi.
    • World Sparrow Day: It is celebrated every year on March 20 to raise awareness about the bird.
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

    Causes of Decline:

    • The unfriendly architecture of our homes.
    • The use of chemical fertilizers in crops.
    • Noise pollution.
    • Exhaust fumes from vehicles.
    House Sparrow Conservation Initiatives:
    • In Odisha, the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee started a campaign in 2007. They distributed earthen pot bird nests to homes in Odisha. This has led to an increase in the sparrow population.
    • In Visakhapatnam, a filmmaker in association with city-based NGO Green Climate has made a film on sparrow conservation. In that, they mentioned the need to save the house sparrow species. Further, they also mentioned the ways to create an ecosystem to make the bird thrive.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Himachal Pradesh to start “Seabuckthorn plantations”

    What is the News?

    The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to start SeaBuckthorn Plantation in the cold desert areas.

    About Seabuckthorn:

    • It is a shrub that produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry.
    • In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region. It is generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
    • In Himachal Pradesh, it is locally called Himalayan chharma and grows in the wild in Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Kinnaur.
    Benefits of Seabuckthorn Plantation:

    Medicinal Benefits:

    • It is used as a medicine for treating stomach, heart, and skin problems.
    • It is rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and omega fatty acids. Moreover, it can help troops in acclimatizing to high-altitude.
    Ecological Benefits:
    • It is an important source of fuelwood and fodder.
    • It is a soil-binding plant that prevents soil erosion. Furthermore, it checks siltation in rivers and helps preserve floral biodiversity.
      • Example: In the Lahaul valley, Seabuckthorn is a good alternative for protecting the local ecology. Willow trees there are dying in large numbers due to pest attack,
    Commercial Benefits:
    • It is used in making juices, jams, nutritional capsules among others.
    • It is also used in the manufacturing of cosmetics and anti-ageing products.

    Source: Indian Express

  • KVIC launches “Project REHAB”

    What is the News?

    Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) has launched a unique project called Project REHAB (Reducing Elephant – Human Attacks using Bees).

    About Project REHAB:
    • Under this project, bee boxes would get used as a fence to prevent the attack of elephants.
    • Aim: The aim is to create “bee-fences” to mitigate human– elephant conflicts in the country. It will reduce the loss of lives of both, humans and elephants.
    • Where was it launched? It was launched as a pilot project at four places. These places are located on the periphery of Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka.
    • Sub Mission: The project has gotten launched as a sub-mission of KVIC’s National Honey Mission.
    National Honey Mission:
    • Launched by: Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC)
    • Aim:
      1. To provide sustainable employment and income to rural and urban unemployed youth.
      2. To conserve the honeybee habitat and tapping untapped natural resources.
      3. Moreover, to promote beekeeping for increasing crop productivity and pollination services avenue for beekeepers and farmers.

    Source: PIB

     

  • Petition in SC for Protection of “Great Indian Bustard”

    What is the News?

    The Supreme Court gave several suggestions to protect the Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

    What was the case?
    • A petition has been filed in the SC regarding the deaths of the Great Indian bustard (GIB). The deaths happened due to a collision with high voltage power lines.
    • The petitioner asked the court to order the government to make power transmission lines underground to avoid collision with the GIB.
    What has the Supreme Court said?
    • Firstly, the Supreme Court asked the government about the possibility of placing underground and overhead power cables.
    • Secondly, the government replied that only low voltage lines could go underground. But not the high voltage ones.
    • Hence, the court has suggested a middle path. It said the low voltage lines could get made underground. And for the high voltage transmission lines that could not get made underground, the court could direct the installation of firefly bird diverters.

    Note: Firefly bird diverters are flaps installed on power lines. They work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance of about 50 meters. It will help them to change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines.

    About the Great Indian Bustard:
    • The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent.
    • Habitat: It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. In India, the population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. A small population occurs in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered species
      • CITES: Appendix I
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972: Schedule I
    • Threats:
      • Collision/electrocution with power transmission lines,
      • Hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan),
      • Irrigation and farming technology
      • Mining
      • Wind turbines and Solar farms (photovoltaic power stations)
      • Plantation of exotic shrub/tree species in deserts and grasslands in the name of afforestation.

    Click Here to Read more about Great Indian Bustard

     Source: The Hindu

  • Conservation Initiatives for Sharks in India


    What is the news?

    As per a recent study, the global population of sharks and rays reduced by over 70% in the past five decades. But a few conservation initiatives in India show that well-crafted policies and awareness programmes can make a difference.

    About Sharks:
    • Sharks come under a subclass of fish species called elasmobranchii. The species in this subclass have skeletons made from cartilage and not bones. They also have five to seven gill slits on each side of their heads. They use gills to filter oxygen from the water.
    • Habitat: Sharks inhabit three major marine habitats such as continental shelves, deep-sea and open ocean.
    • Timescale: Based on fossilized teeth and scales, scientists believe that sharks have been around for more than 400 million years—long before the dinosaurs.
    • India is the second-largest shark fishing nation in the world.
    Conservation Measures launched in India:

    Inclusion of Sharks under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act

    • Whale Sharks were the first-ever species to be included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
    • After this, the Ganges shark and spear tooth shark were also added to Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
    Whale Shark Conservation Programme:
    • Why was it launched? Whale Sharks were usually caught in Gujarat as bycatch when fishermen target economically benefiting species. It was then used for the liver that was used for commercial trade. Due to this, the Whale Sharks population was reducing and the programme was launched.
    • Whale Shark Conservation Programme: It was launched by Wildlife Trust of India in Gujarat in 2004. Under the programme, workshops were conducted in villages and street plays were written and enacted to convey the consequences of hunting whale sharks.
      • This awareness programme was later expanded to Kerala and Lakshadweep after it was found that sharks that were saved in Gujarat were hunted down in Kerala and Lakshadweep.
    Awareness Programmes in the East Coast of India:
    • Why is it conducted? Shark species such as Blacktip sharks, bull sharks, pelagic and big-eye thresher sharks, smooth and scalloped hammerhead and tiger sharks were hunted frequently, at the East Coast of India.
      • Among these, Smooth Hammerhead is categorised as Vulnerable and Scalloped Hammerhead as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
    • Awareness Programme: Forest Department of Andhra Pradesh along with The East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem has been conducting awareness programmes to educate fishing communities since 2013.
    Ban on Export of Shark Fins:
    • Shark skin is used for leather which is made into boots and bags and liver for oil. The fins were earlier harvested for shark fin soup, a sought-after delicacy in Southeast Asia and China.
    • To stop this, the exporting of shark fins was banned in India in 2015.

    Source – : The Hindu

  • “Black-Browed Babbler” rediscovered after 170 years

    What is the News?

    Black-browed Babbler(Malacocincla perspicillata) has been rediscovered. It is spotted in southeastern Kalimantan, Borneo in Indonesia after 170 years.

    About Black Browed Babbler:

    • Black Browed Babbler is a songbird species in the family of Pellorneidae.
    • The single specimen of the bird was first found between 1843 through 1848 during an expedition. However, after that, the species was never seen in the wild again.
    • Significance: The bird is known for the longest known missing period (170 years) for any Asian species. It is also often called ‘the biggest enigma in Indonesian ornithology’.
    • Features of the bird:
      • The upper parts of the bird were rich brown while the underparts up to the breast were greyish with fine white streaking.
      • The bird has a broad black eye stripe and the iris was found to be deep red. The legs are dark slate-grey.
    • IUCN Status: Data Deficient. However, IUCN says that the global population size of the bird has not been quantified, but the species is described as possibly extinct.

    Source: Indian Express

     

    The issue of Road Safety in India – Explained pointwise

  • First-ever Survey on “Fishing Cats” of the Chilika starts

    What is the News?

    The first-ever survey of the fishing cats in and around the Chilika lake in Odisha started.

    About Fishing Cat:

    • Fishing cats are elusive nocturnal mammals. It is almost twice the size of the house cat.
    • They are generally found in the marshy wetlands of northern and eastern India and on the mangroves of the east coast.
    • Threats: The loss of habitat due to the destruction of wetlands is a major threat to the fishing cat. Besides, the animal is also killed by people under the wrong assumption that it is a juvenile tiger and thus dangerous.

    Click Here to Read more about Fishing Cat

     About the Fishing Cat Survey:

    • Conducted by: Chilika Development Authority(CDA) is conducting the survey in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance(FCCA).
      • Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance is a team of conservationists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It is working to achieve functioning floodplains and coastal ecosystems to ensure the survival of the fishing cat.
    • Process: Local fishermen along with wildlife activists will be assisting in the survey. They will install camera traps around the lake shore and nearby areas where fishing cats were sighted earlier.

    Initiatives taken by Odisha Government for Fishing Cat Conservation:

    • Ambassador of Chilika Lake: The Odisha government designated Fishing Cats as ambassadors of the Chilika during ‘Wildlife Week’ in 2020.
    • Fishing Cat Project: CDA in collaboration with FCCA has launched a fishing cat project. It will spread awareness among the local people and fishermen for animal’s conservation,
    • The Odisha forest department launched a two-year project for the conservation of the fishing cat in the Bhitarkanika National Park in 2020.

    About Chilika Lake:

    • Location: Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon. It spreads over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha. The lake is located at the mouth of the Daya River flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
    • Significance: It is Asia’s largest and world’s second-largest lagoon after The New Caledonian barrier reef.
    • Migratory Birds: The lake is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on the Indian subcontinent.
    • Ramsar Sites: In 1981, Chilika Lake became the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
    • Temple: Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai.
    • Bird Sanctuary: The Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 Sq. km of the Chilika lake declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
    • Fauna: The major attraction at the Chilika lake is Irrawaddy dolphins.

    Source: Down To Earth

    Fishing cat is now ambassador of Chilika Lake

  • “Himalayan serow” spotted in the Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam

    What is the News?

    Himalayan Serow has been spotted in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.

     About Himalayan Serow:

    • Himalayan serow is a subspecies of the mainland serow. It resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
    • Species: There are several species of serows in the world. All of them are found in Asia. However, the Himalayan serow is restricted to the Himalayan region.
    • Habitat: They are found at high altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres. They are known to be found in the eastern, central and western Himalayas but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
    • Diet: Himalayan serows are herbivores animals.
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • The Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I.

    Significance of the sighting of Himalayan Serow:

    • Himalayan serow has been spotted for the first time in the Manas tiger reserve or anywhere else in Assam. However, this does not mean the animal never visited Assam forests before.
      • The sightings of these rare animals and birds are due to better access to remote parts of the protected area.
      • The other rare animals and birds sighted recently in Manas National Park were,

    Manas National Park:

    • Manas national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve.
    • Location: It is located in the Himalayan foothills in Assam. It is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
    • Origin of Name: The name of the park is originated from the Manas River.
    • Significance: The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. It is also famous for its population of wild water buffalo.
    • Human History: Pagrang is the only forest village located in the core of the Manas national park. Apart from this village 56 more villages surround the park. Many more fringe villages are directly or indirectly dependent on the park.
    • River: The Manas river flows through the west of the park. Manas is a major tributary of Brahmaputra river. The river is named after the serpent goddess Manasa

    Source: The Hindu

    Environment laws and initiatives in India

  • “The Caracal” is now critically endangered

    What is the news?

    The National Board for Wildlife includes the caracal in the list of critically endangered species. The recovery programme for critically endangered species in India now includes 22 wildlife species.

    About Caracal:

    • It is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia including India. The population of this cat is increasing in Africa while its numbers are declining in Asia.

    Characteristics:

    • Features: The caracal has long legs, a short face, long canine teeth. It has distinctive ears that are long and pointy with tufts of black hair at their tips.
    • Nocturnal Animal: It is an elusive, primarily nocturnal animal. Its sightings are not common.
    • Diet: The caracal is a carnivore. It typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
    • Significance: The caracal has traditionally been valued for its flexibility and its extraordinary ability to catch birds in flight.

    Why is the wild cat named Caracal?

    • Its name is on the basis of the Turkish word karakulak, meaning ‘black ears’. It is named due to its iconic ears.
    • Different Names:
      • In India, Caracal is called Siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
      • A Sanskrit fable (short story) exists about a small wild cat named deergha karn or ‘long-eared’.

    Habitat:

    • Earlier Caracals could be found in arid and semi-arid scrub forest regions of 13 Indian states. It was also found in nine out of the 26 biotic provinces.
    • However, currently, its presence is restricted to Rajasthan, Kutch, and parts of Madhya Pradesh(MP).

    Conservation Status:

    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES Listing: Appendix I for the Asian population and Appendix II for others.

    Threats:

    • Loss of habitat and increasing urbanisation
      • Example: Chambal ravines which are caracal’s natural habitat has been often officially notified as wasteland.
    • Infrastructure projects such as the building of roads lead to the fragmentation of the caracal’s ecology and disruption of its movement.

    Historical significance of Caracal:

    • Ancient Times: The earliest evidence of the caracal in the subcontinent comes from a fossil dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization c. 3000-2000 BC.
    • Medieval Times:
      • It was a favourite coursing or hunting animal in medieval India.
      • Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88) had siyah-goshdar khana stables that housed large numbers of coursing caracal.
      • Caracal finds mention in Abul Fazl’s Akbarnama as a hunting animal in the time of Akbar(1556-1605).
      • Descriptions and illustrations of the caracal can also be found in medieval texts such as Anvar-i-Suhayli, Tutinama, Khamsa-e Nizami and Shahnameh.
    • Modern Times: The East India Company’s Robert Clive is said to have been presented with a caracal after he defeated Siraj-ud-daullah in the Battle of Plassey(1757).

    Source: Indian Express

    Issue of cruelty against wild animals in India

  • What are “Hedgehog Species”?

    About Hedgehog

    • Hedgehog is an insectivorous spiny(needle-like anatomical structure) mammal of the subfamily Erinaceidae.
    • These mammals have been on this land even before human evolution. However, there is no mention of them even in our folk tales.

    Characteristics of Hedgehog:

    • Features: They have short limbs and a body low to the ground. Their most distinctive characteristic is the thousands of stiff, sharp thorns that cover their back and sides.
    • Nocturnal Mammals:
      • They are nocturnal mammals. It means they usually sleep in during the day and awaken to search for food at night.
      • They usually go into their burrows(hole or tunnel) and sleep continuously for two months to reduce their metabolic activity.
      • They don’t dig much but instead use burrows previously dug by other mammals, like pangolins.
    • Diet: Hedgehogs can eat one-third of their body weights in one night. Their favorite foods are insects, earthworms, snails, and slugs. It makes them a welcome guest in many suburban gardens, and they are even kept as a pet.

    Species of Hedgehog:

    • There are seventeen species of hedgehog found through parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and New Zealand. However, there are no hedgehogs native to Australia and America.

    Hedgehog Species in India: Of the 17 species of hedgehog around the world, India is home to three:

    • Indian Long-eared or collared hedgehog: It is native to northern India and Pakistan
    • Indian hedgehog: It is native to India and Pakistan. It mainly lives in sandy desert areas but can be found in other environments.
    • Bare-bellied or Madras hedgehog:
      • It was discovered in 1851. In Tamil, they are called as mul eli – mul meaning thorn and eli meaning rat – or irmal eli aka cough rat.
      • In Tamil Nadu, it is used as an ingredient in traditional medicine, or in household remedies for coughs and rheumatism.

    How are Hedgehog species in India different from other countries?

    • Hedgehogs in India are distinct in many ways. For instance, hedgehogs in the UK, Africa, and Central Asia hibernates in winter, but the ones in South India go into Estivation in summer instead.

    Note:

    • Hibernation: It is a state of dormancy that warm-blooded animals go into during winter, preserving energy at a time when food sources are scarce
    • Brumation: It is similar to hibernation but practiced only by cold-blooded animals like reptiles
    • Estivation: It is a state, when an animal goes into a dormant state during a hot period. It is to wait for passing water scarcity or harsh heat. Many desert creatures estivate
    • Diapause: It is a time of arrested growth and metabolism in insects, mites, crustaceans and other creatures most prominently in butterflies.

    Threats to Hedgehogs species in India: In the last 20 years, hedgehogs species in India are on decline drastically due to habitat changes, development and its capture for domestication or sale.

    Source: The Hindu

    Biodiversity and conservation

  • “Black-Necked Crane” named in Assam

    What is the News?

    Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) have been sighted for the first time in Assam. To celebrate this, the bird was given an Assamese name: “Deu Korchon” (Deu means god and Korchon means crane).

    Black Necked Crane:

    • The black-necked crane is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. It is a medium-sized crane that is mostly grey with a black head and neck with a red crown on the head.

    Characteristics:

    • Both the sexes of Black Necked Crane are almost of the same size, but the male is slightly bigger than the female.
    • The juveniles have a brownish head and neck and plumage is slightly paler than that of an adult.

    Distribution and Habitat:

    • The largest populations of the bird are in China with smaller numbers extending into Vietnam, Bhutan, and India.
    • The high altitude wetlands in the Tibetan plateau are the main breeding ground of the species.
    • The major wintering breeding grounds are in Tibet, Yunnan and Guizhou (China), and Bhutan. A small wintering population is also found in the Sangti and Zimithang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh.

    Significance:

    • The black-necked crane is central to Buddhist mythology and culture. According to a World Wide Fund for Nature(WWF), previous incarnations of the Dalai Lama were carried from monastery to monastery on the backs of these holy birds.
    • The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India considers it as the state bird.

    Conservation Status:

    • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    Threats: The major threats are:

    • Loss and degradation of habitat
    • Wetlands being extensively affected by human activity including irrigation, dam construction, draining, and grazing pressure among others.

    Initiatives:

    • Worldwide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir has been working towards the conservation of high altitude wetlands, with black-necked cranes as a priority species in the Ladakh region.

    Source: Indian Express

    Conservation of migratory birds

  • Elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia(HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

    What is the News?

    6 elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia(HS) in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

    Haemorrhagic septicaemia(HS)

    • It is a contagious bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida.
    • In this disease, the respiratory tract and lungs of the animals are affected, leading to severe pneumonia.
    • Vulnerable Group: It commonly affects cattle and water buffaloes. The Mortality rate is high in infected animals. There are no reported cases of human infection.
    • Transmission: The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals, through ingestion or inhalation of the bacteria among others.
    • Symptoms: Primary symptoms include swishing tails, undigested food in faeces, and reduced milk yield.
    • Distribution: The disease occurs mostly in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and most of Africa. In Asia, this disease outbreak is concentrated mostly in areas with climatic conditions typical of monsoon (high humidity and high temperatures).
    • Treatment: Treatment is usually effective in the early stage only when fever sets in.

    Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

    • It is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Kalahandi district in Odisha. The sanctuary is famous for the lush green dry deciduous forest.
    • Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a plethora of wildlife animals such as leopard, gaur, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, mouse deer, soft claws ottawa and a wide variety of birds.
    • Flora: The sanctuary consists of flora like Sal, Bija, Asan, Harida, Amala, Bahada, and Bamboo and varieties of medicinal plants.
    • Waterfalls: There are several small and big waterfalls inside the sanctuary like Phurlijharan, Ghusrigudi, Dumnijhola, Kamalajharan, Koyirupa, Kuang, and Raja Rani.

    Source: Indian Express

    Issue of cruelty against wild animals in India

     

  • Conservation of migratory birds

    Synopsis- Migratory birds are important for ecological balance. However, they are facing several threats, leading to their extinction.

    What are migratory birds?

    • Bird migration is their regular seasonal movement. Birds fly hundreds and thousands of KMs to find the best habitats for feeding, breeding, and raising their young ones.
    • Migratory birds come to India from about 29 countries between September and October during the winter migration season. For example, Pallikaranai in Chennai attracts many flamingoes, ducks, and waders.
    • However, India witnessed a decrease in the number of migratory birds.

    Threats to Migratory Birds in India

    Migratory birds are under threat from the following factors:

    1. Loss of biodiversity- Overexploitation, unsustainable use of natural resources, population explosion along with increased weather variabilities, and climate change has resulted in the loss of biodiversity.
    2. Declining water sources
    3. Illegal killing – Hunting along migration routes threatens some migratory bird species.
    4. Stopover habitat loss – Migratory birds use stopover sites to feed, rest and reenergize during their migration period. But many stopover sites are threatened due to increased urbanization and overexploitation.
    5. Collision – Structures such as power lines, windmills, and offshore oil-rigs have also affect migratory birds.
    6. Poisoning by pesticides– Pesticides has an adverse effect on migratory birds as they can directly kill some birds.
    7. Increasing illumination – The artificial light at night adversely affects migration by confusing the birds.
    8. Increasing encroachment and human interferences, lack of food become a challenge, and birds can die of starvation.

    Importance of migratory birds

    1. Migratory birds play a critical role in the ecosystem by maintaining balance. They are helpful in pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, act as pest control agents, and consuming insects and small mammals.
    2. The absence of these birds from an area can result in disasters like a Locust attack.
    3. Duck helps in the transportation of fish eggs in their guts to other water bodies. Bird droppings are a rich source of Nitrogen and Organic fertilizers.

    What are the measures required to address the issues?

    • Long-term monitoring programs to assess the migration trends in birds, diseases monitoring and enumeration
    • Educating people about bird migrations and their impacts. Seeking local support for nesting and conservation of migratory birds
    • Fishing operation to be minimized/abandoned/banned during the migration season.
    • Need to create Bird-friendly landscaping and maintain natural habitat to help birds roost and build their nests.
    • Banning single-use plastics and avoiding dumping of single-use plastics in water bodies.
    • Strict law enforcement is required to support the conservation of migratory birds.
    • Modern technologies like drones can be used to track poachers in areas where birds converge
    • Minimizing night illumination along the migration paths.
    • Promote awareness regarding the conservation and protection of migratory birds and their natural habitats.
  • “Mandarin Duck” spotted in Assam’s Maguri Beel after 118 years

    What is the News?

    Mandarin ducks appeared after 118 years in the Maguri-Motapung beel in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

    Mandarin Duck:

    • It is provided with a tag of the most beautiful duck in the world. Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carl Linnaeus first spotted and identified this bird in 1758.

    Key Characteristics of Mandarin Duck:

    • Features: Male mandarins are colorful compared to females. Males have elaborate plumage (feathers) with orange plumes on their cheeks, orange ‘sails’ on their back, and pale orange sides. On the other hand, females are dull in comparison, with grey heads, brown backs, and white eyestripe.
    • Feed on: These birds feed on seeds, acorns, small fruit, insects, snails, and small fish.
    • Habitat: Its habitats include temperate forests near wetlands including rivers, streams, bogs, marshes, swamps, and freshwater lakes.
    • Distribution: It is native to East Asia but has established populations in Western Europe and America too. It breeds in Russia, Korea, Japan, and the northeastern parts of China.
    • India: The duck does not visit India regularly. It is because India is not on its usual migratory route. It was recorded in 1902 in the Dibru river in the Rongagora area in Tinsukia (Assam). More recently, it was sighted in Manipur’s Loktak Lake in 2013 and in Savoini Beel in Manas National Park in Assam in 2014.
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

    Maguri Motapung Beel

    • It is a wetland and lake located near to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam. It serves as a natural home to wildlife. Furthermore, it is also a source of livelihood for the local communities.
    • Important Bird Area: It was declared as an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society.
    • Significance: The wetland is very important. It is home to at least 304 bird species, including a number of endemic ones like Black-breasted parrotbill and Marsh babbler.
    • Concerns: In 2020, a blowout and fire at an Oil India Limited-owned gas well affected this wetland adversely. The resulting oil spill killed a number of fish, snakes as well as an endangered Gangetic dolphin.

    Source: The Hindu

  • ‘Spatial Mark-Resight'(SMR) model to estimate Leopard population

    What is the news?

    Scientists from three organizations namely Aaranyak, Panthera, and WWF-India have developed a model called ‘Spatial Mark-Resight'(SMR). It will precisely estimate the population size of leopards.

    Why ‘Spatial Mark-Resight'(SMR) model developed?

    • Leopards can be identified like tigers with the help of their unique shape and size of the rosettes (black circular marks). It is present across their body coat.
    • However, like many other wildlife species, leopards also exhibit phenotypic polymorphism (body colour variation determined by gene).
    • Leopards are either rosettes (having black circular marks) or melanistic (full black, commonly called black leopard or Black Panther).
    • The melanism presents a unique challenge in estimating and monitoring the leopard population. Natural marks (rosettes in case of leopard) are absent on these Leopards.
    • This problem is more in the tropical and subtropical moist forests of south and south-east Asia. Here the frequency of melanistic leopards is high and leopards also face the greatest threat.
    • Hence, the SMR model was developed. It will estimate the leopard population in areas having a mix of the rosette and melanistic individuals.

    How Spatial-Mark-Resight (SMR) model used?

    • The team used the three years of camera trapping data between 2017 and 2019. Info obtained from Manas National Park(Assam).
    • The camera trapping data used to identify Rosette Leopards individually.  It also prepared the capture history (GPS locations, the individual ID of each unique photo-capture of leopard) information.
    • They then borrowed the capture history information of the rosette leopards and applied the information to the melanistic leopards. It provided an estimate pf the entire population size of leopards.
    • They found that the population density of leopards in Manas is 3.37 per 100 sq km. About 22.6% of images of the leopards were of the melanistic kind.

    Significance of the model:

    • The model can help assess the population of leopards across a great part of the species range from where population estimates are scant.
    • This model can also be widely applied for other species that exhibit colour variation in nature.

    Click Here to read about Leopard

    Source: The Hindu

  • “Giant Leatherback Turtle” nesting sites threatened by Andamans development project

    What is the News?
    In the Andaman and Nicobar(A&N) Islands tourism and port development projects are under the proposal. However, it is threatening some of the most important nesting populations of the “Giant Leatherback turtle”.

    Giant Leatherback turtle

    • Giant Leatherback turtles are named for their shell. Their shells are leather-like rather than hard, like other turtles.
    • They are the largest of the seven species of sea turtles on the planet and also the most long-ranging.
    • Found in: They are found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic.
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    • India’s Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I

    Characteristics:

    • Nesting: In the Indian Ocean, their nesting sites are only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
      • Further, the surveys conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are of the view that it could be among the most important colonies of the Leatherback globally.
    • Uniqueness: Leatherbacks have been viewed as unique among extant reptiles. They are able to maintain high body temperatures using metabolically generated heat.
    • Swimming Pattern: A project was set up at West Bay in A&N islands to monitor the leatherback turtle. It has been found that the numbers of females turtle nesting here are significant. After that, they swim towards the western coast of Australia and southwest towards the eastern coast of Africa.

    Concerns:

    • Nesting Beaches under Threat: At least three key nesting beaches are under threat due to mega-development plans. Two of these are on Little Andaman Island and one on Great Nicobar Island.
      • NITI Aayog has set an ambitious tourism vision for Little Andaman. It also proposed a mega-shipment port at Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island.
    • Tourism in Little Andaman: For the implementation of this plan, NITI Aayog has sought the de-reservation of over 200 sq km of pristine rainforest. And about 140 sq km of the Onge Tribal Reserve. These two sites are key nesting sites.

    National Marine Turtle Action Plan:

    • Released by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • The plan notes that India has identified all its important sea turtle nesting habitats as ‘Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas’ and included them in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) – 1.
    • South Bay and West Bay on Little Andaman and Galathea on Great Nicobar find a specific mention as “Important Marine Turtle Habitats in India”.
    • The plan also identifies coastal development, including the construction of ports, jetties, resorts and industries, as major threats to turtle populations. It also asks for assessments of the environmental impact of marine and coastal development that may affect marine turtle populations and their habitats.

    Source: The Hindu

  • 175% rise in waterfowls in “Kaziranga National Park”

    What is the News?

    The third annual census of birds in the Kaziranga National Park has been released. The main objective of the census was to record and estimate waterfowls and winter migratory birds. It also monitors and assesses the health of wetlands in the Park.

    Water fowls and Winter Migratory Birds:

    • The Park has recorded a 175% increase in the number of waterfowl and winter migratory birds.
      • Waterfowl are birds that are strong swimmers with waterproof feathers and webbed feet. They use their webbed feet as flippers to push through the water. Ducks, geese, and swans are waterfowl.
    • Reason: Better conservation of water bodies, improved habitat management, and lesser human interference within the core area of the park and sensitive areas are the reasons for an increase in their numbers.
    • The highest number of these bird species was from the family Anatidae comprising ducks and geese.
    • The maximum increase was witnessed in Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
    • The top three species counted by the number are Eurasian Coot, Bar Headed Geese, and Common Teal.

    Kaziranga National Park:

    • It is located in the State of Assam. It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
    • The park was declared as a National Park in 1974 and was also declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. In 1985, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
    • It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
    • It also houses the world’s largest population of Great One-horned Rhinoceros (IUCN Status- Vulnerable).
    • Area Under Wetland: The area under wetlands in Kaziranga has reduced from 8.5% of the total area to 6.7% over a period of 30 years till 1977.
      • However, efforts to check siltation, erosion, and fragmentation of the beels (wetlands) and removal of invasive species have breathed fresh life into the park’s ecosystem.

    Source: The Hindu

  • The “fishing cat” in India is under threat

    What is the News?
    The Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance will be starting a worldwide month-long campaign. It will raise awareness and garner support across the globe for the conservation of the Fishing Cat.

    About Fishing Cat

    • It is a highly elusive wild cat feline species found primarily in wetland and mangrove habitats.

    Characteristics:

    • Adept swimmers: The fishing cat is an adept swimmer and enters water frequently to prey on fish as its name suggests. It is known to even dive to catch fish.
    • Food Habits: They are nocturnal (active at night).  Apart from fish also prey on frogs, crustaceans, snakes, birds, and scavengers on carcasses of larger animals.
    • Breeding: It is capable of breeding all year round. But in India, its peak breeding season is known to be between March and May.

    Habitat:

    • Globally: They are found in South and Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, images of fishing cats are found carved in the walls of ancient structures and are known as Kla Trey, ‘Tiger fish’.
    • India:
      • Foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western Ghats.
      • Patchy distribution along the Eastern Ghats.
      • Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bangladesh
      • Chilika lagoon and surrounding wetlands in Odisha
      • Coringa and Krishna mangroves in Andhra Pradesh.

    Conservation Status:

    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
    • CITES: Appendix II
    • Indian Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I

    Threats:

    • Habitat loss [wetland degradation and conversion for aquaculture and other commercial projects],
    • Sand mining along river banks,
    • Agricultural intensification resulting in loss of riverine buffer and
    • Conflict with humans in certain areas resulting in targeted hunting and retaliatory killings.

    Conservation Initiatives:

    • State Animal: In 2012, the West Bengal government officially declared the Fishing Cat as the State Animal.
    • Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance: It is a team of conservationists, researchers, working to achieve a world with functioning floodplains and coastal ecosystems. It will ensure the survival of the fishing cat and all species with which it shares a home.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Nilgiri Elephant Corridor and Biosphere Reserve

    What is the News?
    The Supreme Court has appointed a new member to the Technical Committee on Nilgiri Elephant Corridor.

    The Supreme court last year constituted a committee to hear complaints by landowners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector. The Nilgiris collector’s action includes the sealing of landowners’ buildings in the Nilgiris Elephant Corridor.

    Facts:

    Nilgiris Elephant Corridor:

    • Elephant corridors allow elephants to continue their nomadic mode of survival. Despite the shrinking forest cover, the corridors facilitate the travelling of elephants between distinct forest habitats.
    • Nilgiris elephant corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau. The plateau connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats. Apart from that, the plateau also sustains elephant populations and their genetic diversity.
    • It has the Nilgiri Hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar River Valley on its north-eastern side. The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water.

    Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:

    • The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected forest area in India. The Biosphere Reserve spread across three states. Namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
    • The Nilgiri Sub-Cluster is a part of the Western Ghats which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012.
    • The reserve includes the Aralam, Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Silent Valley national parks. Similarly, the reserve also includes the Wayanad, Karimpuzha, and Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuaries.
    • It has the largest population of two endangered species, the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. The reserve hosts more than 400 tigers. Most importantly, the reserve is having more tigers than any other place on earth.
    • About 80% of flowering plants reported from the Western Ghats occur in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Sunderbans is home to 428 species of birds, says ZSI

    Why in News?

    Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released a study titled “Birds of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve”. The study documents the avifauna of the Sundarbans and also serves as a comprehensive photographic field guide with detailed distribution and locality data for all the species from the region.

    Sunderbans:

    • Sundarbans is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It spans from the Hooghly River in India’s state of West Bengal to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh.

    Indian Sunder bans:

    • Location: It is located in the southwestern part of the delta. It constitutes over 60% of India’s total mangrove forest area. It covers 4,200 sq. km and includes the Sunder ban Tiger Reserve — home to about 96 royal Bengal tigers.
    • Recognition: It is a World Heritage site and a Ramsar site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance).
    • Fauna in the region:
      • Indian Sunder bans is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to 428 species of birds.
      • Among these birds listed, some like the masked finfoot and the Buffy fish owl are recorded only from the Sundarbans.
      • The area is also home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well as rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper.
    • Significance: India has over 1,300 species of birds and if 428 species of birds are from the Sunder bans, it means that one in every three birds in the country is found in the unique ecosystem.

    Source: The Hindu

  • Issue of cruelty against wild animals in India

    Recently an elephant died in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), Tamil Nadu. The death was caused by a burning tyre thrown at the elephant by some people.

    This is not the first instance when a wild animal has been killed due to fire, firecrackers or by a mob with sticks. The violence against wild animals has increased many folds in recent years. But such news gets attention only when a video gets viral or some mainstream media airs it.

    There is an urgent need to know the root causes of this increasing threat to wildlife.

    Present status of cruelty against wild animals in India:

    Before this incident, in June 2020 a pregnant elephant died due to hunger and fatigue. This happened after a local fed a cracker stuffed pineapple to her.

    Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, between 2012 and 2016, more than 24000 cases of animal cruelty have been reported in India.

    In India, cruelty against wild animals is mainly prevalent in the areas where a man comes in contact with wild animals or vice versa. About 20-25% of people directly derive their livelihood from the forest or the agricultural land in the vicinity.

    Why there is a high prevalence of cruelty against wildlife?

    First, the prevalence of Illegal wildlife trade: Wild animals in India are hunted for their body parts such as tiger and leopard skins, their bones and other body parts. These products are smuggled at very high prices in markets such as China, South East Asia, Europe and the Gulf.

    Second, in India, there is increased pressure on natural resources. This has led to a decrease in wildlife corridors. Wildlife corridors are the lifeline of wild animals. This is resulting in human-animal conflict and conflicts are used to justify violence against wild animals.

    Third, The threat to farmers: Farmers in India have only fragmented landholdings (The average farm size in India is only 1.15 hectares). Farmers see wild animals as a threat to their livelihood. They resort to cruelty against animals to protect crops by Electric fencing, poisoned fruits, firecrackers, snare traps,  etc.

    Fourth, people generally see wild animals as a threat to humanity. Even though wild animals don’t want to harm humans, Human see the wild animal as a threat at the moment they saw the animal.

    Laws to stop cruelty against animals in India

    “Prevention of cruelty to animals.” and “Protection of wild animals and birds.” are present in Concurrent List (both the Centre and the States have the power to legislate).

    1. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:

    First, this Act prohibited the capturing, trapping, baiting, or poisoning of wild animals (even attempting to do) as a punishable offence. The Act prescribes punishments such as 25,000 INR fine or a prison term (up to 7 years) or both.

    Second, The Act also makes it unlawful to injure, destroys wild birds or reptiles, damaging their eggs or disturbing their eggs or nests. If the person found guilty he/she can be punished with imprisonment (3 to 7 years) and a fine of Rs 25,000.

    Third, the Act established the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The Bureau aims to combat organized wildlife crime in the country

    2. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960  

    First, This Act defines “animal” as any living creature other than a human being.

    Second, The Act generally focuses on all the animals, but it has certain specific provisions aimed towards the cruelty of wild animals. They are

      • Beating, overriding, kicking, torturing, overloading, and causing unnecessary pain to any animal.
      • Administering an injurious drug/medicine to any animal.
      • Killing or Mutilating any animal in cruel manners such as using strychnine injections.
      • Shooting an animal when it is released from captivity.

    Third, This Act established the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The AWBI aims to promote the promotion of animal welfare.

    Fourth, the Act does not consider the following acts as cruelty against wildlife.

      • Extermination of any animal under the authority of law
      • Dehorning/castration of cattle in the prescribed manner,
      • Destruction of stray dogs in lethal chambers in the prescribed manner

    Challenges in controlling Cruelty against wildlife

    First, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to states for setting up a State Animal Welfare Board.  But the majority of the states have not formed the state welfare boards yet.

    Few states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan formed State Animal Welfare Boards. But in those states, the Boards faces challenges like inadequate budgetary allocation, lack of forest personnel, etc.

    Second, The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 has few serious lapses. They are,

      • The Act doesn’t differentiate between different form of cruelties against animals. For example, the law prescribes similar punishment to the person who kicks a wild animal and the person who killed the wild animal.
      • Most serious forms of animal violence receive the maximum punishment of a fine of 50 rupees or imprisonment up to three months or both.

    Third, there is a huge difficulty in tracing violators: The wild animal is harmed either in the forest or in farmland. Not every incident is reported or documented. Apart from that, finding proof against the violator is difficult unless there is a witness or media like images/videos.

    Fourth, there is a contradiction in the classification of elephants as wild and domesticated: While the WPA, 1972 protects elephants as a wild animal. The administrative policies allow for an ownership exception. For example, there are almost 500 privately owned elephants in Kerala alone.

    Way forward

    First, Amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act:  In this regard in 2011, The AWBI recommended amendments to The PCA Act, that are required to be implemented. The major provisions of the bill include,

      • The PCA Act has to move away from a ‘defensive position’ to a more ‘welfare-oriented approach’. It should be done by expanding the definition of animal abuse and empowerment of Animal welfare organizations.
      • The PCA Act should multiply the penalty for repeat offenders by a factor of 1,000

    Second, State governments have to establish the State Animal Welfare Board. Further, Boards should be allocated adequate finances and manpower.

    Third, encouraging farmers to move away from cruel measures to humane methods to protect their crops. Eg: Farmers in Tamil Nadu are making use of the Italian honey bee (natural elephant deterrent). The government can provide technological solutions like radio-collaring, etc to monitor the movement of wild animals.

    Fourth, The agriculture and forest departments must cooperate and share the burden of compensation to farmers for crop loss due to wild animals.

    Fifth, the government has to involve the civil society, NGOs and local administration in creating awareness. Awareness has to be created about the seasonal migration of animals, Man-wild animal ecosystem balance etc.

    Gandhi once mentioned, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. The Cruelty to wild animals is the evidence where human losing humanity. So apart from government initiatives, we also have to understand the seriousness of the issue.

     

  • Indian star tortoises   

    Why in News:  

    Indian star tortoises have been seized by the Forest officials while being smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Odisha. 

     Facts: 

    iucn

     Source: IUCN 

    • Indian star tortoise (Geochelone Elegans): It is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forests of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is accustomed to monsoon seasons. 
    • These tortoises are easily recognizable by their star-patterned shells. 
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable 
    • Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV 
    • CITES: Appendix I 
    • Threats: It is the single most confiscated species of freshwater tortoise in the world. It faces threats such as loss of habitat to agriculture and illegal harvesting for the pet trade.  

    Article Source

  • Winter migratory water birds make a beeline to Punjab’s Harike wetland

    News: Winter migratory waterbirds using the central Asian flyway have started making a beeline to Punjab’s Harike wetland.

    Facts:

    • Harike Wetland: It is one of the largest man-made wetlands of northern India which shares its area with the Tarntaran, Ferozpur and Kapurthala districts of Punjab.
    • It came into existence in 1952 after the construction of a barrage near the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas. The grand Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan is fed from this wetland.
    • The wetland was accorded the wetland status in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention.
    • Migratory Birds:
      • The wetland is a significant abode for the migratory birds as every winter, the birds make their way to India through the central Asian flyway which covers a large continental area of Europe-Asia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans.
      • Birds such as the Eurasian coot, Greylag goose, Bar-headed goose, Gadwall and the northern shoveler are the prominent ones that could be sighted at Harike Wetland.
    • Fauna: The wetland also harbors endangered aquatic mammalian as well as reptilian fauna like the Indus river dolphin, smooth-coated otter and seven species of rare freshwater turtles.
    • Concerns: Over the years, the number of certain species visiting the wetland has been falling. The key reasons attributed to the drop are increased human interference in their breeding regions, oil exploration, use of pesticides in farms, climate change and rising air and water pollution.

    Article source

    UPSC Syllabus 2021

     

     

  • Explained: What is Houbara Bustard?

    News: Eleven members of the United Arab Emirates(UAE) royal family arrived in Pakistan to hunt the Houbara Bustard under a license issued by Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

    Facts:

    Houbara Bustard

    Source: Wikipedia

    • Houbara Bustard: It is a large terrestrial bird found in parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
    • Types: Houbara Bustard comes in two distinct types as recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one residing in North Africa (Chlamydotis undulata) and the other in Asia (Chlamydotis macqueenii).
    • Characteristics:
      • The species lives in Arid Climate. It is omnivorous taking seeds, insects and other small creatures.
      • Asian Houbara bustards are known to migrate in thousands to the Indian subcontinent every winter. In fact, it is similar to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard which is native to India.
      • After breeding during the spring season, the Asian Houbara bustards migrate south to spend the winter in Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula and nearby Southwest Asia.
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Reason for Decline: The main reasons for the decline in the species’ population are poaching, unregulated hunting and the degradation of its natural habitat.
    • Hunting in Pakistan: While Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt the bird, the government invites Arab royals to hunt it every year.

    Article Source

     

     

  • More wildlife in Aravallis at Faridabad, Gurgaon than at Asola, need better protection: Study

    News: According to a Study, the wildlife corridor of the Aravallis in Gurgaon and Faridabad harbours a richer variety of mammals than the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary despite not having as much protection.

    Facts:

    • About the Study: The study was conducted under the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s small grants programme and was supported by the non-profit Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR).
      • Small Grants Programme: It is an initiative of WWF. It aims to encourage young Indians to respond innovatively and independently to the conservation issues which affect the country by offering eligible individuals a one-time grant of upto INR 400,000 over a maximum period of 2 years for undertaking conservation research/ action research.

    Key Takeaways from the study:

    • Aravallis: Aravallis in both Faridabad and Gurugram has a larger variety of mammals compared to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary which is classified as a protected area and enjoys legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
      • Reason: It can be attributed to the attitude of tolerance to wildlife amongst the local population, general low density of people and “subsistence agricultural practices prevalent in the two districts.
    • Significance: The hotspot of wildlife in Aravallis is between Damdama and Mangar Bani and wildlife moves from there to Asola through the Aravalli in Faridabad. This indicates that Asola will survive as long as the Aravalli region of Gurgaon and Faridabad survives.
    • Mammals Species: The study has revealed that around 15 species of mammals were recorded in the 200 sq km area that was covered including Gurgaon Aravallis, Mangar Bani, Faridabad Aravallis and Asola Wildlife Sanctuary.
      • Among these mammals, two species—the leopard and the honey badger- are classified as endangered under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
    • Concerns: Increasing construction is a major threat to the wildlife corridor. Hence, it is imperative to control land-use change and protect the wildlife corridor and habitat from further fragmentation, construction and deforestation.
    • Suggestions: Construction of expressways and highways also needs to take into account wildlife in the city such as by constructing underpasses or flyovers that allow at least a portion of the wildlife to cross from one part to the other and prevent complete fragmentation of wildlife populations between Aravallis of Delhi and Haryana.

    Additional Facts:

    leopard and the honey badger

    Source: Wikipedia

    • Aravallis Range: It is a mountain range in Northwestern India running approximately 692 km starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan and ending in Gujarat. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres.

    Article Source

     

  • Govt. included Caracal as Critically Endangered species

    News: The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife(SC-NBWL) in its 60th meeting held has approved the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict(HWC) in the country.

    Facts:

    • Empowers Gram Panchayats: The advisory empowers gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals as per the section 11 (1) (b) of WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Crop Damage: Utilising add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojna for crop compensation against crop damage due to HWC are some key steps envisaged to reduce HWC.
    • Compensation: Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family.
    • Other Key advisories: The advisory also envisages prescribing inter-departmental committees at local/state level, adoption of early warning systems, creation of barriers, dedicated circle wise Control Rooms with toll free hotline numbers which could be operated on 24X7 basis among others.

    Other Key Decisions: The committee also approved the inclusion of Caracal into the list of critically endangered species. Now, there are 22 wildlife species under the recovery programme for critically endangered species.

    Source: Wikipedia

    • Caracal: It is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. It is characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, and long canine teeth.
    • Characteristics: Typically nocturnal, the caracal is highly secretive and difficult to observe. It is territorial and lives mainly alone or in pairs. The caracal is a carnivore that typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
    • India: In India, the Caracal can be found in some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
    • IUCN Status: Least Concern mainly due to their large numbers in Africa.
    • Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

    Additional Facts:

    • Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species program: It is one of the three components of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats(IDWH).
      • IDWH: It was started in 2008-09 as a Centrally sponsored Scheme. It is meant for providing support to protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves and community reserves except tiger reserves), protection of wildlife outside protected areas and recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
    • 22 wildlife species under the recovery programme: Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer, Jerdon’s Courser, Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda and Caracal.

    Article Source

  • Equip forest officers adequately to fight poachers – SC

    News: The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern about the absence of security for forest officials in the country against poachers.

    Facts:

    • Background: A petition was filed in the apex court challenging the prosecution launched against few forest officers in Rajasthan. The petitioner submitted that the FIRs against the forest officials were a ‘counter-action’ for their action taken against poachers.

    Key Observations made by the Supreme Court:

    • The central government should provide weapons and bulletproof vests and vehicles to the officials as India accounted for 30% of fatalities among forest rangers in the world(highest in the world).
    • Centre should consider involving premier organisations such as the CBI to help the forest staff. There should even be a separate wing or wildlife division in the Enforcement Directorate with clean officials to track and investigate crimes of the poachers and the proceeds of their crime.
    • The court noted that states such as Assam and Maharashtra have deployed armed guards to protect forest officers and no one dares come near them.

    Article Source

     

  • Gangetic River Dolphin beaten to death in UP

    News: Gangetic River Dolphin was beaten to death by a group of men in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh leading to the arrest of three people.

    Facts:

    Gangetic Dolphins

    Source: Indian Express

    • Gangetic River Dolphin: It is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • The female Gangetic Dolphins are larger than males. They are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey.
      • They are popularly known as ‘Susu’ which refers to the noise the dolphin is said to make when it breathes.
      • They prefer deep waters in and around the confluence of rivers and can be an indicator of the health of the freshwater ecosystem as they can only live in freshwater.
      • The Government of India has recognised them as National Aquatic Animal and is the official animal of the Indian city of Guwahati.
      • It is also among the four freshwater dolphins in the world- the other three are: Baiji (likely extinct) found in Yangtze river in China, the Bhulan in Indus river of Pakistan and the Boto in Amazon river in Latin America.
    • Population: While no exact count is available, various estimates suggest that the Gangetic dolphin population in India could be about 2,500-3,000.However, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change had told Lok Sabha last year that there were about 1,272 dolphins in Uttar Pradesh and 962 in Assam.
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Threats: Direct killing, Habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages and indiscriminate fishing, Pollution, absence of a coordinated conservation plan, lack of awareness and continuing anthropogenic pressure are posing incessant threats to the existing Gangetic dolphin population.
    • Government Initiatives:
      • Wildlife Act Protection: After the launch of Ganga Action Plan in 1985, the government in 1986 included Gangetic dolphins in the First Schedule of the Indian Wildlife (Protection),Act 1972. This was aimed at checking hunting and providing conservation facilities such as wildlife sanctuaries. For instance, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under this Act.
      • Conservation Plan: The government also prepared The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020, which identified threats to Gangetic Dolphins and impact of river traffic, irrigation canals and depletion of prey-base on Dolphins populations.
      • Project Dolphin: It was announced by Indian Prime Minister in August,2020.It is a ten year project that focuses on both river and marine Dolphins. It is expected to be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Article Source

     

  • Two-day Asian Waterbird Census off to a flying start

    News: The two-day Asian Waterbird Census-2020 commenced in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday under the aegis of experts from the Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS).

    Facts:

    • Asian Waterbird Census(AWC): It was started in the year 1987.It is an annual event in which thousands of volunteers across Asia and Australasia count waterbirds in the wetlands of their country.
    • Objectives of the Census:
        • To obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during the non-breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations.
        • To monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.
        • To encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst citizens.
    • Conducted by: The census is conducted by the wetlands International and forms part of a global waterbird monitoring programme called the International Waterbird Census(IWC).
    • India: In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay Natural history Society(BNHS) and Wetlands International.
      Read Also : current affairs for upsc
      Asian Waterbird Census 2020 in Andhra Pradesh:
    • The census will cover at least two dozen sites including Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolleru Lake and Krishna Sanctuary. The Kumbhabhishekam mudflat, the wetland opposite the Coromandel industrial area and other Important Bird Areas(IBAs) are also being covered.
    • Previously, the census had explored the avian diversity in the Godavari estuary and has presented a demonstration on the 90 species of birds sighted in the Godavari estuary and finalised 12 sites being covered in the census.
    • However, on the endangered Indian Skimmer more study was still required to establish that the species breeds on the Kakinada coast, which supports a great number of Indian Skimmer.

    Article Source

  • Track social media to check pangolin poaching

    The Odisha Forest Department has stressed the need for stricter monitoring of social media platforms to check pangolin poaching and trading.

    Facts:

    Picture1

    Source: Wikipedia

    • Pangolin: They are scaly anteater mammals of the order Pholidota.
    • Characteristics:
      • They have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin and they are the only known mammals with this feature.
      • If under threat, a pangolin will immediately curl into a tight ball and will use their sharp-scaled tails to defend themselves.
      • They are nocturnal animals and their diet consists of mainly ants and termites which they capture using their long tongues.
      • They tend to be solitary animals meeting only to mate and produce a litter of one to three offspring which they raise for about two years.
    • Pangolins in India: Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin are found in India:
    • Indian Pangolin:
      • Indian Pangolin is a large anteater covered by 11-13 rows of scales on the back. A terminal scale is also present on the lower side of the tail of the Indian Pangolin, which is absent in the Chinese Pangolin.
      • The species is understood to occur in various types of tropical forests as well as open land, grasslands, and degraded habitats, including in close proximity to villages.
      • Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. It can be found at elevation up to 2500 m.The species also occurs in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
      • IUCN Status: Endangered
      • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Under Schedule I of WPA, 1972
    • Chinese Pangolin:
      • It is found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
      • It is adaptable to a wide range of habitats including primary and secondary tropical forests, limestone and bamboo forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
      • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
      • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
    • Threats:
      • Trafficking of live pangolin and its scales is a highly lucrative business for the organized mafia who exploit poor and vulnerable forest-dwelling communities for their criminal interests.
      • Hunting and poaching for local consumptive use (e.g. as a protein source and traditional medicine) and international trade, for its meat and scales.
      • Heavy Deforestation of their Habitat.
  • CSIR develops Banana grit for that good gut feeling

    News: Scientists at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology(NIIST) in Kerala have come up with a new product called banana grit or granules.

    Facts:

    • Banana Grit or Granules: It has been developed from raw Nendran bananas. The product resembles ‘rava’ and broken wheat.
    • Purpose: The product has been labelled as an ideal ingredient for a healthy diet as it utilises the presence of resistant starch in bananas which is reported to improve gut health. Hence, the dishes prepared with banana grit and its byproduct improves gut health.
    • Significance: Developing new uses for Nendran Banana comes as a boon to farmers who have often been struggling against falling prices.

    Additional Facts:

    • Nendran Banana or famously known as Chengalikodan is a banana variety originated and cultivated in Chengazhikodu village of Thrissur District in Kerala
    • Where is it cultivated? It is now cultivated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river.It has got the Geographical indication registration from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
    • Uses: Generally consumed ripe, it also finds use in typical Kerala dishes such as avial and thoran.

    Article source

  • Conservation plan on table to save bat species in Kolar caves

    Source: The Indian Express

    News: Bat Conservation Society which has been entrusted with drawing up a conservation plan for Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat has also been awarded a grant to conduct further research on this species of bats.

    Facts:

    • Kolar Leaf Nosed Bat: It is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae .Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and caves.
    • It is endemic to India and is currently only known from one cave in Hanumanahalli village in Kolar district, Karnataka.
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
    • Conservation Measures: Karnataka Government has notified the 30 acres around the caves as protected area. Hence, any development work including construction of new infrastructure will need the permission of the National Board for Wildlife.

    Additional Facts:

    • Bats: They are one of the least studied mammals in the country, though there are 130 species in India.
    • They are very adaptable creatures and therefore can often be found near human habitation or even in urban settlements which makes them vulnerable. They also have a bad image in the public eye as carriers of diseases.
    • However, the bats are absolutely vital for the ecology as they are pollinators, their main diet being nectar. The plants that bloom at night are entirely dependent on bats and moths for pollination. Bats also help in insect control and therefore, help in the protection of crops.
  • ‘Firefly bird diverters’ to save the Great Indian Bustard

    Great indian Bustard 

    Source: The Hindu

    News: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) along with Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS) has come up with a unique initiative — a “firefly bird diverter” for overhead power lines in areas where Great Indian Bustard (GIB) populations are found in the wild.

    Facts:

    • What is Firefly bird diverters?These are flaps installed on power lines, a reason for many death among GIB. They work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance of about 50 meters and change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines.

    Great Indian Bustard:

    • It is one of the heaviest flying birds (weighing up to 15kgs).They inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent
    • Habitat: It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is found in Rajasthan (Desert National park), Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India and parts of Pakistan.
    • IUCN Red List: It is a critically Endangered species with less than 150 birds left in the wild.
    • Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act,1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Threats:
      • Death by collision with infrastructure, particularly power lines and wind turbines,
      • Depletion of grasslands,
      • hunting,
      • development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats among others.
    • Conservation Initiatives:
      • Project Great Indian Bustard: It was launched by Rajasthan Government with the objective of conservation of the remaining population of critically endangered Great Indian Bustard(Ardeotis nigriceps) locally called Godawan.

    Additional Facts:

    • IUCN Species Survival Commission(SSC): It is a science-based network of more than 9,000 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision of, “A just world that values and conserves nature through positive action to reduce the loss of diversity of life on earth”.
  • First tiger translocation occurred in Uttarakhand

    Source: The Indian Express

    News: Rajaji Tiger Reserve is set to welcome the first tiger from Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in the first such relocation in Uttarakhand aimed at tiger population management.

    Facts:

    Why translocations of tigers needed?

    • The western portion of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which occupies more than 60% of the total reserve area has only two tigresses presumed to be unfit for reproduction as they are above 18 years.
    • Despite Rajaji having 37 tigers, the eastern part cannot boost numbers in the western portion as the two are divided by a traffic corridor which makes it difficult for the big cats to migrate.
    • Hence, with this relocation, a rise in tiger numbers can be expected in the western part next year.

    Additional Facts:

    • Jim Corbett National Park: It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park- the first national park in India.It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The Corbett national park has highest tiger count from single reserve in the recent Tiger census(carried once in 4 years)
      • The park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973- the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.
      • The tiger reserve is situated in the Shivalik hills of Himalayas while administratively it spreads over Pauri Garhwal, Nainital and Almora districts of Uttarakhand State in India.
    • Rajaji National Park: It is a national park and tiger reserve that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas.
      • It was declared as a tiger reserve in 2015 and is the second tiger reserve in the Uttarakhand and 48th Tiger Reserve of India.
      • The park extends over the Shivalik Range in the north-west to the Rawasan River in the southeast with the Ganges dividing it into two parts.
      • Some of the basic features of the Shivalik formations are to be seen in the park and is rightly known as a veritable storehouse of Shivalik biodiversity and ecosystems.
      • The western part of the Park consists of the Ramgarh, Kansrao, Motichur, Hardwar, Dholkhand and Chillawali Ranges.
    • Project Tiger: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Government of India launched in 1973 for in-situ conservation of wild tigers in designated tiger reserves.
    • Madhya Pradesh (526) has maximum tigers in our country followed by Karnataka (524) and Uttarakhand (442).
    • Global Tiger Forum(GTF): It is the only inter-governmental international body established in 1993 with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger. It is located in New Delhi, India.
    • Global Tiger Initiative(GTI): It was launched in 2008 as a global alliance of governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector with the aim of working together to save wild tigers from extinction. In 2013, the scope was broadened to include Snow Leopards.
  • Status of leopards in India, 2018 Report

    Source: The Indian Express

    News: Union Environment Minister has released the Status of Leopards in India 2018 Report.

    Facts:

    Status of leopards in India

    Key Takeaways from the report:

    • Method Used: The leopard population has been estimated using camera trapping method apart from satellite imaging and field work by teams of forest officers.
    • Leopards in India: There are 12,852 leopards in India as of 2018 as compared to the previous estimate of 7910 conducted 2014, an increase of 60% in 4 years.
    • Highest Number of Leopards: The highest concentration of the leopard in India is estimated to be in Madhya Pradesh(3,421) followed by Karnataka(1,783) and Maharashtra (1,690).
    • Region Wise Distribution: As for region-wise distribution, the highest number of 8,071 leopards were found in central India and eastern ghats. In the northeast hills, there are just 141 leopards.
    • Indian Leopard or Common Leopard:
      • The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.These are the smallest of the big cats known for its ability to adapt in a variety of habitats.
      • Melanism is a common occurrence in leopards, wherein the entire skin of the animal is black in colour, including its spots.Leopards are nocturnal animals which means they hunts by night.It feeds on smaller species of herbivores found in its range, such as the chital, hog deer and wild boar.
      • Vegetation: In India, the leopard is found in all forest types, from tropical rainforests to temperate deciduous and alpine coniferous forests. It is also found in dry scrubs and grasslands, the only exception being desert and the mangroves of Sundarbans.
      • Distribution: Its range stretches from the Indus river in the west, the Himalayas in the north, and all the way to the lower course of the Brahmaputra in the east.
      • Conservation Status:
        • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
        • Wildlife (Protection)Act,1972: Schedule I
        • CITES: Appendix I
      • Concerns:
        • Fragmentation of forests as well as the quality of forests
        • Human-Leopard conflict: Leopards are not like tigers who don’t like humans and therefore don’t venture out. Leopards are far more adaptable and when loss of habitat takes place, they move closer to human settlements and that’s when the conflict takes place.
        • Poaching of Leopards
        • Depletion of natural prey among others.
  • Himalayan trillium, an endangered common Himalayan herb

    Source: The Hindu

    News: Himalayan trillium (Trillium govanianum), a common herb of the Himalayas was declared ‘endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN).

    Facts:

    • Himalayan Trillium: It is a common herb of the Himalayas. It is often locally called as Nagchatri.
    • Vegetation: It is found in temperate and sub-alpine zones of the Himalayas at an altitude from 2,400-4,000 metres above sea level.
    • Uses: The herb has been used in traditional medicine to cure diseases like dysentery, wounds, skin boils, inflammation, sepsis, as well as menstrual and sexual disorders.
    • Found in: India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan have been home to this species.
    • India: In India, it is found in four states only- Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.
    • Concerns: In recent years, the plant has become one of the most traded commercial plants of the Himalayan region, due to its high medicinal quality.
    • Recently, its value has increased manifold as experiments have shown it is a source of steroidal saponins and can be used as an anti-cancer and anti-aging agent.
  • Himalayan Serow spotted for the first time in Spiti cold desert

    Source: Click here

    News: Himalayan serow has been sighted for the first time in the Himalayan cold desert region in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

    Facts:

    • Himalayan serow: It is a subspecies of the mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis).It resembles a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, and a pig.
    • Habitat: There are several species of serows and all of them are found in Asia.They are found at altitudes between 2,000 metres and 4,000 metres(6,500 to 13,000 feet).They are known to be found in eastern, central, and western Himalayas but not in the Trans Himalayan region.
    • Diet: Himalayan serows are herbivores animals.
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
  • Rare Myristica swamp tree frog found in Thrissur

    Source: Click here

    News: Myristica swamp tree frog has been recorded for the first time north of the Shencottah gap in the Vazhachal Reserve Forest in Kerala’s Thrissur district.

    Facts:

    • Myristica Swamp Tree Frog: It is a rare arboreal species endemic to the Western Ghats.
    • These frogs are rare and elusive for the reason that they are arboreal and active only for a few weeks during their breeding season.

    Additional Facts:

    • Arboreal species: These are animals who spend the majority of their lives in trees. ex. squirrels, monkeys etc.
  • New species of ecologically vital plant found in Western Ghats

    Source: Click here

    News: A new species of Indian Muraingrasses (Genus Ischaemum) have been spotted by scientists in Goa in the Western Ghats.

    Facts:

    • Ischaemum Janarthanamii: It is a species of Muraingrass which is known for their ecological and economic importance such as fodder.
    • Named after: It was named in the honour of Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, Professor of Botany, Goa University.
    • Vegetation: The species grows on low altitude lateritic plateaus in the outskirts of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Goa.
    • Significance: The species has adapted to survive harsh conditions and blossom every monsoon.
  • Declare exotic pets, avoid prosecution: how one-time scheme works

    Source: Click here

    News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) has come out with an advisory on a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme that allows owners of exotic live species that have been acquired illegally or without documents to declare their stock to the government.

    Facts:

    • Aim of the scheme: To address the challenge of zoonotic diseases, develop an inventory of exotic live species for better compliance under the CITES and regulate their import.In its current form, the amnesty scheme is just an advisory and not a law.
    • Exotic wildlife covered under scheme: The advisory has defined exotic live species as animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the CITES.It does not include species from the Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.The advisory excludes exotic birds from the amnesty scheme.
    • Process for disclosure: The disclosure has to be done online through MoEFCC’s Parivesh portal The owner of the animal(s) will have to declare the stock to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the concerned state or Union Territory.This will be followed by a physical verification of the animals.

    Additional Facts:

    • Exotics Animals: These are those species that are mentioned under the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but not under the schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Pro Active Responsive facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single window Hub(PARIVESH) Portal: It is a Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change initiative for single window clearances of Environment, Forests and Wildlife and Coastal Regulation Zone(CRZ) Clearances.
    • CITES: It is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in wild animals, birds and plants does not endanger them. India is a member. Appendices I, II and III of CITES list 5,950 species as protected against over-exploitation through international trade.
  • Malayan Giant squirrel could vanish from NE after 2050: ZSI

    Source : Click here

    News: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has projected that numbers of the Malayan Giant Squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050 and it could be extinct by then if urgent steps are not taken.

    Facts:

    Black Giant Squirrel

    • Malayan giant squirrel or Black Giant Squirrel: It is one of the world’s largest squirrel species that has a dark upper body, pale under parts, and a long, bushy tail.
    • Habitat: It is distributed across Bangladesh, Northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
    • Significance: The giant squirrel is considered as a forest health indicator species.An indicator species provides information on the overall condition of the ecosystem and of other species in that ecosystem.
    • IUCN Status: Near Threatened
    • CITES: Appendix II.
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • Threats: Deforestation, fragmentation of forests, crop cultivation and over-harvesting of food, illegal trade in wildlife, hunting for consumption. and Slash-and-burn jhum cultivation.
  • Project Lion: Proposal identifies 6 relocation sites apart from Kuno-Palpur

    News: Wildlife Institute of India along with the Gujarat Forest Department has identified six new relocation sites apart from the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary under Project Lion.

    Facts

    • Project Lion: The program has been launched by the Government of India for the conservation of the Asiatic Lion. It aims to focus on habitat development, engaging technologies in lion management, addressing the issues of disease in lions, and will also be addressing the Human-Wildlife conflict.
    • Why the relocation of Lion? The motive behind finding a relocation site for the Asiatic Lion species is because the population in Gir has low genetic diversity making it vulnerable to threats from epidemics.
    • What are the six new sites identified for relocation?
      • Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
      • Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
      • Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan.
      • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
      • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
      • Jessore-Balaram Ambaji WLS and adjoining landscape, Gujarat.

    Additional Facts:

    • Asiatic Lion: They are confined to Gir National Park and its surrounding environments in Gujarat’s Saurashtra district.
      • IUCN Status: Endangered
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I
      • CITES Appendix I
  • High biodiversity in 49% of Ganga main river

    News: The Wildlife Institute of India has released a survey on the Ganges river. The survey was conducted on behalf of the National Mission for Clean Ganga undertaken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

    Facts:

    Key Highlights from the Survey:

    • Increase in Biodiversity: 49% of the Ganges river is high on biodiversity with Gangetic Dolphins and Otters in the river have increased. This indicates that the pollution level in the river has decreased and the river is in a healthy state.
    • Biodiversity Areas: 10% of the high biodiversity areas fall alongside national parks and sanctuaries such as Rajaji national park in Uttarakhand, Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary in UP, and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar.

    Additional Facts:

    • Ganga River: The Ganga and its tributaries flow through 11 states and cover 26.3% of the country’s total geographical area. But its main stem flows through five states — Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
    • Why is the threat to Ganga’s biodiversity real?
      • Freshwater ecosystems account for 0.01% of the earth’s surface water but 10% of species.
      • According to the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), decline in diversity of freshwater species is the highest and surpasses losses in marine and terrestrial species.
      • The highest loss of freshwater biodiversity has been reported from the Indian subcontinent, specifically the Gangetic plains.
    • Wildlife Institute of India(WII): It was established in 1982 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change. It carries out wildlife research in areas of study like Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management among others. Headquarters: Dehradun, India.
  • Survey sights good signs: High biodiversity in 49% of Ganga main river

    News: The Wildlife Institute of India has released a survey on the Ganges river. The survey was conducted on behalf of the National Mission for Clean Ganga undertaken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

    Facts:

    Key Highlights from the Survey:

    • Increase in Biodiversity: 49% of the Ganges river is high on biodiversity with Gangetic Dolphins and Otters in the river have increased. This indicates that the pollution level in the river has decreased and the river is in a healthy state.
    • Biodiversity Areas: 10% of the high biodiversity areas fall alongside national parks and sanctuaries such as Rajaji national park in Uttarakhand, Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary in UP, and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar.

    Additional Facts:

    • Ganga River: The Ganga and its tributaries flow through 11 states and cover 26.3% of the country’s total geographical area.But its main stem flows through five states — Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
    • Why is the threat to Ganga’s biodiversity real?
      • Freshwater ecosystems account for 0.01% of the earth’s surface water but 10% of species.
      • According to the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), decline in the diversity of freshwater species is the highest and surpasses losses in marine and terrestrial species.
      • The highest loss of freshwater biodiversity has been reported from the Indian subcontinent, specifically the Gangetic plains.
    • Wildlife Institute of India(WII): It was established in 1982 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change.It carries out wildlife research in areas of study like Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management among others. Headquarters: Dehradun, India.
  • Four More Biodiversity Heritage Sites For Karnataka

    News: Karnataka Biodiversity Board has decided to declare four more areas in the State as biodiversity heritage sites.

    Facts:

    • What are the four areas? The four areas declared as biodiversity heritage sites are:
      • Antaragange Betta in Kolar
      • Aadi Narayana Swamy Betta in Chickballapur
      • Mahima Ranga Betta in Nelamangala,Bengaluru and
      • Urumbi area on the Kumaradhara river basin in Dakshina Kannada.

    Additional Facts:

    • Biodiversity heritage sites(BHS): These are considered as unique and fragile ecosystems that can be marine ecosystems, coastal and inland waters, or terrestrial areas.
    • Criteria:
      • Richness of wild as well as domesticated species or intra-specific categories.
      • High endemism.
      • Presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance.
      • Wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species or their varieties.
      • Past pre-eminence of biological components represented by fossil beds and having significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic values are important for the maintenance of cultural diversity with or without a long history of human association with them.
    • Who notifies BHS? Under Section-37 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 the State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites(BHS).
  • Sonneratia alba to be state mangrove tree in Maharashtra

    News: Maharashtra is set to become the first state in the country to declare Sonneratia alba as a state mangrove tree species.

    Facts:

    • Sonneratia alba or mangrove apple: It is an evergreen mangrove tree in the family Lythraceae.
    • Distribution: It grows naturally in many tropical and subtropical areas from East Africa to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, the Ryukyu Islands, Indochina, Malesia, Papuasia, Australia and the Western Pacific region.Its habitat is sheltered around sandy seashores and tidal creeks.
    • Uses: Sonneratia alba grow up to five feet and bear white flowers with a pink base as well as green fruits that resemble apples and are used to make pickles.
    • Significance: They often grow on newly-formed mudflats and play an important role in combating land erosion. The flowers, which bloom at night, are pollinated by nocturnal creatures like bats.

    Note: Maharashtra already has the state tree (mango), state animal (giant squirrel), state bird (green pigeon), state butterfly (Blue Mormon) and state flower (jarul).

  • Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program

    News: Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program has been launched at G20 Environment Ministers Meet.

    Facts:

    • Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation: It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt and reverse land degradation within G20 member states and globally taking into account possible implications on the achievement of other SDGs.
    • Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform: It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at creating a global research and development(R&D) program to advance research, innovation and capacity building in all facets of coral reef conservation.

    Additional Facts:

    • Land Degradation: It is any reduction or loss in the biological or economic productive capacity of the land resource base.
    • Corals: They are small (0.25-12 inches), soft-bodied marine organisms. They live in colonies called reefs that they build using a limestone skeleton(calicle) lying at their base.
    • G20: It is an international group initially founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries and the European Union.
  • My Ganga My Dolphin campaign

    News: National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG), the Wildlife Institute of India, and the Forest Department has launched the My Ganga My Dolphin campaign on the occasion of Ganga River Dolphin Day.

    Facts:

    • Aim: To promote and boost Dolphin based ecotourism in the country and to conduct Dolphin census.
    • The program also includes dolphin safari in six sites across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

    Additional Facts:

    • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): It has been established as an Authority under the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Act, 2016. It is the implementing agency of the Namami Gange Programme at the national level.
    • Gangetic river dolphin: It is India’s national aquatic animal found in parts of the Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. IUCN Red List: Endangered.
    • Wildlife Institute of India(WII): It was established in 1982 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change. It carries out wildlife research in areas of study like Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management among others.
    • Headquarters: Dehradun, India.
  • Fishing cat is now ambassador of Chilika Lake

    News: The Chilika Development Authority(CDA) has designated the fishing cat as ambassador which is being called as an important step towards conservation of the vulnerable species.

    Facts:

    fishing cat
    • Fishing Cat: It is a medium-sized wildcat found in South and Southeast Asia.They are nocturnal and are an adept swimmer which enters water frequently to prey on fish and other animals.
    • Habitat: In India, fishing cats are mainly found in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, on the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western Ghats.
    • Significance: In 2012, the West Bengal government officially declared the Fishing Cat as the State Animal.
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
    • CITES: Appendix II
    • Indian Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
    • Threat: Habitat Destruction, Hunting, Ritual Practices, Poaching among others.

    Additional Facts:

    • Chilka Lake:It is Asia’s largest brackish water lake spread over districts of Odisha at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
      • In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
  • What is Aquaponic cultivation of plants?

    News: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Mohali, has developed the technology for aquaponic cultivation of plants.

    Facts:

    • Aquaponics: It is an emerging technique in which both fish as well as plants complement each other to sustain and grow.The fish waste provides organic food for plants and plants naturally filter the water, which is used to replenish the fish tank.
    • Benefits:
      • Extremely water efficient.
      • Does not require soil.
      • Does not use fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
      • Reduces pressure on land and cuts down operational costs among others.
      • It does not require farmland with fertile soil
      • It provides Food Security and a better source of income for farmers.

    Additional Facts:

    • C-DAC: It is the premier Research & Development organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(Meity) for carrying out R&D in IT, Electronics and associated areas.
  • Vulture Conservation in India

    News: National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025.

    Facts:

    Key Highlights of the Plan:

    • Vulture Conservation centre: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre each.
    • Vulture Safe zone: Establishment of at least one vulture-safe zone in each state for the conservation of the remnant populations in that state.
    • Rescue Centres: Establishment of four rescue centres, in Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad (Telangana). There are currently no dedicated rescue centres for treating vultures.
    • Toxic Drugs: A system to automatically remove a drug from veterinary use if it is found to be toxic to vultures with the help of the Drugs Controller General of India.
    • Vultures Census: Coordinated nation-wide vulture counting involving forest departments, the Bombay Natural History Society, research institutes, nonprofits and members of the public.This would be for getting a more accurate estimate of the size of vulture populations in the country.
    • Database on Threats to Vulture: A database on emerging threats to vulture conservation including collision and electrocution, unintentional poisoning.

    Additional Facts:

    • Vultures in India: Out of 23 species of vultures in the world, nine are found in India. These include:
      • White rumped vulture (Critically Endangered)
      • Slender billed vulture (Critically Endangered)
      • Long billed vulture (Critically Endangered)
      • Red headed vulture (Critically Endangered)
      • Egyptian vulture (Endangered)
      • Himalayan Griffon (Near Threatened)
      • Cinereous vulture (Near Threatened)
      • Bearded vulture (Near Threatened)
      • Griffon Vulture (Least Concern).
  • Himalayan Brown Bear

    News: The Zoological Survey of India has released a study titled ‘Adaptive spatial planning of protected area network for conserving the Himalayan brown bear’.

    Facts:

    Key Takeaways:

    • About the study: The study was carried out in the western Himalayas.It has predicted a 73% decline of habitat of Himalayan Brown Bear by the year 2050.
      • This decline will also impact 13 protected areas.Out of these 13 protected areas, eight will become completely uninhabitable by 2050.
    • Recommendations: The study has suggested adopting an adaptive spatial planning of protected area networks in the western Himalayas for conserving the Himalayan Brown Bear species.
      • Adaptive Spatial Planning: It refers to the process of conserving the existing landscape and augmenting the fragmented areas of the habitat of the species.

    Additional Facts:

    • Himalayan brown bear: It is one of the largest carnivores in the highlands of Himalayas.
    • Habitat: It occupies the higher reaches of the Himalayas in remote, mountainous areas of Pakistan and India, in small and isolated populations and is extremely rare in many of its ranges.
    • IUCN: The brown bear as a species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
      • However, the Himalayan Brown Bear as a subspecies is highly endangered and populations are dwindling.It is Endangered in the Himalayas and Critically Endangered in Hindu Kush region.
  • Project Dolphin

    News: Prime Minister announced Project Dolphin on Independence Day

    Project Dolphin:

    • The project is aimed at the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphins — both riverine as well as the oceanic dolphins in India.
    • Significance: Aquatic life is an indicator of the health of river ecosystems. As the Gangetic dolphin is at the top of the food chain, protecting the species and its habitat will ensure conservation of aquatic lives of the river.

    Gangetic river dolphin:

    • The Gangetic river dolphin inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
    • Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’.
    • Population: 1,272 dolphins in Uttar Pradesh and 962 in Assam in 2019
    • Threats: construction of dams and barrages, and increasing pollution
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I.

    Conservation Measures for Gangetic Dolphin:

    • Wildlife Protection Act: Gangetic Dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Act. Further, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under this Act.
    • Conservation Plan: The government also prepared The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020, which “identified threats to Gangetic Dolphins and impact of river traffic, irrigation canals and depletion of prey-base on Dolphins populations”.
    • National Aquatic Animal: In 2009, National Ganga River Basin Authority, declared the Gangetic river dolphin as the national aquatic animal. The National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates October 5 as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
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