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CONTENTS 931037901 8882307523 www.ajitlive.in
AJIT TIWARI SIR @ general studies (t.me/ AJITLIVE)
F-9, Main Road, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi - 110016
Power: The Final Edge June 2021 (Part I)
Current Affairs for
UPSC CSE & Competitive Exams
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CONTENTS
ART, CULTURE & SOCIETY .........................4
Copperplate inscriptions at Srisailam temple ..4
Nashik‘s Buddhist Caves Complex ................5
Raja Parba- Odisha‘s Festival .....................6
All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)
2019-20.............................................7
Performance Grading Index .......................8
Rajasthan Govt. to set up Vedic Education
Board ................................................8
QS World University Rankings 2022..............9
Child Labour ........................................ 10
SAGE (Senior-care Aging Growth Engine)
Initiative .......................................... 11
World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends
2021 ............................................... 12
Smart Kitchen Project ............................ 14
Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyan ........ 14
Vaigai River ......................................... 14
Central Vista Project of Public Importance -
Delhi HC .......................................... 15
POLITY & CONSTITUTION .................... 15
Time to Define Limits of Sedition – SC ........ 16
Model Panchayat Citizens Charter ............. 17
International Labour Organization and UNICEF
on Child Labour Globally ...................... 19
Rengma Nagas demand Autonomous Council 21
Cabinet gives nod to Model Tenancy Act ..... 22
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Review ..... 24
Digital Justice Delivery ........................... 25
Master Plan Delhi 2041 ........................... 26
National Security Act (NSA), 1980 ............. 27
Tulu: Demand for official language status .... 27
Vehicle Scrappage Policy ........................ 28
Anniversary of Galwan clash .................... 30
SECURITY ....................................... 30
MH-60 Romeo helicopters ....................... 32
National Security Guard (NSG) .................. 32
Indo-Thai CORPAT ................................. 34
INS Sandhayak Decommissioned ................ 34
Operation Sagar Aaraksha II ..................... 34
Elections to UNSC ................................. 36
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS .................... 36
India elected to UN Economic and Social
Council ............................................ 37
UNSC endorses Secretary General for Second
Term .............................................. 38
24 years of BIMSTEC .............................. 39
Maldives wins UN General Assembly election 39
MoU between India and Maldives ............... 40
India Australia cooperation ...................... 41
G7 Nations agree on Uniform Minimum
Corporate Tax ................................... 42
Syria used chemical weapons: OPCW ......... 43
Terrorism in the Sahel Region ................... 46
Russia formally exits Open Skies Agreement . 47
New Atlantic Charter .............................. 48
Rohingya protest at Bhashan Char .............. 48
Red Tourism ........................................ 51
EAGLE Act ........................................... 52
ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT .................53
GDP shrinks by 7.3% ............................... 53
Retail Inflation at 6-month High ................ 55
Cryptocurrency..................................... 57
FAME II Amendment ............................... 59
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
(ECLGS) ............................................ 60
SATAT Initiative .................................... 61
India with ―Largest Green Railways‖ .......... 62
India has 4th largest Forex Reserves .......... 64
RBI extends Risk Based Internal Audit rules to
HFCs ............................................... 65
E-100 Project ....................................... 66
Privatisation ........................................ 68
Centre announces hike in MSP .................. 70
Beed Model of Crop Insurance ................... 71
Mini-Kit Programmes for Production of Oil
Seeds, Pulses ..................................... 73
Standard Development Organisation ........... 76
K.P. Krishnan Committee Report ............... 77
Mandatory Hallmark on Gold Jewellery ....... 78
World Milk Day ..................................... 79
Centres of Excellence (CoE) under BRO ....... 80
ITR e-filing portal .................................. 81
National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd.
(NARCL) ........................................... 81
ATM cash withdrawal rule ........................ 82
National Securities Depository Limited ........ 82
ENVIRONMENT .................................83
SDG India Index & Dashboard 2020-21 ......... 83
International Nitrogen Initiative ................ 86
Dihing Patkai is Assam‘s 7th National Park .... 87
Pakke Tiger Reserve .............................. 89
Revival of Road in Tiger Reserve ............... 90
Conservation Assured |Tiger Standards
(CA|TS)............................................ 92
Maharashtra Defines Heritage Trees ........... 93
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India to add 20 GW of Wind Energy Capacity by
2025 ............................................... 94
Great Indian Bustards ............................. 95
Blue- finned Mahseer out of IUCN Red list .... 97
Operation Olivia ................................... 97
Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of
India ............................................... 99
CESL-Ladakh agreement to make Ladakh
Carbon-neutral ................................. 100
WHO joins UN Decade on Ecosystem
Restoration ..................................... 102
World‘s Most Liveable Cities ................... 102
Marine Geohazards ............................... 103
Merapi: Most Active Volcano ................... 103
World Sustainable Development Summit 2021
.................................................... 104
Mission Innovation CleanTech Exchange ..... 105
Keeling Curve ..................................... 106
ICMR to start 4th National Sero Survey ...... 107
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY .................. 107
Electricity from Carbon Nanotubes........... 108
CAR-T Cell Therapy .............................. 109
Emergence of SARS CoV-2 Variant ............ 111
H10N3 Bird Flu Detected In Humans ......... 111
Chinese ‗Artificial Sun‘ Experiment .......... 112
Space plate Light Manipulation ............... 113
PASIPHAE Project ................................ 114
CHIME Telescope ................................. 115
EnVision mission to Venus ..................... 117
NASA Missions to Venus ......................... 118
China Launches Meteorological Satellite .... 119
NASA to send animals to the International
Space Station .................................. 119
The State of Ransomware 2021 Report...... 120
I-Familia ........................................... 121
AmbiTAG ........................................... 122
Operation Pangea XIV ........................... 122
New Plant species in Wagamon ............... 123
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ART, CULTURE & SOCIETY
Copperplate inscriptions at Srisailam temple
Background
Copper plate inscriptions dating back to the 14th or 16th century were found near Ghanta Matham of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam. The inscriptions are in Sanskrit and Telugu
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the deity Shiva, one of the most popular and highly worshipped gods from the Hindu pantheon.
Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas, getting its name from the worship of the jasmine flower or Mallika.
It has received patronage from royal kings and empires, particularly during the medieval era, including the Kondavidu Reddi kingdom (1325-1448 AD), Kakatiyas(1163-1323), and the famous Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646).
Inscription evidence from the time of the Satvahanas indicates that the temple has been around at least since the 2nd century AD.
In Shaivism, a huge denomination of the Hindu faith, the representation of Lord Shiva is through the linga or lingam, an iconic form. The linga is a phallic representation of Shiva, particularly alluding to the spiritual understanding of fertility and cosmic regeneration.
Indian copper plate inscriptions
Indian copper plate inscriptions (tamarashasana), usually record grants of land or lists of royal lineages carrying the royal seal, a profusion of which have been found in South India.
Some of the oldest inscribed copper plates to be found in the Indian subcontinent date to the Mature Harappan era.
Sohgaura copper-plate inscription, inscribed in the Brahmi script, is possibly from the 3rd century BCE Maurya Empire.
The Taxila and the Kalawan copper-plate inscriptions (c. 1st century CE or earlier) are among the earliest known instances.
The oldest known copper-plate charter from the Indian subcontinent is the Patagandigudem inscription of the 3rd century CE Andhra Ikshvaku king Ehuvala Chamtamula.
The oldest known copper-plate charter from northern India is probably the Kalachala grant of Ishvararata, dated to the late fourth century.
An example of early Sanskrit inscription in which Kannada words are used to describe land boundaries, are the Tumbula inscriptions of Western Ganga Dynasty, which have been dated to 444 CE.
Most copper plate inscriptions record title-deeds of land-grants made to Brahmanas, individually or collectively.
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Tirumala Venkateswara Temple have a unique collection of about 3000 copper plates on which the Telugu Sankirtans of Tallapaka Annamacharya and his descendants are inscribed.
Between the eighth and tenth centuries, rulers on the Malabar Coast awarded various rights and privileges to Nazranies (Saint Thomas Christians) on copper plates, known as Cheppeds, or Royal Grants or Sasanam.
Nashik‘s Buddhist Caves Complex
Background
Almost, two Centuries after a British documented the Trirashmi Buddhist Caves—also known as Pandav leni in a hill in Nashik , the Archaeological Survey of India has found three more caves in the same area. The Caves could be Older than the Trirashmi Buddhist caves in a hill in Nashik dated to 2nd Century BC -6th Century AD.
Pandav Leni Caves
It is a group of 25 Buddhist caves (Hinayana Period), also known as ―Pandav Leni‖, developed during the 1st century A.D. These caves belong to the Hinayana period. However, later, the influence of the Mahayana period can also be found in these caves.
There is Presence of water tanks carved out of solid rocks-depicts an excellent system of water management
Inside the Pandav leni are the statues of Buddha and the inscriptions dating to the period of 3 kingdoms: the Kshatrapas, the Satavahanas, and the Abhirs.
Buddhist sculptures and caves (in Nashik) are a significant early example of Indian rock-cut architecture representing the Hinayana tradition of Buddhism,
The caves have images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and sculptures with designs of Indo-Greek architecture.
'Leni' in the Marathi language means caves and Pandav is the later name given to these caves in Maharashtra. Pandav leni was earlier called as 'Trirashmi caves', later it was changed to the current name.
Hinayana Buddhism
It means the lesser vehicle.
The school includes the followers of the original preaching of the Buddha
It is more of an orthodox school.
They did not believe in idol or image worship of Buddha.individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
Ultimate aim of Hinayana is nirvana.
Emperor Ashoka patronised Hinayana sect as Mahayana school came into being much later.
Mahayana Buddhism
It means the greater vehicle.
The school is more liberal and believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
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The ultimate goal under Mahayana is ―spiritual upliftment‖.
The Mahayana followers believe in idol or image worship of Buddha.
The concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism.
A bodhisattva seeks complete enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
A bodhisattva who has accomplished this goal is called a Samyaksainbuddha.
The Mahayana scholars predominantly used Sanskrit as a language.
Emperor Kanishka of Kushana dynasty is said to be the founder of Mahayana sect of Buddhism in 1st century AD.
Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, China, Bhutan, Tibet, etc.
Theravada Buddhism
It refers to the school of elder monks.
In Theravada, the ultimate goal is the cessation of the kleshas and the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Pali is the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism.
Theravada is contemplated to be a successor of Hinayana school.
Countries following it include Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, etc.
Vajrayana Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism)
The main deity is Tara (female Buddha).
It involved combining Brahmanical (Veda based) rituals with Buddhist philosophies.
Vajrayana is based on Mahayana Buddhist philosophy.
Countries following it include Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kalmykia, etc.
Raja Parba- Odisha‘s Festival
Background
Raja Parba, a 3-day festival celebrating womanhood is being celebrated across Odisha.
About the Festival
Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti is a three-day-long festival of womanhood celebrated in Odisha, India.
It is believed that the mother Goddess Earth or the divine wife of Lord Vishnu undergoes menstruation during the first three days.
Women don't work during these 3 days.
The fourth day is called Vasumati Snana, or ceremonial bath of Bhudevi, who is the wife of lord Jagannath.
It welcomes the agricultural year in Odisha, which marks, through biological symbolism, the moistening of the sun-dried soil with the first showers of the monsoon in mid-June thus making it ready for productivity.
The festival is synonymous with varieties of cakes (pithas). Keeping this in view, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) launched a special programme named 'Pitha on Wheels'.
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All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20
Background
Union Education Minister announced the release of All India Survey on Higher Education 2019-20.
Key Findings
Total Enrolment in Higher Education stands at 3.85 crore in 2019-20 as compared to 3.74 crore in 2018-19, registering a growth of 11.36 lakh (3.04 %). Total enrolment was 3.42 crore in 2014-15.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), the percentage of students belonging to the eligible age group enrolled in Higher Education, in 2019-20 is 27.1% against 26.3% in 2018-19 and 24.3% in 2014-2015.
Gender Parity Index (GPI) in Higher Education in 2019-20 is 1.01 against 1.00 in 2018-19 indicating an improvement in the relative access to higher education for females of eligible age group compared to males.
Pupil Teacher Ratio in Higher Education in 2019-20 is 26. In 2019-20: Universities: 1,043(2%); Colleges: 42,343(77%) and stand-alone institutions: 11,779(21%).
3.38 crore Students enrolled in programmes at under-graduate and post-graduate level. Out of these, nearly 85% of the students (2.85 crore) were enrolled in the six major disciplines such as Humanities, Science, Commerce, Engineering & Technology, Medical Science and IT & Computer.
The number of students pursuing PhD in 2019-20 is 2.03 lakh against 1.17 lakh in 2014-15 i.e 60% increase since 2015.
The Total Number of Teachers stands at 15,03,156 comprising of 57.5% male and 42.5% female.The number of institutions of national importance also increased to 135 in 2020 from 75 in 2015.
In the last five years from 2015-16 to 2019-20, there has been a growth of 11.4% in the student enrolment. The rise in female enrolment in higher education during the period is 18.2%.
AISHE Survey
It is published by Ministry of Education since 2010-11.
It provides key performance Indicators of Educational Development on current status of higher education in India.
Indicators Include- Institution Density, Pupil-Teacher ratio, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Gender Parity Index & Per Student Expenditure.
Other initiatives taken by Department of Higher Education under Ministry of Education are: o National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology
(NMEICT) o Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) o Project Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP) o Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) o Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) o Global Initiative for Academic Network (GIAN)
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Rajasthan Govt. to set up Vedic Education Board
Background
Rajasthan government will set up a Vedic Education and Sanskar Board to revive the knowledge of ancient Sanskrit scriptures and connect the learnings of the Vedas with science and yoga.
About the Decision
The board will promote Vedic teaching being followed in other States and would recommend a curriculum for schools, which would include subjects such as science, mathematics, Sanskrit, yoga and meditation.
Scholars at the schools will also be encouraged to take up research projects in various branches of Vedic learnings.
The State, at present, has about 20 residential Vedic schools, including ‗Gurukuls‘ (seminaries) adhering to the ancient teacher-disciple tradition, which are run by a trust, but they do not follow any regulated curriculum for imparting education.
Education Boards in India
School education in India is provided by various academic boards with their presence at national and state level.
There are three national boards in our country namely Central board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). They conduct board examinations for students in classes 10th and 12th across India.
State government boards of education: Most of the state governments have at least one "State board of secondary school education". However, some states like Andhra Pradesh have more than one. Also the union territories do not have a board.
Performance Grading Index
Background
The Education Ministry released the latest edition of the Performance Grading Index.
Performance Grading Index (PGI)
The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.
Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under Ministry of Human Resource Development, has designed the PGI to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education.
It assesses states‘ performance in school education based on data drawn from several sources, including the Unified District Information System for Education Plus, National Achievement Survey, and Mid-Day Meal.
States are scored on a total of 1,000 points across 70 parameters, which are grouped under five broad categories:
1. Access (Enrolment ratio, Transition rate and Retention rate) 2. Governance and management 3. Infrastructure 4. Equity (Difference in performance between Scheduled Caste students, STs, General
Category students etc.)
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5. Learning outcomes (Average score in mathematics, science, languages and social science).
Key Findings
Indian Education System is one of the largest in the world with more than 1.5 million schools, 8.5 million teachers and 250 million children from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
The system strives to maintain standards and uniformity across the country while giving ample scope for the country‘s diverse culture and heritage to grow and flourish.
Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have all scored higher than 90% in the Education Ministry‘s Performance Grading Index for 2019-20
Gujarat dropped from second to eighth rank in the index, while Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are the only States which have seen actual regression in scores over this period.
Punjab recorded the highest score of almost 929 out of a possible 1,000, showing a huge jump from 769 last year.
The State topped the charts in terms of equity, infrastructure and governance, and shared the top spot in the domain of access with Kerala
Tamil Nadu also overtook Kerala largely driven by improvements in the State‘s educational governance and management, as well as in terms of infrastructure and facilities.
Gujarat, which had the second highest score in the previous edition, dropped to eighth place. It regressed in the key domain of access, which measures enrolment of students in school and the ability to keep them from dropping out as well as mainstreaming out -of school students.
The new Union Territory of Ladakh was included separately for the first time in this edition, and had the lowest score of just 545.
QS World University Rankings 2022
Background
Global higher education analysts QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) has released the 18th edition of one of the most-consulted international university rankings. It is the only international ranking to have received the approval of International Ranking Expert Group (IREG).
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About the ranking
QS uses six indicators to compile the ranking: Academic reputation (AR), employer reputation (ER), citations per faculty (CPF), faculty/student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio.
Key Findings
Top 3 in the world: o The Massachusetts
Institute of Technology achieved a record-extending 10th consecutive year as world number-one.
o The University of Oxford has risen to second for the first time since 2006.
o The Stanford University and the University of Cambridge share third spot.
Performance of Indian Institutes
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and IIT Delhi remained the three universities from India to rank in the top-200 positions.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University has made its debut in the QS World University Rankings and is placed in the 561-570 band.
Challenges: However, Indian universities continue to struggle in QS‘s measure of institutional teaching capacity. Twenty-three of India‘s 35 universities have suffered declines in QS‘s faculty/student ratio indicator, with only six recording improvements.
No Indian university ranks among the top 250 in the faculty/student ratio category.
Child Labour
Background
The true extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child labour is yet to be measured but all indications show that it would be significant as children are unable to attend school and parents are unable to find work. However, not all the factors that contribute to child labour were created by the pandemic; most of them were pre-existing and have been exposed or amplified by it.
Child Labour in India
As the world‘s enter the 3rd decade of 21st Century, 152 million children around the world are still in child labour, 73 million of them in hazardous work.
A Government of India survey (NSSO Report 2017-18), suggests that 95% of the children in the age group of 6-13 years are attending educational institutions (formal and informal) while
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the corresponding figures for those in the age group of 14-17 years is 79.6%. Hence, a large number of children in India remain vulnerable, facing physical and psychological risks to a healthy development
The Census of India 2011 reports 10.1 million working children in the age group of 5-14 years, out of whom 8.1 million are in rural areas mainly engaged as cultivators (26%) and agricultural labourers (32.9%).
UNESCO estimates based on the 2011 Census record 38.1 million children as ―out of school‖.
A Rapid Survey on Children (2013-14), jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and UNICEF, found that less than half of children in the age group of 10-14 years have completed primary education.
With increased economic insecurity, lack of social protection and reduced household income, children from poor households are being pushed to contribute to the family income with the risk of exposure to exploitative work.
With closure of schools and challenges of distance learning, children may drop out leaving little scope for return unless affirmative and immediate actions are taken. As many schools and educational institutions are moving to online platforms for continuation of learning, the ‗digital divide‘ is a challenge that India has to reconcile within the next several years.
Efforts in India
Child labour in India decreased in the decade 2001 to 2011, and this demonstrates that the right combination of policy and programmatic interventions can make a difference.
Policy interventions such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005, the Right to Education Act 2009 and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme have paved the way for children to be in schools along with guaranteed wage employment (unskilled) for rural families.
The National Child Labour Project is being executed.
Ratifying International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 in 2017, the Indian government further demonstrated its commitment to the elimination of child labour including those engaged in hazardous occupations.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment-operated online PENCIL portal that allows agencies to share information and coordinate on child labour cases at the national, State and local levels for effective enforcement of child labour laws.
Way Forward: Strategic partnerships and collaborations involving government, employers, trade unions, community-based organisations and child labour families are required. There is need of a strong alliance paving way towards ending child labour in all its forms by 2025 to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 8.7. ‗Take Action against Child Labour‘ is a part of the UN‘s declaration of 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.
SAGE (Senior-care Aging Growth Engine) Initiative
Background
The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons.
About the Initiative
The SAGE portal will be a ―one-stop access‖ of elderly care products and services by credible startups.
SAGE programme and SAGE portal have been launched to help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care and up to Rs 1 crore will be given to Startups for elderly care.
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The Startups selected under SAGE will be those which will provide new innovative products and services to elderly persons in various areas like health, travel, finance, legal, housing, food, among others.
The Ministry has designed the SAGE programme as per the suggestions of the Empowered Committee on startups for the elderly to solicit the involvement of youth and their innovative ideas for elderly care.
This will help to make the programmes for elderly care a national movement rather than just a government programme.
Senior Citizens in India
According to the law, a "senior citizen" means any person being a citizen of India, who has attained the age of sixty years or above.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, ensures equitable treatment to such sections of society which has suffered social inequalities, exploitation, discrimination and injustice.
According to Population Census 2011 there are nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years or above) in India. From 5.6% in 1961 the proportion has increased to 8.6% in 2011.
71% of elderly population resides in rural areas while 29 % is in urban areas.
The old - age dependency ratio climbed from 10.9% in 1961 to 14.2% in 2011 and is projected to increase to nearly 20 per cent in 2050.
Most common disability among the aged persons was locomotor disability and visual disability.
State - wise data on elderly population divulge that Kerala has maximum proportion of elderly people in its population (12.6%) followed by Goa (11.2%) and Tamil Nadu (10%).
Programmes for Senior Citizens
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Scheme: The policy term of this Prime Minister Senior Citizen Scheme extends to ten years. The pensioner can choose the frequency of the payment - monthly/quarterly/half-yearly/annually with an interest of 8% per annum over this scheme. The minimum and maximum capping of pension are Rs. 3,000 per month and 10,000 per month, respectively.
National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Specially intended for older adults above the age of 60 years, who fall below the poverty line. It provides money up to 200 p.m., and 500 p.m., for people between 60 and 79 years and above 80 years, respectively.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: This scheme provides physical aids and assisted-living devices for older adults above 60 years of age that belong to the BPL (below the poverty line) category. So, if senior citizens wish to avail this, then they must have a BPL card. This is a Central Sector Scheme and is entirely funded by the Central Government.
Varishta Pension Bima Yojana: This pension scheme, launched by the Ministry of Finance, is for senior citizens above 60 years. The LIC of India has the authority to operate this scheme. It offers assured pension with a guaranteed interest rate of 8% per annum for up to 10 years.
Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund: Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this fund includes unclaimed amounts from small savings and savings accounts in the Central government schemes. It aims to make seniors financially stable for their overall welfare and health care.
World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2021
Background
International Labour Organisation (ILO) released its annual report World Employment and Social Outlook.
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About the Report
2021 report examines global and regional trends in employment, unemployment, labour force participation and productivity, as well as dimensions of job quality such as employment status, informal employment and working poverty.
It also provides an extensive analysis of the crisis‘s varied impact on enterprises and workers.
The report forecasts that employment recovery, though strong, will be insufficient to close the gaps.
Workers whose labour market position was disadvantageous before the crisis – women, young people, migrants, informal workers, and workers in lower-skilled occupations – suffered disproportionately.
The report proposes a human-centred recovery strategy to avoid scarring of global labour markets for the years to come.
Global unemployment is expected to be at 205 million in 2022.
The pandemic worsened long-standing inequalities with many women workers dropping out of the labour force, putting at risk years of progress towards achieving gender equality and pushing them back to the more traditional gender roles.
The International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations, it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN. The ILO has 187 member states.
It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
ILO's international labour standards are set forth in in 189 conventions and treaties, of which eight are classified as fundamental according to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; together they protect freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour, and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
It has a unique tripartite structure with the representatives of governments, employers, and workers.
It has three main bodies: The International Labour Conference, which meets annually to formulate international labour standards; the Governing Body, which serves as the executive council and decides the agency's policy and budget; and the International Labour Office, the permanent secretariat.
In 1969, the ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2019, the organization convened the Global Commission on the Future of Work for governments to meet the challenges of the 21st century labour environment.
It is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
Reports of ILO
1. World Employment and Social Outlook 2. World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 3. Global Wage Report 4. World Social Protection Report.
United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG): UNSDG, previously known as the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), is a consortium of 36 United Nations funds, programs, specialized agencies, departments and offices that play a role in development. It was created by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1997. It was involved in the
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development of the Post-2015 Development Agenda which lead to the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Smart Kitchen Project
Background
The Kerala Government has announced the introduction of a Smart Kitchen project, which is meant to modernize kitchens and ease the difficulty faced by homemakers in household chores.
About the Project
The project would be implemented through the Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE), a State-run chit fund and lending firm.
Under the scheme, KSFE would give soft loans to women from all walks of life for purchasing household gadgets or equipment.
The cost of household equipment can be repaid as instalments within a particular period. The interest of the loan/cost would be equally shared among the beneficiary, local Self-Government body and the State Government.
Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum Abhiyan
This campaign was launched in 112 Aspirational Districts to assist district administrations in providing home-care support to COVID-19 patients.
It will provide covid home-care support to 20 lakh citizens. It is a part of special initiative in which civil societies, local leaders and volunteers will work
with district administrations to address emerging problems across key focus areas of Aspirational Districts Programme.
It will be led by district magistrates in partnership with over one thousand local NGOs. NGOs will mobilize local volunteers to provide home-care support to affected people and
Volunteers will be trained to support 20 affected families by educating caretakers to follow COVID protocols, provide psychosocial support etc.
It will play a key role in district preparedness to manage nearly 70% of COVID cases at home. Thus, it will reduce pressure on health system. It will also carry capacity building of citizens for correct usage of Oxygen concentrators supplied to these districts.
Vaigai River
The Vaigai was the river that flowed through the fabled city of Madurai, the capital of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom located in southern Tamil Nadu. The river finds a mention in Sangam literature dated to 300 before the Common Era.
The river originates in the Western Ghats.
Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.
The Vaigai is 258 kilometres long and finally empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.
The river fulfils the drinking water requirement of five districts of Tamil Nadu namely Theni, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Dindigul.
It also provides irrigation to 200,000 hectares of agricultural land.
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POLITY & CONSTITUTION
Central Vista Project of Public Importance - Delhi HC
Background
The Central Vista Project is an essential project of national importance and needs to be completed in a time-bound manner, the Delhi High Court observed.
Central Vista Redevelopment Project
Central Vista Redevelopment Project is the redevelopment to revamp the Central Vista, India's central administrative area located near Raisina Hill, New Delhi.
Proposer: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India
Scheduled between 2020 and 2024, the project as of 2020 aims to revamp a 3 km (1.9 mi) long Rajpath between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, convert 1) North and South Blocks to publicly accessible museums by creating a new common Central Secretariat to house all ministries, 2) a new Parliament building near the present one with increased seating capacity for future expansion, new residence and office for the Vice-President and the Prime Minister.
The cost of the project has been estimated to be around ₹1,345 crore. Project assessment studies were done by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC).
Tata Projects Ltd is undertaking the construction work of New Parliament Building.
The Central Vista was first designed by architect Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, when the capital of the British Raj was moved from Calcutta to Delhi.
The Parliament building alone took six years to construct and was inaugurated by then Viceroy Lord Irwin in 1927.
New structures Structures to be repurposed
Structures to be retained as it is
Structures to be demolished
1. New Parliament Building
2. Central Vista Avenue (Rajpath)
3. Common Central Secretariat
4. Central Conference Centre
5. New residence and office for Vice President
6. New residence and office for Prime Minister
7. New facilities for IGNCA
Old parliament
North and South Block
Presidential Gardens
Rashtrapati Bhavan
India Gate
National War Memorial
1) Annexe building of National Archives
2) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
3) Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan
4) Krishi Bhavan 5) National Museum 6) Nirman Bhavan 7) Raksha Bhavan 8) Shastri Bhawan 9) Udyog Bhavan 10) Vice President's
residence 11) Vigyan Bhavan
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Issues
Cutting down trees: According to the EIA reports, 3,750 trees are either to be cut or transplanted, leading to a huge loss of both open and green spaces.
Huge space for ministers and bureaucrats: As stated above, nearly 4.5 lakh square metre of built-up area will be demolished but nearly 16.5 lakh square metre area will be newly constructed.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project: A Transit Oriented Development project should have 30% per cent of the total area it covers as residential. Government of India in its affidavit in the Supreme Court specifically mentioned that this is not a TOD project. Ministry of housing said that it is a TOD project.
Massive public space being usurped: According to the EIA submission, at six places land-use change is proposed from public and semi-public facilities to government offices.
CPWD treated as a local body: The prevailing laws across the country say approval of building plans has to be done by a local body. In this case, it is the NDMC that should have approved the plans. But the Centre converted the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is the development and construction arm of the government, into the local body, and got the project sanctioned.
Time to Define Limits of Sedition – SC
Background
The Supreme Court ruled that ―it is time to define the limits of sedition‖ even as it protected two Telugu channels from any coercive action by the Andhra Pradesh government for their reportage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
Recent Cases of Sedition
In the recent past, many citizens have been booked under sedition for exercising their legitimate constitutional right to freedom of speech.
In Jharkhand, 10,000 tribals were booked under sedition for protesting against the government for issuing an order allowing commercial use of tribal land.
In another case, a single mother of an 11-year-old was charged with sedition after her daughter
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participated in a purportedly anti-CAA play in Bidar, Karnataka.
A JNU student was charged with sedition for a speech he gave during an anti CAA protest.
More than 50 people were booked for sedition in Mumbai for raising slogan in favour of the JNU student.
Supreme Court Rulings on Sedition
The ambit and parameters of the provisions of Sections 124A (sedition), 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 require interpretation, particularly in the context of the right of the electronic and print media to communicate news, information and the rights, even those that may be critical of the prevailing regime in any part of the nation.
In the Kedar Nath judgment, 1962, the Supreme Court had held that Section 124A was constitutional since it imposed a reasonable restriction on Article 19(1)(a). The Court read down the section, holding that acts involving intention or tendency to create disorder, or disturbance of law and order, or incitement to violence would be made penal by Section 124A.
P.Alavi vs State of Kerala,1982: The Supreme Court ruled that sloganeering, criticising of Parliament or Judicial setup does not amount to sedition.
Balwant Singh v State of Punjab, 1995: The Supreme Court acquitted persons from charges of sedition for shouting slogans such as ―Khalistan Zindabad‖. The court held that mere raising of slogans by two individuals alone cannot be accused to be aimed at exciting or attempt to excite hatred or disaffection by the government
Section 124A of the IPC,1860: Sedition law: Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code defines sedition as ―any action - whether by words, signs or visible representation - which ―brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India.‖
Model Panchayat Citizens Charter
Background
Recently, the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj released a Model Panchayat Citizens Charter.
About the Charter
It is prepared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR).
It has been developed for the delivery of the services across the 29 sectors, aligning actions with localised Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is expected that the Panchayats will utilize this framework to draw up a Citizens Charter and adopt it through a resolution of the Gram Sabha by 15th August 2021.
States have been accordingly requested to draw up a time-bound plan of action.
The Citizen Charter would ensure transparent and effective delivery of public services for sustainable development and enhanced citizen service experiences.
The aim of establishing a Citizen charter is to provide services to the people in a time-bound manner, redressing their grievances and improving their lives.
This will help in making the citizens aware of their rights on the one hand, and to make the Panchayats and their elected representatives directly accountable to the people.
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) constitute the third tier of government in the rural areas and represent the first level of Government interaction for over 60% of the Indian population.
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The modern Panchayati Raj system was introduced in India by the 73rd constitutional amendment in 1993.
Part IX of the Indian Constitution is the section of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats. It stipulates that in states or Union Territories with more than two million inhabitants there are three levels of PRIs:
1. the Gram Panchayats at village level 2. the Panchayat Samiti at block level and 3. the Zila Parishad at district level.
Panchayats are responsible for delivery of basic services as enshrined under article 243G of the Constitution of India, specifically in the areas of Health & Sanitation, Education, Nutrition, Drinking Water along with 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters living in the area of a Gram Panchayat and is the organization through which village inhabitants participate directly in local government.
Elections for the members of the Panchayats at all levels take place every five years.
The Panchayats must include members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the same proportion as in the general population.
One third of all seats and chairperson posts must be reserved for women.
The Panchayats receive funds from three sources: o Local body grants, as recommended by the Central Finance Commission o Funds for implementation of centrally sponsored schemes o Funds released by the state governments on the recommendations of the State
Finance Commissions
Other Initiatives for PRIs
E Gram Swaraj: It is a user-friendly web-based portal which unifies the planning, accounting and monitoring functions of Gram Panchayats.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): Launched in 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme is an effort in the direction of achieving ―Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas‖.
People‘s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas: It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government‘s flagship schemes.
Citizen‘s Charter
It is a voluntary and written document that spells out the service provider‘s efforts taken to focus on their commitment towards fulfilling the needs of the citizens/customers.
It preserves the trust between the service provider and the citizens/users.
It includes what the citizens can expect out of the service provider.
It also includes how citizens can redress any grievances.
The concept was first articulated and implemented in the United Kingdom in 1991 as a national Programme.
Citizen‘s charters are not legally enforceable documents. They are just guidelines to enhance service delivery to citizens.
Principles behind Citizens Charter o Quality o Choice o Standards o Value o Accountability o Transparency
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Citizen Charter in India
In India, the concept of citizen‘s charter was first adopted at a ‗Conference of Chief Ministers of various States and Union Territories‘ held in 1997.
A major outcome of the conference was a decision to formulate Citizen‘s Charters by the central and state governments, beginning with sectors with a large public interface such as the railways, telecom, posts, Public Distribution System, etc.
The task of coordination, formulation, and operationalization of citizen‘s charters was done by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
The Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011 (Citizens Charter) was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2011.
It lapsed due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 2014.
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)
It is an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
It is a premier national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj. It builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders
It is recognized internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP Centres of Excellence.
The Institute is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
In addition to the main campus at Hyderabad, this Institute has North-Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) at Guwahati, Assam to meet the NE-regional needs.
International Labour Organization and UNICEF on Child Labour Globally
Background
The report 'Child Labour: Global Estimates 2020, Trends and Road Forward' has been released by ILO & UNICEF.
About the Report
The report points to an increase in the number of children in the age group of 5 to 11 years in child labor. This is the first time in 20 years that child labor has increased globally, the report said.
The International Labor Organization and UNICEF said the number of child laborers increased from 152 million to 160 million in 2016. Population growth and poverty have led to the greatest increase in child labor in Africa.
According to the report, globally 1 in 10 children are employed in child labour. Along with this, the number of children doing hazardous work has also increased, which is also having a serious impact on their health.
The percentage of children working as child labor in agriculture is 70 percent. In the service sector 20 percent and in industries 10 percent of the children are engaged in child labor.
About 28 percent of children aged 5 to 11 years and 35 percent of child laborers aged 12 to 14 years are out of school.
Child labor in rural areas is 14 percent, which is almost three times higher than the figure of 5 percent in urban areas.
The International Labor Organization and UNICEF have warned that if the number of poor families is not reduced, an additional 9 million children could be forced into child labor by the end of 2022.
The report mentions that child labor is likely to increase further in the near future due to the after effects of the corona pandemic.
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Solutions highlighted by the report: According to UNICEF, only by providing free and good quality school education, the number of child labor can be reduced by up to 15 million. According to the International Labor Organization, increased investment in rural development and increased attention to agriculture can also reduce the number of child labor.
Target: Declaring 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor, the United Nations said that immediate action is needed to meet the goal of ending the practice by 2025.
Definition: According to UNICEF, a child is involved in child labour if he or she is between 5 and 11 years, does at least one hour of economic activity, or at least 28 hours of domestic work in a week and in case of children aged between 12 and 14, 14 hours of economic activity or at least 42 hours of economic activity and domestic work per week is considered child labour.
Constitutional Provisions and Legislations in India
Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6-14 year age group
Article 23: Prohibition of Traffic in Human Being and Forced Labour.
Article 24: Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
Article 39[e]: Right to be protected from being abused and forced by economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength
Article 39[f]: Right to equal opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.
Article 45: Right to early childhood care and education to all children until they complete the age of six years
Article 46: Right of weaker sections of the people to be protected from social injustice and all forms of exploitation
Article 47: Right to nutrition and standard of living and improved public health
Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: It prohibits ―the engagement of children in all occupations and of adolescents in hazardous occupations and processes‖ wherein adolescents refers to those under 18 years; children to those under 14.
Right to Education Act, 2009: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE) is an Act of the Parliament of India, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between the age of 6 to 14 years in India under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.India became one of 135 countries to make education a fundamental right of every child when the act came into force in 2010.
National Policy on Child Labour: Implemented in 1988, it adopted a gradual approach that combined the strict enforcement of laws on child labour with development programmes to address the root causes of child labour like caste and poverty. It focussed on the rehabilitation of children working in hazardous occupations.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. It is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. The Commission's Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
PENCil Portal: PENCIL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) is an electronic platform for no child labour developed by the labour ministry. The 'PENCIL' will
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help in effective implementation of National Child Labour Project (NCLP) The portal came into being after it was felt that there was a need to create a robust implementing and monitoring mechanism for both enforcement of the legislative provisions and effective implementation of the NCLP especially in the backdrop that the subject of labour is in the concurrent list and enforcement to a large extent depends on respective state governments. PENCIL portal has five components:child tracking system, complaint corner, state government, national child labour project and convergence.
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016:
This act amends the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 by widening its scope against child labour and provides for stricter punishments for violations.
The 1986 act prohibits employment of children below 14 years in 83 hazardous occupations and processes.
The act has completely banned employment of children below 14 in all occupations and enterprises, except those run by his or her own family, provided that education does not hampered.
Addition of a new category of persons called ―adolescent‖. It defines children between 14 to 18 years as adolescents and bars their employment in any hazardous occupations.
The number of hazardous occupations has been brought down from 83 to 3. The three occupations are mining, inflammable substances, and hazardous processes under the Factories Act. With passing of this new legislation, India law is now aligned with the statutes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention.
Rengma Nagas demand Autonomous Council
Background
The Rengma Nagas in Assam have written to Union Home Minister demanding an autonomous district council.
About the Tribes
Rengma is a Naga tribe found in Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Rengma tribe is about 63 thousand.
The people of this tribe are mainly followers of Christianity. The harvest festival of Rengma is called 'Nagada'.
Rengmas were the first tribal people in Assam to have encountered the British in 1839 but the existing Rengma Hill was eliminated from the political map and was replaced with Mikir Hills [Now Karbi Anglong] in 1951.
Rengma Hills was partitioned in 1963 between Assam and Nagaland at the time of creation of Nagaland State and the Karbis, who were known as Mikirs till 1976, were the indigeneous tribal people of Mikir Hills.
Constitutional Provisions
Article 244 in Part X of the Constitution envisages a special system of administration for certain areas designated as ‗scheduled areas‘ and ‗tribal areas‘.
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution (Ar. 244 (1)) deals with the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in any state except the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (Ar. 244 (2)), on the other hand, deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
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Autonomous District Council:
The Sixth Schedule consists of provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, according to Article 244 of the Indian Constitution.
It seeks to safeguard the rights of the tribal population through the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC).
ADCs are bodies representing a district to which the Constitution has given varying degrees of autonomy within the state legislature.
The governors of these states are empowered to reorganize boundaries of the tribal areas.
Governor can appoint a commission to examine & report of any matter relating to administration of autonomous district of regions.
He may also dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of appointed commission.
There is a district council for each autonomous district: It has 30 members: Four are nominated by the governor – They perform their duties during the pleasure of the governor. 26 are elected using the adult franchise – Their term of office is five years.
There is a separate regional council for each autonomous district.
Autonomous District Councils are empowered with civil and judicial powers can constitute village courts within their jurisdiction to hear the trial of cases involving the tribes.
Autonomous District Council: The laws related to the following can be made by the regional and autonomous councils with the assent of the governor; 1. Land 2. Forests 3. Canal water 4. Shifting cultivation 5. Village administration 6. Inheritance of property 7. Marriage and divorce 8. Social customs
District & Regional councils are empowered to assess & collect land revenue & impose certain specified taxes
The central and state acts do not apply to these autonomous and regional councils.
There are total 10 Autonomous district councils in the sixth schedule tribal areas: o Assam- (1) Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, (2) Dima Hasao Autonomous Council,
(3) Bodoland Territorial Council o Meghalaya- (1) Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, (2) Garo Hills Autonomous
District Council, (3) Jaintia Autonomous District Council o Mizoram- (1) Lai Autonomous District Council, (2) Chakma Autonomous District
Council, (3) Mara Autonomous District Council o Tripura- (1) Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
Cabinet gives nod to Model Tenancy Act
Background
After releasing the draft in 2019, the Union Cabinet approved the Model Tenancy Act (MTA) to streamline the process of renting property in India and aid the rent economy in the estate sector.
Need for Legislation
As per Census 2011, more than 1 crore houses are lying vacant in urban areas across the country.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs says that the existing rent control laws are restricting the growth of rental housing as they discourage the owners from renting out their vacant houses due to fear of not getting them back.
In absence of a model law, there are informal agreements with arbitrary clauses and often litigation arising out of disputes.
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States can adopt the new act as it is by fresh legislation, as it is a state subject, or they can amend their existing rent acts suitably to factor in the new MTA.
States and Union Territories have MoUs with the Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban which has this provision.
The government says the Act aims to formalise the shadow market of rental housing, unlock vacant properties, increase rental yields, ease/remove exploitative practices, reduce procedural barriers in registration, and increase transparency and discipline.
In 2015, before the Housing for All by 2022 Mission (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban) was launched, it was decided that 20% of the 2 crore houses that were to be created should be exclusively for rent.
Objectives
Formalise the shadow market of rental housing
Unlock vacant properties
Increase rental yields
Ease/remove exploitative practices
Reduce procedural barriers in registration
Increase transparency and discipline
Help in reposing confidence of investors in the sector besides improving quality of rental housing stock.
Key Provisions
After enforcement of this Act, no person shall let or take on rent any premises except by an agreement in writing. Rent and duration of tenancy will be fixed by mutual consent between owner and tenant through a written agreement.
The new Act will be applicable prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies. The Act seeks to cover urban and as well as rural areas.
States will set up grievance redressal mechanism comprising of Rent Authority, Rent Court and Rent Tribunal to provide fast-track resolution of disputes.
The Rent Court can allow repossession by the landlord if the tenant misuses the premises, after being served a notice by the landowner.
Disposal of complaint/appeal by Rent Court and Rent Tribunal will be mandatory within 60 days. There is no monetary ceiling under the new law, which enables parties to negotiate and execute the agreement on mutual agreed terms.
A digital platform will be set up in the local vernacular language or the language of the State/UT for submitting tenancy agreement and other documents.
The tenant will continue to pay the rent even during the pendency of a dispute with a landlord, and this is enshrined in the new Act.
Subletting of premises can only be with the prior consent of the landlord and no structural change in the premises can be done by the tenant without the written consent of the landlord.
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The security deposit to be paid by the tenant should not exceed two months‘ rent for residential property, and should be a minimum of one month‘s rent for non-residential property.
The Act lists the kinds of repairs each party would be responsible for, with the proviso that money for repairs can be deducted from the security deposit or rent, as applicable, if a party refuses to carry out their share of the work.
No arbitrary eviction of a tenant can be done during currency of the tenancy period, except in accordance with provisions of the Act.
Misuse of the premises, as defined, includes public nuisance, damage, or its use for ―immoral or illegal purposes‖.
If the tenant refuses to vacate, the landlord can claim double the monthly rent for two months, and four times the monthly rent thereafter.
In case of ―force majeure‖ event, the landlord shall allow the tenant to continue in possession till a period of one month from date of cessation of such disastrous event on the terms of existing tenancy agreement.
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Review
Background
Former Chief Secretary of West Bengal was served a show-cause notice by the Union Home Ministry under Section 51 of the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005
The DM Act, 2005 came into existence after 2004 Tsunami. It was invoked for the first time in wake of COVID-19 Pandemic. It is enforced by Home ministry.
The Act calls for the establishment of: o National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with the Prime Minister of India as
chairperson. The NDMA may have no more than nine members including a Vice-Chairperson. The tenure of the members of the NDMA shall be five years. The NDMA is responsible for "laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management" and to ensure "timely and effective response to disaster.
o State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), consists of the Chief Minister of the State, who is the Chairperson, and no more than eight members appointed by the Chief Minister.
o District Disaster Management Authority: The Chairperson of DDMA will be the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner of the district. The elected representative of the area is member of the DDMA as an ex officio co-Chairperson
o National Disaster Response Force, for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster under a Director General to be appointed by the Central Government.
o National Institute of Disaster Management o National Executive Committee (NEC) is composed of Secretary level officers of the
Government of India
The Act further contains the provisions for financial mechanisms such as the creation of funds for the response, National Disaster Mitigation Fund and similar funds at the state and district levels.
Union Government through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) invoked the provisions of the Act to streamline the management of the pandemic, empowering district magistrates to take decisions and centralize other decisions on the supply of oxygen and movement of vehicles.
The law gives the Central government powers to take quick policy decisions and impose restrictions on people to manage a disaster.
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DMA is a national law that empowers the Central government to declare the entire country or part of it as affected by a disaster and to make plans for mitigation to reduce ―risks, impacts and affects‖ of the disaster.
DMA covers all man-made and natural disasters which are beyond the coping capacity of a community. It also provides powers to the government to act against anyone not abiding by government orders and regulations
Section 51 (b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The Section prescribes the punishment for obstruction for refusal to comply with any direction given by or on behalf of the Central Government or the state government or the National Executive Committee or the State Executive Committee or the District authority under the Act.
It says that violation shall be punishable with imprisonment for the term that may extend to One year or with fine or both upon conviction.
It adds that if such refusal to comply with direction results in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof, shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years.
Criticism of the Act: The act has been criticized for marginalizing Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), elected local representatives, local communities and civic group; and for fostering a hierarchical, bureaucratic, command and control, 'top down', approach that gives the central, state, and district authorities sweeping powers.
Digital Justice Delivery
Background
According to data released by the Supreme Court, 3.27 crore cases are pending before Indian courts, of which 85,000 have been pending for over 30 years.
The e-courts Project
The eCourts Project was conceptualized on the basis of the ―National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary – 2005‖ submitted by eCommittee, Supreme Court of India with a vision to transform the Indian Judiciary by ICT enablement of Courts.
The eCourts Mission Mode Project, is a Pan-India Project, monitored and funded by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India for the District Courts across the country.
The Project Envisages o To provide efficient & time-bound citizen centric services delivery as detailed in
eCourt Project Litigant's Charter. o To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts. o To automate the processes to provide transparency in accessibility of information to
its stakeholders.
To enhance judicial productivity, both qualitatively & quantitatively, to make the justice delivery system affordable, accessible, cost effective, predictable, reliable and transparent.
The e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India recently released its draft vision document for Phase III of the e-Courts project. Phases I and II had dealt with digitisation of the judiciary, i.e., e-filing, tracking cases online, uploading judgments online, etc.
National Judicial Reference System (NJRS): It is a project of Indian Income Tax Department to streamline its tax litigation system. NJRS aims to be a comprehensive repository of all Appeals and Judgments related to Direct Taxes in India. The Income Tax Department is the largest
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litigant in India and NJRS will help the department in decongesting and streamlining the huge backlog of litigation in various courts and Tribunals related to direct tax cases. The portal was launched in March 2015.
Master Plan Delhi 2041
Background
Draft Master Plan of Delhi 2041 was made open for public scrutiny for next 45 days.
About the Master Plan
Master Plan: A master plan of any city is like a vision document by the planners and the land-owning agency of the city, which gives a direction to the future development. It includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals keeping in mind the population, economy, housing, transportation, community facilities, and land use.
Implementing Agency: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is making efforts to finalise the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2041 by the end of 2021.
The draft of the Master Plan for Delhi 2041 seeks to ―foster a sustainable, liveable and vibrant Delhi by 2041‖.
Main Features
In the housing sector, it talks about incentivising rented accommodation by inviting private players and government agencies to invest more, keeping in mind the large migrant population.
It addresses parking problems and suggests a ‗user pays‘ principle, which means users of all personal motor vehicles, except for non-motorised ones, have to pay for authorised parking facilities, spaces and streets.
The draft plan aims to minimise vehicular pollution through key strategies, including a switch to greener fuels for public transport and adoption of mixed-use of transit-oriented development (also known as TOD).
It also addresses improving the quality of water, which is taken from the Yamuna river as well as various lakes, natural drains and baolis. The draft lays a clear boundary of the buffer zone near the Yamuna river and explores how to develop it.
As per the plan, a green buffer of 300-metre width shall be maintained wherever feasible along the entire edge of the river.
In a bid to address challenges faced during pandemics, earthquakes & floods, it has suggested for periodic safety audits to ensure structural safety and to establish a Delhi Disaster Response Force.
MPD 2041 proposes for decentralised workspaces, creation of open areas & public spaces, better habitat design & green-rated developments in order to reduce vulnerability to airborne epidemics & other such diseases and to reduce dependence on mechanical ventilation systems.
It aims to develop common community spaces to provide refuge spots, common kitchens and quarantine space in an emergency.
To improve the nighttime economy, the plan focuses on cultural festivals, bus entertainment, metro, sports facilities, and retail stores included in Delhi Development Authority (DDA)‘s Night Life Circuit plan.
It also proposes to reduce vulnerability to airborne epidemics through decentralised workspaces, mandatory creation of open areas, better habitat design and green-rated developments to reduce dependence on mechanical ventilation systems.
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‗Green-Blue‘ Policy: ‗Blue‘ infrastructure refers to water bodies like rivers, canals, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, and water treatment facilities; while ‗Green‘ stands for trees, lawns, hedgerows, parks, fields, and forests. The concept refers to urban planning where water bodies and land are interdependent, and grow with the help of each other while offering environmental and social benefits.
Challenges: Confrontation from political wings, lack of resources and funds, corruption in different departments, lack of political and bureaucratic will and multiplicity of agencies, removing junk vehicles, imposing fines for dumping debris, garbage burning, and segregation of waste.
National Security Act (NSA), 1980
Background
A petition was filed in the Supreme Court to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against hoarding, profiteering, adulteration and black-marketing of COVID-19 essentials.
National Security Act (NSA)
Its purpose is "to provide for preventive detention in certain cases and for matters connected therewith".
The act extends to the whole of India.
This act empowers the Central Government and State Governments to detain a person to prevent him/her from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of India, the relations of India with foreign countries, the maintenance of public order, or the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.
The act also gives power to the governments to detain a foreigner in a view to regulate his presence or expel from the country.
Article 22 of the Constitution laid down the scheme under which a preventive detention law could be enacted.
The maximum period of detention is 12 months. The order can also be made by the District Magistrate or a Commissioner of Police under their respective jurisdictions, but the detention should be reported to the State Government along with the grounds on which the order has been made. No such order shall remain in force for more than twelve days unless approved by the State Government.
National Security Act may also be invoked if a person assaults a policeman on duty.
Concerns
Article 22 (1) of the Indian Constitution says an arrested person cannot be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of his choicewhich is denied by NSA.
According to Section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC), any person arrested has to be informed of the grounds of arrest and has the right to bail.
The government holds the right to conceal information which it considers to be against public interest to disclose.
Tulu: Demand for official language status
Background
More than 2.5 lakh people on came out in support of a campaign to give an official language status to Tulu in Kerala and Karnataka.About Tulu language.
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About Tulu
Tulu is a Dravidian language spoken mainly in two coastal districts Dakshina Kannada and Udupi of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala.
The native speakers of Tulu are referred to as Tuluva and are confined to regions informally referred to as Tulu Nadu.
As per the 2011 Census report, there are 18,46,427 Tulu-speaking people in India.
Robert Caldwell (1814-1891), in his book, A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages, called Tulu ―one of the most highly developed languages of the Dravidian family‖.
Tulu has a rich oral literature tradition with folk-song forms like paddana, and traditional folk theatre yakshagana.
Jai Tulunad in 2020 had also devised a campaign to include Tulu in the National Education Policy (NEP).
Eighth schedule to the Constitution
Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in Articles 343 to 351.
The Constitutional provisions related to the Eighth Schedule are: o Article 344: Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission by the
President on expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution. o Article 351: It provides for the spread of the Hindi language to develop it so that it
may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri are the 22 languages presently in the eighth schedule to the Constitution.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy
Background
Finance Minister has called for expediting the implementation of the vehicle scrappage policy.
About the Vehicle Scrappage Policy
The vehicle scrappage policy is a government-funded programme to replace old vehicles from Indian roads. The policy is expected to reduce pollution, create job opportunities and boost demand for new vehicles.
Significance: o According to MORTH, there are ~17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles
(M&HCVs) that are older than 15 years without any valid fitness certificate, 51 lakh light motor vehicles (LMVs) older than 20 years and 34 lakh light motor vehicles (LMVs) older than 15 years.
o Also, the average age of commercial vehicles is over 10 years and the private vehicles is 10-15 years.
o Therefore, the proposed policy is also likely to boost sales of heavy and medium commercial vehicles that had been in the contraction zone since 2018.
Proposoals o According to the new policy, commercial vehicles of >15 years and passenger vehicles
of >20 years will have to be mandatorily scrapped if they do not pass the fitness and emission tests.
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o As a disincentive, increased re-registration fees would be applicable for vehicles 15 years or older from the initial date registration.
o The state governments may be advised to offer a road-tax rebate of up to 25% for personal vehicles and up to 15% for commercial vehicles to provide incentive to owners of old vehicles to scrap old and unfit vehicles.
Disincentives for keeping old vehicles: o States can levy an additional ‗Green Tax‘ o Hike in renewal of registration fee for private vehicles o Increase in renewal of fitness certification for commercial vehicles o Automatic deregistration of unfit vehicles
Vehicles to be exempted: o Strong hybrids and electric vehicles o Vehicles using alternative fuels such as CNG, ethanol and LPG o Farm and agricultural equipment such as tractors, tillers and harvesters
The policy will likely result in the following projected gains: o 30% boost for the Indian automobile industry to Rs. 10 lakh crore over the coming
years. o The export component of Rs. 1.45 lakh crore of the present turnover is likely to go up. o Availability of scrapped materials such as steel, plastic, rubber and aluminium will
increase.
Issues with the new policy: o Limited incentive and poor cost economics for trucks. o Lack of addressable volumes for other segments. o The potential benefit from scrapping a 15-year-old, entry-level small car will be
₹70,000, whereas its resale value is around ₹95,000. That makes scrapping unattractive.
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SECURITY
Anniversary of Galwan clash
Background
It has been since the Galwan clash between Chinese and Indian armed forces. The clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, was one of the worst in 45 years, and led to a military standoff with China and at least 11 rounds of military talks for the disengagement process.
About the Clash
India and China share 3440 km long border with overlapping territorial claims.
In 2020, Indian and Chinese armies were locked in a tense stand-off at three points along the Line of Actual Control — the Galwan River Valley, Hot Springs area and the Pangong Lake
Even as India and China were engaged in military-level talks and in controlled engagement, there was a violent face-off between the army troops of both sides at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh region.
The issue of the carpeting of the road from Darbuk to Daulat Beg Oldie along the Shyok River by India led to the clash as the development of that axis was perceived by China as a clear and present threat to the Aksai Chin highway.
Galwan River Valley (GRV)
The Galwan River flows from the disputed Aksai Chin region administered by China to the Ladakh region of India. The river is named after Ghulam Rasool Galwan, a Ladakhi explorer of Kashmiri descent.
It originates on the eastern side of the Karakoram range and flows west to join the Shyok River. The point of confluence is near Daulat Beg Oldi. Shyok River itself is a tributary of the Indus River, making Galwan a part of the Indus River system.
The Galwan River is the highest ridgeline and it allows the Chinese to dominate the Shyok route passes,which is close to the river.
It lies along the western sector of the LAC and close to Aksai Chin,a disputed area claimed by India but controlled by China.
Pangong Tso
The first standoff began as a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers at a beach of Pangong Tso, a lake shared between India and Tibet, China, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
It is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet situated at an elevation of 4,225 m, divided into five sublakes, called Pangong Tso, Tso Nyak, Rum Tso (twin lakes) and Nyak Tso.
Approximately 50% of the length of the overall lake lies within Tibet, 40% in Ladakh and the rest is disputed but controlled by China.
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It has a land-locked basin separated from the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge.
After the mid-19th century, Pangong Tso was at the southern end of Johnson Line, an early attempt at demarcation between India and China in the Aksai Chin region.
Chushul sector
The Chushul sub-sector lies south of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. It comprises high, broken mountains and passes such as Rezang La and Rechin La, the Spanggur Gap, and the Chushul valley.
Chushul has an airstrip, and its connectivity by road to Leh gives it a unique operational vantage.
It is one among the five Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People‘s Liberation Army of China.
Depsang Plains
The Depsang Plains represent a high-altitude gravelly plain at the northwest portion of the disputed Aksai Chin region of Kashmir, divided into Indian and Chinese administered portions across a Line of Actual Control.
India controls the western portion of the plains as part of Ladakh, whereas the eastern portion is controlled by China and claimed by India.
They are bounded on the north by the valley of the Chip Chap River and on the west by the Shyok River.
In the south, the Depsang Plains proper end at the Depsang La pass.
In modern times, the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road (DS–DBO Road) has been laid by India along the old caravan route.
Special Frontier Force (SFF)
The SFF was raised by the Intelligence Bureau in the immediate aftermath of the 1962 China-India war.
The covert outfit recruited Tibetan exiles (now it has a mixture of Tibetans and Gorkhas).
The units comprising the SFF are known as Vikas battalions.
It falls under the purview of the Cabinet Secretariat.
It is headed by an Inspector General who is an Army officer of the rank of Major General.
SFF units are not part of the Army but function under its operational control. SSF units have their own rank structures, of equivalent status with Army ranks. However, they are special forces personnel highly trained for a variety of tasks.
Disengagement process
India and China have so far held 11 rounds of military talks for disengagement and de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh since the stand-off began in May last year.
India‘s aim in all these talks has been the restoration of status quo ante of April 2020.
Both the sides have agreed to and actually disengaged from the finger areas on the North Bank of Pangong Tso.
Both sides have also emptied the heights of the Kailash ranges on the South Bank where Indian Army was in an advantageous position.
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There has been no progress in the talks for disengagement at Gogra and Hotsprings as well as in Demchok and the strategic Depsang Valley.
Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh.
The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line.
India formally accepted the concept of the LAC in 1993 and the two sides signed the Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquillity at the LAC and agreed that the Joint Working Group on the border issue would take up the task of clarifying the alignment of the LAC.
Dispute over Ladakh: Independent India was transferred the treaties from the British, and while the Shimla Agreement on the McMahon Line was signed by British India, Aksai Chin in Ladakh province of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was not part of British India, although it was a part of the British Empire. Thus, the eastern boundary was well defined in 1914 but in the west in Ladakh, it was not.
LAC vs. LoC: The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.
National Security Guard (NSG)
The NSG is a counter-terrorism unit that was established in 1986 by an act of Parliament- ‗National Security Guard Act, 1986‘ following Operation Blue Star, the Golden Temple attack and the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is a task-oriented force.
The head of NSG, designated as Director General (DG), is selected by the MHA-Home Minister.
It is considered a federal contingency force that has been given the specific task of handling all forms of terrorism in India.
As a specialised counter-terrorism force, it is intended to be used "only in exceptional situations" and is not meant to take over the "functions of the State Police Forces or other Para Military Forces".
In 2020, the NSG was withdrawn from this task of VIP security to ensure its focus on its original roles as an elite counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking force.
MH-60 Romeo helicopters
Background
The Indian Navy is set to boost its fleet with the addition of three 24 MH-60 ―Romeo‖ multi-role helicopters. The United States is set to hand over the first set of multi-role helicopters to the force. Last year, India inked a deal worth over-Rs 16,000 crore to buy 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from Lockheed Martin. India signed the deal under fast track procedures on a government-to-government deal to hasten the process.
About MH-60 Romeo
MH-60 Romeo helicopters have been designed to operate from aircraft carriers, cruisers, frigates and destroyers.
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The MH-60 Romeo is widely considered among the most advanced anti-submarine helicopters.
It would be equipped with multi-mode radars and night vision devices. They would be armed with Hellfire missiles, precision-guided weaponry and torpedoes.
These helicopters are built to target ships, submarines and conduct search & rescue operations at sea. It will replace Sea Kings.
It has a range of radars and sensors to detect the submarine inside deep sea. Sonobuoy launcher and a Raytheon advanced airborne low-frequency (ALFS) dipping sonar to detect submarines at any depth.
ALH MK- III
Apart from Romeo, Indian Navy also inducted three indigenously-built advanced light helicopters called ALH MK-III.
These helicopters will be used to ensure coastal security and maritime reconnaissance. Helicopters were made by Centre-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and are equipped with
electro-optical equipment & modern surveillance radar. Thus, they offer long range search and rescue. They are also armed with a heavy machine
gun.
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Operation Sagar Aaraksha II
Background
Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, has been engaged in fighting a major fire onboard the Chemical laden container vessel MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo.
The coordinated joint operation between India and Sri Lanka undertaken to respond to potential environmental danger has been christened as Operation Sagar Aaraksha-II.
The spillage of oil had triggered fears of serious environmental concerns. Immediately after the fire was reported, the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan Navy, as part of Operation Sagar Aaraksha, jointly launched a firefighting and pollution control response.
Indian Coast Guard ships, including the specialised pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari and offshore patrol vessel Vajra are standby in vicinity to respond to the developing situation.
The ICG being an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) remains committed to its responsibility of safeguarding of the ocean environment in the region.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)
The vessel when caught with fire was carrying 1486 containers containing chemical cargo classified as International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.
INS Sandhayak Decommissioned
Hydrographic survey ship INS Sandhayak, the first of its class indigenously designed and built, was decommissioned after 40 years of service.
It had undertaken approximately 200 major hydrographic surveys and numerous minor surveys in both the east and west coasts of the country, the Andaman seas, and neighbouring countries.
The ship has also been an active participant in many significant operations such as: o Operation Pawan: assisting the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in 1987. o Operation Rainbow: rendering humanitarian assistance post 2004 Tsunami. o Participation in the maiden joint Indo-USA Exercise ‗Tiger-Triumph‘.
Indo-Thai CORPAT
Background
The navies of India and Thailand started their three-day, bi-annually India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) in the Andaman Sea.
The 31st edition of the joint exercise comes in the backdrop of China‘s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region.
The Indo-Thai CORPAT, which began in 2005, serves to reinforce maritime links between Thailand and India and forge strong bonds of friendship between the two navies, besides helping consolidate interoperability.
The CORPAT ensures an exchange of information about the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and the conduct of search and rescue operations at sea, thereby enhancing the operational synergies.
CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol)
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CORPAT is an Indian Navy tactical exercise to enhance Indian diplomatic relations rather than a Multinational Treaty.
CORPAT is carried out with Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand.
It is a naval procedure that India carries out with any other country that is willing in an attempt at showing the flag as a diplomatic manoeuvre.
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Elections to UNSC
Background
Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were elected by the 75th session of the General Assembly to serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2022-2023 term. Five countries won elections unopposed because they were the only candidates from their respective regional groups.
Election to non-permanent members of UNSC
Election for the non-permanent members of UNSC is held by secret ballot.
Candidates require a two-thirds majority in UNGA to be elected as non-permanent member.
Five countries are elected to Council of 15-member (UNSC) as non-permanent members for two-year term.
Even if candidates have been endorsed by their regional group and are running unopposed, formal balloting is required.
Regional distribution of seats in UNSC
As per regional distribution for 2021 election, three seats were available from African & Asian States. Apart from that, one Latin American and Caribbean Group seat are available while one seat is for Eastern European Group.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
Its principal functions are ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly and approving any changes to the UN Charter.
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Its powers include establishing peacekeeping operations, enacting international sanctions, and authorizing military action.
The UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.
The Security Council consists of fifteen members, of which five are permanent: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Permanent members can veto any substantive resolution, including those on the admission of new member states to the United Nations or nominees for the office of Secretary-General.
The remaining ten members are elected on a regional basis to serve a term of two years.
The body's presidency rotates monthly among its members.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court recognizes that the Security Council has authority to refer cases to the Court in which the Court could not otherwise exercise jurisdiction.
India elected to UN Economic and Social Council
Background
India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, for the 2022-24 term.
About the Election
India was elected in the Asia-Pacific States category along with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Oman in the elections.
From the African states, C te d‘Ivoire, Eswatini, Mauritius, Tunisia and the United Republic of Tanzania were elected while from the eastern European states, Croatia and the Czech Republic and from the Latin American and Caribbean states, Belize, Chile and Peru were elected.
India is currently serving the 2021-22 term as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council.
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United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.
ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states.
ECOSOC‘s 54 members are elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, six to eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and 13 to western European and other states.
The president of the Council is elected for a one-year term and chosen from the small or medium sized states represented on the Council.
ECOSOC holds one session each year in July, and an annual meeting in April with finance ministers heading key committees of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
UNSC endorses Secretary General for Second Term
Background
The United Nations Security Council has endorsed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a second five-year term from 2022 to 2026.
About the UN Secretary General
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations and head of the United Nations Secretariat, one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
The role of the secretary-general and of the Secretariat is laid out by the United Nations Charter.
Appointment: The secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. As the recommendation must come from the Security Council, any of the five permanent members of the council can veto a nomination.
All appointees to date have been career diplomats.
There is a term limit of two full terms. The length of the term is discretionary, but all secretaries-general since 1971 have been appointed to five-year terms.
The secretary-general's routine duties include overseeing the activities and duties of the Secretariat; attending sessions with United Nations bodies; consulting with world leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders; and travelling the world to engage with global constituents and bring attention to certain international issues.
The secretary-general publishes an annual report on the work of the UN, which includes an assessment of its activities and an outline future priorities.
The secretary-general is also Chairman of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), a body composed of the heads of all UN funds, programmes and specialized agencies, which meets twice a year to discuss substantive and management issues facing the United Nations System.
Issues/challenges with the office of UN Secretary General:
The UN Charter doesn‘t clearly define the functions and powers of the Secretary General.
Selection is not done entirely on merit and transparency.
Critics of the appointment process say it lacks transparency and falls prey to cronyism due to the permanent Security Council members‘ veto power and their secret negotiations over candidates.
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The secretary-general often struggles to balance the interests of other large funders and powerful member states as well.
Maldives wins UN General Assembly election
Background
In a first for the Maldives, Foreign Minister was elected the President of the United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
It is the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the UN.
Its powers, composition, functions, and procedures are set out in the United Nations Charter.
193 Members are present making it the only UN Body with Universal Representation.
Every year in September, all the UN members meet in General Assembly Hall in New York.
Decision on important question like peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters requires two-third majority of General Assembly.
Decisions on other questions are by Simple Majority.
General Assembly elects a GA president to serve a one-year term of office.
The Presidency of the General Assembly rotates among the five regional groups, namely the Group of Asian States, the Group of Eastern European States, the Group of Latin American and the Caribbean States, the Group of African States, the Western European and Other States Group. The President is elected by a simple majority vote of the General Assembly (not by a two-thirds vote).
24 years of BIMSTEC
Background
24 years of the setting up of BIMSTEC was observed.
BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC is acronym for ―Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation‖.
Aim of BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC connects South and Southeast Asia besides ecologies of Great Himalayas and Bay of Bengal. It was established with the aims of creating an enabling environment for rapid economic development and accelerating social progress.
The BIMSTEC member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – are among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
It has 1.73 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.8 trillion (2021).
Fourteen priority sectors of cooperation have been identified and several BIMSTEC centres have been established to focus on those sectors.
A BIMSTEC free trade agreement is under negotiation.
Leadership is rotated in alphabetical order of country names.
The permanent secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Due to setbacks to the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), particularly when its 2016 summit scheduled to be held in Pakistan was suspended after member countries declined to participate, BIMSTEC has emerged as the ―preferred platform‖ for regional cooperation in South Asia.
Projects o Coast shipping
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o Power grid interconnection o Regional disaster monitoring and warning system o Road and rail Look-East connectivity projects o BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, signed during the BIMSTEC Summit in 2018, aims to
promote an optimal power transmission in the BIMSTEC region.
Concerns: BIMSTEC has come under scrutiny mainly due to dormancy in initial years and a stalled FTA process.
MoU between India and Maldives
Background
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Maldives on cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development
About the Agreement
A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to strategize and implement programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoU.
The MoU will promote strong, deep and long-term bilateral cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development between the two countries.
It is expected to create employment in the areas of sustainable urban development including Urban Planning, Smart Cities Development, Solid waste management, Affordable housing, Urban Green Mobility, Urban Mass Rapid Transport, Smart Cities Development.
India Maldives Relations
Both nations established diplomatic relations after the independence of Maldives from British rule in 1966.
India was one of the first nations to recognise Maldives' independence. Since then, India and Maldives have developed close strategic, military, economic and cultural relations.
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In December 1976, India and the Maldives signed a maritime boundary treaty to agree on maritime boundaries. Treaty explicitly placed Minicoy on the Indian side of the boundary.
In 1981, India and Maldives signed a comprehensive trade agreement.
In 1988, India launched an Operation Cactus to help Maldives against a coup launched by mercenaries.
Both nations are founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the South Asian Economic Union and signatories to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement.
India established the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male, the capital of Maldives, supplied bottled water in 2014 Male drinking water crisis.
The 2004 tsunami was an occasion when India rushed assistance.
Security: India has established permanently base of two helicopters in Maldives to enhance its surveillance capabilities, coastal radar system, Ekuverin, an annual joint military exercise is held every year since 2009 between India and Maldives.
During the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, India extended help to Maldives in the form of financial, material and logistical support. Indian Air Force airlifted essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives, as part of 'Operation Sanjeevani'.
Concerns o Impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development o Increased radicalization and influence of Pakistan and ISIS o Growing influence of China under ―String of Pearls‖
India Australia cooperation
Background
A virtual meeting between Minister for Agriculture of India and Australia was held.
About the Meeting
The two Ministers met to follow up on the collaboration in field of agriculture highlighted in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Ministers of India and Australia.
The India - Australia Grains Partnership was a significant inclusion aiming to use Australia‘s expertise in post-harvest management to strengthen rural grain storage and supply chains so as to reduce losses and wastage.
The flagship program of National Innovation for Climate Resilient Agriculture would be set up with the research organisations of Australia.
India Australia Relations
Before independence, Australia and India were both part of the British Empire.
Both are members of the Quad and Commonwealth of Nations.
Both nations are founding members of the United Nations, and members of regional organisations including the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and ASEAN Regional forum.
Military cooperation between Australia and India includes the regular joint naval exercise AUSINDEX.
In the year 2015-16 the total value of trade between Australia and India was A$19.4 billion.
Australian exports included coal, vegetables, gold, and Indian exports included refined petroleum, medicines and business services.
India and Australia have established a $100 million Strategic Research Fund.
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India and Australia signed an agreement to provide access to one another's military bases, in order to help facilitate joint military exercises known as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement.
G7 Nations agree on Uniform Minimum Corporate Tax
Background
G7 nations agreed in principle to ratify a global minimum corporate tax rate to counter the possibility of countries undercutting each other to attract investments.
About the Decision
Advanced economies making up the G7 grouping have reached a "historic" deal on taxing multinational companies.
Objective: The proposal for a minimum corporate tax addresses the low effective rates of tax shelled out by some of the world‘s biggest corporations. These companies typically rely on complex webs of subsidiaries to hoover profits out of major markets into low-tax countries. E.g. Ireland or Caribbean nations such as the British Virgin Islands or the Bahamas.
The first decision that has been ratified is to force multinationals to pay taxes where they operate so as to counter tax avoidance
The second decision in the agreement commits states to a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% to avoid countries undercutting each other.
The global minimum tax rate would apply to overseas profits.
Governments could still set whatever local corporate tax rate they want, but if companies pay lower rates in a particular country, their home governments could "top-up" their taxes to the minimum rate, eliminating the advantage of shifting profits.
The deal announced involving the US, the UK, Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Japan, is likely to be put before a G20 meeting in July.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project
The OECD G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project (or BEPS Project) is an OECD/G20 project to set up an international framework to combat tax avoidance by multinational enterprises ("MNEs") using base erosion and profit shifting tools.
The aim of the project is to mitigate tax code loopholes and country-to-country inconsistencies so that corporations cannot shift profits from a country with a high corporate tax rate to countries with a low tax rate.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) is a tax avoidance strategy used by multinational companies by exploiting gaps and mismatches in tax rules to artificially shift profits to low or no-tax locations.
The BEPS Action Plan adopted by the OECD and G20 countries in 2013 recognised that the way forward to mitigate risk from base erosion and profit shifting was to enhance transparency and work on transfer pricing.
In taxation and accounting, transfer pricing refers to the rules and methods for pricing transactions within and between enterprises under common ownership or control.
The Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) was signed in Paris in 2017.
India has approved the ratification of the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.
Steps taken by the Indian government
1. General anti avoidance rules (GAAR)
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2. Place of effective management (POEM)
3. Changing the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA)
4. Assigning Tax Information exchange agreements (TIEA)
5. Ratifying OECD treaty base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS)
6. Indian statutory corporate tax rates were already slashed from 30% to 22% in November 2019, and from 25% to 15% for new manufacturing companies.
7. To address ―the challenges posed by the enterprises who conduct their business through digital means and carry out activities in the country remotely‖, the government has the ‗Equalisation Levy‘, introduced in 2016.
8. IT Act has also been amended to bring in the concept of ―Significant Economic Presence‖ for establishing ―business connection‖ in the case of non-residents in India.
G-7
The Group of Seven (G7) is an inter-governmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Its members are the world's largest IMF-advanced economies and wealthiest liberal democracies.
G7 accounts for close to 60% of global net wealth, 32–46% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and for about 10% of the world's population.
It was formed in 1973 in response to contemporary economic problems as the 1970s energy crisis.
The G7 is not based on a treaty and has no permanent secretariat or office; its presidency rotates annually among the members.
It established the Financial Stability Forum to help in "managing the international monetary system".
The G7 nations pledged US$20 million to help Brazil and other countries in South America to fight the wildfires.
Build Back Better World or B3W is an initiative undertaken by G7 countries. Launched in 2021, the initiative is designed to counter China's strategic influence by providing an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Carbis Bay Declaration: ‗Carbis Bay Declaration‘ is a landmark global health declaration aimed at preventing future pandemics under which G7 leaders have committed to use all their resources.
‗100 Days Mission‘ by G7 — an ambitious mission to have safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics within 100 days of a future pandemic threat being identified.
Syria used chemical weapons: OPCW
Background
The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons reported to the UN Security Council that Syria in 17 cases used chemical weapons.
Chemical Weapons in Syria
Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 after a deadly chemical weapons attack. By 2014, Syria declared that the destruction of its chemical weapons was completed. But
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Syria‘s initial declaration to the OPCW has remained in dispute. In 2021, OPCW suspended Syria‘s rights until all outstanding issues are resolved.
Syrian Civil War
In 2011, pro-democracy demonstrations erupted in Syria, inspired by uprisings in neighbouring countries against repressive rulers called the ‗Jasmine Revolution.‘
When the Syrian government used deadly force to crush the dissent, protests demanding the president's resignation erupted nationwide.
The unrest spread and the crackdown intensified. Opposition supporters took up arms, first to defend themselves and later to rid their areas of security forces.
The violence rapidly escalated and the country descended into civil war.
Foreign powers began to take sides, sending money, weaponry and fighters, and as the chaos worsened extremist jihadist organisations with their own aims, such as the Islamic State (IS) group and al-Qaeda, became involved.
Syria's Kurds, who want the right of self-government but have not fought Mr Assad's forces,
have added another dimension to the conflict.
More than 5,00,000 people have been killed, injured or have gone missing.
The government's key supporters have been Russia and Iran, while Turkey, Western powers and several Gulf Arab states have backed the opposition to varying degrees over the past decade.
A US-led global coalition has also carried out air strikes and deployed special forces in Syria since 2014 to help an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) capture territory once held by IS militants in the north-east.
A UN commission of inquiry has evidence that all parties to the conflict have committed war crimes - including murder, torture, rape and enforced disappearances. They have also been accused of using civilian suffering - such as blocking access to food, water and health services through sieges - as a method of war.
Chemical Weapon
A Chemical Weapon is a chemical used to cause intentional death or harm through its toxic properties. Munitions, devices and other equipment specifically designed to weaponise toxic chemicals also fall under the definition of chemical weapons.
Riot control agents: Riot control agents are intended to temporarily incapacitate a person by causing irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. Riot control agents, such as tear gas, are considered chemical weapons if used as a method of warfare. States can legitimately possess riot control agents and use them for domestic law enforcement purposes, but states that are members of the Chemical Weapons Convention must declare what type of riot agents they possess. Example agents: Tear Gas (CS), Pepper Spray (OC).
Precursor: Any chemical reactant which takes part, at any stage and by whatever method, in the production of a toxic chemical. This includes any key component of a binary or multicomponent chemical system.
Dual-Use: Dual-use describes chemicals or equipment that can be used for peaceful civilian and commercial purposes, but can also be used in the creation of weapons or as weapons.
Herbicides: They are intentionally used to harm humans or animals through chemical action on life processes could be considered a chemical weapon under the general purpose criteria.
Toxins: Toxins are toxic chemicals produced by living organisms. These are considered as both chemical and biological weapons when used in violation of the Convention.
Choking agents: Inflicting injury mainly on the respiratory tract, choking agents irritate the nose, throat, and especially the lungs. When inhaled, these agents cause alveoli, air sacs in the lungs, to secrete fluid. E.g. Chlorine, phosgene
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Blister agents: One of the most common chemical weapon agents, these oily substances act via inhalation and contact, affecting the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin, first as an irritant and then as a cell poison.
Blood agents: These agents mainly inhibit the ability of cells to use oxygen, effectively causing the body to suffocate. Some blood agents may also affect the ability of blood cells to transfer oxygen. Blood agents are distributed via the blood and generally enter the body through inhalation.
Chemical Weapons Convention 1993
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), officially the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, is an arms control treaty administered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an intergovernmental organization based in The Hague.
It was signed in 1993 and entered into force in 1997.
The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits: 1. Developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or retaining chemical weapons. 2. The direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons. 3. Chemical weapons use or military preparation for use. 4. Assisting, encouraging, or inducing other states to engage in CWC-prohibited activity. 5. The use of riot control agents ―as a method of warfare.
193 states have become parties to the CWC and accept its obligations.
The CWC augments the Geneva Protocol of 1925, which bans the use but not the development or possession of chemical and biological weapons.
The CWC also includes extensive verification measures such as on-site inspections, in stark contrast to the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which lacks a verification regime
As of 2021, 98.39% of the world's declared chemical weapons stockpiles had been destroyed.
Some chemicals which have been used extensively in warfare but have numerous large-scale industrial uses (such as phosgene) are highly regulated; however, certain notable exceptions
exist. Chlorine gas is highly toxic, but being a pure element and extremely widely used for peaceful purposes, is not officially listed as a chemical weapon.
OPCW (Organization for Prevention of Chemical Weapons)
It is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention, 1997 to implement and enforce the terms of the non-proliferation treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states.
By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW reports on its
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inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General.
The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize ―for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons‖.
Powers: The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.
Terrorism in the Sahel Region
Background
The massacre of at least 160 people in a border village in Burkina Faso portrays the growing threat the Sahel region faces from terrorism. Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out hundreds of terror strikes in recent years.
Sahel Region
Sahel is a semiarid region of western and north-central Africa extending from Senegal eastward to Sudan.
Having a semi-arid climate, it stretches across the south-central latitudes of Northern Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea.
It forms a transitional zone between the arid Sahara (desert) to the north and the belt of humid savannas to the south.
It is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic realm of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south.
The Sahel part of Africa includes from west to east parts of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in western Africa.
The country occupies an extensive plateau, and its geography is characterized by a savanna that is grassy in the North and gradually gives way to sparse forests in the South.
Burkina Faso is bounded by Mali to the North and west, Niger to the Northeast, Benin to the Southeast, and Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo to the South.
It is a low-income Sahelian country with limited natural resources.
Its economy is largely based on agriculture, which employs 80% of the workforce, although gold exports have increased.
Prime Meridian passes through Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo in Africa.
Its Capital is Ouagadougou.
It is part of the "Cotton 4" countries along with Benin, Chad and Mali.
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India-Burkina Faso bilateral relations
India and Burkina Faso have signed a Protocol on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
Both have been members of the Non Aligned Movement, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and India-Africa Partnership Conclave.
The balance of trade is in favour of Burkina Faso. In the year 2018-19 Burkina Faso exported goods worth US $ 881.27 million to India.
India successfully set up a Vocational Training Centre in Ouagadougou.
Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is being celebrated in Burkina Faso.
Russia formally exits Open Skies Agreement
Background
Russian President signed a law that formalises Russia's exit from the Open Skies treaty. The move comes after US President Joe Biden informed that the United States will not rejoin the Open Skies Treaty with Russia.
About the Treaty
The Open Skies treaty is an arms control pact that allows member countries to conduct short notice, unarmed overflights to survey each other's military facilities.
Though the treaty was negotiated in 1992, it came into force in 2002.
The treaty was signed by 35 nations after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The treaty enables all participating countries to monitor each other's militaries through unarmed aerial surveillance.
No territory can be declared off-limits by the host nation under the treaty.
Each nation has an annual quota of surveillance flights under the treaty and each nation has the right to conduct an equal number of surveillance overflights over any nation that overflies it.
More than one nation can take part in one overflight over any particular nation and other participating nations can also request copies of images taken during the surveillance flights.
Only 72-hour warning is required to conduct an overflight and 24 hours to relay the flight path to the host nation, which can suggest modifications.
United States withdrew from pact in 2020 after accusing Russia of violating it.
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New Atlantic Charter
Background
New Atlantic Charter is an agreement was signed at 2021 G7 summit between US & UK.
About the Charter
It is an effort towards a grand vision of Global Relationships of Democracy to meet the challenges of today‘s world.
It calls for both countries to Adhere to the Rules-based International Order.
Charter seeks to remain united behind principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity & peaceful resolution of disputes.
It also focuses on Climate Change & Biodiversity & Highlights emerging Technologies, Cyberspace & Sustainable Development, maintain collective security & international stability against cyber threats.
Atlantic Charter
It was a joint Declaration signed by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt & British PM Winston Churchill in 1941 during World War-II in Newfoundland.
Atlantic Charter included eight common principles. This include: o (1) neither nation should seek any aggrandizement; o (2) they should desire no territorial changes without the free assent of the peoples
concerned; o (3) they should respect every people‘s right to choose its own form of government; o (4) they would try to promote equal access for all states to trade and to raw
materials; o (5) they would promote worldwide collaboration so as to improve labour standards,
economic progress, and social security; o (6) after the destruction of ―Nazi tyranny,‖ they would look for a peace under which
all nations could live safely within their boundaries, without fear or want; o (7) under such a peace the seas should be free; and o (8) pending a general security through renunciation of force, potential aggressors
must be disarmed.
Rohingya protest at Bhashan Char
Background
Several thousand Rohingya recently staged protests against living conditions on Bhashan Char- a cyclone-prone island off Bangladesh.
About the Issue
Since 2020, Bangladesh has shifted 18,000 refugees to the low-lying silt island of Bhashan Char from the mainland Bangladesh, where around 8,50,000 people live in cramped conditions.
Bhasan Char (Floating Island) is an island in Hatiya, Bangladesh.
The island was formed from a build-up of silt in the Bay of Bengal only 20 years ago, and concerns have been consistently raised about Bhasan Char‘s exposure to extreme weather and distance from the mainland in emergencies.
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Rohingyas
They are an Ethnic group, mostly Muslims. They were not granted full citizenship by Myanmar.
They are stateless Indo-Aryan ethnic group who reside in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
There were an estimated 1 million Rohingya living in Myanmar before the 2016–17 crisis. An estimated 625,000 refugees from Rakhine, Myanmar, had crossed the border into Bangladesh since 2017 after military insurgency operations by Myanmar Army which was termed as a genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as ―one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world‖.
Protection available to Rohingyas under the International Conventions
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol: They define the term ‗refugee‘ and outlines the rights of refugees, as well as the legal obligations of States to protect them. The core principle is non-refoulement, which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. However, the concern is that Bangladesh is not a signatory to this convention.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Even though the refugees are foreigners in the country of asylum, by virtue of Article 2 of the ICCPR, 1966, they could enjoy the same fundamental rights and freedoms as nationals- the right to equality before the law, equal protection of the law and non-discrimination.
ABOUT ME HAVE MENTORED MORE THAN 10 LAKH STUDENTS (OFFLINE & ONLINE CLASSES) FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION &
OTHER UPSC EXAMS FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS.
Have worked as Senior Faculty in various prestigious institutes in India.
Lectures are fused with memory tricks for long term retention.
interactive teaching based on question answer approach.
AJIT TIWARI SIR
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Red Tourism
Background
Red tourism refers to visiting sites that have a modern revolutionary legacy. It seeks to spread awareness about the history of the Communist Party of China starting from its origins.
Red Tourism
It portrays history of the Communist Party of China starting from its origins. For instance, historical events such as the Long March, the military retreat is undertaken by the Red Army to evade the pursuit of the Kuomintang in 1934, and the ascent to power of Mao Zedong is at the heart of the project. ‗Red tourism‘ reminds people of the sacrifices made by the leaders of the Communist party to forge a modern China.
Brief Timeline of Modern Chinese History
1894-1894: The First Sino Japanese War - The Qing Dynasty clashed with Japan over Korea. China‘s regional dominance plummeted after losing and influenced a series of internal clashes over the next 16 years. Taiwan was handed over to Japan.
1899: The Boxer Rebellion - Under the rule of Empress Dowager Cixi, the secret society ‗Harmonious Fist‘ began slaughtering foreigners. Known as the Boxers, they won Empress Dowager‘s support when eight European countries sent troops. China lost the conflict, and the West imposed sanctions that permanently weakened Qing rule.
1912: The Republic of China - Fuelled by western-educated revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen, the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 culminated in the Wuchang Uprising, and 15 provinces declared their independence from the Qing Dynasty. Sun took control in 1912, announcing the republic.
1921: The Communist Party of China (CPC) - With its roots in the May Fourth Movement protesting the Chinese government response to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the CPC officially formed.
1927: Shanghai Massacre - Millions of executions take place when Nationalist Party leader Chiang Kai-shek orders the massacre of Communists, which inadvertently causes the creation of the opposing Communist Red Army.
1928: Reunification: Elevated to head of the government, Chiang succeeded in reunifying China by seizing areas under the control of warlords.
1931: Civil War - Fighting between the Red Army and the Nationalist Party escalates into an 18-year-long conflict.
1937-1945: The Second Sino-Japanese War - Tensions started with the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria but exploded in 1937. After the Japanese captured Shanghai and Nanjing, a stalemate ensued until World War II and American support reframed the conflict into the larger war.
1945: Taiwan returns to China - Following Japanese surrender in World War II, Taiwan returned to Chinese control. Tensions mounted between Chinese soldiers and Taiwanese citizens, erupting in violence in 1947, and ending with Chiang sending further troops.
1949: People‘s Republic of China - After a violent end stage to the civil war, the Communist Party declared the People‘s Republic of China. Two months later, two million soldiers followed Chiang Kai-shek into exile to Taiwan where he set up a provisional government claiming to be the legitimate ruling body of China. Communist party chairman Mao Zedong became China‘s new leader.
1958-1962: The Great Leap Forward - This campaign by Chairman Mao to transform the agricultural base of China‘s society into an industrial one imposed a commune system that organized peasants and forbade private farming. The plan failed to produce the
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necessary yield, and famine followed, leading to 56 million deaths, including 3 million by suicide.
1966: The Cultural Revolution - This campaign was initiated by Chairman Mao to erase Capitalist and traditional Chinese influences of the People‘s Republic and introduce the philosophy of Maoism to fill the ideological gaps. Schools were closed and Chinese youth directed to take the lead in change, resulting in youth gangs known as the Red Guards attacking undesirable citizens. Chaos led to martial law, Communist Party purges, and 1.5 million deaths.
1989: Tiananmen Square protests - These student-led protests grew from the '89 Democracy Movement demanding freedom of speech, freedom of the press and more. They gained worldwide attention when the government violently cracked down on the protesters and images of tanks rolling into students inspired universal condemnation. At least 300 died in the protests.
1993: Three Gorges Project - The construction of the world‘s largest hydroelectric dam began. The dam begins operation in 2015.
1997: Hong Kong returns to China - In a midnight ceremony with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in attendance, Hong Kong was given back to China after 156 years. China agreed to preserve the island‘s capitalist economy as part of the handover agreement.
EAGLE Act
Recently, USA introduced the Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act of 2021 that is supposed to ―benefit the US economy by allowing American employers to focus on hiring immigrants based on their merit, not their birthplace‖.
The bill will be advantageous for Indian job-seekers who currently rely on temporary visas or await green cards to work in the US as 75 per cent of the backlog for employment-based visas was made up of Indians.
With the EAGLE Act, the per-country cap would be removed, which may expedite the petitions for those applying for employment-based green cards.
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ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT
GDP shrinks by 7.3%
Background
India‘s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 7.3% in 2020-21, as per provisional National Income estimates released by the National Statistical Office, marginally better than the 8% contraction in the economy projected earlier.
Key Highlights
Only two sectors bucked the trend of negative GVA growth — agriculture, forestry and fishing, which rose 3.6%, and electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services (up 1.9%).
GVA for trade, hotels, transport, communication and broadcasting-related services saw the sharpest decline of -18.2%, followed by construction (-8.6%), mining and quarrying (-8.5%) and manufacturing (-7.2%)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP is defined as the sum of the final prices of the goods and services produced in an economy in a given period.
GDP gives the picture from the consumers‘ side or demand perspective.
$6,700: India's per capita GDP figure, which puts it 160th in the world.
GDP formula 1. Expenditure
Approach: The expenditure approach is the most commonly used GDP formula, which is based on the money spent by various groups that participate in the economy. GDP = C + G + I + NX
C = consumption or all private consumer spending within a country‘s economy, including, durable goods (items with a lifespan greater than three years), non-durable goods (food & clothing), and services.
G = total government expenditures, including salaries of government employees, road construction/repair, public schools, and military expenditure.
I = sum of a country‘s investments spent on capital equipment, inventories, and housing.
NX = net exports or a country‘s total exports less total imports. 2. Income Approach: This GDP formula takes the total income generated by the goods
and services produced. GDP = Total National Income + Sales Taxes + Depreciation + Net Foreign Factor Income
Total National Income – the sum of all wages, rent, interest, and profits.
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Sales Taxes – consumer taxes imposed by the government on the sales of goods and services.
Depreciation – cost allocated to a tangible asset over its useful life. Net Foreign Factor Income – the difference between the total income that a
country‘s citizens and companies generate in foreign countries, versus the total income foreign citizens and companies generate in the domestic country.
Types of GDP
Nominal GDP – the total value of all goods and services produced at current market prices. This includes all the changes in market prices during the current year due to inflation or deflation.
Real GDP – the sum of all goods and services produced at constant prices. The prices used in determining the Gross Domestic Product are based on a certain base year or the previous year. This provides a more accurate account of economic growth, as it is already an inflation-adjusted measurement, meaning the effects of inflation are taken out.
Actual GDP – real-time measurement of all outputs at any interval or any given time. It demonstrates the existing state of business of the economy.
Potential GDP – ideal economic condition with 100% employment across all sectors, steady currency, and stable product prices.
Gross Value Added(GVA)
As per the UN System of National Accounts (SNA), GVA is defined as the value of output minus the value of intermediate consumption.
GVA is a measure of the contribution to GDP made by an individual producer, industry or sector.
At its simplest, it gives the rupee value of goods and services produced in the economy after deducting the cost of inputs and raw materials used.
It can be described as the main entry on the income side of the nation‘s accounting balance sheet, and from economics, perspective represents the supply side.
The GVA figure of India‘s economy is arrived at by calculating the net change in value for each sector over a designated time period.
The eight industry sectors that India takes into account are: 1. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing 2. Mining and quarrying 3. Manufacturing 4. Electricity, gas and water supply 5. Construction 6. Trade, hotels, transport, and communication 7. Financing, insurance, real estate, and business services 8. Community, social and personal services
GDP Estimation in India In India
Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation is responsible for estimating the national GDP. The National Accounts Division under the Central Statistical Office is responsible for preparation of the National Accounts of which GDP estimation is a part.
GDP estimates are prepared every quarter and published with a lag of Two months. In 2015, when India‘s Central Statistics Office (CSO) introduced a new GDP series.
GDP estimates are prepared both at Constant Prices as also Current Prices in India. GDP estimates are prepared in two ways.
One by consolidating the Gross Value Addition in the Economy and Second by adding up the expenditure incurred in generating such value in the Economy.
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Last 15 years of GDP Growth in India
Drawbacks of GDP: Gross Domestic Product does not reflect the black market, which may be a large part of the economy in certain countries. The black market, or the underground economy, includes illegal economic activities, such as the sale of drugs, prostitution, and some lawful transactions that don‘t comply with tax obligations. In these cases, GDP is not an accurate measure of some components that play a large role in the economic state of a country. Income generated in a country by an overseas company that is transferred back to foreign investors is not taken into account. This overstates a country‘s economic output.
Retail Inflation at 6-month High
Background
Retail inflation hit a six-month high of 6.3% in May, due to a persistent rise in fuel and edible oil prices, which also played a part in pushing wholesale prices to a record 12.94% inflation in the month.
Reasons: The ‗high rate of inflation is primarily due to low base effect and rise in prices of crude petroleum, mineral oils, and manufactured products.‘
Inflation
Inflation simply means rise in prices of the items. In economics, inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.
Measurement of Inflation in India
India calculates two types of inflation indices: WPI and CPI
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
India uses a set of commodity basket to track WPI. WPI consists of 697 commodities (services are not included in WPI in India).
It is measured on year-on-year basis i.e., rate of change in price level in a given month vis-a-vis corresponding month of last year.
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For example the rate of change in price in the month of January, 2017 as compared to prices in January, 2016. This is also known as point to point inflation.
There are three main components in WPI:
o 1.Primary articles: weight is 22.6%
o 2.Fuel and Power: Weight is 13.15%
o 3.Manufactured Products: Weight is 64.23%
Base Year: 2011-12 (Effective from 9 May 2017)
The Wholesale Price Index is computed by the Office of the Economic Adviser in Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A consumer price index (CPI) measures the price level of basket of consumer goods and services purchased by households.
As the consumers in India show wide differentiation of their choice of consumption, purchasing powers etc. a single consumer price index (CPI) has not been possible yet which can encompass all the Indian consumers.
The needs of urban household are different than those of rural household. There is also difference in needs of agricultural labourer and industrial workers.
The consumer price indices are compiled based on 3 different types: o CPI for Industrial workers:
Measurement of Inflation in India CPI for Industrial workers measures a change in price over time of a fixed basket of goods and services.
These items are consumed by Industrial Workers. Thus, any change in these would have a direct impact on the industrial worker.
The target group is an average working class family belonging to any of the seven sectors of the economy- plantation, motor transport, factories, mines, port, railways and electricity generation and distribution.
Base Year: 2013-14 The average CPI (IW) of the year is to be taken into account for fixation of
dearness allowance for the government employee. The index has a time lag of one month and is released on the last working day
of the month. The compilation of CPI (IW) is being done by Labour Bureau, an attached office
under Ministry of Labour & Employment. o CPI for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers:
It measures the extent of change in the retail prices of goods and services consumed by the agricultural and rural labourers as compared with the base period.
It is used by many States for revising minimum wages of agricultural labour. The Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers are the most vulnerable class in
the country.
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They spend their most of the income on food items. So, any price rise in food article has a drastic effect on them.
Base year: 1986-87. The compilation of CPI (IW) has been done by Labour Bureau, an attached
office under Ministry of Labour & Employment. o Consumer Price Index (Urban, Rural, Combined):
Base year: 2011-12. This index compiled by Central Statistical Organisation. The CPI are being used primarily for fixation and revision of wages and
determination of variable Dearness Allowances payable to employees engaged in organized sector of the economy.
It is also utilized as an indicator for measuring inflationary trend in the country and for policy formulations.
Usage of CPI by RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has started using CPI-combined as the sole inflation measure for the purpose of monetary policy.
As per the agreement on Monetary Policy Framework between the Government and the RBI in 2015 the sole of objective of RBI is price stability and a target is set for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index-Combined.
CPI Headline Inflation is CPI (Combined)
Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) is a measure of change in retail prices of food products consumed by a defined population group in a given area with reference to a base year.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) started releasing Consumer Food Price Indices (CFPI) for three categories -rural, urban and combined - separately on an all India basis.
Like Consumer Price Index (CPI), the CFPI is also calculated on a monthly basis and methodology remains the same as CPI.
The base year presently used is 2012.
Cryptocurrency
Background
El Salvador has become the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender.
Cryptocurrency
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend.
The word ―cryptocurrency‖ is derived from the encryption techniques which are used to secure the network.
Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology—a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers. Blockchains, which are organizational methods for ensuring the integrity of transactional data, are an essential component of many cryptocurrencies.
A defining feature of cryptocurrencies is that they are generally not issued by any central authority, rendering them theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.
Pros and Cons: Cryptocurrencies face criticism for a number of reasons, including their use for illegal activities, exchange rate volatility, and vulnerabilities of the infrastructure
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underlying them. However, they also have been praised for their portability, divisibility, inflation resistance, and transparency.
Bitcoin
The first blockchain-based cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which still remains the most popular and most valuable.
Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by "Satoshi Nakamoto."
As of 2021, there are over 18.6 million bitcoins in circulation with a total market cap of around $927 billion.
It operates without a central bank or single administrator, that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.
Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain.
Altcoins: Tokens, cryptocurrencies, and other types of digital assets that are not bitcoin are collectively known as alternative cryptocurrencies or altcoins.
Cryptocurrency in India
The cryptocurrency market in India has developed in a largely laissez-faire regulatory space since the first recorded cryptocurrency transaction in 2010.
Between 2013 and 2018, the government‘s response to the rise of virtual currencies was cautionary, alerting users to the potential risks posed by cryptocurrency transactions such as volatility, susceptibility to hacking and potential facilitation of criminal activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in 2018, effectively imposed a ban on cryptocurrency trading. This ban was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2020. The court reasoned that there were alternative regulatory measures short of an outright ban through which the RBI could have achieved its objective of curbing the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading.
Union Government has proposed the draft Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021. It proposes to criminalise all private cryptocurrencies while also laying down the regulatory framework for an RBI backed digital currency.
Lessons from other Countries
U.K. has classified cryptocurrency as property and this has paved the way for cryptocurrencies to be encompassed within a regulated legal framework in the country‘s economy. The UK has sought to regulate the functioning of crypto-businesses while still imposing some restrictions to protect the interests of Investors.
On the other hand, while there is no exact legal classification of cryptocurrency in Singapore, the amenability of Cryptocurrency transaction to the contract law framework of the country has been firmly established and there is now a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading.
In the U.S., the open approach taken by the authorities has resulted in the trade in cryptocurrency being both taxed and appropriately regulated.
Way forward
While the approaches are specific to the economic realities of countries, the global regulatory attitude towards cryptocurrencies offers valuable insights into the alternative ways to achieve balanced regulation. In India, the absence of an existing legal classification of cryptocurrency should not be the impetus to prohibit its use. The government should use this as an opportunity to allow private individuals the freedom to harness a powerful new technology with appropriate regulatory standards.
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FAME II Amendment
Background
The union government has modified India‘s ambitious scheme to promote electric mobility and allotted the electric three-wheelers and electric buses component of the marquee Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (Fame) scheme to state run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).
About the Decision
Ministry of Heavy Industry has announced incentives for India-made electric two-wheelers.
Reduction is price will help in EV adoption and strengthen government‘s plans of making India an electric vehicle nation by 2030.
Earlier, subsidy rate for electric two-wheelers was Rs 10,000/kWh. It has been increased to Rs 15,000/kWh, which is nearly 40 percent of vehicle cost.
Procurement of EVs: Central government will procure electric buses and three-wheelers on large scale. EESL will be directed to procure three lakh electric rickshaws and has been told to aggregate demand for electric buses across nine major cities.
FAME India Scheme (2015-19)
The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country.
As part of the NEMMP 2020, Department of Heavy Industry formulated a Scheme viz. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in the year 2015 to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same.
The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was implemented through four focus areas namely (i) Demand Creation, (ii) Technology Platform, (iii) Pilot Project and (iv) Charging Infrastructure.
Market creation through demand incentives was aimed at incentivizing all vehicle segments i.e. 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheelers Auto, Passenger 4-Wheeler vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
FAME II Scheme (2019-22)
The main objective of the scheme is to encourage Faster adoption of Electric and hybrid vehicle by way of offering upfront Incentive on purchase of Electric vehicles and also by way of establishing a necessary charging Infrastructure for electric vehicles
Emphasis is on electrification of the public transportation that includes shared transport.
Through the scheme, it is planned to support 10 Lakhs e-2W, 5 Lakhs e-3W, 55000 4Ws and 7000 Buses.
To encourage advance technologies, the benefits of incentives, will be extended to only those vehicles which are fitted with advance battery like a Lithium Ion battery and other new technology batteries.
Establishment of Charging stations are also proposed on major highways connecting major city clusters. On such highways, charging stations will be established on both sides of the road at an interval of about 25 km each.
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Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)
Background
The Government is open to increase the funding limit of Rs.3 lakh Crore under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, the scope of which was widened to include Civil Aviation Sector.
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)
The scheme was launched as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package 2020.
Aim: To mitigate the distress caused by coronavirus-induced lockdown, by providing credit to different sectors.
Tenure: Four years, including a moratorium of one year on principal repayment.
Guarantee: The ECLGS provides for the Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL) facility. The GECL is a loan for which 100% guarantee is provided by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) - banks, financial institutions and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
The loans are extended in the form of additional working capital term loan facility in case of banks and additional term loan facility in case of NBFCs to eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)/business enterprises and interested Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) borrowers.
Key Points
ECLGS 1.0: To provide fully guaranteed and collateral free additional credit to MSMEs, business enterprises, MUDRA borrowers and individual loans for business purposes to the extent of 20% of their credit outstanding.
ECLGS 2.0: The amended version focused on entities in 26 stressed sectors identified by the Kamath Committee along with the healthcare sector with credit outstanding of more than Rs. 50 crore and up to Rs. 500 crore. The scheme also mandated borrower accounts should not have been classified as SMA 1, SMA 2, or NPA by any of the lenders.
o SMAs are special mention accounts, which show signs of incipient stress, that lead to the borrower defaulting in servicing the debt.
o While SMA-0 are accounts having payments partially or wholly overdue for 1-30 days, SMA-1 and SMA-2 accounts have payments overdue for 31-60 days and 61-90 days respectively.
ECLGS 3.0: It involves extending credit of up to 40% of total credit outstanding across all lending institutions. The tenor of loans granted under ECLGS 3.0 would be 6 years, including a moratorium period of 2 years. Covers business enterprises in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, Leisure & Sporting sectors.
ECLGS 4.0: 100% guarantee cover to loans up to Rs.2 crore to hospitals/nursing homes/clinics/medical colleges for setting up on-site oxygen generation plants.
National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company [NCGTC] was set up by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance to act as a common trustee company to manage and operate various credit guarantee trust funds.
NCGTC is incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
Credit guarantee programmes are designed to share the lending risk of the lenders and in turn, facilitate access to finance for the prospective borrowers.
There are five dedicated credit guarantee Trusts under the Management of NCGTC viz. Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Educational Loans (CGFEL), Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development (CGFSD), Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Factoring
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(CGFF), Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) and Credit Guarantee Fund for Stand Up India (CGFSI).
SATAT Initiative
Background
A number of initiatives were launched to provide major fillip to the SATAT initiative.
About the Scheme
SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available in the market for use as a green fuel.
Objective: It seeks to harness the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste. It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas plants across India in a phased manner.
Implementation: Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs. CBG produced at these plants will be transported through cascades of cylinders to the fuel station networks of OMCs for marketing
Benefits of the programme
Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution
Additional revenue source for farmers
Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment
Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals
Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil
Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations
Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)
Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc.
After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential.
With a high calorific value and other properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel.
Reserve Bank of India has categorized CBG plants in ―priority sector‖ for lending.
To ensure promotion of organic farming in India and enhance revenue
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from sale of bi-products of CBG plants such as ―Fermented Organic Manure‖, Ministry of Agriculture has included them in Fertilizer control Order, thus facilitating marketing of Organic manure throughout India.
GOBAR DHAN Scheme: GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme was launched to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost. The programme is funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats.
India with ―Largest Green Railways‖
Background
Indian Railways is moving towards becoming the world‘s largest green railway network by achieving ―net-zero carbon emission‖ by 2030.
How will Indian Railways achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030?
Electrification of Routes: Railways plans to electrify Broad Gauge (BG) routes by 2023 and achieve 100% electrification.
Bio-Toilets/ LED Lights: The railways also plans to have Head-On-Generation systems, Bio-Toilets and LED lights to recreate the train itself into an environment-friendly travel mode while maintaining passenger comfort.
Low carbon green transportation network: The Railways dedicated Freight Corridors are being developed as a low carbon green transportation network with a long-term low carbon roadmap, which will enable it to adopt more energy-efficient and carbon-friendly technologies, processes and practices.
The Railways is implementing two Dedicated Freight Corridor projects - o Eastern Corridor (EDFC): Ludhiana to Dankuni (1,875 km) o Western Corridor (WDFC): Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (1,506 km).
Green Certifications: The Indian Railways and the Confederation of Indian Industry signed an MoU in 2016 for the facilitation of Green initiatives on the railways network. The ‗GreenCo‘ certifications are allotted keeping in mind the sustainable development goals such as the use of renewable energy, energy conservation measures, water conservation, Green House Gas emission reduction, waste management, recycling and material conservation.
Incorporating Climate Change features in own risk assessments: The Indian Railways has also incorporated Climate Change features in its own risk assessments and disaster management protocols.
Environment Sustainability Report: The Indian Railways and its subsidiary units publish an Environment Sustainability Report every year to set up a framework document to define strategies and focus points in the context of climate change, the latest issues and steps for dealing with them.
Other Reform Initiatives
National Rail Plan (NRP) 2030 has been developed with a view to develop infrastructure and to enhance modal share of Railways to 40% in freight transportation.
Introduction of E-work contract management system, E-Shramik Kalyan Portal and a single Central Payment System
Development in Remote Areas: Udhampur- Srinagar- Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), Rishikesh - Karnaprayag Rail Link, Agartala –Sabroom rail line.
In 2021, Indian Railways completed the arch closure of the under-construction Chenab Bridge which is the world‘s highest railway bridge.
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Railways developed anti-COVID-19 coach to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This anti-COVID-19 coach has hands-free water tanks and flushes; copper-coated handles and locks.
A 'New Online Vendor Registration System' has been launched to have digital and transparent systems.
Railways has embraced a ―Freight on Priority‖ policy by pushing for an aggressive customer-centric approach.
8 Kisan Rail Services have been started to enable our farmers to send their produce across the nation with enhanced speed & reduced cost
Doubling the speed of freight trains: Speed of freight trains has been nearly doubled in 4 years.
Energy Conservation: 100% use of LED light illumination of railway buildings and train stations.
Rail Drishti Portal has been launched as an information portal that brings key details from various sources on a single dashboard in order to promote transparency and accountability.
Restructuring of Railway Board on functional lines and unification of 8 organized services into a single Indian Railway Management Services (IRMS).
―MeriSaheli‖ initiative taken for focused action on security of women travelling in trains
Indian Railways launched ―CORAS‖ - Commandos for Railway Security
Real Time Train Information System (RTIS) in collaboration with ISRO for automatic chart preparation and passenger train information
Elimination of Manned Level Crossings
Indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System [TCAS]
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
First 2 DFCs , Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPT in Mumbai and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is registered as a company under the Companies Act 1956 and a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Railways constructing the DFCs.
It is both enabler and beneficiary of other key Government of India schemes, such as Industrial corridor, Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, Sagarmala, Bharatmala.
Private containers will also be allowed to use the freight corridor.
Apart from e-commerce, the freight corridor project will also open up doors for the automobile sector. Agricultural produce will get a pan-India market because of cheaper and faster DFC connectivity
Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is a first-of-its-kind project implemented in the country, will provide regional connectivity to NCR with an operational speed of 160 km per hour. Construction for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is currently underway. RRTS stations will be universally accessible. All stations will be suitably fitted with lifts and escalators to aid those in need like senior citizens, women, children, differently-abled persons and patients. All RRTS stations will be energy-efficient and will have rooftop solar panels. All stations will also be fitted with Platform Screen Doors to enhance passenger safety. The coaches of the trains will be 100% ‗Made in India.‘
Luxury trains: Indian Railways introduced fancy coaches called Vistadome in 2017, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Vistadome tourist coach is provided with larger viewing area including rooftop glasses. The coaches are fitted with FRP modular toilets with pressurised flushing system and bio tanks, LED destination board, multi-tier luggage racks outside the passenger area, CCTVs. 13 routes have Vistadome coaches including Dadar and
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Madgaon, Araku Valley, Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka Shimla Railway etc.
Way Forward
Indian Railway network is growing at a healthy rate. In the next five years, Indian railway market will be the third largest, accounting for 10% of the global market. Indian Railways, which is one of the country's biggest employers, can generate one million jobs.
India has 4th largest Forex Reserves
Background
India's total foreign exchange (Forex) reserves stand at around US$608.081 Billion, the highest ever and fourth largest in the world, after China, Japan and Switzerland.
About Forex Reserves of India
India has large foreign-exchange reserves; holdings of cash, bank deposits, bonds, and other financial assets denominated in currencies other than India's national currency, the Indian rupee.
The reserves are managed by the Reserve Bank of India for the Indian government and the main component is foreign currency assets.
Reserve Bank of India Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 set the legal provisions for governing the foreign exchange reserves.
Reserve Bank of India accumulates foreign currency reserves by purchasing from authorized dealers in open market operations.
Foreign-exchange reserves act as the first line of defence for India in case of economic slowdown and promote orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
Composition: The Foreign exchange reserves of India consists of four categories (in order by value):
1. Foreign Currency Assets: Assets which are valued on the basis of currency other than own currency of any country are called as foreign currency assets. It is the largest component of forex reserve and is expressed in dollar terms.
2. Gold: As of March 2021 RBI held 695.31 metric tonnes of gold. 3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These international reserve assets are created by
International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969. These are neither a currency nor a claim on IMF, but a potential claim on freely usable currencies of members of IMF.
4. Reserve Tranche Position: Each member of the IMF is assigned a quota (membership fee), part of which is payable in special drawing rights (SDRs) or specified usable currencies ("reserve assets"), and part in the member's own currency. The difference between a member's quota and the IMF's holdings of its currency is a country's Reserve Tranche Position (RTP).
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RBI extends Risk Based Internal Audit rules to HFCs
Background
The Reserve Bank of India extended the risk-based internal audit (RBIA) system to select housing finance companies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their internal audit system. RBI had earlier issued a circular mandating the RBIA framework for select non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and urban co-operative banks.
About the Rules
The provisions will apply to all deposit-taking HFCs, irrespective of their size, as well as non-deposit-taking HFCs with asset size of Rs 5,000 crore and above.
RBIA is an audit methodology that links an organisation's overall risk management framework and provides an assurance to the Board of Directors and the senior management on the quality and effectiveness of the organisation's internal controls, risk management and governance-related systems and processes.
The internal audit function should broadly assess and contribute to the overall improvement of the organisation's governance, risk management, and control processes using a systematic and disciplined approach..
Housing Finance Companies
Housing Finance Company is a type of non-banking financial company which is engaged in the principal business of financing of acquisition or construction of houses that includes the development of plots of lands for the construction of new houses.
RBI Definition: HFC has been defined to mean a non-banking financial company engaged in the housing finance business and which fulfils the following conditions:
o Its financial assets (in the business of providing finance for housing) constitute not less than 60% of its total assets; and
o Out of the total assets (netted off by intangible assets), not less than 50% should be by way of housing financing for individuals.
With the growth of major HFCs in India providing housing loans to home buyers, the housing finance sector has experienced unprecedented growth.
In 2019, the NHB Act was amended and certain powers for regulation of HFCs were conferred with the Reserve Bank of India ("RBI") pursuant to such amendments.
Foreign direct investment is permitted upto 100% under automatic route in the HFCs. Net owned fund ("NOF") requirement: The Revised Framework has increased the minimum NOF requirement for HFCs from earlier INR 100 million to INR 200 million.
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E-100 Project
Background
E-100 project was launched with the aim of setting up a network for production and distribution of ethanol in India.
About the Project
Prime Minister also launched ‗Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025‘.
It was released in line with the theme of World Environment Day- ―promotion of biofuels for a better environment‖.
Ethanol has become one of the major priorities of 21st century India and the focus on ethanol is having a better impact on the environment as well as on the lives of farmers.
Government has resolved to meet the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
Most of the ethanol manufacturing units are mostly concentrated in 4-5 states where sugar production is high.
Modern technology based plants are also being set up in the country to make ethanol from agricultural waste.
Ethanol as Fuel
Ethanol, an anhydrous ethyl alcohol having chemical formula of C2H5OH, can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc. which are having high starch content.
In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process.
Ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends.
As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution.
Since ethanol is produced from plants that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as renewable fuel.
Ethanol molecule comprises oxygen which allows engine to completely combust fuel. This result in fewer emissions and reduces environmental pollution.
Ethanol, being a by-product of sugar industry, is a renewable source that leads to net reduction in emission of Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and hydrocarbons.
Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003. The programme sought to
promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import
dependency for energy requirements.
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) implementing the programme directed the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to sell 5% Ethanol Blended Petrol as per Bureau of Indian Standards specifications.
The Government has 10% blending target for mixing ethanol with petrol by 2022 & 20%
blending target by 2025.
The OMCs are to procure ethanol from domestic sources. Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014.
Government has reduced the GST rate on ethanol meant for EBP Programme from 18% to 5%.
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OMCs are advised to continue according priority of ethanol from 1) sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup, 2) B heavy molasses 3) C heavy molasses and 4) Damaged Food grains/other sources, in that order.
Govt. of India has allowed use of maize and rice with FCI for production of ethanol. Government has declared that rice available with FCI would continue to be made available to distilleries in coming years.
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Privatisation
Background
Union government has announced privatising two public sector banks and one general insurance company was during Budget 2021-22.
About the Decision
Task of identifying government owned banks and insurance company was given to NITI Aayog.
Alternative Mechanism (AM)
The enterprises selected by NITI Aayog Panel go to Alternative Mechanism (AM) for approval after of Core Group of Secretaries, headed by Cabinet Secretary. After AM, final approval will be taken by Cabinet headed by Prime Minister.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India
PSBs are major banks, where majority stake (50% and more) is held by Union Ministry of Finance or Ministry of Finance of various State governments. Its shares are listed on stock exchanges.
Central Government got involved in banking business after nationalization of Imperial Bank of India in 1955. 60% stake was taken by Reserve Bank of India and new bank was named ―State Bank of India‖.
Disinvestment
Disinvestment is when the government sells off its equity in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) while strategic disinvestment refers to the process by which the government sells off its majority holding and foregoes management control of PSUs.
It is carried out as a measure of economic liberalization reforms stemming from the philosophy that ‗the government has no business being in business.‘
In the Union Budget 2021-22, the government of India announced target of mobilizing Rs. 1,75,000 crores through disinvestment.
Disinvestment became an important strategy for fiscal consolidation, especially after the 1991 Economic reforms, known as LPG reforms.
In 1999, a separate Ministry for Disinvestment was created. Disinvestment is often a contentious issue in public debate.
Merits of Strategic Disinvestment o Fiscal Consolidation: The core objective of strategic disinvestment is to reduce fiscal
losses by foregoing the loss making PSUs, which often become ‗white elephants‘ leading to huge losses for public exchequer.
o Promotion of Welfare Politics: The capital made and saved from selling off loss making PSUs is invested in enhancing welfare of the people.
o Better Competition: Since PSUs have significant advantage due to being government owned, they can distort competition or monopolise the market. By disinvestment, competition is improved and it ultimately benefits the people and economy.
o Fair competition in market results in growth of private entrepreneurs who stand up to occupy the space vacated by PSUs.
o Economic Efficiency: PSU staff have limited incentive and fixed salaries. So, they tend to remain uninterested in profits of the organization. This leads to huge losses. When private capital overtakes PSUs, the economic efficiency motive promotes profit generation and growth.
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o Skilled Manpower and Lateral Entry: Private firms can hire as per their own needs and requirements and allow lateral entry.
o Better Channelization of Government Resources as government resources can be utilized in implementing schemes. Red tapism, bureaucratic hurdles and ostentations come to end.
Demerits o Loss of Employment: PSUs employ large number of employees as they have dual
motive of promoting economic growth and providing social security. When PSUs are privatized, large number of employees are removed, given VRS. This leads to job losses.
o Loss of Assets: PSUs hold valuable assets as mines, airlines that government can use for enhancing its revenue and promoting growth. Disinvestment results in loss of such assets.
o Government Pockets are cut sizably so that in times of economic slowdown, or recession, such as after 2016 demonetization, there are not enough avenues to inject capital and promote demand. Government loses capital income.
o Crony Capitalism: Often, government assets are sold to large industrial houses, who then attain unwieldy powers to influence public decision making and distorting fair market in the competition.
o Rollback of the State: The government cannot simply move out of important social sectors as health, education, infrastructure development in the name of strategic disinvestment.
o Inertial blockage in development: While governments can bear losses to invest in sectors with high sunk costs such as airports in northeastern states, natural gas prospecting, private firms will not bear losses for public welfare. Hence, regional development may suffer in the end.
Conclusion
Strategic disinvestment has its own pros and cons. The decision of the government to strategically disinvest the PSUs in buoyant sectors with high demand is welcome step. At the same time, the government has announced to consolidate and limit PSUs to strategically important sectors. Disinvestment will prove to be beneficial for economic growth in the long run, however, the government should also fulfil its obligations of social welfare.
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Centre announces hike in MSP
Background
To encourage crop diversification, there were slightly higher increases in the MSP for pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals. This year, the MSP for bajra was set at 85% above the cost of production.
Minimum Support Price(MSP)
Minimum Support Price is the price at which government purchases crops from the farmers which is kept 50% above the cost of production.
MSP is the minimum price aimed at saving the crops from price fluctuations in the market.
MSP fixed by the government at the beginning of the sowing season.
Announced by the Government of India for the first time in 1966-67 for wheat in the wake of the Green Revolution and extended harvest, to save the farmers from depleting profits.
Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
23 crops are being supported by the centre by fixing of MSP. They belong to the family of cereals (7), pulses (5), oilseeds (7) and commercial crops (4).
How is MSP fixed
Recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) which is a statutory body.
CACP takes into account four factors for calculating MSP namely the cost of production, inter crop price parity, price trends in market and likely implication on consumers.
CACP submits two separate reports for Kharif and rabi seasons and based on these, centre fixes MSPs twice a year.
CACP considers the following three costs while recommending MSP- o A2 which covers all the cash and kind expenses of the farmers. o A2+FL which takes into account the estimated value of the unpaid labour of family
members. o C2 which includes A2+FL along with the interests foregone.
Procurement under MSP
Food Corporation of India is the nodal agency for procurement along with State agencies.
FCI establishes purchase centres for procuring food grains under the price support scheme.
While, the State government decides on the locations of these centres with the aim of maximizing purchases.
Role of MSP in Agriculture
Underlying Principle of MSP is to empower farmers by ensuring fair prices for their produce.
Benefits of MSP o Ensures profitable prices of agri-produce for farmers – income augmentation o Sets the floor price for sale and purchase of crops – market intervention o Use of the government machinery for farmers welfare and income redistribution
through open ended procurement o Government can influence the production choices e.g. by setting high MSP for millets
in Haryana, optimum utilization of natural resources can be achieved o Creation and maintenance of buffer stock and implementation of PDS by FCI using
crops procured via MSP – achievement of food security and self sufficiency
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o Wide variety of crop production encouraged through MSP o Market stabilization through procurement and schemes like Price Deficiency Payment
Scheme
Disadvantages of MSP o Implementation is not robust: FCI procurement is sluggish, payments are delayed,
stocktaking is not done regularly, all crops named are not procured o Red tapism and official labyrinth for the farmers- hence a lot of hassle exists o MSP regime has unduly benefitted only wheat and rice production; millets, pulses,
copra etc. have been ignored – overproduction of the 2 crops and related issues o Government agencies procure crops at MSP and sell them at subsidized rates using PDS
via a highly inefficient and corrupt system – hence, loss to the public exchequer o MSP prices are very low, hence, agriculture is still not a profitable activity – loss both
for taxpayers and farmers o MSP is used as political tool for unethical manipulation of the electorate o High Logistic costs to farmers: transportation, lag in procurement o MSP System has become drag on the economy
Challenges in implementing MSP o APMC markets and mandis are manipulated by middlemen, thus, crops are sold by
farmers at much below MSP – marketing freedom is absent o Red tapism: most of paperwork, logistics, quality check, delayed payments etc. is
hassle for farmers o Lack of robust and real time data as well as baseline data o Lukewarm response of farmers as MSP system has not been integrated into rural
economy
Conclusion
The MSP system in principle is beneficial for farmers but its implementation has innumerable systemic challenges. The execution should be streamlined on war footing using interventions as digital technology, aadhar seeding of payments, forwards and commodities trade, decentralization of procurement mechanism etc. By reforming the shortcomings of the system, the MSP regime can prove to be immensely beneficial in augmenting farmer incomes and turning agriculture into engine of economic growth.
Beed Model of Crop Insurance
Background
Maharashtra Chief Minister has asked PM for state-wide implementation of the ‗Beed model‘ of the crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
About the Model
Located in the drought-prone Marathwada region, the district of Beed is dependent mainly on rainfed agriculture.
Implementing Agency: The state-run Indian Agricultural Insurance Company implemented the scheme in Beed.
Mechanism of the Model: o The insurance company provided a cover of 110% of the premium collected, and if the
compensation exceeded the cover provided, the state government would pay the bridge amount.
o If the compensation was less than the premium collected, the insurance company would keep 20% of the amount as handling charges and reimburse the rest to the state government.
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Hence, in a normal season where farmers report minimal losses, the state government is expected to get back money that can form a corpus to fund the scheme for the following year. However, the state government would have to bear the financial liability in case of losses due to extreme weather events.
The reason why Maharashtra is pushing for this scheme is that in most years, the claims-to-premium ratio is low with the premium being paid to the company.
About PMFBY
Launched in 2016, the flagship PMFBY insures farm losses against inclement weather events.
Farmers pay 1.5-2% of the premium with the rest borne by the state and central governments.
It is a central scheme implemented by state agriculture departments as per central guidelines.
Changes under PMFBY 2.0: o Completely Voluntary: It has been decided to make enrolment 100% voluntary for all
farmers from 2020 Kharif. o Limit to Central Subsidy: The Cabinet has decided to cap the Centre‘s premium
subsidy under these schemes for premium rates up to 30% for unirrigated areas/crops and 25% for irrigated areas/crops.
o More Flexibility to States: The government has given the flexibility to states/UTs to implement PMFBY and given them the option to select any number of additional risk covers/features like prevented sowing, localised calamity, mid-season adversity, and post-harvest losses.
o Penalising the Pendency: In the revamped PMFBY, a provision has been incorporated wherein if states don‘t release their share on time, they would not be allowed to participate in the scheme in subsequent seasons.
o Investing in ICE Activities: Insurance companies have to now spend 0.5% of the total premium collected on information, education and communication (IEC) activities.
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Mini-Kit Programmes for Production of Oil Seeds, Pulses
Background
Seed mini-kits of pulses, more than 8 lakh soybean seed minikits and 74,000 groundnut minikits are to be provided free of cost directly to the farmers under the National Food Security Mission.The mini-kits are being provided by the central agencies National Seeds Corporation (NCS) and NAFED.
Oilseed Production
The Government of India has recently launched the ‗Tilhan mission‘ to boost oilseed production. Edible oil makes up for 40% of the agricultural import bill as India has ‗import-dependence‘ on fulfilling the rising consumption of edible oil which is 19.8 kg per year per capita.
Production of oil seeds
Economy: Oilseed production in India accounts for 13% of the Gross Cropped Area, 3% of the Gross National Product and 10% value of all agricultural commodities.
Major Oilseeds: There are nine major oilseeds produced annually in India: nine annual oilseeds viz. groundnut, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, seasame, safflower, niger, castor and linseed.
Types: Based on process of oil extraction, they are classified into primary (Soybean, Rapeseed & Mustard, Groundnut, Sunflower, Safflower & Niger) and secondary sources (Oil palm, Coconut, Rice Bran, Cotton seeds & Tree Borne Oilseeds).
Oilseed-wise production: o Groundnut oil: India‘s largest oilseed producing state is Gujarat, thanks to its
position as top groundnut producing state of India. o Rapeseed and Mustard: Rajasthan is India‘s top Rapeseed & Mustard producing
state, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Almost half (48.12%) of Rapeseed and Mustard is produced by only Rajasthan.
o Soyabean oil: India‘s top Soyabean producing state is Madhya Pradesh with a share of 44% in India‘s total production of this protein rich crop, being grown mainly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
o Sunflower: Karnataka is largest producer of Sunflower. o Oil Palm is comparatively a new crop in India and is the highest vegetable oil
yielding perennial crop. o Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs), like sal, mahua, simarouba, kokum, olive, karanja,
jatropha, neem, jojoba, cheura, wild apricot, walnut, tung etc. are cultivated/grown in the country under different agro-climatic conditions
Challenges
Rainfed Agriculture: 70% of oilseeds cultivation in India is rainfed. Hence, they are high risk – low returns crop usually with high chances of failure due to ‗monsoon dependence.‘
Low Productivity: The lack of adequate inputs results in low productivity.
Marginal Farmers: Most of the oilseeds production is undertaken by small and marginal farmers, who are unable to
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produce to scale.
Insufficient Institutional Support due to weak MSP regime, lack of usual irrigation, insurance, credit and subsidy benefits.
Capital Support: Oilseed cultivation is capital intensive, the inadequate disposable capital with farmers prevents large scale production.
Poor Quality of Seeds as there is lack of innovation in seed quality and oilseed production has not really undergone the ‗yellow revolution.‘
Lack of Market Support: Most of oilseeds are used for industrial and commercial purposes but lack of adequate commercial markets has rendered its cultivation unprofitable.
Unstable export markets due to phyto-sanitary standards and frequent changes in customs and tariff rates.
Import Dependence: 60% of edible oil demand is fulfilled through import. A substantial portion of our requirement of edible oil is met through import of palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Way Forward: There have been many programmes to support the growth of oilseeds production such as National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO), Technology Mission on Oilseeds, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP). The challenges to oilseed demand should be addressed as a major plank to make India ‗atmanirbhar‘ in production.
Pulse Production
Pulses occupy an important place in Indian agriculture. India is the biggest producer and consumer of pulses in the world and it has almost achieved self-sufficiency in pulses. Pulses play a pivotal role in enhancing livelihood security, nutritional security, food security, soil health, farm profit and environmental sustainability.
Pulse Production in India
Bengal Gram (Chick Pea / Chana), Pigeon Peas (Arhar / Toor / Red Gram), Green Beans (Moong Beans), Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana), Black Matpe (Urad / Mah / Black Gram), Red Kidney Beans (Rajma), Black Eyed Peas (Lobiya), Lentils (Masoor), White Peas (Matar) are major pulses grown and consumed in India.
India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
Pulses account for around 20 per cent of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10 per cent of the total foodgrains production in the country.
Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60 per cent of the total production.
Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States.
In the last five-six years, India has increased pulses production from 140 lakh tonnes to more than 240 lakh tonnes.
Domestic demand is yet not fulfilled as significant percentage of population is vegetarian and depends on high pulses intake for protein requirement.
Per capita net availability of pulses in India, however, has reduced from 51.1 gm/day (1971) to 41.9 gm/day (2013) as against WHO recommendation of 80gm/day.
Benefits of Pulses
Pulses are rich in nutritional and protein values and are an important part of a healthy diet.
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Pulses, and legumes (lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans, soybeans, and peanuts) play an equally important role in health maintenance and overall improvement.
Pulses also contribute majorly to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development.
Pulses play a critical role in marking challenges of poverty, food chain security, degraded health, and climate change.
Pulses and legume crops help in improving the feasibility of agricultural production systems.
Pulses contribute to environmental benefits. The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, which increases the productivity and fertility of the farmland.
Pulses have the capability to protect the soil from wind and water erosion in arid and semi arid tropics.
Pulses cultivated as a crop combination with food grains are a sustainable agriculture practice, benefitting the soil and atmosphere.
Pulses are important for a healthy diet.
Challenges in Pulse Production
Delayed sowings/plantings;
Low seed rate resulting in poor crop stands;
Poor weed management during crop growth
Inefficient irrigation and rainwater management;
Large scale monoculture and non-inclusion of pulses in cropping systems;
Lack of consideration of previous cropping in the same field;
Inadequate plant protection.
Non-availability of seeds of HYVs at affordable price and at the appropriate time;·
Lack of more efficient N using genotypes;
Imbalanced use of fertilisers;
Poor management of soil nutrients and supplementation
Policy emphasis is negligible, MSP support is weak
New research efforts should need to be initiated to achieve a breakthrough in the productivity.
Development of shorter duration, widely adaptable and biotic and abiotic stress resistant varieties
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Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation through development of super nodulating plant types and breeding short duration varieties for achieving self sufficiency in pulses.
Extension workers and agriculture technology information
Way Forward: Pulses have been well integrated into the farming system of our country as the farmers could produce them by using their own seeds and family labour without depending much on external inputs. With the advent of Green Revolution, which promoted rice and wheat using external inputs and modern varieties of seeds, pulses were pushed to the marginal lands. This resulted in decline in productivity and land degradation. To fulfil the nutritional requirements of population and to augment farmer income, India truly needs a ‗pulses revolution.‘
Standard Development Organisation
Background
Following the footprints of the ―One Nation One Standard‖ mission, the Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways has become the first Institution to be declared Standard Developing Organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards.
About the Recognition
This recognition is valid for 3 years and will require renewal after completion of the validity period.
With SDO recognition, standard formulation procedures of RDSO will become more focused on consensus-based decision making.
It will extensively engage all stakeholders such as Industry, Academia, Test Houses, Users, Recognized Labs etc. in standard making process from initial stages.
With this tag, competition among industries will increase resulting into reduction in cost & improvement in quality.
It will also reduce import dependency and boost Make in India initiative.
About RDSO
Research Design & Standards Organization and its formulation procedures. RDSO is the sole research and development wing of the Ministry of Railways situated in Lucknow. It is one of India‘s leading standard formulating bodies undertaking standardization work for the railway sector.
One Nation One Standard Programme
―One Nation One Standard‖ vision of the Government of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards has launched a scheme which provides for ―Recognition of Standards Developing Organization‖.
With the help of this scheme, BIS aims at aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities and dedicated domain-specific expertise available with various organizations.
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K.P. Krishnan Committee Report
Background
International Financial Services Centres Authority constituted a Committee of Experts under KP Krishnan to examine the feasibility of the Variable Capital Company (‗VCC‘) for fund management in the International Financial Services Centre in India.
Variable Capital Company (VCC): VCC is an alternative form of corporate vehicle which can be used for open-ended as well as closed-ended alternative and traditional fund strategies. It is a corporate vehicle with flexible capital due to which shares are created when investments are made and shares are readily redeemable by shareholders and has been designed for fund management industry. The VCC structure dispenses with some of the key limitations of companies and LLPs and provides for higher regulatory standards than those applicable to trusts.
Recommendations of K.P. Krishnan Committee
VCC structure dispenses with some of key limitations of companies and LLPs. It provides for higher regulatory standards.
Committee assessed features of VCC or its equivalent, in jurisdictions of Singapore, UK, Ireland and Luxembourg.
It recommended to adopt a VCC-like legal structure to conduct fund management activity in IFSCs.
It recognized that, legal framework governing entities which undertake fund management should provide certainty and clarity to each.
International Financial Services Centre
An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy.
These centres are ‗international‘ in the sense that they deal with the flow of finance and financial products/services across borders which includes banking, insurance, asset management, and most importantly, a well-structured and fully developed capital market for debt, equities, commodities as well as derivatives.
The first IFSC in India has been set up at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The SEZ Act 2005 allows setting up an IFSC in an SEZ or as an SEZ after approval from the central government.
Since India has many restrictions on the financial sector, such as partial capital account convertibility, high SLR (statutory liquidity ratio) requirements and foreign investment restrictions, an SEZ can serve as a testing ground for financial sector reforms before they are rolled out in the entire nation.
Apart from SEZ-related incentives, as per the SEZ Act, there is an exemption from the securities transaction tax levied under Section 98 of the Finance Act, 2004.
Commercial banks are allowed to open offshore banking units (OBUs) within SEZs, which are deemed as overseas branches. Such OBUs can trade in foreign currencies in overseas markets and also with Indian banks, raise funds in foreign currency as deposits and borrowings from non-resident sources.
Services provided in IFSC
Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds, insurance companies and mutual funds
Wealth management
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Global tax management and cross-border tax liability optimization, which provides a business opportunity for financial intermediaries, accountants and law firms.
Global and regional corporate treasury management operations that involve fund-raising, liquidity investment and management and asset-liability matching
Risk management operations such as insurance and reinsurance
Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations
Building Blocks of IFSC
Rational legal regulatory framework
Sustainable local economy
Stable political environment
Developed infrastructure
Strategic location
Good quality of life
Mandatory Hallmark on Gold Jewellery
Background
The government has implemented mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts from 15 June 2021.
About the Decision
Gold hallmarking is a purity certification of the precious metal.
From 15 June 2021, jewellers will be allowed to sell only 14, 18 and 22 carats of gold jewellery.
The aim for mandatory hallmarking of gold is to ensure consumers do not get cheated while buying gold ornaments.
The registration process has been made online and automatic.
The BIS is already running a hallmarking scheme for gold jewellery since 2000.
Hallmark Gold
The process of certifying the purity and fineness of gold is called hallmarking. If you see BIS hallmark on the gold jewellery/gold coin, it means it conforms to a set of standards laid by the BIS. Hallmarking gives consumers an assurance regarding the purity of the gold they bought. That is, if you are buying hallmarked 18K gold jewellery, it will actually mean that 18/24 parts are gold and rest is alloy.
Implementing Agency
Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India, is responsible for hallmarking gold as well as silver jewellery under the BIS Act.
BIS grants license to jewellers and they can get their jewellery hallmarked from any of the BIS recognized assaying and hallmarking centers.
The Bureau of Indian Standards is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.
It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
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World Milk Day
Background
The day is celebrated on June 1 since 2001 established by Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations. The day is observed to appreciate dairy farmers and dairy sector. It recognises the importance of milk as global food.
Dairy Sector in India
India is one among the largest producer of milk in world. Dairy sector supports livelihoods of millions of people in country.
Dairy is one of the biggest agri- businesses in India and a significant contributor to Indian economy. It is the largest single agricultural commodity with ~4 per cent share in economy.
Indian dairy industry has grown at ~12 per cent during last 5 years, with value-added products driving market growth.
Dairy is the only agri-product in which around ~70-80 per cent final market value is shared with farmers.
Dairy sector in India is fairly organised to the tune of ~35 per cent.
India exported dairy products worth $ 187 Million in 2019-20.
Evolution
The development of India‘s dairy sector started through a program called ―Operation Flood‖ launched in 1970.
By 1975, India became self-sufficient in milk production and all imports of milk and milk products were stopped.
The credit of success of milk production in India goes to Dr Verghese Kurien who started the White Revolution in 1970 and is thus, known as ―Father of the White Revolution‖ in India.
He led to establishment of institutions like Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd and National Dairy Development Board. Both of these institutions played a significant role in shaping Dairy Cooperative movement.
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Challenges
highly fragmented supply - its industry environment is anything but basic
fundamental challenge in dairy is maintaining quality and quantity within a diversified supply base
dairy requires more complex supply chain operations and logistics to ensure freshness and safety
dairy sector is dominated by fluid milk with slow growth in processed products
good and productive breeding of bovines
acute and ever growing shortage of green fodder and good quality feed
Good healthcare and animal disease diagnostic solutions
growing shortage and cost of labour
Centres of Excellence (CoE) under BRO
Background
Two Centres of Excellence have been set up under the Border Roads Organization.
About the Centres of Excellence
CoEs have been established to achieve excellence in road safety and to foster growth in construction of roads, air fields, tunnels and bridges. Two CoEs are:
Centre of Excellence for Road Safety & Awareness (CoERSA)– which aims to create awareness regarding road safety by analysing sharing of road accidents. It will also suggest methods to save lives.
Centre of Excellence for Roads, Bridges, Air Fields and Tunnels (CoERBAT)- that focuses on institutionalising knowledge gained in development of about 60,000 kilometres of roads, 19 airfields, 56,000 metres of bridges, and four tunnels in eastern and north-western part of India.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
BRO is a road construction executive force which is part of Indian Armed Forces.
Objective: The BRO was formed in 1960 to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states of the country.
Chairman: Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) is chaired by the Minister of State for Defence. The executive head of the BRO is the DGBR who holds the rank of Lieutenant General.
Personnel: Officers from the Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES) and personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) form the parent cadre of the BRO. It is also staffed by officers and troops drawn from the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers. They also subjected to all provisions of the Army Act, 1950 and Army Rules, 1954.
Audit: An Internal Financial Advisor (IFA) supports the BRO, performing the roles of Chief Accounts Officer and Internal Auditor.
Functions: It develops and maintains road networks across border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. It carries infrastructure operations in 19 states, three union territories and neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Tajikistan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
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National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. (NARCL)
Background
Banks have identified 22 stressed accounts worth around Rs 89,000 crore that they want to transfer to NARCL in the first phase. The total amount of bad loans likely to be transferred in trenches will be ₹2 trillion.
About the Company
Setting up of NARCL, the proposed bad bank for taking over stressed assets of lenders, was announced in the Budget for 2021-22.
It is a specialized financial institution that buys the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions so that they can clean up their balance sheets. This helps banks to concentrate on normal banking activities. The asset reconstruction companies or ARCs are registered under the RBI.
The plan is to create a bad bank to house bad loans of ₹500 crore and above, in a structure that will contain an asset reconstruction company (ARC) and an asset management company (AMC) to manage and recover dud assets.
The new entity is going to be created in collaboration with both public and private sector banks.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said that loans classified as fraud cannot be sold to NARCL.
Functioning
The proposed bad bank will have a public sector character since the idea is mooted by the government and majority ownership is likely to rest with state-owned banks.
At present, ARCs typically seek a steep discount on loans. With the proposed bad bank being set up, the valuation issue is unlikely to come up since this is a government initiative.
The government-backed ARC will have deep pockets to buy out big accounts and thus free up banks from carrying these accounts on their books.
Legal Basis
After enactment of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act in 2002, regulatory guidelines for ARCs were issued in 2003 to enable development of this sector and to facilitate smooth functioning of these companies.
As per amendment made in the SARFAESI Act in 2016, an ARC should have a minimum net owned fund of Rs. 2 crores. The RBI raised this amount to Rs. 100 crores in 2017.
The ARCs also have to maintain a capital adequacy ratio of 15% of its risk weighted assets.
Significance: The total stress in the banking system would be in excess of Rs 15 lakh crore. The banks burdened with stressed assets and limited capital will find it difficult to manage the NPAs. There is also limited capital that the government can provide. This is where the bad bank model would step in and help both the government and banks.
ITR e-filing portal
Background
ITR e-filing portal was launched with aim of providing a modern, seamless and more convenient experience to taxpayers. Portal has been integrated with immediate processing of Income Tax Returns and quick refunds to taxpayers.
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Income Tax
An income tax return is a form that enables a taxpayer to declare his income, expenses, tax deductions, investments, taxes etc. The Income Tax Act, 1961 makes it mandatory under various scenarios for a taxpayer to file an income tax return. The Income Tax Department provides the facility for electronic filing (e-filing) of an income tax return.
Features of the portal
Portal will act as one-stop centre and display all interactions or pending actions on a single dashboard for follow-up action by taxpayer.
Role-based user-friendly dashboard
Secure and multiple options to login
Chatbot to answer all queries
Multiple methods to pay taxes on the portal
Enhanced help section with user manuals and videos
Easy to use ITR utility
National Securities Depository Limited
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is an Indian central securities depository under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance.
It was set up under the Depositories Act, 1996.
It handles most of the securities held and settled in dematerialized form in the Indian capital market. NSDL works to support the investors and brokers in the capital market of the country.
RBI issued licence to NSDL to operate as a payment bank in India under Banking Regulation Act 1949 to carry payment transactions.
PAN card is issued by applying to NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited).
ATM cash withdrawal rule
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has changed some rules regarding cash withdrawal from automated teller machine (ATM).
Free cash withdrawal limit from own bank: Bank customers can now do five free financial and non-financial transactions every month from their own bank ATMs.
Free ATM transaction limit from other bank: ATM card holders can do three free financial and non-financial transactions in metro centres while five in non-metro transaction from other bank ATMs
Charges on ATM cash withdrawal beyond free limit: RBI allowed banks to increase charges on ATM transactions beyond free ATM transaction limit.
Rise in interchange fee: Interchange fee per transaction changed from Rs 15 to Rs 17 for financial transactions while from Rs 5 to Rs 6 for non-financial transactions in effect from August 1, 2021.
New charges on ATM withdrawal beyond free transaction limit: Bank customer will have to pay Rs 21 (currently it is Rs 20) for each ATM cash withdrawal beyond free transaction limit in effect from January 1, 2022.
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ENVIRONMENT
SDG India Index & Dashboard 2020-21
Background
The third edition of the Sustainable Development Goals SDG India Index and Dashboard 2020-21 was released by Niti Aayog.
About the Index Report
According to report, the country‘s overall SDG score has improved by 6 points, from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020-21.
India saw significant improvement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean energy, urban development and health in 2020, according to the NITI Aayog‘s 2020 SDG Index.
However, there has been a major decline in the areas of industry, innovation and infrastructure as well as decent work and economic growth.
Kerala has retained the top spot in NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2020-21, while Bihar has been the worst performer as per the report.
Both Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu took the second spot with a score of 74.
Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam were the worst-performing states in this year's India index.
However, all States showed some improvement from last year‘s scores, with Mizoram and Haryana seeing the biggest gains.
SDG India Index
The Index for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) evaluates the progress of states and union territories on social, economic, and environmental parameters.
SDG India Index and Dashboard has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute and the United Nations.
This edition of the index covers 17 goals, 70 targets, and 115 indicators, while the last covered 17 goals, 54 targets and 100 indicators.
In 2018- NITI Aayog constructed the SDG India Index spanning across 13 out of 17 SDGs (leaving out Goals 12, 13, 14 and 17).
The index indicates where the country and its States and UTs currently are on SDG implementation. It also charts the distance to be travelled to reach the SDG targets.
These scores range between 0–100, and if a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies it
has achieved the 2030 targets. The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance
to target achieved. States and Union Territories are classified as below based on their SDG
India Index score:
o Aspirant: 0–49
o Performer: 50–64
o Front-Runner: 65–99
o Achiever: 100
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals divided into 169 targets designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all".
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The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.
They are included in a UN Resolution called the Agenda 2030.
SDGs were made more "actionable" by a UN Resolution adopted by the General Assembly.
The SDGs were developed in the Post-2015 Development Agenda to succeed the Millennium Development Goals that ended in 2015.
The SDGs are an ambitious commitment by world leaders which set out a universal and unprecedented agenda that embraces economic, environmental, and social aspects of the wellbeing of societies.
World Bank Study on Black Carbon
Background
Black carbon (BC) deposits produced by human activity accelerate the pace of glacier and snow melt in the Himalayan region can be sharply reduced through new, currently feasible policies by an additional 50% from current levels, a study by World Bank (WB) specialists.
About the Study
The report is titled "Glaciers of the Himalayas, Climate Change, Black Carbon and Regional Resilience."
The research covers the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush (HKHK) mountain ranges, where, the report says, glaciers are melting faster than the global average ice mass.
Full implementation of current policies to mitigate BC can achieve a 23% reduction but enacting new policies and incorporating them through regional cooperation among countries can achieve enhanced benefits
Black carbon (BC) deposits produced by human activity accelerate the pace of snowmelt in the Himalayan region.
India is the second largest emitter of black carbon in the world.
The rate of retreat of HKHK glaciers is estimated to be 0.3 meters per year in the west to 1.0 meters per year in the east.
Deposits of BC act in two ways hastening the pace of glacier melt: by decreasing surface reflectance of sunlight and by raising the air temperature.
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Reasons: Industry [primarily brick kilns] and residential burning of solid fuel together account for 45–66% of regional anthropogenic [man-made] BC deposition, followed by on-road diesel fuels (7–18%) and open burning (less than 3% in all seasons).
Measures to reduce Black carbon o Enhancing fuel efficiency standards for vehicles o Phasing out diesel vehicles and promoting electric vehicles o Accelerating the use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking and through clean
cookstove programmes. o Upgrading brick kiln technologies
Black Carbon Aerosols
BC is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon containing fuels such as wood, coal, petrol, diesel and many more. The pollutant is generated by a range of human activities such as industries, vehicles, biomass burning, forest fires, brick-making and cook stoves.
BC is a short-lived pollutant that is the second-largest contributor to warming the planet after carbon dioxide (CO2).
BC is quickly washed out and can be eliminated from the atmosphere if emissions stop.
When BC is released into the atmosphere, it can travel long distances, sometimes towards the mountains and settle on top of glaciers and snow.
Once settled there, the BC reduces the light- and heat-reflection capacity of the snow, making it melt from the increase in temperature because of the absorbed heat energy. This accelerates the melting of snow and glaciers.
Aerosols of black carbon can alter reflectivity of surfaces by depositing a layer of dark residue on ice and other bright surfaces. In the Arctic especially, aerosols from wildfires and industrial pollution are likely hastening the melting of ice.
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Different types of Carbon
Black carbon: the soot emitted during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in coal-fired power plants, cars and other equipment.
Brown carbon: originates primarily during the combustion of organic biomass and is close to black carbon.
Blue carbon is the carbon captured by the oceans and coastal ecosystems.
Green carbon stored by plants.
Hindu Kush - Karakoram - Himalayan (HKKH) region
The "Hindu Kush - Karakoram - Himalayan" (HKKH) region, also known as Third Pole is a central Asian high mountain region.
It spans over Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
The area stores more snow and ice than anywhere in the world except for the North and South Poles.
It is the source of 10 major rivers, and forms a global ecological buffer.
The Third Pole area possesses huge socioeconomic and cultural variance; being home to a range of ethnic communities conversing in more than 600 languages and many more dialects.
Climate change projections suggest that all areas of South Asia are likely to warm by at least 1 °C by turn of the century, while in some areas the warming could be as much as 3.5 to 4 °C.
International Nitrogen Initiative
Background
The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were discussed during the eighth triennial conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI).
International Nitrogen Initiative (INI)
The International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) is an international program, set up in 2003 under sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP).
The key aims of the INI are to: optimize nitrogen‘s beneficial role in sustainable food production, and minimize nitrogen‘s negative effects on human health and the environment resulting from food and energy production.
The program is currently a sustained partner of Future Earth.
The INI holds a conference every three years, inviting members of the international nitrogen community to meet up and discuss ideas and exchange knowledge on nitrogen issues.
Nitrogen as Pollutant
Reactive nitrogen compounds like NOx, ammonia and the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide impact air, water and soil quality, health, biodiversity and climate change, among others.
These compounds are lost from fertilisers, manures and sewage as well as from fuel burning in transport and industry.
Assessing and managing them sustainably will be crucial to achieve the 17 UN SDGs targeted for 2030.
Nitrous oxide has upto 300 times higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide.
South Asia is one of the global hotspots for nitrogen pollution.
The Indian nitrogen assessment of 2017 has provided a huge impetus to the UN resolution, as well as to the ongoing South Asian nitrogen assessment.
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Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen is required by all living organisms for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and other nitrogen containing compounds.
The Earth‘s atmosphere contains almost 80 % nitrogen gas. It cannot be used in this form by most living organisms until it has been fixed, that is reduced (combined with hydrogen), to ammonia.
The nitrogen cycle is a series of processes that convert nitrogen gas to organic substances and back to nitrogen in nature. It is a continuous cycle that is maintained by the decomposers and nitrogen bacteria. The nitrogen cycle can be broken down into four types of reaction and micro-organisms play roles in all of these.
Plants absorb the nitrate ions by diffusion and active transport. The plants need the nitrogen for the synthesis of proteins and other compounds. The nitrogen compounds are passed through the food chain as other organisms feed on the plants and each other.
Waste products (undigested food, urine and faeces) and dead organisms which contain nitrogen compounds are added to the soil.
Ammonification (decay): The decomposers - certain soil bacteria and fungi e.g. ammonifying bacteria - break down proteins in dead organisms and animal wastes, releasing ammonium ions.
Nitrification: Nitrification is a two-step process that is carried out by the nitrifying bacteria. Ammonia or ammonium ions are oxidized first to nitrites and then to nitrates.
Denitrification: Nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria.
Nitrogen fixation o Atmospheric fixation: this occurs spontaneously due to lightning. Only a small
amount is fixed this way. o Industrial fixation: the Haber process is used to make nitrogen fertilizers. This is very
energy inefficient. o Biological fixation: Nitrogen fixing bacteria fix 60% of nitrogen gas.
Some nitrogen fixing bacteria e.g. Rhizobium live in the root nodules of legumes. Some nitrogen fixing bacteria e.g. Azotobacter are free living in the soil.
Dihing Patkai is Assam‘s 7th National Park
Background
Assam now is the state with the second highest number of national parks in the country, after Madhya Pradesh's 11. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar has nine national parks.
Dihing Patkai National Park
Assam‘s Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary, in the controversy following allegations of illegal coal mining has been notified as a national park.
The announcement came shortly after Raimona reserve forest in western Assam‘s Kokrajhar district was upgraded to a national park.
Kaziranga, Nameri, Orang, Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa are also the national parks of assam.
The Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary is located inside the larger Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, which spreads across Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar districts of Upper Assam — rich in coal and oil — and is believed to be the last remaining contiguous patch of lowland rainforest area in Assam.
Known for its elephant population, Dehing Patkai has many mammal and reptile species.
The area is especially a draw for ornithologists since it is said to have the highest concentration of the rare endangered White Winged Wood Duck.
Raimona National Park
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Raimona in Kokrajhar district has become the 6th national park in Assam.
The 422 sq ft wildlife habitat in Kokrajhar district meets the western-most buffer to Manas Tiger Reserve
The Raimona national park is surrounded by the Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan to its north, the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal to its west and the Manas National Park to its east.
With eleven different forest types and subtypes, the area is home to the golden langurs, elephants, tiger, clouded leopard, several species of orchids and has more than 150 species of butterflies, 170 species of birds besides 380 species of plants.
Biodiversity conservation methods
Biodiversity conservation efforts can be grouped into two categories:
1. In-situ (on-site) methods: It involves protection of plants and animals within their natural habitats or in protected areas dedicated for protection and maintenance of biodiversity.
2. Ex-situ (off-site) methods: These methods involve conserving species outside their natural habitats. These include botanical gardens, zoo, gene banks, seed bank, tissue culture and cryopreservation.
In-situ methods
It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat, either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself, or by defending the species from predators.
Advantages of In-situ conservation: o Conservation of flora and fauna in their natural habitat o Natural progress and evolution of organisms o Less expensive and easy to manage o Also protects the interests of indigenous community
The following methods are used in In-situ conservation:
National parks
Wildlife sanctuaries
Biosphere reserves
Biodiversity hotspots
Gene sanctuary
Community reserves
Sacred groves
Protected Areas (PA)
PAs are areas defined under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and are meant for biodiversity conservation. PAs include: 1. National Parks 2. Wildlife sanctuaries 3. Conservation reserves 4. Community reserves 5. Tiger Reserve
National parks
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They are declared under the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972.
National Parks are areas of adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural significance.
They area are strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity.
Activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. In these parks, even private ownership rights are not allowed.
The boundaries of national parks are well marked and circumscribed.
In national parks, the emphasis is on the preservation of a selected/single plant or animal species.
Restrictions inside National parks o No alteration of the boundaries of a National Park shall be made except on a
resolution passed by the Legislature of the State and prior permission of National Board of Wildlife (NBW).
o No person shall, destroy, exploit, or remove any wildlife from a National Park without obtaining a permit granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden and authorized by the State Government.
o No grazing of any livestock shall be permitted in a National Park and no livestock shall be allowed to enter except where such livestock is used as a vehicle by a person authorized to enter such National Park.
Declaration of National Parks
State Government declares by a notification that an area of ecological, faunal, floral, Geo-morphological, or zoological association or importance be designated a National Park.
The notification also specifies the limits of the area which shall be comprised within the National Park.
Central govt. can also declare an area as a national park/WLS if a state government leases or otherwise transfers any area under its control, not being an area within a Sanctuary, to the Central Government.
In this case, the powers and duties of Chief Wildlife warden are exercised by the Director or any other officer designated by him.
Pakke Tiger Reserve
Background
Pakke Tiger Reserve‘s contingency workers go on strike
Pakke Tiger Reserve
The Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Pakke Tiger Reserve fall in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
It was declared as tiger reserve in 1999.
It falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.
It is known for sightings of four resident hornbill species. It has won India Biodiversity Award 2016 in the category of ‗Conservation of threatened species‘ for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
Hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala. It is Vulnerable under IUCN Red List.
The 862-sq km Pakke Reserve is home to many rare and endangered wildlife species, such as leopard, wild dog, Himalayan black bear, and elephant.
Towards south and south east, PTR adjoins Nameri National Park of Assam, in East lies Pakke river, and in the west it is bounded by Kameng river.
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Revival of Road in Tiger Reserve
Background
The administrative and financial sanction for the improvement and maintenance of a forest road not in use for decades in the core zone of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve has shocked activists.
Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve
The Central government has given its approval for the creation of a fifth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu that will include the Meghamalai & Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuaries.
It will maintain vital forest continuity between Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala and the Kannyakumari forest in the extreme south.
It is the 51st Tiger Reserve of India.
Environmentalists had earlier demanded to connect the tiger reserve with the Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
How are Tiger Reserve formed?
Tiger Reserves are declared by National Tiger Conservation Authority via Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 under centrally sponsored scheme called Project Tiger.
To declare an area as Tiger Reserve, the state governments can forward their proposals in this regard to NTCA.
Structure of a Tiger reserve:
1. Core zone: Critical inviolate tiger habitat areas. It has the legal status of a national park or wildlife sanctuary. It is kept free of all biotic and human disturbances
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2. Buffer zone: Surrounds core zone. It aims at promoting co-existence between wildlife and human activity. The livelihood, developmental, social and cultural rights of the local people are recognised in this zone.
Note: The alteration of boundaries or denotification of Tiger Reserves can be done by state governments but only with the prior approval of NTCA and National Board for Wild Life.
Project Tiger
Centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1973.
The project aims at ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and protecting them from extinction.
The project's task force visualized these tiger reserves as breeding nuclei, from which surplus animals would migrate to adjacent forests.
The government has set up a Tiger Protection Force to combat poachers and funded relocation of villagers to minimize human-tiger conflicts.
Project Tiger is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA)
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 provided for creating the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body.
Minister for Environment and Forests is its Chairperson and the Minister of State for Environment and Forests is the Vice-chairperson.
NTCA not just provides for an oversight by Parliament but also addresses livelihood interests of local people apart from ensuring that the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers are not violated.
Powers and functions of NTCA
Approval of Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by States,
laying down normative standards for tiger conservation, providing information on several aspects which include protection, tiger estimation, patrolling, etc.,
ensuring measures for addressing man-wild animal conflicts and fostering co-existence with local people,
preparing annual report for laying before Parliament,
ensuring agricultural, livelihood interests of people living in and around Tiger Reserves
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
It was also promulgated to make certain reforms over the preceding Act of 1927.
The 1927 Act deals with the four categories of the forests, namely reserved forests, village forests, protected forests and private forests.
A state may declare forestlands or waste lands as reserved forest and may sell the produce from these forests.
The state governments are empowered to designate protected forests and may prohibit the felling of trees, quarrying and the removal of forest produce from these forests.
Forest officers and their staff administer the Forest Act.
Under the provisions of this Act, prior approval of the Central Government is required for diversion of forestlands for non-forest purposes.
An Advisory Committee constituted under the Act advises the Centre on these approvals.
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Tigers in India
There are 51 tiger reserves in India.
India is home to 80 percent of tigers in the world
According to the 4th Tiger census conducted in 2018, Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, closely followed by Karnataka at 524 with Uttarakhand at number 3 with 442 tigers.
Statewise tiger population: Madhya pradesh > Karnataka > Uttarakhand > Maharashtra
Corbett tiger reserve has the highest population of tigers.
Conservation Assured |Tiger Standards (CA|TS)
Background
The National Committee of Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards (CA|TS) recommended proposals for Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Orang Tiger Reserves for CATS accreditation in Assam.
About the Accreditation
The CA|TS assessment has been conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 27 Tiger Reserves in the first Phase and 24 to be carried out in the second Phase.
All the four Tiger Reserves of Assam under Phase 1 have got CA|TS accreditation.
The CA|TS accreditation, accorded to the four Tiger Reserves of the State, is a most welcome development and good news for conservationists and animal lovers alike.
CA|TS accreditation helps toward ―strengthening and improving management interventions for conservation of big cats‖.
Conservation Assured |Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Partnership
India is the 1st country to nationally adopt it.
CA|TS is set of criteria that allow tiger sites (conservation areas) to check if their management will lead to successful tiger conservation.
It was officially launched in 2013 and was developed by tiger and protected area experts.
It is organised under seven pillars and 17 elements of critical management activity. Its mission is to secure safe havens for wild tigers.
It is important part of Tx2, WWF‘s global tiger recovery programme that aims to double wild tiger numbers by the year 2022.
CA|TS is an important tool in the achievement of the Convention on Biological Diversity - CBD‘s Global Aichi Targets.
CA|TS is a management tool which sets basic criteria such as the minimum standards for effective management of tiger conservation reserves.
It also applies to other conservation reserves and protected areas which have tiger populations.
It contributes to the implementation of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas.
The CA|TS team has been working closely with the IUCN.
Global Tiger Recovery Programme
In 2010, the first ―Tiger Summit‖ in St Petersburg, Russia, endorsed a Global Tiger Recovery Programme through the St. Petersberg Declaration.
The programme aimed at reversing the rapid decline of tigers, and doubling their numbers by 2022.
India was one of the 13 tiger range countries that participated in the gathering.
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The leaders committed to drawing up action plans to –
o strengthen the tiger reserves o crack down on poachers o provide financial assistance to
maintain a thriving tiger population in Tiger Range Countries
The Tiger Range Countries (TRC) are the countries where tigers still roam free i.e. in the wild.
The 13 tiger range countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. Sometimes North Korea is also included.
TX2 Goal
The TX2 goal is international commitment to double the world's wild tigers by 2022.
The goal has been set by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through the Global Tiger Initiative, Global Tiger Forum and other critical platforms.
Nepal has become the first nation to achieve this goal.
Maharashtra Defines Heritage Trees
Background
The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act of 1975, to introduce provisions for the protection of ‗heritage trees‘. Maharashtra Cabinet also approved the formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority.
Heritage Trees
A tree with an estimated age of 50 years or more shall be defined as a heritage tree. It may belong to specific species, which will be notified from time to time.
In addition to the age, the state climate change department (implementing the Tree Act), should also consider a tree‘s rarity, its botanical, historical, religious, mythological and cultural importance in defining a heritage tree.
Dendrochronology: Most common method of determining the age of the tree is Dendrochronology – or tree-ring dating also called growth rings. Each year, roughly a tree adds to its girth, the new growth is called a tree ring. To analyse the rings, core samples are extracted using a borer that‘s screwed into the tree and pulled out, bringing with it a straw-size sample of wood. The hole in the tree is then sealed to prevent disease.
Why was the concept of heritage tree introduced?
A heritage tree will get special protection. Compensatory plantation– anyone cutting a heritage tree will need to plant trees in the same numbers as the cut tree‘s age.
In Mumbai, as per the Tree Authority set up in 1976, to help in regulating the felling of trees and providing for the planting of an adequate number of new trees through the Garden Department, the compensation ratios are 1:3.
According to the current Compensatory Plantation in the state, one sapling has to be planted for each tree that is cut.
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The organization planting the compensation trees will also have to ensure the survival of the plantation for seven years and geo-tag the trees.
Plantations can be carried out either in the same plot or a common amenity plot.
In case compensatory plantation is not possible, the tree feller has to pay compensation for the economic valuation of the trees being felled.
Tree Authority
As per amendments, tree Authority will be formed in local civic bodies and councils which will take all decisions regarding the protection of trees.
It will have to ensure tree census to be carried out every five years along with counting of heritage trees.
The Tree Authority is tasked with ―increasing the tree cover in urban areas and protecting the existing ones.‖
A proposal to cut more than 200 trees of age 5 years or more, will be referred to the state tree authority.
Local TA will have to ensure that the project is not sub-divided into smaller parts to keep the number of trees below the defined threshold.
Ensure preparation of a tree plan and should aspire over the years to have 33 per cent green belt in their area.
Economic Value Of The Tree
In case compensatory plantation is not possible, the tree feller has to pay compensation for the economic valuation of the trees being felled.
While the state government has not defined the economic value of the tree, experts say that the amount of oxygen that a tree releases into the environment should determine its economic value.
A realistic assessment of the economic value of a tree, which may be permitted to fell, concerning its value to the environment and its longevity, about factors such as:
the production of oxygen and carbon sequestration, soil conservation, protection of flora/fauna, its role in habitat and ecosystem integrity and any other ecologically relevant factor, distinct from timber/wood.
India to add 20 GW of Wind Energy Capacity by 2025
Background
India will install 20 GW of wind energy capacity over 2021-25, according to the India wind energy market outlook released by Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
About the Report
In 2015, India set an overall renewable generation capacity target of 175 GW (100 GW of solar, 65 GW of wind, and 10 GW of biomass and small hydro) by 2022, but then boosted it to 450 GW by 2030.
India is the world's third-largest energy consuming country, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
By the end of 2019, solar and renewables constituted nearly 20% of Indian installed capacity.
Beyond 2025 and onto 2030, GWEC said the long-term drivers for growth in the Indian wind market will be repowering of onshore wind capacity, potential for offshore wind projects, the shift toward carbon neutrality, and growth in the manufacturing base.
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
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The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) was established in 2005 to provide a credible and representative forum for the entire wind energy sector at an international level.
The Global Wind Energy Council is the international trade association for the wind power industry.
India Wind Power Capacity
The total installed wind power capacity of India in 2019 was 38.789 GW, the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.
Wind power accounts for nearly 10% of India's total installed power generation capacity.
Wind power capacity is mainly spread across the Southern, Western and Northern regions.
In 2015, the MNRE set the target for Wind Power generation capacity by the year 2022 at 60,000 MW.
No offshore wind farm is under implementation.
Offshore Wind Policy was announced in 2015 and presently weather stations and LIDARs are being set up by NIWE. The first offshore wind farm is planned near Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu's wind power capacity is around 29% of India's total.
India's largest wind power production facility is at Muppandal Wind Farm, Kanyakumari.
Indian Wind Power Association is a representative body of the stakeholders of wind energy sector in India.
National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Great Indian Bustards
Background
As per Wildlife institute of India (WII), 80 kilometres of power lines across Thar desert region Rajasthan had led to death of four bustard deaths during a single year because of high-transmission wires. Birds died because of impact of collision or electrocution.
SC‘s order: To protect great Indian bustard from flying into power lines, of 20 gigawatts of awarded solar & wind projects, Supreme Court had asked the companies to install these powers lines underground. But this directive would cost an extra expense of $4 billion.
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Great Indian bustards
Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (hereafter GIB) is one of the rarest birds in world. With 200 individuals left, almost exclusively in India, the species is listed as Critically Endangered and Schedule I (Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972).
Their populations have steadily declined and are facing imminent extinction risk unless effective management interventions are urgently implemented.
Excessive hunting in past and current levels of habitat loss, compounded with very slow life-history traits, has caused their decline.
The largest population of about 150 birds occurs in Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Other populations are less than 15 birds each, occurring in Kachchh (Gujarat), Solapur and Chandrapur (Maharashtra), Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) and Bellary (Karnataka).
Other sanctuaries with the species include 1. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary of Naliya in Kutch, 2. Karera Wildlife Sanctuary in Shivpuri district; 3. Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Solapur in Maharashtra, 4. Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Karnataka
The state of Rajasthan initiated "Project Great Indian Bustard", on World Environment Day 2013, identifying and fencing off bustard breeding grounds in existing protected areas as well as provide secure breeding enclosures.
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Operation Olivia
Background
Operation Olivia was launched for the conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles.
About the Operation
Operation Olivia was initiated in the early 1980s.
Odisha has also formulated laws for protecting Olive Ridley turtles, and the Orissa Marine Fisheries Act empowers the Coast Guard as one of its enforcement agencies.
This operation helps in protecting Olive Ridley turtles every year when they start nesting along Odisha coast for breeding in months of November to December.
Studies have found three main factors that damage Olive Ridley turtles and their eggs heavy predation of eggs by dogs and wild animals, indiscriminate fishing with trawlers and gill nets & beach soil erosion
It is estimated that only one in a thousand survive to adulthood.
Under the operation, round-the-clock surveillance is conducted from November till May through Coast Guard assets like Fast patrol vessels, Interceptor craft, Air cushion vessels and Dornier aircraft.
Other activities include enforcing the use of turtle excluder devices (TED) by trawlers in the waters adjoining nesting areas, prohibiting the use of gill nets and curtailing turtle poaching.
Olive Ridley Turtles
The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN‘s Red list.
All five species of sea turtles found in India are included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and in the Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which prohibits trade in turtle products by signatory countries.
Habitat — warm and tropical waters of primarily in the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Atlantic ocean.
Arribadas is the synchronized nesting in mass numbers of these turtles.
Blue- finned Mahseer out of IUCN Red list
The Blue-Finned Mahseer fish, which was on the International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) red list of ‗Endangered‘ species, has now moved to the ‗Least Concern‘ status.
The species is migratory, moving upstream during rains. It prefers clean, fast flowing, and well-oxygenated waters.
It requires gravel /sandy stream beds to breed and can migrate considerable distances in search of suitable breeding grounds.
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The presence of Mahseer is an indicator of a healthy riverine ecosystem and hence important as a flagship species.
‗Sea Snot‘ Outbreak in Turkey
Background
The sea of Maramara, which lies within Turkey and separates Istanbul between Europe and Asia, is festered with a new challenge-sea snot. The huge mass of organic matter has taken over the water body, disturbing the aquatic ecosystem and local communities. The sludge has also been spotted in the adjoining Black and Aegean seas.
Sea of Marmara: The Sea of Marmara connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, which is an important trade route for the region.
About Sea Snot
Sea snot is a thick, slimy grey-brown sheet known as marine mucilage that is formed by dead and living organic material.
The sludge forms when algae overloaded with nutrients fests on warm weather due to climate change.
It is to be noted that algae are the prime source of maintaining oxygen concentration in water bodies, however, if their growth is overlooked, they could lead to the formation of this mucilage that could block sunlight from entering the deep waters.
Reasons: One prime reason is pollution from organic compounds like nitrogen and phosphorous. Meanwhile, the rising water temperatures have also played their part.
Sea-snot was first found in Turkey in 2007. However, the recent outbreak is the biggest in its history. Turkey has deployed tanker trucks with suction hoses to vacuum up the surface scum.
Concerns: The Sea of Marmara is also an important source of economy in the region, which includes major metropolitan like Istanbul, and the growing accumulation of sea snot could jeopardise the fisheries industries. Due to the overgrowth of the mucilage, several species are under threat including oysters, mussels, sea stars. The sea-snot has the capability of poisoning fishes and other marine species that are already on the verge.
Process of Growth
The mucus surrounding Turkey‘s coastline comes from microscopic marine algae called phytoplankton that grow remarkably fast when they have access to excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Those nutrients could come from fertilizer in agricultural runoff, or from untreated sewage that has leaked into the Sea of Marmara.
Warm temperatures caused by climate change could also speed up phytoplankton growth.
Phytoplankton create mucus that floats between the less-salty, warm water at the top of the sea, and the more-salty, cooler water deeper down.
Then, when bubbles form in the mucus, they carry it to the surface of the water.
There, the mucus dries out and becomes so stable that seagulls can land on it and walk around.
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The thick layer of dried-out slime also gums up fishing nets and boat motors. And as it decomposes, the mucus becomes very smelly, a nuisance for coastal residents and tourists alike.
Related Terms
Marine snow – Shower of mostly organic detritus falling from the upper layers of the water column
Mucilage – Thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms
Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India
Background
On the occasion of the Desertification and Drought day, Ministry of Environment released the latest version of ―Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India. It has been published by Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmedabad.
About the Atlas
The Atlas provides state wise area of degraded lands for the time frame 2018-19. It also provides the change analysis for the duration of 15 years.
Salient findings of this Atlas will also be helpful in strengthening the envisaged National Action Plan for achieving land restoration targets by providing important baseline and temporal data and technical inputs.
This Atlas presents state-wise desertification and land degradation status maps depicting land use, process of degradation and severity level.
This was prepared using Indian Remote Sensing Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) data.
India is signatory to the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD). The country is committed to combat desertification and land degradation and intends to achieve land degradation neutral status by 2030. MoEF&CC is the nodal Ministry for the
implementation of the UNCCD.
Land for Life Award of the UN: The Land for Life Programme was launched at the tenth UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP10) in 2011 in the Republic of Korea as part of the Changwon Initiative. The Programme seeks to address the challenges of land
degradation, desertification and mitigation of drought.
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CESL-Ladakh agreement to make Ladakh Carbon-neutral
Background
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Administration of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, to make it a clean and green UT. Under the MoU, various clean energy and energy efficiency programmes will be implemented.
About the Agreement
Beginning with a pilot in the Zanskar valley area, CESL will take up solar mini and microgrid solutions, energy efficient lighting, energy storage-based solutions, efficient cooking stoves and electric mobility solutions in the UT.
CESL will come up with clean solutions for home appliances, electric heating, cooking, pump sets for Ladakh‘s very cold temperatures.
CESL will be able to eliminate fossil fuel in furtherance of Ladakh‘s carbon neutral goal and provide clean energy access.
CESL will build the EV ecosystem for the Union Territory, focusing on EV charging infrastructure which will utilise renewable sources of power, and electric vehicles (EVs) that are being tested for high altitudes. Like all CESL's projects, this programme too will also be based on innovative business models, using carbon credits.
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil/Leh, will provide the requisite land in respective council areas, for the implementation of the clean energy projects.
Ladakh
Ladakh is a region administered as a union territory which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.
It was established by Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Under this act, Ladakh is administered as a union territory without a legislative assembly or elected government. The head of government is a Lieutenant Governor.
Each district of Ladakh is administered by an autonomous district council, they are: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil; Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.
Ladakh is under the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great
Himalayas to the south. The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian
Government as part of Ladakh, and has been under Chinese control since 1962. The largest town in Ladakh is Leh, followed by Kargil, each of which headquarters a district. The Leh district contains the Indus, Shyok and Nubra river valleys. The Kargil district
contains the Suru, Dras and Zanskar river valleys. The main religious groups in the region are Muslims (mainly Shia) (46%), Tibetan Buddhists
(40%), Hindus (12%) and others (2%). As its culture and history are closely related to that of Tibet, it is known as the "Little Tibet". Ladakh is the largest and the second least populous union territory of India. Hemis monastery, a leading centre of the Drukpa tradition of Buddhism. The National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa in Leh is an institute for research into
traditional medicine and a hospital providing traditional treatments.
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Emissions Trading under UNFCCC
Parties with commitments under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Parties) have accepted targets for limiting or reducing emissions. These targets are expressed as assigned amount units (AAUs).
Emissions trading, as set out in Kyoto Protocol, allows countries that have emission units to spare - emissions permitted them but not "used" - to sell this excess capacity to countries that are over their targets.
The CDM allows emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2. These CERs can be traded and sold, and used by industrialized countries to a meet a part of their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.
The CDM is the main source of income for the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund, which was established to finance adaptation projects and programmes in developing country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The Adaptation Fund is financed by a 2% levy on CERs.
The other units which may be transferred under the scheme, each equal to one tonne of CO2, may be in the form of:
o A removal unit (RMU) on the basis of land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities such as reforestation
o An emission reduction unit (ERU) generated by a joint implementation project
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World‘s Most Liveable Cities
Background
In the 2021 edition of the Global Liveability Ranking, Auckland is the most liveable city in the world – with Osaka, Adelaide, Tokyo and Wellington rounding out the top five.
About the 2021 Report
New Zealand and Australian cities dominate the top ten, owing to their strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Eight Asia-Pacific cities dominate the top ten, including Osaka, Adelaide, Wellington, Tokyo, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane
European and Canadian cities have fallen significantly in the rankings, due to the impact of lockdowns. Vienna, previously the world‘s most liveable city, falls to twelfth.
Damascus remains the world‘s least liveable city, as the effects of the civil war in Syria continue to take their toll.
About the EIU Report
The Global Liveability Ranking is an annual assessment published by the London–based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), ranking 140 global cities for their urban quality of life based on assessments of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
The EIU also publishes a Worldwide Cost of Living Survey that compares the cost of living in a range of global cities.
WHO joins UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Background
World Health Organization has joined the UN decade on ecosystem restoration on the world environment day 5 June.
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-30
Following on from the 2011 - 2020 United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, the decade on Ecosystem Restoration was launched in June 2021.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world for the benefit of people and nature.
It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global goals.
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the UN Decade and it is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
The UN Decade is building a strong, broad-based global movement to ramp up restoration and put the world on track for a sustainable future. That will include building political momentum for restoration as well as thousands of initiatives on the ground.
Restoration could remove up to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
The Decade will accelerate existing global restoration goals, such as the Bonn Challenge, which aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Ecosystem Restoration
The UN defines ecosystem restoration as "the process of halting and reversing degradation, resulting in improved ecosystem services and recovered biodiversity".
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An existing degraded natural ecosystem (e.g. a forest) might be restored to a healthy natural ecosystem, e.g. by removing pollutants or restoring key megafauna, such as deer.
A degraded modified ecosystem (e.g. farmland) might be restored to a more functional modified ecosystems, perhaps by restoring hedgerows which can help improve soil quality.
Merapi: Most Active Volcano
Background
Indonesia's most active volcano Merapi erupted four times with lava flowing as far as 1,500 metres from the crater.
About the Volcano
Merapi, a steep stratovolcano north of Central Java's capital Yogyakarta, is Indonesia's most active volcano.
The 2,968-meter-high volcano is on densely populated Java island near the ancient city of Yogyakarta. It is the most active of dozens of Indonesian volcanoes and has repeatedly erupted recently.
It erupts on average every 5-10 years and is feared for its deadly pyroclastic flows - avalanches of hot rocks and gas that are generated when parts of new lava domes constructed during eruptions in the summit crater collapse.
It is in one of the world's most densely populated areas.
Merapi's last major eruption in 2010 killed 347 people.
Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped area along the edge of the ocean that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Indonesia has 127 active volcanoes and about 5 million people within the danger zones.
Marine Geohazards
Background
3-D seismic data can help apprehend precursors of marine geohazards from interactions between seabed & marine sediments.
About Marine Geohazards
Deep down in the ocean, marine sediments move over the base of the ocean, shaping the probability of geohazards.
Scientists have now used 3D seismic data to understand the interaction between bottom surface of marine sediments and the seafloor in the northern Taranaki basin offshore New Zealand. This can help apprehend the precursors of marine geohazards.
Marine geohazards take place when the seafloor is unstable and is not able to withstand the transport processes of marine sediments from landwards deep into the ocean bottom. In such a situation, placement of drilling rigs becomes hazardous due to instability of the seabed.
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The major marine geohazards are coastal erosion, seawater intrusion, earthquakes, submarine landslides, subsidence, tsunamis, natural gas hydrate dissociation, seabed sand waves, shallow gas, overpressure strata, gas chimneys, mud volcanoes and mud diapirism.
While understanding marine sediments' interaction during their flow over the seabed is crucial to detect triggers of marine hazards like landslides, associated morphological investigation is a very challenging task, and geophysical/seismic prospecting methods are essential for it.
―A safe ocean‖ is one of the six societal objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
World Sustainable Development Summit 2021
Background
World Sustainable Development Summit was organised on the eve of World Environment Day.
Theme of Summit
World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 was held under theme ―Redefining our common future: Safe & Secure Environment for All‖.
About the Summit
The Prime Minister emphasized on climate justice for fighting against climate change. Climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship- where growth comes with greater compassion to the poorest.
He also shared that India is making steady progress on its commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality. Sustainable development is incomplete without equitable access.
He highlighted that India achieved nearly hundred percent electrification. This reduced over thirty eight million tonnes carbon dioxide per year.
The Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over thirty four million house-holds with tap connections in just about 18 months.
Through the PM Ujjwala Yojna more than 80 million house-holds below poverty line have access to clean cooking fuel.
The Prime Minister drew attention of the participants on two aspects: Togetherness and Innovation. He said that sustainable development will only be achieved by collective efforts.
He mentioned about disaster management capabilities. As part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, India is working in this direction.
According to the Environment minister, availability of water is continuously declining and agriculture sector alone consumes 85 percent of available water. Thus, water conservation methods should be used in Agriculture to manage available water resources efficiently.
World Sustainable Development Summit
World Sustainable Development Summit is annual flagship event organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Summit brings together political leaders, Nobel laureates, decision-makers from bilateral & multilateral institutions, scientists & researchers and media personnel to discuss issues related to sustainable development.
Aim of the summit: World Sustainable Development Summit aims to provide long-term solutions to benefit of global community by assembling different stakeholders on single platform.
World Environment Day 2021
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World environment day is celebrated on June 5. It is a flagship day of United Nations to promote worldwide awareness and action on environment. This year, Pakistan is hosting the world environment day in partnership with UN Environment Programme (UNEP) under the theme ‗ecosystem restoration‘.
Mission Innovation CleanTech Exchange
Background
India has launched a global Initiative, Mission Innovation CleanTech Exchange, that aims to create a network of incubators across member countries to boost clean energy innovation.
About the Mission
Mission was launched virtually at ―Innovating to Net Zero Summit, 2021″ organised by Chile.
It will provide access to expertise and market insights that are required to support new technologies in order to access new markets across the world.
A total of 23 governments participated, out of which India launched new plans to prompt action and spearheaded decade of innovation so that it could navigate worldwide investment in clean energy research, development and demonstration.
The motive is to make clean energy affordable, attractive, and accessible throughout the decade, to escalate action towards the Paris Agreement and net-zero pathways.
Mission Innovation 2.0
Mission Innovation 2.0 is the Second phase of global initiative, launched along with Paris Agreement at UN climate conference 2015.
Member countries are responsible for over 90% of global public investment and collaboration so that, technologies can be provided to overcome toughest global climate challenge.
Half of global emissions reductions are required to achieve national and global climate targets by 2050, depending on technologies available today.
But available technologies are not sufficient, effective and affordable for utilise at large scales such as clean hydrogen, advanced battery storage and zero-emission fuels.
Thus, Mission innovation 2.0 will catalyse public-private action & investment through sector-specific missions. It will boost development of clean energy innovation.
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Keeling Curve
The Keeling Curve is a graph of the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere based on continuous measurements taken at the Mauna Loa Observatory on the island of Hawaii from 1958 to the present day.
The curve is named for the scientist Charles David Keeling, who started the monitoring program and supervised it until his death in 2005.
Keeling's measurements showed the first significant evidence of rapidly increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere.
Many scientists credit the Keeling curve with first bringing the world's attention to the current increase of CO2 in the atmosphere.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ICMR to start 4th National Sero Survey
Background
Indian Council of Medical Research‘s (ICMR) fourth round of sero survey to detect prevalence of Sars-CoV-2 , the virus that causes coronavirus disease (Covid-19), will begin in 70 districts across the country.
About Sero Survey
This will be the fourth serosurvey conducted by ICMR.
Children aged six years and above will be surveyed.
What does Sero Survey do o Sero survey is used to determine prevalence of coronavirus antibodies among
community. In the survey, blood samples are tested for presence of IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies.
o These antibodies determine a past coronavirus infection. IgG appear within two weeks of covid-19 infection. However, it is unclear how long antibodies detectably persist in body.
o Their presence indicates past exposure to virus and not its presence in the body. o This facility-oriented surveillance is expansion of testing of flu and serious respiratory
cases in hospitals which are being carried out by government.
Sero-survey is a more focused population-based survey of high and low -risk groups in select districts different then the routine testing. Sero survey helps government and its agencies to monitor Covid-19 trends and helps to check for community transmission.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.
The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Evolution: In 1911, the Government of India set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. It was redesignated the Indian Council of Medical
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Research (ICMR) in 1949, considerably expanded scope of functions.
Governing body: The governing body of the council is presided over by the Union Health Minister.
ICMR has established the Clinical Trials Registry - India, which is India's national registry for clinical trials.
ICMR research is carried out currently through the council's 30 permanent research institutes/centres.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research and The India State-Level Disease Burden Report is published under the auspices of the council.
Electricity from Carbon Nanotubes
Background
MIT engineers have discovered a new way of generating electricity using tiny carbon particles that can create a current simply by interacting with liquid surrounding them.
About the Process
The liquid, an organic solvent, draws electrons out of the particles, generating a current that could be used to drive chemical reactions or to power micro- or nanoscale robots.
These micro carbon particles can create current by interacting with liquid around them.
Liquid, an organic solvent, attracts electrons out of the nanoparticles, which generates current.
This current can be used to drive chemical reactions or to power micro or nanoscale robots.
This electric current can also be used to drive a reaction known as alcohol oxidation.
Current version of particles can generate about 0.7 volts of electricity per particle.
About Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
CNTs are tubes made of carbon having diameter in nanometres.
Carbon Nanotubes come in two principal forms, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multi-walled (MWCNT). A SWCNT is on the order of one nanometer, 50,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.
They are intermediate between two allotropes of carbon- fullerene cages and flat graphene.
Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
CNTs have unique properties that make them a vital foundation for advancing device performance because they:
o Behave as a semi-conductor or metal o Are stronger than steel, yet lighter than aluminum o Conduct heat most efficiently o Can easily be modified to tailor properties as an ―Ink‖
Due to their unique features, SWCNT form the basis for key electronic applications such as memory, semiconductor components and transparent conducting films for touch screens, displays, solar cells, sensors and other devices.
Carbon Nanotubes can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. The main applications of CNTs in pharmacy and medicine include drug, biomolecule, gene delivery to cells or organs, tissue regeneration, and biosensor diagnostics and analysis.
Carbon Nanotubes can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body as they are promising drug delivery platforms that can be functionalized with a variety of biomolecules, such as antibodies, proteins, or DNA. CNTs can be used as drug carriers to treat tumours.
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CAR-T Cell Therapy
Background
The clinical trial of an indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer treatment has begun at Mumbai‘s Tata Memorial Centre developed by researchers at IIT Bombay.
About the Therapy
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a way to get immune cells called T cells (a type of white blood cell) to fight cancer by changing them in the lab so they can find and destroy cancer cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is also sometimes talked about as a type of cell-based gene therapy, because it involves altering the genes inside T cells to help them attack the cancer.
How CAR T-cell therapy works
The immune system recognizes foreign substances in the body by finding proteins called antigens on the surface of those cells. Immune cells called T cells have their own proteins called receptors that attach to foreign antigens and help trigger other parts of the immune system to destroy the foreign substance.
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The relationship between antigens and immune receptors is like a lock and key. Just as a lock can only be opened with the right key, each foreign antigen has a unique immune receptor that is able to bind to it.
Cancer cells also have antigens, but if your immune cells don't have the right receptors, they can't attach to the antigens and help destroy the cancer cells.
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)
In CAR T-cell therapies, T cells are taken from the patient's blood and are changed in the lab by adding a gene for a man-made receptor (called a chimeric antigen receptor or CAR).
This helps them better identify specific cancer cell antigens. The CAR T cells are then given back to the patient.
Since different cancers have different antigens, each CAR is made for a specific cancer's antigen. For example, in certain kinds of leukemia or lymphoma, the cancer cells have an antigen called CD19.
The CAR T-cell therapies to treat these cancers are made to attach to the CD19 antigen and will not work for a cancer that does not have the CD19 antigen.
CAR T-cell therapy side effects
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): As CAR T cells multiply, they can release large amounts of chemicals called cytokines into the blood, which can ramp up the immune system.
Neurologic difficulties: Patients may also experience confusion, difficulty understanding language and speaking, or stupor.
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Emergence of SARS CoV-2 Variant
Background
Several mutants of the SARS CoV-2 virus have been reported in the past few months.
Mutation of Virus
All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, evolve over time.
When a virus replicates or makes copies of itself, it sometimes changes a little bit, which is normal for a virus. These changes are called ―mutations‖.
A virus with one or more new mutations is referred to as a ―variant‖ of the original virus.
When a virus is widely circulating in a population and causing many infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more it replicates – and the more opportunities it has to undergo changes.
Depending on where the changes are located in the virus‘s genetic material, mutations may affect a virus‘s properties, such as transmission (for example, it may spread more or less easily) or severity.
Changes or mutations in the virus generally do not make vaccines completely ineffective.
Stopping the spread at the source remains key to slow down mutations. Current measures to reduce transmission – including frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, physical distancing, good ventilation and avoiding crowded places or closed settings – continue to work against new variants by reducing the amount of viral transmission and therefore also reducing opportunities for the virus to mutate.
Mutation
Mutation means a change in the genetic sequence of the virus.
SARS-CoV-2 is an Ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, a mutation means a change in the sequence in which its molecules are arranged.
A mutation in an RNA virus often happens when the virus makes a mistake while it is making copies of itself.
H10N3 Bird Flu Detected In Humans
Background
China has reported the world's first human infection of the H10N3 bird flu strain.
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About the Disease
Infected birds shed avian flu in their saliva, mucus, and poop, and humans can get infected when enough of the virus gets in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled from infected droplets or dust.
H10N3 is a low pathogenic virus and the risk of it spreading on a large scale is very low.
Little is known about the virus, which appears to be rare in birds, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and does not cause severe disease.
Prevention for stop spreading of H1ON3: People should avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and avoid direct contact with live birds as much as possible and pay attention to food hygiene.
Avian Influenza or Bird Flu (H5N1)
Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals.
H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu. It‘s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier.
According to the World Health Organization, H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997.
Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.
Infected birds carry the virus in their digestive and respiratory tracts and spread it from their saliva, nasal secretions and droppings. Other birds become infected when they come into contact with those secretions, or any surface where they've been left.
Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn‘t transmit the bird flu.
There's no treatment. Once bird flu is identified as active, the entire flock must be culled.
Bird Flu in India
2021 started with an unprecedented bird flu epidemic that caused the death of thousands of wild and poultry birds in 10 states.
Mainly infection is caused by Influenza Type-A virus, primarily H5N1, which is considered a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) variant.
Centre asked state governments to follow the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza 2021.
India culled more than 83 lakh birds at 225 epicentres of bird flu across the country.
India has adopted a practice of building bio safety bubble around poultry farms to mitigate the chances of wild birds coming in close contact with reared birds.
Chinese ‗Artificial Sun‘ Experiment
Background
China‘s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as ‗Artificial Sun‘ experiment, has set a new record in the latest experiment, where it achieved a plasma temperature of 288 million degree Celsius, which is over ten times hotter than the sun.
About the Project
The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor is an advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device.
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The device features a series of magnetic coils designed to hold superheated streams of hydrogen plasma in place for long enough for the reactions to occur.
The Chinese "artificial sun" experiment is part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility, a global science project, which is going to be the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor when it becomes operational in 2035.
As many as 35 countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US
are jointly working on the project.
To harness nuclear fusion, achieving a plasma temperature above 100 million C is one of the key challenges.
In 2020, Korea's KSTAR reactor had set a record by maintaining a plasma
Mechanism
It replicates the nuclear fusion process carried out by the sun and stars.
For nuclear fusion to occur, tremendous heat and pressure are applied on hydrogen atoms so that they fuse together.
The nuclei of deuterium and tritium — both found in hydrogen — are made to fuse together to create a helium nucleus, a neutron along with a whole lot of energy.
Here, fuel is heated to temperatures of over 150 million degrees C so that it forms a hot plasma ―soup‖ of subatomic particles.
With the help of a strong magnetic field, the plasma is kept away from the walls of the reactor to ensure it does not cool down and lose its potential to generate large amounts of energy. The plasma is confined for long durations for fusion to take place.
Fusion vs. Fission
While fission is an easier process to carry out, it generates far more nuclear waste.
Unlike fission, fusion also does not emit greenhouse gases and is considered a safer process with lower risk of accidents.
Once mastered, nuclear fusion could potentially provide unlimited clean energy and very low costs.
Space plate Light Manipulation
Background
In a paper published in Nature Communications, researchers from the University of Ottawa have proposed a new optical element that could turn these ideas into reality by dramatically miniaturizing optical devices, potentially impacting many of the applications in our lives.
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About the Discovery
Light naturally ―spreads out‖ when it is traveling and every optical device we know of relies on this spread.
In every telescope there is a large gap between the eyepiece and the objective lens to give light room to spread.
A spaceplate simulates the same spreading that light would experience traveling a large distance in a small device.
A spaceplate can be used to miniaturize many optical systems.
It can help build smaller, lighter cameras with much better performance.
Thin and small cameras would be useful in a wide variety of applications, including in health care where camera pills or endoscopes could look inside arteries or the digestive system.
PASIPHAE Project
Background
Polar-Areas Stellar-Imaging in Polarisation High-Accuracy Experiment (PASIPHAE) is an international collaborative sky surveying project. Scientists aim to study the polarisation in the light coming from millions of stars.
About the Project
The name is inspired from Pasiphae, the daughter of Greek Sun God Helios, who was married to King Minos.
The survey will use two high-tech optical polarimeters to observe the northern and southern skies, simultaneously.
It will focus on capturing starlight polarisation of very faint stars that are so far away than polarisation signals from there have not been systematically studied.
The distances to these stars will be obtained from measurements of the GAIA satellite.
By combining these data, astronomers will perform a maiden magnetic field tomography mapping of the interstellar medium of very large areas of the sky using a novel polarimeter instrument known as WALOP (Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter).
Why is PASIPHAE important?
Since its birth about 14 billion years ago, the universe has been constantly expanding, as evidenced by the presence of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation which fills the universe.
Immediately after its birth, the universe went through a short inflationary phase during which it expanded at a very high rate, before it slowed down and reached the current rate.
However, so far, there have only been theories and indirect evidence of inflation associated with the early universe.
A definitive consequence of the inflationary phase is that a tiny fraction of the CMB radiation should have its imprints in the form of a specific kind of polarisation (known scientifically as B-mode signal).
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All previous attempts to detect this signal met with failure mainly due to the difficulty posed by our galaxy, the Milky Way, which emits copious amounts of polarised radiation.
Besides, it contains a lot of dust clouds that are present in the form of clusters. When starlight passes through these dust clouds, they get scattered and polarised.
The PASIPHAE survey will measure starlight polarisation over large areas of the sky.
This data along with GAIA distances to the stars will help create a 3-Dimensional model of the distribution of the dust and magnetic field structure of the galaxy. Such data can help remove the galactic polarised foreground light and enable astronomers to look for the elusive B-mode signal.
WALOP
Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter (WALOP) is an instrument, when mounted on two small optical telescopes, will be used to detect polarised light signals emerging from the stars along high galactic latitudes.
A WALOP each will be mounted on the ]Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece and on the South African Astronomical Observatory located in Sutherland.
The images will simultaneously have the finest of details of a star along with its panoramic background.
WALOP will operate on the principle that at any given time, the data from a portion of the sky under observation will be split into four different channels. Depending on the manner in which light passes through the four channels, the polarisation value from the star is obtained. That is, each star will have four corresponding images which when stitched together will help calculate the desired polarisation value of a star.
Why WALOP will be deployed on 1-metre class optical telescopes
A major limitation while using large optical telescopes is that they cover a relatively smaller area of the sky, defeating the overall purpose of PASIPHAE.
The 1-metre-class telescopes enable both larger fields of view of the sky combined with the minutest details of distant stars.
CHIME Telescope
Background
Scientists with the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) Collaboration, who include researchers at the Pune-based Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), have assembled the largest collection of fast radio bursts (FRBs) in the telescope‘s first FRB catalogue.
Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)
FRBs are oddly bright flashes of light, registering in the radio band of the electromagnetic spectrum, which blaze for a few milliseconds before vanishing without a trace.
These brief and mysterious beacons have been spotted in various and distant parts of the universe, as well as in our own galaxy.
Their origins are unknown and their appearance is highly unpredictable.
FRB is considered a rare thing in the field of radio astronomy, prior to the CHIME project, radio astronomers had only caught sight of around 140 bursts in their scopes since the first FRB was spotted in 2007.
Scientist have identified 18 FRB sources that burst repeatedly, while the rest appear to be one-off.
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The observation showed that repeaters looked different with each burst lasting slightly longer and emitting more focused radio-frequencies than burst from single, Non-Repeating FRBs.
Bright FRBs occur at the rate of the rate of about 800 per day across the entire sky and it is the most precious estimate of FRBs overall rate to date.
Scientist have found out that most of the burst are likely to originate from far-off source within distant galaxies. It might have been produced by extremely energetic sources.
It will help scientists to pin down exactly what kind of exotic phenomenon could generate such ultra-bright and ultra-fast signals.
Scientist plan to use burst and their dispersion estimates to map the distribution of gas throughout the Universe.
Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME)
CHIME is an interferometric radio telescope.
It is located in British Columbia, Canada.
It receives radio signals each day from half of the sky as the Earth rotates.
It consists of four massive cylindrical antennas consisting of 100 x 20 metre cylindrical parabolic reflectors with 1024 dual-polarization radio receivers suspended on support above them. It is the size and shape of snowboarding half pipes.
The antenna receives radio waves from hydrogen in space at frequencies in the 400-800 MHz range.
CHIME help to observe a large swathe of the sky round the clock and were able to detect FRBs at an unprecedented rates.
While most radio astronomy is done by swivelling a large dish to focus light from different parts of the sky, CHIME stares, motionless, at the sky, and focuses incoming signals using a correlator — a powerful digital signal processor that can work through huge amounts of data, at a rate of about seven terrabytes per second, equivalent to a few per cent of the world‘s Internet traffic.
Digital Signal Processing is what makes CHIME unique.
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is a research institution in India in the field of radio astronomy is located in Pune.
NCRA has an active research program in many areas of Astronomy and Astrophysics, which includes studies of the Sun, Interplanetary scintillations, pulsars, the Interstellar medium, Active galaxies and cosmology and particularly in the specialized field of Radio Astronomy and Radio instrumentation.
NCRA has set up the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), the world's largest telescope operating at meter wavelengths.
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EnVision mission to Venus
Background
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced that it has selected EnVision as its next orbiter that will visit Venus sometime in the 2030s.
About EnVision Mission
EnVision is an ESA led mission with contributions from NASA.
It is likely to be launched sometime in the 2030s.
The earliest launch opportunity for EnVision is 2031, followed by 2032 and 2033.
Once launched on an Ariane 6 rocket, the spacecraft will take about 15 months to reach Venus and will take 16 more months to achieve orbit circularisation.
Objective
To study the planet‘s atmosphere and surface, monitor trace gases in the atmosphere and analyse its surface composition. A radar provided by NASA will help to image and map the surface.
At the core of the ESA's mission is the question of how Earth and Venus evolved so differently from each other considering that they are roughly of the same size and composition
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Earlier Missions
EnVision will follow another ESA-led mission to Venus called ‗Venus Express‘ (2005-2014) that focussed on atmospheric research and pointed to volcanic hotspots on the planet‘s surface.
Other than this, Japan‘s Akatsuki spacecraft has also been studying the planet‘s atmosphere since 2015.
NASA Missions to Venus
Background
NASA has selected two missions to the planet Venus, Earth‘s nearest neighbour. The missions called DAVINCI+ and VERITAS have been selected based on their potential for scientific value and the feasibility of their development plans.
DAVINCI+
DAVINCI+ stands for ‗Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, & Imaging.‘
It will launch between 2028-2030.
It is the first US-led mission to the planet‘s atmosphere since 1978.
It will try to understand Venus‘ composition, will try to return the first high resolution photographs of a geological feature, tesserae, that is unique to Venus.
It will also measure the planet's atmosphere to gain insight into how it formed and evolved.
It will make observations and take measurements of noble gases and other elements.
It will determine whether Venus ever had an ocean.
VERITAS
VERITAS is- ‗Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, & Spectroscopy.‘
It will map the planet‘s surface to determine its geologic history.
This mission will map the planet's surface to understand its geological history and investigate how it developed so differently than Earth.
VERITAS will orbit Venus with a radar that will help to create a three dimensional reconstruction of its topography which might be able to tell scientists if processes such as plate tectonics and volcanism are still active there.
This mission will also map the emissions from Venus‘s surface that may help in determining the type of rocks that exist on Venus–a piece of information that is not exactly known yet.
It will also determine if active volcanoes are releasing water vapour into the atmosphere.
The missions called DAVINCl+ and VERITAS have been selected based on their potential for scientific value and the feasibility of their development plans.
These both missions aim to understand how Venus became an inferno-like world, capable of melting lead at the surface
NASA is expected to allot $500 million to each of these missions that will launch between 2028-2030.
Venus
Venus is the second-brightest object in the sky after the moon. It appears bright because of its thick cloud cover that reflects and scatters light.
Venus, which is the second closest planet to the Sun, is called the Earth‘s twin because of similar sizes, the two planets have significant differences between them.
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Mission on Venus
The first such spacecraft was the Soviet Union‘s Venera series. o NASA‘s Magellan Mission studied Venus from 1990-1994. o As of now, Japan‘s Akatsuki mission is studying the planet from Orbit. o ESA-led mission to Venus was called 'Venus Express' (2005-2014)
Future Mission on Venus: o EnVision Mission by ESA & NASA (2031-33): The mission will carry instruments to
study the Venus atmosphere and surface, to monitor trace gases in the atmosphere. The spacecraft will carry a range of instruments to study the planet's atmosphere and surface, monitor trace gases in the atmosphere and analyse its surface composition. A radar will help to image and map the surface.
o Shukrayaan-1: By ISRO (2023) o DAVINCI+ and VERITAS: By NASA (2028)
NASA to send animals to the International Space Station
Background
NASA has sent 128 glow-in-the-dark baby squids and tardigrades (also called water bears) to the International Space Station for research purposes.
About the Mission
The experiments are also aimed at better understanding how beneficial microbes interact with animals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in improving human health on Earth.
Water bears– tiny animals (around 1mm long) that can adapt to extreme conditions on Earth, including high pressure, temperature and radiation– would behave in a spaceflight environment.
Researchers will be able to study their hardiness close up, and possibly identify the genes that allow them to become so resilient.
Studying bobtail squid will allow scientists to understand interaction between animals and microbes in low gravity conditions. This is important for future human space flights.
International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station (habitable artificial satellite) in low Earth orbit.
It is a multinational collaborative project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
The International Space Station (ISS) is a multi-nation construction project that is the largest single structure humans ever put into space. Its main construction was completed between 1998 and 2011.
The station serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which scientific research is conducted.
The ISS circles the Earth in roughly 93 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day.
China Launches Meteorological Satellite
Background
China successfully launched meteorological satellite into planned orbit, which will be used in the fields of weather analysis, environmental and disaster monitoring. The satellite, Fengyun-4B (FY-4B), was launched by 'Long March-3B' rocket. The network will be able to conduct
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dynamic monitoring and tracking of a variety of disaster elements including floods, cold fronts, droughts, and sandstorms. Its observation range covers Asia, the central Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean regions.
Weather satellite
A weather satellite is a type of satellite that is primarily used to monitor the weather and climate of the Earth.
There are two types of weather satellites: polar orbiting and geostationary. Both satellite systems have unique characteristics and produce very different products.
The two polar orbiting satellites, in their north-south orbits, observe the same spot on the Earth twice daily, once during the daylight and once at night.
o Polar orbiting satellites provide imagery and atmospheric soundings of temperature and moisture data over the entire Earth.
o Geostationary satellites are in orbit 22,000 miles above the equator, spin at the same rate of the Earth and constantly focus on the same area. This enables the satellite to take a picture of the Earth, at the same location, every 30 minutes.
Meteorological satellites can also detect other phenomena such as city lights, fires, effects of pollution, auroras, sand and dust storms, snow cover, ice mapping, boundaries of ocean currents, and energy flows.
The State of Ransomware 2021 Report
Background
India tops ransomware attacks globally with 68% entities impacted according to a report by cybersecurity firm Sophos.
About the Report
About 67% of Indian organisations whose data was encrypted paid a ransom to get back their data–a slight increase on the previous year when 66% paid a ransom.
Indian entities were the most likely to pay a ransom of all countries surveyed: the global average was just under a third (32%).
The survey findings further stated that the total cost of recovery from a ransomware attack has more than doubled in a year to $1.85 million in 2021 globally.
Additionally, the findings revealed that of the organizations in India not hit by ransomware in the last 12 months, the overwhelming majority (86 per cent) expect to become a target.
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Examples such as the recent DearCry and Black Kingdom attacks show that attacks launched with low quality or hastily compiled code and techniques could make data recovery difficult, if not impossible.
68% of Indian organisations surveyed were hit by ransomware in the last 12 months, down from 82% the previous year.
67% of Indian organisations paid a ransom to get their data back, double the global average of 32%. However, entities in India that paid ransom got back on average only 75% of their data.
86% of Indian organisations believe cyberattacks are now too complex for their IT team to handle on their own, compared to a global average of 54%.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that employs encryption to hold a victim‘s information at ransom.
A user or organization‘s critical data is encrypted so that they cannot access files, databases, or applications.
A ransom is then demanded to provide access.
Ransomware is often designed to spread across a network and target database and file servers, and can thus quickly paralyze an entire organization.
Ransomware attacks are typically carried out using a Trojan disguised as a legitimate file that the user is tricked into downloading or opening. WannaCry worm travelled automatically between computers without user interaction.
Use of anonymous cryptocurrency for payment, such as bitcoin, makes it difficult to follow the money trail and track down criminals. Increasingly, cybercrime groups are devising ransomware schemes to make a quick profit.
Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS): Ransomware-as-a-service is a cybercrime economic model that allows malware developers to earn money for their creations without the need to distribute their threats. Non-technical criminals buy their wares and launch the infections, while paying the developers a percentage of their take. The developers run relatively few risks, and their customers do most of the work.
Defence against ransomware: o Secure Back up of data o Practice safe surfing o Only use secure networks o Implement a security awareness program
I-Familia
Background
The first of its kind, I-Familia is a global database for identifying missing persons based on international Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) kinship matching.
About I-Familia
It applies cutting-edge scientific research and uses the DNA of relatives to identify missing persons or unidentified human remains around the world.
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) unveiled this new global database to identify missing persons through family (DNA).
It has three components: a dedicated global database to host the DNA profiles provided by relatives; DNA matching software called Bonaparte and interpretation guidelines developed by Interpol.
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The driving principle behind I-Familia is humanitarian. Its aim is to reunite loved ones or to bring closure to cases and allow families to rebuild their lives.
INTERPOL (International Police)
It is an international organization facilitating international police cooperation against cross-border terrorism, traHicking, and other crime.
INTERPOL has 194 member countries, making it the world's largest police organization.
All decisions regarding the activities of INTERPOL are made by the General Assembly which is its's supreme governing body that meets annually.
Founded:1923
Headquarter: Lyon, France
CBI is the nodal agency cooperating with Interpol in India.
Operation Pangea XIV
Operation Pangea is an international effort of Interpol to disrupt the online sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines and medical products.
It is the largest operation since the first ‗Operation Pangea' conducted in 2008.
The current operation (14th) involved the police, customs and health regulatory authorities of 92 countries.
It was coordinated by Interpol, Indian agencies also participated in the operation
It resulted in 113,020 web links including websites and online marketplaces being closed down or removed
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the nodal body for Interpol in the country.
Significance:
It showed that criminals were continuing to cash in on the huge demand for personal protection and hygiene products due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The online sale of illicit medicines continues to pose a threat to public safety, that is why operations such as Pangea remain vital in combating this global health menace.
AmbiTAG
Background
The Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (Punjab) has developed a first-of-its-kind Internet of Things (IoT) device – AmbiTag.
About the Device
The AmbiTag records real-time ambient temperature during the transportation of perishable products, vaccines and even body organs and blood.
The recorded temperature further helps to know whether that particular item transported from anywhere in the world is still usable or perished because of temperature variation.
This information is particularly critical for vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, organs and blood transportation.
AmbiTag is a USB-shaped device that continuously records the temperature of its immediate surroundings in any time zone for a full 90 days on a single charge.
It generates an alert when the temperature goes beyond a pre-set limit.
The recorded data can be retrieved by connecting the USB with any computer.
The device will be made available to all companies involved in COVID vaccine transportation from production facilities to the last mile vaccination centres in the country.
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Internet of things
The Internet of things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects— "things"—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
Things have evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, real-time analytics, machine learning, ubiquitous computing, commodity sensors, and embedded systems.
IoT technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of the "smart home", including devices and appliances (such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems and cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers.
IoT can also make use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to aid in making data collecting processes easier and more dynamic.
New Plant species in Wagamon
Background
A new plant species belonging to the coffee family spotted in the Wagamon hills in Kerala has been named Argostemma quarantena to commemorate the millions who have died in the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Plant
A delicate herbaceous species from the family Rubiaceae, Argostemma quarantena was discovered along quick-flowing streams in an isolated Evergreen patch along the Idukki-Kottayam border.
This is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 3-7cm and is characterised by striking white flowers
Very sensitive to microclimatic changes, the plant is found in wet rocks in shaded, undisturbed habitats.
The species has been classified as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN standards as extensive field surveys are required to assign an appropriate category.
Naming of Species
Every recognized species on earth is given a two-part scientific name. This system is called binomial nomenclature or binary nomenclature.
These names are important because they allow people throughout the world to communicate unambiguously about animal species.
The first part of the name – the generic name – identifies the genus to which the species belongs, whereas the second part – the specific name or specific epithet – identifies the species within the genus. For example, modern humans belong to the genus Homo and within this genus to the species Homo sapiens.
The formal introduction of this system of naming species is credited to Carl Linnaeus.
The application of binomial nomenclature is governed by various internationally agreed codes of rules, as the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for animals and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp).
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