editorial note

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE

Prelims of UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2020 is approaching fast and many aspirants are in grip of dilemma linked withtheir success/failure, and thus feeling the trap of uncertainty. Always remember that fortune favours only the brave. Here, bravery is symbolised by relentless pursuit of right efforts with firm belief in one's capabilities and hence creating a path to success. On this note, let us see how success demands bravery within and in initiatives.

Success fills everybody's heart with a pleasant feeling. It Actually, mistakes teach us the right way. That is why it has denotes an exercise which one undertakes to carry out with been said, “We learn little from victory, we learn a lot from all intellectual and physical resources at one's command. If defeat.” History is replete with the account of great men you want to emerge successful, you will have to develop a who defied all odds to reach their destination. They did lot of self-confidence and perseverance, because attach importance to their failures and continued their success is not possible without painstaking efforts and efforts with renewed zeal with honest SWOT ANALYSIS. In doggedness to bear with all the failures that often precede a the end, all the obstructions disappeared, making way for significant achievement. their sure success.

All successful people irrespective of their areas of success If you strive for success, your personal interests should not worked day in, day out to turn their thoughts into reality. It meddle with your thoughts. Your interests will act as a was their spirit to accept challenges which helped them roadblock to the plan you have laid out to focus all your make a mark. The sky was the only limit so far as their will to attention to. Success in every task is very simple, if excel was concerned. They did not allow any impediment to everything is allowed to go according to the plan i.e. timely bog them down. They stood firm in every adverse situation. completion of the syllabus, proper revisions, regular They believedin success and it came to them as a matter of practice tests for getting increased familiarity with nature course. of questions asked in the examinations. In other words, success is not as difficult as it appears to everyone on the You should, therefore, treat success as your only goal. Start surface. If you do the right thing at the right time, success is your work with resolve and do not yield to odds that definitely yours. accompany every important assignment. If you need, think that success is not your purpose. Make it a passion. All that you need to be successful, to attain your goal is to Getting passionate about success will keep you energised; face the challenge with courage and determination. If you you will never feel like giving up your efforts. Initial setbacks are brave enough to defy every obstruction, you can will come to you as lessons and you will get prepared to certainly emerge successful. avoid those mistakes which did not produce any fruits. focus CRITICAL NOTES FOR THE PREPARATION OF GENERAL STUDIES PAPERS

Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) : Dear Students, Mr. V.P. Gupta Chief Executive Officer : Abhishek Gupta FOCUS is the Study Circle's monthly publication of contemporary issues Executive Editor : Ritesh Kumar Singh and current affairs analysis. It is in fact a collective effort, by experienced Editorial Team : Ritesh Kumar Singh, Gajanan Dwivedi, educators in varied themes, of identifying current affairs in light of the Naweed Akhter, Sanjeev Kumar Pandey, Jasmine Sokhi, M Burhanuddin, Vrinda Gupta, Mangal Singh, Nagendra UPSC syllabus, supplementing them with background information, Pratap, Pradip Singh, Basava Uppin, Shubhangi Sharma, explaining their related dimensions, lending them a generalist viewpoint Jaikrit Vatsal, Michael Suren, Preeti Kaushik, Pallavi Sarda, Arun Bhardwaj, Vaibhav Mishra, Sagar Chourasia, Faizan and thus producing critical notes for the preparation of General Studies' Design and Production : Rohit Rajput, Deepti Gupta, syllabus. Khurshid Alam The purpose of Focus is to expound the applied nature of The publication, as the name suggests, focuses solely on issues which are General Studies to Civil Services aspirants thereby making relevant to the factual as well as applied aspects of the General Studies' them aware of the real demand of UPSC exam. syllabus. That is how Focus covers all anticipated issues and themes for the The sources relied for selection and analysis of issues are: 1. The Hindu, The Hindu (Sunday) upcoming Civil Services Examination (CSE). 2. The Indian Express 3. The Times of India Features 4. Asian Age 5. The Tribune Part One | Current Affairs Analysis 6. The Economic Times 7. Hindu Business Line n This month edition covers analysis of news from the 8. Frontline immediately preceding month. 9. Economic and Political Weekly 10. IDSA n All news/issues are categorized and clubbed syllabus-wise 11. BBC (International Relations, Polity & Governance, Science & Technology, 12. Yojana 13. Kurukshetra Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude and so on) for efficient study. 14. Down to Earth n Background information has been added to provide context. n Related and Additional information-dimensions have been explained to add depth to your understanding. n Maps and figures have been provided for associative and retentive learning. HEAD OFFICE & NEW DELHI CAMPUS n 309, Kanchanjunga Building, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Practice Questions Place, New Delhi-110 001 Tel : 011 – 4078 6050, 23317293, 23318135/36, 23738906/07 Part Two | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude BENGALURU CAMPUS n 2nd Floor, AKS Plaza, 10 Industrial Layout, Coverage from varied sources Jyoti Niwas College (JNC) Road, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru – 560 095 (Karnataka) Tel : 080 – 255 35536/ 37/ 38/ 39, 9916035536 Part Three | Essays for you n JAIPUR CAMPUS Selected essays from Rau's GSI students 3rd Floor, UDB Corporate Tower (Nawal Tower), A-1. J.L.N. Marg, Near Fortis Hospital, Jaipur – 302017 Tel : 0141 – 4106050/57, 2722050 For further understanding or discussion in any topic, please consult your respective professors. email : [email protected]

website : www.rauias.com Good Luck! connect : www.facebook.com/rausias RAU'S IAS STUDY CIRCLE NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED, IN ANY FORM OR MANNER OR BY ANY MEANS - ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPY OR OTHERWISE, OR STORED IN ANY RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OF ANY NATURE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER, RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE CONTENTS

Part One EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES # Guidelines 18 Current Affairs Analysis SC ON RESERVATION FOR TRIBAL TEACHERS # Reservation #Fifth Schedule #Article 371D 19 02 AAROGYA SETU APP # Rights #Privacy 22 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DOMICILE LIST OF JAMMU & KASHMIR # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main) # Governance 24 W.B.-IMF: DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING SALARY CUT OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT #International Organisation 02 # MPLADS 25 G-20 & COVID-19 COURT HEARINGS THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING #International Summit 03 # E-Governance 26 SAARC 2.0 & COVID-19 CHANGING ROLE OF STATE & GOVERNANCE AMID & POST #Regional Organisation 04 COVID-19 INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND INDONESIA # Governance 28 #Multilateral Relationship 05 DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE BOARD INDIA AND MALDIVES # Committee 29 #Bilateral Relationship 07 PCA AND DEEMED UNIVERSITIES IUSSTF # Judgement 30 #Bilateral Relationship 07 USCIRF U.S. & WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) # Religious Freedom 31 #International Organisation 07 GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX, 2019 CHINA & SOUTH CHINA SEA # Report 32 #Geopolitics 09 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 35 IS GLOBAL ORDER CRUMBLING? #Geopolitics 10 INDIA AND CHINA 37 #Bilateral Relationship 11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT USA AND IRAN # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) #Geopolitics 12 FISCAL EMPOWERMENT OF THE STATES: NEED OF THE HOUR PRACTICE QUESTIONS 13 #Government Policies 37 RBI’s 2nd ECONOMIC PACKAGE TO DEAL WITH COVID-19 14 #Monetary Policy 39 INCREASE IN WMA TO STATES CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE #Monetary Policy 41

# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main) GOLD-BASED ETF SAFEGUARDING HEALTH PRACTITIONERS #Finance 42 # Epidemic Control #Governance 14 SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CODE #Finance 43 # Labour Reforms 15

i CIRCUIT BREAKER BIOROCK TECHNOLOGY #Govt Policies 43 #Science #Environment 69 WHAT’S WRONG WITH GOVERNMENT’s PACKAGE FOR COVID-19? DESALINATION TECHNOLOGY #Govt Policies 44 #Science #Environment 70 FINANCING COVID-19 PANDEMIC THROUGH GDP-LINKED BONDS ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA) #Govt Policies 45 #Science #Environment 73 RECENT CHANGES IN FDI POLICY COLOURFUL NAMES OF MOON #Govt Policies 47 #Natural Satellite 73 FAULT LINES IN THE ECONOMIC LIBERALISATION MERGER OF BLACK HOLES # LPG Reforms 49 #Space 74 INTERNATIONAL MONETARY AND FINANCIAL COMMITTEE (IMFC) WOMEN IN SCIENCE # International Institutions 50 #Science #Gender Empowerment 75 MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT BRIEF: A REPORT PRACTICE QUESTIONS 76 #International Reports 50 SOUTH ASIA ECONOMIC FOCUS REPORT 77 #International Reports 51 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 52 GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY &

DISASTER MANAGEMENT 54 # GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III(Main) SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WETLANDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE #Biodiversity #Ecology 77 # GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main) CLIMATE CHANGE AND INDIA ONE NATION ONE RATION CARD #Climate Change 79 # Food Security # Social Justice 54 BEES UNDERSTANDING LAWS ON RAPE AND SEXUAL CRIMES #Conservation 81 #Legislation #Social Justice 55 HIMALAYAN IBEX PROTECTION OF TRIBALS #Conservation 82 #Social Justice # Empowerment 57 GREY WATE4R RECYCLING ELDERLY ISSUES #Water Conservation 83 #Social Issue #Empowerment 59 ELEPHANT CONSERVATION SOCIAL AUDIT #Conservation 84 #Governance #Non-state actor participation 61 MAPS FOR PRELIMS 86 TELEMEDICINE GUIDELINES, 2020 India’s Physical Map 86 #E-Health 62 Biosphere Reserve – National Park – Wildlife Sanctuary Map 87 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 63 National Highways Map 88

River System MAP 89 64 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 92

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 94 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) A BRIEF ON CORONAVIRUS HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE

#Health #Epidemic 64 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main) PLASMA THERAPY AND COVID-19 PAHARI PAINTING STYLE #Health 65 #Art and Culture 94 BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY GAMOSA #Science #Cryptocurrency 67 #Art and Culture 94

ii THRISSUR POORAM FESTIVAL Part TWO #Art and Culture 95 MERU JATRA FESTIVAL Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude #Art and Culture 96 WORLD HERITAGE DAY

#Art and Culture 96 107

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 98 ETHICAL MEDIA #Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude 108 Code of Ethics 112 99 CASE STUDIES for Practice SECURITY MAINS GS PAPER IV 115 # GS Paper III (Main) OPCW Part Three # International Organisation 99 BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION Essays of the month # Disarmament 99 DEFENCE EQUIPMENTS SALES TO INDIA

# Defence #Bilateral Relations 100 117 ‘KILO’ SUBMARINES ESSAY 1: TECHNOLOGY CANNOT REPLACE MANPOWER # Naval Defence Equipment 100 # Science APCERT SUBMITTED BY: AKASH BHAIRAV GUPTA (RAU’S DELHI # Cyber Security 101 STUDENT) 118 ZOOM ESSAY 2: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS A PANACEA FOR THE # Cyber Security 101 GROWTH AND SECURITY OF THE NATION CYBER FRAUDS # Science # Cyber Security 102 SUBMITTED BY: FRANKLIN BRITTO (RAU’S DELHI STUDENT) 119 OPERATION NAMASTE ESSAY 3: ROLE OF OPPOSITION IN A DEMOCRACY # Health 103 # Legislature 121 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 103 ESSAY 4: RIGHT CONDUCT OF A CIVIL SERVANT IS AN

ENABLER FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE 104 # Governance 124

MISCELLANEOUS CHUNI GOSWAMI #Football #Personality 104 GLOSSARY # Terms 104 INSIGHT: EDUCATION AND LITERACY # Things to ponder 105 ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY TEACHERS # Books to read 106

iii

Part ONE

Current affairs analysis

logical .simple .targeted analysis & explanation of all relevant news of the month

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)

GLOBAL SCENARIO AMID COVID-19

NOTE: Amid COVID-19, there are emerging scenarios of cooperation, possibility of coming together, contention and doubt. Let us see some of them below:-

[SCENARIO 1: COOPERATION] items on the agenda included update on World Bank Group’s Response to the COVID-19 Emergency and the Covid-19 Debt Initiative: International Call for Action in Support of IDA W.B.-IMF: DEVELOPMENT Countries. COMMITTEE MEETING As responsible citizens of the global community, India is supplying critical medicines to the needy countries and will #International Organisation continue to do so. India commended the speedy response and efficiency of the World Bank Group in rolling out the Fast Track COVID-19 Response Facility. IN NEWS ABOUT WORLD BANK GROUP Finance Minister attended the Development Committee The World Bank Group consists of five organizations: Meeting of the World Bank-IMF through video conference. The

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International Relations

1. The International Bank for Reconstruction and • The Fund's mandate was updated in 2012 to include all Development (IBRD)lends to governments of middle- macroeconomic and financial sector issues that bear on income and creditworthy low-income countries. global stability.

2. The International Development Association (IDA) • Quota subscriptions are a central component of the IMF’s provides interest-free loans — called credits — and financial resources. Each member country of the IMF is grants to governments of the poorest countries. assigned a quota, based broadly on its relative position in

Together, IBRD and IDA make up the World Bank. the world economy. • 3. The International Finance Corporation (IFC)is the largest While quota subscriptions of member countries are the global development institution focused exclusively on the IMF's main source of financing, the Fund can supplement private sector. It helps developing countries achieve its quota resources through borrowing if it believes that sustainable growth by financing investment, mobilizing they might fall short of members' needs. capital in international financial markets, and providing • The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) is an international advisory services to businesses and governments. reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement its

4. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) member countries’ official reserves. was created in 1988 to promote foreign direct • Unlike the General Assembly of the United Nations, where investment into developing countries to support each country has one vote, decision making at the IMF economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people’s was designed to reflect the relative positions of its lives. MIGA fulfils this mandate by offering political risk member countries in the global economy.

insurance (guarantees) to investors and lenders. 5. The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) provides international facilities for G-20 & COVID-19 conciliation and arbitration of investment disputes. #International Summit The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its five institutions share a commitment for reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable IN NEWS development. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) cooperation. It gathers the leaders of the largest economies of the world to discuss financial and socioeconomic issues. The • Created in 1945, the IMF is governed by and accountable present Presidency of G20 is with Saudi Arabia.Recently, the to the 189 countries that make up its near-global Saudi King hosted a video-conference of the leaders of G-20 to membership. discuss the coronavirus pandemic. • The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of ABOUT G20 exchange rates and international payments that enables • G20 being the premier forum for international economic countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. cooperation brings together the leaders of both developed • It does so in three ways: and developing countries from every continent.Collectively, G20 members represent around 1. keeping track of the global economy and the economies of 80% of the world’s economic output, two-thirds of global member countries; population and three-quarters of international trade. 2. lending to countries with balance of payments difficulties; Throughout the year, representatives from G20 countries and gather to discuss financial and socioeconomic issues.

3. giving practical help to members. • As of 2017 there are 20 members of the group: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union,

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International Relations

France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, India’s stand: India asked for a rethinking in the way we Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the define globalization: “The world needs to “redefine” its United Kingdom, and the United States. conversations on globalisation to include social and humanitarian issues like terrorism, climate change and • So, it includes 19 members and 1 group (EU). pandemics along with financial and economic discussions.” • Background: It originated in 1999 at the level of Finance

Ministers and Central Bank Governors, the G20 gathered for high-level discussions on macro-financial issues. In the [SCENARIO 2: POSSIBILITY OF COMING wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the G20 was elevated to include the leaders of member countries. The TOGETHER] first G20 Leaders’ Summit took place in Washington D.C. in November 2008. Consequently, the G20 agenda expanded beyond macro-financial issues, to include socio- SAARC 2.0 & COVID-19 economic and development issues. #Regional Organisation • It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization. WHO REPRESENTS THESE STATES? IN NEWS

• The governments and central bank governors from 19 SAARC has been dormant for several years due to regional countries and the European Union (EU). tensions (mainly India-Pakistan), it is worth stressing that the fight against COVID-19 has brought few positive developments • So, two set of representations exist: Governments and as well. Central Banks. WHAT SHOWS THAT SAARC IS BEGINNING TO • Also, since 2008, apart from heads of government or heads of state, finance ministers and foreign ministers, BECOME ACTIVE? have periodically conferred at summits ever since. • An informal call from Prime Minister of India.

OUTCOME OF THE RECENT MEETING • A tweet by Prime Minister resulted in the first-ever virtual Financial Support: The G20 countries committed to inject summit of SAARC leaders on March 15. more than $5 trillion into the global economy, and contribute • A video conference of senior trade officials, inviting all to the World Health Organisation (WHO) led COVID-19 SAARC countries, was held on 8 April 2020 to discuss the solidarity response fund. impact of travel restrictions and the larger Covid-19 The final statement: G20 is committed to do whatever it situation on intra-regional trade. takes to overcome the pandemic, along with the World • At the video conference of SAARC Health Ministers on Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund COVID-19 hosted by Pakistan on 23 April 2020, India was (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), United Nations (UN), and represented by Director General of Health Services, other international organizations, working within their assisted by experts from All India Institute of Medical existing mandates. G20 determined to spare no effort, both Sciences, New Delhi and Indian Council of Medical individually and collectively, to: Research. Most SAARC countries were represented at the  Protect lives. official level.  Safeguard people’s jobs and incomes. • India’s initiative got positive response (both in terms idea  Restore confidence, preserve financial stability, revive and finances). Second, India’s proposal to launch a COVID- growth and recover stronger. 19 Emergency Fund was given positive reception.

 Minimize disruptions to trade and global supply chains. • Further, quick operationalization of Fund with India in  Provide help to all countries in need of assistance. leadership position with its initial contribution of $10  Coordinate on public health and financial measures. million.

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International Relations

• India has received requests for medical equipment, was stretching much of the world’s governmental capacity. He medicines and other supplies from Bhutan, Nepal, called for greater cooperation, especially among India, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Many Australia and Indonesia. requests have already been accepted and action has been GEOPOLITICAL IMPORTANCE taken, whereas others are under implementation. CHALLENGES FACED BY SAARC

• Indo-Pak rivalry - SAARC has been hostage to India - Pakistan conflict, whereby India is unwilling to engage with Pakistan till it ends or makes serious attempts cross- border terrorism. SAARC Region is also one of the most terror prone regions of the world with frequent tensions and unrest within the member countries as well as amongst the members. • China factor- China is trying to establish relations with the member states of SAARC excluding India. For e.g. China has started CPEC with Pakistan, Hambatota project with Sri Lanka, FTA with Maldives and railroad pact with Nepal. • • Low inter region trade - While organizations like ASEAN Indonesia lies at the crossroads between the Indian and record a trade of 20%, SAARC's trade figures are a dismal the Pacific Oceans, while India flanks the Indian Ocean and low at about 3%. South Asia free trade agreement (SAFTA) Australia lies between the Indian and the South Pacific proposed for boosting intra- regional trade still remains on Oceans. paper and is not functional. • In essence, Indonesia, India, and Australia strategically • Absence of cooperation on major initiatives for example anchor the Indo-Pacific in the middle, northwest, and – Pak’s non-cooperation on motor vehicle agreement. southeast. • South Asian region faces several other issues such as • Stronger cooperation and alignment between the three pollution, poverty, unemployment, rapid unorganized countries could boost regional stability and provide urbanization, refugees, political instability, corruption and strategic benefits for all three states. several communicable and non-communicable disease INDIA’S INDO-PACIFIC VISION outbreaks.India’s imaginative diplomacy has leveraged the crisis to create a new mechanism for workable • India views the Indo-Pacific as a geographic and strategic cooperation. It will become stronger if the crisis deepens expanse, with the ASEAN connecting the two great oceans. and if member-states see advantages in working together. • To promote its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, Seven of the eight members already do. India launched the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

• Moreover, its “Act East Policy” is similarly geared towards INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND deepening economic engagement with Southeast Asia and broader cooperation with East Asia and the Pacific Island INDONESIA countries.

#Multilateral Relationship • In the last ASEAN Summit, India proposed an “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” for the safety, security and stability of the maritime domain. The respective proposals are: IN NEWS  “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” - India

Australian High Commissioner said that India and Australia  “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific”- Indonesia would face common challenges in the Indo-Pacific as COVID-19

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International Relations

 White papers to ensure a “secure, open and prosperous INDIA AND AUSTRALIA (AREAS OF CONVERGENCE) Indo–Pacific” -Australia • Strategic Research Fund for $100 million- 10th anniversary INDIA AND INDONESIA (AREAS OF CONVERGENCE) of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF), a • Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime boundary program which has built strong and productive research with Indonesia. partnerships between the two countries.

• G-20, Non alignment movement and East Asia Summit. • Uranium supply

• China’s expansionism • A joint naval exercise called AUSINDEX

• FTA signed with ASEAN • Joint military exercise dubbed “AUSTRA HIND”.

• World’s largest democracies • India - “front rank” of Australia’s international partnerships, • Palm oils- Indonesia is also likely to see increased palm oil “on par with the US, Japan, Indonesia, and China”. exports to India as a result of the India’s ban on palm oil • Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) from Malaysia following a spat between the two countries • Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) over Malaysia's then-Prime Minister Dr Mahathir under discussion Mohammad's criticism of India's actions in Kashmir and a • new citizenship law. China's expansion COMMON AREAS OF CONVERGENCE

• India, Indonesia and Australia are engaged in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

• India, Indonesia and Australia share common concerns over issues such as maritime security, trade and cyber security and believe in democratic values and open economies.

• The impetus for "Trilateral Dialogue on Indian Ocean" (TDIO) comes not merely from a shared geography but from TDIO invigoration of a hitherto underexploited • Sabang port- Indonesia has agreed to give India economic institutional mechanism: the Indian Ocean Rim Association and military access to the strategic island of Sabang at the for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). northern tip of Sumatra. Sabang, also known as Weh • At some point, the sum of the parts could well add up to island, is located 710 km southeast of the Andaman something larger. That is the promise of the Australia- Islands and less than 500 km from the entrance of the India-Indonesia trilateral and of the TDIO initiative. Malacca Strait, through which almost 40% of India’s trade • In conclusion, geopolitical weight is now moving to the passes. Indo-Pacific from the North Pacific. Many countries in Asia • Need: India is developing its maiden deep-sea port in are now simultaneously strengthening, shifting geopolitical Indonesia's Sabang, not far from the Andaman and goalposts. Chinese assertiveness and lack of confidence in Nicobar Islands, amid China's attempts to have a greater American leadership are also creating significant say in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). disruptions in the world order. Given this context, The port will be key to India's Indo-Pacific strategy. cooperation between countries with converging interests The port will give India better access to the South East remains a sensible strategy in diplomacy. Asian markets and provide a strategic hedge at a time China is increasing its presence in the Strait of Malacca

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International Relations

INDIA AND MALDIVES IN NEWS The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), has #Bilateral Relationship invited Proposals for ‘COVID-19 Indo-U.S. Virtual Networks’ that would allow Indian and U.S. scientists and engineers currently engaged in COVID-related research to carry out joint research activities through a virtual mechanism, leveraging existing IN NEWS infrastructure and funding. Indian Air Force has launched `Operation Sanjeevani’ to • Global challenges like COVID 19 call for global deliver 6.2 million tonnes of essential medicines to Maldives. collaborations and partnerships, bringing together the • With the help of the Indian Army, medicines were lifted best and brightest minds to work together to find solutions from different airports across the country including — not only to address the current pandemic but also for the New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Madurai and then were challenges that lie ahead. flown to the Maldives. • The IUSSFT is boosting such collaborations for this specific • Medicines including influenza vaccines, anti-viral drugs purpose in keeping with the core mandate to catalyse such as Lopinavir and Ritonavir (these two medicines are collaborative initiatives across both countries. being used in other countries to treat COVID-19 ) have gone to the Maldives. ABOUT INDO-U.S. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM (IUSSTF) • Earlier, India has despatched a medical team along with • essential medicines to help the island nation fight the The IUSSTF was established under an agreement between COVID outbreak. the Governments of India and the United States of America in March 2000. • India has also supplied essential food grains and edibles • despite logistical challenges in wake of lockdown. It is an autonomous bilateral organization jointly funded by both the Governments that promotes Science, ROLE OF THE INDIAN IN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN Technology, Engineering, and Innovation through THE MALDIVES substantive interaction among government, academia, and • The Indian Armed Forces have helped the government of industry.

the neighbouring Maldives in the neutralization of the • The Department of Science and Technology, Governments 1988 coup attempt. of India, and the U.S. Department of State are respective • It has also helped the country after the 2004 tsunami, and nodal departments.

has also supplied drinking water when `Operation Neer’ was launched in 2014.

• The two Advanced Light Helicopters given by India to the [SCENARIO 3: CONTENTION] armed forces of that country have been used in saving Maldivian lives. U.S. & WORLD HEALTH • In the first-ever video conference with the SAARC leaders, India announced $ 10 million for the SAARC COVID -19 ORGANISATION (WHO) Emergency Fund. #International Organisation

IUSSTF IN NEWS

#Bilateral Relationship Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak, the United States has stopped its funding to World Health Organization (WHO). U.S. President has presented the freezing of funding to the WHO as a direct

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International Relations response to what he claims was its slow reaction in raising the existing diseases such as malaria and polio and promotes alarm over the global threat from the coronavirus and being global public health. too “China-centric” in its response. While its role on emerging diseases is most familiar in the ABOUT WHO developed world with its more resilient healthcare systems, its practical involvement is far more marked in the global south, where it has been working to expand basic healthcare, support vaccination and sustain weak and often stressed health systems through its emergencies programmes. Its 2018-9 budget was $4.8bn, which became $5.7bn when emergencies were included.

World Health Assembly: The apex decision-making body for WHO is the World Health Assembly whose main function is to determine the policies of the Organization. • The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized The WHO has regional headquarters in Africa, North and agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Eastern authority on international public health. Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific.

• Established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Success: In the 70 years since its founding, the WHO has had Organization, which was an agency of the League of its share of successes: it helped eradicate smallpox, reduced Nations. polio cases by 99%, and has been on the front lines of the • It is a member of the United Nations Development battle against outbreaks like Ebola. Group and its headquarters is located at Geneva. More recently, it is helping countries battle the dengue • It is stated in the constitution of the WHO that its objective outbreak in South and Southeast Asia, providing local clinics “is the attainment by all people of the highest possible and health ministries with training, equipment, financial aid level of health”. and community resources. WHAT IS THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION’S FUNDING OF WHO REMIT? • The WHO is funded by several sources: international

• The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded as the organizations, private donors, member states, and its UN global health body in 1948 in the aftermath of the parent organization, the UN. second world war with a mandate to promote global • There are four major kinds of contributions that make up health, protect against infectious disease and to serve the the funds of WHO. It includes assessed contribution, vulnerable. It was inspired by the international sanitary voluntary contribution, core voluntary contributions and conferences of the 19th century set up to combat PIP contributions. communicable diseases such as cholera, yellow fever and 1. The Assessed contributions are the amounts that are plague. expected to be paid by member states. • Its current programme envisages expanding universal 2. The Voluntary contributions are funds provided by healthcare to a billion more people, protecting another countries through private organizations. billion from health emergencies and providing a further 3. The Core voluntary contributions are those funds that billion people with better health and wellbeing. require immediate financing. WHAT DOES THAT INVOLVE? 4. The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework In practical terms, the underfunded WHO acts as a clearing contributions are Pandemic Influenza Preparedness that house for investigation, data and technical were begun in 2011 to strengthen access of vaccines by recommendations on emerging disease threats such as the developing countries. coronavirus and Ebola. It also supports eradication of

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International Relations

• Among all the contributions, voluntary contributions make IN NEWS up most of the funding. There is growing contestation that China has started flexing its Note: PIP Framework The PIP Framework brings together muscle in the disputed South China Sea amidst the COVID 19 Member States, industry, other stakeholders and WHO to crisis the region in facing. China has backed its expansive implement a global approach to pandemic influenza claims with island-building and naval patrols. preparedness and response. Its key goals include: to improve The US says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, but and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands, pandemic potential; and to increase the access of developing calling them "freedom of navigation" operations to ensure countries to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies. access to key shipping and air routes. The Framework was developed by Member States. It came Both sides have accused each other of "militarising" the into effect on 24 May 2011 when it was unanimously adopted South China Sea. There are fears that the area is becoming a by the Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly (2011). flashpoint, with potentially serious global consequences. RELATED INFORMATION: WHO AND INDIA Recently Vietnam has also alleged that China has deployed India became a party to the WHO on 12 January military assets in the disputed region and also been 1948.Regional office for South East Asia is located in New conducting military drill in which a Vietnamese fishermen Delhi. boat has been capsized in Paracel Island. Smallpox: In 1967, the WHO launched the Intensified GEOPOLITICS OF SOUTH CHINA SEA Smallpox Eradication Programme.With a coordinated effort Why is South China Sea (SCS) considered so important? of Indian government with the World Health Organization The SCS is a busy international waterway, being one of the (WHO), smallpox was eradicated in 1977. main arteries of the global economy and trade. More than $5 Polio: India began the battle against the disease in response trillion of world trade ships pass through the SCS every year. to the WHO’s 1988 Global Polio Eradication Initiative with The SCS is also resource rich, with numerous offshore oil and financial and technical help from World Bank. gas blocks. Polio Campaign-2012: The Indian Government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contributed to almost universal awareness of the need to vaccinate all children under five against polio.As a result, India was removed from the list of endemic countries in 2014.

The WHO Country Cooperation Strategy – India (2012- 2017) has been jointly developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and the WHO Country Office for India (WCO).

CHINA & SOUTH CHINA SEA

#Geopolitics

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International Relations

DISPUTED [SCENARIO 4: DOUBT ABOUT GLOBAL CLAIMANT COUNTRY ISLANDS ORDER] Senkaku Island China & Japan

Spartly Island China & Philippines; Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei too claim parts of the island IS GLOBAL ORDER Chain CRUMBLING? Scarborough China & Philippines #Geopolitics Shoal (Scenario of Cooperation or Contention) Parcel Island China and Vietnam

So what is the dispute about? There are a few hundred small islands in the SCS, a part of the Pacific Ocean. Some of IN NEWS the main ones are Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands and Assessment of the current global governance revealed by the Scarborough Shoal — the bone of contention between China COVID 19 pandemic explores the possible unprecedented and the Philippines. China claims most of these islands as its changes the world order will undergo to emerge with new own. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan political and social realities in the aftermath.. have rival claims. China has said it will not permit other WHAT ARE STRUCTURAL FLAWS FLAGGED? nations to infringe on what it considers its sovereign rights in the strategically vital area. 1. Failure of global institutional structures: The current system of global governance is a remnant of World War II Although largely uninhabited, the Paracels and the Spratlys days like UNSC. The UNSC has failed to deal with the global may have reserves of natural resources around them. There pandemic any measure owing to the difference of opinion has been little detailed exploration of the area, so estimates over the source of virus among the veto-yielding members are largely extrapolated from the mineral wealth of US and China. In fact, China which is the head of the neighbouring areas. Council currently has even said that UNSC is not an ideal When did China start taking this position on SCS? China platform to deal with the pandemic. Thus, the UNSC has laid claim to the SCS back in 1947. It demarcated its claims failed to pass resolution for international solidarity. with a U-shaped line made up of eleven dashes on a map, 2. Failure of regional institutions: The regional institutions covering most of the area. The Communist Party, which took haven’t fared any better as it has been difficult to reach over in 1949, removed the Gulf of Tonkin portion in 1953, any consensus in actions.For instance, India’s effort to erasing two of the dashes to make it a Nine-Dash Line. revive SAARC by establishing the 10 Million SAARC (Note: Nine-Dash Line is shown in red colour in the image Emergency Response Fund has not taken off owing to cold given above). response from Pakistan. The European Union has failed to Stand of U.S.: The United States and other countries like achieve any substantial outcomes with members resorting India contend that the South China Sea is international water, to closing of borders and thus lack of regional and sovereignty in the area should be determined by the coordination. United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS). 3. Failure of Globalisation: The neoliberal globalization has UNCLOS states that countries can’t claim sovereignty over failed to withstand the shocks of the pandemic as the any land masses that are submerged at high tide, or that world is headed towards a protracted phase of recession. were previously submerged but have been raised above high According to WTO the global trade will shrink by 32% by tide level by construction. 2021 and this will have serious hit on global growth

number.

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International Relations

LIKELY CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW GLOBAL ORDER 3. New forms of discrimination: With growing protectionist tendencies, new forms of discrimination will emerge 1. Hyper nationalism: According to experts, we are headed against migrants and refugees. for a poorer, meaner, and smaller world where there will be more support for protectionist tendencies driven by 4. Changing face of trade: The world will see more stringent hyper nationalism. imposition of phytosanitary measures by advanced states on products emanating from the less developed countries. 2. Return of Licence Raj: The failure of big corporations to effectively deal with the pandemic and after effects will 5. China-dominated world order: Given the manufacturing increase the ‘role of the state’ which might lead to return prowess China will emerge as the new leader of global of the licence raj. This might also lead to emergence of world order which will be dominated by Chinese surveillance state that will also get popular support. framework of institutions like BRI

Other News

INDIA AND CHINA COMPETITION India and China are the world's most populous countries. #Bilateral Relationship They are also the fastest growing economies in the world. They are considered to be major drivers of world's GDP growth. Further, since, both India and China share common IN NEWS neighbourhood, they are bound to be areas of competition.

st th • On 1 April 2020, India and China celebrated their 70 Economic Competition anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. The • Indian Ocean Region relationship between India and China is quite dynamic and • Engagement with neighbourhood shaped by a number of internal and external forces. • Engagement in Indo-Pacific Region There are certain areas of convergences and similarly there CONFLICT are certain areas of divergences. Due to such overlapping interests (be it convergence or divergence), relationship There are a number of divergences between India and China between two countries can be analysed in terms of 3 C's- which emerge as areas of conflict. These areas of conflict Cooperation, Conflict and Competition. could be either due to bilateral reasons or involvement of third country ( for example, China's support to Pakistan or COOPERATION USA's Support to India) Both India and China are developing Economies and hence • Border Dispute have number of interests that are specific to developing • countries. These convergences can be related to reform to CPEC Corridor Global Governance architecture, Climate Change talks, • China's support to Pakistan Evolving security situation in Indian sub-continent etc. • US Support to India • Reform of Global Governance Architecture • India's membership to International Organisations • Climate Change Talks Taking into account 3 C's of Indo-China relationship, it can be • WTO Trade Negotiation said that China's strategy towards India is "Strategy of • Volatile Security Situation in Afghanistan Neutralisation". This strategy has 2 facets:

• Common membership of International Platforms 1. Preventing India from pursuing Anti-China Policies-

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International Relations

• Engagement in Vietnam: India has postponed the • It has asserted that such launches therefore violate a UN exploration of Oil Block granted by Vietnam in South China Security Council resolution, which calls upon Iran not to Sea due to Chinese pressure. "undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles

• Naval Exercises: India had planned to include Australia in designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons". the annual Malabar Naval Exercises. Presently, the naval • According to U.S. officials, Iran’s pursuit of developing exercise includes the navies of India, Japan and USA. satellite technology is a cover for ballistic missile activity. However, due to Chinese pressure, India did not extend IRAN’S STAND invitation to Australia to join Naval Exercise • Iran has denied those assertions and has said that Iran is • India's membership to QUAD: China was opposed to not working toward a nuclear weapons program. Iran India's inclusion in the QUAD security dialogue which denies that the aim of its space programme is to pursue included USA, Japan and Australia. India initially rejected to ICBM technology. be part of QUAD. But later, it decided to join this grouping • According to Iran, it has not violated UN resolution on its in spite of Chinese concerns. ballistic missile program as the resolution only calls upon it 2. China follows Anti-India Policies- to not conduct missile tests (not satellite tests). • Involvement in CPEC BACKGROUND • Opposition to India's membership to UNSC, NSG etc. • Tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared • Support to Pakistan after Trump’s withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) brokered by the Obama administration. USA AND IRAN • The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions on Iran that #Geopolitics crippled its economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities. IN NEWS • And while Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy has Iran has launched its first military satellite called Noor crippled Iran’s economy, slashing its oil exports, Tehran (meaning light) into orbit. The Satellite was launched by Iran's has said it will not negotiate with Washington while Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC, which sanctions are in place. operates its own military infrastructure in parallel to Iran’s • The relationship took another perilous turn when the U.S. regular armed forces, is a hard-line force answerable only to conducted a deadly strike on Iran’s top military Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. commander killing Gen. QasemSoleimani, a key figure in It was launched using ‘Ghased’ or “Messenger” satellite Iranian and Middle East politics. launcher. It described the system as using both liquid and solid • On the heels of Soleimani’s death, Iran launched at least a fuel (The system was previously unheard of). dozen missiles from its territory at two military bases in Despite the fact that Iran has been one of the worst-affected Iraq that house U.S. troops and coalition forces. in terms of the Covid-19 cases, it has been engaged in serious • Trump said that Iran appeared “to be standing down” and strategic competition heightening the tensions in the region. warned Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. He then This test has further increased tensions between US and Iran. urged other world powers to break away from the Obama- US ALLEGATION era nuclear agreement with Iran and work out a new deal. • The U.S. administration has warned that the technology used to launch satellites could help Iran develop Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

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International Relations practice questions MCQs

Q1. Which of the following organizations is a part of (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only World bank? (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) IBRD (b) MIGA (c) IFC (d) All of the above Q4. Which of the countries is/are part of G-20? 1. Sri Lanka 2. Pakistan Q2. Where is Parcel Islands located? 3. South Korea 4. Mexico (a) Indian Ocean (b) Atlantic Ocean Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) Pacific Ocean (d) South China Sea (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 3 only Q3. Which of the following is/are the observer states of Indian Ocean Commission? Q5. Which of the following sequences correctly 1. Madagascar represents the order of countries from left to right? 2. India (a) Iraq-Iran-Afghanistan (b) Iran-Afghanistan-Iraq 3. Seychelles (c) Afghanistan-Iraq-Iran (d) Iraq-Afghanistan-Iran Select the correct answer from the code given below:

descriptive Questions

Q1. There is growing perception that post COVID-19 crisis, the world would see the beginning of new world order. Discuss.

Q2. In light of recent COVID-19 outbreak, discuss the emergence of SAARC as a tool of mutual trust and cooperation in Indian subcontinent.

Q3. Geopolitical weight is now moving from North Pacific to the Indo-Pacific. Comment.

Answers to above MCQs: 1(a), 2(d), 3(b), 4(c), 5(a)

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CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)

SAFEGUARDING HEALTH IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS • The Ordinance provides for making such acts of violence PRACTITIONERS cognizable and non-bailable offences and for compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or # Epidemic Control #Governance for causing damage or loss to the property in which healthcare service personnel may have a direct interest in relation to the epidemic. IN NEWS • The Ordinance is intended to ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero President of India has promulgated an ordinance under Article tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare 123 of the Indian Constitution to amend the Epidemic Diseases service personnel and damage to property. Accordingly, Act, 1897 to include protections for healthcare personnels the ordinance has defined “Act of Violence.” combating epidemic diseases and expands the powers of the central government to prevent the spread of such diseases.  Cognizable OffenceCognizable Offence has been defined under Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC). Cognizable NEED FOR THE AMENDMENT offence means a case in which a police officer may • During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there have been arrest without warrant.Cognizable offences are usually instances where members of healthcare services being offences which are serious in nature like murder, rape, targeted and attacked by miscreants, thereby obstructing dowry death, kidnapping etc. them from doing their duties.  Non-bailable Offence: Non-bailable offence has also • They have unfortunately become the most vulnerable been defined under (Cr.PC). When a person is accused of victims as they have been perceived by some as carriers of non-bailable offence, then in such case, bail can only be the virus. This has led to cases of their stigmatization and granted by the Court and not by an officer. Application ostracization and sometimes worse acts of unwarranted for bail has to be made in Court in such cases of non- violence and harassment. Such a situation tends to bailable offence. hamper the medical community from performing their  Act of Violence: An ‘act of violence’ includes any of the duties to their optimum best and maintaining their morale, following acts committed against a healthcare service which is a critical need in this hour of national health crisis. personnel- (i) harassment impacting living or working • The existing state laws did not have such a wide sweep conditions; (ii) harm, injury, hurt, or danger to life; (iii) and ambit. In this context, the Union Cabinet has approved obstruction in discharge of his duties; and (iv) loss or promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic damage to the property or documents of the healthcare Diseases Act, 1897 to protect healthcare service service personnel. personnel and property including their living/working

premises against violence during epidemics.

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance PENAL PROVISIONS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS • Whoever commits act of violence against health care service personnel, shall be punished with imprisonment CODE for a term not less than 3 months but may extend to 5 years along with fine. The fine shall not be less than Rs. # Labour Reforms 50,000 and may extend upto Rs. 2 lakhs.

• Whoever, while committing act of violence against healthcare service personnel, cause grievous hurt (defined under Section 320 of IPC), shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 6 IN NEWS months but which may extend upto 7 years with fine. The The Parliamentary Committee on Labour in its report on the fine shall not be less than Rs. 1 lakh but may extend upto Industrial Relations Code, 2019 has recommended that in case Rs. 5 lakhs. of natural calamities, payment of wages to the workers until COMPENSATION the re-establishment of the industry may be unjustifiable. The Committee Chairman mentioned that the ongoing COVID-19 • Persons convicted of offences under the Ordinance will crisis can be counted as one such natural calamity. also be liable to pay compensation to the healthcare service personnel whom they have hurt. Such BACKGROUND compensation will be determined by the Court. As per the recommendations of the 2ndNational • If the convicted person fails to pay the compensation, the Commission on Labour, Ministry of Labour & Employment amount will be recovered as an arrear of land revenue has taken steps for simplification, amalgamation and under the Revenue Recovery Act, 1890. rationalization of Central Labour Laws and replacing them with 4 Labour Codes CENTRE EMPOWERED TO TAKE CERTAIN MEASURES 1. Code on Wages, • Looking at the interventions required during the current Covid-19 outbreak, the Central Government has been 2. Code on Industrial Relations, given a concurrent role with the State Governments to 3. Code on Social Security & Welfare and

take any measures that may be needed to prevent the 4. Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working outbreak of an epidemic or the spread thereof. Conditions. • In addition, the scope of inspection of vessels arriving or • Accordingly, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime leaving the country has been enlarged to include road, rail, Minister has given its approval for introduction of the sea and air vessels. Industrial Relations Code, 2019 in the Parliament.

POWERS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT • The Draft Code on Industrial Relations has been prepared • The Act specifies that the central government may after amalgamating, simplifying and rationalizing the regulate: (i) the inspection of any ship or vessel leaving or relevant provisions of following three Central Labour Acts: arriving at any port, and (ii) the detention of any person  The Trade Unions Act, 1926; intending to travel from the port, during an outbreak.  The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; • The Ordinance expands the powers of the central  The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. government to regulate the inspection of any bus, train, goods vehicle, ship, vessel, or aircraft leaving or arriving at So, to understand the impact of the report of Parliamentary any land port, port or aerodrome. Committee, let us first of all understand important highlights about the Industrial Relations Code with respect to lay-offs of • Further, the central government may regulate the workers, retrenchment and compensation provided to the detention of any person intending to travel by these workers in case of lay-off or retrenchment. means.

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

 IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE days during which he is so laid-off, except for such weekly holidays in between. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CODE, 2019 • Condition – If a worker who has not completed 1 year of AIMS & OBJECTIVES service, is laid-off by the employer for more than 45 days, The Code aims to consolidate and amend the laws relating to then compensation shall not be payable in respect of any Trade Unions, conditions of employment in industrial period of the lay-off after the expiry of the first 45 days, if establishment or undertaking, investigation and settlement of there is an agreement between the employer and worker. industrial disputes. SECTION 69 – WORKERS NOT ENTITLED FOR IMPORTANT TERMS COMPENSATION IN CERTAIN CASE

• Retrenchment - means the termination by the employer • No compensation shall be paid to a worker who has been of the service of a worker for any reason other than as a laid-off – punishment inflicted by way of disciplinary action.  if he refuses to accept any alternative employment in the Retrenchment does not include – same establishment from which he has been laid-off.  voluntary retirement of the worker;  if he refuses to accept any alternative employment in any  retirement of the worker on reaching the age of other establishment belonging to the same employer superannuation as per the contract; situated in the same town or village or situated within a  termination of service of the worker due to non-renewal of radius of 8 kilometres from the establishment to which he contract on its expiry of employment between the belongs. employer and the worker;  if, in the opinion of the employer, such alternative  termination of service of the worker as a result of employment does not call for any special skill or previous completion of tenure of fixed term employment. experience and can be done by the worker.

• Lay-off - means failure, refusal or inability of an employer  if he does not present himself for work at the to give employment to a worker whose name is borne on establishment at the appointed time during normal the muster rolls of his industrial establishment and who working hours at least once a day. has not been retrenched on account of shortage of coal,  if such laying-off is due to a strike or slowing-down of power or raw materials or the accumulation of stocks or production on the part of workers in another part of the the break-down of machinery or natural calamity or for establishment. any other connected reason. SECTION 70 – CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO • Lock-out - means the temporary closing of a place of RETRENCHMENT OF WORKERS employment, or the suspension of work, or the refusal by • No worker employed in any industry who has been in an employer to continue to employ any number of continuous service for not less than one year under an persons employed by him. employer shall be retrenched by that employer until – SECTION 67 - RIGHTS OF WORKERS LAID OFF FOR  the worker has been given 1 months’ notice in writing COMPENSATION indicating the reasons for retrenchment. • When a worker  at the time of retrenchment, the worker has been paid  whose name is borneon the muster rolls of an industrial compensation which shall be equivalent to 15 days' establishment and average pay, for every completed year of continuous  who has completed 1 year of continuous service has been service or any part thereof in excess of six months. laid off then - he shall be paid by the employer 50 per cent SECTION 73 – COMPENSATION TO WORKERS IN CASE compensation of the total of the basic wages and dearness OF TRANSFER OF ESTABLISHMENT allowance that would have been payable to him for all

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

Where the ownership or management of an establishment is shall not be deemed to be closed down on account of transferred to a new employer, then every worker who has unavoidable circumstances beyond the control of the been in continuous service for not less than 1 year in that employer. establishment immediately before such transfer shall be  REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE entitled to notice and compensation as per Section 70 as if the worker had been retrenched. • The Industrial Code makes it incumbent upon the employer to pay 50 per cent wages to the SECTION 74 – 60 DAYS’ NOTICE TO BE GIVEN OF workers/employees who are laid off due to a shortage of INTENTION TO CLOSE DOWN ANY UNDERTAKING power, coal, raw material and such instances for 45 days. • An employer who intends to close down an undertaking • However, the committee has expressed reservation on shall serve, at least 60 days before the date on which the payment of the prescribed percentage of wages to the intended closure is to become effective, a notice to the workers in the event of closure of an establishment due to workers of such close down. “natural calamity”. • The notice must state clearly the reason for close down. • As per the report, payment of wages to the workers until • This provision shall not apply to – the re-establishment of the industry may be unjustifiable  an industrial establishment in which less than fifty workers in case of natural calamities like earthquake, flood, super are employed or were employed on any day in the cyclone etc. which often result in closure of establishments preceding 12 months, for a considerably longer period without the employer’s fault.  an industrial establishment set up for the construction of • buildings, bridges, roads, canals, dams or for other The Committee has suggested that there must be clarity construction work or project. on this part and employers who are not responsible for closure of industry or lay off of workers because of natural • However, if the government so thinks that owing to calamity are not penalised or disadvantaged in case of exceptional circumstances such as accident in the such calamity of high proportion. industrial establishment or death of the employer or an • extraordinary situation such as natural calamities, then 60 The Final Report has been accepted by the Speaker of Lok days’ notice need not be given to the workers. Sabha. SECTION 75 – COMPENSATION TO WORKERS IN CASE  IMPACT OF THE REPORT

OF CLOSING DOWN OF UNDERTAKINGS • Certain members of the opposition have already criticised • Where the undertaking is closed down on account of the report especially during the financially stressing time unavoidable circumstances beyond the control of the of COVID-19 outbreak. It is the workers of industries which employer, the compensation to be paid to the worker shall will be impacted the most if they are retrenched by their not exceed his average pay for three months. employer without due compensation.

• An industrial establishment which is closed down by • If the Report is implemented by the government, it will reason merely of – result in job loss in huge proportion and survival for such workers in these financially distressing times without due  financial difficulties including financial losses; or help from the state and central government will become  accumulation of un-disposed stocks, or difficult.  the expiry of the period of the lease or license granted to • Most of the workers are migrants from small towns and it, or villages. Without work or pay, these workers will be forced  in case where the undertaking is engaged in mining to migrate back to their native places. This might prove operations, exhaustion of the minerals in the area in which disastrous in the present circumstances both from the operations are carried on perspective of law and order situation and health impact.

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

• The country is already witnessing revolts from the worker’s • Construction activities in rural areas to include water class in different cities in Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra etc. supply and sanitation, laying of power transmission lines Thus, the government must be in situation to prepare and laying of telecom optical fiber and cable along with themselves in case another wave of migration back to the related activities. native place by marginal workers and daily wage earners MINOR FOREST PRODUCE start taking place across cities in India. • It is an important source of livelihood and provides both • So, the government must come up with a relief package subsistence and cash income for people who live in or for such workers who will be retrenched or has not been near forests. The term Minor Forest Produce has been paid compensation from industries in case of their closure defined under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional or non-working condition due to COVID-19 calamity for Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. quite some time. • Minor forest produce includes all non-timber forest

produce of plant origin including bamboo, brush wood, stumps, cane, tussar, cocoons, honey, wax, lac, tendu or EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN kendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots, tubers ACTIVITIES and the like. • The Act allows traditional forest dwellers and forest # Guidelines dwelling Scheduled Tribes right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of minor forest produce which has been traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries.

IMPORTANCE OF MINOR FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) IN NEWS • The Minor Forest Produces provide both subsistence and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an order to exempt cash income for people who live in or near forests. They certain activities regarding Minor Forest Produce, Plantations, form a major portion of their food, fruits, medicines and NBFCs, Cooperative Credit Societies and Construction in Rural other consumption items and also provide cash income Areas from Lockdown Restrictions to fight COVID-19. Let us go through sale. through the exemption list and also understand about Minor • It is a major source of livelihood for tribals who belong to Forest Produce and latest developments regarding TRIFED, the poorest of the poor section of society. The Minor Tech for Tribal Programme and Pradhan Mantri Van Forest Produce has significant economic and social value DhanYojana. for the forest dwellers. The following activities have been exempted from • Most forest dwellers depend on minor forest produce for restrictions imposed due to spread of COVID-19 as per food, shelter, medicines and cash income. It is important the directives of Ministry of Home Affairs: for them for food, shelter medicines and cash income • Collection, harvesting and processing of Minor Forest besides providing critical subsistence during the lean Produce (MFP)/ Non-timber Forest Produce (NTFP) by seasons, particularly for primitive tribal groups such as Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers in forest areas. hunter gatherers, and the landless. • Bamboo, coconut, arecanut, cocoa, spices plantations and • The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation their harvesting, processing, packaging, sale and of India (TRIFED) helps in selling the minor forest produce marketing. of traditional forest dwellers and STs living nearby forest • Non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) including land. Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and Micro Finance TRIFED Companies (NBFC--MFIs), with bare minimum staff. • The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation • Cooperative Credit Societies. of India (TRIFED) came into existence in 1987. It is a

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

national-level apex organization functioning under the at each stage and to convert the tribal wisdom into a viable administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. economic activity.

• The objective of TRIFED is socio-economic development • The idea is to set-up tribal community owned Minor Forest of tribal people in the country by way of marketing Produce (MFP)-centric multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas development of the tribal products. Kendras (the Kendra) in predominantly tribal districts.

• The activity of TRIFED is divided into two categories –

1. Minor Forest Produce Development and

2. Retail Marketing Development. SC ON RESERVATION FOR • The approach of marketing development of tribal products TRIBAL TEACHERS envisages TRIFED’s role as a facilitator and service provider. # Reservation #Fifth Schedule

• TRIFED empowers tribal people with knowledge, tools and #Article 371D pool of information so that they can undertake their operations in a more systematic and scientific manner. IN NEWS • It involves capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization, formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and In January 2000, Governor of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh had imparting training to them for undertaking a particular approved 100 per cent quota to candidates belonging to activity, exploring marketing possibilities in national as well Scheduled Tribes in scheduled areas for the post of teacher in as international markets, creating opportunities for the former state under Paragraph 5(1) of 5th Schedule of the marketing tribal products on a sustainable basis, creating a Indian Constitution. This order of the Governor has been set brand and providing other services. aside and declared as constitutionally invalid by Five Judge Constitution Bench of Supreme Court in the case of • TRIFED has recently launched “Tech for Tribals” program ChebroluLeela Prasad Rao & Others v State of Andhra Pradesh in partnership with Institutes of National Importance (INIs) & Others. In this analysis, let us go through the questions to develop Tribal entrepreneurship. Tech for Tribals is an raised in the Supreme Court and the subsequent judgment by initiative of TRIFED supported by Ministry of Micro Small the Constitution Bench. and Medium Enterprises. SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT TECH FOR TRIBALS &PRADHAN MANTRI VAN DHANYOJANA  100 per cent Reservation forST in scheduled area arbitrary and unconstitutional. • The programme was launched in March, 2020. It aims at  capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship 100 per cent reservation is in violation of IndraSawhney skills to tribal forest produce gatherers enrolled under the Judgment. Pradhan Mantri Van DhanYojana (PMVDY). The trainees  Governor’s power under Schedule V cannot override will undergo a 30 days program over six weeks comprising Presidential Orders under Article 371D

120 sessions.  Governor’s power under Schedule 5 cannot override • Pradhan Mantri Van DhanYojana (PMVDY) is a Market Fundamental Rights Linked Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program uestions raised before the upreme ourt of ndia for forming clusters of tribal SHGs and strengthening Q S C I them into Tribal Producer Companies. 1. What is the scope of paragraph 5(1), Schedule V to the • PMVDY is an initiative targeting livelihood generation for Constitution of India? tribals by harnessing the wealth of forest i.e. Van Dhan. (a) Does the provision empower the Governor to make a new The programme aims to tap into traditional knowledge & law?

skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT to upgrade it (b) Does the power extend to subordinate legislation?

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

(c) Can the exercise of the power conferred therein override of Andhra Pradesh is ultra vires (beyond legal power) to fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III? Para 5(1) of Schedule V of the Constitution.

(d) Does the exercise of such power override any parallel • The power granted to Governor under Para 5(1) of exercise of power by the President under Article 371D? Schedule V is restricted to modification or providing 2. Whether 100% reservation is permissible under the certain exception in applying act of state legislature or Constitution? Parliament but does not allows Governor for subordinate legislation. So, under Para 5(1) of Schedule V, Governor 3. Whether the notification merely contemplates a cannot amend any rule or propose any changes in the classification under Article 16(1) and not reservation rules already framed under any of the legislations of the under Article 16(4)? state. 4. Whether the conditions of eligibility (i.e., origin and cut-off date) to avail the benefit of reservation in the notification ►Exercise of Executive Power of State in Scheduled Areas are reasonable?" • The State can exercise executive power in schedule areas  JUDGMENT OF SUPREME COURT but is subject to the provisions of Vth Schedule. Para 3 of Vth Schedule provides for continuous interplay between

1. ROLE OF GOVERNOR UNDER PARA 5 of FIFTH the Governor and the President. SCHEDULE • Para 3 of Vth Schedule - The Governor has to send report about the administration of Scheduled Areas to the • The Fifth Schedule finds reference in Article 244 of the President annually or whenever the President so requires. Constitution which deals with administration of scheduled The Union government in exercise of its executive power areas and tribal areas. can issue directions to the state as to the administration of • Article 244 - The provisions of the Fifth Schedule shall apply scheduled areas. to the administration and control of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State other than the States of Assam, ►Can Governor while exercising power under Para 5(1) of Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Vth Schedule Override Fundamental Right? • • The purpose of Para 5 of Schedule V is to establish and Para 5(1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution starts wit egalitarian society and to ensure socio-economic h anon-obstante clause – “Notwithstanding anything in empowerment of Scheduled Tribes. this constitution…” The Court held that this cannot mean

• Para 5 of Schedule V - Governor by public notification that Governor has power to go outside the limitations can direct the following: imposed on amending powers and such power must be in synchronization with foundational principles and basic  That any particular Act of Parliament or of State Legislature structure of the constitution. shall not apply to a Scheduled Area or any part of Scheduled Area in the State; or • Thus, the Court held that power of the Governor under Para 5 of Fifth Schedule does not supersede or override  That any particular Act of Parliament or of State Legislature the fundamental rights guaranteed under PART III as the shall apply to a Scheduled Area or any part of Scheduled power granted is not arbitrary. Area in the State and the Governor can specify any modification or exception regarding implementation of • The Supreme Court also held that every action of any law made by Parliament or State Legislature. Parliament and State Legislature has to confirm with the rights guaranteed in PART III of the Constitution.  Governor is empowered to issue notification giving it retrospective effect. ►Does the exercise of such power by Governor under Para 5 of Fifth Schedule override any parallel exercise of • The Governor is not authorised to enact a new Act under power by the President under Article 371D? the provisions contained in Para 5 (1) of Schedule V of the Constitution. Thus, the notification issued by the Governor

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• Article 371D - special provisions with respect to the • The Governor in the exercise of the power conferred by State of Andhra Pradesh or State of Telangana - Para 5(1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution cannot President through an order for the two states may provide provide a 100% reservation to any community. for equitable opportunities and facilities for the people in • The Court held that by providing 100 percent reservation matters of public employment, education or any other to the scheduled tribes has deprived the Scheduled Castes area. and Other Backward Classes also of their due • Article 371D requires state government of Andhra and representation. The action is thus unreasonable and Telangana to reorganize class or classes of posts into arbitrary and violative of provisions of Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 15 (Right against discrimination) and different local cadres for different parts of the state on the Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public order of the President. employment) of the Indian Constitution. • Thus, the main question to be considered was whether Violation of IndraSawhney Judgment: Supreme Court also there is any conflict between Presidential Order under held that the decision of Governor violated IndraSawhney Article 371D and Order of Governor under Para 5 of Fifth Judgment which mandated that reservations should not Schedule of the Constitution. extend beyond 50 per cent. • Considering the geographical disparity in public Impacts other Scheduled Tribes not resident in the employment, Article 371D was inserted in the Scheduled Areas: The total percentage of reservation Constitution, providing candidates from certain provided for Scheduled Tribes in the State is 6 per cent. By districts/zones to form the local cadre for different posts providing 100 percent reservation in the scheduled areas, the for different part of the states. rights of the tribals, who are not residents of the scheduled • In this case, Presidential Order under Article 371D was areas, shall also be adversely affected. issued in 1975 prior to the Governor’s proclamation. ►Ignores Merit President’s proclamation provided district/zone for local • The Court noted that the population in the scheduled cadre whereas, the Governor had reserved all the posts of areas not only includes scheduled tribes but also open teachers in the Scheduled Areas for Scheduled Tribe category, scheduled castes, and other scheduled tribes candidates. settled after 26.1.1950 and they are not covered in the • The Supreme Court held that Governor is competent to notification. So, such notification allowing 100 per cent issue order under Para 5 of Fifth Schedule which is not reservation only to Scheduled Tribes ignores merit in conflict with the Presidential Order. In this case, altogether. Governor issued the proclamation when another • Such reservation will weaken the educational proclamation issued by President was already in force in infrastructure and the merit and the standard of education entire state. imparted in the schools.

• The Court further held that 100 per cent reservation • Educational development of students cannot be made only should not have been provided as it violated Presidential by a particular class of teachers appointed by providing Order. reservation, ignoring merit in altogether. The ideal approach would be that teachers are selected based on 2. WHETHER 100% RESERVATION IS merit. PERMISSIBLE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION? 3. WHETHER THE NOTIFICATION MERELY ►Unreasonable, Arbitrary and Discriminatory CONTEMPLATES A CLASSIFICATION UNDER • The Supreme Court held that the order was not only ARTICLE 16(1) AND NOT RESERVATION UNDER unreasonable and arbitrary but also discriminated against ARTICLE 16(4)? candidates belonging to general category, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Class. • Governor’s notification under Para 5 of Fifth Schedule cannot be treated as classification under Article 16(1).

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Once the reservation has been provided to Scheduled GOVERNMENT TAKING HELP OF TECHNOLOGY TO Tribes under Article 16(4), no such power can be exercised FIGHT CORONA VIRUS under Article 16(1). • To meet the extra ordinary situation created due to COVID- • The Court also held that Governor’s notification is violative 19 Pandemic, the government has invoked use of of Article 14 and 16(4) of the Indian Constitution. technology at three levels:

4. WHETHER THE CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY  First, in creating a list of persons suspected to be infected (i.e. ORIGIN AND CUT-OFF DATE) TO AVAIL THE with COVID-19; BENEFIT OF RESERVATION IN THE  Second, in deploying geo-fencing and drone imagery to NOTIFICATION IS REASONABLE? monitor compliance by quarantined individuals; and  Third, through the use of contact-tracing smartphone ►Against other community settled in the area after 26th applications, such as AarogyaSetu App. January, 1950 In order to understand the security concerns, first of all, let us • The government order requires a candidate or the parents go through the important highlights of Right to Privacy to reside in the area continuously since 26th January, 1950. Judgment of Supreme Court of India. • This overlooks rights of other people who have resided in RIGHT TO PRIVACY & RESTRICTIONS the area decades later. Such order of the Governor is discriminatory and imposes restrictions which were not • Supreme Court in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) vs even provided in the Presidential Order under Article 371D Union Of India has ruled Right to Privacy as an integral of Indian Constitution with respect to residential or part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty as guaranteed educational requirements. under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

• The condition above deprives the scheduled tribes who • The Court held that these rights are recognised by the are permanent residents of the areas and have settled Constitution as inhering in each individual as an intrinsic after the said cut-off date. Thus, the classification created and inseparable part of the human element which dwells is illegal, unreasonable, and arbitrary. within.

• It defeats the rights of other similar tribes who might have • However, right to privacy is not absolute and state can settled after 26th January 1950 in the area taken care of in make law to restrict right to privacy. the Presidential Order under Article 371­D. • A law on invasion of life or personal liberty must meet the three-fold requirement of - 1. Legality, which postulates the existence of law i.e. state AAROGYA SETU APP action must have a legislative mandate. 2. Need, defined in terms of a legitimate state aim i.e. there # Rights #Privacy must be a legitimate state purpose.

3. Proportionality which ensures a rational nexus between the objects and the means adopted to achieve them.

IN NEWS • This judgment forced the government to change its view Government in order to fight the deadly corona virus is taking on privacy of citizens. This was further helped by Judgment help of technology. However, concerns have been raised in Aadhaar as it prohibited authentication of Aadhaar regarding data security and right to privacy especially with the details by private organisations including tele- way AarogyaSetu App has been developed to fight corona communication companies and other corporates. virus. Let us understand the privacy concerns and its impact (eg.Reliance, Airtel etc.) on fundamental rights and other aspects of our day to day life.

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PROBLEMS WITH USE OF CERTAIN TECHNOLOGIES • AarogyaSetu’s privacy policy states that information collected will be stored on a server which is operated and • In creating a list of infected persons, State governments managed by the government. Information collected have channeled the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. But includes name, phone number, age, sex, profession and this law does not authorise state to publicise such countries visited in the last 30 days. This is basically all the information. information users are asked to provide while registering • The use of geo-fencing and drone technologies is on the app. All this will be stored with a unique Digital iD similarly unsanctioned. While cell-phone based (DiD). surveillance might be allowed in extreme cases subject to • When two users come in contact, the DiDs will be Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. exchanged and stored on each other’s devices. The • Using drone imagery is also not authorised under any law. privacy policy states that the information will be As drones equipped with the ability to conduct thermal stored safely and that the other user will not have any imaging, night-time reconnaissance and ability to access. integrate facial recognition into existing databases • The app also collects location data of the user every 15 such as Aadhaar is also not legally permitted. minutes and this is said to be stored on their phone. Only • Security concerns have also been raised on use of if the user tests positive for COVID-19 or the self-assessed ArogyaSetu App. Application’s technical architecture and symptoms indicate it, it will be uploaded to the server. its source code have not been made public and is also not • The privacy policy states that all personal information backed by any legislation. Further, the application can be collected will be purged from the app after 30 days if it used as a coercive method for relaxation purpose in hasn’t been uploaded to the server. economic activity.

• AarogyaSetu is framed as a necessary technological CONCERNS ON APP’S PRIVACY POLICY invasion into personal privacy, in a bid to achieve a larger • According to the app’s privacy policy, AarogyaSetucollects social purpose. But without a statutory framework, and in the personal data of its users and allows the disclosure of the absence of a data protection law, the application’s such data to the government to provide it with necessary reach is boundless. details for carrying out medical and administrative NEW PRIVACY POLICY FOR AAROGYASETU APP interventions necessary in relation to COVID-19. • The government is also at liberty to revise the terms of the • Earlier, data sharing through Bluetooth did not define the privacy policy at its discretion and has done so without precise limit on sharing of information which the notifying its users. government might utilise for future purposes. So, the government has come up with new data policy. • Given the design of the App, it can be used for surveillance of its users. Simultaneously the App also equips the • The data from the app will be saved on a secure server government with an instrument for restricting and managed by the Indian government. This data will be regulating the right of freedom of movement of citizens, “hashed with a unique digital id (DiD)” that will be pushed especially due to its unspecific terms of service. to the app. All subsequent “app-related transactions” will be tagged to this DiD. This unique ID helps to keep user • New Delhi based Internet Freedom Foundation have information anonymised. raised alarms over information collection, purpose limitation, data storage, institutional divergence, and • Hashing is the transformation of a string of characters transparency. into a usually shorter fixed-length value or key that represents the original string. Hashing is used to index • The App’s privacy policy does not disclose the departments and retrieve items in a database because it is faster to find or ministry or officials who are authorised to access the the item using the shorter hashed key than to find it using data. So, apart from the App’s terms of use, currently there the original value. is no legal framework which regulates AarogyaSetu App.

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance IMPACTING CITIZEN’S RIGHTS DOMICILE LIST OF JAMMU • The two colour coding provided by the App are Green and Yellow. Green means one is safe and Yellow means one is & KASHMIR at high risk. # Governance • So, using this method of colour coding by the App may restrict people’s transport including entry to important places for essential services such as Ration shops, Banks, IN NEWS Govt. offices etc. So, effectively the app in a way can The term “Permanent Resident” as per Artcile35A has been restrict fundamental rights of citizens even after the replaced by “Domicile of Union territory of Jammu and lockdown is relaxed. The resultant impact will be Kashmir” as per an order of Ministry of Home Affairs and the order has expanded the scope of persons domiciled in the UT disproportionately higher on the most vulnerable sections of J&K including those who has resided for a period of 15 years of the society. in the UT of J&K or has studied for a period of seven years and • In future, individuals may be forced to download the app appeared in Class 10th /12th examination in an educational to be able to access basic amenities and services. This may institution located in the UT of J&K or who is registered as a migrant by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner not only lead to increased surveillance by the government (Migrants). After the original notification, Ministry of Home but also restriction on fundamental rights of citizens Affairs has amended its earlier order. Earlier, the Centre had including profiling of citizens and their movement design. reserved only level-4 jobs for the J&K residents. This resulted in • Thus, citizens may be forced to give up their rights of widespread backlash so accordingly MHA has now through amendment reserved all government jobs for the domiciles of autonomy and privacy to get certain government benefits. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) irrespective of level and pay scale. • Further, the existing users of the app could be subject to THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR REORGANISATION arbitrary restrictions in their fundamental rights without (ADAPTATION OF STATE LAWS) ORDER, 2020 their informed consent as they would not have foreseen • Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs of such restrictions at the time of giving their consent to Ministry of Home Affairs has issued The Jammu and downloading the app. Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, • As per the author, present situation seems similar to 2020. Aadhaar where initially it was voluntary but later was made • This Order has brought changes or amendments to many compulsory for every citizen. of the state laws of Jammu and Kashmir. • The Order has inserted Section 3A in The Jammu and WAY FORWARD Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and • To avoid unforeseeable dangers of mass surveillance and Recruitment) Act thereby enlarging the scope of the word disproportionate restrictions of fundamental rights, it is “domicile” and has included more people within the meaning of “Domicile of Union territory of Jammu and therefore imperative that the AarogyaSetu app is Kashmir”. implemented only through law. Also because as of now, APPLICABILITY India lacks any data protection law. The provision of The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services • Making a law to regulate AarogyaSetu App will not only (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act applies to: ensure proper deliberation on the matter in Parliament • all the Gazetted and non-Gazetted posts borne on the but will also restrict government’s action on surveillance establishment of any Department or Service of the through the App. Government; and

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• Class IV posts borne on the establishment of any Deputy Commissioner who shall decide appeal, providing Department or Service of the Government or any an opportunity of being heard to the parties, within a Government company, organization and body period of sixty days. substantially owned or controlled by the Union territory. IMPORTANT FOR PRELIMS SECTION 3A - DOMICILE FOR PURPOSES OF Departments of Ministry of Home Affairs include:- APPOINTMENT TO ANY SERVICE IN UNION TERRITORY OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR  Department of Border Management  • Now the 2020 Order has added Section 3A to Jammu and Department of Internal Security Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment)  Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs Act.  Department of Home • Any person who fulfils the following conditions shall be  Department of Official Language deemed to be a domicile of the Union territory of Jammu  Department of States and Kashmir for the purposes ofappointment to any post under the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir or under a local or other authority (other than cantonment board) within the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir - SALARY CUT OF MEMBERS (a) Who has resided for a period of fifteen years in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir or has studied for a OF PARLIAMENT period of seven years and appeared in Class 10th /12th # MPLADS examination in an educational institution located in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir; or (b) Who is registered as a migrant by the Relief and IN NEWS Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) in the Union The Union Cabinet has approved to cut 30% salary of all territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of Parliament by making an amendment to The

(c) Children of those Central Government Officials, All India Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Services Officers, Officials of Public Sector Undertaking Act, 1954 through an ordinance. The amount deducted from and Autonomous body of Central Government, Public salaries of MPs will go to the Consolidated Fund of India. Sector Banks, Officials of Statutory bodies, Officials of • Even President of India, Vice-President and all Governors Central Universities and recognised Research institutes of of States has agreed for 30% salary cut. Central Government who have served in Jammu and • Kashmir for a total period of ten years; or Union Cabinet has also approved a two-year suspension of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme so that (d) Children of such persons who fulfils the above two criteria the amount saved can go to the Consolidated Fund of i.e. (a) and (b). India to fight COVID-19. (e) Children of such residents of Union territory of Jammu • These funds will be used to strengthen Government’s and Kashmir as reside outside Union territory of Jammu efforts in managing the challenges and adverse impact of and Kashmir in connection with their employment or COVID19 in the country. business or other professional or vocational reasons but their parents fulfill any of the conditions provided in the MP LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT (MPLAD) SCHEME above two criteria i.e. (a) and (b). • The Members of Parliament Local Area Development • Tehsildar within his territorial jurisdiction shall be the Division is entrusted with the responsibility of Competent Authority for issuance of domicile certificate. implementation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). • Appeal - Any person aggrieved by the order of the Competent Authority may file appeal before the concerned

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• MPLADS allot Rs. 5 crores per year to each Member of electronically through e-Filing and paying the Court Parliament (MP) to be spent on projects of their choice in Fees or Fine online.

their constituency. Under the scheme, each MP can • Litigant can also view the status of their case online suggest to the District Collector for work to be done under through various channels created for service delivery. the scheme. • As per the recent notification of Supreme Court of India, • Sanction of the eligible works and implementation of the short category matters, Death penalty matters and matters sanctioned works in the field are undertaken by the related to family law which are ready may be listed for District Authorities in accordance with State Government’s hearing through video conferencing mode. This will be financial, technical and administrative rules. subject to availability of the concerned Bench and prior • The scheme is funded and administered through the approval of Chief Justice of India. Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme CHANGE IN RULES TO ACCOMMODATE VIRTUAL Implementation (MoSPI). Projects are to be HEARING recommended to and implemented by the district-level • administration. Three Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India has suggested new rules to hold virtual proceedings without

physical presence of lawyers and litigants. COURT HEARINGS • This move however has not been supported by members of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) as they fear this THROUGH VIDEO might set a new precedent in times to come. • The Supreme Court has urged for cooperation of all courts, CONFERENCING judges, litigants, parties, staff and other stakeholders for # E-Governance successful implementation of the following directions so as to ensure that court premises do not contribute to the spread of virus. IN NEWS GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING AND USE OF

Current lockdown due to COVID-19 has made it difficult for TECHNOLOGY litigants to approach Court and this has hampered access to The court also underlined that modern technological justice for all. Currently, the Supreme Court holds three virtual advancements already adopted by the Indian judiciary will courts through video conferencing to hear few urgent matters. enable effective administration of justice. The guidelines are -

The SC intends to increase the number of virtual courts so that • The Bench directed to appoint state officials of National more cases can be taken up by more judges. In a recent Informatics Centre (NIC) to liaise with and support state judgment, Supreme Court has issued directives for use of High courts in order to set up modalities surrounding technology and need to maintain social distancing in Court hearings via videoconferencing. premises. In this aspect, implementation of E-Court Mission • The Bench pointed out the need to apply tech-friendly and Mode Project will further improve administration of justice viable options which lasts even after the lock down. This with the use of technology. aspect suggests that the Bench headed by CJI is interested HOW THE VIRTUAL COURT WILL WORK? in making the entire judicial process technology friendly in • Virtual Court is a concept aimed at eliminating presence times to come. of litigant or lawyer in the court and adjudication of • The Bench stressed on maintaining social distancing within the case online. Court premises and asked High Courts to employ • In the current scenario of lockdown, virtual court facility is measures of social distancing through use of technology. provided for litigants to file the case (plaint) • The Supreme Court of India and all High Courts are authorized to adopt measures required to ensure the

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robust functioning of the judicial system through the use  installation of video conferencing (VC) facility and of video conferencing technologies. recording of witness through Video Conferencing; • The court will have the power to restrict entry into  connecting all courts in the country to the National Judicial courtroom to maintain distancing. No presiding officer will Data Grid (NJDG) through WAN and additional redundant restrict entry of the parties to the case unless the parties connectivity; are suffering any health problems.  citizen centric facilities such as electronic filing, e-payment • Any complaint on videoconferencing quality to be made and use of mobile applications in all courts; during or immediately after hearing. No grievance can be  touch screen based kiosks in each court complex, full raised afterwards. computerisation of State and district level judicial and • District courts to adopt video-conferencing in accordance service academies and centres. with respective High Court Rules. Until High Courts frame • The entire Project has been conceptualized and rules, no evidence can be recorded unless agreed to by implemented in Free and Open Source Software. both parties. • Understanding the importance and significance of the e- • Presiding officer can prohibit entry into courtroom and will Courts Project for expeditious and affordable justice have power to restrict gathering. delivery, the Department of Justice, National Informatics • Courts will make appropriate arrangements for litigants Centre and other Central Government institutions who cannot access video conferencing facilities. coordinated and cooperated with the expert e-Committee • All courts to maintain helpline for grievances regarding team to bring success to the Project. video feed and line during and immediately after the • Important software and applications such as Case hearing. Information System, e-Filing, e-Payment, National Service E-Committee of the Supreme Court: Justice DY and Tracking of Electronic Processes, Video Conferencing, Chandrachud heads the E-Committee of the Supreme Court. Virtual Court, National Judicial Data Grid, a variety of The E-committee has been guiding and facilitating courts to mobile applications and several others have been create infrastructure for video conferencing / virtual courts to successfully tried, tested and implemented. dispose routine remands and production of under-trial IMPORTANT FOR PRELIMS: POWER OF SC & HC TO prisoners, record evidence and statements, dispose cases MAKE RULES dealing with minor offences of traffic violations. • Article 145 – Subject to the provisions of any law made by E-COURT MISSION MODE PROJECT Parliament, Supreme Court may with the approval of the • The E-Courts Mission Mode Project (Phase I 2010-15; President, make rules for regulating generally the practice Phase II 2015-19) is a national e - Governance project for and procedure of the Court.

ICT enablement of district and subordinate courts of the • Article 225 – Subject to the provisions of this Constitution country. and to the provisions of any law of the appropriate • The major objectives of the Project are - Legislature made by virtue of powers conferred on that

 to make whole judicial system ICT enabled by putting in Legislature by this Constitution, High Court has power to place adequate and modern hardware and connectivity; make rules and regulate sittings of the Court. •  automation of workflow management in all courts; Article 227 - Power of superintendence over all courts by the High Court - Every High Court shall have  electronic movement of records from taluka/trial to appeal superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout courts; the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.

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government has been given immense powers of CHANGING ROLE OF surveillance. And a newly constituted Parliament, or Knesset, is not allowed to meet.

STATE & GOVERNANCE • In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, notorious for his AMID & POST COVID-19 anti-migrant tirades, has personalised immense power. He now rules by decree. Existing laws and parliamentary # Governance oversight have been suspended. • In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has appropriated broad emergency powers in order to take IN NEWS effective decisions to tackle the virus. Again, he is not Amid the crisis caused due to national lockdown, the known for his commitment to civil liberties or to the government has become authoritarian and is using violent Constitution. means to enforce the lockdown. The decision to close down an • In Chile, the declaration of a ‘state of catastrophe’ has entire country without simultaneously recognising the repressed anti-government dissent that has been raging specificities of Indian society has resulted in brutality and on the streets since last year. violence especially on the migrants, labourers and daily wage earners including vegetable vendors. So, let us go through the UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS changing nature and role of state which is showing signs of • Officials of UN have asked leaders of the world not to being authoritarian. amass power during lockdown to avoid an ‘overreach’ of security measures when they respond to the coronavirus HOW MUCH MORE POWER WILL THE GOVERNMENTS outbreak. ACROSS THE WORLD ACCUMULATE? • Emergency powers of states should not be used to quash • The tragedy of 9/11 and 2008 economic crisis gave dissent and the measures imposed must be proportionate, enormous power at the hands of state which was aided by necessary and non-discriminatory. the advancement of technology in the form of surveillance. • Governments should deploy the least intrusive method to • Now, amid the pandemic, states have assumed to protect public health. themselves unbridled power and have become • authoritarian and repressive in the measures to fight the Government must remain steadfast in maintaining a virus. human rights-based approach to regulate this pandemic, in order to facilitate the emergence of healthy societies • In emergencies, government clothes themselves in extra with rule of law and human rights protections. ordinary powers to meet the extra ordinary situations at the expense of Judiciary, Media and Civil Society. So, it is to IMPACT OF COUNTRIES GETTING AUTHORITARIAN be seen whether government continues to centralise • Modern states share a common determination of ruthless power at its end or will there be state of normalcy where ambition to control the minds and bodies of citizens. citizens and organisations are allowed to redeem their • COVID-19 Epidemic has provided an opportunity to do fundamental rights. away with inconvenient checks and balances • Thus, there is need to ensure that excessive powers are institutionalised in the media, the judiciary, and civil not integrated into legal and political systems even after society. the pandemic is over like other countries. • The dismantling of constitutions and institutions will have EXAMPLE OF AMASSING POWER BY DIFFERENT a major impact on freedom and liberty exercised in any COUNTRIES society based on rule of law. • In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is WILL THIS EXPANDING STATE BE INCREASINGLY facing court cases for corruption and breach of trust, has DEMOCRATIC OR PROGRESSIVELY AUTHORITARIAN? closed the judiciary and postponed his own trial. The

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• Different countries have used different measures to fight approach but will also set the future course of action in the pandemic. China and Singapore showed that times of future unknown crisis.

authoritarian measures work whereas Germany showed that democratic and inclusive methods work too. • Italy and the U.S. DEVELOPMENT AND showed that individualism and markets can impede collect ive goals. WELFARE BOARD • India, which has deployed a hybrid of democratic and # Committee authoritarian measures. Thus, it is difficult to ascertain as to what sort of measures will be deployed to defeat the pandemic by different countries and how will these steps change the nature of any government in performing their core and other functions and duties in times to come. IN NEWS

COURSE OF GOVERNANCE AND POLICY MEASURES Amongst the most disadvantaged communities in the country WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE FOR LABOURERS? are the Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities • Globalisation brought riches to the elite comprising of (DNCs). These communities are hard to reach, less visible, and industrialist and capitalists and exploitation for the poor therefore frequently left out. While most Denotified Tribes especially the workers and labourers. (DNTs) are spread across the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, some • Thus, the inhuman exploitation of labour under DNTs are not covered in any of the SC. ST or OBC categories. globalisation has been labelled as ‘efficiency’ and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has therefore ‘competitiveness’, which is concealed by the glitz of notified on 8th March, 2019 to constitute Development and globalisation and consumerism. Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic • Most of these labourers under the era of globalisation are Communities chaired by Sh. Bhiku Ramji Idate. The Ministry over-worked and under-paid without any basic health has now come up with the Terms of Reference for the Board. facilities. BACKGROUND – REASON FOR SETTING OF A • So, only time will tell the real stories of the plight of SEPARATE BOARD FOR DNTS working class including labourers and migrant workers • amidst changing nature and character of globalisation post The Government in July 2014 had constituted National pandemic. Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi- Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) for a period of three years to WAY FORWARD prepare a State-wise list of castes belonging to Denotified • Thus, controlling the situation of pandemic need not be and Nomadic Tribes and to suggest appropriate measures done on the altars of democracy, human rights and rule of in respect of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes that may be law. undertaken by the Central Government or the State • Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Government. The Commission recommended for the Rights has advised governments to protect all citizens setting of up a Permanent Commission for these medically and economically without discrimination. communities. • • However, lot will depend on how different governments of The government did not consider setting of up a the world react to this situation. India fundamentally being Permanent Commission for these communities because a welfare nation, has brought policies in terms of most of the Denotified Tribes (DNTs) are covered in SC, ST economic package for the poor. or OBC such permanent commission while looking into their grievance redressal might be in conflictwith mandate • Thus, governance in such times will not only help in of existing commissions for SCs (National Commission for tackling the situation with a humane and dignified Scheduled Castes)., STs (National Commission for

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Scheduled Tribes) and OBCs (National Commission for  NanajiDeshmukh Scheme of Construction of Hostels for Backward Classes). DNT Boys and Girls

• The Government therefore decided to set up a Development and Welfare Board under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the aegis of Ministry of Social PCA AND DEEMED Justice and Empowerment for the purpose of implementing development and welfare programmes for UNIVERSITIES Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Communities. # Judgement • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister had accordingly given its approval to constitute Development

and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi- nomadic Communities. IN NEWS TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE BOARD The Supreme Court has held that bribery and corruption in a deemed university can be tried under the Prevention of • To formulate and Implement Welfare and Development Corruption Act. programme as required, for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities. WHAT DID THE SUPREME COURT HELD? • • To identify the locations/areas where these communities Supreme Court held that officials of a deemed university, are densely populated. though not seen as public servants in the conventional sense, perform duties in the discharge of which the State, • To assess and identify gaps in accessing existing the public and the community at large has an interest. programmes and entitlements and to collaborate with • Ministries/Implementing agencies to ensure that ongoing The object of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was programmes meet the special requirements of De-notified not only to prevent the social evil of bribery and Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities. corruption, but also to make the same applicable to individuals who might conventionally not be considered • To monitor and evaluate the progress of the schemes of public servants. Government of India and the States/UTs with reference to • De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities. The purpose under the PC Act was to shift focus from those who are traditionally called public officials, to those • To redress the grievances of DNTs communities and fulfill individuals who perform public duties. Accordingly, the their expectations. officials of deemed university performs public duty. OTHER ACTIVITIES TAKEN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT WHO CAN BE TRIED FOR CORRUPTION IN A DEEMED • Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic UNIVERSITY? and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) have been • All individuals, authorities or officials connected to the working on classification of 269 communities which are functioning of deemed university come under the currently not classified under SC/ST/OBC/Other definition of public servant of Prevention of Corruption communities. Act, 1988. • Further NITI Aayog has assigned the task of ethnographic • Deemed universities come within the ambit of the term survey of 62 tribes to the Anthropological Survey of India ‘university’ in Section 2(c)(xi) of the Prevention of (AnSI) to conduct the studies of these communities in Corruption (PC) Act, 1988. different parts of the country. WHAT IS A DEEMED UNIVERSITY? • The following schemes are being implemented by State Government/UT Administrations for the DNTs • University and Deemed University has been defined under University Grants Commission Act, 1956.  Pre-Matric Scholarship to DNT Students

 Post-Matric Scholarship to DNT Students

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

• Section 2 (f) - “University” means a University established Categorisation of Countries as per Report: U.S. or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has or a State Act, and includes any such institution as may, in categorised countries into:

consultation with the University concerned, be recognised 1. Countries of Particular Concern – CPC by the University Grant Commission. 2. Countries on Special Watch List – SWL • Section 3 - Application of Act to institutions for higher 3. Entries of Particular Concern – EPC studies other than Universities —The Central Government may, on the advice of the Commission, COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERNS (CPCS) declare, by notification in the Official Gazette, that any • International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) institution for higher education, other than a University, defines Countries of Particular Concerns (CPCs) as shall be deemed to be a University for the purposes of this countries where the government engages in or Act. All the provisions of this Act shall apply to such tolerates “particularly severe” violations of religious deemed universities recognised by UGC. freedom.

PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT, 1988 - SECTION 2 • Under International Religious Freedom Act, 1998 (C) DEFINES PUBLIC SERVANT AND INCLUDES - (IRFA), particularly severe violations of religious freedom • Any person who is a Vice-Chancellor or member of any means “systematic, ongoing and egregious (shocking) governing body, professor, reader, lecturer or any other violations including violations such as teacher or employee, by whatever designation called, of a. torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or any University and any person whose services have been punishment;

availed of by a University or any other public authority in b. prolonged detention without charges; connection with holding or conducting examinations. c. causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or • Any person who is an office-bearer or an employee of an clandestine detention of those persons; or educational, scientific, social, cultural or other institution, d. other flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the in whatever manner established, receiving or having security of persons. received any financial assistance from the Central Government or any State Government, or local or other SPECIAL WATCH LIST (SWL) & ENTRIES OF public authority. PARTICULAR CONCERNS (EPC)

• The statute, as amended by the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016 (Frank Wolf Act), defines the USCIRF State Department’s Special Watch List - SWL for countries # Religious Freedom where the government engages in or tolerates “severe” violations of religious freedom.

• The Frank Wolf Act requires the U.S. government to

identify non-state actors engaging in particularly severe IN NEWS violations of religious freedom and designate them U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as Entries of Particular Concerns - EPCs. has downgraded India to the lowest ranking, “countries of • The law defines a Non-state Actor as – particular concern” (CPC) in its 2020 report. The report has  a non-sovereign entity that exercises significant political placed India alongside China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and power and territorial control; Pakistan. This is the first time since 2004 that India has been placed in this category. However, the central government has  is outside the control of a sovereign government; and termed the report as biased and tendentious.  often employs violence in pursuit of its objectives.

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

USCIRF'S 2020 CPC, SWL, AND EPC RECOMMENDATIONS barring their entry into the United States under human For 2020, based on religious freedom conditions in 2019, rights-related financial and visa authorities, citing specific USCIRF recommends that the State Department: religious freedom violations.

• Redesignate as CPCs the following nine countries: Burma, China. Eritrea, Iran. North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan; GLOBAL TERRORISM • Designate as additional CPCs the following five countries: India, Nigeria, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam; INDEX, 2019

• Maintain on the SWL the following four countries: Cuba, # Report Nicaragua. Sudan, and Uzbekistan;

• Include on the SWL the following 11 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Central African IN NEWS Republic (CAR), Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, NITI Aayog has criticised the report of 2019 Global Terrorism Malaysia, and Turkey; Index as it has ranked India as the 7th worst terrorism • Redesignate as EPCs the following five nonstate actors: al- affected country ahead of conflict-ridden countries such as the Shabaab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, the Houthis in Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Burkina Yemen, ISKP in Afghanistan, and the Taliban in Faso, Palestine and Lebanon. Afghanistan; and ABOUT 2019 GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX • Designate as an additional EPC the following nonstate • It is published by Institute of Economics and Peace. It actor: HTS in Syria. ranks countries as Very High being the worst affected by HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT ABOUT INDIA terrorism, followed by High, Medium, Low, Very Low, No Impact and Not included. • India took a sharp downward turn in 2019 due to concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Act, the proposed • India has moved to the seventh position from the previous National Register for Citizens, anti-conversion laws and the year’s 8th position in the annual Global Terrorism Index situation in Jammu and Kashmir. (GTI) 2019 and is now placed within the range of “High”. The countries ahead of it are Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, • The national government used its parliamentary majority Syria, Pakistan and Somalia. to institute national-level policies violating religious freedom across India, especially for Muslims. WHY IS NITI AAYOG COMPILING REPORT ON • The panel said that the Countries of Particular Concern GLOBAL INDICES? (CPC) designation was also recommended because • Cabinet had tasked NITI Aayog to track 32 such global national and various state governments allowed indices to find out where India was lacking and also to nationwide campaigns of harassment and violence against suggest as to how these indices could help drive reforms religious minorities to continue with impunity and engaged and growth. in tolerated hate speech and incitement to violence against • This was important according to Cabinet Secretariat them. because such poor rankings impact global investments in • The commission also recommended that the U.S. India and other opportunities. government should take stringent action against India • Accordingly, NITI Aayog has not only criticised 2019 Global under the “International Religious Freedom Act” (IRFA). Terrorism Index but also questioned the opaque funding • The Commission has asked US authorities to impose of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). targeted sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/or

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 GLOBAL • Deaths in Europe fell by 70 per cent, with Western Europe TERRORISM INDEX recording its lowest number of incidents since 2012. • • Deaths from terrorism have decreased by 15.2 per cent in There has been an increase in far-right terrorism for the 2018 to 15,952 globally. This is the fourth consecutive year third consecutive year in Western Europe, North America, of improvement. and Oceania, with the number of deaths increasing by 52 per cent in 2018. • The Taliban has overtaken ISIL to become the deadliest • terrorist group in the world, recording a 71 per cent This trend has continued into 2019, with 77 deaths to the increase in terrorism deaths. The group was responsible end of September 2019. The global economic impact of for 38 per cent of all terrorist deaths globally in 2018. terrorism was US$33 billion in 2018, a decrease of 38 per cent from the previous year. • Four deadliest terror organisations are Taliban, ISIL, Khorasan Chapter of ISIL and Boko Haram. REPORT OF TERRORISM IN INDIA

• The Khorasan Chapter of the Islamic State is an affiliate of • Since 2009, India has seen two diverging trends in the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) active in terrorism. The number of deaths from terrorism has Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. As an ISIL affiliate, the dropped by 53 per cent since 2009. However, the number Khorasan Chapter seeks to establish a caliphate in the of terrorist attacks has increased by 14 per cent over the Khorasan region, covering parts of Iran, Central Asia, same period, peaking in 2016 at over 900. Afghanistan and Pakistan • In 2018, India continued to face a diverse set of terrorism • 98 countries improved this year, with 40 deteriorating — threats, as it has since early in its post-colonial history. the highest number of countriesto improve year-on-year These threats include regions of Kashmir, Punjab, parts of since 2004. North-East and Red Corridor.

• Terrorism still remains a global security threat with 71 • Jammu and Kashmir remained the regions most impacted countries recording at least onedeath in 2018 — the by terrorism in 2018, with 321 attacks, resulting in 123 second highest number of countries since 2002 and four deaths. more than in 2017.

practice questions

MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements about Q2. Draft Code on Industrial Relations has been amendment in Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897: prepared after amalgamating, simplifying and 1. Government has introduced an amendment in rationalizing three central legislations, which are: Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 through an Ordinance. 1. The Trade Unions Act, 1926 2. The amendment has penalised any act of violence 2. The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 against healthcare service personnels. 3. Payment of Wages Act, 1936 3. The amendment has increased power of centre to 4. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 inspect air, sea and road route to prevent the spread 5. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 of corona virus. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 5 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Constituti0n, Polity and Governance

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q3. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Minor forest produce includes all non-timber forest (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 produce of plant origin. 2. Minor Forest Produce is a major source of livelihood Q5. Which of the following functions under the for tribals and dwellers of forest. Ministry of Home Affairs? 3. TRIFED helps in selling the minor forest produce. 1. Department of Border Management Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Department of Internal Security (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 3. Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 4. Department of Official Language 5. Department of Investment and Public Asset Q4. Consider the following statements about Fifth Management Schedule of the Indian Constitution: Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. It empowers Governor to modify any law made by (a) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only Parliament or State Legislature. (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only 2. It allows Governor to override any order of the President of India.

descriptive Questions

Q1. Discuss the powers of Governor provided under Fifth Schedule of the India Constitution. Does the power of Governor under Fifth Schedule override Presidential orders? Give reason for your answer. (250 Words) (15 marks)

Q2. Highlight the importance, objective and benefits of E-Court Mission Mode Project. (250 Words) (15 marks)

Answers to above MCQs: 1 (d), 2 (b), 3 (d), 4(a), 5(c)

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)

Lead Article

government where it can be performed in the most efficient FISCAL EMPOWERMENT manner. (For Example- Defence has been allocated to Union whereas agriculture has been allocated to State OF THE STATES: NEED OF Government). The Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution which provides for Union List, State List and Concurrent THE HOUR List is based on this principle. The Public Health has been #Government Policies allocated to the State Governments since this function can be efficiently performed by them as compared to Central Government. Accordingly, it is the constitutional role of the states to take the lead in its fight against COVID-19. • Need for decentralised approach: There is a need to IN NEWS adopt decentralised approach to deal with this pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has to be countered by both Centre For instance, there could be staggered lifting of lockdown and States in the spirit of Cooperative Federalism. Public and easing of restrictions to revive economic activities. health and Public Order have been placed under the State List Since the states are aware of ground realities and much under the Indian Constitution and hence the States must take closer to people, the states are in a best position to decide the lead in the fight against COVID-19. The Role of the Centre the future course of action. The States are better informed should be that of enabler, coordinator and facilitator. Such a to decide the areas and activities where relaxations should clear-cut distribution of roles and responsibilities between be done as the coronavirus curve is flattened. Centre and States would enable us to put an effective, WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS CONSTRAINTS BEFORE THE coordinated and sustained fight against COVID-19. STATE GOVERNMENTS? In this regard, let us understand 3 inter-related dimensions: Theconstraints before the State Governments to deal with 1. Why States should take a lead in fight against COVID-19? the COVID-19 are:

2. What are the various constraints before the State • Current legal framework Governments? • Decrease in the Revenue Mobilisation 3. What should be done in order to empower the states? • Limit on the Fiscal Deficit under FRBM Act NEED FOR STATES TO TAKE LEAD IN FIGHT AGAINST CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL COVID-19 FRAMEWORK: • Constitutional Responsibilities: The Indian Constitution Constitutional Framework: Public Health is under the State provides for distribution of roles and responsibilities in List. The Centre has powers only over preventing the spread accordance with the Principle of Subsidiary. According to of diseases from one State to another (Entry 29 of the this principle, subjects should be allocated to that level of Concurrent List).

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Economic Development

Legal Framework: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 severely constrained in their revenue mobilisation on account empowers the Centre to take necessary actions for the of following reasons: prevention and mitigation of disaster. The Epidemic Diseases 1. Decrease in own tax collection: The demand and supply Act,1897 enables the States to take necessary actions to side disruption caused due to COVID-19 has led to large prevent the outbreak or spread of dangerous epidemic scale fall in the revenue collection of the states. For diseases. It limits the Centre’s role to inspecting ships in ports example, before the pandemic, the Karnataka and detaining persons. government had estimated that it would be able to raise PROBLEMS WITH THE CURRENT FRAMEWORK: Rs 12,000 crores every month. However, post-pandemic, it is struggling to raise even Rs 300 crores every month. Problem with Disaster Management Act, 2005: The Parliament has enacted the Disaster Management Act, 2005 2. Decrease in Tax Devolution from Centre to States: The by invoking entry 23 in the concurrent list i.e. ‘Social security Centre is required to transfer 41% of the total central and social insurance, employment and unemployment’ even divisible pool to the states in accordance with the 15th though all aspects of crisis management cannot be said to be Finance Commission recommendations for the financial covered by this entry. This is so because disaster includes year 2020-21. The decrease in the total taxes collected by natural calamities, health related disasters (epidemics), the centre due to COVID-19 would lead to decrease in the industrial disasters and disasters caused by hostile elements central divisible pool and hence adversely affect the tax such as terrorists. Some of the states have also passed their devolution from Centre to States. It is estimated that the own laws to deal with the disasters. total tax devolution to the states in 2020-21 would be Rs 2.2 lakh crores lower than the Finance Commission Hence, to avoid this confusion, the Second Administrative estimates. reforms commission had recommended that there should be a separate entry of "Management of Disasters and LIMITS ON FISCAL DEFICIT UNDER FRBM ACT

Emergencies, natural or manmade" in the concurrent list. The FRBM Act formulated by the respective state Unlike in other cases of proposals for inclusion in the Governments require them to maintain Fiscal Deficit to 3% Concurrent List, State Governments may also welcome this, of their GSDP. The disruption caused by COVID-19 is as this will also enable them to have legislation without unprecedented and hence the state governments would be ambiguity regarding the entry. required to provide fiscal stimulus through borrowings. Use of the Current legal framework: The Centre has Hence, the Fiscal deficit limit imposed under FRBM Act invoked Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) to impose a constrains the ability of the state governments to deal with blanket lockdown throughout India. Accordingly, sweeping the pandemic. guidelines were issued for state governments to follow. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN ORDER TO EMPOWER However, even before the DM Act was invoked, several State THE STATES? Governments had used their powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 (ED Act) to deal with the Covid-19 1. The State Governments must be enabled to provide fiscal outbreak. Although public order and public health are stimulus by enhancing the Fiscal Deficit limit to 5% of subjects that lie with the States as per the Indian Constitution, GSDP. the Centre has used the DM Act to effectively bypass 2. The State Governments must be allowed to approach the States and assume complete control. This indicates a Finance Commission and ask for the supplementary certain friction in the current legal framework when it comes report. The Finance Commission then relook at the to managing a crisis such as Covid-19 as the Centre and expenditure commitments of the state governments to States do not appear to be fully in sync. deal with the pandemic and give appropriate DECREASE IN REVENUE MOBILISATION recommendations. 3. The COVID-19 has exposed the historical neglect of the The State Governments are required to provide fiscal health-care sector in the country. The total public stimulus to counter the pandemic. However, they are expenditures of Centre and States on health is hardly around 1.5% of GDP. The centrally sponsored scheme, the

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Economic Development

National Health Mission, is inadequately funded with lack crisis imposed by COVID-19 must be seen as an of autonomy to the states. Similarly, the focus of opportunity to address various flaws in our healthcare “Ayushman Bharat” has been to advocate insurance system. rather than building wellness centres. Hence, the health

Banking and Finance

nd paper and other financial instruments. Hence, it is referred to RBI’s 2 ECONOMIC as Targeted LTROs. Problem: The RBI has observed that the deployment of PACKAGE TO DEAL WITH TLTRO funds so far has largely been to bonds issued by COVID-19 public sector entities and large corporates. However, the disruptions caused by COVID-19 have more severely #Monetary Policy impacted small and mid-sized corporates, including non- banking financial companies (NBFCs) and micro finance institutions (MFIs).

New Announcement: The RBI would conduct targeted long- term repo operations (TLTRO 2.0) for an aggregate amount of IN NEWS Rs 50,000 crore to begin with. The funds availed by banks The outbreak of COVID-19 has put economic activity and under TLTRO 2.0 should be invested in investment grade financial markets across the world under severe stress. bonds, commercial paper, and non-convertible debentures of According to IMF, the global economy is expected to plunge NBFCs. into the worst recession since the Great Depression, far worse These investments have to be made within one month of the than the Global Financial Crisis. The IMF has named it as the availment of liquidity from the RBI. Further, at least 50 per ‘Great Lockdown’, estimating the cumulative loss to global GDP cent of the total amount availed should go to small and mid- over 2020 and 2021 at around 9 trillion US dollars which is far sized NBFCs and MFIs as given below: greater than the economies of Japan and Germany, combined. • The Indian Economy expected to grow at 1.9% in 2020, which is 10 per cent in securities/instruments issued by Micro far lower than its average GDP growth rates. Finance Institutions (MFIs); • Hence, in response, the RBI had announced economic package 15 per cent in securities/instruments issued by NBFCs with on March 27, 2020. Based on the evolving macro-economic asset size of Rs 500 crore and below; and situation, the RBI has now decided the second set of reforms. • 25 per cent in securities/instruments issued by NBFCs with So, let us understand the broad contours of the package. assets size between Rs 500 crores and Rs 5,000 crores. ISSUANCE OF TARGETED LTROs LIQUIDITY COVERAGE RATIO REDUCED TO 80%

Background: In its first announcement of financial package, What is Liquidity Coverage Ratio? A failure to adequately the RBI had stated that it would inject Rs 1 lakh crore into the monitor and control liquidity risk led to the Great Financial economy through the targeted long-term repo operations Crisis in 2008. To improve the banks' short-term resilience to (TLTROs) of 3 years’ tenor. The interest rate on the term liquidity shocks, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision repos would be floating interest rate, linked to policy Repo (BCBS) introduced the LCR as part of the Basel III post-crisis Rate. reforms. The LCR is designed to ensure that banks hold a According to the RBI, the liquidity availed by banks has to be sufficient reserve of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to allow deployed in investment grade corporate bonds, commercial them to survive a period of significant liquidity stress lasting

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Economic Development

30 calendar days. HQLA are cash or assets that can be Background: In its first announcement of economic package, converted into cash quickly through sales (or by being the RBI had reduced the Reverse Repo by 90 basis points pledged as collateral) with no significant loss of value. The from 4.90% to 4%. This was done to ensure that the Banks do LCR requires banks to hold a stock of HQLA at least as large not park their surplus fund with the RBI. Rather, they should as expected total net cash outflows over the stress period of use their surplus funds to give loans within the Economy.

30 days. Announcement: In order to encourage banks to deploy their surplus funds in form of loans rather than parking them with RBI, the RBI has been decided to reduce the reverse repo rate 25 basis points from 4 per cent to 3.75 per cent with immediate effect. Total net cash outflows are defined as the total expected cash outflows minus the total expected cash inflows arising in the INCREASE IN WAYS AND MEANS ADVANCES FOR stress scenario. STATES

Announcement: In order to ease the liquidity position at the Background: Recently, on April 1, 2020 the RBI had level of individual institutions, the LCR requirement for announced an increase in the ways and means advances Scheduled Commercial Banks is being brought down from (WMA) limit of states by 30 per cent. This was done to enable 100 per cent to 80 per cent with immediate effect. The the State Governments to tide over the situation arising from requirement shall be gradually restored back in two phases – the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 90 per cent by October 1, 2020 and 100 per cent by April 1, Announcement: The RBI has now been decided to increase 2021. the WMA limit of states by 60 per cent to provide greater REFINANCING FACILITIES FOR ALL INDIA FINANNCIAL comfort to the states. The increased limit will be available till INSTITUTIONS (AIFIS) September 30, 2020. Background: The All India financial institutions (AIFIs) such as EXEMPTION FROM DISTRIBUTION OF DIVIDEND the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Announcement: The banks must conserve capital to retain (NABARD), the Small Industries Development Bank of India to support the economy and absorb losses. Heence, the (SIDBI) and the National Housing Bank (NHB) play an scheduled commercial banks and cooperative banks shall not important role in meeting the long-term funding make any further dividend pay-outs from profits pertaining to requirements. However, these institutions are facing the financial year 2019-20. difficulties in raising resources from the market leading to poor credit creation. STANDSTILL FOR ASSET CLASSIFICATION

Announcement: The RBI has decided to provide loans of Background: In its first economic package, the RBI had around Rs 50,000 crore to NABARD, SIDBI and NHB to enable permitted the banks to allow a moratorium of 3 months on them to meet sectoral credit needs. This will comprise Rs the payment of instalments of all the term loans which are 25,000 crore to NABARD for refinancing regional rural banks outstanding as of March 1, 2020. Usually, in case of delay of (RRBs), cooperative banks and micro finance institutions more than 30 days, the loans are categorized as Special (MFIs); Rs 15,000 crore to SIDBI for on-lending/refinancing; Mention Account (SMA). If the delay is more than 90 days, and Rs 10,000 crore to NHB for supporting housing finance the loan is categorized as NPA. However, in this caase, since companies (HFCs). the RBI had enabled moratorium, the term loans would not be labelled as SMA or NPA during the moratorium period of 3 REDUCTION IN THE REVERSE REPO months. What is Reverse Repo? The Reverse Repo is the rate at Problem: There was some confusion over whether the which the RBI borrows money from the market. So, when the moratorium could be applicable to those borrowers who had Banks park their surplus funds with the RBI, the rate of defaulted on their loans even before 1 March. The RBI had Interest which the RBI pays to the Banks is called as Reverse earlier rejected banks' requests to allow some leeway to Repo. borrowers who had defaulted on loans before the cut-off

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Economic Development date of 1 March. That means, if these borrowers continued to for all States/UTs. (Initially, it was increased to 30% and later default during the moratorium period, then the banks were it got increased to 60%). required to follow 90-day norm for classifying such loans as • This has been done to enable the State Governments to NPAs. tide over the situation arising from the outbreak of the Announcement: The RBI has now declared that moratorium COVID-19 pandemic. period of 3 months should be excluded for the categorisation WHAT IS WAYS AND MEANS ADVANCES (WMA)? of assets as NPAs. • The RBI acts as banker to the government i.e. it lends Example: For example, let's say, a company had defaulted on money to the Central and State Governments. Earlier, the its loan repayment on 1st Feb 2020. Earlier, if the company government relied on ad-hoc Treasury bills to borrow continued to default, the Bank was required to categorise this money from RBI. However, it was replaced by Ways and loan as NPA after 90 days i.e. on 30th April (29 days in Feb+ Means advances in 1997. 31 days in March + 30 days in April) (Including the • What is it? It acts as a loan facility to the central and state Moratorium Period). governments to meet their cash requirements. This facility Now, the bank would be required to exclude the period of is availed by the Government due to the temporary moratorium (31 days in March + 30 days in April+ 31 days in mismatches in their receipts and expenditure. May) for the classification of loan as NPA. So, if the Company • Duration: The loan taken by the government through continues to default, then the Bank would be required to ways and means advances need to be paid back in 90 categorise this loan as NPA on 31st July (29 days in Feb + 30 days. days in June + 31 days in July) • Interest rate: The interest rate of WMA currently is the

repo rate. INCREASE IN WMA TO • Limits on borrowing: The limits for WMA are mutually decided by the RBI and Government of India. STATES • Can the limit be exceeded? When the WMA limit is #Monetary Policy crossed the government takes recourse to overdrafts. The interest rate on overdrafts would be 2 percent more than the repo rate. IN NEWS REASONS FOR REPLACING AD-HOC T-BILLS WITH WMAS The RBI has announced more set of measures in order to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 outbreak on Indian • Earlier, under an agreement between RBI and Economy. These measures are: Government, the central government needed to always hold certain amount of cash balances. The minimum cash • Review of the Ways and Means Advances for States/ UTs limit was fixed in order to ensure smooth conduct of • Extension of realisation period of export proceeds Government business and to ensure that government has ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE WAYS AND sufficient cash to meet its operational requirements. MEANS ADVANCES (WMA) FOR STATES AND UTs • However, if the cash balances reduced to below the • The RBI has constituted an Advisory Committee under the threshold level fixed, the RBI provided the cash through chairmanship of Sudhir Shrivastava to review the Ways the creation of ad-hoc treasury bills. The ad hoc Treasury and Means limits for State Governments and Union Bills, which were meant to be temporary, gained a Territories (UTs). In the meantime, (till the committee permanent as well as a cumulative character. Further, ad- submits recommendations), RBI has been decided to hoc treasury bills became an attractive source of increase WMA limit by 60 percent from the existing limit financing Government expenditures since it was available at aninterest rate which was below the market rate of interest.

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Economic Development

• Thus, the ad-hoc treasury bills led to increase in the Accordingly, according to the World Gold Council, gold-backed government borrowings leading to poor financial Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) attracted around $ 23 billion in discipline. the first quarter of 2020.This is higher ever investment in gold DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AD-HOC TREASURY BILLS ETFs in a single quarter since 2016. AND WMA WHAT ARE GOLD-BASED EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS?

• WMA would not be a source of financing Budget Deficit. It What is an Exchange Traded Fund or ETF? An Exchange is only a mechanism to cover day-to-day mismatches in Traded Fund is a fund which invests in shares, bonds or receipts and payments of the Government.WMA will also commodities and track their prices. Hence, the value of ETF not be shown as a source of financing in the Budget is in turn based upon the value of underlying security or estimates. commodity. The ETFs are traded on the stock exchanges similar to Shares. • Secondly, limits on WMA will be fixed and any excess withdrawal by Government beyond the limitwill become What is Gold-based ETFs? The Gold-based ETFs are those permissible for not more than 10 consecutive working ETFs which invest in Gold. The company issuing the gold ETFs days. invests its money in physical Gold and converts its investment in different units of paper-based ETF. Normally, 1 unit of • Thirdly, WMA will be charged at market related interest gold ETF in paper form represents 1 gm of physical gold. rate i.e. Repo rate. So, when a person buys 10 units of ETF, it is akin to buying of EXTENSION OF REALISATION PERIOD OF EXPORT 10 gms of gold. PROCEEDS Please note that the person does not get custody of the • Presently value of the goods or software exports made by physical gold on buying the ETF. He gets only the units of ETF the exporters is required to be realized fully and which represents physical Gold. These ETFs can be bought or repatriated to the country within a period of 9 months sold in the stock exchange. from the date of exports. In view of the disruption caused Redemption of Gold-based ETFs: Only some of the ETFs by the COVID-19 pandemic, the time period for realization provide the option of redemption of Gold based ETF in terms and repatriation of export proceeds has been extended to of physical Gold for the retail Investor. However, for large 15 months from the date of export. Investors, the Redemption in terms of physical Gold is • The measure will enable the exporters to realise their allowed only after their investment exceeds a certain receipts, especially from COVID-19 affected countries threshold. This threshold varies across ETF and is usually within the extended period and also provide greater above 1 kg (1000 Units). flexibility to the exporters to negotiate future export ADVANTAGES OF GOLD-BASED ETF contracts with buyers abroad. • Secure investment: No concerns over theft or storage

• Easy Transactions: Traded on the Stock Exchanges GOLD-BASED ETF • Loan Collateral: Can be used as Collateral to borrow loans #Finance • Higher Returns: Provide higher returns to the Investment ILLUSTRATION OF HOW GOLD-BASED ETF WORKS

IN NEWS

The outbreak of COVID-19 has sparked fears of global economic recession leading to huge selloffs of the shares. During such times of uncertainty, the normal tendency of the investors is to invest in safe instruments such as Gold.

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DETAILS ABOUT WORLD GOLD COUNCIL • The Bonds are issued in denominations of one gram of gold and in multiples thereof. Minimum investment in the • The World Gold Council is an association consisting of the Bond shall be one gram with a maximum limit of world’s leading gold mining companies. It helps to support subscription of 4 kg for individuals. its members to mine in a responsible way. • The Bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.50 per cent (fixed • There are growing concerns that the newly mined gold rate) per annum on the amount of initial investment. could be used to finance armed conflicts in the countries. Interest will be credited semi-annually to the bank account Thus, there is a need to ensure that the gold that is sold in of the investor and the last interest will be payable on the market does not indirectly finance such conflicts. maturity along with the principal. • In this regard, the World Gold Council has developed the

Conflict-Free Gold Standard to help companies to provide assurance that their gold is not contributing to conflict. CIRCUIT BREAKER • Thus, Conflict-Free Gold Standard provides assurance that their gold has been extracted in a manner that does not #Govt Policies cause, support or benefit unlawful armed conflict or contribute to serious human rights abuses or breaches of international humanitarian law

IN NEWS SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has caused demand and supply side disruption in the Indian economy leading to #Finance concerns about further economic slowdown. Hence, the benchmark Index, SENSEX has decreased from all-time high of 42,000 in January 2020 to 52-week low of 25,000 points in IN NEWS March 2020.

The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve IMPORTANT TERMS FROM THE UPSC PRELIMS Bank of India, has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds. The PERSPECTIVE Sovereign Gold Bonds will be issued in six tranches from April Bull: Refers to the condition of the capital market wherein 2020 to September 2020. the share prices either increase or expected to increase.

UNDERSTANDING SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS Bear: Refers to the condition of the capital market wherein • SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of the share prices either decrease or expected to decrease. gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. This is opposite to Bullish market. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds SENSEX: Sensex is the benchmark index of the Bombay Stock will be redeemed in cash on maturity. The Bond is issued Exchange (BSE) in India. Sensex comprises of 30 largest and by Reserve Bank on behalf of Government of India. most actively traded stocks on the BSE, providing an accurate • The quantity of gold for which the investor pays is gauge of India's economy. protected, since he receives the on-going market price at NIFTY: The NIFTY tracks the performance of top 50 the time of redemption. companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). • The SGB offers a superior alternative to holding gold in VIX INDEX physical form. The risks and costs of storage are • VIX Index stands for the India Volatility Index which is eliminated. Investors are assured of the market value of published by the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It gold at the time of maturity and periodical interest. SGB is measures the degree of volatility or fluctuations in the free from issues like making charges and purity in the case Nifty over the next 30 days. of gold in jewellery form.

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• A higher value of VIX Index indicates higher volatility • Need for Circuit breaker: Any steep increase or fall in the expectations, i.e. a significant change in Nifty and a lower share market can lead to crash of the entire capital value of India VIX indicates lower volatility expectations, i.e. market. Hence, there is a need to halt trading in the share a minimal change. market in event of large-scale fluctuations.

• Further, VIX Index also has a strong negative correlation • How does it work? The system applies at three stages of with Nifty. Every time VIX Index falls, Nifty rises and when the index movement, either way, at 10 per cent, 15 per VIX Index rises, Nifty is bound to fall. This is because the cent and 20 per cent. These breakers, when triggered, investors would typically want to invest when the market is bring about a coordinated trading halt.

stable and devoid of large-scale fluctuations. For instance, if the Index (SENSEX or NIFTY) increases or CIRCUIT BREAKERS decreases by 10% in a single day, the trading is halted for 45 minutes. Similarly, if the Index increases or decreases • What is it? A circuit breaker is a measure to stem the by 15%, the trading is halted for 1 hour 45 minutes. steep fall or a sharp rise in the price of a security / stock or the index as a whole. The SEBI has laid down detailed guidelines related to implementation.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES/

INTERVENTIONS

WHAT’S WRONG WITH CRITIQUE OF GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC PACKAGE Delay in announcement of Package: The delay in the GOVERNMENT’s PACKAGE announcement of the economic package created panic among the migrant workers leading to their mass exodus and FOR COVID-19? humanitarian crisis. Hence, the economic package should have been announced along with the announcement of #Govt Policies lockdown. This would have induced less panic among the poor and vulnerable sections.

Insufficient benefits under Package: The US government IN NEWS has announced economic package of $ 2 trillion which is

Recently, the Union Finance Minister has announced Rs 1.70 worth 10% of its GDP. The package includes direct payments Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan of $1,200 to American adults and $500 to children along with Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against unemployment insurance program. Corona Virus. The package includes cash transfer and In contrast, India's economic package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore is provision of enhanced food grains under the PDS system. hardly around 1% of its GDP. Further, the cash transfers

In this regard, let us focus on the following aspects: provided is too less to provide relief to poor and vulnerable sections. Most of the government's announcements are 1. Critique of Government's Economic Package repackaging of already existing schemes. New expenditure 2. Analysis of what is preventing the Government from comes to just a little over half of the Rs 1.7-lakh crore announcing higher economic package. earmarked for the package. 3. Why the Government need not be worried about announcing higher economic package?

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Lack of Benefit for the Migrant Workers: The identification higher cash transfers can be handled through release of of BPL population in the urban areas has always been excess buffer stocks. This would enable the government to challenging and hence migrant population in urban areas are prevent demand-supply mismatch in food commodities and unlikely to get benefit. For instance, the migrant workers may prevent inflation. not be able to avail enhanced food grains provided under the Boost to Production of Manufactured Products: The package due to non-availability of ration cards with them. higher cash transfers would obviously lead to higher demand WHAT IS PREVENTING THE GOVERNMENT FROM for the manufactured commodities, create demand-supply ANNOUNCING HIGHER ECONOMIC PACKAGE? mismatch and lead to inflation. However, we need to understand that the supply of manufactured commodities is Proposal: Many economists and civil society activists have presently constrained due to lower demand. Hence, as the suggested a cash transfer of Rs 7,000 per month for a two- demand picks up (due to higher cash transfers), the month period to the bottom 80% of households. The cost of production of these commodities would also pick up and their proposed cash transfers alone would come to Rs 3.66- hence may not lead to Inflation. lakh crore, which is more than 10 times the cash transfers provided in the Finance Minister’s package. Cash Transfers would be Anti-Inflationary: Even if the lockdown is lifted, there would be restrictions in terms of Government's Reluctance: The Government is reluctant social distancing and social activities. Further, there would be from announcing higher economic package due to continued uncertainty in the minds of the people. These apprehension that higher cash transfers could lead to factors would prevent the people from unnecessary increase in the rate of inflation and have adverse impact on expenditure and hence people would continue to hold on to Balance of Payments. This can be understood as shown cash transfers. below: WHY THE GOVERNMENT NEED NOT BE WORRIED 1. Higher Cash Transfers --> Higher Demand for Food and Non-Food items--> Demand-Supply Mismatch --> Higher ABOUT BALANCE OF PAYMENTS (BOP)? Rate of Inflation Adequate Forex Reserves: India has forex reserves of

2. Higher rate of Inflation--> Macro-economic Instability--> around $ 475 bn, which can be used for preventing large Higher FPI outflows --> Rupee Depreciation --> Adverse scale volatility in the exchange rate system. Impact on BoP. Restrictions on Capital Outflows: If the volatility continues

The recent global economic slowdown accompanied by the to persist, the Government can put restrictions on the capital outbreak of CoVID-19 has raised fears of global economic outflows to check Rupee Depreciation. recession in future. This has in turn led to flight of capital from the developing countries to the developed countries. In case of India, the FPIs have sold over $ 10 billion worth FINANCING COVID-19 equities and bonds leading to largest ever dollar outflow in a single month. The higher outflow of dollars has in turn put PANDEMIC THROUGH pressure on the Rupee wherein the Rupee has depreciated to historical low value of 75 vis-a-vis dollars. Hence, the GDP-LINKED BONDS Government is clearly worried that higher rate of Inflation #Govt Policies caused due to higher cash transfers would further affect the BoP. WHY THE GOVERNMENT NEED NOT BE WORRIED IN NEWS ABOUT HIGHER RATE OF INFLATION? Recently, the Union Finance Minister has announced Rs 1.70 Surplus Buffer Stocks: The Food Corporation of India has Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan surplus of 37 MT over and above the buffer stock norms. MantriGaribKalyanYojana for the poor to help them fight the Hence, the enhanced demand for food grains caused due to battle against Corona Virus. Out of total Rs 1.7 lakh crores

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Economic Development needed for economic package, around Rs 60,000 crores is interest during weak GDP growth years and hence can already available under State Disaster Response fund. So, the sustain higher debt. question here is from where should the government raise the Less Volatility for Investors: The GDP-linked bonds can also remaining Rs 1.1 lakh crore (65% of economic package)? be attractive for the investors as interest rate is less volatile We need to find answer to this question as the macro- as compared to volatility in the Equity and Debt market. economic condition of Indian economy is pretty bad. The CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS combined fiscal deficit of Centre and states stands at 7.5%. Moral Hazard: The Governments may deliberately show Similarly, the combined debt of Centre and states stands at lower GDP growth rates in order to reduce the Interest rates 69% of India's GDP. Hence, borrowings of the Government to on GDP linked Bonds. finance economic package may aggravate macro-economic stability of Indian Economy. Less Attractive: As these are new and innovative financial instruments, most of the investors are either unaware or In this regard, let us understand to how the Government can skeptical of investing in these bonds. raise finances for the economic package without affecting the macro-economic stability. These innovative mechanisms Increased Interest rate on Conventional Bonds: The include: Countries may go for issuance of a greater number of GDP linked bonds particularly when they expect GDP growth to be • Issue of GDP-Linked Bonds lower. • Monetization of Non-core Assets of PSUs. This would force the investors to revise down the future GDP • Tapping into Excess Liquidity of PSUs. growth rates and hence make the conventional bonds riskier ISSUANCE OF GDP-LINKED BONDS in the eyes of Investors.

What are they? Governments typically issue bonds with Hence, it leads to increase in the rate of Interest on the fixed Interest rates. However, the GDP linked Bonds are the conventional bonds. floating rate bonds issued by the countries to borrow Previous Examples of Issuance of GDP Linked Bonds: money from the market. Since they are floating rate bonds, Costa Rica, Bulgaria and Bosnia-Herzegovina issued the first the rate of Interest is linked to GDP growth of a country. pure GDP-linked bonds in the 1990s. Argentina and Greece Higher the GDP growth, higher would be the Interest rate and issued instruments similar to GDP-linked bonds in 2005 and vice-versa. 2012 respectively.

ADVANTAGES OF GDP-LINKED BONDS What should India do? India can also issue GDP linked Lowers Possibility of Default: The Govt. needs to pay less Bonds with 25-year maturity period. These Bonds should Interest when GDP Growth is lower and hence it lowers the have a call option from 5th year onwards i.e. the Government possibility of default. can exercise the option of repaying the debt after a period of 5 years if it has sufficient finances. These Bonds should also Reduces the Risk of Contagion: Some of the countries such be listed on the Stock exchanges in order to provide exit as Greece (2015), Argentina (2001), Russia (1997), Pakistan, option to the Investors. Ukraine etc. have defaulted on their loan repayments in the recent past. The Sovereign debt crisis in these countries in MONETISATION OF NON-CORE ASSETS OF PSUS turn had contagion impact not only on their economies, but it What is Asset Monetisation? The assets of the PSUs could also financial sector in other countries. The GDP linked bonds be categorized broadly into various types (a) Land and reduce the possibility of default and hence reduces the risk of Buildings (b) Operational assets such as pipelines, mobile contagion. towers etc. (c) Financial assets such as equity shares, debt Higher Sustainability of Debt: The Government needs to securities etc. Normally, it is observed that some of the assets pay fixed interest rate in case of normal fixed rate bonds and of the PSUs such as land and buildings are not efficiently hence cannot have higher debt levels. However, in case of used and more importantly, such assets may be considered GDP-linked bonds, the Government would be required to less as non-core assets as they may not be integral to the efficient working of such PSUs.

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Hence, Asset Monetisation refers to the selling of the non- Companies, the Government of India has tweaked the FDI core and sub-optimally utilized assets of the central public Policy. enterprises. UNDERSTANDING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT Suggestions: There are around 15 PSUs which have • According to the guidelines issued by the Government, substantial amount of non-core assets and also owe the foreign investment of less than 10% in a listed Indian Government more than Rs 25,000 crores. The Government Company is considered as Portfolio Investment. needs to monetise the assets of these identified PSUs to • Foreign Investment of 10% or more in a listed Indian recover the past loans and raise resources to fight COVID-19 company is considered as Foreign Direct Investment. pandemic. Further, Foreign Investment in an unlisted Indian company Further, the Government may find it difficult to monetise the (irrespective of threshold) is considered as FDI. non-core real estate holdings of the 15 identified PSUs. • FDI leads to both ownership and management control of a Hence, the Government can set up holding company company, while FPI provides for only ownership in "Holdco" to speed up the process. The PSUs must transfer accordance with the shareholding. the non-core assets to the Holding company, Holdco and the holding company should be entrusted with the responsibility PRESENT FDI POLICY of selling these properties at the earliest. Since, the 1991 LPG Reforms, the Government of India has TAPPING INTO EXCESS LIQUIDITY OF PSUS opened up FDI in almost all the sectors of Indian Economy as

The outstanding cash and bank deposits of the 15 identified shown below: is around Rs 65,000 crores which is much higher than their SL. SECTOR FDI ROUTE operational requirements. The PSUs must be allowed to NO LIMIT retain cash and bank deposits to meet their operational expenses for next 6 months. The excess cash and bank deposits should be transferred to the Government in the 1 Agriculture and allied activities: 100% Automatic form of dividend payments. • Floriculture, Horticulture, and Cultivation of Vegetables & Mushrooms under controlled RECENT CHANGES IN FDI conditions; • Development and Production POLICY of seeds and planting #Govt Policies material; • Animal Husbandry, Pisciculture, Aquaculture, Apiculture; and • IN NEWS Services related to agro and allied sectors The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected various firms in India. The Share prices of most of the Indian companies 2 Coal Mining 100% Automatic have been falling because of the disruption. The decrease in the share prices has in turn exposed the Indian companies to hostile and opportunistic take over by Chinese Companies. 3 Defence 100% Automatic up to 49% Recently, Chinese Central Bank brought 1.75 crore shares of HDFC Ltd. leading to increase in its ownership from 0.8% to Government 1.01% of the total shareholding of HDFC. Hence, in order to Route prevent the hostile takeovers of Indian Companies by foreign

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beyond 49% SECTORS WHERE FDI IS PROHIBITED • Lottery Business including Government/private lottery, 4 Print Media 26% Government online lotteries, etc. Route • Gambling and Betting including casinos etc.

• Chit funds and Nidhi company 5 Airports 100% Automatic • Trading in Transferable Development Rights (TDRs)

• Real Estate business or development of farmhouses 6 Telecom 100% Automatic • up to 49% Manufacturing of cigarettes • Government Activities/sectors not open to private sector investment Route such as Atomic Energy and Railway operations. beyond 49% RECENT CHANGES

Earlier Regime: A citizen of Bangladesh or an entity 7 Single Brand Retail 100% Automatic incorporated in Bangladesh and Pakistan can invest only up to 49% under the Government route. Further, FDI from Pakistan is Government not allowed in sectors such as defence, space and atomic Route energy.

beyond 49% New Regime: According to the new regime, entities from countries which share a land border with India will now be 8 Private Sector Banks 74% Automatic permitted to invest only under approval route. This means up to 49% that the FDI proposal from bordering countries will now Government require government clearance, even if foreign investments route for that sector is placed under approval route. So, going beyond 49% forward, FDI from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan would compulsorily 9 Public Sector Banks 20% Government require Government’s approval. Route The rules have been tightened not just for fresh but existing FDI as well. Transfer of ownership of any existing or future 10 Insurance and Pension 49% Automatic FDI where the direct or indirect beneficiary is from these Route countries will also require government approval.

Note: FDI is permitted either through Automatic route or Government route. Under the Automatic route, the foreign 1. India shares a land border with China, Pakistan, company does not require any approval from Government of Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan. India. Whereas, under the Government route, approval 2. As of now, changes have been made only to foreign direct from the Government of India is required prior to investment and not foreign portfolio investment (FPI) investment. Proposals for foreign investment under the rules. There are speculations that SEBI may also come out Government route are approved by the with such restrictions. respective Administrative Ministry/ Department. FDI proposals of more than Rs 5000 crores are approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

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External SEctor

►Inability to make informed policy choices FAULT LINES IN THE • Under the License Raj System, the Government used to regularly seek production related information from the ECONOMIC private sector. Based upon such information, the Government used to take informed policy choices. For LIBERALISATION instance, if the production of any essential commodity is # LPG Reforms lower, then the Government would direct the private sector to ramp up the production. • However, post LPG reforms, the Government does not seek production related information from the Private IN NEWS sector. This in turn has reduced the ability of the Governments across the world are grappling with the outbreak Government to make informed policy choices. For of COVID-19. Most of the countries have not able to provide instance, after the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government essential medicines, Personal protection Equipment (PPE), took a number of weeks to gather information about diagnostic tools etc. to deal with the pandemic. This highlights stocks and the production capacity of pharmaceutical that the growing inability of the Government to provide companies.Similarly, there were difficulties in finding out essential health products is on account of LPG reforms. The India’s production capacity of PPE, medical devices and LPG reforms has led to loss of manufacturing base in most of diagnostics. the countries. It has also increased their import dependence, ►Higher Import Dependence on China for APIs even for essential health products. What are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)?All Accordingly, the Industrial Policy of the countries need to be drugs are made up of two core components – API (Central realigned in order to boost domestic production of health ingredient) and Excipient(Helps deliver the medication). products and reduce their import dependence. The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the part of any drug that produces the intended effects. Some drugs, such as IMPACT OF LPG REFORMS ON THE GLOBAL combination therapies, have multiple active ingredients. The ECONOMY Excipients are chemically inactive substances, such as lactose Loss of Manufacturing Base: The LPG Reforms have led to or mineral oil in the pill. shift in production base of the MNCs from developed to For example, if the API is a solid and the drug is required to developing countries. This has also led to development of have a liquid dosage form, such as a cough syrup, then the Global Value Chains. However, only some of the countries excipients would be the liquids that are used to formulate the such as China have been able to get benefit through syrup. integration with Global value chains due to higher value ►Reasons for the higher import dependence of APIs addition. China has also emerged as global manufacturing hub. • Over-dependence on China for Imports: India is dependent on China for its APIs because importing raw Hence, the loss of manufacturing base in other economies, material from China saves 15-20% of the overall costs for including India has made them dependent on China even for the Indian drug makers. This is on account of higher the essential goods. For instance, China is the considered as Government subsidies in China which leads to reduced the biggest supplier of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients production costs. (APIs),Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and medical devices diagnostics. • Few Domestic Manufacturers in India: The reduced production costs of APIs in China has forced Indian drug IMPACT OF LPG REFORMS ON THE INDIAN companies such as Sun Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma to ECONOMY

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shift their focus from the manufacturing of APIs to direction of its work. This year, due to the COVID-19 Outbreak, developing formulations. the meeting took place through video-conference. • Lack of Manufacturing base in Medical Devices:In the ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) past, India has allowed unconditional imports of PPE, • Both IMF and World Bank came into being after the medical devices and diagnostic kits leading to an adverse Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. These institutions impact on domestic manufacturing of these goods. There were mainly set up in order to ensure global financial are only a few domestic manufacturers who can produce stability and to promote growth and development. PPE and medical devices like ventilators. This has in turn reduced our ability to respond to the outbreak of COVID- • The role of the World Bank is to give loans to the poor and 19. developing countries to promote growth and development. The IMF's main role is to give loans to the member countries which are facing Balance of Payment INTERNATIONAL (BoP) crisis. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY AND FINANCE MONETARY AND COMMITTEE (IMFC) • The highest decision-making body of the IMF is the Board FINANCIAL COMMITTEE of Governors. It consists of one governor and one (IMFC) alternate governor for each member country. • The governor is appointed by the member country and is # International Institutions usually the minister of finance or the head of the central bank. The IMFC advises and reports to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the IN NEWS international monetary and financial system. • The Union Minister of Finance recently attended the Plenary The IMFC has 24 members who are drawn from the pool Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial of 189 governors. Its structure mirrors that of the IMF Committee (IMFC) through video-conference. The IMFC meets Executive Board.The IMFC meets twice a year and twice a year, once during the Annual Meetings in October, and discusses matters of common concern affecting the global again during the Spring Meetings in April. economy and also advises the IMF on the direction its The Committee discusses matters of common concern work. affecting the global economy and advises the IMF on the

International Reports in News

MIGRATION AND IN NEWS The World Bank has recently released a report titled as DEVELOPMENT BRIEF: A “Migration and Development Brief”. This report is prepared by Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development REPORT (KNOMAD), an initiative of World Bank. This report provides updates on global trends in migration and remittances. #International Reports Further, the report provides a prognosis of how the events related to COVID-19 might affect global trends in international economic migration and remittances in 2020 and 2021.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT • Hence, decline in the remittances into India could have an adverse impact on India's macro-economic stability. It Impact on COVID-19 on International Migrants: The could also impact a number of families who are dependent economic disruption caused due to COVID-19 has adversely on these global remittances to meet their basic needs such affected the income levels of the migrants across the world. as healthcare, Education etc. Migrant remittances provide an economic lifeline to poor households in many countries. Hence, a reduction in ABOUT GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE PARTNERSHIP ON remittance flows could increase poverty and reduce MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT (KNOMAD) households’ access to healthcare services. Further, migrants KNOMAD is supported by a multi‐donor trust fund face the risk of contagion and also the possible loss of established by the World Bank. It is a global hub of employment, wages, and health insurance coverage. The knowledge and policy expertise on migration and crisis could also exacerbate xenophobic, discriminatory development. It aims to create and synthesize treatment of migrants, which calls for greater vigilance multidisciplinary knowledge and evidence for the following against such practices. purposes: Impact of low- and middle-income countries: The • Advise Policy makers related to Migration Remittances as a share of GDP tend to be largest in poor • Provide technical assistance and capacity building for pilot countries as compared to rich countries. In 2020, the projects remittance flows to low‐ and middle‐income countries are expected to drop by around 20 percent to $445 billion from • Evaluation of policies related to Migration. $554 billion in 2019. This is projected to the largest fall in the global remittances in the recent history. Higher dependence on Remittances: The low- and middle- SOUTH ASIA ECONOMIC income countries have been witnessing decline in the foreign investment since the outbreak of COVID-19. Hence, even FOCUS REPORT though, remittances have declined, these countries could see #International Reports higher dependence on remittances as source of external financing. Slower Progress in Sustainable Development Goals: The IN NEWS World Bank closely monitors three Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators for which it is a custodian: increasing Recently, the World Bank has released its biannual report the volume of remittances as a percentage of GDP, reducing titled "South Asia Economic Focus". This report has highlighted remittance costs and reducing recruitment costs paid by that countries in the South Asian Region (Including India) could migrant workers. The progress on all three indicators is see sharp slump in the economic activity due to the outbreak projected to slowdown in 2020. of COVID-19. WHY IS IT A CAUSE OF CONCERN FOR INDIA? HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT THE REPORT • • India attracts the world's highest remittances at around $ Unique Economic Crisis: The economic crisis caused due 80 bn followed by China.The remittances into India to COVID-19 is unique in number of ways. Firstly, the contribute around 3% of its GDP. Most of the India's economic crisis is on account of both demand and supply remittances come from UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, side disruptions. Secondly, the disruption has been seen Qatar, Oman etc. The only non-gulf country is the top 5 is in almost all sectors of economy including Manufacturing USA. and Services.Thirdly, panic buying of food commodities may jeopardize food security. • The Higher remittances into India enable us to have lower • Current Account Deficit (CAD). (Remittances are accounted Higher Vulnerabilities: South Asia has some of the under Balance of Invisibles as part of Current Account) highest population densities in the world, particularly in urban areas. This makes contagion easier, especially

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among the most vulnerable people such as slum dwellers • Early measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19: The and domestic migrant workers. Governments must focus on strengthening disease

• Economic outlook: South Asia will likely experience the surveillance and prevent the spread of the virus. worst economic performance of the last 40 years. The • Use of Digital technologies: The countries can also use regional GDP growth will fall to a range between 1.8 and digital technologies to monitor the spread of COVID-19.For 2.8 percent in 2020, down from 6.3 percent projected six example, India recently launched an app, Arogya Setu, that months ago. In a worst-case scenario, the whole region uses location data from persons’ smartphones to tell users would experience a contraction of GDP. if they have been near someone who tested positive for

• Higher Inequalities: The poor people have higher COVID-19. likelihood of losing work, and domestic migrant workers • Protecting Vulnerable Population: Temporary public who had escaped rural poverty by finding work in cities are work programs (for example, producing protective gear, being forced back into rural poverty again. Hence, the sanitizing public spaces, delivering food to elderly) could COVID-19 may accentuate economic inequalities within provide migrant workers with food or cash. Digital South Asia. technology can be used to identify the poor and vulnerable WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH and organize food and cash distributions for them. • THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Need for Expansionary Policies: The South Asian governments should adopt expansionary fiscal policies combined with monetary stimulus to enhance the money supply.

practice questions

MCQs

Q1. With reference to Targeted Long-term Repo 1. It is used as a source for financing Budget deficit by Operations (TLTROs), consider the following both Centre and States. statements: 2. The interest rate on the WMA is lower than Repo Rate. 1. The Interest rate on TLTROs would be higher than Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Repo rate since they are long-term tools to inject (a) 1 only (b) 2 only liquidity. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. The liquidity availed by the Banks must be deployed in

investment grade corporate bonds, commercial paper Q3. The term "Circuit Breaker", sometimes seen in and other financial instruments. news deals with which among the following? Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Sudden increase in NPAs of Banks. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (b) Sudden increase in Capital raised by NBFC through (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 commercial papers.

(c) Halt in the trading in the share market in event of Q2. With reference to Ways and Means Advances large-scale fluctuations. (WMA), consider the following statements: (d) Condition wherein the short -term Liabilities of NBFCs are higher than its long-term Assets.

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Economic Development

Q4. Which among the following can be considered as Q5. Which among the following International advantages of issuing GDP linked Bonds in India? Organizations publishes the "Migration and 1. Lower Possibility of Default. Development Brief" Report? 2. Higher Sustainability of Debt. (a) UNCTAD (b) World Bank 3. Less volatility as compared to Equities Market. (c) IMF (d) OECD Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

descriptive Questions

Q1. Examine the various legal and financial constraints before the State Governments to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic? Also, suggest some measures as to how the State Governments can be empowered to deal with the situation.

Q2. The issuance of GDP-linked Bonds can enable the Government to raise adequate amount of finances to deal with COVID- 19 without affecting macro-economic stability of India. Elucidate.

Answers to above MCQs: 1 (b), 2 (d), 3 (c), 4(d), 5(b)

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SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE # GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)

TOPICS OF IMPORTANCE

in that particular shop. Over the last few years, 10 States ONE NATION ONE (partially in one) have implemented the Integrated Management of Public Distribution System, which allows RATION CARD beneficiaries to buy rations from any fair price shop within # Food Security # Social Justice that State. • Hence, the central government announced in June 2019 a nationwide portability network which is called the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme. It is scheduled to come IN NEWS into full effect by June 2020, after which a ration card During lockdown, announced with a desire to flatten the holder can buy subsidised grain at any fair price shop in COVID-19 infection curve, the worst sufferers of this lockdown the country. are lakhs of migrant workers working in urban areasmostly in WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? WHO WILL GAIN THE unorganised sectors. Layoffs, drying of incomes and food MOST? insecurity created more troubles. Many of them are not having • ration cards in urban areas, hence are not able to get food The main beneficiaries of the scheme are the country’s benefits from the government. In this regard, it has now migrant workers. According to data from the Census 2011, become imperative to fully implement ration card portability there are more than 45 crore internal migrants in India, of whom more than half have not completed primary i.e. ONE NATION, ONE RATION CARD pan India. education, while 80% have not completed secondary Recently, Bihar, Punjab, UP, Himachal and Daman and Diu education. Lower levels of education are linked to lower have been integrated with the scheme. Till now, 17 states have income, which would make a large percentage of these joined the scheme. This scheme was launched in June 2019. migrants eligible for NFSA benefits. Registering for ration ABOUT ‘ONE NATION ONE RATION CARD’ SCHEME cards at their new location is an arduous process, especially if some members of the household still remain • India runs the world’s largest food security programme, in their original home. Apart from this, field studies distributing more than 600 lakh tonnes of subsidised food estimate that four crore to ten crore people are short-term grain to more than 81 crore beneficiaries every year. This migrants, often working in cities, but not moving there is done through a vast network of more than five lakh permanently. Women who change locations after marriage ration or fair price shops. Under the National Food also find it difficult to start accessing ration benefits using Security Act (NFSA), each beneficiary is eligible for five kg a new household’s card. of subsidised grains per month at the rate of 3/kg for rice, • 2/kg for wheat and 1/kg of coarse cereals. The Centre hopes that allowing ration card portability will also curb corruption and improve access and service • Till last year, this has been a location-linked benefit, leaving quality by removing monopolies. Under the old system, crores of migrant workers and families out of the food beneficiaries were dependent on a single fair price shop safety net. Each household’s ration card is linked to a and subject to the whims of its dealer. Under the new specific fair price shop and can only be used to buy rations system, if they are denied service or face corruption or

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Society and Social Justice

poor quality in one shop, they are free to head to a Daman and Diu are where ration card portability has been different shop. implemented. • The scheme is also driving the faster implementation of BENEFITS EMANATING FROM ‘ONE NATION ONE initiatives to digitise and integrate the food storage and RATION CARD’ public distribution system. • Interoperability of Ration Card: Under the scheme, the WHAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE IT WORK? beneficiaries from one state can get their share of rations • The scheme involves the creation of a central repository in other states where the ration card was originally issued. of NFSA beneficiaries and ration cards, which will After the scheme gets implemented at the national level, integrate the existing databases maintained by States, any PDS recipient can use their ration cards at any PDS Union Territories and the Centre. shop across the country. • Aadhaar seeding is also important as the unique It seeks to provide universal access to PDS food grains for biometric ID will be used to authenticate and track the migrant workers. usage of ration by beneficiaries anywhere in the country. • Empowering Consumers: The scheme will also give the Currently, it is estimated that around 85% of ration cards beneficiaries the opportunity to opt for the dealer of their are linked to Aadhaar numbers. choice. If any dealer misbehaves or misallocates, the • For the scheme to work, it is critical that all fair price beneficiary can switch to another FPS shop instantly. shops are equipped with electronic point-of-sale • Reducing Social Discrimination: It will be particularly machines (ePoS), replacing the old method of manual beneficial for women and other disadvantaged groups, record-keeping of transactions with a digital real-time given how social identity (caste, class and gender) and record. other contextual factors (including power relations) • On the back-end, the Food Corporation of India’s Depot provide a strong backdrop in accessing PDS. Online System is integrating all warehouses and • Achieving SDG: This will help achieve the target set under godowns storing subsidised grain in an attempt to create SDG 2: Ending hunger by 2030. Also, it will address the a seamless flow of online information from procurement poor state of hunger in India, as highlighted by the Global until distribution. Hunger Index, where India has been ranked 102 out of 117 WHAT IS THE PROGRESS SO FAR? countries.

• A standard format for ration card has been prepared after taking into account the format used by different states. UNDERSTANDING LAWS • For national portability, the state governments have been asked to issue the ration card in bi-lingual format, ON RAPE AND SEXUAL wherein besides the local langauge, the other language could be Hindi or English. CRIMES #Legislation #Social Justice • The states have also been told to have a 10-digit standard ration card number, wherein first two digits will be state code and the next two digits will be running ration card numbers. IN NEWS

• Besides this, a set of another two digits will be appended Recently, with the hanging of Nirbhaya rape case convicts, the with ration card number to create unique member IDs for case has seen closer after more than seven years. On this note, each member of the household in a ration card. let us understand about laws on rape and sexual crimes in our country. • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, Tripura, Bihar, Punjab, UP, Himachal and

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Society and Social Justice

BACKGROUND • While the sessions court acquitted both the policemen, the High Court reversed the order of acquittal. When the case • ‘Rape’ as a clearly defined offence was first introduced in reached the Supreme Court, it overturned the High Court the Indian Penal Code in 1860. Prior to this, there were verdict saying that “the inter course in question is not often diverse and conflicting laws prevailing across India. proved to amount rape”. The codification of Indian laws began with the enactment of the Charter Act, 1833 by the British Parliament which • The top court, in its September 15, 1978 verdict, said no led to the establishment of the first Law Commission marks of injury were found on the girl after the incident under the chairmanship of Lord Macaulay. and “their absence goes a long way to indicate that the alleged intercoursewas consensual”. • The Law Commissioners decided to put the criminal law of the land in two separate codes. The first to be placed on WHY WAS THE CRIMINAL LAW ACT AMENDED?

the statute book was the Indian Penal Code formulating • The controversial verdict sparked widescale protests the substantive law of crimes. This was enacted in October across the country seeking a change in existing rape laws. 1860 but brought into force 15 months later on January 1, This culminated into the Criminal Law (Second 1862. Amendment) Act of 1983. A new Section 114A in the • The first Code of Criminal Procedure was enacted in Indian Evidence Act of 1872 was inserted which presumed 1861, which consolidated the law relating to the set-up of that there is absence of consent in certain prosecutions of criminal courts and the procedure to be followed in the rape if the victim says so. This applied to custodial rape investigation and trial of the offence. cases. IPC SECTIONS • In the IPC, Section 228A was added which makes it punishable to disclose the identity of the victim of certain • Section 375 of the IPC made punishable the act of sex by offences including rape. a man with a woman if it was done against her will or without her consent. The definition of rape also included ARE THE LAWS GENDER NEUTRAL?

sex when her consent has been obtained by putting her • Following the direction of the Supreme Court in a public or any person in whom she is interested, in fear of death interest litigation (PIL) initiated by a non-governmental or of hurt. organisation to widen the definition of sexual intercourse Also, sex with or without her consent, when she is under in Section 375 of the IPC, the Law Commission in its 172th 18 years is considered rape. However, under the report recommended widening the scope of rape law to exception, sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with make it gender neutral.

his wife, the wife not being under 15 years of age, is not • While the rape law in India even today remains gender rape. specific, as the perpetrator of the offence can only be a • Section 376 provided for seven years of jail term to life ‘man’, the 172nd report led to the amendments in the imprisonment to whoever commits the offence of rape. Indian Evidence Act in 2002. CASE OF 1972 • A new provision was inserted which barred putting questions in the cross-examination of the victim as to her • For over a century after 1860, the criminal law relating to general ‘immoral character’ in rape or attempt to rape rape and sexual assault cases remained unchanged until cases. the watershed incident of the Mathura custodial rape case. On March 26, 1972 a young Adivasi girl named Mathura ARE RAPE LAWS STRICTER NOW?

was allegedly raped by policemen in the Desai Gunj Police • The nationwide public outcry, in 2012, following the Station in Maharashtra. In the trial that ensued, the December 16 gang rape and murder in Delhi, led to the sessions court came to the conclusion that she had sexual passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act in 2013 intercourse while at the police station but rape had not which widened the definition of rape and made been proved and that she was habituated to intercourse. punishment more stringent.

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• Parliament made the amendments on the recommendation of the Justice J.S. Verma Committee, PROTECTION OF TRIBALS which was constituted to re-look the criminal laws in the #Social Justice # Empowerment country and recommend changes.

• The 2013 Act, which came into effect on April 2, 2013, increased jail terms in most sexual assault cases and also CONTEXT provided for the death penalty in rape cases that cause The fate of the primitive societies has always been a matter of death of the victim or leaves her in a vegetative state. debate. While some anthropologists suggest integration into • It also created new offences, such as use of criminal force the current system, others push for a complete isolation. The on a woman with intent to disrobe, voyeurism and stereotyping of tribes as primitive, backward, savage, less stalking. advanced is a colonial construct. Pre-independence, the society had dealt with them by incorporating them in the social • The punishment for gang rape was increased to 20 structure, in the Jati-Varna model. Some of them were even years to life imprisonment from the earlier 10 years to “peasantised”. But in general, their rights, customs, way of life imprisonment. living was accepted, or atleast not interfered with. • Earlier, there was no specific provision in law for offences BACKGROUND such as use of unwelcome physical contact, words or • gestures, demand or request for sexual favours, showing The British rule marked a watershed in the tribal issue. The pornography against the will of a woman or making sexual relative isolation of the tribes was ended and they were remarks. But, the 2013 Act clearly defined these offences brought into the mainstream administrative set-up. Almost all tribal areas came under the direct rule of the British. In and allocated punishment. some tribal areas, the tribal chiefs became the tax- • Similarly, stalking was made punishable with up to three collectors or the agents of the British Raj. The British had years in jail. The offence of acid attack was increased to 10 also tried to tame the ‘uncivilised’. The British policies had years of imprisonment. led to the breakdown of the tribal mode of production.

WHAT ABOUT OFFENCES AGAINST MINORS? • Introduction of taxes, alien land, forest laws and system of • In January 2018, an eight-year-old girl in Rasana village justice had disrupted the tribe’s relation with the forest. near Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir was abducted, raped Even in areas of ‘non-interference’, some areas were open to moneylenders, traders and land-hungry peasants. and murdered by a group of men. The news of the shocking act led to nationwide protests and calls for • In 1874, they brought in the Scheduled Area District Act harsher punishment. of 1874 which kept the tribes outside the application of general laws. The Government of India Act of 1919 had • This led to the passing of the Criminal Law (Amendment) given a tribal backwardness a formal recognition and a Act, 2018 which for the first time put death penalty as a basis for special treatment. In the 1930s, there was a possible punishment for rape of a girl under 12 years; the debate on the continuation of this policy. The nationalists minimum punishment is 20 years in jail. argued that this was another divide and rule policy. The • Another new section was also inserted in the IPC to nationalists in the Constituent assembly had also pressed specifically deal with rape on a girl below 16 years. The for more radical assimilation policies.

provision made the offence punishable with minimum • Jawaharlal Nehru’s Tribal Panchsheel strategy was seen imprisonment of 20 years which may extend to as a balance between the two extremes – integration and imprisonment for life. isolation. Five principles spelt out in 1952 have been • The minimum jail term for rape, which has remained guiding the administration of tribal affairs. They are: unchanged since the introduction of the IPC in 1860, was 1. Tribals should be allowed to develop according to their increased from seven to 10 years. own genius.

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2. Tribals’ rights in land and forest should be respected. However, there is an exception in articles 15(4), 16(4) for

3. Tribal teams should be trained to undertake the empowerment of the scheduled tribes. administration and development without too many • Article 15(4) empowers the state to make special outsiders being inducted. provision and to reserve seats for STs in educational

4. Tribal development should be undertaken without institutions. Article 16 provides special provision regarding disturbing tribal social and cultural institutions. opportunity in matters of public employment for STs. • 5. The index of tribal development should be the quality of Article 275(1) speaks of grant- in–aid from the their life and not the money spent. consolidated fund of India every year for promoting the welfare of STs and administration of scheduled areas. CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PROVISIONS • Article 335 provides the claims of the members of STs in Since 1874 the British rule recognized the special situation of the appointments of services and posts consistent with tribals and the Tribal areas and therefore constituted the the maintenance of efficiency of administration. Excluded Areas/ Scheduled Areas/ Scheduled Districts with • Article 338 (A) provides for the national commission for specific criteria for its governance. The framers of the Indian STs. Constitution too continued the same with the 5th and 6th Schedule in the Indian Constitution for the governance of the • Article 342 has provision for the list of STs, which tribal areas. parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of STs specified in a notification issued. • Since independence, the Governments have enacted many laws for the protection against the exploitative • Articles 330 and 332, speaks about rights of scheduled forces like The Scheduled Caste’s and Scheduled Tribe’s tribes of India, acts, commissions and recommendations (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1985 and Rule 1995, The reservation of seats for STs in the parliament and Scheduled Tribe’s Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1976, and assemblies. most of the States do not permit to transfer land of Scheduled Areas to non-tribals through legislations; also legislations like the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled IMPORTANCE OF THE SCHEDULED TRIBES Areas) Act 1996, The Scheduled Tribes andOther AND OTHER TRADITIONAL FOREST Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest DWELLERS (RECOGNITION OF FOREST Rights) Act, 2006, recognizing the customary governance system and rights over the forest, agricultural land RIGHTS) ACT, 2006 occupying for generations. What are called “forests” in Indian law often have nothing to • There have been Special Central Assistance is given to do with actual forests. The Indian Forest Act, 1927, India’s States/UTs to supplement their efforts in tribal main forest law, had nothing to do with conservation. Under development through Tribal Sub-Plan, Grants under the it , the areas were often declared to be “government forests” provision of article 275(1) of the Constitution to meet the without recording who lived in these areas, what land they costs of projects for tribal development and for raising the were using and what uses they made of the forest. Because level of administration of Scheduled Area, and many of this situation, millions of people are subject to more policies, programmes for the socio-economic and harassment, evictions, etc. on the pretext of being political development of the Scheduled Tribes. There are encroachers in their own homes. Torture, bonded labour, also Institutions to monitor and evaluate the development extortion of money and sexual assault are all extremely programmes and the administration of the tribal areas to common. The reason why people’s rights were not respected ensure the fulfillment of the spirit of our was because The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was created to constitution.Some of the specific articles related to the serve the British need for timber. It sought to override Schedule Tribes are- customary rights and forest management systems by declaring forests state property and exploiting their timber. • In article 15(1), there is a prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth.

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Post-Independence, the National Forest Policy was adopted, people participate, and hence is fully democratic and subsequently Community Forest Management Programmes transparent. The Gram Sabha’s recommendation goes like Joint Forest Management and Community Forest through two stages of screening committees at the taluka Management Programmes were implemented from 1990 (Sub-divisional) and District levels. The District level onwards with people’s participation. Till then, there was committee makes the final decision. Further at both the mistrust about how forests are being managed and people levels, the Committees have six members – three government felt alienated especially in forest areas where tribals are officers and three elected persons (out of them, two have to living in large numbers. belong to the Scheduled Tribe). If any person believes his

Post-Independence most of the forests had degraded and claim has been wrongly rejected, then he can appeal at both when the government started course correction in 1990 the taluka and the district levels. Finally, land recognised onwards we came across the idea of people’s rights over under this Act cannot be sold or transferred. forest land and forest resources. BASICS ABOUT FOREST RIGHTS ACT (FRA)

Aim : The legislation was passed in December 2006 and is ELDERLY ISSUES concerned with the rights of forest-dwelling communities #Social Issue #Empowerment to land and other resources which was denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India. Thus, the Act grants legal recognition to the CONTEXT rights of traditional forest dwelling communities, partially India has a rapidly ageing population which may soon correcting the injustice caused by the forest laws. outweigh the demographic dividend of a young workforce. In order to claim eligibility under the Act , the claimant has to Unless attitudes towards the elderly improve and the prove firstly, primarily residing in forests or forest lands and government increases resources for their care, India is staring depending on forests and forest land for a livelihood. at the prospect of a generational socioeconomic crisis. Secondly, either the claimant must be a member of the • It is estimated that the elderly population will swell to 20% Scheduled Tribes in that area or must have been residing in of the entire population by the year 2050, which will be the forest for 75 years. dramatic jump from the current 6% level of the total There are different rights recognised under the act which can population. be summarised as Title rights- i.e. right to ownership to land • Elderly people are those who are aged 60 years and above. farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of • 4 hectares, ownership is only for land that is actually being The state with highest percentage of aged population is cultivated by the concerned family and no new lands will be Kerala and the states in the Northeast have relatively granted , Use rights- to minor forest produce (also including lowest share in percentage of aged. ownership), to grazing areas, to pastoralist routes, etc. Relief • Problems of the elderly: Failing Health, Economic and development rights- to rehabilitation in case of illegal insecurity, Isolation & neglect, Abuse, Boredom, Low self- eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, esteem, Lack of accommodation, Lack of Preparedness for old subject to restrictions for forest protection and Forest age, Loss of control etc. management rights- to protect and conserve forests and To tackle the issue of the elderly, the following areas wildlife. should be focused: The Act provides a transparent three step procedure for 1. Issue to supportive infrastructure: With increasing deciding on who gets these rights. First, the Gram Sabha longevity and debilitating chronic diseases, many elder makes a recommendation as to whose rights should be citizens will need better access to physical infrastructure recognized basis on who has been cultivating land for how in the coming years. Lack of physical infrastructure in their long, which minor forest produce is collected, etc. The Gram own homes, in public spaces and in public transportation Sabha plays this role because it is a public body where all

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systems is a major deterrent in providing comfort to the Elderly women are also at the receiving end as they have aged. longer life span and usually outlive their spouses so they

2. Issue of changing family structure: The traditional need more attention and support. Indian society with an age-old joint family system has 6. Issue of availability, accessibility and affordability of been instrumental in safeguarding the social and health care

economic security of the elderly people. The traditional Managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge norms and values of Indian society also laid stress on as multiple service providers – nursing agencies, showing respect and providing care for the elderly. physiotherapists and medical suppliers – are small, However, with the emerging prevalence of nuclear family unorganized players who extend sub-optimal care.

set-ups in recent years, the elderly is likely to be exposed In India, health insurance coverage is essentially limited to to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in the years hospitalization. to come. With rising numbers of Indians migrating abroad The concept of geriatric care has remained a neglected for work, many elderly parents are left behind to cope area of medicine in the country. Not many institutes offer with the challenges of ageing alone. the geriatrics course, and even takers are few. Even internal migration to metropolitan areas and forced Most of the government facilities such as day care centres, rural-urban migration is also detrimental to the traditional old age residential homes, counselling and recreational system of support. Family care of the elderly seems likely facilities are urban based. to decrease in the future with the due to economic constraints and globalisation. The geriatric outpatient department services are mostly available at tertiary care hospitals not in primary 3. Issue of social support: The elderly in India are much healthcare centers. more vulnerable because of the less government spending on social security system. The elderly in urban Reaching to 75% of the elderly that reside in rural areas area rely primarily on hired domestic help to meet their with geriatric care is challenging. basic needs in an increasingly-chaotic and crowded city. The key challenges to access and affordability for elderly Social isolation and loneliness has increased. population include reduced mobility, social and structural Insurance cover that is elderly sensitive is virtually non- barriers, wage loss, familial dependencies, and declining existent in India. In addition, the preexisting illnesses are social engagement. usually not covered making insurance policies unviable for The stigma of aging is another social barrier to access of the elders. health in addition to the health and social conditions the Pension and social security is also restricted to those who elderly commonly face such as dementia, depression, have worked in the public sector or the organized sector incontinence and widowhood which are usually neglected. of industry. 7. Issue of economic dependency

4. Paucity of old age homes. Elderly often do not have financial protection such as 5. Issue of social inequality: Elderly are a heterogeneous sufficient pension and other form of social security in section with an urban and rural divide. They are less India. The single most pressing challenge to the welfare of vulnerable in rural areas as compared to their urban older person is poverty, which is a multiplier of risk for counterparts, due to the still holding values of the joint abuse. family system. As per National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), All the elderly is not seen in the same view as the needs nearly half of the elderly are fully dependent on others, and problems of elderly are rejected to a vast extent as while another 20 percent are partially dependent for their government classifies these people based on caste and economic needs. other socio cultural dimensions.

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Society and Social Justice

About 85% of the aged had to depend on others for their SOCIAL AUDIT day to day maintenance. The situation was even worse for • Social audit is a process of reviewing official records and elderly females. determining whether state reported expenditures reflect Also due to their financial dependence, elderly persons the actual money spent on the ground. though are most vulnerable to infections have low priority • According to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a for own health. Migration of younger generation, lack of social audit is a way of measuring, understanding, proper care in the family, insufficient housing, economic reporting and ultimately improving an organization's social hardship and break-up of joint family have made the old and ethical performance. A social audit helps to narrow age homes seem more relevant even in the Indian gaps between vision/goal and reality, between efficiency context. and effectiveness.

WAY FORWARD • So far, social audits of government programmes have • It is important to understand the social aspects concerning been done at the initiative of civil society organisations. aged in the country as they go through the process of But to give it a formal shape, through legislation, the state ageing. of Meghalaya became the first state in 2017to pass social

• Increased life expectancy, rapid urbanization and lifestyle audit law. changes have led to an emergence of varied problems for • The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment the elderly in India. Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was the first law to mandate

• It must be remembered that comprehensive care to the social audit as a statutory requirement. The Office of elderly is possible only with the involvement and the CAG developed social audit rules for the MGNREGA in collaboration of family, community and the Government. 2011.

• All social service institutions in the country need to OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL AUDIT address the social challenges to elderly care in order to • Accurate identification of requirements; improve their quality of life. There is a need to initiate • Prioritization of developmental activities as per requisite and more appropriate social welfare requirements; programmes to ensure life with dignity for the elderly. • Proper utilization of funds; • In addition, there is also a need to develop an integrated • Conformity of the developmental activity with the stated and responsive system to meet the care needs and goals; challenges of elderly in India. • Quality of service. BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AUDIT

SOCIAL AUDIT • Involvement of people in developmental activities ensures #Governance #Non-state actor that money is spent where is it actually needed; participation • Reduction of wastages; • Reduction in corruption;

• Awareness among people; CONTEXT • Promotes integrity and a sense of community among For the effective implementation of schemes, citizen people. Improves the standard of governance. participation in governance becomes very important. In this WAY FORWARD regard, beneficiary participation for targeted implementation • of schemes through social audit becomes an important cog. The breakdown of institutions has underlined the fact that — — This improves (transparency cycle) by removing paralysis of democracy and especially public funds need eternal implementation in the entire process of schemes roll out. public vigilance. Democratic governance needs the citizen

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Society and Social Justice

to be legally empowered to ask questions, file complaints, The guidelines place the onus on the doctor to decide and be a part of the corrective process. whether a teleconsultation will suffice, or if an in-person

• Social audits, as they have begun to evolve in India, can review is needed, based upon factors such as complexity of potentially become a powerful democratic method by the patient’s situation, whether he/she can identify the which transparency can be combined with an patient, among other things. Apart from direct doctor-patient institutionalised form of accountability to the people. consultation, telemedicine consultations can be held between a caregiver and doctor; doctor to doctor; and health worker • An independent facilitation structure needs to be set up, to doctor. Some of the basic guidelines and restrictions are: fleshed out, legally empowered and mandated to ensure

that social audits are conducted. The relationship between 1. Both parties should be able to identify and verify each the powerful and the powerless has to shift from other. Doctors have to collect patient’s personal details, patronage to rights, and from inequality to equality, including address, phone number; there needs to be a making the right to question sacrosanct. Specific methods mechanism for patients to verify the doctor’s credentials, of sharing information, recording comments and acting on the doctor’s registration number prominently. findings have been worked out. They now need to be acted 2. Age verification: Doctors need to explicitly ask the age of upon. the patient to issue a prescription, and can also ask for proof. Teleconsultation for minors will be allowed only with an identified adult family member. TELEMEDICINE 3. Patient Consent: The patient’s consent is implied if they initiate a consultation. The patient’s explicit consent is GUIDELINES, 2020 needed via email, text, audio/video message, if a health #E-Health worker or doctor initiates the consultation. The doctor has to maintain the record of consent and the patient’s case history in his records.

4. Prescribing medicines: Doctors can issue prescriptions

IN NEWS after confirming the patient’s age, and will have to provide Within a week of Prime Minister declaring the Janta Curfew the patient a copy of the prescription. If the doctor is against the COVID-19 pandemic, where he said that people sending the prescription directly to a pharmacy, he/ she should simply consult doctors over the phone instead of must take the patient’s explicit consent that entitles visiting them, the Health Ministry notified the Telemedicine him/her to get the medicines dispensed from any Guidelines 2020, laying down norms for an industry that has so pharmacy of their choice. far operated in a regulatory grey area. Doctors can now 5. The same fees will be charged for a telemedicine consult patients via phone, video, and chat applications consultation as for an in-person consultation. including telemedicine platforms and WhatsApp. The 6. Right to stop consultation: Both the patient and the guidelines, formulated by NITI Aayog, were notified under the doctor have the right to discontinue the teleconsultation at Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and any stage. Ethics Regulation, 2002).

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Society and Social Justice practice questions

descriptive Questions

Q1. Explain the need, importance and benefits of ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme.

Q2. What are the common challenges faced by elderly people in India? Highlight the collaborative role of state and non-state

actors in extending support and care forelderly.

Q3. Targeted implementation and all-inclusive citizen centric governance requires effective implementation of social audits. In

the light of the statement, highlight the need and importance ofsocial audits for success of democracy at grass roots level.

Q4. Highlight the constitutional and legal protections extended to Scheduled Tribes in India. Also throw light on the

importance of Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Q5. Despite implementation of various laws with respect to rape and sexual crimes, such crimes are still wide spread.Explain

by giving reasons.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)

Lead Article

last two decades, more aggressive coronaviruses have A BRIEF ON emerged that are capable of causing serious illness and even death in humans. These include SARS-CoV, MERS and now CORONAVIRUS SARS-CoV-2.

#Health #Epidemic Coronavirus and Humans: Human coronaviruses were first characterised in the mid-1960s and they are mostly considered to be responsible for causing upper respiratory CONTEXT tract infections in children. In 1965, scientists DJ Tyrrell and ML Bynoe were the first ones to identify a human There are hundreds of coronavirus and these cause disease coronavirus, which they isolated from the nasal washing of a not only in humans but also in wide variety of animals like male child who had symptoms of common cold. They pigs, camels, bats and cats etc. termed the strain B814 and later in 1968 the term WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? “coronavirus” was accepted. These viruses are named so because of spikes found on their surface that give them the appearance of a crown when looked through an electron microscope.

In animals: Coronaviruses can cause diarrhea in cows and pigs and upper respiratory tract disease in chickens.The first coronavirus was isolated in 1937 and it was the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) that caused respiratory disease in chickens.

Classification of Coronavirus: Broadly, coronaviruses (CoV) are the largest group of viruses that belong to the Nidovirales order, which includes Coronaviridae among three others. Coronavirinae are one of the two subfamilies of Coronaviridea, with the other being Torovirinae. Coronavirinae can be further subdivided into Coronaviruses are a large family of single-stranded RNA alpha, beta, gamma and delta coronaviruses. viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. In While there are hundreds of coronaviruses, there are seven humans, the viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper- that we know can infect humans. Out of the seven, two are respiratory tract illnesses such as the common cold. In the alpha coronaviruses (229E and NL63) and four are beta

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Science & Technology coronaviruses (OC43, HKU1, MERS and SARS-CoV). The • MERS is another viral respiratory disease caused by a classification of the viruses is based on their phylogeny, human coronavirus, which was first identified in Saudi which is to say it reflects how these virus strains evolved from Arabia in 2012. Typical symptoms include fever, cough and their common ancestors.Essentially, this means whenever a shortness of breath. virus newly emerges, its classification depends on how it • Further, while SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be milder than relates to other known viruses and if it is distinct enough to SARS-CoV and MERS, it is especially difficult to control its be called a new species or if it belongs to an existing species. outbreak, given its high infectiousness. For instance, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are genetically linked. Alternatively, coronaviruses may be classified based on PLASMA THERAPY AND serology (monitoring the immune system’s antibody response to viral exposure) as per which they can be divided COVID-19 into three groups from I to III. Groups I and II refer to #Health mammalian coronaviruses and Group III includes avian coronaviruses. 229E is included in Group I, which largely includes animal pathogens. Group II largely consists of IN NEWS pathogens of veterinary relevance and includes OC43, HKU1 and NL63. SARS coronaviruses are classified in Group II as Globally, scientists are scrambling for vaccines, drugs and other ways that could be used as treatment against novel well. coronavirus. With no surety of a definite treatment in sight, Around the world, people commonly get infected by 229E, doctors around the world are thinking of a century-old HKU1, NL63 and OC43. Sometimes, coronaviruses that infect treatment for infections: Infusion of blood plasma teeming animals can evolve and become a human coronavirus, which with immune molecules that might help survivors beat the include MERS, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. infection. The top medical research body of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved a clinical trial for WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS THEY CAUSE? plasma treatment of those seriously ill with Covid-19. • Before SARS-CoV-2 and MERS, SARS-CoV was thhe first WHAT IS PLASMA? example of a human coronavirus that could cause serious illness in humans in the form of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

• Other human coronaviruses such as OC43 and 229E are known to cause the common cold, whereas NL63 is associated with serious respiratory symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia.While NL63 is primarily associated with infections among children, it has also been detected in immuno- compromised adults with respiratory tract infections. OC43 can also cause gastroenteritis.

• SARS-CoV on the other hand, was identified after the 2003 outbreaks in China. Symptoms of SARS include cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea. In severe cases, the

symptoms can progress to respiratory distress, which may • Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of blood require intensive care. that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells,

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Science & Technology

platelets and other cellular components are removed. It is save the lives of people suffering from burns, shock, the single largest component of human blood, comprising trauma, and other medical emergencies.

about 55 percent, and contains water, salts, enzymes, • The proteins and antibodies in plasma are also used in antibodies and other proteins. therapies for rare chronic conditions. These include • The main role of plasma is to take nutrients, hormones, autoimmune disorders and haemophilia. People with and proteins to the parts of the body that need it. Cells these conditions can live long and productive lives because also put their waste products into the plasma. The plasma of the treatments. In fact, some health organizations call then helps remove this waste from the body. Blood plasma plasma "the gift of life."

also carries all parts of the blood through the circulatory WHAT IS CONVALESCENT PLASMA THERAPY? system. • Plasma therapy uses antibodies found in the blood of HOW DOES PLASMA KEEP YOU HEALTHY? people who have recovered from an infection (or • Plasma is a critical part of the treatment for many serious convalesced), to treat patients who are infected.

health problems. This is why there are blood drives asking • In this therapy, blood is drawn from a person who has people to donate blood plasma. recovered and the serum is separated and screened for • Along with water, salt, and enzymes, plasma also contains virus-neutralising antibodies. When attacked by a important components. These include antibodies, pathogen, our immune systems produce antibodies and in clotting factors, and the proteins albumin and this therapy these antibodies from recovered patients are fibrinogen. When you donate blood, healthcare providers used to treat other sick people. Immunity develops early in can separate these vital parts from your plasma. These asymptomatic or persons with mild symptoms, while it parts can then be concentrated into various products. develops later in severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients. These products are then used as treatments that can help

WHY IS CONVALESCENT SERUM USED? WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF DONATING PLASMA?

When an infection strikes, the body starts making proteins The process for donating plasma is similar to donating blood called antibodies specially designed to target that germ. and takes about an hour. Plasma donors are hooked up to a Those antibodies float in survivors' blood specifically small device that removes plasma while simultaneously plasmafor months, even years.Convalescent plasma is an returning red blood cells to their bodies. Unlike regular experimental procedure for coronavirus patients. blood donation in which donors have to wait for red blood

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Science & Technology cells to replenish between donations, plasma can be donated investment in cryptocurrencies. Of late, however, blockchain is more frequently, as often as twice a week. seeing a revival, and companies are looking at how to use the WHEN WAS IT WIDELY USED? tremendous potential of the technology that underpins the cryptocurrency. The plasma therapy was most famously used during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. It was also used during the Ebola Recently in March 2020, the Supreme Court quashed order by epidemic, which started in 2013 and in 2003 against SARS. the RBI banning financial services firms from trading in virtual Even now, there is no vaccine or cure for SARS. The plasma currency or cryptocurrency. On this, RBI is planning to file a therapy is also used against measles, bacterial pneumonia review petition in the Supreme Court against the quashing of a and numerous other infections before modern medicine central bank circular aimed at curbing cryptocurrencies. The came along. central bank is concerned that the apex court’s decision could

HOW ARE DOCTORS USING THE CONVALESCENT pave the way for trading in virtual currencies and put the banking system at risk. PLASMA TRIAL IN THE CASE OF CORONAVIRUS?

• Studies are being planned to test convalescent plasma WHAT IS BLOCKCHAIN? against regular care in sick patients, and to prevent • It is a foundational technology or a platform that allows infections among people at high risk of exposure such as designing a secure way to record transactions and health care workers. circulate it among signatories, or any kind of target group • National Institutes of Health (US) researchers are with an Internet connection. At its core it is an extremely measuring survivors' antibody levels to learn how strong democratic ledger that cannot be arbitrarily manipulated the vaccines under development must be to protect. and easily shareable. WHICH COUNTRIES ARE USING PLASMA THERAPY • Blockchain’s appeal is that it achieves this without a AGAINST CORONAVIRUS? central authority. Along with the US, China and Spain, Turkey, South Korea, • Blockchain burst into public consciousness because of its Italy, the United Kingdom, are some of the few countries that are also looking at plasma therapy to help deal with the association with Satoshi Nakamoto, a mysterious coronavirus crisis that has gripped the world. Even India has individual or cabal that laid out a white paper on how joined the bandwagon and has begun trial for plasma blockchain could be applied to bitcoin, a virtual currency therapy.Kerala is the first state in the country to have been wrought from the principles of blockchain. Having money given the nod to try this out, as a task force was already in free of the fiat of Central governments raised utopian place. possibilities especially in a world where democracies complain of being subverted and labour and capital continue to be entangled in the elusive quest for BLOCKCHAIN equilibrium. Thereafter, it spawned its own hype-cycle, TECHNOLOGY imitation currencies, association with the sordid and Dark #Science #Cryptocurrency Net. While cryptocurrencies have a bad reputation, Silicon Valley tech giants and investment banks are trying to salvage the underlying promise of blockchain and use it for IN NEWS other collaborations.

For a little over a decade, the term blockchain has been in and out of news, especially in connection with bitcoin, the digital cryptocurrency. The RBI has earlier banned speculation and

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Science & Technology

HOW DOES BLOCKCHAIN WORK?

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Science & Technology

• Every block in a blockchain is a record of transactions philosophy, all these applications ultimately store and the more of the latter, the longer the chain. Just as information on a coalition of repositories.

worthless paper transforms into valuable currency with • Caution: Technology has always proved to be disruptive, the signature of the RBI governor, blocks are great creating new opportunities and jobs and destroying old because they provide an unalterable document of the ones. If blockchain’s appeal lies in its appeal to destroy history of every transaction. In the context of currency, it intermediaries — banks, courts, lawyers — it is unlikely to stores the place, time, value (rupee, for example) and be smooth sailing. Moreover, there is already serious location of a purchase. There is minimal identifying theorising by economists that shows how blockchain has information and every block is linked to a unique‘digital its own vulnerabilities and susceptibility to creating new signature’ of the transacting participants. Every block is hegemons, power networks, cartels and challenges to distinguished from another through a unique code which global energy consumption. is a string of numbers. When you use your debit or credit

card to make a transaction, VISA or MasterCard employ their technology to verify your bank account, connect with banks and process a transaction. BIOROCK TECHNOLOGY

• In blockchain applications, this verifying role is outsourced #Science #Environment to several computers on a network — each has the exact same copy of the block. These computers verify the genuineness of transaction by solving mathematical IN NEWS problems. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s • In the case of bitcoin, the computers are rewarded with forest department, is attempting for the first time a process to bitcoin. This is stored in digital wallets and may be used restore coral reefs using biorock or mineral accretion like money provided there are sellers of real world goods technology. who would accept bitcoins. Nowadays, they are frequently Location:A biorock structure was installed one nautical mile traded as another speculative, volatile asset. off the Mithapur coast in the Gulf of Kachchh.The location for WHERE CAN IT BE USED? installing the biorock had been chosen keeping in mind the • Facebook launchedLibra, a kind of blockchain-backed high tidal amplitude in the Gulf of Kachchh. The low tide digital currency. According to report in a 2017 issue of the depth where the biorock has been installed is four metres, Harvard Business Review (HBR), “Bank of America, and at high tide it is about eight metres. JPMorgan, the New York Stock Exchange, Fidelity Need: Coral reefs were the most diverse ecosystem on the Investments, and Standard Chartered are testing earth. They are getting degraded across the world and also in blockchain technology as a replacement for paper-based India by threats posed both by climate change induced and manual transaction processing in such areas as trade acidification as well as by anthropogenic factors.India has finance, foreign exchange, cross-border settlement, and four major coral reefs areas: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, securities settlement” Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar and the Gulf of Kachchh.

• Ethereum is another blockchain-based startup that looks What is Biorock?It is the name given to the substance to decentralise online information. Its ambition is beyond formed by electro accumulation of minerals dissolved in overturning online banking and it claims that if it were to seawater on steel structures that are lowered onto the sea work as envisioned, it will give users control over their data bed and are connected to a power source, in this case solar unlike the present where a lot of our privacy is ceded to panels that float on the surface. Google and Amazon’s servers. Some plan to apply WHAT IS BIOROCK TECHNOLOGY? blockchain to trace the origin of food and where it is grown • and yet others to journalism and ‘fact- checking’ Biorock Technology, or mineral accretion technology is a applications. Unlike blockchain’s distributed computing method that applies safe, lowvoltage electrical currents through seawater, causing dissolved minerals to

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Science & Technology

crystallizeon structures, growing into a white range ofcoral reef organisms, including fish, crabs, clams, limestone similar to that which naturally makes upcoral octopus, lobster, sea urchins.

reefs and tropical white sand beaches. This material has a • Species typically found in healthy reef environments are strength similar toconcrete. It can be used to make robust given an electrical advantage over theweedy organisms artificial reefs on which corals grow at veryrapid rates. which often overgrow them in reefs stressed by humans. • The change in the environment produced by electrical Theadvantages corals gain from mineral accretion are currents accelerates formation and growth of both cancelled if they no longer receivecurrent, at which point chemical limestone rock and the skeletons of corals weeds will overgrow the corals. If the current is andother shell-bearing organisms. maintained, coralreefs can often be restored even in areas

• Biorock methods speed up coral growth in damaged areas where water quality would prevent theirrecovery by any and restore authentic coral reef habitat and species. other method. Biorock structures become rapidly colonized by a full

Possibilities: Ongoing initiative of coral restoration using IN NEWS biorock technology could potentially help to sustain faster Summers are approaching fast and ongoing warnings in recent revival of corals. The technology helps corals, including the past from India’s top policy-makers and reports of major cities highly sensitive branching corals, to counter the threats in India struggling to stave off a water crisis, there’s talk about posed by global warming. exploring technologies to harness fresh water. The one idea that’s been around for a while is desalination, or obtaining freshwater from salt water. Desalination technology is not an DESALINATION esoteric idea — the city of Chennai already uses desalinated water. However, it only has a limited application, given the TECHNOLOGY operation costs. #Science #Environment WHAT IS DESALINATION TECHNOLOGY?

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Science & Technology

• To convert salt water into freshwater, the most equivalent to 35 g of salt per one litre/kg of water. An prevalent technology in the world is reverse osmosis effective network of RO plants reduces this down to (RO). A plant pumps in salty or brackish water, filters about 200-500 ppm.

separate the salt from the water, and the salty water is • There are about 18,000 desalination plants in the world returned to the sea. Fresh water is sent to households. across 150 countries and nearly half of Israel’s water is • RO desalination came about in the late 1950s. While the sourced through desalination. principle is simple, engineering such plants have to factor HOW POPULAR IS IT IN INDIA? in various constraints, for instance, salt levels in the source • water that is to be treated, the energy required for the Years of water crises in Chennai saw the government set treatment and disposing of the salt back into the sea. up two desalination plants between 2010 and 2013. Buoyed by the success of these plants, the city’s water • Osmosis involves ‘a solvent (such as water) naturally authorities are planning to install two more plants with moving from an area of low solute concentration, through capacities of 150 Million Litres per Day (MLD) and 400 a membrane, to an area of high solute concentration. A MLD. reverse osmosis system applies an external pressure to • p a 100 MLD reverse the natural flow of solvent and so seawater or Gujarat announced plans of setting u RO plant at the Jodiya coast in Jamnagar district. Other plants of a brackish water is pressurised against one surface of the similar size are expected to come up in Dwarka, Kutch, membrane, causing salt-depleted water to move across the membrane, releasing clean water from the low- Dahej, Somnath, Bhavnagar and Pipavav, which are all pressure side’. coastal places in Gujarat. For now, India’s real-world experience with desalination plants is restricted to • Seawater has Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — a measure of Chennai. salinity — close to 35,000 parts per million (ppm), or

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Science & Technology

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH RO PLANTS? The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), a research organisation based in Chennai, has been 1. Because RO plants convert seawater to fresh water, the working on this technology. In 2005, it set up a 100,000 major environmental challenge they pose is the litre-a-day plant in Kavaratti, Lakshwadeep islands and deposition of brine (highly concentrated salt water) along this has been providing water to about 10,000 residents. the shores. Other than the plant at Kavaratti, there are plants of Ever since t 2. he Chennai plants have started to function, similar capacity proposed at Minicoy and Agatti islands. fishermen have complained that the brine being There are also 1.5 lakh litres a day plants proposed at ong the seashore is trigge s along deposited al ring change Amini, Androth, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni and Kiltan the coastline and reducing the availability of prawn, islands. sardine and mackerel. 2. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) for 3. Environmentalists second this saying that hyper saalinity desalination: Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is along the shore affects plankton, which is the main a process or technology for producing ennergy by food for several of these fish species. harnessing the temperature differences (thermal 4. Moreover, the high pressure motors needed to draw in gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean the seawater end up sucking in small fish and life waters. forms, thereby crushing and killing them — again a loss of marine resource.

5. Another unexpected problem, an environmentalist group has alleged, was that the construction of the RO plants required troves of groundwater. This was freshwater that was sucked out and has since been replaced by salt water, rendering it unfit for the residents around the desalination plants.

6. On an average, it costs about ₹900 crores to build a 100 MLD-plant and about five years for a plant to be set up.

7. To remove the salt required, there has to be a source of electricity, either a power plant or a diesel or battery source. Estimates have put this at about 4 units of electricity per 1,000 litres of water. RELATED INFORMATION: TECHNOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES

1. Low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) technique: LTTD technique works on the principle that Energy from the sun heats the surface water of the ocean. water in the ocean 1,000 or 2,000 feet below is about 4º C In tropical regions, surface water can be much warmer to 8º C colder than surface water. So, salty surface water is than deep water. This temperature difference can be used collected in a tank and subject to high pressure (via an to produce electricity and to desalinate ocean water. external power source). This pressured water vapourises Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems use a and this is trapped in tubes or a chamber. Cold water temperature difference to power a turbine to produce plumbed from the ocean depths is passed over these electricity. Warm surface water is pumped through an tubes and the vapour condenses into fresh water and the evaporator containing a working fluid. The vaporized fluid resulting salt diverted away. drives a turbine/generator. The vaporized fluid is turned back to a liquid in a condenser cooled with cold ocean

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Science & Technology

water pumped from deeper in the ocean. OTEC systems USE OF eDNA FOR INVENTORY AND MONITORING using seawater as the working fluid can use the • Improved Detection of Native Species: Protocols using condensed water to produce desalinated water. eDNA may allow for rapid, cost-effective, and standardized collection of data about species distribution and relative abundance. For small, rare, secretive, and ENVIRONMENTAL DNA other species that are difficult to detect, eDNA provides an attractive alternative for aquatic inventory and monitoring (eDNA) programs. #Science #Environment • Early Detection of Invasive Species: eDNA may also be an effective tool for early detection of aquatic invasive species. Application of eDNA methods for invasive species IN NEWS monitoring may include periodically collecting water samples and screening them for several invasive species eDNAis an emerging tool in conservation for monitoring past at once. Some intensive eradication programs for invasive and present biodiversity.It has changed the way species fail when a few surviving individuals recolonize the conservationists study the environment, improving their ability ecosystem. eDNA methods may provide a means of to keep tabs on species too elusive or imperilled to monitor confirming eradication of all invaders. with traditional methods.

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA)? • All living organisms, regardless of their size or ecology, COLOURFUL NAMES OF leave traces of DNA in their environments, reflecting their current or past presence. This DNA can be released MOON into the environment through faeces, urine, gametes, #Natural Satellite mucus, etc. It can also result from the decomposition of dead organisms.

• eDNA is characterized by a complex mixture of nuclear, IN NEWS mitochondrial or chloroplast DNA, and can be intracellular (from living cells) or extracellular. It enables The month of April was special as there were lots of celestial the detection of a species regardless of its life stage or events starting with the Super Pink Moon. The entire world th gender. witnessed the Super Pink Moon on April 8 .Moon has fascinated humanity and has been given various fascinating • Once released in the environment, DNA can be degraded names. Let us see some of them below. by biotic (bacteria, fungi, endonucleases, etc.) and abiotic • factors (UV radiation, acidity, temperature, etc.), or persist Super Pink Moon: When a Full Moon or New Moon in the environment, adsorbed on organic or inorganic occurs during perigee (the closest approach of Moon to particles. Earth), it is called a Super Moon. Recently, Super Pink Moon, which is a Super Moon event occurred in the month • In general, cold and dry conditions slow down eDNA of April. The Full Moon in the month of April is known as degradation. For example, in permafrost, eDNA can be Pink Moon as per the native American culture. stored for hundreds of thousands of years. • Micro Moon: A Micro Moon is the opposite of the Super • In contemporary soils or in lacustrine or marine Moon. It occurs when a Full Moon or a New Moon sediments, the persistence of eDNA varies from months coincides with apogee— the point in the Moon’s orbit to thousands of years depending on environmental that is farthest away from Earth. Opposite to a Super conditions. Moon, the Micro Moon appears smaller than usual and is • In aquatic environments, the DNA released by an the least bright since it is further away than its usual organism can be detected for only a few days. distance from Earth.

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Science & Technology

In India, you can witness the Micro Full Moon on October 2 as well as on October 31, 2020.

• Black Moon and Blue Moon: Just like the Pink Moon, the Blue Moon and Black Moon have nothing to do with colour. The third New Moon in a season with four New Moons is called a Black Moon and you can spot one on August 19, 2020. The second Full Moon in a month with two Full Moons is called a Blue Moon and you can see one on October 31, 2020.

• Thus cosmic events involving massive objects such as MERGER OF BLACK HOLES exploding stars, collisions between ultra-dense neutron stars or merging black holes or supernovae produce #Space ripples in space-time fabric which we call as gravitational waves. • In 2016, gravitational waves finally were observed from the merger of two neutron stars. IN NEWS HOW DO WE DETECT GRAVITATIONAL WAVES? The analysis of the gravitational wave that was detected a year • ago by LIGO has turned out to be from the collision of 2 The ripples in the space-time fabric cause the space-time fabric to stretch and squeeze (similar to surface of a blackholes of unequal mass.This has given us the opportunity balloon). to study the gravitational waves with more precision as the • However, since the gravitational waves are extremely weak signals from unequal masses of blackholes are sharper. compared to electromagnetic waves (as gravity is the • Ever since gravitational waves were discovered for the 1st weakest force in nature) and we do not perceive it in our time in 2016, there has been a beginning of new era in daily lives.Thus extremely sensitive instruments involving laser beams are set up to study these small changes in the astronomy.These gravitational waves opened a new space-time when they are stretched. window to observe the universe apart from our • Laser-based gravitational wave observatories called LIGO observations through electromagnetic radiation. (laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory) are • While the gravitational waves 1st detected came from set up to measure the minute ripples in space-time caused collision of neutron stars, a year ago another gravitational by gravitational waves. wave was detected which was known to have emerged • Note: An Advanced LIGO detector is planned to be set up from merger of black holes. in Hingoli district of Maharashtra from LIGO Hanford.

WHAT ARE GRAVITATIONAL WAVES?

• Electric charges oscillating up and down produce electromagnetic radiation.

• In a similar way, the general theory of relativity predicts that oscillating massive objects should produce gravitational radiation, or gravitational waves.

• These Gravitational waves produce ripples in the space- time geometry (similar to ripples in water) that travel across space-time at the speed of light.

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Science & Technology

releasing some of its tremendous store of nuclear energy by WOMEN IN SCIENCE nuclear fission. This was published in 1939 and it helped #Science #Gender Empowerment pioneer research that led to the use of nuclear reactors to generate electricity. She was unjustly deprived of a Nobel Prize in 1944 but had element 109, Meitnerium, named after her. Which element did she work on that changed history? IN NEWS Q4.Born in 1750, Caroline Herschel, together with her This year on National Science Day, the theme was ‘Women in brother William, recorded 2,500 new nebulae and star Science’. This is a timely and relevant theme. Including more clusters. This was the basis for the New General Catalogue, women in science is not only important from the human rights by which celestial bodies are named to this day. She alone perspective; it also impacts the quality of science and the discovered 14 new nebulae, eight comets and 561 new stars. advancement of society itself.The history of science shows that This prompted King George III to employ her. In what respect many revolutionary discoveries were made by women was this a first, possibly, in the world of science? scientists. On this note, let us answer an interesting quiz on ‘Women in Science’. Q5.At age 12, Mary Anning discovered the very first QUIZ TIME complete fossil of a dinosaur. She then collected a lot of shells and fossils around the English Channel and contributed to big changes in the way geologists thought about the history of the earth. We have heard of a rather twisted reference to her early days of collecting and marketing on the beach. What is the reference that is usually taught to school children to improve their pronunciation? Q6.Dorothy Hodgkin in 1964 became the first, and so far only, British woman to win a Nobel Prize, for her work in determining the atomic structure of cobalamin, an essential compound that is involved in metabolism in the human body. Q1. Kamala Sohonie was the first woman in India to be What is the common name for cobalamin, which is the centre of debate nowadays as it has been proved that vegans granted a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline. When she first do not get this in their diet? applied to a certain prestigious institution for a research fellowship, the Director, Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman, refused, Q7.Indira Hinduja delivered the very first test-tube baby in saying women were not competent to pursue research. After India in 1986. In 1988, she was the first in India tto use a she held a satyagraha outside his office, he relented, but put technique called Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer where down strict conditions that she accepted, though she was eggs are removed from the ovaries and placed in the insulted. At which institution was she the very first woman Fallopian tubes. By what fitting acronym is this technique researcher? known which Dr. Hinduja popularised in India? Q2.Patricia Bath was the first woman to lead a Q8.Eunice Foote’s article in The American Journal of Science postgraduate training programme in ophthalmology. In 1986, and Arts in September 1856 perfectly predicted a revolution she became the first African-American woman to obtain a in climate science by experimentally demonstrating the medical patent, for her device, the Laserphaco Probe. The effects of the sun on certain gases and theorising how those probe improved the use of lasers to quickly and near- gases would interact with earth’s atmosphere for the first painlessly remove a certain eye condition, and restored vision time. Three years later, Irish physicist Joohn Tyndall published in people who had been unable to see for decades. What eye similar results, but his work was widely accepted and is condition did Bath treat with her device? globally accepted as the foundation of climate science. What Q3.Lise Meitner was forced to flee her German lab due to did Foote predict that was ignored at the time due to gender bias? her Jewish ancestry. Working from another country, she realised that a certain element was splitting in half and

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Science & Technology

Q9.Rachel Carson was a marine biologist and bestselling world that the elusive Higgs Boson had been discovered by author, most celebrated for her 1962 novel Silent Spring. The her team. In 2016, she became the first woman to become book inspired a grassroots environmental movement that Director-General of a research organisation that operates the eventually became the US Environmental Protection largest particle physics laboratory in the world. What is the Agency. It also led to a ban on a dangerous pesticide, traces name of the organisation that Gianotti heads, which of which have been found even at the bottom of the Mariana physically spans two countries? Trench. Which now-feared pesticide was completely blanked Answers:1. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc); 2. Cataracts; 3. thanks to Carson’s book? Uranium; 4. First woman to be paid to do scientific work; 5. She Q10.Fabiola Gianotti is an Italian particle physicist who sells sea shells on the seashore; 6Vitamin B12; 7. GIFT; 8. Global became interested in scientific research after reading a Warming; 9. DDT; 10. CERN. biography of Marie Curie. In 2012, she announced to the

practice questions MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements about blood 3. LIGO are set up to observe the gravitational waves. plasma: Choose the correct statements from the code given below: 1. Plasma is designed to carry nutrients, hormones, and (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only proteins to the different parts of the body. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. It carries away the waste products of cell metabolism from various tissues. Q4. Which of the following correctly describe the term 3. Plasma is the vehicle for the transport of the blood ‘herd immunity’ in context of infectious diseases? cells through the blood vessels. (a) Immunity towards those diseases which have been Which of the statements given above are correct? already eradicated. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (b) Immunity towards that disease which occur every year. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above (c) Resistance to the spread of a contagious disease as sufficiently high proportion of population has become Q2. Which of the following statements about immune to the disease. coronavirus is/are correct? (d) Resistance to the spread of a contagious disease as 1. Coronaviruses (CoV) are the largest group of viruses sufficiently high proportion of population has been that belong to the Nidovirales order. vaccinated. 2. There are seven varieties of coronavirus, which are known to infect the human beings. Q5. Consider the following statements:- (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. In general, cold and dry conditionsincrease eDNA (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 degradation. 2. In aquatic environments, the eDNA released by an Q3. Consider the following statements about the organism can be detected for thousands of years. gravitational waves: Choose the correct statement/s from the code given below: 1. Gravitational waves are one of the strongest forces of (a) 1 only (b) 2 only our galaxy this keeps all celestial bodies in position. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Gravitational waves was first detected in 2016 from the merger of neutron star. Answers to above MCQs: 1 (d), 2 (c), 3 (b), 4(c), 5(d)

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management # GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)

provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food WETLANDS AND THEIR and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change IMPORTANCE mitigation. #Biodiversity #Ecology • Wetlands play an important role in nutrient recycling and provide fresh water and food for people. When saturated, wetland soils store, transform and export nutrients and other compounds. Wetlands are used for CONTEXT transport and hydropower. They provide raw materials Wetlands are vital for human survival. They include some of and genetic resources, including medicines. They also help the world’s most productive ecosystems and provide to mitigate floods, protect coastlines and store and ecosystem services leading to countless benefits. However they sequester carbon. Many are important for culture, spiritual are increasingly coming under threat due to various factors values, recreation and inspiration. including Global climate change, Urbanisation, changing • Wetlands play a major role in the water cycle by consumption patterns fuelling changes to land and water use. receiving, storing and releasing water over time, regulating Wetlands include permanently or seasonally inundated water flows, and providing the water needed to support freshwater habitats ranging from lakes and rivers to marshes, life. Wetlands are at the foundation for ecosystem services along with coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, such as water quality improvement, particularly the lagoons, mangroves and reefs. Wetlands exist in every country removal of nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff. and in every climatic zone, from the polar regions to the • Carbon Sequestration: The majority of the global soil tropics, and from high altitudes to dry regions. carbon pool is held in wetlands. Coastal and marine IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS wetlands, including salt marshes, mangroves and seagrass beds, are critical sites of carbon uptake and storage. • Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among the world’s most productive environments; cradles of • Coastal or marine wetlands play an important role in biological diversity that provide the water and productivity regulating climate. Tidal flats, salt marshes and mangroves upon which countless species of plants and animals provide pollution control and detoxification, and, along depend for survival. with coral reefs, regulation of natural hazards.

• Ecosystem Services: Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or “ecosystem services” that they

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

THREATS TO WETLANDS  Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands;

• Over half of the world's wetlands have disappeared since  Designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of 1900. Development and conversion continue to pose International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure major threats to wetlands, despite their value and their effective management; importance. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s  Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, wetlands were lost between 1970-2015 with annual rates shared wetland systems and shared species. of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever At the centre of the Ramsar convention’s philosophy is the Global Wetland Outlook. “wise use” of wetlands. When they accede to the Convention, • Conversion of wetlands for commercial development, Contracting Parties commit to work towards the wise use of drainage schemes, extraction of minerals and peat, all the wetlands and water resources in their territory, overfishing, tourism, siltation, pesticide discharges from through national plans, policies and legislation, management intensive agriculture, toxic pollutants from industrial actions and public education. waste, and the construction of dams and dikes, often in an The Convention defines wise use of wetlands as “the attempt at flood protection, are major threats to wetlands maintenance of their ecological character, achieved everywhere. through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, • Alien invasive species have had severe impacts on local within the context of sustainable development”. Wise use aquatic flora and fauna, and can upset the natural balance can thus be seen as the conservation and sustainable use of of an ecosystem. For example, the introduction of Nile wetlands and all the services they provide, for the benefit of perch to Lake Victoria has pushed many of the lake's people and nature. native cichlid species to extinction. In 1990 the Contracting Parties adopted Guidelines for the • Pollution in wetlands is a growing concern, affecting implementation of the wise use concept. The Guidelines drinking water sources and biological diversity. Drainage emphasized the importance of: and run-off from fertilized crops and pesticides used in  Adopting national wetland policies, either separately or as industry introduce nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients a component of wider initiatives such as national and other toxins like mercury to water sources. These environmental action plans; chemicals can affect the health and reproduction of species, posing a serious threat to biological diversity.  Developing programmes covering wetland inventory, monitoring, research, training, education and public • Climate change is also taking its toll. Increases in awareness; temperature are causing polar ice to melt and sea levels to rise. This in turn is leading to shallow wetlands being  Developing integrated management plans at wetland sites. swamped and some species of mangrove trees being RAMSAR SITES submerged and drowned. At the same time, other A key commitment of Ramsar Contracting Parties is to wetlands - estuaries, floodplains, and marshes - are being identify and place suitable wetlands onto the List of Wetlands destroyed through drought. of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar List. CONSERVATION EFFORTS Ramsar Sites are designated because they meet the Criteria Ramsar Convention and Wise Use of Wetlands:Ramsar for identifying Wetlands of International Importance. The Convention is the only international treaty which focuses on first criterion refers to Sites containing representative, wetlands. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and rare or unique wetland types, and the other eight cover wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions Sites of international importance for conserving and international cooperation, as a contribution towards biological diversity. These criteria emphasize the achieving sustainable development throughout the world” importance the Convention places on sustaining biodiversity.

Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting When a country accedes to the Convention, it must designate Parties commit to: at least one wetland site as a Wetland of International Importance. Information on this first Ramsar Site is sent with

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management the documents of accession to UNESCO, the Convention’s Development Goals, the Aichi biodiversity targets, the Paris depositary. Agreement on Climate Change and Land Degradation

Contracting Parties are expected to manage their Ramsar Neutrality. Thus wetlands are crucial for solving some of the Sites so as to maintain their ecological character and retain pressing issues of our times. their essential functions and values for future generations. The Convention works very closely with six global non- governmental organizations (NGOs): - CLIMATE CHANGE AND • Birdlife International, IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN), Wetlands International and INDIA WWF have all been associated with the Convention since #Climate Change its beginnings. • The Parties endorsed the addition of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) as the fifth IN NEWS International Organization Partner of the Convention, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) as the sixth partner India is the 13th most vulnerable country to climate change. NGO. Since more than 60 per cent of its agriculture is rain-fed and it hosts 33 per cent of the world's poor, climate change will have Conclusion: Despite all the efforts Wetlands are being significant impacts on the food and nutritional security. harmed at an unprecedented rate. Global wetland outlook report highlights that up to 87% of the global wetland The impact of a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures will resource has been lost since 1700. Wetland-dependent "disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable species are in serious decline. Since 1970, declines have populations through food insecurity, higher food prices, affected 81% of inland wetland species populations and 36% income losses, lost livelihood opportunities, adverse health of coastal and marine species. impacts, and population displacements".

Thus urgent action is needed at the international and According to a World Bank report, rising temperatures and national level to raise awareness of the benefits of wetlands, changing monsoon rainfall patterns from climate change could put in place greater safeguards for their survival and ensure cost India 2.8 percent of GDP and depress the living standards their inclusion in national development plans. of nearly half the country’s population by 2050.

Focus should be particularly on: Key factors that may alter the face of Indian climate

 Enhancement of the network of Ramsar Sites and other 1. Extreme heat-Unusual and unprecedented spells of hot wetland protected areas. weather are expected to occur far more frequently and cover much larger areas. With built-up urban areas rapidly  Integration of wetlands into planning and the becoming “heat-islands”, urban planners will need to implementation of the sustainable development goals. adopt measures to counteract this effect.  Strengthening legal and policy arrangements to protect all 2. Changing rainfall pattern-a 2°C rise in the world’s wetlands. average temperatures will make India’s summer monsoon  Applying economic and financial incentives for highly unpredictable. An abrupt change in the monsoon communities and businesses to minimise the damage to could precipitate a major crisis, triggering more frequent wetlands by their activities. droughts as well as greater flooding in large parts of India.  Integration of diverse perspectives into wetland Improvements in hydro-meteorological systems for management. There is a need for involving various weather forecasting and the installation of flood warning stakeholders including participation of local communities. systems can help people move out of harm’s way before a

Healthy, functioning wetlands are essential to delivering a weather-related disaster strikes. Building codes will need range of global targets, including the UN Sustainable to be enforced to ensure that homes and infrastructure are not at risk.

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

3. Droughts-Evidence indicates that parts of South Asia have cases and cholera outbreaks, as the cholera bacterium become drier since the 1970s with an increase in the survives longer in saline water. Kolkata and Mumbai, both number of droughts. Droughts are expected to be more densely populated cities, are particularly vulnerable to the frequent in some areas, especially in north-western India, impacts of sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, and riverine Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Crop yields are flooding. Coastal embankments will need to be built expected to fall significantly because of extreme heat by where necessary and Coastal Regulation Zone codes the 2040s. Investments in R&D for the development of enforced strictly. Rapid and unplanned urbanization drought-resistant crops can help reduce some of the further increases the risks of sea water intrusion.

negative impacts. 7. Agriculture and food security-Seasonal water scarcity, 4. Groundwater-More than 60% of India’s agriculture is rising temperatures, and intrusion of sea water would rain-fed, making the country highly dependent on threaten crop yields, jeopardizing the country’s food groundwater. Even without climate change, 15% of India’s security. Should current trends persist, substantial yield groundwater resources are overexploited. Although it is reductions in both rice and wheat can be expected in the difficult to predict future ground water levels, falling water near and medium term. Under 2°C warming by the 2050s, tables can be expected to reduce further on account of the country may need to import more than twice the increasing demand for water from a growing population, amount of food-grain than would be required without more affluent life styles, as well as from the services climate change. Even without climate change, world food sector and industry. The efficient use of ground water prices are expected to increase due to growing resources needs to be incentivized. populations and rising incomes, as well as a greater 5. Glacier Melt-Glaciers in the north-western Himalayas and demand for biofuels. Rice: While overall rice yields have in the Karakoram range - where westerly winter winds are increased, rising temperatures with lower rainfall at the the major source of moisture - have remained stable or end of the growing season have caused a significant loss even advanced. On the other hand, most Himalayan in India’s rice production. Without climate change, average glaciers - where a substantial part of the moisture is rice yields could have been almost 6% higher (75 million supplied by the summer monsoon - have been retreating tons in absolute terms). Wheat: Recent studies shows over the past century. At 2.5°C warming, melting glaciers that wheat yields peaked in India and Bangladesh around and the loss of snow cover over the Himalayas are 2001 and have not increased since despite increasing expected to threaten the stability and reliability of fertilizer applications. Observations show that extremely northern India’s primarily glacier-fed rivers, particularly high temperatures in northern India - above 34°C - have the Indus and the Brahmaputra. The Ganges will be less had a substantial negative effect on wheat yields, and dependent on melt water due to high annual rainfall rising temperatures can only aggravate the situation. Crop downstream during the monsoon season. Alterations in the flows of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers diversification, more efficient water use, and improved could significantly impact irrigation, affecting the amount soil management practices, together with the of food that can be produced in their basins as well as the development of drought-resistant crops can help reduce livelihoods of millions of people. Major investments in some of the negative impacts. water storage capacity would be needed to benefit from 8. Energy security -Climate-related impacts on water increased river flows in spring and compensate for lower resources can undermine the two dominant forms of flows later on. power generation in India - hydropower and thermal 6. Sea level rise -With India close to the Equator, the sub- power generation - both of which depend on adequate continent would see much higher rises in sea levels than water supplies to function effectively. To function at full higher latitudes. Sea-level rise and storm surges would efficiency, thermal power plants need a constant supply of lead to saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas, impacting fresh cool water to maintain their cooling systems. The agriculture, degrading groundwater quality, contaminating increasing variability and long-term decreases in river drinking water, and possibly causing a rise in diarrhea flows can pose a major challenge to hydropower plants

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

and increase the risk of physical damage from landslides, To limit global warming, countries will have to change flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, and other climate- policies in sectors like land, energy, industry, buildings, related natural disasters. Decreases in the availability of transport, and urban development. “Limiting global water and increases in temperature will pose major risk warming to 1.5 degree compared with 2 degree would factors to thermal power generation. Projects will need to reduce challenging impacts on ecosystems, human health be planed considering climatic risks. and well-being, making it easier to achieve the United

9. Water Security-Many parts of India are already Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Indians have experiencing water stress. Even without climate change, always prided themselves on leading sustainable lives. satisfying future demand for water will be a major The next few decades are the best time to demonstrate it challenge. Urbanization, population growth, economic and, in doing so, help ourselves and the world. development, and increasing demand for water from agriculture and industry are likely to aggravate the situation further. Studies have found that the threat to BEES water security is very high over central India, along the #Conservation mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, and in India’s north-eastern states. Improvements in irrigation systems, water harvesting techniques, and more-efficient IN NEWS agricultural water management can offset some of these risks. Google marked the 50th anniversary of the Earth Day with a special interactive doodle dedicated to one of the smallest and 10. Health-Climate change is expected to have major health impacts in India- increasing malnutrition and related most critical organisms - the bees.Every year, April 22 is health disorders such as child stunting - with the poor celebrated as Earth Day to raise public awareness about the likely to be affected most severely. Child stunting is environment and inspire people to save and protect it. projected to increase by 35% by 2050 compared to a While to many they are simply the fuzzy flying insects darting scenario without climate change. Malaria and other among the flowers during the warmer months, bees are vector-borne diseases, along with and diarrheal infections actually so much more than this, and have an important part which are a major cause of child mortality, are likely to to play in maintaining our planet. Where trees and woods are spread into areas where colder temperatures had essential to filter our air, bees are vital to both pollinate the previously limited transmission. Heat waves are likely to food we need to survive and pollinate many of the trees and result in a very substantial rise in mortality and death, flowers that provide habitats for wildlife. and injuries from extreme weather events are likely to increase. Health systems will need to be strengthened in PERFECT POLLINATORS identified hotspots. Bees are our predominant pollinators, pollinating a third of 11. Migration and Conflict - South Asia is a hotspot for the the food we eat and 80% of flowering plants. Pollination is migration of people from disaster-affected or degraded crucial because many of our vegetables, fruits and the crops areas to other national and international regions. The that feed our livestock rely on it to be fertilised, so without it, Indus and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basins are we could go hungry. major trans boundary rivers, and increasing demand for While there are other methods of pollination, including by the water is already leading to tensions among countries over wind, birds, bats and other insects, wild bees are among the water sharing. Climate change impacts on agriculture and most important pollinators because they are capable of livelihoods can increase the number of climate refugees. pollinating on a much bigger scale. Regional cooperation on water issues will be needed.

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

WHY ARE BEES DISAPPEARING? destructor, is a parasitic mite which clings to the back of the honey bee, passing diseases and viruses to it and • Habitat loss: An increase in urban developments and gradually draining its strength. invasive farming methods has meant that many of the areas bees once called home no longer exist. • Invasive species: Non-native species can pose another threat to bees. Some species in particular can cause havoc • Use of pesticides: One of the main threats to our beloved for native species – the Asian hornet, Vespa bees is the use of toxic pesticides. Whilst pesticides are velutinanigrithorax, eats honey bees and so poses a huge designed to kill pests, due to their intense toxicity they are threat. having an adverse effect on other insects too, including bees. Neonicotinoids in particular cause bees a great deal of harm, as when they are sprayed onto plants they are absorbed. So, when a bee comes to pollinate said plant, it HIMALAYAN IBEX will ingest this pesticide. This can seriously damage the #Conservation bee’s central nervous system.

• Climate change: Climate change and the extreme weather it often causes is another contributing factor in IN NEWS the decline of bees. It disrupts bee nesting behaviour and A recent study by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has alters the normal seasonal timings, meaning flowers may proved that Himalayan Ibexis a distinct species from the bloom earlier or later than expected. Siberian Ibex. • Parasites and diseases: Parasites and diseases are another big threat to bees. The varroa mite, Varroa

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

GREY WATER Grey water or sullage is all the wastewater generated in households and office buildings without faecal contamination, i.e. except for the wastewater from toilets. Sources of grey water include sinks, showers, baths, washing machines or dishwashers. As grey water contains fewer pathogens than domestic wastewater, it is generally safer to handle and easier to treat and reuse onsite for toilet flushing, landscape or crop irrigation, and other non-potable uses.

The application of grey water reuse in urban water systems ABOUT IBEX provides substantial benefits for both the water supply • Siberian Ibex is a species of wild goat and is distributed in subsystem by reducing the demand for fresh clean water and diverse habitats, ranging from cold deserts, rocky for the wastewater subsystems by reducing the amount of outcrops, steep terrain, high-land flats and mountain wastewater required to be conveyed and treated. Treated ridges to low mountains and foothills. grey water has many uses, for example, toilet flushing or irrigation. • From Mongolia, its distribution extends towards Altai, Hangai, Gobi-Altai, the Hurukh mountain ranges as well as Approximately 50-70% of the water used in your house Sayan Mountains near Russia and scattered populations in results in grey water generation and not even 5% of this is the small mountains of Trans-Altai Gobi. recycled in urban households. This water is suitable for in-situ recycling using simple, low-cost technologies, and it is rather • In Asia, Ibex is distributed in the Montane habitats, unfortunate that the concept is not commonplace in a water- ranging in elevations from 500 m to 6,700 m in countries starved country like India. like India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Southern Siberia and China. BENEFITS

• In India, the Ibex is distributed mainly in the trans- Demand on conventional water supplies and pressure on Himalayan ranges of the Union Territories of Ladakh sewage treatment systems is reduced by the use of grey and Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh up to water. Re-using grey water also reduces the volume of the river Sutlej. sewage effluent entering watercourses which can be ecologically beneficial. In times of drought, especially in urban • The genetic analysis conducted by ZSI is genetically areas, grey water use in gardens or toilet systems helps to different from all other ranges of Siberian Ibex. achieve some of the goals of ecologically sustainable • IUCN status: Least Concerned development.The potential ecological benefits of grey water recycling include: • Reduced freshwater extraction from rivers and aquifers

GREY WATER RECYCLING • Less impact from septic tank and treatment plant #Water Conservation infrastructure • Reduced energy use and chemical pollution from treatment

IN NEWS • Groundwater recharge

While we are all washing our hands regularly to stay safe from • Reclamation of nutrients the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot afford to take water for • Greater quality of surface and ground water when granted by leaving taps on for the 20-second cleansing routine. preserved by the natural purification in the top layers of And since you are now spending a lot more time indoors, how about looking at setting up a grey water system at home?. soil than generated water treatment processes

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

Elephant – The National Heritage Animal: The government ELEPHANT of India in the year 2010 declared Elephant as the national heritage animal of the country on the recommendations of CONSERVATION the standing committee of the national board for wildlife. #Conservation This was done to make sure that sufficient protection to elephants was provided before their numbers fall to panic levels like in the case of tigers. IN NEWS WHAT IS PROJECT ELEPHANT? Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of Amid the countrywide lockdown, the National Board for India in the year 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme with Wildlife (NBWL) has recommended coal mining by North-Easter following objectives: Coal Field (NECF), a unit of Coal India Limited in Saleki proposed reserve forest land, a part of an elephant reserve in  To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors; Assam.Saleki is a part of the DehingPatkai Elephant Reserve  To address issues of man-animal conflict; that includes the DehingPatkai Wildlife Sanctuary covering  Welfare of captive elephants; 111.19 sq km of rainforest and several reserve forests in Sivasagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts.  Financial and Technical support are being provided to major elephant bearing States in the country; Elephant in Indian conservation scheme: The species is included in the list of protected species according to the  The Project is being mainly implemented in 16 States / Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and UT’s, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

EXISTING ELEPHANT RESERVES IN INDIA

SL. ELEPHANT RANGE ELEPHANT RESERVE WITH DATE OF STATE TOTAL AREA NO NOTIFICATION (SQ. KM)

I Eastern India 1. Mayurjharna ER(24.10.02) W. Bengal 414 (South West Bengal- Jharkhand-Odisha)

2. Singhbhum ER (26.9.01) Jharkhand 4530

3. Mayurbhanj ER (29.9.01) Odisha 3214

4. Mahanadi ER (20.7.02) Odisha 1038

5. Sambalpur ER (27.3.02) Odisha 427

6. Badalkhol-Tamorpingla Chhattisgarh 1048.30 (15.9.2011)

II North Brahamputra 7. Kameng ER (19.6.02) Arunachal 1892 (Arunachal – Assam) 8. Sonitpur ER (6.3.03) Assam 1420

III South Brahamputra 9. Dihing-Patkai ER (17.4.03) Assam 937

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

(Assam- Arunachal) 10. South Arunachal ER Arunachal 1957.50 ( 29-2-08 )

IV Kaziranga 11. Kaziranga – KarbiAnglong ER Assam 3270 (Assam- Nagaland) (17.4.03)

12. Dhansiri-Lungding ER (19.4.03) Assam 2740

13. Intanki ER (28.2.05) Nagaland 202

14. Singphan ER (16.8.18)

V Eastern Dooars 15. Chirang-Ripu ER (7.3.03) Assam 2600 (Assam- W. Bengal) 16. Eastern Dooars ER (28.8.02) W. Bengal 978

VI E. Himalayas (Meghalaya) 17. Garo Hills ER (31.10.01) Meghalaya 3,500

VII Nilgiri –Eastern Ghat 18. Mysore ER (25.11.02) Karnataka 6724 (Karnataka- Kerala- Tamilnadu-Andhra) 19. Dandeli ER (26.3.15 Karnataka

20. Wayanad ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1200

21. Nilgiri ER (19.9.03) Tamil nadu 4663

22. Rayala ER (9.12.03) Andhra 766

VIII South Nilgiri 23. Nilambur ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1419 (Kerala- Tamilnadu) 24. Coimbatore ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 566

IX Western Ghat 25. Anamalai ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1457 (Tamilnadu- Kerala) 26. Anamudi ER (2.4.02) Kerala 3728

X Periyar 27. Periyar (2.4.02) Kerala 3742 (Kerala- Tamilnadu) 28. Srivilliputtur ER(19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1249

XI Northern India (Uttaranchal- 29. Shivalik ER (28.10.02) Uttaranchal 5405 U.P.) 30. Uttar Pradesh ER (9.9.09) U.P. 744

MIKE Programme (CITES program): MIKE the abbreviation  To measure the levels and trends in the illegal poaching of the Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants program was and ensure changes in the trends for elephant protection. started in South Asia in 2003 after the conference of parties a  To determine the factors responsible for such changes, resolution of CITES. and to assess the impact of decisions by the conference of The aim of MIKE was to provide information required by the parties to CITES. elephant range countries for proper management and long- term protection of their elephant populations.

The objectives of the MIKE program is as follows:

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management MAPS FOR PRELIMS

India’s Physical Map

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

Biosphere Reserve – National Park – Wildlife Sanctuary Map

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

National Highways Map

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

River System MAP

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

practice questions

MCQs

Q1. What is a wetland complex? 2. Loss of wild habitat (a) Set of wetlands dependent on each other. 3. Loss of CO2 sink (b) A wetland with variety of vegetation and water types. 4. Pollution (c) Wetlands which form a boundary of a large water Select the correct answer using the codes given below: body. (a) 3 only (b) 2 and 3 (d) All of the above (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Which of the following are consequences of Q3. Consider the following statements: deforestation? 1. The Narmada valley marks the northern limit of 1. Silting Western Ghats.

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2. Palani hills, Anaimalai hills and Cardamom hills 4. National Park converge at Doda Betta. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 3. MahendraGiri is highest peak in Eastern Ghats. (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only Which among the following are correct? (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) All the above Q5) Consider the following statements: 1. Bhima and Bhadra are tributaries of River Godavari. Q4) Which of the following are not in- situ 2. Dihang and Dibang are the tributaries of River conservation? Brahmaputra. 1. Zoological Park Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Sanctuaries (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Botanical garden (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer for the above MCQs: 1 (a), 2 (d), 3 (c), 4 (a), 5 (b)

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History, HERITAGE & Culture # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)

artist named Devidasa executed miniatures in the form of the PAHARI PAINTING STYLE Rasamanjari illustrations in 1694 A.D. #Art and Culture Themes: Rasmanjari, Gita Govind

GULER- The last phase of the Basohli style was closely followed by the Union Territory of Jammu group of paintings mainly consisting of portraits of Raja Balwant Singh of Jasrota ABOUT PAHARI PAINTING (a small place near Union Territory of Jammu) by Nainsukh, an artist who originally belonged to Guler but had settled at Jasrota. He worked both at Jasrota and at Guler.

The style appears to have been inspired by the naturalistic style of the Mughal painting of the Muhammad Shah period.

Themes: Bhagvat Gita, Gita Govind, The Baramasa, The Ragmala

KANGRA - The Guler style was followed by another style of painting termed as the "Kangra style", representing the third phase of the Pahari painting in the last quarter of the 18th

century. • Pahari painting (literally meaning a painting from the mountainous regions: pahar means a mountain in Hindi) is The Kangra style developed out of the Guler style. an umbrella term used for a form of Indian painting, done Themes: local ruler portraits. mostly in miniature forms, originating from Himalayan hill KULLU MANDI- Along with the naturalistic Kangra style in the kingdoms of North India, during 17th-19th century, notably Pahari region, there also flourished a folk style of painting in Basohli, Mankot, Nurpur, Chamba, Kangra, Guler, the Kulu-Mandi area, mainly inspired by the local tradition. Mandi, and Garhwal. Themes: Bhagvat Gita, local rulers • With respect to Indian Miniature painting the Pahari region comprises the present State of Himachal Pradesh, some adjoining areas of the Punjab, the area of Union Territory of Jammu in the Jammu and Kashmir State and Garhwal in Uttar Pradesh. GAMOSA • The whole of this area was divided into small States ruled #Art and Culture by the Rajput princes and were often engaged in welfare. These States were centres of great artistic activity from the latter half of the 17th to nearly the middle of the 19th century. IN NEWS

KINDS OF PAHARI PAINTINGS The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved gamosa, a decorative BASHOLI - The earliest centre of painting in the Pahari region cotton towel, from being a memento to a safeguarding mask in was Basohli where under the patronage of Raja Kripal Pal, an Assam.

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Historyy, Heritage & Culture

GAMOSA AS CULTURAL IDENTITY • The gamosa’s graph as a symbol of protest rose during the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation from 1979 to 1985. • The extremist United Liberation Front of Asom too used the towel with “revolutionary” motifs. • The gamosa staged a comeback as a political statement with the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act from mid-December 2019.

THRISSUR POORAM

FESTIVAL #Art and Culture

IN NEWS

Thrissur Pooram, a famous festival of Kerala which was scheduled for early May has been cancelled because of fear of

spread of corona virus. In view of the extended lockdown, the The Gamosa is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth organising committee met at Thrissur and decided to drop this with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven year's Pooram. motifs on the fourth (Remember in addition to Red other colors are also used). Although cotton yarn is the most ABOUT THRISSUR POORAR M FESTIVAL common material for making/weaving gamosas, there are special occasion ones made from Pat silk.Assam has traditionally had two types of gamosas.

1. Uka or Plain kind- used to wipe sweat or dry the body after a bath.

2. The phulam- decorated with floral motifs to be gifted as a memento or during festivals such as Bihu.

Assamese nationalism:Gamosa came to symbolize Assamese nationalism in 1916 when the AsomChatraSanmilan, a students’ organization was formed, followed by the Assam Sahitya Sabha, a literary body.The • Thrissur Pooram is an annual festival of Kerala and is held Assamese way of life is woven in the gamosa, whether plain at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur every year in or decorative. the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), • Wearing the phulam gamosa around the neck became a The festival related events take place at the Vadakkumnathan temple situated in the heart of Thrissur standard for cultural identity. town and the adjoining Thekkinkadu ground. GAMOSA AS SYMBOL OF PROTEST • The festivities on the main day commence with the arrival • From a cultural symbol, it became a political symbol before of poorams from eight temples in the morning. designers explored its potential as dress material such as • The festival in Kerala is referred as Mother of all Festivals. distinctive shirts. It dates back to late 18th century and was started by

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Historyy, Heritage & Culture

SakthanThampuran, the Maharaja of the erstwhile Kochi • This festival is the end of the 21-day-long festival of state. penance named ‘Danda Nata’. On this day, thousands of • The Maharaja organised the festival with the participation devotees used to gather at the Tara Tarini hill shrine and of 10 temples (Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi other temples. Danda Nacha of Ganjam is considered as Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, the most ancient traditional form of worship. Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, • Participants of Danda Nacha are called as ‘Dandua’ and Neythilakavu). the chief is known as ‘PataDandua’. HOW THE FESTIVAL IS CELEBRATED AND WHAT AARE • The origin of the festival is generally traced to 8th and 9th THE RELATED EVENTS? AD after the decadence of Buddhism in Orissa. • • The festival sports an enthralling line-up of vibrantly Danda Nacha, is self-inflicted pain, which the danduas decked up elephants and is marked by the kudamattom (people who participate in the festival) undergo to pay ceremony which involves swift and rhythmic changing of their obeisance to the lord Kali. They perform Dhuli Danda, brightly coloured and decorated parasols and it is one Pani Danda and Agni Danda. among the highlights and is a keenly watched event. • On the closing day, Danda Nacha is known as ‘Meru Yatra’ • The Pooram festival mainly happens between two groups which is observed on the day of Mahabishuva Sankranti in representing the geographic divisions of Paramekkavu and Odia month of Chaitra. Thiruvambadi. • Last month, the government has banned the famous • In kudamattom, the two groups mainly compete in their Chaitra festival at Tara Tarini hill shrine that attracts lakhs respective presentations of richly caparisoned elephants, of devotees due to Covid-19. traditional orchestra called panchavadyam, the swift and rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols called kudamattom. WORLD HERITAGE DAY • Another important part of festival is ilanjitharamelam #Art and Culture which is a performance of traditional instruments. • Around 250 odd artistes participate in this traditional orchestra led by chenda artistes and includes other traditional instruments of Kerala such as kurumkuzhal, IN NEWS kombu and elathalam. Recently, theMinistry of Tourism celebrated the World Heritage • The finale is marked by a grand fireworks show in the early Day-2020 through a webinar series. morning. ABOUT WORLD HERITAGE DAY

MERU JATRA FESTIVAL #Art and Culture

IN NEWS

Odisha’s Ganjam district administration has banned the Meru Jatra festival and congregations related to it at temples on the occasion of Mahavishub Sankranti. Mahavishnu Sankranti is the start of Odia New Year.

ABOUT MERU JATRA FESTIVAL

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History, Heritage & Culture

• It is observed on 18thApril to increase awareness on the 4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) importance of diversity of cultural heritage and 5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) preserving it for the generations ahead. 6. ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) • The International Council on Monuments and Sites (2004) (ICOMOS) established the day in 1982 and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) (UNESCO) approved it in 1983. 8. Elephanta Caves (1987) • The theme of World Heritage Day 2020 is "Shared 9. Ellora Caves (1983) Culture’, ‘Shared heritage’ and ‘Shared responsibility". 10. FatehpurSikri (1986) • A UNESCO World Heritage Site can be any place such as a forest, lake, building, island, mountain, monument, desert, 11. Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004) complex or a city; which has a special physical or cultural 12. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) significance. 13. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) RELATED INFORMATION: INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL 14. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) ON MONUMENTS AND SITES (ICOMOS) 15. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013) • ICOMOS is global monument conservation body (non- government organisation) dedicated to promoting the 16. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017) application of theory, methodology and scientific 17. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993) techniques for conservation of architectural and 18. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019) archaeological heritage across the world. 19. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) • It is also advisory body to UNESCO for cultural heritage, in particular for implementation of World Heritage 20. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002) Convention. 21. Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008) • It was founded in 1965 in Warsaw (Poland) as a result of 22. QutbMinar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) the Venice Charter of 1964. 23. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014) • It is headquartered in Paris, France. 24. Red Fort Complex (2007) WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA 25. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) • The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the 26. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984) identification, protection and preservation of cultural and 27. Taj Mahal (1983) natural heritage around the world considered to be of

outstanding value to humanity. 28. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016) • This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World 29. The JantarMantar, Jaipur (2010) Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 30. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai 1972. (2018) • India has 38 world heritage sites that include 30 Cultural NATURAL PROPERTIES (7) properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site. 1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014) CULTURAL PROPERTIES (30) 2. Kaziranga National Park (1985) 1. Agra Fort (1983) 3. Keoladeo National Park (1985) 2. Ajanta Caves (1983) 4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) 3. Archaeological Site of NalandaMahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016) 5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)

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History, Heritage & Culture

6. Sundarbans National Park (1987) 7. Western Ghats (2012)

MIXED SITE (1) 1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

practice questions

MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. The Gamosa is generally a white rectangular piece of Q4. Consider the following statements regarding cloth with primarily a red border. Pahari Painting: 2. Apart from being a cultural identity, it is also used a 1. They are done mostly in miniature forms. symbol of protest. 2. It originated from Himalayan hill kingdoms of North Which of the statements given above is/are correct? India, during 17th-19th century. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Basholi,Guler and Kangra are kinds of Pahari Painting. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only Q2. Consider the following statements: (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. Meru Jatra festival is the end of the 21-day-long festival of penance named ‘Danda Nata’. Q5. Consider the following statements: 2. Tara Tarini hill shrine is in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site can be any place such Which of the statements given above is/are correct? as a forest, lake, building, island, mountain, (a) 1 only monument, desert, complex or a city. (b) 2 only 2. India has 38 world heritage sites that include Cultural (c) Both 1 and 2 properties,Natural properties and no mixed site. (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is headquartered in Paris, France.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q3. “Thrissur Pooram Festival” is celebrated in the state of: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) Jharkhand (b) Kerala (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Telangana (d) Karnataka

Answers to above MCQs: 1 (c), 2 (a), 3 (b), 4(d), 5(b)

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SECURITY # GS Paper III (Main)

emergence; to ensure the elimination of existing stocks of OPCW such weapons; and, in so doing, to make the world safe # International Organisation from the threat of chemical warfare. Key Facts: It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2013 for its work in Syria.OPCW has 193 members (including India). Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan (4 UN IN NEWS Member States) are non-member. For the first time since the Syrian war began in 2011, the intergovernmental Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which oversees the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), directly accused the BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS “highest levels” of Syria’s military, and by implication Bashar al-Assad himself, of ordering illegal chemical weapons CONVENTION attacks. # Disarmament

IN NEWS

In making the fresh call to ban biological weapons on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) coming into force, India also made a mention of the fast spreading coronavirus and its global impact. Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) HEADQUARTERED IN HAGUE (NETHERLANDS)

Origin:History was made on April 1997 with the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)—the world’s first multilateral disarmament agreement to provide for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction within a fixed time frame. The event marked the birth of an international chemical weapons disarmament regime headed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Biological Weapons Convention Mandate:The OPCW strives to fulfil the Convention’s MANDATE mandate to end the development, production, stockpiling, The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the first transfer and use of chemical weapons; to prevent their re- multilateral disarmament treaty banning the development,

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Security production and stockpiling of an entire category of weapons • The second deal, for which Raytheon Integrated Defence of mass destruction, was opened for signature on 10 April System is the contractor, is for 16 MK 54 All Up Round 1972. Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT); three MK 54 Exercise • The BWC entered into force on March 1975. Torpedoes (MK 54 LWT Kit procurement required); and related equipment. The torpedoes are expected to • The Convention was the result of prolonged efforts by enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capability and the international community to establish a new can be used with the P-8I. instrument that would supplement the 1925 Geneva Protocol. The Geneva Protocol prohibits use but not SIGNIFICANCE TO INDIA possession or development of chemical and biological 1. Increased inter-operability with the United States and weapons. other allied forces. • Location:London, Moscow, and Washington, D.C. 2. Enhanced capabilities as a deterrent to regional threats • Biological weapons are complex systems that and to strengthen its homeland defence. disseminate disease-causing organisms or toxins to harm 3. Improving capability to meet current and future threats or kill humans, animals or plants. They generally consist from enemy weapon systems. of two parts – a weaponized agent and a delivery 4. Support the foreign policy and national security by mechanism. helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic • Almost any disease-causing organism (such as bacteria, relationship. viruses, fungi, prions or rickettsiae) or toxin (poisons 5. Strengthening India’s position as an important force for derived from animals, plants or microorganisms, or political stability, peace, and economic progress in the similar substances produced synthetically) can be used in Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. biological weapons.

• Historical biological weapons programs included efforts to produce: aflatoxin; anthrax; botulinum toxin; ‘KILO’ SUBMARINES foot-and-mouth disease; glanders; plague; Q fever; rice blast; ricin; Rocky Mountain spotted fever; smallpox; and # Naval Defence Equipment tularaemia, among others. • The BWC has 183 States Parties, with Tanzania the most recent to become a party. IN NEWS

The Indian Navy is examining the possibility of purchasing DEFENCE EQUIPMENTS three refurbished Kilo Class submarines, following a proposal by Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation offering the ships SALES TO INDIA and the refurbishment and life extension of three more currently in Indian service. The entire 'three plus three' # Defence #Bilateral Relations package. ‘KILO’ SUBMARINES • The Kilo class submarines, which run on batteries under IN NEWS water, are numerically the most important class of Recently, U.S. approved sale of missiles, torpedoes to India. underwater vessels in the Indian Navy. • The first deal, for which Boeing is the contractor, is for • India purchased a total of 10 Kilo class submarines, which ten AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air launched missiles and are called the Sindhughosh class, with the majority related equipments. These missiles can be fitted onto delivered before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Boeing’s 8-PI (Poseidon Eight India) maritime patrol • The first ship, INS Sindhughosh, was commissioned in aircraft and are intended to enhance India’s capability in 1986. The 'youngest' Kilo class submarine in the Indian anti-surface warfare while defending its sea lanes. Navy was inducted in 2000.

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Security

remain at home owing to the lockdown triggered by the APCERT COVID-19 pandemic. The software used in the online platform is said to be made in China and some calls were # Cyber Security being routed through servers in China. The Cyber Coordination Centre (CyCord) of the MHA issued a set of guidelines for its safe usage by private individuals. It was not for use by government offices and IN NEWS officials, the MHA noted. Computer Emergency Response Team- India (CERT-In) The advisory said the Indian Computer Emergency participated in Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Response Team (CERT-In) had earlier issued two advisories, Team (APCERT) Cyber Drill 2020 “Banker Doubles Down on cautioning on the use of Zoom for office meetings. Miner”.This exercise reflects real incidents and issues that exist on the Internet. The participants handled a case of a DRAWBACKS OF SUCH APPS local business affected by malware infection which is • Insecure usage of the platform may allow cyber criminals triggered by data breach. to access sensitive information such as meeting details ASIA PACIFIC COMPUTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE and conversations giving rise to cyber frauds. TEAM (APCERT) • Prone to multiple vulnerabilities which could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges or obtain sensitive Background: APCERT is coalition of CERTs (Computer information. Emergency Response Team) and CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams) located in Asia Pacific region. • Concerns- of geo-fencing and meeting encryption. Mandate: Its operational mandate is to contribute to the SUGGESTIONS BY THE MINISTRY Internet security with in the region, based on information • The users are suggested to set strong sharing, trust and cooperation. Currently, APCERT consists passwords and enable “waiting room” features so that of 30 Operational Members from 21 economies and 3 call managers could have better control over the Supporting Members. It aims to help create a safe, clean participants. and reliable cyber space in the Asia Pacific Region through • global collaboration. Users should also avoid using personal meeting ID to host events and instead use randomly generated NOTE: - Recently there has been regional collaboration for meeting IDs for each event. “Internet New Mission” with focus on key areas: - • People using the app should not share meeting links on • Clean up infected systems/machines/networks; public platforms. • Safe training, education and information sharing;  RELATED INFORMATION: COMPUTER EMERGENCY • Reliable communication channels and exercise. RESPONSE TEAM-INDIA

It is an organisation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, with ZOOM the objective of securing Indian cyberspace.It is # Cyber Security the nodal agency which deals with cybersecurity threats like hacking and phishing.  RELATED INFORMATION: CYBER COORDINATION CENTRE (CYCORD) PORTAL IN NEWS It was launched in December, 2018 as a one-stop platform The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory for sharing all cyber related matters amongst Law that Zoom video conference is not a safe platform. Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), government organizations Background: U.S. based Zoom video communication has and other stakeholders. seen an exponential rise in usage in India as office-goers

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Security

• Primary objective of the Cyber Coordination Centre is to technology. Money is being siphoned off using fake accounts provide a platform to the Law Enforcement Agencies and and exploiting vulnerabilities of various applications. other stakeholders to collaborate and coordinate their • Cases of Cyber frauds in recent times: The Delhi police efforts to resolve cybercrime, and for other cyber related Cyber Crime, alerted citizens about a fake UPI (Unified issues like sharing case studies/research findings, Payments Interface) ID of the PM CARES Fund.Cases of experience sharing, formulation of research problems, fake Facebook accounts are being reported where money finding solutions to complex cyber issues, etc. has been fraudulently asked for the treatment of alleged • Cyber Coordination Centre is an effective platform to patients by hacking their accounts. deal with cyber issues. • The popular video conferencing app Zoom, which can • Ministry of Home Affairs issues advisories on cyber add up to 100 participants in a call, has come across as related issues to States/UTs from time to time. vulnerable. (‘Zoomraiding’ or ‘Zoombombing’ can be started, in which hate speech, pornography or other  RELATED INFORMATION: GEO-FENCING content is suddenly flashed by disrupting a video call on • It is a location-based service in which an app or other Zoom.) software uses GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi or cellular data to trigger a SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CYBER FRAUDS THAT CAN pre-programmed action when a mobile device or RFID tag enters or exits a virtual boundary set up around BE FOLLOWED:- a geographical location, known as a geofence. ►Related to Payments • Some geofences are set up to monitor activity in • Verifying the destination UPI ID from authentic sources secure areas, allowing management to see alerts before making any transaction. when anyone enters or leaves a specific area. • If a mobile phone with a UPI-enabled app is stolen, it Businesses can also use geofencing to monitor must be blocked and the bank intimated before it could employees in the field, automate time cards and be misused. keep track of company property. • Banks also must adhere to the KYC guidelines issued by • To make use of geofencing, an administrator or the RBI, so that the address of each customer is checked developer must first establish a virtual boundary physically. around a specified location in GPS- or RFID-enabled software. This can be as simple as a circle drawn 100 ►Related to Social Media feet around a location on Google Maps, as specified • By keeping the privacy settings at ‘Only me’ or ‘Friends’ using APIs when developing a mobile app. This virtual and not to share sensitive information on social media. geofence will then trigger a response when an • Privacy settings should be changed for every post and authorized device enters or exits that area, as photo. specified by the administrator or developer. ►Related to Video conferencing

• Staying cautious while using free apps for confidential CYBER FRAUDS meetings. # Cyber Security • Using organisational infrastructure to ensure authentication, access control and integrity of data through VPN or other options.

INTERPOL’S ADVISORY

IN NEWS In guidelines for law-enforcement agencies, Interpol warned The COVID-19 outbreak presents a global challenge not just about the emerging trend of false or misleading for the medical fraternity and society, but for law advertisements about medical products, setting up of enforcement agencies also. Cybercrime, like a pandemic, fraudulent e-commerce platforms, phishing etc. during the knows no state borders. A few people are attempting novel pandemic. It has recommended to: - ways of defrauding innocents using information and

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Security

• Avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking links in unrecognised emails and attachments. OPERATION NAMASTE • Have back up files regularly. # Health • Use strong passwords. • Keep software updated. • Manage social media settings and review privacy/security It is a campaign launched by the Indian Army to combat settings. the spread of COVID-19 and help the government in its fight Cyber experts also recommend the use of ‘https’ protocol against the pandemic. The Indian Army has code-named its for secure financial transactions. anti-COVID-19 operations as Operation Namaste and has, A victim of cybercrime should report it to the police so far, established eight quarantine facilities across the immediately. Computer-related wrongs are covered under country. the Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000 and wrongdoers are liable for penalty, compensation and criminal liability in appropriate cases.

practice questions

MCQs

Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct 2. The Convention entered into force in 2015. regarding the Chemical Weapons Convention Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CWC)? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is the world’s first multilateral disarmament (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 agreement to provide for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction within a Q3. ‘Operation Namaste’ is sometimes mentioned in fixed time frame. media with reference to: 2. It led to the birth of an international chemical (a) Ministry of External Affairs weapons disarmament regime headed by the (b) Indian Army Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical (c) Indian Airforce Weapons (OPCW). (d) Department of School Education and Literacy 3. Egypt and Israel are non-member to the convention. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q4. Consider the following statements: (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only 1. CERT-In is an organisation of the Ministry of Home (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Affairs. 2. CERT-In is the nodal agency which deals with Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the cybersecurity threats like hacking and phishing. Biological Weapons Convention: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning (a) 1 only (b) 2 only the development, production and stockpiling of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction. Answers to above MCQs: 1 (d), 2 (a), 3(b), 4(b)

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Miscellaneous

CHUNI GOSWAMI GLOSSARY #Football #Personality # Terms

WEIGHTLESS ECONOMY: This refers to those sectors of the economy which produce stuff that weigh lighter than other IN NEWS sectors that manufacture traditional goods and services. The After the demise of Pradip Kumar (PK) Banerjee last month, term is used to emphasise the changing nature of economies another legend of Indian football passed away. as they increasingly concentrate on producing stuff that is intangible but also of much more valuable to consumers.

Economic growth in the previous centuries depended largely on increasing the total quantity of physical inputs that went into production. Now, producing things of higher value requires the use of intellectual capital more than physical capital, which explains the rapid increase in the size of the weightless economy.

Example: Internet, Telecommunication, IT, ITES, Artificial Intelligence etc.

CAPITAL MARKET: Capital market is a market where buyers and sellers engage in trade of financial securities like bonds, Subimal (Chuni) Goswami represented Bengal in first-class stocks, etc. The buying/selling is undertaken by participants such as individuals and institutions. Capital markets help games between 1962 and 1973. He captained India to Asian channelise surplus funds from savers to institutions which Games gold in 1962 in Jakarta, Indonesia. then invest them into productive use. Generally, this market trades mostly in long-term securities.Capital market consists He was considered one of the finest footballers to have ever of primary markets and secondary markets. played for the country. His name became synonymous with Primary markets deal with trade of new issues of stocks and celebrated club Mohun Bagan, where he played throughout other securities, whereas secondary market deals with the his football career. exchange of existing or previously-issued securities. Another important division in the capital market is made on the basis He played a prime role in seeing India do well in prominent of the nature of security traded, i.e. stock market and bond international events like Asian Cup and Merdeka Cup. market

Goswami was a complete sportsman and excelled in cricket FAIR TRADE PRICE: In the commodities market, fair trade as well.Under his captaincy Bengal reached the Ranji Trophy price is the minimum price that importers must pay to the producers of some agricultural products such as coffee and final in 1971-72 season before losing to Bombay in banana. It is the floor price that must be paid irrespective of Brabourne Stadium. the market price.

When the market price of a commodity is higher than this minimum price, the buyer must pay the former. But if the

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Miscellaneous market price falls below the fair trade price, the producer a person in terms of knowledge, sensibility and most must be paid at least a price equal to the fair trade price. important, behaviour in different situations.

Fair trade price acts as a security net that reduces market Let us take an example of a person who knows very well to risks of farmers and attempts to improve their living read and write. Say, his entire schooling has been done in an conditions. English medium school. He is very fluent in English. Thus, we

SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS: This is a kind of reserve of can say that he is literate. But can we say that he is well foreign exchange assets comprising leading currencies educated? I doubt. I can say he is educated only if his globally and created by the International Monetary Fund in knowledge and information gained is reflected in his actions. the year 1969. If a person uses foul language and abusive words, then he can’t be considered an educated person. Action of an Before its creation, the international community had to face educated person is imbued with a sense of calm and serenity. several restrictions in increasing world trade and the level of financial development as gold and US dollars, which were the Literacy can be forgotten but education cannot. Frederick W. only means of trade, were in limited quantities. In order to Robertson said, “Instruction ends in the school term, but address the issue, SDR was created by the IMF. education ends only with life.”

SDR is often regarded as a 'basket of national currencies'. Let us take an example of a chef. Many people know how to cook but not all of them are called chefs. Similarly, in case of SDR Valuation: The currency value of the SDR is determined driving, many people know the functionality and working of by summing the values in U.S. dollars, based on market all parts of the vehicle, say brake, clutch, accelerator, steering exchange rates, of a basket of major currencies (the U.S. and many more, but that does not make them a perfect dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and the Chinese driver. To become a driver, one must have good practice. renminbi). Literacy cannot make a person wise but education can. An PAYMENTS BANKS: A payments bank is like any other bank, educated man can only bring around changes in society and but operating on a smaller scale without involving any credit contribute to the development of society, which leads to the risk. In simple words, it can carry out most banking development of the nation. In India, almost all the literate operations but can’t advance loans or issue credit cards. persons know the saying “Honesty is the best policy”. But the It can accept demand deposits (up to Rs 1 lakh), offer question arises whether all of them practice it in their life and remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/ purchases daily activities. I think each one of us knows the answer to and other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking this question. The answer is ‘no’. Very few people practice it in and third party fund transfers. reality, though everyone knows it. We deliberately try to They were introduced in India on the recommendations of eschew the fact and this is something which differentiates NachiketMor committee. between an educated mind and a literate mind.

We can think of an educated India if we have a literate India. Literacy is a step towards education and if one fails in this INSIGHT: EDUCATION basic step then it becomes difficult to be educated. A person who is literate in a language is considered illiterate when he AND LITERACY goes to a foreign land having another language but his behaviour will reflect his educated mind everywhere. # Things to ponder To make people and children educated, we must take care of the teaching methodology. We must have efficient and eminent teachers who can educate the young generations as the mind once enlightened cannot become dark. Nowadays, Literacy cannot make a person wise but education can we learn for grades. We follow discrimination among the “Literacy”, the ability to read and write, is often equated with children on the basis of their academic grades. The students “education”, but is not the same. Literacy is a step to of different capabilities must be mixed together in a proper education. For me, education is the complete development of

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Miscellaneous order without discrimination so that they can learn from each IN SHORT other. Everybody has his or her own capability and interest. In this, the author takes stock of public education in India, We must encourage them to excel in the fields in which they and the improvement in government schools. desire to grow. They must be provided with the option to Ask an average person about government schools and the develop themselves. If we judge a fish by its ability to climb a first reaction would most likely be ‘ill equipped’ followed by tree, then we are making a fool of us only. While teaching a child, both parents and teachers, should keep in their mind ‘teachers don’t turn up’. But that’s not true of all government schools. the quote of Margaret Mead: “Child must be taught how to think and not what to think.” In this book, the author writes about teachers who have changed the way people look at government schools. The The goal of education is not necessarily the mastery of a opening chapter is about improvements: getting books and subject but mastery of a person.I would like to end by Joseph uniforms on time, decline in caning and fights among Addison’s quote: “What sculpture is to a block of marble, children and a major reduction in teacher absenteeism. education is to a human soul.” The authors writes about headmasters and teachers who Note: The above insight is helpful to write on any education have worked to get the community involved in the school; related Essay topic asked by UPSC. who encourage parents to educate their children instead of sending them to work. And ensure — by letting children of migrant labourers stay in school — that they don’t drop out. ORDINARY PEOPLE, For children to get food and school supplies even if they have to pay for it, coping with bureaucracy and red tape, the EXTRAORDINARY teachers ensure that schools get better infrastructure — whether as classrooms, toilets, drinking water or TEACHERS playgrounds, teaching aids and training and so forth. # Books to read

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Part TWO

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Coverage from varied sources

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

ETHICAL MEDIA #Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

►QUESTION: IS THE MEDIA AS THE Media makes us aware of various social, political and economic activities around us. It is like a mirror which reveals th 4 PILLAR OF DEMOCRACY LOSING ITS us the bare truth and harsh realities of life. A news media, be CREDIBILITY? it in print form or TV/radio, its main job is to inform people about unbiased news without any censorship or tampering. IN NEWS People always trust actual and honest news. The media also India has dropped to rank 142, two points below its 2019 rank, has its own opinion. But they can only put it in their own in the 2020 World Press Freedom. The annual press freedom personal space (editorials) leaving it for the public to make its list is produced by the campaign group Reporters Without own assessment. At the same time, they have to incorporate Borders (RSF) which surveys the state of the media in 180 other opinions too, however contradicting the editor’s view countries and territories. might be. The purpose of news media is to present accurate news and all types of views in front of people. That way they ESSAY (UPSC 2019): Biased media is a real threat to Indian maintain their credibility. The Media is considered to be a democracy. double-edged sword. An accountable media can lift the THOUGHT:“The moment we no longer have a free press, nation to heights by providing a sturdy support for its anything can happen. What makes it possible for a totalitarian development and an unaccountable media can cause or any other dictatorship to rule is that people are not disarray in the society. informed.” -Hannah Andret Democracy is considered to be a rule of the people through their elected representatives. One of the merits of a democratic system is the freedom of expression and the space that is provided to disagreement by different sections

On the basis of above, let us start with a thought of society. For the democratic system to operate to its full provoking article on ‘Media as the Fourth Pillar of potential, the participation on a part of the public is Democracy’. imperative, that successively needs circulation of reliable info to the masses on numerous public problems. This is where Read and ponder! the mass media come in.

CORPORATIZATION OF MEDIA HOUSES

The true test of vibrant democracy is the independence of media. Over a past few year media in our country has become advocates of different political parties and voice of corporates. What happened in the electronic era is that mainstream media became corporatized to spread its business as well as to acquire advanced infrastructure. To corporatize, it required corporate financing. Entry of

corporates brought in the culture of profiteering and that

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude culture first killed the neutrality of news media. Corporates public by showing fabricated predicted votes via exit polls. get most profit if they can be close to the broker lobby of Obviously, they can influence voter’s perceptions about the power. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts even closeness of the election and the value of their votes. more”. Thus, many news media started selective reporting. Campaigns are now getting covered like a sport with a special Apart from that they instead of presenting views started emphasis on who’s up, who’s down, who’s winning, who’s imposing views.Journalism in our country is facing significant losing, how they are moving ahead or behind in the polls. crisis. In the race of sensationalism and TRP, media houses Surprisingly, exit polls aren’t the only medium to influence have taken a corporate turn. News which is TRP generating opinion and spread rumours among voters. In this age of are shown in repetitive loops, while notable news gets social media, it wouldn’t be too difficult to make impressions, neglected. courtesy the mammoth internet armies most media houses have. Word-of-mouth, village meets, informal gatherings – Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee resoundingly there are more than just one means through which ideas can made point to the Indian media that “discussion and be spread among voters. dissension are crucial for a spirited democracy, and it must hold public institutions accountable for all their actions and RELIGIOUS DOMINANCE inactions. There should always be room for the Indian media lacks social diversity and it doesn’t reflect the argumentative Indian, and not the intolerant Indian. The social profile of country. Mainly Hindu upper caste dominate media must be the watchdog, the mediator between the in the media houses. They constitute around 20% of India’s leaders and the public”. population but among the key decision makers of the POLITICAL DOMINANCE national media, their share is as high as 71%. Religion and caste based ‘Divide and Rule’is propagated deliberately The media, regrettably, like the political polarization in the rather than promoting amity and co-existence among country, is also divided into anti-government, pro- different religions and communities while on the other side government, and rightist groups with each entity trying to serious issues of common concern like education ,health, impose its own partisan views on serious national issues and employment, agrarian crisis, environment, social issues, even resorting to tarnish work of their rivals. Consequently, peace and stability in society and regions etc. are often truth and social responsibility have become casualties of this neglected. This manipulation is promoted to satisfy vote ban uncontrolled media culture. Media expansion has led to a politics of various political parties. shrinking of the public sphere, resulting in the spread of elitist’s opinions. MEDIA TRIALS

The Indian media has now become the B team of the “Media trial is a matter of serious concern. Media trial creates government. It is intently indulging in creating such pranks in a perception of prejudice against the accused. Judgment the society and vitiating the already charged atmosphere with should be delivered in court only”. political war games. This doctrine clearly spells out the fact In a one hour debating by news channels in which accused is that there is always a ‘limitation’ for freedom of speech or framed with allegations and debated by some so called rather freedom to sloganeering if that prank likely to harm “experienced people of that field” after which the anchor the society. This is exactly what is happening on wider scale gives an instant predefined verdict, which is definitely more now. captivating, amusing to public rather than the multifaceted As hard as it is to believe, the biggest thing that drives and apodictic judicial procedure established by law of Indian elections is simple name recognition by media. Media has judiciary, to which the most citizens are unaware. The now become a tool for political parties to brainwash the journalists have started acting more or less as both

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude prosecution and judge alleging, shouting, pronouncing The media have a great responsibility to fight backward ideas verdicts. such as casteism and communalism, and help the people in their struggle against poverty and other social evils. Since a In India, freedom of the press has been treated as part of the large section of the people is backward and ignorant, it is all freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article the more necessary that modern ideas are brought to them 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, vide BrijBhushan and Another vs. and their backwardness removed so that they become part of The State of Delhi, AIR 1950 SC 129 and Sakal Papers (P) Ltd enlightened India. The media have a great responsibility in vs. Union of India, AIR 1962 SC 305, among others. However, this respect. as mentioned in Article 19(2), reasonable restrictions can be placed on this right, in the interest of the sovereignty For this, scientific thinking should be promoted. Science alone and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, is the means to solve this country's problems. By science, it decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, does not mean physics, chemistry and biology alone. It defamation or incitement to an offence. Hence, freedom of means entire scientific outlook, which must be spread widely the media is not an absolute freedom. among our people. Our people must develop rational, logical and questioning minds, and abandon superstition and MEDIA TRIAL v. FREE AND FAIR ADMINISTRATION OF escapism. For this purpose the media can, and must, play a JUSTICE powerful role. By conducting a parallel trial with the court, media often prejudices the judicial administration of a country by influencing the opinion of the judges. Sometimes, excessive publicity given to an accused or suspect by media before trial ►IN VOGUE: UNETHICAL MEDIA PRACTICES commences prejudices a fair trial thereby characterising him • as a person who actually has committed the crime. This Corruption in commercial television results in undue interference with the “administration of • Bribery in the radio industry justice”, calling for proceedings for contempt of court against • Media fraud the media. Media should play a constructive role in the • Illegal activities by the communications media betterment of the legal system. Media must exercise due care • Media intimidation and caution while reporting criminal matters to avoid any • kind of disrespect to the Constitution and the judicial system Media harassment in the country. • Misconduct by media representatives • Criminal connections with the media WHAT SHOULD BE THE MEDIA'S ROLE? • Misuse of the media Many channels show film stars, pop music, disco-dancing and • Abuse of freedom of the press fashion parades, astrology, or cricket. Is it not a cruel irony • and an affront to our poor people that so much time and Irresponsible activities by the media resources are spent on such things? What have the Indian OTHER PROBLEMS masses, who are facing terrible economic problems, to do • Media cover-up with such things?. Is this not sheer escapism? This is a matter • Media imperialism of great concern to India as it faces massive problems of • Indecent advertising poverty, unemployment, corruption, price rise and so on. • Media smear campaigns

• Misuse of advertising

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

• Deception in the media always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts and

• Privatization of justice ensure that they have been checked.

• Invasion of privacy by media 2. Independence: Journalists must be independent voices;

• Distorted media presentations they should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. • Exploitative commercial television They should declare to their editors – or directly to the • Clandestine propaganda broadcasting audience – any relevant information about political • Exploitation of misery by media celebrities affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal • Calculated delay in publication of documents connections that might constitute a conflict of interest. • Manipulation of the individual by mass media 3. Fairness and Impartiality: Most stories have at least two • Inequality-inducing effects of communications media sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, the stories produced by journalists should RELATED PROBLEMS: Harassment of the media, strive for balance and provide context. Objectivity is not Commercialization of the airwaves, Misrepresentation of always possible, and may not always be desirable (in the information to consumers. face, for example, of clear and undeniable brutality or AGGRAVATES: Verbal ugliness, Negative media reporting, inhumanity), but impartial reporting builds trust and Irresponsible media practices, Journalistic irresponsibility, confidence. Deterioration of media standards, Irresponsible expression of 4. Humanity: Journalists should do no harm. They should emotions equated with free speech. show sensitivity and care in their work recognising that what they publish or broadcast may be hurtful. It is not possible to report freely and in the public interest without ►EXPECTED:ETHICS IN JOURNALISM occasionally causing hurt and offence, but journalists should always be aware of the impact of words and images on the lives of others. This is particularly important when reporting on minorities, children, the victims of violence, and vulnerable people.

5. Accountability and Transparency: A key principle of responsible journalism is the ability to be accountable. Journalists should always be open and transparent in their work except in the most extraordinary of circumstances. When they make mistakes they must correct them and expressions of regret must be sincere. They listen to their audience and provide remedies to those dealt with unfairly.

1. Accuracy and fact-based communications: Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. Journalists should

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

• Contempt Of Court Act: This was introduced in order to  Ensure utmost discretion while reporting on violence and maintain honour and dignity of the Judges and their crime against women and children;

Judgments. This is one of the restrictions of freedom of  Abhor sex and nudity; expression which are mentioned in Article 19(2) of the  Ensure privacy; constitution.  Ensure that national security is not endangered; • Young Person's (Harmful Publications) Act, 1956: This act was introduced in order to prohibit the publication of  Refraining from advocating or encouraging superstition any literature which glorifies crime, violence and genocide and occultism; in order to protect the minds of young readers.  Ensure responsible sting operations;

• Cable television regulation Act, 1995: This act along with Objects and functions of NBSA: The objects of NBSA is to cable rules makes it very clear that transmission of lay-down and foster high standards, ethics and practices in communal polarization is an offence. news broadcasting, including entertaining and deciding • Press Council of India Act, 1965: It is a statutory body to complaints against or in respect of broadcasters in so far as govern and regulate the function of mainly print and these relate to the content of any broadcast. televised media. Its preamble states that this institution NBSA administers the Codes of Ethics & Broadcasting was established “For protecting the freedom of the press Standards, which has been voluntarily drawn by the News and maintaining and improving the standards of both Broadcasters Association (NBA) for its member broadcasters newspapers and news agencies”. to demonstrate their commitment to responsible Its main job is to monitor the conduct of the media; it’s broadcasting and to self-regulate themselves.In discharging basically the watchdog of watchdog. its functions as aforesaid the NBSA shall act consistently with the following precepts: The press council also provides the norms of journalist conduct which is the guidelines for the principled and 1. Maintaining and improving the standards of broadcast, ethical journalism. and maintaining the independence of broadcasters, television journalists and/or news agencies; Besides the above, News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) is an independent body set up by the 2. Ensuring compliance by broadcasters, television journalists News Broadcasters Association. Its task is to consider and and news agencies with the Code of Conduct and adjudicate upon complaints about broadcasts. The nine- adherence by the said persons to high professional member Authority comprises: standards;

 A Chairperson, being an eminent jurist; 3. Ensuring the maintenance of high standards of public taste and fostering a due sense of both the rights and  Four eminent persons having special knowledge and/or responsibilities of citizens; practical experience in the field of law, education, medicine, science, literature, public administration, 4. Fostering and encouraging the growth of a sense of consumer affairs, environment, human psychology and/or responsibility and public service among all those engaged culture; and in and associated with the profession of television journalism and business of broadcasting;  Four eminent editors employed with a broadcaster. 5. Keeping under review and scrutiny any developments The Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards laid down likely to or having the tendency to restrict the gathering, by NBSA for violation of which a complaint may be made, supply and dissemination of news of public interest and include the following principles: importance:  Ensure impartiality and objectivity in reporting; 6. Such other aspects as may be incidental, consequential,  Ensure neutrality; related and/or otherwise materially concerned with the  Ensure that when reporting on crime, that crime and above precepts. violence are not glorified;

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Finally, in any democracy, weakening of pillars is always To protect the pillars of democracy will not be an easy task in damaging. There are many factors that make media biased. a current culture cracked by dissension and misleading There is caste, religious, political bias within the media. Media information. It will require acumen and patience. is not completely honest and objective in depiction of ►QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE important issues. Certain issues are made to look by media in 1. Essay:Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. (1200 words) a certain way to benefit a certain group and manipulate the public opinion. 2. Question: Do you think the media has too much power? Evaluate. (200 words) This spells danger for the future of democracy in India, unless it is urgently remedied. This problem can be solved in two 3. Question: How much do you think the government should get ways, first being, democratic that is, through discussions, involved in making sure the media is well balanced? (200 consultations and persuasion and other way is by using words) retributive measures against the media, for example, by 4. Question: How important are newspapers? Suggest measures imposing heavy fines on defaulters, stopping government for making them more insightful and impactful for promoting advertisements to them, suspending their licenses in case of mass awareness. (200 words) gross violation of code of ethics. 5. Question: How has social media affected the way that we get our news? (200 words)

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Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude CASE STUDIES for Practice MAINS GS PAPER IV

Here, we are sharing case studies for self- practice. These case studies are drawn from various aspects of professional and personal experiences, and are helpful for General Studies- Paper IV. Do practice them!

Case 1: Q is a State where prohibition is in force. You are b) Involve various NGO’s and media for raising awareness towards drawbacks of illicit liquor. recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit c) Female members of society can be organised and trained liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and to explain the harmful impact of liquor using emotional causes a major problem for the district authorities. intelligence. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order d) Males can be motivated to provide better future to family problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, by invoking values of love and compassion. and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The e) Explanatory videos and short films illustrating harmful problem remains as serious as ever. physical, mental, psychological and spiritual impact of Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the liquor must be popularized. distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and f) Role modelling by people who have successfully overcome educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor their liquor addiction. irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities g) De-addiction centre and gifts, Credit facility for gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken entrepreneurship, appreciation by village etc. for people place in the past either from the government’s side or from who successfully overcome addiction. social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Following administrative measures must also be taken to Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem remove situation that favour such behaviour - under control? (250 words) a) Educational institutions must be strengthened through Answer: This case highlights the importance of persuasion funds, teachers training, use of ICT and innovation like for attitudinal and behavioural change among people to mid-day meal, sports etc. for high retention. develop a value-laden society. b) Increasing agricultural investment for irrigation, The details mentioned in the case calls for change in strategy productivity, marketing, food processing and in the governance of illicit liquor distillation. Rather than entrepreneurship. punishing the unacceptable behaviour state must target c) Skill development and engaging youths in more determinant of behaviour – values and attitude. State must productive jobs. (Empty mind is devils workshop) also alter the situation that encourages such behaviour - economic, industrial and educational backwardness; low d) Ease of doing business to attract investment and prospect in agriculture and communal disharmony. industrialization in the region. Following persuasion techniques must be adopted for e) Ensuring communal harmony through cooperation of change in value system and attitude:- local politicians, spread of message of peace on social media and regular media and implementing constitutional a) Value education in schools, panchayat and other social provisions. institutions to instill dignity and self-worth.Motivating youth through speeches, literatures, videos, workshops, f) Police training to deal with the illicit liquor distillation mohalla meetings to dream and work hard to achieve seriously. their dream. They must inculcate perseverance and Human capital is the greatest asset of a nation. State must discipline. (“Dream, Dream, Dream… Dreams transform not allow its degradation through liquor consumption. into thoughts And thoughts result in action.” ― APJ Where the mind is led forward by thee ABDUL KALAM)

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Into ever-widening thought and action I will act under the principle of ethical governance to Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. have empathetic, compassionate, sensitive and responsive governance -

a) Law and order must immediately be restored as factory Case 2: A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing has already been closed. industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set up an b) Compensation and medical help can be given to victim of additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the mob confusion and protest. detrimental effect on the environment. But one state c) Workers unemployed must be upgraded in skill to be government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition. absorbed elsewhere or given some credit facility for self- employment. The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till d) The workers will be registered under the government’s recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was employment scheme like MGNREGA. affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and e) Take help of National career self-service (Ministry of animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of Labour & Employment) and civil societies/NGO’s/SHG to people took part, creating a law and order problem get workers employment opportunity. necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, f) Advise/Suggest environment friendly business solutions the State government ordered the closure of the factory. and optimum utilization of factory’s infrastructure to the The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of owner of the closed factory. This will give job not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but opportunities to the young local population. also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very g) Younger population would be encouraged to take benefits badly affected those industries which depended on the of government schemes for start-up’s and chemicals manufactured by it. entrepreneurship. This will make them self-sufficient and As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of creator of employment rather than job seekers. handling this issues, how are you going to address it? (250 h) New supplier can be arranged for industries dependent words) on the chemicals from other parts of the country or This case presents the challenge of balancing environmental neighbouring countries. Import tariff can also be reduced justice with growth and industrialization (live vs livelihood). temporarily to prevent economic shock. The competing rights of citizens have to be fulfilled by i) Scientific measures must be taken to restore soil and government to honour its social contract with the citizens. water health in the region. I as a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of j) The root cause of the problem – discharge of untreated handling this issue will have to consider demands and effluents, must be addressed. In this regard two steps grievances of various stakeholders – have to be taken – a) Living in pollution free environment is a fundamental right • Environmental regulation and monitoring have to be of citizens. strengthened. Transparency and accountability in this b) Degradation of land and water in the area will regard must be ensured. irreversibility destroy the ecology and in a way life of • Technology to treat factory discharge cost effectively has farmers. Further, it may also threaten food security. to be developed. c) Diseases caused by pollution will be passed on from Gandhiji once said “I bow my head in reverence to our generation to generation. ancestors for their sense of the beautiful in Nature and for d) Duty of the state is to provide livelihood opportunities and their foresight in investing beautiful manifestations of nature clean environment (common good) to its citizens. with a religious significance.” Learning from him we must take e) Denial of right to work is an injustice to the workers holistic view of development to ensure rights of all citizens engaged in the factory and ancillary units. are protected. f) Other factories dependent on the chemical factory will suffer because of decision taken by state government.

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Part Three

Essays of the month

Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students

ESSAY 1: TECHNOLOGY CANNOT REPLACE MANPOWER

# Science SUBMITTED BY: AKASH BHAIRAV GUPTA (RAU’S DELHI STUDENT)

Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are efficient. Evolution of agricultural technologies and warfare strictly personal of the writer above. The technologies was the next big step. However, the industrial role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to present Revolution of the 18th and 19th century is by far the biggest the write-up in its original form, hence the leap in technology that mankind has taken. Lately electricity, study circle neither endorses nor rejects any computers and most recently Artificial intelligence, Big Data, viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is only to Blockchain are the new technologies. showcase the manner of writing. Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use From the above historical description, it is clear that humans evolved technologies for themselves. Technology has always his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. had a functional role. Technology reduced human effort and Jobs – this is the catchword of today’s domestic as well as made tasks more efficient. It left humans more time in international politics across the globe. The present scenario leisure, which helped in innovation and creative thinking. This of unemployment appears pretty grim, with jobleessness furthered technological development and the cycle kept touching record levels in many countries, including India. A reinforcing itself. Using technology, man was also able to large part of the problem of unemployment is because of the solve problems and build things which are seemingly beyond paradigm shift that we are witnessing in technology. Experts the limits of manpower. For example, deep sea mining, believe that the fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with crushing of stones, communicating with romance far away – itself technologies that have total disrupted the are all beyond man’s physical capabilities, but technology manufacturing processes. Today’s machines are smarter and makes it all possible. Technology has had an impact not only efficient than ever and have replaced manufacturing jobs to a in the economic sphere, but also in the social, political and large extent – especially in advanced economies of the West cultural spheres. Today’s technology allows us to socialize and China. A certain backlash against machines replacing with friends who are in a different city, influence political humans in jobs has brought forth a natural question – “Can opinions remotely, and keen about different cultures while technology replace Manpower?” sitting in our rooms. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say

that technology has aided in making our lives easier are the In context of answering this question, it would be informative course of history. to look at a brief history of technology itself. One can argue that technology is as old as manpower itself. When we compare technology with manpower, we see that The highly developed cognitive and analytical capacities of both are pretty different. Manpower can be divided into two the human brain allowed humans to develop tools and physical and mental. Physical manpower entails doing work processes which would aid in better survival. Rubbing stones with our bodies – like pushing a rock, packaging stuff, to generate fire, while using wooden logs as wheels were all assembling parts; while mental manpower involves brain technologies of the Paleolithic Age. Microliths were functioning – analysis comprehension, innovation and technological Innovations of the Neolithic Age. With time, the understanding. It can be observed that for a large part of technologies got more and more complex and functionally history, the role of technology was to supplement physical

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Essays OF THE MONTH manpower and reduce drudgery – the invention of cars, more tasks of humans than ever, but those are tasks that can steam engines, mining equipment, use of electricity for be programmed through logic functions. One cannot possibly mechanical operations etc. The progress has been such that programme man’s natural decision making, cognitive and physical labour today has lost its value as the same work can emotional qualities into a machine. Therefore, technology, be done by a machine efficiently and tirelessly. On the other while closing some jobs, opens up new ones which are of a hand mental labour today holds more relevance than ever, different nature. Manpower can never go out of vogue, partly because technology of today cannot match levels of because it is manpower itself that makes technology, not the human intelligence and partly because today we live in an other way round. Also, present fears of technology replacing age of knowledge economy. manpower are pretty far-fetched, as more then 70% of the World lives in developing countries where people do not have The above trends therefore, again point to the relevance of access to ever basic agricultural technologies like farming manpower in face of todays advanced technology. It, tools. In the future of technology evolves and becomes however is important to know that this debate is not a new smarter, it is bound to have a social, political and economic one. It has existed ever since the spinning Jenny – the first backlash so as to keep the balance. machine of the industrial Revolution, replaced jobs of English workers. Those skeptic of machine power were known as In a world where Amazon uses robots to find inventory, Ford luddites. Similarly, modern thinkers like Gandhi were also not uses robotic arms to manufacture cars, and legal firms use for replacement of manpower by technology. He advocated Artificial Intelligence to fight case, apprehensions of that every person performed bread-labour and wanted technology replacing manpower are valid. However, one production by the masses, not mass production. In the same must wait and give this disruption some time, as job markets way, neo-luddites of today call for banning of new lag when it comes to reacting to disruptions. Technology technologies which have led to joblessness. never was, and can never be a substitute of manpower. Technology is a tool and efforts must be made to set it A historical analysis would suggest that technology cannot remain that way. It is because of the combination of replace manpower. At most, it can alter the nature in which manpower and technology that the human race has manpower is employed, but it cannot certainly replace it. This progressed so much. Creative Solutions are the need of the is because human manpower is too complex to be emulated hour so that both are balanced. Technology cannot replace by a machine precisely. Although technology today performs manpower, but supplement it better.

ESSAY 2: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS A PANACEA FOR THE GROWTH AND SECURITY OF THE NATION # Science SUBMITTED BY: FRANKLIN BRITTO (RAU’S DELHI STUDENT)

Disclaimer:The viewpoints in the topic are strictly personal present the write-up in its original form, hence the study of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the

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Essays OF THE MONTH submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of and big data analysts have accelerated the speed of scientific writing. development. The rising global challenges in the form of climate change, global health emergencies, sustainable land Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use usage pattern, terrorism and rising inequalities find their his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. solutions from the new scientific advancement. The creation of vertical farming techniques. New Fuel Cell Technology and The end of World War II led to the emergence Nano Technology are some of the solutions. of two nations – Japan and Germany with many challenges in multiple fronts. The destruction of India for its part has remained closely integrated into the economy, weakening of military and control of allies over world of Science and Technology right since the times of their functioning were few of them. But turn two decades, we Independence. The strong conviction of Jawaharlal Nehru’s find Japan to have emerged as an Asian giant. The successful ideas on Science finds its form in the high expenditure for hosting of Tokyo Olympics in 1964 is a testament to this fact. creation of skilled manpower. India’s technical institutes and Germany on the other hand had its western part under foray into atomic and space technology through Atomic prosperity. Now fast forwarding to 21stcentury we find these Energy Regulations Board and ISRO respectively signify the two countries among the top four economic giants of the belief in Science as a solution to the country’s problems. World. What stands behind the rise of the two nations from the ashes of war to the high reaches of the global economy is This push for science in the initial year had their benefit in their scientific and technological process for sure. rising the economic, food and energy security of the country in the later years. India’s Green Revolution helped in attaining Historically speaking, science has been the guiding factor for self-reliance while hydroelectric projects and steel plants human progress and growth. It may be the discovery of fire, thrusted vital power to economy. India’s Pokhran tests invention of wheel, gun power, cannons. We find science as secured the nation security. The benefits have been immense the leading factor in the growth of empires and civilisations. but so do the challenges facing the country when looking into The Indus-valley civilization had a great scientific knowledge the future. in the form of uniformity of bricks, town planning and trade. The need to help people come out poverty through The Chinese had their advancement through silk, tea, paper. sustainable growth and development is one of the major The Europeans had it through naval power and renaissance. challenges. With rising changes in global job market creating adequate employment and securing the living stanndards of Whenever we look at the rise of a country or empire, we find the vulnerable, defending national integrity and sovereignty the rise of scientific discoveries and inventions. The British in a hostile neighbourhood and protecting national interests empire had it in the Industrial Revolution. USA in the rise of in the growing aggressive posturing of countries are crucial to computers and IC chips. India is having it in the form of IT the country’s growth and developments. services, pharmaceuticals and space technology. The recent launch and testing of Mission Shakti ASAT test is Since the start of the new global world order post World War one of the ways to ensure the country’s security in a rising II, we find the economic power to be the main criteria for the hostile world. India’s push for rising innovation and research status of a nation. Economic Power finds its source in Science through increasing the involvement of institutes and students and Technology. The rising trade in invisible goods in the are in the right direction. Schemes and Programmes like form of services and knowledge is an example of the rising IMPRINT, institutes of eminence, help to usher in a new power of R & D. energy to the science and technology development.

The recent buzz of the fourth industrial revolution is nothing The role of Science and Technology in the field of but the next stage of scientific and technological environment and energy will play a defining role in the future advancement. The use of machines as agents of knowledge of the humanity. The recent initiatives of creation of creation in the form of artificial intelligence. Machine learning sustainable energy through fuel cells, ocean technoology and

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Essays OF THE MONTH geothermal technology are crucial for a carbon neutral development of Science and Technology at all levels of the economy. India for its part has been aggressively ramping up society. its rewable energy share for a greener and cleaner energy. Science without humanity is one of the seven sins according The growing science development also present a challenge in to Mahatma Gandhi. The use of Science for the benefit of the form of growing divide between have and have nots. The Mankind needs to be ensured. This view was advocated by need for an inclusive scientific research required an inclusive Albert Einstein post the drip of atom bombs on Japan. This human resource. With global level of women participation in stands true even now. With rising scientific advancement, the STEM field at 28%, the call is for a gender and social parity. benefits remain high but also the threats of misuse. The recent measures of UN on arms control is a welcome step in Ethically the rise of technology for the benefit of maximum this direction. India as a responsible power always remains in number of people requires participation from all sections of favour of peaceful use of any new technology. society. To look at science and technology as a panacea for global problems the need for global collaboration is felt. The The need to balance the risks and benefits of scientific CERN laboratory discovery of gravitational waves, MOSAIC advancement will forever be the guiding light in the human expedition of Arctic are some of the bright sides of the global endeavor to scientific and technological development. partnerships. With rising global challenges, the need to go global in this age of globalization needs to be ensured through adequate and equitable distribution and

ESSAY 3: ROLE OF OPPOSITION IN A DEMOCRACY

# Legislature

Disclaimer:The viewpoints in the topic are opposition are at loggerheads on trivial issues. These results strictly personal of the writer above. The role in wastage of important time on baseless discussions and the of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to present the decisions demanding immediate attention are lost in the write-up in its original form, hence the study noise, chaos and clamour. The role of the opposition is not to circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the oppose anything presented for discussion but to look at the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of issues which can be discussed for the betterment of the things proposed. Opposition for the sake of opposition is writing. diverging from the roles and responsibility of a constructive Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use opposition. his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. Some forms of ruling systems cannot tolerate opposition, and Indian Parliamentary democracy is getting a bad name due to root it out wherever it arises. Other forms not only tolerate it, repeated suspension of work in Parliament. Despite but make room for it within the institutions of government. important Bills pending in the Parliament, ruling party and This feature of 'internalised opposition' has sometimes been

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Essays OF THE MONTH taken as a mark of limited, as opposed to absolute, In democratic systems, the opposition is officially permitted government, and also as the mark of politics, as opposed to and recognised. Even the leader of opposition is given an coercion. It is hard to imagine the feature without extremely honourable place in the system. In Britain, the position of the complex institutions and constitutional devices: it is one of leader of Her Majesty's opposition is formalised in statute the principal problems of political thought to discover what and he or she has certain rights, such as the right of reply to makes such opposition possible. prime ministerial broadcasts. In India, too, the opposition leader has been given certain rights and privileges on par Considering the above, what is the role of opposition in a with a cabinet minister if he/she commands the support of democracy? The use of the term 'opposition', to denote the required number of Parliament members. forces within political institutions that resist the ruling officers or party, is comparatively recent. J. Cam Hobhouse, speaking The concept of opposition in the modern democratic state is in the House of Commons in 1826, remarked that it was said closely connected with the idea of the political party. A to be very hard on His Majesty's ministers to raise objections political party is a more or less organised group of citizens to some proposition. For his own part, he thought it was who act together as a political unit, have distinctive aims and more hard on His Majesty's opposition to compel them to opinions on the leading political issues and problems in the take this course. Hansard records laughter at the phrase "His state, and who, by acting together as a political unit, seek to Majesty's opposition". obtain control of the government. The party that is out of the Although the term 'opposition' was used as far back as the government at a given point of time is called the opposition eighteenth century to refer to a party or a caucus within an party. The number of the opposition party/parties may be assembly, the suggestion of an established opposition is one or more depending on whether there is a dual-party or relatively new. It is now, however, quite normal to refer to a multiparty system. 'loyal opposition', and to imply that the interests of the State are as well served by the opposition as by the government The most prominent question that may strike one's mind is: itself. Why does democracy demand the existence of / opposition? An opposition party always looks for an The 'opposition' in the modern UK Parliament consists not opportunity to replace the party-in-government, and merely of opposition parties or factions, but principally of a implement its own policies and programmes. As a result, it 'shadow formation'. The offices of government are imitated serves two purposes. One, the government of the day within the opposition, which thereby forms itself into a body eschews being arbitrary in its actions and negligent of the prepared to substitute for all the occupants of those offices interests of the people in general; and Second, the people of at any time. The opposition has its leader, its base a democratic country are offered an alternative in organisation and committees, and usually responds to every governance of the country in their interests. move of the government with counterproposals, representing, in theory, what it would do if it were in office. The opposition parties also enable men and women who

think alike on public questions to unite in support of a Even in states with high levels of repression it is rare to find common body of principles and policies and to work together no trace of opposition. In single-party systems, the opposition to see that those principles and policies are adopted and may exist as an underground movement as in the former implemented by the government. Without organisation, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics where no formal people can neither formulate principles easily nor agree on opposition to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was policy. The opposition makes articulate the inarticulate permitted but dissidents like Boris Yeltsin continued to exist. desires of sections of the masses and gives expression to Or an opposition may engage in armed struggle as in El their pent-up feelings. This goes a long way in checking Salvador. Undue repression of the opposition often results in violence and political crimes which are, in reality, fatal for the bloodshed and even change of government through violent healthy survival of democracy. means.

Out of the innumerable problems which call for solution in a state, the opposition is expected to select those which are

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Essays OF THE MONTH comparatively urgent, study them, think out solutions and the progressive steps of the government and results in waste present them to the people and to the government. And, of time, money and material. It also misleads the masses. Not thus, it acts as a "broker of ideas". It preserves a sense of infrequently, the leaders in opposition resort to demagogy continuity in public policy, organises and educates the which is harmful for the nation's health. Howsoever politically electorate, and helps to carry on and necessitate regular ignorant the people may be, they cannot forgive such elections. It also dramatises politics and keeps the nation irresponsible and delinquent behaviour on the part of an politically alive. It keeps the government on its toes. opposition party.

The opposition, like the judiciary, is an agent for In a democracy, the modus operandi of the opposition safeguarding the Constitution in case the government involve going to the people and criticising the government, wittingly or unwittingly does something to violate it. The giving press-statements, debating and discussing issues in opposition also necessitates periodic interpretation, Parliament, arousing public opinion, both national and reinterpretation and amendment of the Constitution to suit international, and placing no-confidence motions against the changes in times, circumstances and priorities. In most government. In India, submitting a memorandum to the democracies, the opposition's views have to be taken into President is also a common practice. All these are consideration in legislating on socially-sensitive matters. commensurate with the democratic norms and contribute to The opposition has the capacity to instil in the government the consolidation and stabilisation of democracy in the social the confidence and ability to deal with national crises. Here, and political system. the opposition's support means that the entire country is behind the government in the hour of crisis. Not many would To sum up, the opposition fulfils certain necessary have forgotten the thundering speech and support given by functions—so necessary, indeed, that many competent Atal Behari Vajpayee in the Parliament (1971) when the thinkers consider it essential to the working of representative Government of India led by Indira Gandhi had to withstand government. Of course, the opposition sometimes delays the the Pakistani aggression. In the absence of the opposition, proceedings and the implementation of vital legislation. But the government cannot be sure of the entire population's the balance tilts towards its beneficial impact rather than the support. Moreover, the opposition also gives credence and baneful. If democracy has come to stay, it is not because it is authenticity to any measures of the government taken in the the perfect form of self-government. Unlike dictatorship or interests of the people and the state. The parties outside totalitarian systems, it does not believe in self-evident power extend support to certain measures as they cannot principles. No plan or policy can benefit the people if we look afford to be regarded as anti-people or anti-nation as they, only at its 'pros' and deny the 'cons'. Only the opposition can too, have ultimately to face the praise or wrath of the public. provide those 'cons'. Above all, it is the opposition that puts a Thus, the opposition does not always have to oppose the rein on the power of the government and checks it from government. becoming absolute.

Sometimes the parties in opposition oppose the government measures merely for the sake of opposition. This delays even

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Essays OF THE MONTH ESSAY 4: RIGHT CONDUCT OF A CIVIL SERVANT IS AN ENABLER FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

# Governance

A peaceful and productive society is based on However, the administration was inclined and tuned to effective state institutions. Good governance in further the British interests and had no real touch with the this sense means effective and efficient masses. Consequently, India after independence decided to structures which provide optimal support to reform the civil services and the task was carried over by citizens in leading a safe and productive life in line with their SardarVallabhbhai Patel. Unfortunately, he could not get desires and opportunities. Essentially, this involves a sufficient time to reform the services and what followed was combination of democracy, the social welfare state and the an Indian administration though working for the people but rule of law. For this, an efficient and productive civil with a tinge of colonial legacy. administration is a panacea for any form of governance as an interface between the government and the governed. The welfare approach of Indian government post- independence was hindered by colonial mindsets of civil In the modern context, a civil servant takes care of the orders servants. People could not feel a sense of belongingness by of the government and their implementation. It is the duty of the attitude of civil servants. There was poor ground level the civil servant to make sure that the decisions taken at the implementation, harassment of people, political non- top are actually observed at the ground. All around the world neutrality, corruption and abuse of power. The mentioned such universality is applied to every nation. India too has such causes led to the idea of good governance in early 1990s in a hierarchy of civil administrators engaged in carrying out the India concomitant with global concerns on the subject. With political decisions of the elected representatives. For this to India opening up to globalization, the weakness of public happen, the conduct of the civil servant gains eminence in service delivery in India got further highlighted. Continuous delivering the goods. economic growth and increasing competition has brought multitude of challenges to a civil servant. It is in this context In this regard and to promote it, Union Public Service that a legitimate question arises; how should a civil servant Commission (UPSC) has even included a paper in the civil conduct himself/herself? How should it be possible to keep a servant recruitment process to test and guide the conduct of civil servant politically neutral? How can an effective public a civil servant. Let us now visualize the apt conduct of a civil service delivery be set up? servant given the pulls and pressures in which s/he operates his/her tasks. The concept of an efficient civil administrator got a fillip during early 1990s with the publishing of a World Bank report The Civil services in India have a rich legacy. One of the first which analyzed the causes of poor response of public political thinkers in India, Kautilya, in his treaties; initiatives in developing countries. It highlighted how Arthashastra, brought the essence of a good civil ineffective and poor civil administration hindered programme administration which should work for the betterment of implementation. It was in this context that ‘Nolan Committee’ people. From the reign of efficient rulers such as in United Kingdom came out with seven cardinal principles of Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, and Akbar, the civil a civil servant. These are--selflessness, integrity, administration followed a hierarchical approach carrying out accountability, openness, leadership, objective and honesty. emperor’s orders. The fundamentals of modern day civil administration were laid during colonial period in India.

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Essays OF THE MONTH

Selflessness refers to the feeling of serving others without note in writing of all his/her actions in order to be thinking of oneself, integrity refers to the absence of any transparent. outside influence from the organization in decision making; accountability refers to answerability of the civil servant to One of the toughest jobs for a civil servant is to maintain the public; openness refers to transparency in decision balance in his/her personal and professional life. There making and facilitating flow of information; leadership infers are numerous challenges to a civil servant when there is that a civil servant should lead by example by following all the pressure of family members and close friends. S/he should principles; objectivity refers to the principle of merit where be able to maintain such space so as not to allow any selections would not be based on other considerations; influence which hinders improvement in governance and honesty refers to the act of civil servant in such a way so as transparency. to avoid conflict of interest. In addition to these fundamental principles an ideal civil servant should have empathy i.e. Should try to include civil society in decision making so as compassion for the people. S/he should be politically neutral to make governance more participatory. Should to take along and should have courage to withstand undue pressures. In with himself/herself private as well public institutions. Should addition, s/he should have temperance in order to be patient maintain transparency in dealing with private sector and enough to take decisions. S/he should use public funds should avoid favouritism. Should not blindly follow any law prudently and is the best of the interest of public. but implement it considering all dimensions. The nature of today’s administration is more people centric. S/he should be Apart from such virtues, a civil servant must possess able to judge repercussions of allowing more competition or intellectual capability to take decisions. S/he acts as an giving space to private entities on poor sections. This should interface between the people and government; needs to be clearly brought out at policy discussions. This needs more follow the decisions taken at the top and respect hierarchy; of assessing ground level realities which requires open public needs to work within the four walls of the law; and if discussions and bottom up governance. conditions arise that there might be violation of law in carrying out any instructions from top then it should be The globalised world of today makes the task of civil servant clearly brought out to the notice of seniors. If still insisted on more difficult. The increasing role of private sector, to carry out such instructions, then it should be carried out decreasing social sector public investment, high only through written orders and not through mere oral competitiveness, increasing marginalization of lower sections orders. It should be mentioned that illegal orders which of society, increased awareness of the citizenry, requirement hinder one’s authority to exercise powers or is against any of flexibility and broad knowledge network has made it statute should be ignored. A civil servant only needs to act necessary for a civil servant to come out from a narrow according to the law even if s/he finds it unfair or unjust. The outlook and update himself/herself according to changing best s/he can do is to put forth his/her reasons about its needs. S/he needs to be more communicative by developing drawbacks. good inter-personal skills in dealing with multinational companies. S/he should be well versed with the power of In addition, a civil servant should never criticize government information technology and make its sufficient use to policies in public discussions. S/he is a part of the broaden his/her knowledge and improve service delivery. government and such act reduces the credibility of the government as well as his /her own merit. A civil servant The principle of utilitarianism suggests benefit of majority should never hesitate to put forth his/her views even if it goes is superior to minority loss. However, this approach violates against the advice of ministers, and the views should be the principle of equal justice where each member of the coupled with logical reasons and lucid presentations. society should be able to enjoy his/her rights. In such cases, Similarly, a civil servant should be open to any new rights based approach that follows non-violation of anyone’s suggestions, open to accept new challenges at work, try to universal rights needs to be followed. However, such ethical develop innovative approaches to implement orders, should dilemma needs to be sorted out at the individual level not hesitate to take tough decisions and should try to make a according to one’s discretion. Clearly such decisions need

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Essays OF THE MONTH critical analysis and in-depth knowledge in order to be able to However, more needs to be done. As pointed out by take effective decisions which a civil servant should possess. Santhanam Committee way back in 1960s, one of the reasons The high work pressure and expectations often stresses a for mismanagement/corruption is discretion of civil servant. civil servant. In such cases, careful handling of situations is Hence, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission required. A civil servant should be equipped with the ability (SARC) in its report has brought out the need of an ethical to maintain his/her cool and calm façade and follow laid out code of conduct to reduce personal discretion. It should be rules and regulations for maximum effect. S/he should try to strictly implemented and civil servants should be penalized include all stakeholders in decision making and should stand for not adhering to it. It is however not possible to frame all up against illegal directions. It may hamper one’s career possible situations and have a code of conduct for them. It growth but in the longer run a civil servant is respected for would ultimately depend on civil servant’s attitude and his/her uprightness and strong commitment. His/Her attitude capability. must be reflected in the behaviour which requires strong conscience. For this, s/he needs to have clear objectives, Hence only a change in mindsets, where a civil servant should feedbacks from stakeholders, patient listening and not think himself/herself as a ruler but a provider of articulation of right thoughts. S/he needs to ensure government service, and where public acts as a customer of responsibility for his/her work and should be ready to accept these services is the key. A shift to the approach where accountability in case of failures. ‘Customer is king’ is echoed in public administration, is required. This needs proper sensitization of civil servants and Thus an efficient and upright civil servant ensures public effective training and skill enhancement initiatives. Every civil service delivery to the best of his/her ability. It leads to a shift servant should remember Gandhiji’s Talisman before taking from responsive to proactive administration. A well-managed decision- “Whenever you are in doubt to take decisions follow public administration strikes to achieve an egalitarian and this approach. Recall the face of the poorest man you have just society. It removes inequality and marginalization and ever seen and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is makes economic growth inclusive. India, with high going to be of any use to him/her. Will s/he gain anything?” demographic dividend needs to take up the challenge to utilize this dividend. This needs proper imparting of skills, medical and education infrastructure and right legislations. Clearly, the role of civil servant is preeminent in the facilitation of such national objectives as it would help in elimination of social and economic injustice, improve standards of living and make India economically developed.

However, inspite of such importance, civil service today is not what an aspiring nation like India would want. It is marred with inefficiency, corruption, lack of accountability and transparency, apathy towards public. India has continuously been rated lower in international indexes such as corruption index, world competitiveness index, social index, education and health indexes, and ease of doing business index etc. However, it is not that government is not acquainted about such issues as it has taken numerous steps to make civil servants more accountable, and responsive initiatives such as e-governance, social audits, right to information and mandating citizen charter have also been instituted to make it more impactful.

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