Current Affairs Magazine

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SEPTEMBER 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

A MAGAZINE FOR CIVIL SERVICES PREPARATION

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CONTENTS

GS 1 : Heritage and culture ,Geography of the World and Society

1. Rare renati chola era inscription unearthed 2. ‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report

GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations

1. Treating data as commons 2. India’s population data and a tale of two projections 3. Question Hour dropped in LS schedule of monsoon session 4. A missed opportunity 5. UNSC Rejects to Designate Indians as Terrorists 6. Mind the gaps in India’s health care digital push 7. A politics of avoidance that must be questioned 8. English as Medium of Education 9. Parliament stifled, business, and a word of advice 10. A case for down-to-earth governance 11. World Solar Technology Summit 12. An agriculture-led revival as flawed claim 13. SC looks into cases against legislators 14. Rules of engagement on the LAC 15. Great power, little responsibility 16. India and the Abraham Accords 17.Destination North East Festival 18. SAARC and CICA Meetings 19. Parliamentary scrutiny on the back burner 20.Arrest Under Official Secrets Act 21.Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge: DDU-GKY 22. Diagnosing what ails medical education 23. Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 24.World Tourism Day 2020 25.UN and the retreat from multilateralism 26.UN expert raises concerns over eviction of slum dwellers in Delhi 27. Sale of Loose Cigarettes and Beedis 28. Six Mega Projects in Uttarakhand: Namami Gange Mission 29. A demarcation in the interest of public order 30. Managing the global commons

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31. Why are Azerbaijan and Armenia fighting again? 32.PMNCH Accountability Breakfast 33.Federalism and Emerging Challenges 34.Gavi COVAX Facility 35.60 Years of Indus Water Treaty 36.Arsenic-affected Habitations Increased 37.Djibouti Code of Conduct 38. Initiatives Launched on G20 EMM 39.Support to Self-Employment Schemes: MSME 40. India needs to change the framework of non-involvement

GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology,Environment

1.Reversing Global Wildlife Decline 2. Reject this inequitable climate proposal 3.Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog 4. Eight Indian Beaches Recommended for Blue Flag 5. Retrospective taxation: The Vodafone case 6. Climate Change and Forest Fire Link 7. The benefits of a carbon tax 8.Farm Bills: who gains and who loses 9.PCA Decision on Retrospective Taxation by India 10.Leuser Ecosystem 11. Cess pool 12.Data Sonification: NASA 13.NASA’s Artemis Program 14. Weighing in on the efficacy of female leadership 15. Three Bills in Lok Sabha to bring in changes in labour sector 16. Reviving the economy 17. Research paper calls for change in India’s forest policy: D-G Forests 18. Financing economic recovery 19. What is Project Dolphin? 20. What counts as ‘Act of God’? 21. Appropriate strategy: On India banning more China apps 22. Country-of-origin: onus is on importers 23.Significance of Dead Coral Reef 24. NPAs in SHG loans 25. Inevitable collapse 26. Thinking of new recovery path 27.Gst reforms and compensation issue 28.Intermediate-Mass Black Hole

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29. California wildfires growing bigger

30. Pinaka Missile System

31. Biotech-KISAN Programme

32.Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity

33.Report on 2020-21 Kharif Marketing Season: CACP

34.Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 35.World Risk Index 2020 36.Modern Grand Solar Minimum 37.Science & Technology Indicators, 2019-20 38.Need for Balanced Loan Restructuring Scheme: RBI Governor 39. Delhi Metro develops indigenous signalling technology under 'Make in India' 40.Contraction in July Factory Output: IIP

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GS 1 : Heritage and culture ,Geography of the World and Society

1. Rare Renati Chola era inscription unearthed

Context:

A rare inscription dating back to the Renati Chola era has been unearthed in a remote village of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.

Details:

 The inscription was written in archaic Telugu.  It was assigned to the 8th century A.D. when the region was under the rule of the Chola Maharaja of Renadu.  The inscription also throws light upon the priority given to morality in those days.

Renati Cholas:

 The Telugu Cholas of Renadu (also called Renati Cholas) ruled over the Renadu region, the present-day Kadapa district.  They had the unique honour of using the Telugu language in their inscriptions belonging to the 6th and 8th centuries.  The inscriptions at Gandikota at Jammulamadugu and Proddatur are proof of this fact.

2. ‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report

Context:

 The book, Dictionary of Martyrs: India’s Freedom Struggle 1857-1947, released recently by the Prime Minister.

Background:

The Moplah rebellion:

Details:

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 An Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) member has sought the removal of Malabar Rebellion leaders from the martyrs’ list based on a report submitted to the ICHR in 2016.  The report had accused the Moplah rebellion leaders of communal killing during the 1921 Moplah Riot and had recommended the removal of the Wagon Tragedy victims and Malabar Rebellion leaders Ali Musliyar and Variamkunnath Ahmad Haji, and Haji’s two brothers from a book on martyrs of India’s freedom struggle. The report sought the removal of names of 387 ‘Moplah rioters’ from the list of martyrs. o The wagon tragedy was the death of Indian prisoners in the Malabar region of Kerala state of India in 1921. The prisoners had been taken into custody following the Mappila Rebellion against the British in various parts of Malappuram district. Their deaths had generated sympathy for the Indian independence movement.

GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations

1. Treating data as commons

Context:

 The draft report of the Gopalakrishnan Committee submitted to the Ministry of Electronics and IT has been put out for public consultation.

Background:

The Gopalakrishnan Committee:

 The committee was set up in 2019 and is referred to as the Expert Committee on Non-Personal Data Governance Framework.  It is a nine-member panel, headed by former Infosys vice-chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan.

Objective:

 The Gopalakrishnan Committee was set up by the government for developing a governance framework for non-personal data.

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 The Gopalakrishnan report is the first policy document globally that tries to address the issue of economic governance of digital society’s data.

Suggestions:

 The committee has suggested that the non-personal data of an individual generated in the country should be allowed to be used by various companies. It envisages wide sharing and availability of data in society. o Only the data collected from non-privately owned sources, from society or community sources, have to be shared when requested for. Data from privately owned sources remain private.  To ensure that companies share the required data, the report suggests developing a governance and legal basis for data-sharing requirements and obligations. o Community trustees would act as the representative of the community and would articulate the community’s data ownership claim. o Data collectors would be considered as data custodians who will use and secure data as per the best interests of the community concerned. o Data trusts would act as data infrastructures that will enable data sharing, sector-wise, or across sectors, and which can be run by various kinds of third-party bodies. o A Non-Personal Data Authority is envisaged to enable and regulate all the data-sharing activities. o The committee recommends a new legislation, to provide legal backing to the envisaged model.

Arguments in favour of data sharing:

 The article discusses the need for data sharing and its importance to build a strong and fair digital economy.

Data as a public good:

 Data collected from various communities are considered to be ‘owned’ by the relevant community. Such ‘community ownership’ means that the data should be shared back with all those who need it in society. o The Gopalakrishnan committee’s concept of ‘community data’ is in line with the above argument.

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Infrastructural nature of data:

 The article argues that like other public infrastructures like roads, electricity, etc., society’s digital data too can be considered a public infrastructure or ‘commons’ in the current digital economy.  There is a need to ensure that such infrastructure is available to all interested entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Overcoming digital monopoly:

 A few corporations have vertically integrated all the digital components involved in the delivery of any digital service and have become global monopolies. Digital corporations have begun to dominate all sectors, including important ones such as education and health. Seven out of the top 10 companies globally today have a data-centric model.  Such an unsustainable concentration of digital power poses significant challenges. o This could have detrimental geopolitical impacts for some countries given the global domination of U.S. and Chinese companies in the digital sphere. o At the national level, monopolies can lead to the exploitation of consumers and small economic actors, and of strangulating competition and innovation.  One way of breaking the monopoly power would be by separating the infrastructural elements of digital service provision (data) from the business of digital service delivery. This could be enabled by ensuring access to society’s digital data to all. This would help address the scenario where dominant digital corporations are building exclusive control over any sector’s data as their key business advantage and hindering the progress of new companies.

Promoting domestic industries:

 The proposed model would incentivize the entry of start-ups into the digital business sector by helping ensure the widespread availability of society’s data to all. If everyone gets greater access to non-personal data, they can develop their digital businesses or other activities with it.  This would result in increased economic activity resulting in higher economic growth and higher job opportunities.  A robust domestic data/AI industry will also help reduce India’s dependence on U.S. and Chinese companies.

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Conclusion:

 India has done well in being the first country to come up with a comprehensive framework in the domain of digital policy and governance.  This could provide India a formidable first-mover advantage to acquire its rightful place in the digital world.

2.India’s population data and a tale of two projections

Context:  A study by the Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

Details:

 The study estimates that India’s population will peak by mid- century at around 1.61 billion. It also estimates that by 2100, India’s total population will be around 1.09 billion and could also be as low as 724 million. o India’s current population stands at 1.35 billion.  The IHME study’s observation is in line with the widely-used United Nations projections of India becoming the largest population country by around mid-century.  However, the two projections exhibit large divergence on their prediction of the population number by 2100. While the UN predicts a population of 1.45 billion by 2100, the IHME study predicts a total population of around 1.09 billion.

Possible causes for divergence:

 The IHME population projections accuracy is subject to the assumptions made. The IHME study assumes an average Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.29. o Total fertility rate (TFR) refers to the total number of children born or likely to be born to a woman in her lifetime if she were subject to the prevailing rate of age-specific fertility in the population.  Since the assumed TFR is less than the replacement level fertility, it is resulting in a sharp population decline.

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o Replacement level fertility is the total fertility rate at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, without migration. This rate is roughly 2.1 children per woman for most countries, although it may modestly vary with mortality rates.  The assumption for the TFR for India is based on data regarding contraceptive use in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the potential for increasing contraceptive use.  However, there are concerns that the contraceptive use in the NFHS is poorly estimated, and as a result, unmet need for contraception may be lower than that estimated by the IHME model, generating implausibly low fertility projections for 2100.

Significance of the study:

 Despite the divergence in the projection of numbers for 2100, the UN’s projections and the IHME projections both predict that India’s population will peak by mid-century and subsequently decline driven by a sharp reduction in fertility.  The high population would pressurize the developmental process in India given the scarce resource base.  Ideally, the population policy should focus on peaking at the earliest and then decreasing. A major aspect of this would be the need to decrease the TFR in India.

Fertility decline:

 In the 1950s, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) was nearly six children per woman and today it stands at 2.2.  The massive push for family planning coupled with forced sterilisation during the 1970s led to a 17% decline in TFR from 5.9 in 1960 to 4.9 in 1980. Between 1992 and 2015, TFR has fallen by 35% from 3.4 to 2.2.  Around 18 States and Union Territories have a TFR below 2, below the replacement fertility levels.

Possible causes for declining TFR:

Family planning programme:

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 This involved measures like sterilisation, condom distribution and intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.  Between 1975 and 1994, family planning workers were assigned targets on sterilisations, condom distribution and intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. There were concerns that such targets often led to coercion. Following the Cairo Conference on Population and Development in 1994, family planning has lost primacy in the Indian policy discourse.

Disincentive system:

 Punitive policies designed to punish people with large families include measures like denial of maternity leave for third and subsequent births, limiting benefits of maternity schemes and ineligibility to contest in local body elections for individuals with large families.  These public policies are aimed to encourage the small family norm.  However, these policies were mostly ignored in practice.

Aspirational revolution:

 The socio-economic transformation of India since the 1990s seems to have played an important role in decreasing the TFR in India.  Agriculture has become an increasingly smaller part of the Indian economy and aspirations for jobs outside agriculture have grown.  While farmers preferred more children as a resource in their agricultural work, the new parents aspire to ensure quality education for their children. Given the scarcity of their monetary resources, they prefer to limit the number of their children as this allows them to invest more in each child. Subsequently, parents have begun to rethink their family-building strategies.  While the fertility decline in western countries can be mainly attributed to retreat from the family, Indian parents’ aspirations for their children seem to be driving the fertility decline in India.

Conclusion:

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 While the demographic data suggests that the aspirational revolution is already underway, the need of the hour is to hasten the fertility decline by ensuring that the health and family welfare system are able to provide contraception and sexual and reproductive health services on demand.

3. Question Hour dropped in LS schedule of monsoon session

Context:

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has released the schedule for the monsoon Parliament session.

Issue:

 In view of the pandemic and a truncated Monsoon Session, Parliament has dropped Question Hour and curtailed Zero Hour.  Stating that the Parliament is being held in the midst of an extraordinary situation, the Question Hour has been dropped from the schedule.  The move has been strongly criticised by the opposition.

What is Question Hour, and what is its significance?

 The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is termed as Question hour.  It is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of the House.  It is during Question hour that the members ask questions and the ministers usually give answers.

Significance:

 The questions that MPs ask are designed to elicit information and trigger suitable action by ministries.  Over the last 70 years, MPs have successfully used this parliamentary device to shine a light on government functioning.  Their questions have exposed financial irregularities and brought data and information regarding government functioning to the public domain.

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 With the broadcasting of Question Hour since 1991, Question Hour has become one of the most visible aspects of parliamentary functioning.

What is Zero Hour?

 Zero Hour is the time when Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise Issues of Urgent Public Importance. o The Zero Hour starts at 12 noon immediately following the Question Hour.  For raising matters during the Zero Hour, MPs must give the notice before 10 am to the Speaker/Chairman on the day of the sitting. The notice must state the subject they wish to raise in the House.  However, Speaker, Lok Sabha/Chairman, Rajya Sabha may allow or decline a Member to raise a matter of importance. ‘Zero Hour’ is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure. It is an Indian parliamentary innovation.  Thus, it is an informal device available to MPs to raise matters without any notice 10 days in advance.  This is because, generally, the matters are of public importance and such matters cannot wait for 10 days.

4. A missed opportunity

Context:

 The draft report of the Gopalakrishnan Committee has been issued for public consultation.

Background:

Significance of government data openness:

 The government data sets should be open to the citizens of the country based on the following arguments: o This will result in greater transparency in governmental actions and hence bring in greater accountability. o Given that these data sets result from taxpayer funding the citizens should be able to enjoy the benefits accruing from such data sets. o Government data sets, curated according to publicly verified standards, can lead to increased confidence in data quality and increased usage.

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o The free flow of information can have beneficial effects on society in the socio-economic domain.

Measures taken to promote openness:

 The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 mandates the disclosure of government data on a suo moto basis.  “Information for all” is an important pillar of the Digital India Policy.  The National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012 requires all non-sensitive information held by public authorities to be made publicly accessible in machine-readable formats, subject to certain conditions.  The Open Government Data Platform provides open access to data sets held by ministries and other agencies of the government.

Concerns:

 India has failed to create an open data society due to the following reasons.

Poor implementation of existing guidelines:

 Despite the well-intended provisions of the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012, its implementation has been far from satisfactory.  The quality and quantity of data sets published by the government have not been satisfactory. The data sets released by governments are often inconsistent, incomplete, outdated, published in non-machine readable or inconsistent formats, include duplicates, and lack quality metadata, thereby reducing re-usability.

Reluctance to provide information:

 The administration has been reluctant to make valuable information sets available to the public on grounds of sensitivity of the information and has been using provisions like the exceptions provided under the RTI act and the official secrets act provisions.

Details:

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 The Gopalakrishnan Committee has recommended among other things, making non-personal data “open”.

Non-personal data:

 Non-personal data are data that do not identify an individual.  Non-personal data sets can be useful in either framing public policy or creating and providing new services. Non-personal data are viewed as critical for the development of the AI ecosystem.

Lacunae in the recommendations:

 The article discusses some of the shortcomings in the Gopalakrishnan Committee recommendations.

Government data sets:

 The Gopalakrishnan Committee report does not adequately address governance frameworks around government data sets. Instead, the report largely focuses on the dangers posed by data collection by private sector entities.  The Gopalakrishnan Committee does not evaluate the challenges with existing policies and practices pertaining to government data, and does not offer solutions on this front. o Notably, some of the most important non-personal data sets are held by the government, or result from taxpayer funding.

Conditions for data transfer:

 Though the Committee has taken a good step forward in recommending the making of non-personal data “open”, the committee does not lay down conditions for such data transfers. This has raised concerns about state interference in the private data ecosystem. o The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee report of 2018 highlighted the need to restrict the growing power of the state to carry out surveillance.

Unaddressed issues:

 India’s cybersecurity framework continues to be woefully inadequate and this issue has not been addressed in the report.

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Way forward:

 Data governance being a relatively new concept in India, the government must take an incremental approach to reforms.  Before trying to reform private sector data governance structure, the reforms should begin with reforming how the government itself deals with citizens’ data. This would result in greater trust in data governance practices and also allow the development of state capacity to govern the data ecosystem.

5. UNSC Rejects to Designate Indians as Terrorists Why in News

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has rejected all Pakistan’s requests to list four Indians as designated terrorists under its 1267 Committee for Counterterrorism Sanctions.

. The USA, UK, France, Germany and Belgium blocked Pakistan's requests due to lack of evidence. . While the USA, UK and France are permanent members of the UNSC, Germany and Belgium are non-permanent members.

UNSC Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee

. This committee oversees the implementation of sanctions pursuant to UNSC resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015). . It was adopted unanimously on 15th October 1999. . It is one of the most important and active UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda, Taliban and the Islamic State group. It prepares a consolidated list of people associated with these organizations. . It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.

Key Points

. In September 2019, Pakistan had alleged that four Indians working in Afghanistan, formed an Afghanistan-based “Indian terror syndicate” that

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was organising the banned terror groups Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar (JuA) to carry out attacks in Pakistan. . Pakistan and China also moved the joint proposal to declare one of these four, as a sanctioned terrorist with links to TTP and JuA. o This proposal received a veto from the USA in UNSC. . Pakistan later claimed it had made a statement at an Open Debate of the Security Council on the Report of the Secretary-General on the Threats to International Peace and Security posed by Terrorism Actions, accusing India of terrorism. o However, the UNSC President had refused to take cognisance of the statement, as Pakistan is not a member of the UNSC. o India formally protested against this calling this a false claim. . In July 2020, Pakistan moved the 1267 Resolution Sanctions Committee to designate the four Indians as global terrorists. . Reasons for Pakistan’s Actions : o The tension between India and Pakistan has escalated after the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 in August 2019, which was heavily objected by Pakistan.  Pakistan released a new political map that included all of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sir Creek and Junagadh on the completion of one year of abrogation of Article 370. o After repeated attempts (in 2009, 2016 and 2017) to list Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief as “global terrorist”, India finally succeeded in getting him listed in 2019. This move was not received well by Pakistan as it tainted its international image as a terrorism- supporter. o Pakistan also received another extension on the greylist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) until October 2020. o It also faced setbacks on other fronts like the United States slamming its record on terrorism, including its failure to act against groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). o Pakistan also opposed India’s leadership in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis in the SAARC region which was criticized by India. o Pakistan’s requests to get Indians listed in the 1267 sanctions are also being seen as attempts to target India ahead of January 2021, when India will join as a non-permanent member for a two year term at the UNSC.

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Way Forward

. While India’s role in combating terrorism has been internationally acclaimed, Pakistan is constantly facing rebuke on not doing enough to deal with terrorism on its soil. Rejection of Pakistan’s attempts to list Indians as terrorists will only taint Pakistan’s image in the global community. . In light of recent conflict between India and China and closeness of China with Pakistan, India needs to be concerned for its security. International support is crucial for India amidst rising tension with its neighbourhood. . The recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan are just another proof of lack of seriousness on its behalf in engaging peacefully with India. Although, India must not give up on establishing better diplomatic ties with Pakistan, until Pakistan takes a strong step towards elimination of state-backed terrorism, the likelihood of peace between India and Pakistan will remain low.

6. Mind the gaps in India’s health care digital push

Context:

 Public consultations over the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

Background:

National Digital Health Mission (NDHM):

 The NDHM envisages digitizing all data relating to all patients available not just with government and private hospitals but also with diagnostic centres, laboratories and individual practitioners of all systems of medicine. o Capturing data relating to patients and their digitizing could help all stakeholders including the patients, the doctors who attend to them and the healthcare facilities where they seek treatment. o The NDHM will help revitalize India’s healthcare delivery system by connecting doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers in an integrated digital health infrastructure. o The scheme promises an end-to-end, hands-free digital experience.

Existing measures:

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National Health stack:

 The National Health Stack (NHS) envisages a centralized health record for all citizens of the country in order to streamline the health information and facilitate its effective management.  It aims to create a unified health identity of citizens.  The NHS seeks to employ the latest technology including Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence.  A registry of over eight lakh doctors, 10 lakh pharmacists and over 60,000 hospitals is under preparation. At a later stage, online pharmacies, insurance companies and other stakeholders will be added to the ‘Stack’.  The scheme intends to replace existing data generation systems with new homogenised software for all machines in the health sector in the country with a central processor that will extract the relevant data from individual records.

National Health Mission:

 The National Health Mission through the IT network is connected to most public health centres even in tribal areas. Personal health data are generated by name until the primary health centre level but not transmitted to higher levels except aggregated numerical data.  Many States have achieved some breakthroughs in the area of digital health within the framework of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Concerns:

 The article discusses some of the shortcomings in the NDHM.

Extensive costs:

 The implementation of the NDHM would require the healthcare institutions in the government as well as the private sector to upgrade their available resources and data maintenance practices.  There would be considerable costs involved in the transition to a new system. Public health professionals estimate the cost in thousands of crores for all government and private HIPs to upgrade their hardware and connectivity systems, training of present staff, the entry of data afresh, apart from other indirect costs.

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 This would not be financially viable for independent practitioners in allopathic and the Indian systems of medicine who run small dispensaries especially in rural areas, where there is no practice of even storing patient data on computers. Complying with the digitization protocols would entail cost burdens on them.

Data leakage:

 Despite the claims that patient data safety and confidentiality would be ensured, the data is vulnerable given that it is getting stored in a decentralised system holding transferable data.  Despite the provisions like local storage of data, only anonymised data will be shared upwards, and patients’ consent will be taken every time for sharing any personal identifiable information, there are serious concerns over patient privacy.

Other problems in the health sector:

 The NDHM will entail huge financial resources for its implementation.  Digitization is not the immediate problem facing the health sector. While the digitization of healthcare data could help, what many Indians face are unaddressed issues in the health sector.  Unreliable healthcare facilities in both the government and private sectors, difficulties in getting timely care, availability of beds and hygienically maintained hospital premises, availability of doctors physically or online, and the continuous neglect of preventive and community health initiatives constitute bigger problems in the health sector and require urgent attention and resources.

Limited benefits:

 Many tertiary hospitals and medical colleges rarely consider diagnostic reports from peripheral centres or even the prescriptions of previous doctors and often repeat the procedures. This would render past records redundant for the patients.  With regard to insurance coverage, insurance schemes do not need the entire medical history of the patient and can do with the cards issued under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Federal provisions:

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 Health is under the State List. The national-level digitization plan without consultation with the state governments is a cause of concern.

Questions over accuracy:

 While using the generated data there is a presumption that all the data entered in each patient’s file is accurate, which might not be true in all cases.

Conclusion:

 The article argues that the NDHM may not be the best way to go about addressing data gaps and suggests that instead, the existing practices and systems for the compilation of data as in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and the Health Management Information System (IDSP-HMIS) could have been reformed for better efficiency and effectiveness.

7. A politics of avoidance that must be questioned

Context:

 The deletion of ‘Question Hour’ provision in the forthcoming monsoon session of the Parliament. o The Unstarred Questions will continue to be received and answered and it is only the Starred Questions and the Supplementary Questions emanating from them that would not be accepted.

Background:

Question Hour:

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 The two major types of questions include the starred and non-starred questions. o Starred questions require oral answers and the member is allowed to ask a supplementary question, with the permission of the Speaker. o Non-starred questions are those for which a written reply is expected. After the reply has been provided, no supplementary question can be asked.  Copies of answers given are available to Members at the Notice Office before the start of the day’s proceedings as also on the websites.

Significance of question hour:

 The question hour serves as an important instrument of holding the executive accountable for its actions and inactions. o The Indian Constitution prescribes a parliamentary form of government in which the executive is accountable to the electorate through a legislature. Executive accountability is an inalienable aspect of a democracy.  The legislature holds the executive accountable through discussions on matters of public interest and concern by using the available provisions like asking questions in the question hour, adjournment motion, calling attention, half-an-hour discussion, the motion of no confidence, questions of privilege, etc.  Given the specificity of the questions, the subsequent answers tend to lead to wider debates, inquiries, and in some instances, have even brought to light administrative scandals.  The information made available through the answers by the ministers adds to public information essential for informed debates on matters of interest or concern.

Details:

 The author, Hamid Ansari, the former Vice President of India, expresses concerns over the current development based on the following arguments.

Lowering executive accountability:

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Sabha orLoh Sabha. Given that it covers every aspect of government activity, domestic and foreign, it acts as a powerful tool of accountability.  The deletion of question hour will lower the ability of the legislature to hold the executive accountable.

Against the spirit of democracy:

 The deletion of ‘Question Hour’ amounts to a curtailment of the right to question the government and goes against the philosophy of democracy.

The significance of starred questions:

 Unlike the unstarred questions wherein written replies are allowed and a government can afford to camouflage inconvenient details, the starred questions with the provision of the oral supplementary questions provide an opportunity for the legislature to unravel hidden facts.

Lack of consultation:

 The decision to do away with the question hour has been taken without due deliberation and discussion with the stakeholders.

Failing to explore alternatives:

 The author argues that citing the pandemic as a reason for the dropping of question hour from parliamentary activity is unsatisfactory.  There seems to have been little effort in trying to explore alternatives and procedural options that would help retain the essence of the question hour. o One possible solution could have been to admit the Starred Question, reply to it in a set of prepositions and allow the Member concerned to table in writing the permitted number of follow up questions also to be answered in writing the following day. o Given that the Chairman and the Speaker exercise great powers relating to the proceedings of their respective Houses, they could have used a Motion to develop a consensus on this issue.

Conclusion:

 Despite the unprecedented challenges brought forth by the pandemic, there is a need to find solutions premised on the spirit of democracy.

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 The politics of avoidance should be avoided and executive accountability needs to be prioritized.

8. English as Medium of Education Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court refused to stay the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s order striking down the state government’s decision to make English the medium of education for government school students from Classes I to VI beginning 2020-21 academic year.

. The Court pointed out that Section 29(2)(f) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child’s mother tongue.

Key Points

. Constitutional and Legal Provisions: o Article 29 (Protection of interests of minorities) gives all citizens right to conserve their language and prohibits discrimination on the basis of language. o Article 120 (Language to be used in Parliament) provides for use of Hindi or English for transactions of parliament but gives the right to members of parliament to express themselves in their mother tongue. o Part XVII of the Indian Constitution deals with the official languages in Articles 343 to 351.  Article 350A (Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage) provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother- tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.  Article 351 (Directive for development of the Hindi language) provides that it shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language. o The Eighth Schedule recognises following 22 languages as official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi,

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Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri. o Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 says that the medium of instruction shall, as far as practicable, be in a child’s mother tongue. . Arguments in Favour of English as Medium of Instruction: o Career: The ability to speak in english qualifies one for many jobs which are not yet available for speakers of regional languages. o Competitive Exams: Lack of knowledge of english will put the students of government schools on a backfoot as compared to those of English-medium private schools in competitive exams, o Higher Education: Most technical and scientific books are available only in english and much of higher education is also imparted in english. This may hinder the access of students from government schools to STEM and higher education. o Global Opportunities: English being the global lingua franca gives the students opportunity to compete at the global level. o Status Symbol: Knowing english is often equated with progressiveness. . Arguments against English as Medium of Instruction: o Accessibility to Knowledge: The use of mother tongue or regional languages makes the process of learning familiar, comprehensible, and approachable for the students. This encourages wholehearted engagement of students in the learning process and boosts their confidence. o Promotion of Local Culture: Also, using mother tongue allows students to express themselves better and communicate their experiences, their multifaceted identities, and their cultures. o Encouragement to Merit: The use of English language often creates a divide between students hailing from backward castes and communities and the ‘upper’ class. Often, real talent and merit gets suppressed due to an imposed linguistic disability. . Government Initiatives to Promote Regional Languages: o The recently announced New Education Policy states that wherever possible, students till Class 5 in schools should be taught in mother tongue/regional language/local language. It also introduces the Three-Language Formula for primary education, as per the recommendation of Kothari Commision, 1968. o The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is providing publication grants towards the publications of University Level Books in regional languages.

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 It was established in 1961 to evolve technical terminology in all Indian Languages. o The National Translation Mission (NTM) is being implemented through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore under which the text books of various subjects prescribed in Universities and Colleges are being translated in all languages of the Eighth Schedule.  CIIL was established in 1969 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education.  Its objective is to coordinate the development of Indian languages, to bring about the essential unity of Indian languages through scientific studies and protect and document minor, minority and tribal languages. o The Government of India is running a scheme known as “Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages” for conservation of threatened languages. o The University Grants Commission (UGC) also promotes regional languages in higher education courses in the country and supports nine Central Universities under the scheme “Establishment of Centre for Endangered Languages in Central Universities”. o Recently, an initiative Namath Basai by Kerala State Government has proved to be very beneficial in educating children from tribal areas by adopting vernacular languages as medium of instruction. . Global Efforts: o The Yuelu Proclamation made by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at Changsha, China, in 2018 plays a central role in guiding the efforts of countries and regions around the world to protect linguistic resources and diversity. o The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL). The IYIL 2019 strives to preserve, support and promote indigenous languages at the national, regional and international levels.

Way Forward

. Countries around the world have successfully substituted english with their mother tongues and have been able to produce world-class scientists, researchers, technicians and thinkers. The barrier of language is only as long as there is lack of proper encouragement to the generation of

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knowledge in the respective language. The government should encourage original scientific writing, publication of books in regional languages to help this transition. . Also, studies around the world have shown that children are able to learn multiple languages if they are taught from an early age. We can actively promote regional languages without compromising knowledge of English language which can be taught as an extra subject. It is important to remember that English is one of many skills which we can equip the children with in order for them to fully participate in and experience the world.

9. Parliament stifled, business, and a word of advice

Context:

Background:

Question Hour:

 Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting session and it is devoted to questions that Members of Parliament can raise.  The Rules of Procedure in both Houses prescribe the operational details for the question hour.  Questions are addressed to a specific minister of the government. The concerned minister is obliged to answer to the Parliament, either orally or in writing, depending on the type of question raised.  The two major types of questions include the starred and non-starred questions. o Starred questions require oral answers and the member is allowed to ask a supplementary question, with the permission of the Speaker.

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o Non-starred questions are those for which a written reply is expected. After the reply has been provided, no supplementary question can be asked.  Copies of answers given are available to Members at the Notice Office before the start of the day’s proceedings as also on the websites.

Significance of question hour:

 The question hour serves as an important instrument of holding the executive accountable for its actions and inactions. o The Indian Constitution prescribes a parliamentary form of government in which the executive is accountable to the electorate through a legislature. Executive accountability is an inalienable aspect of a democracy. o The legislature holds the executive accountable through discussions on matters of public interest and concern by using the available provisions like asking questions in the question hour, adjournment motion, calling attention, half-an-hour discussion, the motion of no confidence, questions of privilege, etc. Read about all the devices of parliamentary proceedings here.  Given the specificity of the questions, the subsequent answers tend to lead to wider debates, inquiries, and in some instances, have even brought to light administrative scandals.  The information made available through the answers by the ministers adds to public information essential for informed debates on matters of interest or concern.

Details:

 The author, Hamid Ansari, the former Vice President of India, expresses concerns over the current development based on the following arguments.

Lowering executive accountability:

 Among the available instruments of executive accountability, the ‘Question Hour’ is of special significance given its regularity and its availability on a basis of equality to every Member of the House, Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha. Given that it covers every aspect of government activity, domestic and foreign, it acts as a powerful tool of accountability.  The deletion of question hour will lower the ability of the legislature to hold the executive accountable.

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Against the spirit of democracy:

 The deletion of ‘Question Hour’ amounts to a curtailment of the right to question the government and goes against the philosophy of democracy.

The significance of starred questions:

Lack of consultation:

 The decision to do away with the question hour has been taken without due deliberation and discussion with the stakeholders.

Failing to explore alternatives:

Conclusion:

 Despite the unprecedented challenges brought forth by the pandemic, there is a need to find solutions premised on the spirit of democracy.  The politics of avoidance should be avoided and executive accountability needs to be prioritized.

10. A case for down-to-earth governance

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Context:

 The article discusses the challenges in a democratic form of governance and suggests ways to strengthen the democratic governance structure in India.

Challenges in representative democracies:

Money as a factor in elections:

 Around the world, electoral democracies are affected by the issue of funding political parties and elections.  Money has become an important factor deciding the winnability of the candidates. Money is required to win elections legitimately, even when people are not bribed to vote. Uninterrupted visibility and communication with citizens require advertisements as well as teams of professionals for managing social media. This has increased the cost of elections.  The race to raise more money for even legitimate electioneering purposes can corrupt the process of funding parties and elections. This happens to be the root cause of corruption in politics and government.

Quality of elected representatives:

 Despite having been elected based on the principle of universal adult franchise and enjoying popular mandate, the quality of the elected representatives is a cause of concern. o There are growing indications of increasing criminalization of politics. o Debates within India’s Parliament, in which all members have been elected by the world’s most impressive election machinery, hardly inspire citizens’ confidence in their representatives’ ability to govern the country.

Process flaws:

 There is an inherent flaw in the design of the process for electing representatives. o Representatives of the people are chosen by smaller electorates within geographical constituencies. However, when they meet together in the national assembly, they are expected to govern the whole country and consider what is best for the whole country.

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o Constituency favouring leads to challenges for reaching optimal solutions. o However, if the people who elected them find they are not protecting local interests, they will not be elected again.  Political parties in electoral democracies provide a solution to the problem of creating an alignment of views among representatives from hundreds of constituencies around the country.

Multi-party systems:

 It is easier to form effective governments in electoral democracies when there are fewer parties. When there are too many parties and too many contradictory points of view to be accommodated within a coalition, governance can break down. o The 1990s witnessed political uncertainty in India due to the lack of a clear mandate in the general elections. Recently, Israel had to undertake multiple rounds of elections to form a government.

Intraparty democracy:

 There is a lack of intraparty democracy in most political parties of the day.  Political parties when not internally democratic, serve as means for self- aggrandising politicians to amass power and wealth as a result of which democracy as a whole suffers.

The temptation of direct democracy:

 Given the above-discussed challenges to representative democracy, it is tempting to abandon political parties and parliaments and revert to direct forms of democracy where every decision can be put directly to all citizens to vote on.  New Internet technologies could provide relevant tools to make this possible.  However, there are challenges with respect to direct democracy as well. If all voters have not understood what is at stake, they cannot decide well and they could be guided by emotions rather than objective facts and figures. Complex issues, where many interests collide, must be resolved by reason, not settled by the numbers. o The article quotes Brexit as an example of the hasty results of a referendum.

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The Way forward:

Addressing the existing concerns:

 Electoral funding must be cleaned up. The criminalization of politics must be ended and democracy within political parties must be improved to make representative democracy work better.  Electoral reforms are essential.  This will require appropriate legislation and their strict enforcement by the constitutionally backed institutions like the election commission and the judiciary.

Local governance and citizen participation:

 Local governance, wherein citizens manage their local affairs democratically is a must for a good, democratic governance system. There is a need for greater decentralization of powers and functions.  Active citizen participation in the democracies would allow them to become the source of solutions to many problems in society.  Given the familiarity with the local conditions, the locals will be able to take optimal decisions.  Local systems solutions will be effective even in solving global systemic problems of environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

11. World Solar Technology Summit Why in News

Recently, the first-ever World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) was organised by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Key Points

. Objectives: o To showcase to member countries the state of the art and next- generation solar technologies worldwide. o To give an opportunity to decision-makers and stakeholders to meet, and discuss their own priorities and strategic agenda towards a larger integration.

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o To discuss the recent highlights of solar technologies, cost-wise, technology-wise, technology transfers, challenges and concerns in the field. . Steps Taken by India: o In spite of having one of the lowest per-capita carbon emissions in the world, India has pressed ahead with the deployment of renewable energy at a fast pace for lowering carbon footprints.  India has enhanced its installed renewable capacity by 2.5 times and increased the solar installed capacity by more than 13 times.  Globally, India ranks 4th in terms of renewable power. o India has scaled non-fossil fuel-based power generations to 134GW, which is about 35% of the total power generation and it is expected to increase it to 220 GW by 2022. o India is providing capacity-building support to ISA member countries through its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. o Project Preparation Facility has been set up to develop bankable Solar Energy projects in ISA member countries with the help of Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India. o In 2018, India announced about USD 1.4 billion worth of lines of credit (LOCs) for covering 27 solar projects across 15 countries. These projects are in various stages of implementation. . Solar Energy related Schemes: o Solar energy has taken a central place in India's National Action Plan on Climate Change with the National Solar Mission as one of the key Missions.  National Solar Mission (NSM) was launched on 11th January 2010 and is in line with India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).  Its objective is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating the policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country as quickly as possible. o One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG): India’s ambitious cross-border power grid plan which seeks to transfer solar power generated in one region to feed the electricity demands of others. o KUSUM Scheme: It aims to replace the use of diesel in the farm sector with solar energy with the target of solarisation of 2.8 million irrigation pumps.

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o Solar Charkha Mission: It is an enterprise driven scheme and envisages setting up of ‘Solar Charkha Clusters’ which will have 200 to 2042 beneficiaries. These solar charkhas are operated using solar power, keeping the environment clean and generating sustainable employment for the artisans. o 750 megawatt (MW) solar project which has been inaugurated in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.

International Solar Alliance

. It is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation which was jointly launched by India and France on 30th November 2015 during the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France. o It was conceived as a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries (which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) to address their special energy needs. . Aim: To lower the cost of technology and finance and thereby facilitate deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar energy and mobilize more than USD 1,000 billion into solar power by 2030 in member countries. o Solar energy is a key source of affordable and reliable energy, thus it could play a significant role in achieving the universal energy access goal (SDG 7). . Headquarter: Gurugram in Haryana, India. . As of June 2020, the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 86 countries, with 68 having also deposited instruments of ratification.

12. An agriculture-led revival as flawed claim

Context:

 The article analyzes the claim of the agricultural sector leading India’s economic revival in the post-COVID times.

Background:

 The COVID-19 pandemic has induced a severe economic slowdown in the Indian economy.  Agriculture was the only sector which recorded a modest growth of 3.4%, outpacing 2019’s first quarter’s 3% expansion. Most other sectors

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saw a contraction, with sectors like construction, trade, hotels, transport and communication services registering almost 50% fall.

 There have been statements put forward that the agricultural sector will help lead India’s economic revival based on the following arguments. o India’s foodgrain production in 2019-20 was 3.7% higher than in 2018-19 and also the procurement of Rabi wheat in 2020-21 was 12.6% higher than in 2019-20. This is being argued as indicative of resilience in the agricultural sector. o The food inflation in the Q1 of 2020-21 has been higher than in the previous year. This is being argued as indicative of a sustained and increased demand for food and a favourable trade sentiment in the sector. This is expected to benefit farmers due to better price realization for their produce. o The area under Kharif sowing in 2020-21 is 14% higher than in 2019-20. This has been accompanied by higher tractor and fertilizer sales, which bodes well for economic recovery. o The government’s ₹20-lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package is expected to increase financial resources to the sector and provide an impetus to agricultural growth.

Details:

 The article examines the validity of the claims being made for the agricultural sector.

Rabi procurement

 The higher procurement of Rabi wheat in the current year is mostly due to the focussed efforts by the state governments to ensure that procurement did not suffer during the lockdown and cannot be attributed to enhanced production or increased supply to the markets.  The market arrival of agricultural produce is a more comprehensive indicator of enhanced production or increased supply to the markets. The market arrivals of the major crops have shown a decline from last year. o The market arrivals of 15 major crops were lower in 2020 than in 2019. Most of these crops have witnessed a steep drop in market arrivals. In wheat, the most important Rabi crop, only 61.6% of the arrivals in 2019 was recorded in 2020.

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 The procurement by the government agencies accounts for only a small share of the total grain production. o As per official data, only 13.5% of paddy farmers and 16.2% of wheat farmers in India sell their harvest to a procurement agency at an assured Minimum Support Price (MSP). The rest sell their output to private traders at prices lower than MSP.  There have been reports of market access problems faced by farmers during the lockdown attributed to a disruption in supply chains, closure of mandis and a fall in consumer food demand. This has led to a substantial loss of market for the farmers leading to a major loss of incomes. Similar major losses have been reported in the milk, meat and poultry sectors as well.

Inflation and prices

 The higher inflation rates (based on CPI) do not imply a higher price realization for the farmers. CPI indicates the price paid by the end consumer. o The higher CPI is mainly due to disruptions in supply chains and a rise in trader margins.  The wholesale market prices, which can be considered more indicative of the price received by the farmers, have decreased for most crops.  Given the fact that small and marginal farmers are net buyers of food, higher rural inflation has had an adverse impact on them. They were forced to pay more for food purchases and some rural households had to reduce food purchases during the lockdown. This would have also had an adverse impact on their disposable income and expenditure and investment capabilities.

Higher Kharif sowing

 The article argues that the higher Kharif sowings in 2020 are indicative of the underlying distress and not prosperity in the agricultural sector based on the following arguments. o As the Rabi incomes fell during the lockdown, many rural households may have returned to farming or intensified farming for food- and income-security during the current Kharif season. o Lakhs of migrant workers have returned to their villages from urban areas. They may have taken up agriculture in previously fallow or uncultivated lands. This might further aggravate the disguised

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unemployment problem in the agricultural sector due to the surplus labour supply.

Atmanirbhar Bharat package

 The total fresh spending for agriculture in the package amounts to less than Rs. 5,000 crore. The rest are schemes already included in the past Budgets, announcements with no additional financial outgo.  The under-investment in the agricultural sector may prove to be counterproductive as this will lead to a condition where the rural incomes will remain depressed, and push the economy further into a vicious cycle of poor demand, low prices and low growth.

Uncertainties

 The agricultural sector faces headwinds in the form of higher-than-ideal rainfall in August in several key crop-growing regions in western and central India and the uncertainty with respect to the impact of recent farm market ordinances.

Share of the agricultural sector in GVA

 Agriculture contributes only around 15% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).  An impressive 4% growth in the agricultural sector will only contribute to 0.6 percentage points to GVA growth. To contribute a full one percentage point to GVA growth, agriculture will have to grow by 6%, which is unlikely. o Though the higher Rabi procurement, higher Kharif sowing and flow of cheap credit will help provide an impetus to the sector, the lower crop prices, lower market arrivals and higher unemployment would also have a bearing on the actual growth rates in the sector.

Way forward:

Financial support:

 The crisis in agriculture demands that the government announce a strong fiscal stimulus for the rural economy. This will help address the existing distress in the short term. The government should consider providing financial support to farmers in the following ways.

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o The amounts being paid through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) should be doubled from Rs. 6,000 a year to Rs. 12,000 a year. Efforts should be made to not only enhance the coverage monetarily but also include tenant farmers and wage labourers as well. o Instead of an incremental increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, the government should set all MSPs at 150% of the C2 cost (comprehensive cost) of production. . Currently, the MSP is fixed based on A2+FL. A2 costs cover all paid-out expenses, both in cash and kind, incurred by farmers on seeds, fertilisers, chemicals, hired labour, fuel and irrigation, among others. FL is the imputed value of unpaid family labour. . C2 costs are more comprehensive, accounting for the rentals and interest forgone on owned land and fixed capital assets respectively, on top of A2+FL. National Commission on farmers head by M.S Swaminathan had recommended a 50 percent margin over C2 as the MSP. o Instead of a moratorium on loan repayments, the government should waive the interest on loans taken by farmers in 2019 and 2020. o The government should announce a comprehensive financial package of direct assistance for the crisis-ridden poultry, meat sectors and small milk producers.

Reforming the sector:

 While the financial support will only help address the existing distress in the sector, there is a need to reform the sector to address the long term sustainability and profitability in the sector.  The major areas of focus should be the following: o Reduce input costs. o Ensure higher price realization for the farmers through increased market access, increased food processing avenues. o Ensure adequate infrastructure for the agricultural sector. o Promotion of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices like zero-based natural farming and organic farming.

13. SC looks into cases against legislators

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Context:

 The Supreme Court has prioritised the need to expeditiously complete trial in over 4,000 criminal cases, from corruption to money laundering, pending against legislators across the country.

Issue:

 A Bench led by Justice N.V. Ramana was alarmed to find that cases registered against politicians nearly 40 years ago were still pending trial.

 Criminalization of politics implies criminals entering the election fray and contesting elections and even getting elected to the Parliament and state legislatures.  Criminals need the patronage of politicians to continue their criminal activities and politicians need the money and muscle power of the criminals in their elections. In course of time, this nexus led the criminals themselves to contest elections.

A look at stats

 In 2004, 24% of the Members of Parliament had criminal cases pending against them.  In 2009, that number went up to 30%.  In 2014 it further rose to 34% and in 2019 as many as 43% of MPs had criminal cases pending against them. o Worryingly, 13% of the candidates who contested the election in 2019 are accused of heinous crimes that include murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, rape and other crimes against women.

Previous attempts to cleanse the electoral system:

Supreme Court Judgments:

The Supreme Court has come up with a series of landmark judgments to address the issue of criminalization of politics.

 In 2002, Supreme Court ruled in the Union of India (UOI) vs. Association for Democratic Reforms case, that every candidate, contesting an election

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to the Parliament, State Legislatures or Municipal Corporation, has to declare their criminal records, financial records and educational qualifications.  Under Section 8 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951, lawmakers cannot contest elections only after their conviction in a criminal case. o SC removed this statutory protection of convicted legislators from immediate disqualification via the Lily Thomas v. Union of India case in 2013.  The incorporation of the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option in the voting machines was a landmark step in empowering the voters to force the political parties to field better candidates, even though there are associated concerns with NOTA. o This was done via the 2013 judgment in People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India case. o Supreme Court asked the Election Commission to provide ‘none of the above’ choice to voters to exercise their right to express no confidence against all candidates in the fray.  Observing the long delays in the cases involving politicians, the SC in 2014 directed the completion of trials involving elected representatives within a year.  In 2017, the SC asked the Centre to frame a scheme to appoint Special Courts to exclusively try cases against politicians, which would ensure speedy justice.  In 2018, the SC directed the political parties to publicize pending criminal cases faced by their candidates. This was considered necessary in the light of the right of the voters to know any criminal antecedents of the candidates.

The Supreme Court, in spite of its long list of judgments, has still not been able to avoid criminalization of politics.

Election Commission Efforts:

The Election Commission too has tried several measures to curb criminalization of politics but to no avail.

 The Election Commission of India (ECI) has always voiced the need for a legislation that excludes candidates against whom charges had been

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framed by a court of law for heinous offences punishable by imprisonment of five years and more.  However, the Parliamentary Committee that had been set up to examine the proposal unanimously ruled against the ECI recommendation. Political parties and candidates have often voiced their concern that cases tend to be foisted on them by political opponents.  It has achieved considerable success in containing the role of muscle power through measures such as the effective implementation of the model code of conduct and the setting up of the expense monitoring cell.  Mandatory declaration of assets and existing criminal charges in self- sworn affidavits to the ECI prior to elections has brought in some transparency.

Public Interest Foundation & Others Vs Union of India case:

 Given the fact that previous attempts by the SC and the ECI had no effect on reducing the criminalization of politics, a petition was filed in the SC asking the apex court whether disqualification for membership of candidates with criminal antecedents can be laid down by the Court.  In 2018, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court directed political parties to publish online the pending criminal cases against their candidates. The Court sought to enforce greater disclosure norms about electoral candidates.  The five-judge Bench had held that the rapid criminalization of politics cannot be arrested by merely disqualifying tainted legislators but should also involve the cleansing of political parties.  The judgment had also urged Parliament to bring a strong law to cleanse political parties of leaders facing trial for serious crimes.  A contempt petition has been filed in the SC, seeking action against the authorities and political parties for not complying fully with the September 2018 judgment.

Criminalization of Politics continues to haunt India as it is a structural problem in Indian democracy:

The voters, political parties and the law and order machinery of the state are all equally responsible for this.

1. Lack of intent on the part of political parties:

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 Researchers have found that candidates with criminal records seem to do well despite their public image, largely due to their ability to finance their own elections and bring substantive resources to their respective parties. This tends to give rise to a patronage system.  The ADR analysis shows that candidates facing criminal charges had double the chances of winning as compared to those with a clean record. The winnability of candidates is an important factor for the political parties in choosing their candidates.  Hence, political parties that ought to be cleansing the system with legislation and internal organizational reforms have done little.

2. Lack of interest among the voters:

 Given the relatively weak state institutions and the lackadaisical attitude in governance and delivery of public goods, cynical voters tend to elect candidates with criminal antecedents, as the voters tend to view such candidates as being able to represent their interests better and getting work done.  Voter behaviour is most often conditioned by their own immediate needs.  These unhealthy tendencies in the democratic system reflect a poor image of the nature of India’s state institutions and the quality of its elected representatives.

Way forward:

1. Amending the Representation of the People Act, 1951:

 There is the need for a rule that disallows candidates facing charges for serious offences from contesting in elections. The Parliament needs to consider such an amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

2. General citizenry’s role:

 While several Supreme Court judgments make it difficult for criminal candidates to contest, only enhanced awareness among the citizens and increased democratic participation could create the right conditions for the decriminalization of politics.  The electors have to take up a greater responsibility by resisting the lure of money for votes, pushing aside the caste as well as religious factors, increasing the participation with higher turn-out at the polling stations,

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and thereby exert enormous pressure on the political parties to field candidates with a clean image.

3. Political party’s role:

 It must be underscored that the decriminalization of politics cannot be achieved by judicial fiat alone. The political class has to respond to the challenge. A more effective option would be for parties to refrain from giving tickets to such candidates.

4. Role of the judiciary:

 Given the fact that undue delay in the criminal justice system is helping candidates with criminal antecedents with a longer time frame to establish themselves electorally, there is the need to address this lacuna. It takes on an average 15 years for a criminal case to be finally disposed of by the courts.  Notably, not more than 6 percent of the criminal cases against Indian MPs and MLAs ended in a conviction, as per the data submitted by the Centre to the Supreme Court. This, when compared with the conviction rate of crimes under the Indian Penal Code in the country which stands at 46% at the national level, points to the possibility of the elected representatives misusing their positions.  Fast-track courts should decide the cases of tainted legislators faster within set deadlines.

5. Broader reforms:

 Ensuring greater transparency in election funding will make it less attractive for political parties to encourage candidates with criminal antecedents.  Broader governance reforms should be targeted to ensure lesser reliance of voters on criminal politicians.

14. Rules of engagement on the LAC

Context:

 Defence Minister’s statement in the Parliament on the border tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

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Background:

 Given the differing perceptions of the LAC between India and China, a series of boundary agreements have been signed and confidence- building measures (CBMs) carried out to maintain peace and tranquillity while the two sides attempted to delineate the boundary through Special Representatives.

1993 agreement:

 It is also known as the agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas.  The 1993 agreement states that in case personnel from either side cross the Line of Actual Control, “upon being cautioned by the other side, they shall immediately pull back to their side of the Line of Actual Control”.  The 1993 agreement, clearly states that both sides will “jointly check” the alignment of LAC where there is a doubt.

1996 agreement:

 It is also known as the Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas.  A key element of the 1996 agreement is that the two sides would keep their forces in the areas along the LAC to a minimum level.  The 1996 agreement limits the deployment of major categories of armaments close to the LAC, including tanks, infantry combat vehicles, guns with 75-mm or bigger calibre, mortars with 120-mm or above and various missiles. It also limits combat aircraft from flying within 10 km of the LAC.  Use of firearms on the LAC is strictly regulated as per the agreements of 1993, 1996 and 2005.  The 1993 and 1996 agreements also mandate that pending a final solution to the boundary question, the two sides shall strictly respect the LAC.

2013 agreement:

 It is also known as the Border Defense Cooperation Agreement between India and China.

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 The agreement enumerates several mechanisms to reduce misunderstandings and improve communications between the two countries along their disputed border. It explicitly prohibits one side from actively following or tailing the patrols of another side and also stipulates procedures for resolving disputes in “areas where there is no common understanding of the line of actual control.”

Concerns:

China’s non adherence to agreements:

 China’s track record on adhering to agreed CBMs and protocols on the LAC has been poor in the past few years more so in the ongoing confrontation.  As against the provisions of the 1993 agreement, China has unilaterally altered the status quo at the LAC and has built structures and stationed its troops despite cautionary warnings.  China had mobilised a large number of troops and armaments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and this goes against the bilateral agreements of 1993 and 1996.  The Violence in Galwan raises doubts whether Chinese troops followed this protocol set out by the 2013 India-China Border Defence Cooperation Agreement in which both sides agreed “to not follow or tail patrols”.

Risk of escalation:

 Since the Galwan Valley clash, the Indian Army has empowered its local commanders to take appropriate action as situations unfold and recently shots have been fired in the air, the first on the LAC since 1975.  Thousands of troops and armaments continue to be deployed in close proximity, in some places within a few hundred metres of each other, so the chances of an accidental or inadvertent escalation which can spiral into a major confrontation remain high.

Way forward:

 There is the urgent need to review the agreements and conclude new CBMs to maintain and enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

15. Great power, little responsibility

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Issue:

 According to the World Population Review, in the last calendar year, eight countries — Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Turkey, Somalia, Iraq, Mexico and Libya — suffered at least 1,000 deaths each (mainly civilian deaths) through militarised attacks and battles.  Including the Maghreb and Sahel regions of North and West Africa, over 25 countries are being ravaged by deadly wars currently.  According to the UN Refugee Agency, 79.5 million were displaced at the end of 2019, due to armed conflicts, persecution and other reasons.  The way the present international system is structured poses enormous obstacles to peace. o Predominantly, the countries with economic and military might are escalating violence.

The International Day of Peace is an occasion for deep reflection about the prevalence of war, violence and insecurity in many parts of the world.

International Day of Peace

 The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly.  Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire.  Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September.  The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non- violence and ceasefire.  To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join UN75, the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building a peaceful and prosperous future.  The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.”

Fuelling instability:

 While on paper, the U.S., Russia and China uphold peace and stability as the permanent members of the UN Security Council, in practice, they fuel instability or interfere in most ongoing wars.

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 The U.S., Russia and China have catapulted into the ranks of top sellers of weapons.  Yemen tragedy: o The current US administration is abundantly selling lethal weapons to its Gulf allies in the name of their ‘security’. o The tragedy in Yemen, which the UN has declared as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster, is the outcome of indiscriminate attacks by the U.S.-backed coalition of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose geopolitical goal is to counterbalance Iran.  Libya: o Libya going down into chaos is the result of the active involvement of mercenaries and weapons pumped in by Russia and the U.S.- allied Gulf Arab monarchies to push back Turkey’s influence.  Similar to Syria, Yemen and Libya are victims of the conduct of great powers who arm and finance regional actors to prey upon weak states for counterbalancing rivals and sustaining profits of their military-industrial complexes.  Clashes in Asia: o China’s hegemonic expansionism against its neighbours and its new Cold War with the U.S. have significantly raised risks of military clashes in Asia.  Chinese small arms enable ethnic violence and extreme human rights abuses from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Pakistan and Myanmar.

Details:

 This year, the UN Secretary-General is campaigning for a global ceasefire so that everyone’s attention shifts to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.  The UN as well as regional organisations like the African Union and the European Union are trying to negotiate a cessation of hostilities in various war zones.

Way forward:

 There is a need to diagnose the core problem, which is, the unjust structure that privileges great powers and permits their plots — and challenge it.  The world must strive for altering the structure and nature of world politics.

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 Intellectuals, social movements and responsible states should prioritise struggling for an equitable world order.

16. India and the Abraham Accords

Normalisation of ties:

 The formal normalisation of Israel’s ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Bahrain has created a significant inflection point in regional history and geopolitics.  With the newly established formal ties, the two Gulf states have joined Egypt and Jordan which had their peace treaties with Israel in 1979 and 1994.

Abraham Accords:

 It is the first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years.  The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel as part of a deal to halt the annexation of occupied land sought by the Palestinians for their future state.  The so-called “Abraham Accords”, announced by United States President Donald Trump, secures an Israeli commitment to halt further annexation of Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank.

Significance of the reconciliation:

 The UAE and Bahrain do not have any territorial dispute with Israel, nor have they ever been at war with it. o Although formally committed to an Arab consensus over a two-state resolution of the Palestine cause, these two countries have steadily, albeit secretively, moved towards having substantive links with Israel in recent years. o Hence, the ‘Abraham Accords’ entered with the UAE and Bahrain are ‘peace-for-peace’ deals without any physical quid pro quo (exchange) by Israel.  Multiple drivers are likely to spur the two new friendships to grow faster and deeper. o Externally, Israel, the UAE and Bahrain share the common threat perception of Iran against the backdrop of the ongoing shrinking of Pax Americana in the region.

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o Internally, while all three have their respective hotheads opposing this reconciliation, these seem manageable. o They are relatively more modern societies that share the overarching and immediate priority of post-pandemic economic resuscitation. o They have lost no time to set up logistics such as Internet connectivity and direct flights to pave the way for more active economic engagement.  Subsequently, other moderate Arab countries are likely to build formal ties with Israel.

Implications for India:

 Israel’s reconciliation with Egypt and Jordan did not have any major impact on India as its ties with them were relatively insignificant. At present, India has stronger, multifaceted and growing socioeconomic engagements with Israel and the Gulf countries. o Over eight million Indian diaspora in the Gulf annually account for remittances of nearly $50 billion. o India’s annual merchandise trade with the Gulf is over $150 billion, sourcing of nearly two-thirds of India’s hydrocarbon imports, major investments, etc.

Sustaining the diplomatic balance:

 Calling both the countries its strategic partners, India has welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel.  But, the Israel-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) breakthrough widens the moderate constituency for peaceful resolution of the Palestine dispute, easing India’s diplomatic balancing act. o The Israel-GCC ties could provoke new polarisations between the Jihadi fringe and the mainstream. o The possibility of the southern Gulf becoming the new arena of the proxy war between Iran and Israel cannot be ruled out, particularly in Shia pockets.

Managing the economic consequences:

 Defence and security cooperation could act as a stimulus. Both sides are ready to realise the full potential of their economic complementarity in defence and security cooperation.

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 The UAE and Bahrain can become the entrepôts to Israeli exports of goods and services to diverse geographies.  Israel has niche strengths in defence, security and surveillance equipment, arid farming, solar power, horticultural products, high-tech, gem and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals.  Tourism, real estate and financial service sectors on both sides have suffered due to the pandemic and hope for a positive spin-off from the peer-to-peer interactions.  Further, Israel has the potential to supply skilled and semi-skilled manpower to the GCC states, particularly from the Sephardim and Mizrahim ethnicities, many of whom speak Arabic.  Even the Israeli Arabs may find career opportunities to bridge the cultural divide.  Israel is known as the start-up nation and its stakeholders could easily fit in the various duty-free incubators in the UAE.

Conclusion:

 India has acquired a large and rewarding regional footprint in the Gulf. It is particularly preferred as the source of manpower, food products, pharmaceuticals, gem and jewellery, light engineering items, etc.  Indians are also the biggest stakeholders in Dubai’s real estate, tourism and Free Economic Zones.  In the evolving scenario, there may be scope for a profitable trilateral synergy, but India cannot take its prevalence for granted.  India must be careful and should monitor or even pre-empt any threat to its interests in the Gulf.  Even more important for India is to manage the economic fallout of the Israel-GCC reconciliation.

17.Destination North East Festival

Why in News

The Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) has launched the logo and song for festival “Destination North East-2020”.

Key Points

. About the Festival:

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o Aim: To bring the rest of India closer to North East (NE) India. o Four-Day Event: It holds a special presentation of art and craft, textiles, ethnic products, tourism promotion etc. of the eight northeastern states. o Organisations Involved:  Ministry of Development of North-East Region: It is responsible for the matters relating to the planning, execution and monitoring of development schemes and projects in the NE Region.  North Eastern Council (NEC): It is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the NE Region which consists of the eight States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It was constituted in 1971 by an Act of Parliament.  NERCORMP: North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) is a livelihood and rural development project aimed to transform the lives of the poor and marginalized tribal families in NE India. It is a joint developmental initiative of the NEC, Ministry of DoNER and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).  IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. It is headquartered in Rome, Italy. . 2020 Focus: The Emerging Delightful Destinations. . 2020 Venue: Virtually from 27th to 30th September 2020. o The previous editions of the festival were held in Varanasi, Delhi and Chandigarh.

Importance of NE Region

. Strategic Location: The NER is strategically located with access to the traditional domestic market of eastern India, along with proximity to the major states in the east and adjacent countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar. . Links with Southeast Asia: With ASEAN engagement becoming a central pillar of India’s foreign policy direction, NE states play an important role as the physical bridge between India and Southeast Asia.

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. Significant for India’s Act East Policy: The Act East Policy places the northeastern states on the territorial frontier of India's eastward engagement. . Economic Significance: The NER has immense natural resources, accounting for around 34% of the country’s water resources and almost 40% of India’s hydropower potential. o Sikkim is India’s first organic state. . Tourism Potential: Northeast of India is home to many wildlife sanctuaries like Kaziranga National Park famous for the one horned rhinoceros, Manas National Park, Nameri, Orang, Dibru Saikhowa in Assam, Namdhapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Balpakram in Meghalaya, Keibul Lamjao in Manipur, Intanki in Nagaland, Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. . Cultural Significance: Tribes in NER have their own culture. Popular festivals include Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pang Lhabsol of Sikkim, etc.

Government Initiatives for NE Region

. North Eastern Region Vision 2020 document provides an overarching framework for the development of the NE Region to bring it at par with other developed regions under which different Ministries, including the Ministry of DoNER have undertaken various initiatives. . Digital North East Vision 2022 emphasises leveraging digital technologies to transform lives of people of the north east and enhance the ease of living. . Infrastructure Related Initiatives: o Under Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP), roads stretches aggregating to about 5,301 km in NER have been approved for improvement. o The North East has been kept as a priority area under RCS-UDAN.  Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) has been launched to provide connectivity to unserved and underserved Airports within the country and to promote regional connectivity by making the airfare affordable through Viability Gap Funding (VGF). . For Promoting Tourism: Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, projects worth Rs.1400.03 crore have been sanctioned for the North East Region in the last five years. . Mission Purvodaya:

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o Purvodaya in the steel sector is aimed at driving accelerated development of Eastern India through the establishment of an integrated steel hub. o It is expected that out of the 300 MT capacity by 2030-31, over 200 MT can come from this region alone, driven by Industry 4.0. o The Integrated Steel Hub, encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-economic growth of Eastern India. . The National Bamboo Mission has a special significance for the Northeast.

18. SAARC and CICA Meetings Why in News

Recently, the Foreign Ministers’ meetings of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) took place in a virtual manner.

Key Points

. India-Pakistan Tussle: o India called the SAARC countries to collectively resolve to defeat the scourge of terrorism, including the forces that nurture, support and encourage an environment of terror and conflict.  This was a clear criticism of Pakistan who has been involved in crossborder terrorism. o Pakistan also made a detailed statement on the resolution of “long- standing disputes”, a veiled reference to Jammu and Kashmir and India’s move to withdraw Article 370. o Background:  Recently, India said that the degree of seriousness of each SAARC member-nation in collectively fighting the Covid-19 pandemic can be gauged by their behaviour. The statement was in clear reference to Pakistan’s opposition to India’s leadership in dealing with the crisis in the region.  The National Security Advisor of India had walked off from a virtual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in September, 2020 after his Pakistani counterpart appeared with a Pakistani version of its map that included Indian territories.

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 In 2019, at the SAARC Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan had boycotted each other’s speeches.  The Prime Minister of India had also refused to attend the 19th edition of the SAARC summit, due to be held in Islamabad in 2016, over the issue of Pakistan’s continued support to terror groups in light of Uri attacks. . Covid-19: All SAARC nations built a common stand on the need to cooperate in battling the coronavirus pandemic. o SAARC initiatives to combat Covid-19: SAARC Covid-19 Information Exchange Platform (COINEX), SAARC Food Bank mechanism, SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund. o India’s Contribution: India has contributed 10 million USD to SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund and manufactured essential drugs, Covid protection and testing kits, for countries in the SAARC region (Eg. Operation Sanjeevani for Maldives). . Relevance of SAARC: SAARC has not been very effective since 2016 as its biennial summits have not taken place since the last one in Kathmandu (Nepal) in 2014. o India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet planned in 2016. o The reasons for a dysfunctional SAARC:  Bilateral issues cannot be discussed in SAARC but since the organisation relies on the principle of unanimity for all major decisions, Pakistan has often vetoed the major initiatives proposed at SAARC. For example, SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement proposed at Kathmandu summit, 2014.  India-Pakistan conflict has undermined SAARC. For India, Pakistan’s use of terror as an instrument of foreign policy has made normal business impossible.  Dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the Durand line, is also a reason.  Also, India’s economic position vis-a vis other SAARC countries, creates an impression of India being a big brother rather than a strategic partner.  SAARC has become almost marginal to the regions' collective consciousness and other organisations such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) came into the forefront. . CICA Meeting:

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o India underlined its commitment to a pluralistic cooperative security order in Asia through CICA. It also reaffirmed its support for Afghan peace process. . About CICA: o Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. o The idea of convening the CICA was first proposed by the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 5th October 1992, at the 47th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. o The First Ministerial Meeting of CICA took place in September, 1999. o It consists of 27 member nations from Asia including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India etc. Japan, Indonesia, USA etc. are some of its Observer Nations. o Republic of Tajikistan is the CICA Chairman for the period 2018- 2020.

Way Forward

. Keeping SAARC in deep-freeze because of Pakistan was not serving anybody’s interest. Despite the recent ineffectiveness of SAARC, its revival will facilitate India’s neighbourhood first policy in meeting the challenge of regional strategic encroachment by China through its Belt and Road Initiative.

19. Parliamentary scrutiny on the back burner

The Editorial analyses the Parliamentary Committee System in India.

Parliamentary Committee System in India:

 Over the years, the Indian Parliament has increasingly resorted to the committee system.  The system is followed for various reasons such as o To enhance the efficacy of the House to cope with the technical issues confronting it o To keep the parliament abreast to exercise accountability on the government.  Some committees such as the Estimates Committee and Public Accounts Committee (dating back to the colonial period) have a commendable record in this regard.

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 Besides the standing committees, the Houses of Parliament set up, from time to time, ad hoc committees to enquire and report on specific subjects which include Select Committees of a House or Joint Select Committees of both the Houses that are assigned the task of studying a Bill closely and reporting back to the House.

Issue:

 The executive in independent India was not very inclined to committees of scrutiny and oversight, on the plea that they seized the powers of Parliament.

Importance of the Committee System:

 The committees were guardians of the autonomy of the House.  The committees of scrutiny and oversight as the case with other committees of the House o Are not divided on party lines o Work away from the public glare o Remain informal compared to the codes that govern parliamentary proceedings.  These committees are great training schools for new and young members of the House.  In the discharge of their mandate, they can get expert advice and obtain public opinion.

Fault lines:

 The parliamentary committee system in India has not been creative or imaginative.  The presiding officers of the Houses who had to give up leadership in this regard have tended to imitate changes and innovations done elsewhere (such as in Britain).  The chairman of the Rajya Sabha, being the Vice-President of India, cannot probably distance himself much from the stance of the Cabinet.  Very few Speakers, with exceptions, have gone against their party leaders to uphold the autonomy of the House.

Departmentally-related Standing Committees (DRSCs):

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 To address the issue in 1993, 17 Departmentally-related Standing Committees (DRSCs) (later increased to 24) were set up drawing members from both Houses roughly in proportion to the strength of the political parties in the Houses.  They were expected to be the face of Parliament in a set of inter-related departments and ministries.  They were assigned the task of looking into the demands for grants of the ministries/departments concerned, to examine Bills pertaining to them, to consider their annual reports, and to look into their long-term plans and report to Parliament.

Concerns – A gradual marginalisation:

 Committees of scrutiny and advice, both standing and ad hoc, have been confined to the margins in the last few years.  Data by PRS India states that while 60% of the Bills in the 14th Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha were wetted by the DRSCs concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16th Lok Sabha.  Apart from the DRSCs, the government has shown extreme reluctance to refer Bills to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees. o The last Bill referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee was the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, in 2015. o Some of the most momentous acts of Parliament in recent years such as the radical overhaul of Article 370 that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the State into two Union Territories were not processed by any House committee.

Way forward:

 Given their large-scale implications and the popular protests against them, the three Bills related to agricultural produce and the three labour Bills were cases that deserved to be scrutinised by Select Committees of the Houses.  Plenty of evidence suggests that the committee system has greatly enhanced the capacity of Parliament to carry out its mandate.  Strengthening the committee system can go a long way in improving the quality of laws drafted and minimise potential implementation challenges.

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 The need of the hour is a greater and effective utilisation of Parliamentary Committees to strengthen Parliament as a deliberative body which can ensure effective oversight.

20.Arrest Under Official Secrets Act Why in News

Recently, Delhi police has arrested a strategic affairs analyst under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923 for passing information such as the deployment of Indian troops on the border to Chinese intelligence officers.

Key Points

. Official Secrets Act: o OSA broadly deals with two aspects — spying or espionage and disclosure of secret information of the government.  However, the OSA does not define the secret information, the government follows the Manual of Departmental Security Instructions, 1994 for classifying a document as secret.  Generally secret information includes any official code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document, or information. o If guilty, a person may get up to 14 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Both the person communicating the information and the person receiving the information can be punished under the OSA. . Background: o OSA has its roots in the British colonial era. The Indian Official Secrets Act (Act XIV), 1889 was brought in, with the objective of muzzling the voice of a large number of newspapers that had come up in several languages, and were opposing the British policies. o The Act XIV was amended and made more stringent in the form of The Indian Official Secrets Act, 1904, during Lord Curzon’s tenure as Viceroy of India. o In 1923, a newer version was notified, the Indian Official Secrets Act (Act No XIX of 1923).  It was extended to all matters of secrecy and confidentiality in governance in the country. . Issues Involved:

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o Conflict with Right to Information Act: It has often been argued that the OSA is in direct conflict with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.  Section 22 of the RTI Act provides for its primacy vis-a-vis provisions of other laws, including OSA. So if there is any inconsistency in OSA with regard to furnishing of information, it will be superseded by the RTI Act.  However, under Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act, the government can refuse information. Effectively, if the government classifies a document as secret under OSA, that document can be kept outside the ambit of the RTI Act, and the government can invoke Sections 8 or 9. o Misinterpretation of Breach of National Security: Section 5 of OSA, which deals with potential breaches of national security, is often misinterpreted.  The Section makes it a punishable offence to share information that may help an enemy state.  The Section comes in handy for booking journalists when they publicise information that may cause embarrassment to the government or the armed forces. . Suggestions Made: o In 1971, the Law Commission in its report on ‘Offences Against National Security’, observed that merely because a circular is marked secret or confidential, it should not attract the provisions of the OSA if the publication thereof is in the interest of the public and no question of national emergency and interest of the State as such arises.  The Law Commission, however, did not recommend any changes to the OSA. o In 2006, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended that OSA be repealed, and replaced with a chapter in the National Security Act, 1980 containing provisions relating to official secrets.  It observed that OSA was unsuitable with the regime of transparency in a democratic society. o In 2015, the government had set up a committee to look into provisions of the OSA in light of the RTI Act which submitted its report in June 2017, recommending that OSA be made more transparent and in line with the RTI Act.

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Way Forward

. The definition of "secret" needs to be clearly defined in the OSA, so that there is no scope of misinterpretation. Also there is a need for OSA to be brought in line with the RTI Act.

21.Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge: DDU-GKY Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has celebrated the foundation day of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU- GKY) as “Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge” on the occasion of Antyodaya Diwas (25th September).

Key Points

. Inaugurations and New Releases: o Agripreneurship (entrepreneurship in agriculture) Programme.  Agripreneurship is defined as generally, sustainable, community-orientated, directly marketed agriculture.  Sustainable agriculture denotes a holistic, systems-oriented approach to farming that focuses on the interrelationships of social, economic, and environmental processes. o Guidelines regarding Captive Employment under DDU-GKY.  Captive employers are businesses which can employ 500 or more in their own organisation or one of their subsidiaries and have suitable in-house training facilities. o Guidelines for Promotion of Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC).  Integrated Farming is a combined approach aimed at efficient sustainable resource management for increased productivity in the cropping system.  It has multiple objectives of sustainability, food security, farmer’s security and poverty reduction by involving livestock, vermicomposting, organic farming, etc. o Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for capacity building of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/StartUps and providing incubation support in rural areas.

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Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

. MoRD announced it on Antyodaya Diwas in 2014. . It is a demand-driven placement linked skill training initiative working under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). . It uses skill training and placement in wage employment as a tool to diversify income and enable sustained upward movement out of poverty. . DDU-GKY is uniquely focused on rural youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from poor families. . Achievements: Under DDU-GKY, 10.51 lakh rural youth have been trained and 6.65 lakh successfully placed so far. o All stakeholders need to bring more rural youths under DDU- GKY, who are interested to become independent and bring a change in society. . Significance: o DDU-GKY and integrated farming initiatives for rural development across the country are important for greater success in skilling and placing the rural youth. o DDU-GKY has played a significant role in the context of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through skilling.

Antyodaya Diwas

. Every year, 25th September is observed as Antyodaya Diwas to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the great thinkers and philosophers of the nationalist movement of the country. . The Government of India announced it for the first time in 2014 along with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana. . Antyodaya means "uplifting the poorest of the poor" and the day aims to reach the person in the last mile.

22. Diagnosing what ails medical education

The editorial analyses how confusion over policy for human resource development and economic policy is affecting quality, equity and integrity in the field of medical education.

The National Education Policy 2020:

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 The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to provide universal access to quality education and bridge the gap between the current state of learning outcomes and what is required.  This will be achieved by undertaking major reforms that bring the highest quality, equity and integrity into the system, from early childhood care and education through higher education.  In addition to the issues of access and equity, the present policy lays emphasis on quality and holistic learning.  In a brief paragraph on medical education, it states that the aim is to train health care professionals primarily required for working in primary care and secondary hospitals.

On private entities in the field of medical education:

 Successive governments have been faced with the practical dilemma of quickly expanding educational opportunities while simultaneously addressing the issues of quality and equity.  There is a continuing shortage of healthcare personnel. The infrastructure required for high-quality modern medical education is expensive.  Private entities have been permitted to establish medical educational institutions to supplement government efforts.  Though they are supposed to be not-for-profit, the private entities, taking advantage of the poor regulatory apparatus, have completely commercialized education.  The overwhelming majority of private medical colleges provide poor quality education at extremely high costs.  None of the three stated objectives of medical education has been achieved by the private sector — that is: o Providing healthcare personnel to all parts of the country o Ensuring quality o Improving equity  The public has approached the polity, the executive and the courts to ensure equity, if not quality.

Regulation:

 While there have been attempts by the government and the courts, on and off, to regulate fees, efforts have not been fruitful.  The executive, primarily the Medical Council of India, has proven unequal to the task of ensuring that private institutions comply with regulations.

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 It was in this situation that the board of governors, which replaced the Medical Council of India, as an interim before the National Medical Commission became operative, introduced the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, as a single all-India gateway for admission to medical colleges.

NEET has worsened equity:

 It is well known that despite the NEET entrance exam, seats were being sold to the highest bidder.  Challenged in courts, after an initial setback, the NEET scheme has been upheld.  NEET may have improved the quality of candidates admitted to private institutions to some extent, but it seems to have further worsened equity.  With NEET, the number of students from government schools who were able to get admission to a medical college has become very low.

Way forward:

 The basic cause of inequity in admission to higher educational institutions is the absence of a high-quality school system accessible to all.  The government must stay determined to ensure that economic policy facilitates quality and equity in education.  Allowing government medical colleges to admit students based on marks in Standard XII and using NEET scores for admission to private colleges could be a more equitable option at the moment.

23. Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020

The Centre moved to standardize protocols of the growing fertility industry and introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020, in Lok Sabha on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament.

Features of the ART Regulation Bill, 2020

(1) Defining ART

 The Bill defines ART to include all techniques that seek to obtain a pregnancy by handling the sperm or the oocytes (immature egg cell)

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outside the human body and transferring the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive system of a woman.  Examples of ART services include gamete (sperm or oocyte) donation, in- vitro-fertilisation (fertilising an egg in the lab), and gestational surrogacy (the child is not biologically related to surrogate mother).  ART services will be provided through: (i) ART clinics, which offer ART related treatments and procedures, and (ii) ART banks, which store and supply gametes.

(2) Regulation of ART clinics and banks

 The Bill provides that every ART clinic and the bank must be registered under the National Registry of Banks and Clinics of India.  The National Registry will be established under the Bill and will act as a central database with details of all ART clinics and banks in the country.  State governments will appoint registration authorities for facilitating the registration process.  Clinics and banks will be registered only if they adhere to certain standards (specialised manpower, physical infrastructure, and diagnostic facilities).  The registration will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years. Registration may be cancelled or suspended if the entity contravenes the provisions of the Bill.

(3) Conditions for gamete donation and supply

 Screening of gamete donors, collection and storage of semen, and provision of oocyte donor can only be done by a registered ART bank.  A bank can obtain semen from males between 21 and 55 years of age, and oocytes from females between 23 and 35 years of age.  An oocyte donor should be an ever-married woman having at least one alive child of her own (minimum three years of age).  The woman can donate oocyte only once in her life and not more than seven oocytes can be retrieved from her.  A bank cannot supply gamete of a single donor to more than one commissioning couple (couple seeking services).

(4) Conditions for offering ART services

 ART procedures can only be carried out with the written informed consent of both the party seeking ART services as well as the donor.

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 The party seeking ART services will be required to provide insurance coverage in the favour of the oocytes donor (for any loss, damage, or death of the donor).  A clinic is prohibited from offering to provide a child of pre-determined sex. The Bill also requires checking for genetic diseases before the embryo implantation.

(5) Rights of a child born through ART

 A child born through ART will be deemed to be a biological child of the commissioning couple and will be entitled to the rights and privileges available to a natural child of the commissioning couple.  A donor will not have any parental rights over the child.

(6) National and State Boards

 The Bill provides that the National and State Boards for Surrogacy constituted under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 will act as the National and State Board respectively for the regulation of ART services.  Key powers and functions of the National Board include:

1. advising the central government on ART related policy matters, 2. reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the Bill, 3. formulating code of conduct and standards for ART clinics and banks, and 4. overseeing various bodies to be constituted under the Bill

 The State Boards will coordinate enforcement of the policies and guidelines for ART as per the recommendations, policies, and regulations of the National Board.

(7) Offences and penalties

 Offences under the Bill include:

(i) abandoning, or exploiting children born through ART, (ii) selling, purchasing, trading, or importing human embryos or gametes, (iii) using intermediates to obtain donors, (iv) exploiting commissioning couple, woman, or the gamete donor in any form, and (v) transferring the human embryo into a male or an animal.

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 These offences will be punishable with a fine between five and ten lakh rupees for the first contravention.  For subsequent contraventions, these offences will be punishable with imprisonment for a term between eight and 12 years, and a fine between 10 and 20 lakh rupees.  Any clinic or bank advertising or offering sex-selective ART will be punishable with imprisonment between five and ten years, or fine between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, or both.  No court will take cognizance of offences under the Bill, except on a complaint made by the National or State Board or any officer authorised by the Boards.

24.World Tourism Day 2020

Why in News

27th September has been celebrated as World Tourism Day since 1980. It was on this day in 1970 when the Statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) were adopted which are considered a milestone in global tourism.

. The UNWTO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

Key Points

. Significance: o The World Tourism Day highlights the unique role of the tourism sector in preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world. It acts as an auxiliary in safeguarding habitat and endangered species. o It addresses the importance of the tourism sector in providing jobs and opportunities, mostly for women and youth, in rural as well as big cities. . 2020 Celebrations: o Theme for 2020: ‘Tourism and Rural Development’.  The theme encourages the celebration of the unique role played by tourism in job creation outside of the big cities. o Joint Hosts:

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 In the history of 40 years, the official celebration of World Tourism Day will not be hosted by a single member state of the UNWTO.  Nations from the MERCOSUR bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Chile joining as member associate status) will also be the joint hosts. o Covid-19 Impact: As per the data of the UNWTO, about 100 to 120 million jobs in the tourism industry are at risk directly.

Tourism and India

. India has significant potential for tourism. Its wealth of culture, heritage, archaeology and nature uniquely places it to provide such experiences for people to rediscover themselves. o There are 38 World Heritage Sites located in India. The World Heritage Sites are important places of cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. . The industry’s contribution to India’s Gross Domestic Product in 2019 stood at 9.3%, and is said to account for over 8% of the total employment. . Some Initiatives taken to promote tourism in India: o Swadesh Darshan Scheme: It is a Central Sector Scheme, and was launched in 2014 -15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country. o PRASHAD Scheme: The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations. o Iconic Tourist Sites: The government is developing 17 “Iconic Tourist Sites” in the country as world class tourist destinations which in turn would serve as a model for other tourism sites. It is aimed at enhancing India’s soft power. o Webinar Series Dekho Apna Desh: It was launched in January 2020 with the objective of creating awareness among the citizens about the rich heritage and culture of the country.  It encourages citizens to travel widely within the country and enhances tourist footfalls leading to development of the local economy and creation of jobs at the local level.

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o Destination North East-2020: It aims to bring the rest of India closer to North East (NE) India. o SAATHI Application: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism with the Quality Council of India, launched to assist the hospitality industry to continue to operate safely and thereby instill confidence among the Staff, employees and the guests about the safety of the hotel/unit. . Challenges: o The Swacch Survekshan (cleanliness survey) has projected many tourist hotspots such as Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Srinagar, Varanasi and Shillong in poor light.  Almost half of the world’s 50 most-polluted cities are in India.  The habit of littering and ineffective waste management has led to widespread pollution. o Tourists in India still face many infrastructure related problems like inadequate roads, water, sewer, hotels and telecommunications etc. Safety and security of tourists, especially of the foreign tourists, is a major hurdle to tourism development. o Tourism sector got largely affected due to pandemic and associated lockdown. The travel ban hugely impacted tour operators and travel agencies, hotels, and the aviation industry.  In 2019, foreign tourist arrivals in India stood at 10.89 million, achieving a yearly growth rate of 3.20% from 2018, earning USD 29.90 billion in foreign exchange earnings.  But the top countries that once contributed to foreign tourists in India, namely China, Germany, the United States and the UK have been badly hit by the pandemic.

Way Forward

. Strengthening the waste collection system and educating common citizens about the importance of responsible disposal of various types of plastics would ensure less waste littered at tourist hotspots and other Indian cities. The government has also asked all the tourist hotspots cities to switch completely to clean fuel. . Indian tourism has, for a long, just focused on creating more and more tourist destinations in the name of economic upliftment of local communities, rather than striking a balance between the needs of the host, visitor and the environment. It is time to turn the pandemic into an

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opportunity by redesigning the current business model into a long-term sustainable and resilient tourism industry.

25.UN and the retreat from multilateralism

Context:

The United Nations recently commemorated its 75th anniversary by adopting a Declaration.

 The world is facing an unprecedented pandemic and is also witnessing a retreat from multilateralism.  The pandemic has also brought in its wake, the deepest recession the world has seen since the 1930s.  This has made it more difficult to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the UN had adopted.

Challenge to multilateralism:

 The main stakeholders of the system are posing a challenge to multilateralism.  The rift between the permanent members of the Security Council has already started affecting the work of the UN Security Council.

Europe:

 Brexit has shown that nationalism remains strong in Europe and has delivered a blow to the idea of a united and whole Europe.

The U.S.A:

 While the U.S. is not alone in withdrawing from multilateralism, the most important development is the position of the U.S.  U.S. President Donald Trump stressed “America First” in his speech, and suggested that others too should put their countries first.  The French President in his speech pointed out that the U.S., which created the international system, is no longer willing to be its guarantor of last resort.  He pointed out that while the U.S. is withdrawing, the world faces China’s projection beyond its frontiers.

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 He also highlighted problems posed by Turkey’s intervention in Syria, Libya, and the Eastern Mediterranean, which is a breach of international law. The last was a reference to Turkey sending a drilling ship in Greek and Cypriot exclusive economic zones.

China:

 China has stepped in to take advantage of the West’s retreat from multilateralism.  However, China’s assertion of a role on the world stage is not an embrace of the idea of multilateralism.  Its flagship Belt and Road Initiative consists of a series of bilateral credit agreements with recipient countries with no mechanism for multilateral consultation or oversight.  The European Union’s and U.S.’s sanctions against Russia have driven it closer to China.

Hurdles:

The UN Secretary-General’s report on the work of the organisation highlights some of the achievements and challenges the world body faces.

 The UN peacekeeping budget suffers from a paucity of resources.  Over 40 UN political missions and peacekeeping operations engage 95,000 troops, police, and civil personnel. To be effective, there is a need for sound finances.  Most of the humanitarian assistance, developmental work, and budgets of the specialised agencies are based on voluntary contributions.  While there are calls for increasing public-private partnerships, this could not be a satisfactory arrangement. o The UN provides ‘public goods’ in terms of peace and development often in remote parts of the world. The corporations may not be as willing to do what the UN is doing in remote parts of the world.

Way forward:

 The Prime Minister of India called for reform of its outdated structures, pointing out that in the absence of comprehensive changes, the world body today faces a crisis of confidence.  There is a need, not only to expand the permanent members’ category of the Security Council but also to revitalise the role of the General Assembly.

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 For the UN to continue being relevant in the changing world order, reforms are necessary.

26.UN expert raises concerns over eviction of slum dwellers in Delhi

Background:

 The Supreme Court, in an order on 31 August 2020 had directed the removal of 48,000 slums along the railway tracks in the national capital within three months.  The Court ordered that there should not be any interference, political or otherwise.  The order also stated that no Court shall grant any stay with respect to removal of the encroachments and in case any such interim order is granted, that shall not be effective.  It is also worth noting that the National Green Tribunal had already constituted a special task force for the removal of encroachments.

Why is the SC order flawed?

The Supreme Court order has raised serious legal questions.

Violates principles of natural justice and due process:

 It is opined that the order is fundamentally flawed because the Court has ignored principles of natural justice, judicial precedents on the right to shelter, and state policies governing evictions.  The order violates principles of natural justice and due process since it decided on the removal of slums without hearing the affected party – the dwellers.

Unconvincing connection made:

 The order was passed in the long-running case, M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India & Ors., regarding pollution in Delhi and was in response to a report by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority for the National Capital Region on the piling up of garbage along railway tracks.  Neither the case nor the report concerned itself with the legality of informal settlements.

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 The Court made an unconvincing connection between the piling of garbage and the presence of slums.

Right to livelihood and shelter ignored:

 The Supreme Court ignored its long-standing jurisprudence on the right to livelihood and shelter that it has upheld in various judgments. o A five-judge Bench of the SC in Olga Tellis & Ors vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation & Ors. (1985) held that the right to life also includes the “right to livelihood” and that no eviction shall take place without notice and hearing those affected. o In Chameli Singh vs. State of U.P. (1995), the SC recognised the “right to shelter” as a component of the right to life under Article 21 and freedom of movement under Article 19(1)(e).

Policies on slum eviction and rehabilitation in Delhi were not considered:

 In Sudama Singh & Others vs Government of Delhi & Anr. (2010), the Delhi High Court held that prior to any eviction, a survey must be conducted and those evicted should have a right to meaningful engagement with the relocation plans. o The procedure laid down in this judgment formed the basis for the Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015.  In Ajay Maken & Ors. vs Union of India & Ors. (2019), a case concerning the demolition of Shakur Basti on railway land, the Delhi HC invoked the idea of the “Right to the City” to uphold the housing rights of slum dwellers.

Concerns:

 The Supreme Court order that threatens to leave lakhs of people homeless amid a pandemic is callous and unconscionable. o A recent report of the Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) shows that over 20,000 people were displaced in 45 incidents of forced evictions when India was under lockdown. o Over the last three years, over five lakh people have been evicted, most often for various “city beautification” projects.  Under the premise of environmental protection, the courts have played an active role in such demolition drives.  The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing has called on member-states to declare an end to forced evictions.

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 In certain cases, PIL jurisprudence takes a dangerous turn whereby its procedural relaxations are used to deny principles of natural justice to the most marginalised groups.

Conclusion:

The promise of the right to housing is now being undone by an order that pre- empts other courts from giving orders to stop the eviction. These residents would now need to employ a combination of political and legal strategies to protect their housing rights and ensure that no eviction or rehabilitation is conducted without their prior informed consent.

27. Sale of Loose Cigarettes and Beedis Why in News

The Maharashtra government has banned the sale of loose cigarettes and beedis, to reduce the consumption of tobacco and to comply with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.

Key Points

. Other States: Chhattisgarh had banned the sale of loose cigarettes in 2020. o Karnataka banned the sale of loose cigarettes, beedis and chewing tobacco in 2017. . Reasons for Ban: o The government’s aim is to make sure that users are able to see the mandated warnings on cigarette packaging. o Under COTPA, tobacco products need to be sold with graphic health warnings on their packaging and loose cigarettes do not comply with this rule.  Section 7 of the Act mentions, no person shall, directly or indirectly, produce, supply or distribute 6 cigarettes or any other tobacco products unless every package of cigarettes or any other tobacco products produced, supplied or distributed by him bears thereon, or on its label.  The Act also mentions that the warning should be specified on not less than one of the largest panels of the packet in which the cigarettes or any other tobacco products have been packed for distribution, sale and supply. . Pattern of Tobacco Use in India

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o According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-2017, which was a household survey conducted on over 74,000 people aged 15 years or more.  Maharashtra has the lowest prevalence of tobacco smoking in the country.  Over 91% of current smokers in the country believe that smoking causes serious illness.  Smoke Tobacco- 10.7% of all adults (99.5 million) in India smoke tobacco.  In either Form- 28.6% of all adults use tobacco either in smoke or smokeless form. o Average Monthly Expenditure: In India, for a daily cigarette smoker around Rs 1,100 and that for a daily beedi smoker is estimated to be around Rs 284. o Loose Tobacco Buyers: The survey also showed that 68% of smokers, 17% bidi smokers, and 50% of smokeless tobacco users in India purchase. o As per the Tobacco Free Union, over 1 million people die from tobacco-related diseases in India every year. . Effectiveness of Bans: o The effectiveness of bans is not well known and depends on how widespread and stringent the implementation is. o According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the Scientific Society, raising tax on tobacco products is one of the key ways of controlling tobacco consumption. o Caveat: While on one hand making tobacco products dearer may lead to an overall decrease in consumption of tobacco globally, on the other hand, it can lead to an increase in the sale of loose cigarettes. . Tobacco Control in India o International Convention:  Governments adopt and implement the tobacco control provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).  It is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO.  It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005.  India ratified the WHO FCTC in 2004.

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 It was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. The FCTC’s measures to combat tobacco use include:  Price and tax measures.  Large, graphic warnings on tobacco packages.  Keeping plain packaging to minimise the promotion of the products.  100% smoke-free public spaces.  A ban on tobacco marketing.  Support for smokers who want to quit.  Prevention of tobacco industry interference. o Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003: Replaced the Cigarettes Act of 1975 (largely limited to statutory warnings- ‘Cigarette Smoking is Injurious to Health’ to be displayed on cigarette packs and advertisements. It did not include non- cigarettes). The 2003 Act also included cigars, bidis, cheroots, pipe tobacco, hookah, chewing tobacco, pan masala, and gutka. o National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), 2008:  Objective: To control tobacco consumption and minimize tobacco consumption related deaths  Activities: Training and capacity building; information, education, and communication (IEC) activities; tobacco control laws; reporting survey and surveillance and tobacco cessation o Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020:  It was mandated that the specified health warning shall cover at least 85% of the principal display area of the package.  Of this, 60% shall cover pictorial health warning and 25% shall cover textual health warning.  This shall be positioned on the top edge of the package and in the same direction as the information on the principal display area. o mCessation Programme:  It is an initiative using mobile technology for tobacco cessation.  India launched mCessation using text messages in 2016 as part of the government’s Digital India initiative.

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 It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit tobacco use and programme specialists providing them dynamic support. o Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981- Recognized smoking as an air pollutant. o Cable Television Networks Amendment Act of 2000- Prohibited the transmission of advertisements on tobacco and liquor in India. o The Government of India has issued regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 which lay down that tobacco or nicotine cannot be used as ingredients in food products.

Way Forward

. There is a need for comprehensive tobacco control policy, accessible and affordable cessation services strengthening the implementation of COTPA, alternative opportunities for people engaged in tobacco cultivator, processing and manufacturing. . The proportion of buying loose cigarettes decreased with increased levels of education and awareness. Enhancing public awareness through campaigns, educational programs in schools, strong and prominent graphic health warnings.

28. Six Mega Projects in Uttarakhand: Namami Gange Mission Why in News

The Prime Minister has inaugurated six mega projects in Uttarakhand under the Namami Gange Mission.

Key Points

. Highlights: These six mega projects of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) are constructed at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni ki Reti, Chorpani, and Badrinath. o Jagjeetpur, Haridwar project also marks the completion of the first sewage project taken up on hybrid annuity mode on public private partnership.  Hybrid Annuity Model: The Government would provide upfront around 40% of the project cost to the developer to start the work and the remaining 60% would be borne by the private party.

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o In Muni ki Reti town, Chandreshwar Nagar STP is the first 4 storied Sewage Treatment Plant in the country where the limitation of land availability was converted into an opportunity. . Significance: o All 30 STP projects (100%) are now complete in Uttarakhand for taking care of pollution from 17 Ganga towns near river Ganga, which is a landmark achievement. o The Haridwar-Rishikesh zone contributes about 80% wastewater load into the River Ganga. . Namami Gange Programme: o Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. o It is being operated under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. o The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organizations i.e., State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).  NMCG is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council (set in 2016; which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority - NGRBA). o It has a Rs. 20,000-crore, centrally-funded, non-lapsable corpus and consists of nearly 288 projects. o The main pillars of the programme are:  Sewage Treatment Infrastructure & Industrial Effluent Monitoring  River-Front Development & River-Surface Cleaning  Bio-Diversity & Afforestation  Public Awareness

Other Activities at the Event

. Ganga Avalokan: It is the first museum inaugurated for Ganga. o The museum is dedicated to showcase the culture, biodiversity and rejuvenation activities done in Ganga river. o The museum is located at Chandi Ghat, Haridwar. . Rowing down the Ganges: A book co-published by National Mission for Clean Ganga & Wildlife Institute of India is also launched.

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. The logo of Jal Jeevan Mission and ‘Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis under Jal Jeevan Mission’ is also unveiled during the event.

Way Forward

. The government’s Namami Gange Programme has revitalised India’s efforts in rejuvenating the Ganga. . It is important to build critical sewage infrastructure at pollution hotspots along the river Ganga and its tributaries as a first step in this direction.

29. A demarcation in the interest of public order

The editorial throws light upon the need for the role of the District Magistrate to be clearly differentiated from the role of the Police Commissioner.

Issue:

 Riots essentially result from failure to maintain public order.  The sequence of related events, the instance of blockading roads or deliberately creating traffic jams as a form of protests and police action in restricting or ceding space are a case study of how a few public figures intervene to incite violence changing the nature of a peaceful protest; absence of immediate arrests leads to a riot and dithering on ordering firing results in its spread.  The Police Commissioner of Delhi, responding to criticism of partisanship, pointed out that the criminal justice system, with its inherent checks and balances, should be allowed to work.  The other perspective is that community-wide protest is not itself a crime and Delhi Police, having magisterial powers under the Criminal Procedure Code to take preventive action, failed to maintain public order.  The public policy issue is that such delegation confuses powers with roles. o First, the distinction between independent actions, for which no political clearance is needed, by the District Magistrate to maintain public order and by the police to investigate crime and make arrests, was ignored. o Second, maintaining public order requires the District Magistrate to make hard choices between life and property to check violence. Though any death opens the door to an inquiry, there is no justification for lack of effective police action.

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o Third, the District Magistrate is expected to consider protest as legitimate, leveraging governmental action to prevent others from exploiting the grievance. (In Delhi, the police did not distinguish between wider political support and violence caused by a few.)

.Court’s distinction of concepts:

 The Supreme Court (SC) has made a distinction between: o Law and order, relating to individual crime and o Public order, pertaining to a community at large.  The SC has also emphasised that the two terms are not interchangeable. The two concepts have different objectives and legal standards. o Law and order consists of the analysis made by police of the situation in an area and their commitment to firm action and penalties under criminal law. o Public order is a duty imposed on the District Magistrate to assess whether it is necessary to rush to the spot where law and order has been breached to prevent violence spreading and ease tension.  The District Magistrate’s role is important in exceptional situations — for example, to prevent a breach of peace at a particular place; and also for grievance redress. If an official is allotted a dual role, to both keep in place law and order and maintain public order, this could lead to the displacement of one goal in favour of the other.  The Supreme Court has formulated certain guidelines and rules when it comes to these distinct duties.  The first, concerns the degree and extent of the reach of an act on society. o In Ram Manohar Lohia vs. State of Bihar, the SC held that in the case of public order, the community or the public at large have to be affected by a particular action as it embraces more of the community than ‘law and order’, which affects only a few individuals. o Agitated people deliberately destroying public/ private property affect public order only when they affect a particular community as a whole.  Second, in the Madhu Limaye case, the Bench reiterated that “the emergency must be sudden and the consequences must be sufficiently grave for an imposition of restrictions. o Extension of a restriction over a larger territorial area or for a longer duration requires a relatively higher justification and carefully assessed response.

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 Third, in Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court held that prohibitive orders should not prevent legitimate expression of opinion, or grievance or exercise of democratic rights. Specific restrictions have to be tailored to the goal, nature and stage of the emergency, requiring the adoption of the least restrictive measure.

Measures being taken:

 In Aldanish Rein vs State of NCT of Delhi, the High Court directed the setting up of an oversight mechanism to periodically review the exercise of magisterial powers by Delhi Police.  The Supreme Court, in a PIL, is examining whether police officers can act as magistrates in certain cases.  The Supreme Court has also specifically recognised the importance of the assessment of the role of the District Magistrate, distinct from that of the police.

Way forward:

 The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution distinguishes between ‘police’ and ‘public order’.  Judicial review of roles and proportionality of decisions for maintaining public order, to check whether they are the least intrusive measure, requires a policy rethink if such duties need to be delegated to the police.  The National Police Commission also recognises the coordinating role of the District Magistrate, having more leverage than the police. o Kerala has both a District Magistrate responsible for public order and a senior police officer as city Police Commissioner focusing on crime.

Prevention through grievance redress and reliance on the least blunt instruments are critical for legitimacy, giving up a conflicting view.

30. Managing the global commons

Global Commons:

 ‘Global Commons’ refers to resource domains or areas that lie outside of the political reach of any one nation State.  They are shared resources that cannot be managed within national jurisdictions.

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 It is a term typically used to describe international, supranational, and global resource domains in which common-pool resources are found.  Global commons include the earth’s shared natural resources, such as the high oceans, the atmosphere and outer space and the Antarctic in particular.  Cyberspace may also meet the definition of a global commons.

Context:

 Various events that have occurred in 2020 so far such as the pandemic, record-breaking forest fires, floods and droughts in various places, and the rapid melting of Arctic ice are majorly due to the disruption of the environment.  These events point towards the need to increase efforts in managing interactions with the environment on a global scale.

Governing shared resources:

 For the management of shared resources, there is a need to balance both private and public interests.  For example: Each individual farmer may benefit from turning on the pump to irrigate his/her land, but on a larger scale, it contributes to declining groundwater levels and electricity blackouts.  The spread of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19; greenhouse gas emissions; biodiversity reduction; overfishing; and the accumulation of plastic waste are some of the problems within the scope of global commons.  Garrett Hardin, a biologist popularised the notion of the tragedy of the commons, which implies that communities cannot manage their shared resources and require governmental interventions to regulate resource use or privatise the resource.  A political scientist Elinor Ostrom in her book on governing the commons demonstrated that communities can govern on their own their shared resources, often better than imposed, well-intended solutions from outside. Ostrom was recognised in 2009 for her work by the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Challenges:

 The insights of what kind of governance might be successful at the local community level do not directly address the challenges we face on a global scale.

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 The consequences of human activities on a global scale are only being recognised in recent times.  The appropriate scale of governance of global commons is a highly debated topic. o Some argue that top-down governance with binding agreements is the only effective solution for problems of a global scale. . Multilateral negotiations on climate change and other global commons over decades have had limited success. o Others have emphasised a more decentralised multi-level or polycentric approach that builds on the observed successes of local solutions.  Empirical research demonstrates that well-intended solutions imposed on community members are typically short-lived.

Way forward:

 There is no panacea to solve this problem. Coordinated activities at different scales are needed to address the challenges in managing the global commons.  To manage our global commons, there is a need to facilitate and accommodate the self-governance of local commons, but provide safeguards at different levels to avoid exploitation and manage risks.  When rural and urban communities are allowed to self-govern their shared resources, there could be risks involved for which cities and nations need to accept responsibilities.  At the local levels, initiatives and solutions could be developed that fit the local context.  When expertise is not available, higher-level organisations could facilitate learning from peers in similar conditions.  Failures will be inevitable when local-level experimentation is simulated, and higher-level authorities need to provide insurance for those cases.  If local initiatives are successful, higher-level authorities need to ensure that the outcomes of those successes will not be grabbed by outsiders.

31. Why are Azerbaijan and Armenia fighting again?

Context:

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Fresh clashes have erupted on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, threatening to push the former Soviet republics back to war 26 years after a ceasefire was reached.

Details:

 Armenia (Christian majority) and Azerbaijan (Muslim majority) are a part of South Caucasia.  The territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan is over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Nagorno-Karabakh:

 Nagorno-Karabakh is an ethnically Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan that has been out of Azerbaijan’s control since the end of a war in 1994. o This region has a 95% ethnically Armenian population. o It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.  It broke away from Azerbaijan in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.  Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.  Both sides have a heavy military presence along a demilitarized zone separating the region from the rest of Azerbaijan.

Background:

 The conflict can be traced back to the pre-Soviet era when the region was at the meeting point of the Ottoman, Russian and Persian empires.  Once Azerbaijan and Armenia became Soviet Republics in 1921, Moscow gave Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan but offered autonomy to the contested region.  In the 1980s, when the Soviet power was receding, separatist currents picked up in Nagorno-Karabakh.  In 1988, the national assembly voted to dissolve the region’s autonomous status and join Armenia.  When Armenia and Azerbaijan became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the clashes led to an open war in which tens of thousands were killed. The war lasted till 1994 when both sides reached a ceasefire.

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 By that time, Armenia had taken control of Nagorno-Karabakh and handed it to Armenian rebels. The rebels have declared independence, but have not won recognition from any country.  The region is still treated as a part of Azerbaijan by the international community, and it wants to take it back.  The region was particularly tense because of violent fighting between the two countries in 2016, which came to be known as the four-day war.  The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been tense since 2018.

Concerns:

 The largely mountainous and forested Nagorno-Karabakh which is at the centre of the conflict is home to some 150,000 people. There is a possibility of displacement of the civilian population if a large scale war were to break out.  The energy-rich Azerbaijan has built several gas and oil pipelines across the Caucasus to Turkey and Europe. o It includes the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Western Route Export oil pipeline, the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline and the South Caucasus gas pipeline. o Some of these pipelines pass close to the conflict zone. o In an open war between the two countries, the pipelines could be targeted, which would impact energy supplies.  Military escalation would draw regional powers like Turkey and Russia deeply into the conflict.

Turkey’s role:

 Turkey has historically supported Azerbaijan and has had a troublesome relationship with Armenia.  In the 1990s, during the war, Turkey closed its border with Armenia and it has no diplomatic relations with the country.  On the other end, the Azeris and Turks share strong cultural and historical links. o Azerbaijanis are a Turkic ethnic group and their language is from the Turkic family.  After Azerbaijan became independent, Turkey established strong relations with the country, which has been ruled by a dynastic dictatorship.  Turkey has also held a joint military exercise with Azerbaijan.

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 Recently, the Turkish President has blamed Armenia for the most recent clashes and offered support to Azerbaijan.  This fits well into Turkey’s aggressive foreign policy, which seeks to expand Turkish interests to the former Ottoman territories.

Russia’s stand:

 Russia sees the Caucasus and Central Asian region as its backyard. But the current clashes put the Russian President in a difficult spot as Russia enjoys good ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia and supplies weapons to both.  However, Armenia is more dependent on Russia than the energy-rich, ambitious Azerbaijan. Russia also has a military base in Armenia.  Russia is trying to strike a balance between the two.  Like in the 1990s, its best interest would be in mediating a ceasefire between the warring sides.

32.PMNCH Accountability Breakfast

Why in News

The Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare participated in the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) ‘Accountability Breakfast’ (an annual event) to discuss the issues of maternal and child health.

. The event was co-hosted by the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) and Every Woman Every Child (EWEC). . Theme of the Event: Protecting gains in Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health from the Covid pandemic.

PMNCH

. The Partnership (PMNCH) is a global health partnership founded in 2005. . It is hosted at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland which joins the maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) communities into an alliance. . The Accountability Breakfast aims to convert talk into action for the health and rights of women, children and adolescents.

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The White Ribbon Alliance

. WRA is a nonpartisan, non-profit and non-governmental membership organization that aims to decrease maternal and newborn death globally. . Founded in 1999 and same year it came to India as WRA India . Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA

‘Every Woman Every Child’ (EWEC) Movement

. It was launched by the United Nations during the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit in September 2010. . Every Woman Every Child is an unprecedented global movement that mobilizes and intensifies international and national action by governments, the private sector, and civil society to address the major health challenges facing women, children, and adolescents around the world.

Key Points

. Indian Government Initiatives during Covid-19 Pandemic: o At the national level, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidance to the States to ensure that women, children and adolescents continue to get all the healthcare services even under severe strain due to C ovid-19 pandemic.  Further, the government has included Covid in the medical conditions covered under the Ayushman Bharat – PM JAY insurance package provided by the government. o The government has tried to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure through its policy of no denial for essential services, like-  Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH): It was launched in 2013 to address the major causes of mortality among women and children as well as the delays in accessing and utilizing health care and services.  Tuberculosis, chemotherapy, dialysis and healthcare of the elderly, irrespective of the Covid-19 status. . Government Initiatives related to Maternal and Child Health: o LaQshya program to reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality, morbidity and stillbirths associated with the care around

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delivery in the Labour Room and Maternity Operation Theatre (OT) and ensure respectful maternity care. o Safe Motherhood Assurance (SUMAN) initiative aims to achieve zero preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths.  According to the NITI Aayog data, Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has dropped by 8% in India to 130 per 100,000 live births. The aim is to get it in line with the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 per 1,00,000 live births by 2030. o Janani Suraksha Yojana o Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) o Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) o Mission Indradhanush o Poshan Abhiyan o Mother and Child Protection Card o Making available an adequate number of nurse practitioners in India is another important step towards Universalization of Skilled Birth Care. . Reproductive Rights: A woman's choice during maternal care reckoned that maternity care goes much beyond healthcare services, also including dignity, privacy, confidentiality, choice and respect for her as well as her baby. o India’s Zero-tolerance approach: For service denial to pregnant women and their new-born babies. o Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act:  PCPNDT Act was enacted in 1994 and amended in 2003 and is an important tool for addressing sex-selective eliminations.  Objectives: To ban the use of sex selection techniques before or after conception and prevent the misuse of a prenatal diagnostic technique for sex-selective abortion. o The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971  The Act provides for termination up to 20 weeks. If an unwanted pregnancy has proceeded beyond 20 weeks, women have to approach a medical board and courts to seek permission for termination, which is extremely difficult and cumbersome. For this a new bill to amend the MTP Act is under the consideration of the Parliament.

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Way Forward

. The idea should be to have a fully responsive and accountable health system that will not only result in a positive birthing experience but also help end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. . Need for the strengthened system for client feedback, grievance redressal and greater accountability and transparency.

33.Federalism and Emerging Challenges

Why in News

Recently, several states have complained about the growing crisis of Indian federalism. They have argued about the Ordinances and the Bills brought by the Centre which encroaches on their area of legislation, which is an assault on the federal structure of the Constitution.

Key Points

. Federal Issues Raised by States: o The refusal of the Central government of its legal commitment to compensate for Goods and Services Tax (GST) shortfall on account of lower revenue.  The Centre argued that the lower revenues are the result of an “act of God” for which it cannot be held responsible.  As per the GST Act, states are guaranteed compensation for any revenue shortfall below 14% growth (base year 2015-16) for the first five years ending 2022. o Centre transgressing into the powers of the state government. E.g  The recent Farm Acts which allow farmers to sell their produce outside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and aim to promote inter-state trade. However, the Acts encroach upon the State list.  Entry 33 of the Concurrent List mentions trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution of domestic and imported products of an industry; foodstuffs, including oilseeds and oils; cattle fodder; raw cotton and jute.  However, if foodstuffs are considered synonymous with agriculture, then all the powers of states in respect

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of agriculture, listed so elaborately in the Constitution, shall become redundant.  The Parliament cannot legislate a law in respect of agricultural produce and markets under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution because agriculture and markets are State subjects.  The amendment in banking regulations by bringing cooperative banks under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) supervision.  Cooperative societies come under the State list i.e. list 2 of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. . Provisions Related to Federalism: o Nations are described as ‘federal’ or ‘unitary’, depending on the way in which governance is organised.  Federalism essentially means both the Centre and states have the freedom to operate in their allotted spheres of power, in coordination with each other.  In the unitary system all powers of the Government are centralized in one Government that is Central Government. o In the State of West Bengal vs Union of India (1962), the Supreme Court held that the Indian Constitution is not federal. o However, in S R Bommai vs Union of India (1994), a nine-judge Bench of Supreme Court held federalism a part of the basic structure of the Constitution.  It stated neither the legislative entries in Seventh Schedule, nor the fiscal control by the Union per se are decisive to conclude the Constitution is unitary. The respective legislative powers of states and Centre are traceable to Articles 245 to 254.  The Court has observed that Indian federation differs from the USA significantly. Indian Parliament has the power to admit new States (Article 2), create new States, alter their boundaries and their names, and unite or divide the States (Article 3).  Recently, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) State was converted into two Union Territories - J&K and Ladakh.  The concurrence of States is not needed for the formation and unmaking of States and Union Territories.

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 Further, the court noted the existence of several provisions of the Constitution that allow the Centre to override the powers of the States e.g. legislation on a Concurrent List.  Even though the States are sovereign in their prescribed legislative field, and their executive power is co-extensive with their legislative powers, it is clear that the powers of the States are not coordinated with the Union. This is why the Constitution is often described as ‘quasi-federal’. o The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains three lists that distribute power between the Centre and states (Article 246).  There are 98 subjects (originally 97) in the Union List, on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.  The State List has 59 subjects (originally 66) on which states alone can legislate.  The Concurrent List has 52 subjects (originally 47) on which both the Centre and states can legislate,  In case of a conflict, the law made by Parliament prevails (Article 254). . Mechanism to Solve Dispute: o The Supreme Court has used two mechanisms to solve the dispute between Centre and states over the entry list in Seventh Schedule. The mechanisms are Doctrine of Pith and Substance and Doctrine of Colourable Legislation. o The Doctrine of Pith and Substance says that the constitutionality of legislation is upheld if it is largely covered by one list and touches upon the other list only incidentally.  The doctrine relates to finding out the true nature of a statute.  Pith denotes the ‘essence of something’ or the ‘true nature’, while substance states the most significant or essential part of something. o The Doctrine of Colourable Legislation tests the competence of the legislature against an enacted law. This doctrine states the fact that what cannot be done directly, cannot also be done indirectly.  The doctrine restricts the overstretching of the constituted power of the legislature in a disguised, covert or indirect manner.

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Way Forward

. A diverse and large country like India requires a proper balance between the pillars of federalism, i.e. autonomy of states, national integration, centralisation, decentralisation, nationalisation, and regionalisation. o Extreme political centralisation or chaotic political decentralisation can both lead to the weakening of Indian federalism. . Reforms at the institutional and political level can deepen the roots of federalism in India. e.g. o The contentious role of the Governor in suppressing the states for the Centre’s interest needs to be reviewed. o Proper utilisation of the institutional mechanism of the Inter-state Council must be ensured to develop political goodwill between the Centre and the states on contentious policy issues. o The gradual widening of the fiscal capacity of the states has to be legally guaranteed without reducing the Centre’s share.

34.Gavi COVAX Facility

Why in News

Recently, Serum Institute of India (SII) has received funds from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, that would allow it to double its supply of Covid-19 vaccines (200 million doses) to India and other poorer countries as part of the Gavi COVAX facility. The vaccines will be priced at a maximum of USD 3 per dose.

. SII (Pune), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has agreements to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines, Covidshield (currently under clinical trials) developed by American vaccine maker Novavax, as well as Oxford University in collaboration with Swedish-British drugmaker AstraZeneca.

Key Points

. COVAX is one of three pillars of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which was launched in April 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission and France in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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o The ACT Accelerator is a framework for collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. It is built on three main pillars: Vaccines (COVAX), Therapeutics, Diagnostics. . COVAX is an effort to ensure that people in all corners of the world will get access to Covid-19 vaccines once they are available, regardless of their wealth. o The initial aim is to have 2 billion doses available by the end of 2021, which should be enough to protect high risk and vulnerable people, as well as frontline healthcare workers. . It is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), working in partnership with developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers. . The COVAX facility continually monitors the Covid-19 vaccine landscape to identify the most suitable vaccine candidates, based on scientific merit and scalability, and works with manufacturers to incentivise them to expand their production capacity in advance of vaccines receiving regulatory approval. . Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a mechanism within the COVAX facility, is to ensure that the 92 middle- and lower- income countries that cannot fully afford to pay for Covid-19 vaccines themselves get equal access to Covid-19 vaccines as higher-income self- financing countries and at the same time. o India is a Gavi beneficiary and will, therefore, receive a certain proportion of the vaccines from the COVAX facility.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

. Created in 2000, Gavi is an international organisation - a global Vaccine Alliance, bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries. . Its core partners include the WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. . In June 2019, the Gavi Board approved a new five-year strategy (‘Gavi 5.0’) with a vision to ‘leave no-one behind with immunisation’ and a mission to save lives and protect people’s health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines.

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Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

. CEPI is a global partnership launched in 2017 to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics. . CEPI was founded in Davos (Switzerland) by the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Economic Forum.

35.60 Years of Indus Water Treaty

Why in News

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan marks its 60th anniversary on 19th September 2020.

Key Points

. About:

. o The Indus system comprises the main Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The basin is mainly shared by India and Pakistan with a small share for China and Afghanistan. o With the partition of India in 1947, waters of Indus rivers system were also divided. o The sharing formula, devised after prolonged negotiations, sliced the Indus system into two halves. The three ‘western rivers’ (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) went to Pakistan and the three ‘eastern rivers’ (Sutlej, Ravi and Beas) were portioned to India.  India is allowed to use 20% water of the western rivers for irrigation, power generation and transport purposes.  IWT granted 3.6 million acre-feet (MAF) of “permissible storage capacity” to India on the western rivers but due to poor water development projects, 2-3 MAF of water easily flows into Pakistan. o It seemed equitable but India conceded 80.52% of the aggregate water flows in the Indus system to Pakistan and also gave Rs. 83 crore in pounds sterling to Pakistan to help build replacement canals from the western rivers.

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 India conceded its upper riparian position on the western rivers for the complete rights on the eastern rivers.  It was important to get the waters of the ‘eastern rivers’ for the Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan (starts from the Harike Barrage, a few kilometers below the confluence of the Satluj and Beas rivers) and the Bhakra Dam (on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh) without which both Punjab and Rajasthan would be left dry, severely hampering India’s food production. o The World Bank, as the third party, played a pivotal role in crafting the IWT. . Pakistan’s Responses: o The Pakistan leadership considers the sharing of the waters with India an unfinished business. o Pakistan is not comfortable with the fact that India got away with the total flow of 33 million acre-feet on the eastern rivers, while it had to share the waters of western rivers. o Being a lower riparian state, Pakistan’s scepticism of India allows it to increasingly politicise the issue. It maintains high troop levels and alertness around the canals on the eastern front, fearing that India will try to take control of the western rivers. . Changing Perspectives in India: o Every now and then, there is an uproar in India for abrogating the IWT as a response to Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism and tenacity.  Abrogating IWT would require a number of politico- diplomatic and hydrological factors to be determined and also a political consensus. o Terror attacks in Indian Parliament in 2001, Mumbai in 2008, and the incidents in Uri in 2016 and Pulwama in 2019 could have prompted India, within the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, to withdraw from the IWT. However, on each occasion, India chose not to do so.  Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, an international agreement governing treaties between states that was drafted by the International Law Commission of the United Nations.  It was adopted in 1969 and entered into force in January 1980.

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o It is because India respects its signature and values trans-boundary rivers as an important connector in the region in terms of both diplomacy and economic prosperity. o However, in light of India being hesitant to abrogate the treaty, there have been suggestions to modify it.  Currently, with a new set of hydrological realities, advanced engineering methods in dam construction and de-siltation, there is an urgent need to modify the treaty. o Article XII of the IWT says that it “may from time to time be modified” but carefully notes “by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments”.  Pakistan will see no merit in any modification, having already got a good deal in 1960.  India’s best option, therefore, would be to optimise the provisions of the treaty. o On the developments on western rivers, the permissible storage capacity on the western rivers needs to be urgently utilised. Out of the total estimated capacity of 11406 MW electricity that can be harnessed from the three western rivers in Kashmir, only 3034 MW has been tapped so far, which also needs to be looked into.  Tulbul Navigation project on Jhelum, Ratle and Bagliha hydro projects on Chenab, Bursar hydroelectric project on one of the tributaries of the Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir are few of the projects to utilise the waters of western rivers.  Bursar, once completed, will be India’s first project on the western rivers to have storage infrastructure.  India has fast-tracked the work on Shahpur Kandi dam project, a second Sutlej-Beas link in Punjab and the Ujh Dam project in Jammu and Kashmir to fully utilise the waters of eastern rivers.

Way Forward

. The role of India, as a responsible upper riparian abiding by the provisions of the treaty, has been remarkable but the country is under pressure to rethink the extent to which it can remain committed to the provisions, as its overall political relations with Pakistan becomes intractable. . IWT is often cited as an example of the possibilities of peaceful coexistence that exist despite the troubled relationship between both neighbouring countries.

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36.Arsenic-affected Habitations Increased

Why in News

According to data shared in the Parliament, the number of arsenic-affected habitations in India has increased by 145% in the last five years (2015-20).

Key Points

. Increase: India had 1,800 arsenic-affected habitations in 2015. This increased to 4,421 habitations as of September 2020. o Habitations are the group of households at a community level in a village. o These are the smallest level of settlements that can have between 10- 100 households. . Regions Affected: Most of the arsenic-affected habitations lie in the Ganga and Brahmaputra alluvial plains. i.e in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh (UP). o Assam had the highest share of such habitations (1,853), followed by West Bengal (1,383). o Jharkhand, which did not have any such habitation in 2015, has two now (2020). o However, Karnataka which had nine habitations in 2015, had none in 2020. . Decrease in Fluoride Habitations: The number of fluoride affected habitations has significantly come down from 12,727 in 2015 to 5,485 as of September 2020. o Rajasthan had the highest number of such habitations (2,956), followed by Bihar (861). . Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), priority has been given to such quality- affected habitations through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPP) to meet drinking and cooking needs — until potable water supply through tap connection is provided. o JJM was started in 2019 with the aim to provide piped water supply to every household by 2024. o Under JJM, upto 2% of the allocation to states/ UTs can be utilised for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance activities (WQM&S). o The WQM&S includes setting up and strengthening of water quality testing laboratories, surveillance by community using field test kits

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(FTKs), awareness generation and educational programmes on water quality, etc. . A new Sub-programme under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) viz. National Water Quality Sub-Mission (NWQSM) was started by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (now merged with Ministry of Jal Shakti) in 2017 to address the urgent need for providing clean drinking water in about 28000 Arsenic & Fluoride affected habitations. o The NWQSM aims to cover all rural populations in Arsenic/Fluoride affected habitations with clean drinking water on a sustainable basis by March 2021. o The NWQSM was launched with an outlay of Rs. 25,000 crore. . The NRDWP was started in 2009, with a major emphasis on ensuring sustainability of water availability in terms of potability, adequacy, convenience, affordability and equity. o NRDWP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 50:50 fund sharing between the Centre and the States.

Arsenic Poisoning

. Arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the earth crust and groundwater of a number of countries. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. . Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. . Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer, skin disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. o In early childhood exposure, it has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased deaths in young adults. . According to the WHO’s guidelines for drinking water quality (2011), the permissible limit of Arsenic in groundwater is 0.01 mg per litre. o However, in India the permissible limit in drinking water has recently been revised from 0.05 mg per litre to 0.01 mg per litre. . The most important action in affected communities is the prevention of further exposure to arsenic by provision of a safe water supply.

Fluoride Toxicity

. Excessive fluoride intake usually occurs through the consumption of groundwater naturally rich in fluoride, particularly in warm climates

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where water consumption is greater, or where high-fluoride water is used in food preparation or irrigation of crops. . Such exposure may lead to dental fluorosis (tooth decay) or crippling skeletal fluorosis, which is associated with bone deformities.

37.Djibouti Code of Conduct

Why in News

India joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC) as an observer as part of efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

Key Points

. Djibouti Code of Conduct: o About: It is also known as the Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.  It was adopted on 29th January 2009.  It was established under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

o Objective: Under the code, the signatories agreed to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships. o Jeddah Amendment: An amendment to DCOC was made in 2017 to cover other illicit maritime activities, including human trafficking

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and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to build national and regional capacity to address wider maritime security issues, as a basis for sustainable development of the maritime sector. o Signatories: It has been signed by 20 countries including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.  The member states are located in areas adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Africa and include island nations in the Indian Ocean. o Observers: India, Japan, Norway, the UK and the USA.

. Significance of India Becoming an Observer o Boosting its Indian Ocean Outreach: As India is strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean and nearby waters as part of its overall Indo-Pacific policy, this move will help it in increasing its strategic footprints in Western and Eastern Indian Ocean besides Eastern African coastal states. o Blue Economy: Blue economy is one of the key areas of the Jeddah Amendment.  It refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 0  India has also focussed on the growth of the blue economy through its framework of Indian Ocean Rim Association and DCOC may be another step in that direction. o India-China: China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, its claim in the East China Sea and its rapid advance into the Indian Ocean through ambitious strategic and economic initiatives like the String of pearls and Belt-and-Road Initiative may pose a threat to india.  Further, China is modernising its military base at Djibouti.  Given India’s stakes in Indian ocean and rising Indo-China conflicts, it is very significant for India to develop blue-water naval capabilities.

India in Indo-Pacific

. Shangrila Dialogue: India has internationally emphasized on including the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean in the concept of Indo-Pacific, like at Shangrila Dialogue in 2018. o In accordance, it also set up an Indo-Pacific division in the Ministry of External Affairs. . Quad: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) refers to an ad hoc group including Australia, India, Japan, and the USA with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. o India has signed reciprocal military logistics support agreements with Australia, USA and Japan to increase interoperability with the navies of those countries. . ASEAN: India has emphasized the centrality of ASEAN in its Indo-Pacific framework and India’s Act East policy provides strategic direction to increase its cooperation with ASEAN members. . SAGAR: The Indian government introduced the concept of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) in 2015 as its strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region. o Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. . India’s other policies impacting the maritime domain include Project Sagarmala, Project Mausam, Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), etc.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 1 . India has also begun to focus on its strategic partners in the Western Indian ocean. It has been accepted as an observer at Indian Ocean Commission.

38. Initiatives Launched on G20 EMM

Why in News

Recently, the G20 Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) has taken place under the Presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

. Global initiatives to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef Programme and two documents on climate change, related to managing emissions and climate change adaptations under the G20 in 2020, have been launched. . G20 EMM, 2019 saw an agreement on adopting a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale.

Key Points

. Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation: o It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation within G20 member states.  The Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), developed by the United Nations

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 2 Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), provides a scientific foundation for understanding, implementing and monitoring land degradation. o Globally, it aims to take into account possible implications on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-13: Climate Action, SDG-14: Life below Water, SDG-15: Life on Land) and adhere to the principle of doing no harm. . Global Coral Reef Research and Development Accelerator Platform: o It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at creating a global research and development programme to advance research, innovation and capacity building in all facets of coral reef conservation, restoration and adaptation. o It will strengthen ongoing efforts and commitments made to enhance coral reefs conservation and stop their further degradation.  Limiting global average temperature and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase, in line with the Paris Agreement, provides the only chance for the survival of coral reefs globally. . India’s Stand: o India intends to take measures to enhance coral reef conservation under the National Coastal Mission Programme.  The proposed mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) will address the impact of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems.  It will include all phases of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project. o India has also put efforts towards achieving land degradation neutrality and towards the attainment of global goals of climate change mitigation and adaptation.  The Indian government sees schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana as tools to tackle the problem of land degradation. o India is committed to working with G20 nations for a better world and is taking adequate action to meet the Paris Agreement and its climate commitments. o It was emphasised that equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, finance and technology partnerships are the key pillars to tackle the problem of climate change.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 3 Paris Agreement

. It was adopted by 195 parties at the UN climate conference "COP 21" held in Paris in 2015 with an aim to reduce the hazardous greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. . Objective: To prevent an increase in global average temperature and keep it well below 2 degrees Celsius. . It emphasised that global GHG emissions must fall 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. . 19 members of the G20, except the USA which has pulled out of it, have voiced their commitment to the full implementation of the deal.

G20

. It is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union (EU), with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. . Headquarters: It operates as a forum and not as an organisation. Therefore, it does not have any permanent secretariat or management and administrative structure. . Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU.

39.Support to Self-Employment Schemes: MSME

Why in News

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has announced expansion of and doubling of support to beneficiary oriented Self-Employment schemes aimed at contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

Key Points

. The government will provide assistance to artisans engaged in Pottery Activity and Beekeeping Activity. . Previously, the Ministry of MSME approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 4 . Pottery Activity: o The assistance includes technical knowhow, quality standardization of products, skill-development to Self Help Groups (SHGs), encouragement to the successful traditional potter to set up units under Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) scheme, necessary market linkages by tying up with exports and large buying houses etc.  PMEGP is a credit-linked subsidy scheme which promotes self-employment through setting up of micro-enterprises. o It also includes setting up of clusters in Terracotta, Red clay pottery, with new innovative value added products to build pottery to crockery/tile making capabilities under the SFURTI scheme.  The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) aims to make traditional industries more productive and competitive by organizing the traditional industries and artisans into clusters.

Terracotta

. Terracotta is a type of ceramic pottery, made by baking terracotta clay. . The word “terracotta” comes from the Italian words for “baked earth.” . It is often used for making pipes, bricks, and sculptures. . Recently, a Terracotta Grinder was launched at Varanasi by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). . The Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) terracotta has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. . Terracotta Figurines were also made during the Indus Valley Civilization. They were either used as toys or objects of worship and represented birds, dogs, sheep, cattle and monkeys. o The famous terracotta figure of the Mother Goddess was discovered in Mohen-jodaro which shows the Mother Goddess as the symbol of fertility and prosperity.

. Beekeeping Activity: o It aims to create sustainable employment for the beekeepers/farmers, help artisans adopt scientific Beekeeping & Management practices, utilize available natural resources; and create awareness about the benefits of beekeeping in cross pollination.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 5 o It involves distributing tools and equipment to migrant labourers in the Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan (PMGKRA) districts and providing training to the beneficiaries, setting up clusters under the SFURTI Scheme.  PMGKRA empowers and provides livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens who have returned to their home states due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown. o Recently, the Ministry of MSME flagged off ‘Apiary on Wheels’.  ‘Apiary on Wheels’ is a unique concept designed by the KVIC for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies. o A Beekeeping Development Committee was also constituted in 2019 under the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) to give recommendations to enhance the contribution of the beekeeping sector for achieving the target of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022. o KVIC also launched a Honey Mission in 2017 under which it provides awareness, training and ‘Bee Boxes’ along with Bee Colonies to the farmers.  The Honey mission was in line with the ‘Sweet Revolution’, launched in 2016 to promote beekeeping and associated activities. . Benefit: o The program will immediately benefit about 1500 artisans, in providing sustainable employment with increased earnings. o Artisans living in rural areas, Self Help Groups and Migrant workers will particularly benefit from the program. o In addition to enhancing employment opportunities locally, the programme will also help in capturing the export market in such products.

Way Forward

. The MSME sector has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the rural enterprise owners. In addition to these self- employment schemes, the government can provide tax relief (GST and corporate tax), give swift refunds, and provide liquidity to rural India (may be through PM-Kisan) to boost demand for MSME products.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 6 40. India needs to change the framework of non-involvement

Recent geopolitical developments

 India-China tensions have soared over the border issue.  The Afghan peace process is underway with the first direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban insurgents at Doha, in Qatar.  The normalisation of the relations between Israel and Arab countries began with the UAE and Bahrain normalising the relations.

Issues with the development

 The chances of failure in Afghanistan are real.  The momentum behind the normalisation of ties between Israel and the Gulf kingdoms, may not necessarily lead to broader peace in the Middle East.  The US initiatives in Afghanistan and Arabia are driven by President Donald Trump’s quest for diplomatic victories.

Why it matters to India 1) The vulnerability of the peace process

 Because of competing interests, the peace process in Afghanistan and the Middle East remain vulnerable.  The unfolding dynamic will alter the geopolitical landscape in both places.  Whether peace breaks out in Afghanistan or not, the Taliban is here to stay.  As UAE and Bahrain join Egypt and Jordan in having formal relationships with Israel, the contradiction between Arabs and Israelis is no longer the dominant one in the region.

2) India should recognise the importance of Arabia

 India’s strategic community tends to take too narrow a view of the Arabian salience.  The focus is mostly on ensuring oil supplies, promoting manpower exports, and managing the Pakistan problem.  We should consider that the Afghan peace talks are taking place in Qatar, a tiny Gulf Kingdom.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 7  The UAE and Saudi Arabia were the only countries to recognise the Taliban government in the late 1990s.  This time around, they appear to have taken a backseat.  Delhi will need to pay more attention to the unfolding realignments between the Arabs and non-Arab states like Iran, Turkey and Israel.

3) Paradox of American power

 The U.S. is being seen as a declining power in the matters of the Middle East and Afghanistan.  But the reality remains that the US is the one forcing a change in both the places.

4) Implications of strategic vacuum created by the U.S. exit

 As the US steps back from the region, the resulting strategic vacuum is likely to be filled by Russia and China.  Russia and China are quite active in both the Middle East and Afghanistan.  China’s future role in Afghanistan, in partnership with Pakistan, could be quite significant and will be of some concern for India.  Regional powers have already acquired much say in the new geopolitics of the Middle East.  Qatar and UAE punch way above their weight, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are locked in a major contest for regional influence.

5) Domestic politics in the country

 Religious radicalism, sectarian and ethnic divisions, and the clamour for more representative governments are sharpening conflicts within and between countries.  The collapse of the oil market is undermining the region’s economic fortunes.  Collapsing oil market is also making it harder for political elites to address the emerging political challenges.

Conclusion

As the old order begins to crumble in the greater Middle East, the question is no longer whether India should join the geopolitical jousting there; but when, how and in partnership with whom.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 8

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 10 9

GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology,Environment

1.Reversing Global Wildlife Decline

Why in News

Wildlife populations have fallen by more than two-thirds over the last 50 years, according to a Living Planet Report 2020 of the World Wildlife Fund.

Key Points

. Findings: o Related to Biodiversity:  There has been a reduction of 68% in the global wildlife population between 1970 and 2016.  The highest biodiversity loss due to land use change: (1) Europe and Central Asia at 57.9 %; (2) North America at 52.5 %; (3) Latin America and Caribbean at 51.2 %; (4) Africa at 45.9 %; (5) Asia at 43%.  The sharpest declines have occurred throughout the world’s rivers and lakes, where freshwater wildlife has plummeted by 84% since 1970 — about 4% per year. o Related to Land and Oceans:  75% of the Earth’s ice-free land surface has already been significantly altered.  Most of the oceans are polluted.  More than 85% of the area of wetlands has been lost during 1970-2016. . India’s scenario: o India has 2.4% global land share, about 8% global biodiversity and around 16% global population o However, it has lost 12% of its wild mammals, 19% amphibians and 3% birds over the last five decades. o India’s ecological footprint per person is less than 1.6 global hectares (gha)/person (smaller than that of many large countries). But, its high population size has made the gross footprint significantly high.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 0  Ecological Footprint: It is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle. . Factors responsible for this decline: o Changes in how land is used – from pristine forest to cropland or pasture – rank among the greatest threats to biodiversity on land worldwide. o Use and trade of wildlife. o Natural habitat loss. o Degradation and deforestation driven by food production processes. . Need for Conservation Efforts: o Because the health of nature is intimately linked to the health of humans. o The emergence of new infectious diseases like Covid-19 tend to be related to the destruction of forests and wilderness. o Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of today’s global economies and societies, and the ones we aspire to build.  As more and more species are drawn towards extinction, the very life support systems on which civilisation depends are eroded. o As per the World Economic Forum, biodiversity loss is a disturbing threat with few parallels like extreme weather events, climate change, severe income inequality etc.

Biodiversity

. It refers to all the varieties of life that can be found on Earth (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) as well as to the communities that they form and the habitats in which they live. . As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (Article 2): Biological Diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. . It can be understood at three levels: o Species diversity refers to the variety of different species (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) such as palm trees, elephants or bacteria.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 1 o Genetic diversity corresponds to the variety of genes contained in plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. It occurs within a species as well as between species. o Ecosystem diversity refers to all the different habitats - or places - that exist, like tropical or temperate forests, hot and cold deserts, wetlands, rivers, mountains, coral reefs, etc.

Convention on Biological Diversity

. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a legally binding treaty to conserve biodiversity has been in force since 1993. It has 3 main objectives: o The conservation of biological diversity. o The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity. o The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. . The targets of the Convention calls for global trends of terrestrial wildlife to stop declining and start recovering by 2050 or earlier. . India became a party to the Convention in 1994.

Major Indian Government Initiatives

. Wildlife protection Act 1972. . Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974. . Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981. . Environment Protection Act 1986. . Biological Diversity Act 2002. . Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of rights) Act 2006.

Areas of Action

. Conservation Reserves: There must be renewed ambition from the world’s governments to establish large-scale conservation areas, placed in the most valuable hotspots for biodiversity worldwide, such as small islands with species found nowhere else. o These reserves, in which wildlife will live and roam freely, will need to cover at least 40% of the world’s land surface to help bend the curve from decline to recovery for species and entire ecosystems. o Management is more important than the size of reserves.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 2 . Habitat restoration and conservation efforts need to be targeted where they are needed most – for species and habitats on the verge of extinction. . Food Production: Need is to transform our food systems to produce more on less land. o If every farmer on Earth used the best available farming practices, only half of the total area of cropland would be needed to feed the world. There are lots of other inefficiencies that could be ironed out too. o Reducing waste and favouring healthier and more environmentally friendly diets. . Restoring Land: Efforts to restore degraded land are also required. Such as farmland that’s becoming unproductive as a result of soil erosion. o This could return 8% of the world’s land to nature by 2050. . Afforestation: This can help not only in arresting soil erosion but also expansion of desertification along with avenues for biodiversity replenishment.

Way Forward

. While giving back to nature, the conservation measures would simultaneously slow climate change, reduce pressure on water, limit nitrogen pollution in the world’s waterways and boost human health. . Only a comprehensive set of policy measures that transform our relationship with the land and rapidly scale down pollution can build the necessary momentum.

2. Reject this inequitable climate proposal

Context:

 The UN Secretary-General António Guterres advised India to give up coal immediately and reduce emissions by 45% by 2030.  Also, at a press conference at the UN Headquarters, the UN Secretary- General has further asked China and India to reduce their emissions by 45% by 2030, on par with the developed countries.  The editorial argues that the UN Secretary-General’s recent advice to India amounts to asking for its virtual de-industrialisation, stagnation and abandon the population to a permanent low-development trap.

Criticisms:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 3  The current incumbent of the post of UN Secretary-General has embraced the strategy of pressurising the developing countries to bear the brunt of climate mitigation.  The U.S. has rarely been called out for its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, or the EU nations for their long-term reliance on gas and oil.  He has been promoting the agenda of carbon neutrality by 2050 as national level goals applicable to all, without any reference to global and international equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in climate action.  This points to wilful neglect of the core principles of the climate convention, and extreme demands that the developing world cannot satisfy.

India’s track record:

 India’s renewable energy programme is ambitious while its energy efficiency programme is delivering, especially in the domestic consumption sector.  India is one of the few countries with at least 2° Celsius warming compliant climate action.  It is also a part of a much smaller list of those countries currently on track to fulfilling their Paris Agreement commitments.  Despite the accelerated economic growth of recent decades, India’s annual emissions, at 0.5 tonnes per capita, are well below the global average of 1.3 tonnes.  It is also below those of China, the United States and the European Union (EU), the three leading emitters in absolute terms, whose per capita emissions are higher than this average.  In terms of cumulative emissions, India’s contribution by 2017 was only 4% for a population of 1.3 billion, whereas the European Union, with a population of only 448 million, was responsible for 20%. o Cumulative emissions are what really count in determining the extent of temperature increase.  By any yardstick, India is at least on a par, if not above, its weight in responsibility and economic capacity in climate action.

Why should India reject the proposal?

 India, with the lowest per capita income among the G-20 nations, is undergoing the worst economic contraction.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 4  Renewables alongside coal will generate, directly and indirectly, far more employment than renewables alone.  The UNFCCC itself has reported that between 1990 and 2017, the developed nations (excluding Russia and east Europe) have reduced their annual emissions by only 1.3%.  The Global North has hidden the reality of continued dependence on oil and natural gas, both, equally fossil fuels. Also, there are no timelines for their phaseout.  Also, they have diverted attention by talks of “carbon neutrality” by 2050, and the passage of resolutions declaring a climate emergency.  The foundational principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) distinguish sharply between the responsibilities and commitments of developed countries vis-à-vis those of developing countries. o The UN Secretary-General’s climate diplomacy signals a deliberate setting aside of the foundational principle.

A First World strategy:

 Large sections of First World environmentalists, while unable to gather the domestic political support required for climate action, have turned to pressurize the developing countries to bear the brunt of climate mitigation.  Their strategies include: o Demonising of coal mining and coal-based power generation. o Promoting claims that immediate climate mitigation would miraculously lower domestic inequalities and ensure climate adaptation. o Promoting Third World natural resources as active sites of mitigation and not adaptation. o Promoting theories of “de-growth” or the neglect of industrial and agricultural productivity for the pursuit of climate change mitigation.  Increasing appeals are made to multilateral or First World financial and development institutions to force this agenda on to developing countries.  A section of concerned youth in the developing countries, fearful of their futures, but unsensitised to global and international inequalities, have also helped promote the undifferentiated rhetoric of a climate emergency for which all are held equally responsible.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 5 What will be the consequences if India ceases all coal investment from this very year?

 Currently, manufacturing growth powered by fossil fuel-based energy is itself a necessity, both technological and economic, for the transition to renewables.  Unlike the developed nations, India cannot substitute coal substantially by oil and gas. Despite some wind potential, a huge part of this growth needs to come from solar.  None of this will really drive industry, particularly manufacturing, since renewables at best can meet residential consumption and some part of the demand from the service sector.  Whether providing 70% to 80% of all generation capacity is possible through renewables depends critically on technology development, including improvements in the efficiency of conversion of energy from its source into electricity, in the management of the corresponding electricity grids, as well as advance in storage technologies. o Since the Copenhagen Accord signalled the end of legally binding commitments to emissions reduction by the developed countries, technology development in climate change mitigation technologies has registered a significant fall. o The annual filing of patents shows a decline.  Lacking production capacity in renewable energy technologies and their large-scale operation, deployment on this scale will expose India to increasing and severe dependence on external sources and supply chains.

Conclusion:

India must unanimously reject the UN Secretary-General’s call and reiterate its long-standing commitment to an equitable response to the challenge of global warming.

3.Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog

Why in News

Recently, Indian scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, Pune have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of morphological phenotypic plasticity (MPP) in the Kalinga cricket frog.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 6 Key Points

. Kalinga Cricket Frog: o Scientific Name: Fejervarya kalinga. o It is a recently identified species which was documented in 2018. o It was thought to be endemic only to the higher-elevation hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. o Cricket frogs are indicators of a healthy ecosystem and live in wide habitat ranges in agricultural fields, streams, swamps and wetlands. . Latest Findings: o It has been reported from the central Western Ghats, with the evidence of considerable MPP. o Its physical characteristics are entirely different from the other known Fejervaraya/Minervarya species from the Western Ghats.  Fejervarya is a genera of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae found in Asia.  Minervarya is a genus of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae. o It was the only genetic analysis that helped prove that physically different-looking frogs from eastern and western ghats were the same.  Morphological character utility (identification of structural features) is not enough to identify a species and its taxonomic (related to classification of organisms) uncertainties. Utility of genetic data and DNA barcoding tools help in resolving these. . Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity: o Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change in response to stimuli or inputs from the environment.  The term "phenotype" refers to the observable physical properties of an organism, which include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior. o The response may or may not be adaptive, and it may involve a change in morphology (MPP), physiological state, or behavior, or some combination of these, at any level of organisation, the phenotype being all of the characteristics of an organism other than its genes.  MPP is the ability of an organism to show drastic morphological (physical features) variations in response to natural environmental variations or stimuli. o It is also known as phenotypic responsiveness, flexibility, and condition sensitivity.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 7 o Frogs are known to exhibit varied reproductive behaviours by adopting different modes and strategies for successful survival. . Differences in Morphological Features: o There are contrasting morphometric differences in terms of head shape and size, fingers and toe sizes between the Kalinga frogs from eastern and western ghats. o The Kalinga frog is a semi-aquatic frog that actively breeds in the monsoon.  The Western Ghats are more influenced by the southwest monsoon, while the Eastern Ghats are influenced by the northeast monsoon, impacting the breeding seasons of the frogs. . Significance of the Discovery: o The behavioural studies of many anuran (frog or toad) species will help in generating information on the selection of breeding sites, courtship patterns and ecological adaptations. o The information will not only help to trace the distribution of these species along the peninsular region of India but could also be used to evaluate the possible links with other species that were found in the Northeast region. o In this era of ‘mass extinction of smaller vertebrates’ and ‘rapid climate change’ scenarios, the report is a first-of-its-kind in Indian amphibian research history. . More Research Needed: o The study also emphasises that there is an urgent need to address or solve problems related to taxonomic uncertainties. o Researchers are trying to understand the possibilities of this split between two populations due to the Deccan Trap formation (volcanic/igneous region).  Usually, such kind of habitat expansion requires more nuclear gene divergence.  The currently found differences are not due to just a habitat expansion because there is very less genetic divergence. o Another important question is how this little genetic divergence is leading to such contrasting morphological adaptations in these two biogeographic zones, the Western and Eastern Ghats.  Biogeographic zones are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species. o Also, there is a need for more research on the isolation of these two populations due to climate change.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 8 Western and Eastern Ghats

. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are the two different biogeographic zones, with unique histories. . While the Western Ghats are considered as a biodiversity hotspot, that is not the case with the Eastern Ghats. . Geologically, the Western Ghats are ancient, having Gondwanaland relict forests in the south, while the formation of the Eastern Ghats is recent. . Both landscapes have unique ecosystems, with special microclimates and microhabitats that support a great number of diversities including amphibians.

4. Eight Indian Beaches Recommended for Blue Flag

Why in News

On the occasion of International Coastal Clean-Up Day, for the first time eight beaches of India are recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification.

Key Points

. The eight beaches are: o Shivrajpur in Gujarat, o Ghoghla in Daman & Diu, o Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, o Kappad in Kerala, o Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, o Golden beach of Odisha and o Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar. . Blue Flag Certification: o Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. o The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco- labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. o In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 11 9 o The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).  FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) was established in France in 1985. o On the lines of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own eco-label BEAMS. . BEAMS o On this occasion, India has also launched India’s own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project. o This is launched by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). o The objectives of BEAMS program is to:  Abate pollution in coastal waters,  Promote sustainable development of beach facilities,  Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources,  Strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness,  Hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan

. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM) is a process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability. o The concept of ICZM was born in 1992 during the Earth Summit of Rio de Janeiro. o The specifics regarding ICZM is set out in the proceedings of the summit within Agenda 21. . Implementation o It is a World Bank assisted project and is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). o The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, is providing scientific and technical inputs.

Society of Integrated Coastal Management

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 0 . Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) has been established under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. . It has a vision for a vibrant, healthy and resilient coastal and marine environment for the continuous and enhanced outflow of benefits to the country and the coastal community. . SICOM is the national project management unit of India in strategic planning, management, execution, monitoring and successful implementation of the ICZMP-Phase-I.

International Coastal Clean-Up Day

. It has been celebrated across 100 countries since 1986. . The day is marked each year on the third Saturday of September as an initiative of the Washington-based Ocean Conservancy, a volunteer effort for ocean health.

5. Retrospective taxation: The Vodafone case

The Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague recently ruled that India’s retrospective demand of Rs 22,100 crore as capital gains and withholding tax imposed on the British telecommunication company for a 2007 deal was in breach of the guarantee of fair and equitable treatment.

 The court has also asked India not to pursue the tax demand any more against Vodafone Group.

What is the case?

 In May 2007, Vodafone had bought a 67% stake in Hutchison Whampoa for $11 billion. This included the mobile telephony business and other assets of Hutchison in India.  In September that year, the India government for the first time raised a demand of Rs 7,990 crore in capital gains and withholding tax from Vodafone, saying the company should have deducted the tax at source before making a payment to Hutchison.  Vodafone challenged the demand notice in the Bombay High Court, which ruled in favour of the Income Tax Department.  Subsequently, Vodafone challenged the High Court judgment in the Supreme Court, which in 2012 ruled that Vodafone Group’s interpretation

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 1 of the was correct and that it did not have to pay any taxes for the stake purchase. Income Tax Act of 1961  In 2012, Finance Minister circumvented Supreme Court’s ruling by proposing an amendment to the Finance Act, thereby giving the Income Tax Department the power to retrospectively tax such deals.  The Act was passed by Parliament that year and the onus to pay the taxes fell back on Vodafone. The case had by then become infamous as the retrospective taxation case.

What is retrospective taxation?

 It allows a country to pass a rule on taxing certain products, items or services and deals and charge companies from a time behind the date on which the law is passed.  Countries use this route to correct any anomalies in their taxation policies that have, in the past, allowed companies to take advantage of such loopholes.  While governments often use a retrospective amendment to taxation laws to clarify existing laws, it ends up hurting companies that had knowingly or unknowingly interpreted the tax rules differently.  The ruling in favour of Vodafone signals a setback for the country’s retrospective taxation policies. It also raises the possibility of other cases under arbitration being decided on similar lines.

What is the Bilateral Investment Treaty?

 By 2014, all attempts by the telco and the Finance Ministry to settle the issue had failed. Vodafone Group then invoked Clause 9 of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed between India and the Netherlands in 1995. o On November 6, 1995, India and the Netherlands had signed a BIT for promotion and protection of investment by companies of each country in the other’s jurisdiction.  Among the various agreements, the treaty had then stated that both countries would strive to encourage and promote favourable conditions for investors of the other country.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 2 Ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration:

 One of the major factors for the Court of Arbitration to rule in favour of Vodafone was the violation of the BIT and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).  In 2014, when the Vodafone Group had initiated arbitration against India at the Court of Arbitration, it had done so under Article 9 of the BIT between India and the Netherlands.  Article 9 of the BIT says that any dispute between an investor of one contracting party and the other contracting party in connection with an investment in the territory of the other contracting party shall as far as possible be settled amicably through negotiations.  The other was Article 3 of the arbitration rules of UNCITRAL, which says that constitution of the arbitral tribunal shall not be hindered by any controversy with respect to the sufficiency of the notice of arbitration, which shall be finally resolved by the arbitral tribunal.

Permanent Court of Arbitration

 It was established by treaty at the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899 to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states.  It is the oldest global institution for the settlement of international disputes.  In addition to the Members of the Court, the PCA also maintains various specialized panels of arbitrators for environmental and outer space disputes.  The PCA has a Financial Assistance Fund which aims at helping developing countries meet part of the costs involved in international arbitration or other means of dispute settlement offered by the PCA.  The PCA has a three-part organizational structure consisting of an o Administrative Council: that oversees its policies and budgets; o Members of the Court: A panel of independent potential arbitrators known as the o Secretariat: known as the International Bureau, headed by the Secretary-General.

Difference between International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 3  Unlike the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration has no sitting judges: the parties themselves select the arbitrators.  Sessions of the Permanent Court of Arbitration are held in private and are confidential. The Court also provides arbitration in disputes between international organisations and between states and international organisations.

6. Climate Change and Forest Fire Link

Why in News

Scientists note that human-induced climate change promotes the conditions on which wildfires depend.

Key Points

. Wildfire: Also called forest, bush or vegetation fire, can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography). o Wildfires can be incited by human actions, such as land clearing, extreme drought or in rare cases by lightning. o There are three conditions that need to be present in order for a wildfire to burn: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. . Human-induced Climate Change: Increases in greenhouse gases resulting from human activities have led to a net effect of warming of the climate system leading to direct impacts including increased air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level. The increases in greenhouse gases can be attributed to fossil fuel use, land-use change, etc. . Concerns: o Forest fires have become an issue of global concern. In many countries, wildfires are burning larger areas, and fire seasons are growing longer due to global warming. o Australia recently battled its largest bushfire on record, while parts of the Arctic, the Amazon and central Asia have also experienced unusually severe fires.  Wildfires in Western USA (California) are another example.

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o Globally, forest fires release billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, while hundreds of thousands of people are believed to die due to illnesses caused by exposure to smoke from forest fires and other landscape fires. . Factors: o Fire Weather:  Climate change increases the frequency and severity of fire weather around the world.  Increased fire weather from climate change amplifies fire risk where fuels remain available.  Fire weather is a combination of conditions that set the stage for the rapid spread of wildfires.  High temperature  Low Relative humidity  Strong sustained winds (> 20 mph) carry oxygen and spread flames. o Poor land and forest management also contributes to the wildfires, however, it does not alone account for the recent increases in the extent and severity of the wildfires globally. o Factors Identified by the IPCC: The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2013, identified a few factors that could influence the way wildfires play out. These include:  Global increase in average temperatures.  Global increases in the frequency, intensity and extent of heatwaves (breaching of historically extreme temperature thresholds).  Regional increases in the frequency, duration and intensity of droughts.

Indian Scenario

. Forest Fire & Monitoring: o A joint study report of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF&CC) and World Bank titled “Strengthening Forest Fire Management in India” released in June 2018 revealed that in the year 2000, 20 districts, representing 3% of India’s land area and 16% of forest cover accounted for 44% of all fire detections.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 5 o The upgraded version of the Forest Fire Alert System (FAST 3.0) was released in January, 2019 with a separate activity of monitoring large forest fires. o Forest Cover of States & UTs under different fire prone classes:  Extremely Fire Prone: Mizoram > Tripura  Very Highly Fire Prone: Mizoram > Manipur  Highly Fire Prone: Nagaland > Manipur  Moderately Fire Prone: Punjab > Nagaland o It is seen that most of the fire prone forest areas are found in the north-eastern region and the central part of the country.

. India’s Initiative to Tackle Forest Fire: o National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018  MoEF&CC, has come up with the National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018 to revamp forest fire management in the country.  Objectives: Informing, Enabling and Empowering forest fringe communities and Incentivizing them to work in tandem with the State Forest Departments (SFDs).  The plan proposes nine strategies to address the issue, including establishment of a “Centre of Excellence on Forest Fire Management”at Forest Survey of India (FSI). o Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme:  The Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM) is the only centrally funded program specifically dedicated to assist the states in dealing with forest fires.  The FPM replaced the Intensification of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS) in 2017.  Funds allocated under the FPM are according to a center-state cost-sharing formula, with a 90:10 ratio of central to state funding in the Northeast and Western Himalayan regions and a 60:40 ratio for all other states.  It also provides the states the flexibility to direct a portion of the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Mission for Green India (GIM) funding toward forest fire work.

Way Forward

. Climate change is the reality, so are the increased severe forest fires. Management of forest fire needs to be tackled at various levels.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 6 . First, at local or regional level by minimising the accidental chances of man-made fires. . At national level it requires a specific approach to manage resources like Land and Forest to reduce the chance of such fires. Also, the need to handle climate change must be a part of policy making and implementation. . At global level a sincere effort to reduce the impact of climate change along with reduction in factors causing climate change should be a united priority of all nations. Only then the link between climate change and forest fires can be weakened.

7. The benefits of a carbon tax

Context:

 China, the largest carbon dioxide emitter, has announced that it would balance out its carbon emissions with measures to offset them before 2060.  With this development, the spotlight is on the U.S. and India, ranking second and third in emissions.  Also, India ranks fifth in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020.

Climate change concerns:

 In the recent past, there have been several indications of the existential danger from global warming.  E.g.: record heat waves in Delhi, floods in southwest China, and catastrophic forest fires in California.  According to a United Nations report, between 1998 and 2017, disaster-hit countries reported $2.9 trillion in direct economic losses, with 77% resulting from climate change. o The U.S. faced the highest losses, followed by China, Japan, and India.  While air pollution levels have decreased worldwide after the COVID-19 outbreak, with the resumption of polluting activities, emissions in India are set to rise sharply unless strong action is taken. o Carbon dioxide, a major culprit in global warming, was 414 parts per million in August 2020 because of past accumulation. o As one half comes from the three top carbon emitters, they need to drive de-carbonisation.

Efforts by India:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 7  It is in the country’s interest to take stronger action before 2030, leading to no net carbon increase by 2050.  India has committed to: o 40% of electricity capacity being from non-fossil fuels by 2030. o Lowering the ratio of emissions to GDP by one-third from 2005 levels.

Way forward:

 A market-oriented approach to tax and trade carbon domestically and to induce similar action by others through international trade and diplomacy offers a way forward.  The government can introduce incentives for electric vehicles.  An environmental tax in the 2020-21 budget can prove to be beneficial.  Another way to cut effluents while earning revenues is to price the carbon content of domestic production and imports (energy and transport). o Big economies like India should also use their global monopsony, or the power of a large buyer in international trade, to impose a carbon tariff. o With the IMF endorsing the European Union’s plan to impose carbon levies on imports, India can be among the first movers in the developing world in taxing and switching from carbon-intensive fuels.  Focusing on trade is important because reducing the domestic carbon content of production alone would not avert the harm if imports remain carbon-intensive. o Therefore, leading emitters should use their monopsony, diplomacy and financial capabilities to build a climate coalition with partners.  Pricing carbon through emission trading, i.e., setting a maximum amount of allowable effluents from industries, and permitting those with low emissions to sell their extra space is also a suitable measure. o Pilot projects on carbon trading in China have shown success. o There is valuable experience in the EU and some American states.  Carbon tax can be levied on economic activities — for example, on the use of fossil fuels like coal, as done in Canada and Sweden. o A carbon tax is a fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels. o This is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by between 80 and 90 million tonnes by 2022.  The fiscal gains from pricing carbon can be fairly large.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 8 o A carbon tax at $35 per tonne of CO2 emissions in India is estimated to be capable of generating some 2% of GDP through 2030.

Conclusion:

India is among the nations that are hardest hit by climate impacts. While there is growing public support for climate action, the solutions must be in the country’s interests.

8.Farm Bills: who gains and who loses

Context:

Farmers have taken to the streets, protesting against three Bills on agriculture market reforms that were passed by Parliament.

What are the three Bills?

 The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, allows farmers to sell their harvest outside the notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis without paying any State taxes or fees.  The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, facilitates contract farming and direct marketing.  The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, deregulates the production, storage, movement and sale of several major foodstuffs, including cereals, pulses, edible oils and onion, except in the case of extraordinary circumstances.

Will farmers get minimum support price?

 Farmers opine that, minimum support prices (MSP), are threatened by the new laws. o MSPs are the pre-set rates at which the Central government purchases produce from farmers, regardless of market rates. o They are declared for 23 crops at the beginning of each sowing season. o Centre only purchases paddy, wheat and select pulses in large quantities, and only 6% of farmers actually sell their crops at MSP

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 12 9 rates, according to the 2015 Shanta Kumar Committee’s report using National Sample Survey data.  None of these recently passed bills directly impinge upon the MSP regime.  It is feared by the farmers that encouraging tax-free private trade outside the APMC mandis will make these notified markets unviable, which could lead to a reduction in government procurement itself. o Because most government procurement centres in Punjab, Haryana and a few other States are located within the notified APMC mandis.  Farmers are also demanding that MSPs be made universal, within mandis and outside, so that all buyers government or private will have to use these rates as a floor price below which sales cannot be made.

What are some other concerns?

 One of the major concerns raised is that, since agriculture falls in the State list, Centre should not be making legislation on this subject.  They are concerned about the loss of revenue from mandi taxes and fees.  Some economists state that both Punjab and Rajasthan are considering to expand the bounds of their APMC mandi yards to ensure that they can continue collecting taxes on all agricultural trade within their State’s borders.  Paddy farming has received a major boost with procurement at MSPs and farmers fear their newly assured incomes are at stake.

Conclusion:

 The government opines that the new laws will provide farmers with more choice, with competition leading to better prices, as well as ushering in a surge of private investment in agricultural marketing, processing and infrastructure.  With only 7,000 APMC markets operating across India, the majority of agricultural marketing already happens outside the mandi network.  States like Bihar, Kerala and Manipur do not follow the APMC system.  However, most private buyers are currently small traders at local mandis.  The removal of stock limits and facilitation of bulk purchase and storage through the amendment to the Essential Commodities Act could bring large corporate players into the agriculture space.  Although corporates will bring much-needed investment, they could also distort the playing field, as small farmers might not be able to match them in bargaining power.

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9.PCA Decision on Retrospective Taxation by India

Why in News

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague (Netherlands) ruled that India’s retrospective imposition of a tax liability, as well as interest and penalties on Vodafone Group for a 2007 deal was violation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty with Netherlands and the arbitration rules of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Key Points

. About the Case: o In May 2007, the British telecommunication company Vodafone Group had bought a 67% stake in a company called Hutchison Whampoa. o For this, the Indian government for the first time raised a demand of capital gains and withholding tax from Vodafone, under the Income Tax Act of 1961. The government argued that Vodafone should have deducted the tax at source before making a payment to Hutchison.  Capital gains tax : It is the tax paid on income that derives from the sale or exchange of an asset, such as a stock or property that's categorized as a capital asset. o In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Vodafone Group. o Later, the Finance Act was amended (2012) giving the Income Tax Department the power to retrospectively tax such deals. o Vodafone then initiated arbitration in 2014 invoking the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed between India and the Netherlands in 1995. o Ruling: The International Arbitration Tribunal at Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the government’s demand is in breach of fair and equitable treatment.  The government must cease seeking the dues from Vodafone.  This was a unanimous decision meaning that India's appointed arbitrator also ruled in favour of Vodafone.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 1 o Future Course for India: India has said it would study the order and all its aspects and take a decision on further course of action including legal remedies before appropriate fora.  According to Indian Government, as Vodafone had not paid the initial tax demand and interest and penalty on it, the question of India paying back the amount does not arise.  India has the option to move to Singapore International Arbitration Centre as well. . Retrospective Taxation: o It allows a country to pass a rule on taxing certain products, items or services and deals and charge companies from a time behind the date on which the law is passed. o Countries use this route to correct any anomalies in their taxation policies that have, in the past, allowed companies to take advantage of such loopholes. o Retrospective Taxation hurts companies that had knowingly or unknowingly interpreted the tax rules differently. o Apart from India, many countries including the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Australia and Italy have retrospectively taxed companies. . Bilateral Investment Treaty: o On 6th November, 1995, India and the Netherlands had signed a BIT for promotion and protection of investment by companies of each country in the other’s jurisdiction. o The two countries would ensure that companies present in each other’s jurisdictions would at all times be accorded fair and equitable treatment and shall enjoy full protection and security in the territory of the other. o The BIT between India and the Netherlands expired on 22nd September, 2016. o Relation to Vodafone Case: Vodafone invoked BIT as its Dutch unit, Vodafone International Holdings BV, had bought the Indian business operations of Hutchison Telecommunication International Ltd. This made it a transaction between a Dutch firm and an Indian firm. . United Nations Commission on International Trade Law: o UNCITRAL was established in 1966 as a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). o It is the core legal body of the United Nations system in the field of international trade law.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 2 o Mandate: To further the progressive harmonization and modernization of rules on international business and reform commercial laws. o It adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration in 1985 and the UNCITRAL Conciliation Rules in 1980. o The UNGA has recommended the use of the said Model Law and Rules in cases where a dispute arises in the context of international commercial relations and the parties seek an amicable settlement of that dispute by recourse to conciliation. o India has also incorporated these uniform principles of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 which has been amended several times.  The Arbitration Act provides for ADR mechanisms like arbitration, conciliations, etc. for national and international stakeholders.

Significance

. Vodafone’s win in the arbitration against the government in the retrospective taxation is very significant as it may cause other similarly placed companies to seek arbitral reliefs. . India is entangled in more than a dozen such cases against companies over retrospective tax claims and cancellation of contracts. The exchequer could end up paying billions of dollars in damages if it loses. . To reduce future arbitration claims, India has ended such bilateral investment agreements with over 50 countries and is working on a new law to protect foreign investors by offering relief from possible policy changes even as it upholds the right to tax them. . The victory of Vodafone at PCA may provide it some relief as the telecom sector is already facing a number of issues and challenges. The ruling comes days after the Supreme Court allowed a period of 10 years for telecom companies to clear Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) related dues, causing heavy financial burden on the telecom sector.

International Arbitration Tribunal

. It is an independent non-governmental panel of independent and impartial experts.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 3 . It generally comprises three members nominated by the Parties (or appointed by the International Arbitration Institution, or by a National Court) on the basis of their legal and practical expertise and knowledge, to render a final and binding award.

Permanent Court of Arbitration

. Established in: 1899. . HQ: The Hague, Netherlands. . Purpose: It is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to serve the international community in the field of dispute resolution and to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between States. . Structure: The PCA has a three-part organizational structure consisting of: o Administrative Council - to oversee its policies and budgets, o Members of the Court - a panel of independent potential arbitrators, and o International Bureau - its Secretariat, headed by the Secretary- General. . Funds: It has a Financial Assistance Fund which aims at helping developing countries meet part of the costs involved in international arbitration or other means of dispute settlement offered by the PCA.

Way Forward

. India needs to craft meaningful and clear dispute resolution mechanisms in cross-border transactions to prevent the disputes from going to international courts, and save the cost and time expenditure. Improving the arbitration ecosystem will have a positive impact on ease of doing business.

10.Leuser Ecosystem

Why in News

Recently, an investigation by the global watchdog Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has shown that various food, cosmetics and finance companies have links with companies implicated in the destruction of the Leuser Ecosystem, a forest area on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 4 Key Points

. Leuser Ecosystem is among the most ancient and life-rich ecosystems ever documented by science and is a world-class hotspot of biodiversity and is widely acknowledged to be among the most important areas of intact rainforest left in all of Southeast Asia. . The ecosystem has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. . Location and Topography: o The ecosystem stretches across the province of Aceh and North Sumatra, Indonesia. o It spans 2.6 million hectares, almost three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, USA. o Its diverse landscape includes lowland and montane rainforests and over 185,000 hectares of carbon-rich peatlands.  Montane rainforests, also called cloud forests, are vegetation of tropical mountainous regions in which the rainfall is often heavy and persistent condensation occurs because of cooling of moisture-laden air currents deflected upward by the mountains.

. Significance: o Wildlife and Biodiversity:  It is among the most important forests left in Southeast Asia, particularly because it is the last place of sufficient size and quality to support viable populations of rare species like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards and sun bears. . 75% of the world’s remaining population of the Sumatran orangutan is found in the ecosystem. o For Humans:  The majority of Aceh’s people, between 70-75%, live on the coastal plains of Sumatra, where many communities have established wet rice cultivation.  The livelihoods and food supply for millions of people rely heavily on the natural services, particularly the water supplies, that the Leuser Ecosystem provides. o Climate Change:  It plays an outsize role regulating the global climate by storing massive amounts of carbon in its peatlands and standing forests.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 5  Peatlands are wet, carbon-rich areas that have formed through thousands of years of undecomposed leaf litter and organic material accumulation.  When these areas are drained and the peat is exposed to air, it begins to oxidize and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. . Threats: o Industrial development for palm oil, pulp and paper plantations and mining continues to threaten the entire ecosystem. o The fires from this widespread destruction have caused major haze pollution from Singapore to Jakarta, resulting in huge economic losses and public health issues. o Sumatra’s unique species are dying out with their negligible populations left and few on the verge of extinction. . Solutions: o There has been enormous progress made in raising international understanding of the importance of protecting the forests and in pressuring the major corporate players involved to accept responsibility and begin to take action.  However, the forests are still falling and the ecosystem is still shrinking. Corporate policies and government regulations are only as good as their follow through. o Strong local partners and international support are needed to reverse accelerating threats facing Leuser’s core forests and wildlife habitats. o Rigorous monitoring, enforcement, and delivering incentives that improve practices in the palm oil sector is key to stopping more efforts to cut down the region’s remaining rainforests.

Sumatran Orangutan

. Scientific Name: Pongo abelii. . These are almost exclusively arboreal which means they live among the trees of tropical rainforests. . Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests. o Historically, the Sumatran orangutan was distributed over the entire island of Sumatra and further south into Java. The species' range is now restricted to the north of the island with a majority in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh. . Threats:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 6 o Habitat loss due to forest fire and conversion of forests to oil palm plantations and other agricultural developments. . Conservation: o IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered. o The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) works with TRAFFIC, the global wildlife trade monitoring network, to help governments enforce restrictions on the trade in live animals and orangutan products.

Way Forward

. A balance must now be found between rebuilding the economy and equitable development while protecting human rights and the ecosystem services that local communities rely on for their livelihoods.

11. Cess pool

Issue:

The latest audit of the Union Government’s accounts tabled in Parliament reveals that the Finance Ministry retained over 40% of all cess collections in 2018-19 in the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).

 As many as 35 different cesses, levies and charges yielded ₹2.75-lakh crore in the year, but only about₹1.64-lakh crore was remitted to the specific reserve funds for which these cesses were levied.  The purposes for which Parliament approved such cesses were not met.

What is Cess?

 Cess is a form of tax charged/levied over and above the base tax liability of a taxpayer.  A cess is usually imposed additionally when the state or the central government looks to raise funds for specific purposes. o Example: the government levies an education cess to generate additional revenue for funding primary, secondary, and higher education.  Cess is not a permanent source of revenue for the government, and it is discontinued when the purpose levying it is fulfilled.

Concerns:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 7  Funds collected by the Centre as cesses for specific purposes, such as the mineral trust, oil industry development and infrastructure, have not been fully transferred to dedicated funds. o Cess collected on crude oil has not been transferred to an oil industry development body it was meant to finance, for over 10 years. o Part of the hefty cess collected as additional excise duties on petrol and diesel, to finance roads and infrastructure, was retained in the CFI. o About ₹47,272 crore GST Compensation Cess was not remitted to its rightful account over the first two years of GST.  Also, a major concern is that the compensation cess transfers to States were accounted as Grants-in-aid to States, distorting the Centre-States fiscal math.  A new 4% Health and Education Cess on income tax was partly deployed towards education, but no fund was created for health, similarly, Social Welfare surcharge levied on customs.  The Centre’s reliance on cesses and surcharges to raise revenue has increased significantly since the States’ share of the divisible pool of taxes was raised to 42% in line with the 14th Finance Commission’s suggestions. o Cess receipts are not part of this pool. o But, their intended use to fund specific public spending needs serves as an acceptable rationale, provided it is adhered to.

Way forward:

 The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) of India has on multiple occasions, urged the Finance Ministry to take immediate corrective actions.  With a climate of distrust hovering over India’s federal polity (Eg. GST compensation dispute) it is critical for the Centre to rebuild confidence.  Cesses need to be rationalised. A good start would be with the excise duties on petrol and diesel.  Absolute transparency is the need of the hour in the management of cess receipts and transfer.

12.Data Sonification: NASA

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 8 Why in News

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Chandra X-Ray Center (CXC) has unveiled a new ‘sonification’ project that transforms data from astronomical images into audio.

Key Points

. Data Sonification: o It refers to the use of sound values to represent real data. o It is the auditory version of data visualisation. o In NASA’s Chandra (sonification) project, for instance, data is represented using a number of musical notes. o The birth of a star, a cloud of dust or even a black hole can be ‘heard’ as a high- or low-pitched sound. . Process of images into sound translation: o Telescopes in space collect digital data, in the form of ones and zeroes (binary), before converting them into images. o The images are visual representations of light and radiation of different wavelengths in space, that can’t be seen by the human eye. o The Chandra project has created a celestial concert by translating the same data into sound. Pitch and volume are used to denote the brightness and position of a celestial object or phenomenon.  Pitch is related to frequency of sound waves. Changing the number of vibrations per second changes the pitch.  Volume, or loudness, is related to the strength, intensity, pressure, or power of the sound. Bigger/amplified vibrations result in bigger/louder sounds. o The data has been collected by NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope. o Thus far, Project Chandra has released three examples - the Galactic Centre, Cassiopeia A, and Pillars of Creation Nebula. o The Galactic Centre  It is the rotational centre of the Milky Way galaxy.  It comprises a collection of celestial objects —  Neutron and white dwarf stars,  Clouds of dust and gas,  A supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A*(weighs four million times the mass of the sun). o Cassiopeia A

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 13 9  Located around 11,000 light years away from Earth in the northern Cassiopeia constellation.  Cassiopeia A is a well-known remnant of a once-massive star that was destroyed by a supernova explosion around 325 years ago. o The Pillars of Creation  The iconic Pillars of Creation is located in the centre of the Eagle Nebula (it is a constellation of stars), which is also known as Messier 16. . Significance of Data Sonification: o The sonification project was led by the Chandra X-ray Center in collaboration with NASA’s Universe of Learning Program (UoL), which aims to “incorporate NASA science content into the learning environment effectively and efficiently for learners of all ages”. o Over the years, NASA has been working towards making data about space accessible for a larger audience. o Sonification projects like this allow audiences - including visually- impaired communities - to experience space through data.

Chandra X-ray Project

. The Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched by Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999. . The Chandra X-ray Observatory is part of NASA's ﬂeet of "Great Observatories" along with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope. . The "X-ray universe" refers to the universe as observed with telescopes designed to detect X-rays. X-rays are produced in the cosmos when matter is heated to millions of degrees. Such temperatures occur where high magnetic fields, or extreme gravity, or explosive forces exist in space. . The telescope is named after the Nobel Prize-winning Indian astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. o Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar 's work implied that stars more massive than the so-called Chandrasekhar limit would eventually collapse to become objects so dense that not even light could escape it.  Chandrasekhar limit is the theoretical maximum mass a white dwarf star can have and still remain a white dwarf.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 0 o Although this finding was received with some skepticism at the time, it went on to form the foundation of the theory of black holes, eventually earning him a Nobel Prize in physics for 1983.

The Hubble Space Telescope

. It is one of the largest and most versatile telescopes in service. . It is a space telescope that was launched into low Earth orbit (540km above Earth) in 1990. . Hubble’s four main instruments observe in the near ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared spectra.

Black Holes

. The term ‘black hole’ was coined in the mid-1960s by American Physicist John Archibald Wheeler. . It refers to a point in space where the matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape. . Black-holes were theorized by Albert Einstein in 1915.

Supernova

. A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space. . A supernova happens where there is a change in the core, or centre, of a star.

Neutron stars

. Neutron stars comprise one of the possible evolutionary end-points of high mass stars. . Once the core of the star has completely burned to iron, energy production stops and the core rapidly collapses, squeezing electrons and protons together to form neutrons and neutrinos. . A star supported by neutron degeneracy pressure is known as a ‘neutron star’, which may be seen as a pulsar if its magnetic field is favourably aligned with its spin axis.

13.NASA’s Artemis Program

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 1 Why in News

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) published the outline for its Artemis program, which plans to send the next man and first woman to the lunar surface by the year 2024.

. The last time NASA sent humans to the Moon was in 1972, during the Apollo lunar mission.

Key Points

. The Artemis program: o With the Artemis program, NASA wishes to demonstrate new technologies, capabilities and business approaches that will ultimately be needed for the future exploration of Mars. o It stands for Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun. o The program is divided into three parts:  Artemis I is most likely to be launched 2021 and involves an uncrewed flight to test the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft.  Artemis II will be the first crewed flight test and is targeted for 2023.  Artemis III will land astronauts on the Moon’s South Pole in 2024. . Systems Developed: o For NASA, going to the moon involves various elements such as:  The exploration ground systems (the structures on the ground that are required to support the launch),  The Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion (the spacecraft for lunar missions).  NASA’s new rocket called SLS will send astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft.  Gateway (the lunar outpost around the Moon),  Lunar landers (modern human landing systems),  Once the astronauts dock Orion at the Gateway — which is a small spaceship in orbit around the moon — they will be able to live and work around the Moon, and from the spaceship, will take expeditions to the surface of the Moon.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 2  The astronauts going for the Artemis program will wear newly designed spacesuits, called Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or xEMU.  These spacesuits feature advanced mobility and communications and interchangeable parts that can be configured for spacewalks in microgravity or on a planetary surface. . NASA and the Moon o The US began trying to put people in space as early as 1961. Eight years later, on 20th July, 1969, Neil Armstrong along with Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first human to step on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. o Apart from the purpose of space exploration, NASA’s endeavour to send Americans to the Moon again is to demonstrate American leadership in space and to establish a strategic presence on the Moon, while expanding the US global economic impact. . Moon Exploration o In 1959, the Soviet Union’s uncrewed Luna 1 and 2 became the first rover to visit the Moon. o Before the USA sent the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon, it sent three classes of robotic missions between 1961 and 1968. o After July 1969, 12 American astronauts walked on the surface of the Moon until 1972. o In the 1990s, the USA resumed lunar exploration with robotic missions Clementine and Lunar Prospector. o In 2009, it began a new series of robotic lunar missions with the launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). o In 2011, NASA began the ARTEMIS. o In 2012, the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft studied the Moon’s gravity. o Apart from the USA, the European Space Agency, Japan, China, and India have sent missions to explore the Moon. China landed two rovers on the surface, which includes the first-ever landing on the Moon’s far side in 2019. . ISRO’s Moon Exploration: o Chandrayaan 1:  The Chandrayaan project began in 2007 with an agreement between India’s space agency ISRO and Russia’s ROSCOSMOS for mutual cooperation.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 3  However, the mission was postponed in January 2013 and rescheduled to 2016 as Russia was unable to develop the lander on time.  Findings: Confirmed presence of lunar water.  Evidence of lunar caves formed by an ancient lunar lava flow.  Past tectonic activity was found on the lunar surface.  The faults and fractures discovered could be features of past interior tectonic activity coupled with meteorite impacts. o Chandrayaan-2 is India's second mission to the moon and comprises a fully indigenous Orbiter, Lander (Vikram) and Rover (Pragyan).  The Rover Pragyan is housed inside Vikram lander. o The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced India’s third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, which will comprise a lander and a rover.

14. Weighing in on the efficacy of female leadership

The editorial analyses the necessity to get rid of inherent biases and perceptions about the effectiveness of women in roles of authority, specifically with respect to India.

Women leadership across the Globe:

 With women leaders heading their governments, Germany, Taiwan and New Zealand have garnered much-deserved appreciation for having managed the pandemic much better than their neighbours.  A detailed study by researchers in the United States reports that States which have female governors had fewer COVID-19 related deaths. o Perhaps partly because female governors acted more decisively by issuing earlier stay-at-home orders. o The authors of the study conclude that women leaders are more effective than their male counterparts in times of crisis.  While it is dangerous to make sweeping generalisations based on one study, the important takeaway is the necessity of getting rid of inherent biases and perceptions about female effectiveness in leadership roles.

India’s gram panchayats:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 4  A study was conducted by Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo and co-author Raghabendra Chattopadhyay, who used the system of mandated reservations of pradhans in gram panchayats to test the effectiveness of female leadership.  Note: o The 1993 amendment to the Indian Constitution mandated that all States had to reserve one-third of all positions of pradhan for women. o Since villages chosen for the mandated reservations were randomly selected, differences in investment decisions made by gram panchayats could be attributed to the differences in gender of the pradhans.  The study demonstrated that women perform significantly better than men in implementing policies that promote the interests of women.  They concluded that pradhans invested more in rural infrastructure that served better the needs of their own gender.

Gender Equality:

 What needs evaluation is: What proportion of women stand for election to the various State and central legislatures? How many are elected? How many women occupy important positions in the executive branch of government?  In addition to the importance of promoting more space for women in public policy, this is also an important goal from the perspective of gender equality.

Suffrage in India:

 The right to vote is arguably the most important dimension of participation in public life.  Independent India can rightly be proud of its achievement in so far as women’s suffrage is concerned.  In Independent India, women were allowed to vote from 1950 onwards. Therefore, women could participate on an equal footing with men from the first general election of 1951-52.  This is in striking contrast to the experience in the so-called “mature democracies” of western Europe and the United States. o In the U.S., it took several decades of struggle before women were allowed to vote in 1920.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 5 o Most countries in Europe also achieved universal suffrage during the inter-war period. Since most able-bodied men went away to the battlefields during the First World War, increasing numbers of women could show that they were adequate substitutes in activities that were earlier the sole preserve of men. o This is believed to have mitigated the anti-female bias and earned women the right to vote in European countries.  Also, India has had and have charismatic female leaders like Indira Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Sushma Swaraj and Mamata Banerjee among several others.

Concerns:

Underrepresentation of female ministers:

 At present, there is an underrepresentation of female ministers in India.  The female representation in the government at the Centre is probably not very far from the typical gender composition in Indian central and State governments. o Female members make up only about 10% of the total ministerial strength.  The underrepresentation of women in Indian legislatures is even more striking.  Note: Rwanda comes out on top with a staggering 60% of seats in its lower house occupied by women.

The women’s Bill languishes:

 Attempts have been made to extend quotas for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies through a Women’s Reservation Bill.  When the bill was introduced (1996), male members from several parties opposed the Bill on various pretexts.  Despite the fact that 24 years have passed since it was first presented in the Lok Sabha and the Bill has been introduced in successive Parliaments, there has been no success in this regard.  Unfortunately, the fate of this Bill represents a blot on the functioning of the Indian Parliament.

Way forward:

 The establishment of quotas for women is the best way forward.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 6  A sure way of increasing numbers of women in legislatures and subsequently in cabinets is by avoiding the logjam in the Parliament by reserving say a third of party nominations for women.  Quotas have both a short-term and long-term impact. o There is substantial evidence showing that increased female representation in policymaking goes a long way in improving perceptions about female effectiveness in leadership roles. o It would decrease the bias among voters against women candidates. o Voter perceptions about the efficacy of female leadership may change so drastically in the long run that quotas may no longer be necessary.  Since women running for elections face numerous challenges, it is essential to create a level-playing field through appropriate legal measures.

15. Three Bills in Lok Sabha to bring in changes in labour sector

Context:

 The government has introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha to amalgamate laws on social security, occupational safety and health and industrial relations.

Background:

 In India, labour falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Therefore, both Parliament and state legislatures can make laws regulating labour.  Given the large number of state and central laws regulating various aspects of labour such as resolution of industrial disputes, working conditions, social security and wages and their often complex and archaic provisions had made compliance difficult for the businesses.  As part of the government’s labour reform agenda, the existing labour laws are to be amalgamated into four labour codes- on wages, industrial relations, social security and safety, health and working conditions. This would help to improve ease of compliance and ensure uniformity in labour laws.  The code on wages was passed in 2019. o The Code on Wages seeks to amend and consolidate laws relating to wages, bonus and matters connected therewith. The Code will

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 7 subsume four labour laws – Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Payment of Bonus Act and Equal Remuneration Act.

Details:

 The Labour and Employment Minister introduced the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020; and the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020:

 The Code provides for the recognition of trade unions; notice periods for strikes and lock-outs, standing orders, and resolution of industrial disputes.  It would subsume and replaces three labour laws: the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; the Trade Unions Act, 1926; and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.  The major provisions of the Industrial Relations Code Bill include the mandatory provision for companies with 300 or more workers to prepare and submit to the government standing orders regarding the conditions of service, including shift timings and termination of employment.  As of now, this applies to establishments with over 100 employees, under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.  The Industrial Relations Code aims to promote the ease of doing business and spur investment by encouraging labour flexibility.

The Social Security Code Bill:

 The Bill replaces nine laws related to social security. These include the Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. o Social security refers to protection measures provided to workers to ensure healthcare and income security in case of certain contingencies such as old age, maternity, or accidents.  One of the major proposals of the Social Security Code Bill is to bring unorganised sector, gig workers and platform workers under the ambit of social security schemes, including life and disability insurance, health and maternity benefits, provident fund and skill upgradation.

The Occupational Safety Code:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 8  The Occupational Safety Code subsumes and replaces 13 labour laws relating to safety, health and working conditions. These laws include: Factories Act, 1948; Mines Act, 1952; Dock Workers Act, 1986; Contract Labour Act, 1970; and Inter-State Migrant Workers Act, 1979, which has been highlighted during the recent migrant workers crisis due to COVID- 19.  These laws cover factories, mines, dock workers, building and construction workers, plantation labour, contract labour, inter-state migrant workers, working journalists, motor transport workers, sales promotion employees, and cine workers.  The Code seeks to regulate health and safety conditions of workers in establishments with 10 or more workers, and in all mines and docks. o The Code creates special provisions for certain classes of establishments such as factories, mines, dock workers, and constructions workers. These include separate provisions on licenses, safety regulations, and duties of employers.

16. Reviving the economy

Context:

 In light of the poor quarterly GDP numbers for Q1 2020-21, the article analyzes the critical macro-economic indicators for the Indian economy and suggests remedial measures.

Background:

 The quarterly GDP growth rate for Q1 2020-21 has recorded a historic low.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation:

Meaning:

 As per RBI, Gross Capital Formation refers to the ‘aggregate of gross additions to fixed assets (that is fixed capital formation) plus the change in stocks during the counting period.’  Gross fixed capital formation measures the increase in fixed capital. Gross fixed capital formation includes spending on land improvements (fences, ditches, drains, and so on); plant, machinery, and equipment purchases; the construction of roads, railways, private residential dwellings, and

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 14 9 commercial and industrial buildings. Disposal of fixed assets is taken away from the total.  It is a component of the expenditure method of calculating GDP.

Significance:

 Developing countries generally invest heavily in fixed assets to increase aggregate demand and prepare capacities to meet future demands.

Trend:

 Gross Fixed Capital Formation (as % of GDP) had been on a constant decline (except in 2018) between 2014 and 2019, falling from 30.1% to 27.4%.

Consumer demand:

Meaning:

 Consumer demand is the willingness and ability of consumers to purchase a quantity of products or services in a given period of time, or at a given point in time.

Significance:

 Consumer demand is an important aspect of a market-based economy.  Higher consumer demand incentivizes greater industrial production which leads to higher employment opportunities and the consequent economic growth.

Trend:

 Consumer demand in urban India as indicated by the domestic car sales has been on a steady decline for nine consecutive months. The decreased demand would lead to a fall in industrial activity.  Though the rural demand has been better than urban demand due to a surplus monsoon and a higher disposable income through MGNREGA wages, still the weak FMCG demand in the rural economy is indicative of the decreasing average real rural wage growth.

Index of Eight Core Industries:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 0 Meaning:

 The Index of Eight Core Industries is a monthly production index.  The eight core industries are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.

Significance:

 The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Hence they have an impact on general economic activity as well as other industrial activity.  The index of eight core industries is considered as a lead indicator of the economy’s industrial performance.  This index is an indicator of the supply side health of the economy.

Trend:

 The eight core sectors have witnessed a decline in recent times and have registered a growth of -0.2% in August 2019.

Concerns:

 The Indian economy faces the dual risk of weakening demand and shrinking supply.  Investment sentiments are low.  The government’s ability to spend has reduced due to reduced revenues.

The way forward:

 Government spending alone won’t help and it needs to incentivize private and household investments as they account for a large proportion of the capital formation.  There needs to be a massive push on infrastructural spending to boost the core sector demand and generate jobs.  The eight core sectors need structural reforms to revive their growth.

17. Research paper calls for change in India’s forest policy: D-G Forests

Context:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 1  Based on the findings of the research paper titled the ‘Impact of forest policies on timber production in India: a review’ published in 2016 in the Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal, a senior official has called for a review of the current forest policy in India.

Background:

Current forest policy in India:

 Following a 1996 Supreme Court order which regulated logging in government forests, the forest policies in India have focused on conservation. The policies prioritize conservation over production.

Concerns with the present approach:

Fall in domestic production:

 The domestic demand for timber has been growing due to the increasing population and per capita GDP.  However, decades of policies focused on conservation instead of production has resulted in domestic timber production witnessing a slump.

Reliance on imports:

 Given the shortfall in domestic production, the timber imports have witnessed a rise. o The dependency on imports could backfire as the exporting countries have been shifting to a conservation-based approach. This could lead to a situation where India does not have sufficient domestic timber production ability nor would be in a position to import from other countries due to a shortage of supplies. o The unimpeded timber imports have affected domestic pricing patterns. The low prices have dis-incentivized domestic production.

Details:

 The research paper argues in favour of a more balanced approach to forest policy-making in India. It calls for an approach that takes care of both the conservation imperatives as well as the human needs for timber.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 2  There is a need for a forest policy characterised by equal importance given to restoration, conservation and production. o The conservation policy must focus on maintaining ecological balance and improving biodiversity through protected area management. o The restoration policy must target reclamation, rehabilitation and regeneration of degraded landscapes and wastelands. o The production policy must focus on increasing forest productivity to meet human timber needs.  The research paper calls for an amendment in the Indian forest policy to boost domestic production.

Steps to be taken:

 Production forestry should focus on a sustainable increase in forest productivity from trees outside forests (TOFs) and recorded forest areas (RFAs).

Focus on TOFs:

 Considering the immense potential of timber production from trees outside forests (TOFs) — grown outside government recorded forest areas (RFAs), there is the need to incentivize and promote timber production in TOFs to meet the domestic timber demand. o The India State of Forest Report (2011) estimates timber production from government forests to be 3.17 million m³ and potential timber production from TOFs to be 42.77 million m³.  For TOFs, a synchronised nationwide policy needs to be developed. This should also incentivize private sector participation.

Sustainable forestry in RFAs:

 For the RFAs, there could be the demarcation of 10% of the forests for plantations in areas that would have the least impact on the ecology.  There should be sustainable forest management in these areas based on certification to dis-incentivize logging in protected areas.

Framing of supportive policies:

 The import-export policy of the country should be reviewed to rectify its pricing impact in the market. The policy should consider restricting

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 3 imports in a bid to help increase the prices in the market and make it economically viable to grow trees domestically.  The lack of reliable data relating to growing stock, consumption and production of timber has constrained forecast of supply and demand projections. There is a need to ensure data availability on these to promote the timber industry in India.

Significance:

Mitigation efforts:

 Increasing wood production will result in carbon sequestration, and help in mitigating the effects of climate change. o India remains highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. India ranks 5th on the global climate vulnerability index.  This could also help India meets its commitments made under the Paris climate deal. o Under the Paris Agreement, India had committed to creating a cumulative carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

Impact on rural economy:

 Policy initiatives aimed at increasing timber production from TOFs can help revive the agricultural sector and the rural economy by generating newer employment opportunities.  Agroforestry apart from helping the farmers supplement their incomes also helps increase the concentration of various nutrients or enhances nutrient cycling and thus helps improve overall soil quality.

Additional information:

 The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) is located in Bhopal.

18. Financing economic recovery

Context:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 4 The article discusses the economic impact of the pandemic and the efforts towards economic recovery.

Background:

 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep socioeconomic impact across Asia and the Pacific.  The dwindling revenue and increasing expenditure pose a unique challenge to the administrations. o Due to the continued lockdown measures and restricted borders, countries in Asia and the Pacific have been experiencing sharp drops in foreign exchange inflows due to declines in export earnings, remittances, tourism and FDI. o Countries are having to inject trillions of dollars for emergency health responses and fiscal packages.  Policymakers are trying to expand their limited fiscal space.

Initiatives taken:

 The United Nations is steering an initiative called the Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond, to articulate a comprehensive financing strategy to safeguard the Sustainable Development Goals.  The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has recently launched its first-ever Regional Conversation Series on Building Back Better. This would involve ministers, decision-makers, private sectors and heads of international agencies to share collective insights on sharing pathways to resilient recovery from health pandemic and economic collapse.  The Global Debt Service Suspension initiative calls for extending the debt moratorium to help the countries manage debt distress.

Way forward:

Adopting a comprehensive financing plan:

 The finance plans should, apart from aiming to address the challenge of diminished fiscal space and debt vulnerability, also envisage a sustainable recovery, consistent with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 5  Apart from economic considerations, the policy must promote social equality and environmental sustainability principles.

Regional cooperation:

 Given the limited abilities of the individual nations to deal with such a huge disruption, there is the need to harness the potential of regional cooperation in support of financing for development. Governments must pool financial resources to create regional investment funds.  Regionally coordinated financing policies can restart trade, reorganise supply chains and revitalise sustainable tourism in a safe manner.

Role of domestic institutions:

 Central banks should continue to balance the contradictory needs of supporting the economy and maintaining financial stability.

Domestic reforms:

 The administration should consider enhancing tax reforms and improving debt management capacities.  Tax reforms would ensure higher tax compliance.

Prioritizing investments:

 The government must use the limited fiscal space to invest in priority sectors. o This could involve enhanced financial support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and other such employment-intensive sectors. o The government will also need to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable sections in society.

Explore alternative financing routes:

 Exploring sustainability-oriented bonds and innovative financing instrument options such as debt swaps for SDG investment should be explored further.

Role of global organizations:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 6  The United Nations and its specialized agencies will have to coordinate an inclusive, sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 recovery given their global reach.  The global financial institutes like the World Bank and the IMF will have to mobilize resources to ensure sufficient financial resources for the recovery process.

19. What is Project Dolphin?

In his Independence Day Speech this year, PM has announced the government’s plan to launch a Project Dolphin. The proposed project is aimed at saving both river and marine dolphins.

Project Dolphin

 The Project will be on the lines of Project Tiger, which has helped increase the tiger population.  So far, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which implements the government’s flagship scheme Namami Gange, has been taking some initiatives for saving dolphins.  Now, Project Dolphin is expected to be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

About Gangetic Dolphin

 The Gangetic river system is home to a vast variety of aquatic life, including the Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica).  It is one of five species of river dolphin found around the world.  It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Ganga- Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.  An adult dolphin could weigh between 70 kg and 90 kg. The breeding season of the Gangetic dolphin extends from January to June.  They feed on several species of fishes, invertebrates etc.

Why is it important to save dolphins?

 The construction of dams and barrages and increasing pollution has led to a decline in the population of aquatic animals in the rivers in general and of dolphins in particular.  Aquatic life is an indicator of the health of river ecosystems.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 7  As the Gangetic dolphin is at the top of the food chain, protecting the species and its habitat will ensure

Aquatic life as an indicator of the health of a river system

 Globally, there have been such examples. For instance, the Rhine Action Plan (1987) of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) brought back the salmon.  The return of the migratory fish is taken as an indicator of the river’s improved health.  Salmon used to migrate from the North Sea to the Rhine every year and reproduce, but this stopped when pollution increased in the river.  After a chemical accident in 1986 that caused the death of fish and microorganisms, the Action Plan was launched.  This led to an improvement in the quality of the river water, and the salmons began to return.

What has been done to save Gangetic dolphins so far?

 Although efforts to save them were started in the mid-1980s, the estimates suggest the numbers have not risen as a result.  The Gangetic dolphin remains listed as Endangered by the IUCN.  After the launch of Ganga Action Plan in 1985, the government on November 24, 1986, included Gangetic dolphins in the First Schedule of the Indian Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972.  This was aimed at checking hunting and providing conservation facilities such as wildlife sanctuaries. For instance, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under this Act.

Conservation so far

 The government has prepared The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020.  It identified threats to Gangetic Dolphins and impact of river traffic, irrigation canals and depletion of prey-base on Dolphins populations.  On October 5, 2009, the then PM declared the Gangetic river dolphin as the national aquatic animal.  A notification was issued by the MoEFCC the following year. Now, the National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates October 5 as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 8

20. What counts as ‘Act of God’?

Evoking “Act of God”

 The force majeure or “Act of God” clause has its origins in the Napoleonic Code.  The finance ministry had issued an office memorandum inviting attention to the force majeure clause (FMC) in the 2017 Manual for Procurement of Goods issued by the Department of Expenditure.  It clarified that the pandemic should be considered a case of natural calamity and FMC may be invoked, wherever considered appropriate.

What is a force majeure clause?

 The law of contracts is built around a fundamental norm that the parties must perform the contract.  When a party fails to perform its part of the contract, the loss to the other party is made good.  However, the law carves out exceptions when the performance of the contract becomes impossible for the parties.  A force majeure clause is one such exception that releases the party of its obligations to an extent when events beyond their control take place and leave them unable to perform their part of the contract.  FMC is a clause that is present in most commercial contracts and is a carefully drafted legal arrangement in the event of a crisis.  When the clause is triggered, parties can decide to break from their obligations temporarily or permanently without necessarily breaching the contract.  Companies in such situations use the clause as a safe exit route, sometimes in opportunistic ways, without having to incur the penalty of breaching the contract.

Difference between the two

 Both concepts elicit the same consequences in law.  Generally, an “Act of God” is understood to include only natural unforeseen circumstances, whereas force majeure is wider in its ambit and includes both naturally occurring events and events that occur due to human intervention.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 15 9 What situations legally qualify for use of force majeure?

 While some contracts have clauses with standard circumstances, some contracts would have specific circumstances that are more focused.  For example, a shipping contract would have a force majeure clause that could cover a natural disaster like a tsunami.  If an event is not described, then it is interpreted in a way that it falls in the same category of events that are described.  An FMC is negotiated by parties, and events that could potentially hamper the performance of the contract are catalogued.  It is not invoked just by expressing that an unforeseen event has occurred.  In case a contract does not have a force majeure clause, there are some protections in common law that can be invoked by parties.  For example, the Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides that a contract becomes void if it becomes impossible due to an event after the contract was signed that the party could not prevent.

Global precedents dealing with COVID-19 pandemic

 In China, where the Covid-19 outbreak originated, the Council for Promotion of International Trade is issuing force majeure certificates to businesses.  China’s Supreme People’s Court had recognised the 2002 SARS outbreak as a force majeure event.  Singapore enacted the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act in April to provide relief to businesses that could not perform their contractual obligations due to the pandemic.  The Paris Commercial Court in July ruled that the pandemic could be equated to a force majeure event.  In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority has brought in a test case before the High Court to look into business insurance contracts and interpret the standard wordings in such contracts.  The International Chamber of Commerce has developed a Model Code on the force majeure clause reflecting current international practice.

21. Appropriate strategy: On India banning more China apps

Context

 The Indian government has banned more than hundred China-based apps including one of the most popular mobile games PUBG Mobile.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 0 Why was it banned?

 It was banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act.  The government said that it has “decided to block mobile apps since in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.”  The release further notes that the IT Ministry has received many complaints from various sources about the misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers that have locations outside India.

Impact on sales of gaming-focused smartphones

 Smartphone makers have launched or were planning speciality phones aimed at attracting PubG players. o Asus ROG Phone 3, Nubia RedMagic and BlackShark are among the gaming-focused phones that come with overclocked processors, high-refresh-rate screens and features tailored for gaming such as liquid cooling or internal fans. o Most of this market is for the hardcore PUBG users with the game clocking over 33 million active users in India. o The ban will certainly have an impact on sales of gaming-centric phones.  The effect of the ban could be felt on chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek who have been aggressively marketing AI-infused mobile System-on-Chip (SoC) designed specifically for gaming smartphones. o Both companies in recent days have launched chips optimised for mobile gaming — the Snapdragon 732G and Helio G95 respectively.

Inference

 Escalating tensions between India and China along the border is allowing India to send a clear message to China that it will not shy away from leveraging its position as a massive market for technology in dealing with potentially dangerous geopolitical issues.  India has warned China of “consequences” if the status quo ante is not restored on the border. Beijing has not backed down yet, despite the military movements, diplomatic warnings and trade measures already

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 1 taken. Multiple points of pressure need to be applied on many levels and over a long period of time. Digital action is only one of them.

China’s Response

 China said that the move is neither beneficial to the Indian users or the Chinese businesses.  China, which is known for censorship of information, keeping foreign apps off its internet, has found a rare chance to take the moral high ground.

Strategy that could have been employed by India

 The Indian approach should have followed due process, where the focus was on ensuring compliance with the Indian law.

Issue Area

 India as a country aspires to hold the global leadership on technology, working on rules and networking. The last thing India needs is to be compared with China as far as its Internet regulation goes.

Conclusion

 Going forward India needs a more considered approach to tech regulation.  China must decide if it wants to rescue the relationship or ruin it.  This also presents a significant opportunity for local companies, particularly those operating in the e-commerce, social media and gaming sectors to come up with Indian alternatives.

Mental health of gaming addicts

The sudden ban on the online game may lead to a drastic shift in behaviour and mood of gaming addicts.

 They may suffer from bouts of depression, irritation and even aggression and may experience functional impairment in different areas of their lives.  As per the World Health Organization, gaming disorder is defined as a pattern of gaming behaviour (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 2 over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

22. Country-of-origin: onus is on importers

Context:

The Finance Ministry has said that the Importers will have to do their due diligence to ensure that imported goods meet the prescribed ‘rules of origin’ provisions for availing concessional rate of customs duty under free trade agreements (FTAs).

Details:

 The Customs Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR, 2020), will come into force from September 2020.  Under the rules, the importer has to possess all relevant information related to country of origin criteria, including the regional value content and submit the same to the proper officer on request.  Also, an importer would now have to enter certain origin related information in the Bill of Entry, as available in the Certificate of Origin.

CAROTAR, 2020:

 The Department of Revenue has notified the ‘Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020.  CAROTAR 2020 comprises of norms for the enforcement of ‘rules of origin’ provisionsfor allowing preferential rate of customs duties on products imported under free trade agreements.  Under this provision, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third country in the Indian market by just putting a label on it.  The new norms have been framedwith a view to checking inbound shipments of low quality products and dumping of goods by a third country routed through an FTA partner country.  Preferential rules of origin ensure that only goods originating in participating countries enjoy tariff or other preferences.  CAROTAR 2020 supplements the existing operational certification procedures prescribed under different trade agreements.  India has inked FTAs with several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and ASEAN members.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 3  Under such agreements, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate import/customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them.

Note:

 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) FTA allows imports of most items at nil or concessional basic customs duty from the 10-nation bloc.  Major imports to India come from five ASEAN countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.  The benefit of concessional customs duty rate applies only if an ASEAN member country is the country of origin of goods.

23.Significance of Dead Coral Reef

Why in News

According to a recent study by researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, more life can be supported by dead coral remains than live corals.

. Dead coral reefs support cryptic organisms like hidden sea creatures, including fishes, snails, tiny crabs and worms, who hide under its rubble to save themselves from predation.

Cryptic organisms

. These are organisms that are morphologically indistinguishable (identical in appearance) but are genetically distinct. Many species that are classified as single species but are found to be genetically different are called cryptic species. . Examples of cryptic species include the African elephant. A 2001 study found the elephants were actually two genetically distinct, non- interbreeding species, the African bush elephant and the African elephant.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 4 Key Points

. Method: The researchers designed three-dimensional-printed coral stacks called RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) to survey cryptic organisms. o The 3D-printed coral mimicked surrounding reef rubble and invited unwitting reef organisms to be monitored. o By sampling the RUBS’ structures over time, the team were able to identify changes in the cryptic population. . Findings: The researchers found the missing link in the coral reef food webs. This data fills important knowledge gaps, such as how small cryptic animals support coral reefs from the bottom of the food chain, all the way up to bigger predators. o This also helped to know the importance of dead coral reef rubble to the ocean ecosystem. o The RUBS technology provides a new opportunity for reef management, particularly for reef education and awareness.

. Coral Reefs: o Coral reefs are large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates called coral. o Corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to create a hard, durable exoskeleton that protects their soft, sac-like bodies. These exoskeleton remains of millions of corals pile up with time to form coral reefs.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 5 o The corals have a symbiotic relationship with an algae called the zooxanthellae.  These algae live inside the coral polyp's body and provide the coral with food. The polyps, in turn, provide a home and carbon dioxide for the algae.  These algae are responsible for the variety of colours of corals. o Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but they are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth. o They are referred to as "the rainforests of the sea" for their biodiversity, o Death of Coral Reefs: When corals become stressed due to any changes, including pollution or global warming, they can expel algae and get bleached, meaning the ‘death’ of the coral reef.  There has been increasing concerns of fast paced coral bleaching due to emission of greenhouse gases and climate change.  A number of global initiatives are being taken to address the issues, like the International Coral Reef Initiative, the US Coral Reef Task Force etc.  In india, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s forest department, is attempting a process to restore coral reefs using “biorock” or mineral accretion technology.

Way Forward

. There has been little information on the role of dead coral reefs so far. The study can help in studying the oceanic ecosystem in a more holistic way. . The research is certainly a lesson that even dead coral reefs need to be preserved in order to protect the biodiversity that remains. The understanding of foundational structure of coral reefs might inform efforts to create artificial reefs, which may be a short-term solution to the dying coral reef problem.

24. NPAs in SHG loans

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 6 Why in News

The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has asked states to monitor the status of Non Performing Assets (NPAs) district-wise and take corrective measures to recover overdue/outstanding dues from Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

. The issue was raised in the review meeting of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission. . A Non Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Livelihoods Mission

. It was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India in 2011. . NRLM set out with an agenda to cover 7 Crore rural poor households, across 600 districts, 6000 blocks, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and 6 lakh villages in the country through SHGs and federated institutions and support them for livelihoods collectives in a period of 8-10 years. . The Mission aims at creating efficient and effective institutional platforms for the rural poor enabling them to increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.

Key Points

. SHG Loans as NPAs: o About Rs. 91,130 crore have been given to about 54.57 lakh SHGs across the country by the end of March 2020 as loans.  Around 2.37% or Rs. 2,168 crore of this total outstanding bank loans turned out to be NPAs. o The proportion of NPAs in bank loans given to SHGs has significantly increased over the last decade from 2.90% in 2008 to 6.12% in 2018. o There has been a rise of 0.19% in overall NPAs in SHG loans in 2019- 20 compared to financial year 2018-19. . State Wise Distribution:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 7 o Uttar Pradesh, which has 71,907 SHGs, reported that 36.02% of the loans taken by the groups were NPAs at the end of March 2020, as compared to 22.16% in 2018-19. o In Arunachal Pradesh, the NPA proportion stood at an alarming 43%, though the number of SHGs there is just 209. . Directions: The State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) were directed by the MoRD to monitor the status of NPA district wise and take immediate corrective actions wherever instances of NPA or overdues were found. o A mechanism under which representatives drawn from SHGs monitored loans had proved critical in ensuring timely repayment and therefore, it should be institutionalised in all bank branches. . Reasons: In 2019, the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) has conducted a research study on NPAs by SHGs. o It found that poor economic conditions, non-cooperation, lack-of training, expenses towards marriages and social ceremonies, and medical emergencies are the main reasons for non-payment of loans by SHGs. o Expectations of loan waiver from the government was also found to be a major reason for the poor financial health of SHGs. o The role played by banks in handholding, timely opening accounts, monitoring and follow-up was not as per the expectation.

Initiatives by Central Government to promote SHGs

. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund . PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme . Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) . Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) . North East Rural Livelihood Project . Economic Stimulus-III

National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

. It is an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development. . It is a premier national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 8 . It has been recognized internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP Centres of Excellence. . It builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, bankers, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy. . The Institute is located in Hyderabad (Telangana).

Suggestions

. Training SHGs and providing them market linkages for the products/services so that they use the funds for income generating activity and have no problem in paying back the loan amount should be done by the government. In addition, providing group health and life insurance clubbed with loans at low cost will help as members spend a significant portion of the loan on events like ill-health, ceremonies etc. . It needs to be ensured that grading of SHGs needs to be done properly and loans should be issued only if it is found suitable for lending. Follow- ups and constant monitoring is a must. . Quantum of loan should be high as it is a major limiting factor, one-time lending not only impedes the process of business expansion but also wastes the money lent so far. Banks need to be sensitized to lend multiple doses of credit, for well performing SHGs.

Way Forward

. Though NPAs by SHGs are a major concern, it must not deter the government from supporting SHGs. Post lockdown, there is an imperative need for economic revival and reconstruction. Each SHG loan sanctioned or enhanced, will either facilitate spending or investment- the twin engines for driving an economy. . Women members of SHGs across the country from NRLM have also contributed to contain the spread of Covid-19.

25. Inevitable collapse

Context:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 16 9  As per the provisional data released by the National Statistical Office, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has suffered its steepest contraction on record in the April-June quarter, as output shrank 23.9% in the quarter in comparison to the same period in 2019.

Causative factors:

Decreased demand:

 The stringent COVID-19 lockdowns in force during the period of the first quarter seem to have hollowed out demand. Private consumption spending, which accounts for almost 60% of GDP, has contracted 26.7% as consumers have limited themselves only to essential spending and stopped almost all discretionary spending.

Effect of lockdown on sectors:

 The services category including trade, hotels and transport have been severely hit by the pandemic-linked restrictions.  The manufacturing sector has registered a contraction as demand for products deemed non-essential declined, and factories, even after reopening, struggled to run amid shortages of labour and added safety norms.

Decline in exports:

 Exports, which contribute to almost 20% of GDP, have registered a massive decline due to lockdowns, restrictions in the movement of goods, cancellation of orders from importing countries.

Uncertainty and investment decline:

 Investment activity has witnessed a steep contraction of about 47% as large businesses have decided to conserve cash and have refrained from any capital spending in the face of uncertainty, and smaller firms have prioritised survival.

Concerns:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 0  There are concerns that the economic contraction may not be just a transient phenomenon and there is the possibility of an extended slowdown.

Limited fiscal space:

 The Centre’s pandemic mitigation expenditure helped expand its consumption spending by 16.4% year-on-year and thus helped soften the overall blow to GDP.  There is very limited scope for such an expenditure growth over the next three quarters because of the following reasons: o The fiscal deficit in just the first four months of the financial year has already exceeded the full year’s budgeted target and the central government has expressed its desire to respect the fiscal limits set by the FRBM Act. o Revenue receipts for the government have decreased due to the economic contraction.

Unaccounted informal sector:

 The NSO data are provisional figures and are expected to undergo revision as they do not capture the informal sector due to difficulties in collecting data.  The informal sector accounts for a major share of the Indian economy and there is wide acceptance of the fact that the lockdown has had a higher detrimental effect on the informal sector. This would imply that the current estimates are not indicative of the actual output decrease and the revised estimate might only provide a further drop in the growth numbers.

Employment issues:

 There have been reports of a high level of job losses and income erosion. The latest survey-based data from IHS Markit though expects manufacturing PMI for August to register growth, also notes that job shedding would continue at a strong rate in the industry.  This would have a detrimental impact on the disposable income in the hands of the people and also lead to decreased consumption expenditure.

Increasing case load:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 1  The still-rising trajectory of new COVID-19 infections would retard any recovery in growth.

Challenges in agricultural sector:

 Despite a good performance in the agricultural sector, which grew 3.4%, outpacing 2019’s first quarter’s 3% expansion, it too faces headwinds in the form of higher-than-ideal rainfall in August in several key crop-growing regions in western and central India and the uncertainty with respect to the impact of recent farm market ordinances.

Way forward:

 With COVID-19 hitting private consumption, demand recovery will hinge on government spending and the government must give up its fiscal conservatism and find innovative ways to mobilise resources.

26. Thinking of new recovery path

Pandemic: opportunity to new recovery path

 The pandemic presents an opportunity for us to think of a new recovery path, one that can decouple economic growth and environmental degradation.  It becomes more important as India sees opportunities on the global call to diversify the supply chain and its internal call for Atmanirbhar Bharat.  For that, we need to strengthen our production and manufacturing capabilities.

Issue of regulatory infrastructure

 Monitoring and implementing environmental regulations is the biggest challenge we face.  Take the municipal solid waste rules.  Two decades after the regulations came into effect, their status not in good shape.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 2  A comparatively recent regulation, centred around Extended Producer Responsibility, has also posed challenges in monitoring and implementation.  In a recent ruling, the judiciary not only ruled against the industry but also blamed officials responsible for implementing the regulations.

Focus on implementation and monitoring

 In the long run, diluting regulatory norms will create more adverse impacts resulting in greater community upsurge.  The focus has to be to improve the system’s capabilities to monitor and implement regulatory requirements.  There needs to be greater transparency and accountability; there is no dearth of technology to facilitate this.  The intention and capacity to take action, rectify and diffuse is critical.  The right ecosystem between the industry, community and regulator is crucial.  If the three stakeholders remain isolated and get activated only in a crisis, we will not make any progress towards solving the issue.

Way forward

 We need to couple growth and environmental protection.  Environmental health will be the key enabler of socio-economic growth in the future.  Industry needs to realise that it is a part of an ecosystem and not at the centre of it.  Communities get impacted, either positively or negatively, they need to empower themselves through education, so that they are not driven by the agenda of individuals with vested interests.  We have a challenge in implementing environmental regulations.  The community does not trust that the industry is meeting its compliance requirements, so, the regulatory system’s role is to improve this trust quotient. Conclusion

As we plan our recovery past the pandemic, we have a good chance to create a new normal. We need to align towards a common cause and goals. We should not miss this chance.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 3

27. GST reforms and compensation issue

Background  Three years ago, the Centre and the States of the Union of India struck a grand bargain resulting in GST.  The States gave up their right to collect sales tax and sundry taxes, and the Centre gave up excise and services tax. Issue of compensation

 Consent of the states was secured by a promise of reimbursing any shortfall in tax revenues for a period of five years.  This reimbursement was to be funded by a special cess called the GST compensation cess.  The promised reimbursement was to fill the gap for an assured 14% year on year tax growth for five years.

Why is the Centre denying GST compensation

 As the economy battles a pandemic and recession, the tax collection has dropped significantly.  At the same time, expenditure needs are sharply higher at the State level.  Using an equivalent of the Force Majeure clause in commercial contracts, the Centre is abdicating its responsibility of making up for the shortfall in 14% growth in GST revenues to the states.

Why Central government is wrong in denying the compensation

 1) The States do not have recourse to multiple options that the Centre has.[like sovereign bond or a loan against public sector unit shares from the Reserve Bank of India]  2) The Centre can get loans at lower rates of borrowing from the markets as compared to the States.  3) In terms of aggregate public sector borrowing, it does not matter for the debt markets, nor the rating agencies, whether it is the States or the Centre that is increasing their indebtedness.  4) Fighting this recession through increased fiscal stimulus is basically the

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 4 job of macroeconomic stabilisation, which is the Centre’s domain.  5) Using the alibi of the COVID-19 pandemic causes a serious dent in the trust built up between the Centre and States.  It will weaken the foundation of cooperative federalism.

Reforms needed

 GST is a destination-based consumption tax, which must include all goods and services with very few exceptions.  That widening of the tax base itself will allow us to go back to the original recommendation of a standard rate of 12%, to be fixed for at least a five- year period.  Some extra elbow room for the States’ revenue autonomy could be allowed by States non VATable surcharges on a small list of “sin” goods.  In the long term there are many changes in consumption patterns, production configurations and locations, which cannot be anticipated and hence a static concept of Revenue Neutral Rate cannot be reference.  The commitment to a low and stable rate is a must.  We must recognise the increasing importance of the third tier of government.  After 28 years of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, the local governments do not have the promised transfer of funds, functions and functionaries.  Of the 12% GST, 10% should be equally shared between the States and the Centre, and 2% must be earmarked exclusively for the urban and rural local bodies.  Fresh approach also calls for an overhaul of the interstate GST and the administration of the e-way bill.

Conclusion

GST is a crucial and long-term structural reform which can address the fiscal needs of the future, strike the right and desired balance to achieve cooperative federalism and also lead to enhanced economic growth. The current design and implementation has failed to deliver on that promise. A new grand bargain is needed.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 5 28.Intermediate-Mass Black Hole

Why in News

Analysis of signals from gravitational waves detected in 2019 at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the USA and the detector Virgo, Italy have indicated a black hole with unusual mass

. These waves were a result of a collision between two black holes billions of years ago.

Key Points

. The signal has been named GW190521 and likely represented the instant that the two black holes merged. o It lasted less than one-tenth of a second. o It was calculated to have come from roughly 17 billion light-years away, a time when the universe was about half its age. . Out of the two, the larger black hole was of 85 solar masses and the smaller black hole was of 66 solar masses. Post-merger they created a new black hole of about 142 solar masses and energy equivalent to 8 solar masses was released in the form of gravitational waves, leading to the strongest ever wave detected by scientists so far. o A solar mass is the mass of the sun or more precisely, it is 1.989 x 1030 kilograms, which is equivalent to about 333,000 Earths. o Astronomers use a solar mass as a basic unit of mass. . Unusual Mass Category: o The black hole with 85 solar masses falls in an “intermediate-mass” range (first-ever to be observed) and it defies the traditional knowledge of how black holes are formed. o According to traditional knowledge, stars that could give birth to black holes between 65 and 120 solar masses do not do so because they blow themselves apart when they die, without collapsing into a black hole. o In the merger leading to the GW190521 signal, the larger black hole was well within the unexpected range, known as the pair- instability mass gap. . Suggested Reasons for Unusual Mass:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 6 o The researchers suggest that the larger 85-solar-mass black hole was not the product of a collapsing star but was itself the result of a previous merger.

Black Hole

. It refers to a point in space where the matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape. . The concept was theorized by Albert Einstein in 1915 and the term ‘black hole’ was coined in the mid-1960s by American physicist John Archibald Wheeler. . All the black holes observed so far belong to two categories: o One category ranges between a few solar masses and tens of solar masses. These are thought to form when massive stars die. o The other category is of supermassive black holes. These range from hundreds of thousands to billions of times that of the sun from the Solar system to which Earth belongs. . In April 2019, the scientists at the Event Horizon Telescope Project released the first-ever image of a Black Hole (more precisely, of its shadow). o The image was made possible by the Event Horizon Telescope which is a group of 8 radio telescopes (used to detect radio waves from space) located in different parts of the world. . Gravitational waves are created when two black holes orbit each other and merge.

Gravitational Waves

. These are invisible ripples that form when:

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 7 o A star explodes in a supernova. o Two big stars orbit each other. o Two black holes merge. . They travel at the speed of light and squeeze and stretch anything in their path. o As a gravitational wave travels through space-time, it causes it to stretch in one direction and compress in the other, Any object that occupies that region of space-time also stretches and compresses as the wave passes over them, though very slightly, which can only be detected by specialized devices like LIGO. . Gravitational Waves are a relatively new field of discovery. o These were proposed by Albert Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity, over a century ago. o However, the first gravitational wave was actually detected by LIGO only in 2015.

29. California wildfires growing bigger

Context:

A Northern California wildfire burning for more than three weeks has spread at a ferocious rate across an estimated 40 kilometres of mountainous terrain and parched foothills.

Details:

 California has set a record with nearly 2.5 million acres burned already in 2020, and historically the worst of the wildfire season doesn’t begin until fall.  It is now entering what traditionally is the most dangerous time for fires. o The second stage of this year’s fire season is yet to come.

Reasons for the Wildfire in California:

The changing climate:

 California gets most of its moisture in the fall and winter (like much of the West).  Its vegetation spends much of the summer slowly drying out because of a lack of rainfall and warmer temperatures. That vegetation then serves as kindling for fires.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 8  California’s fire record dates back to 1932; the 10 largest fires since then have occurred since 2000.  However, the link between climate change and bigger fires is inextricable.

Anthropogenic causes:

 While sometimes the trigger is nature, more often than not humans are responsible.  Many deadly fires have been started by downed power lines.  People are increasingly moving into areas near forests, known as the urban-wildland interface, that are inclined to burn.

Fire Suppression:

 The history of suppressing wildfires has actually made present-day wildfires worse.  To counter this, in recent years, the U.S. Forest Service has been trying to rectify the previous practice through the use of prescribed, or controlled burns.

Santa Ana Winds:

 Each fall, strong gusts known as the Santa Ana winds bring dry air from the Great Basin area of the West into Southern California.

30. Pinaka Missile System

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 17 9

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts with three Indian companies for supply of six regiments of the Pinaka Rocket System to be deployed along borders with Pakistan and China.

Pinaka Missile System

 Pinaka is an indigenously developed rocket system named after Lord Shiva’s mythological bow.  It is used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close-quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armoured elements and the infantry.  The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s, as an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called like the ‘Grad’, which are still in use.  After successful tests of Pinaka Mark-1 in late 1990, it was first used in the battlefield during the Kargil War of 1999, quite successfully.  Subsequently, multiple regiments of the system came up over the 2000s.

Its versions and capabilities

 The Pinaka, which is primarily a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) system, can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds.  One battery of the Pinaka system consists of six launch vehicles, accompanied by the loader systems, radar and links with network-based systems and a command post.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 0  It can neutralize an area one kilometre by one kilometre.  The Mark-I version of Pinaka has a range of around 40 kilometres and the Mark-II version can fire up to 75 kilometres.  The Mark-II version of the rocket has been modified as a guided missile system by integrating it with the navigation, control and guidance system to improve the end accuracy and increase the range.  The navigation system of the missile is linked with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

31. Biotech-KISAN Programme

Why in News

As per the recent information shared by the Union Minister of Science and Technology in Lok Sabha, Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) programme plays an important role in taking innovative biotechnologies to the farmers.

Key Points

. Biotech-KISAN programme is a farmer-centric scheme for farmers, developed by and with farmers under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. . It is a pan-India program, following a hub-and-spoke model and stimulates entrepreneurship and innovation in farmers and empowers women farmers. o It has a unique feature to identify and promote local farm leadership in both genders. Such leadership helps to develop science-based farming besides facilitating the transfer of knowledge. . Aim: To understand the problems of water, soil, seed and market faced by the farmers and provide simple solutions to them. o The programme links available science and technology to the farm by first understanding the problem of the local farmer and then providing scientific solutions to those problems. . The Biotech-KISAN hubs are expected to fulfil the technology required to generate agriculture and bio-resource related jobs and better livelihood ensuring biotechnological benefits to small and marginal farmers. o Currently, there are a total of eight Biotech-KISAN Hubs in different Agro-climatic Zones.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 1 Biotechnology in Agriculture

. Government supports research institutes, central and state agriculture universities for competitive research and development and demonstration activities in agriculture biotechnology including organic farming. o It has been supported across the country including Aspirational Districts. o During the last three years, approximately Rs. 310 crores have been invested in supporting the use of biotechnology in agriculture. o The Integrated Human Resource Development Programme under the Department of Biotechnology has been implemented to provide biotechnology trained personnel in various fields including agriculture. . Alternative of Conventional Farming: o The understanding of genetics and biotechnology could enable farmers to obtain maximum yield from their fields and to minimise the use of fertilisers and chemicals so as to avoid their harmful effects on the environment. o Genetically Modified Organisms’ (GMO) use is a possible solution and an alternative path to conventional farming.  GMOs have made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, reduced post-harvest losses, increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants and enhanced nutritional value of food.  For example, Bt cotton, Bt Brinjal, etc. o Genetically Modified Biopesticides are biologically based agents used for the control of plant pests.  They can be living organisms (nematodes or microorganisms) or naturally occurring substances, such as plant extracts or insect pheromones which can provide resistance to insects without the need for chemical insecticides.

32.Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity

Why in News

A new study by a team of scientists at National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi suggested that targeting a specific plant hormone

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 2 Jasmonate (JA) would help rice plants have greater tolerance to potassium (K) deficiency and improve productivity.

Key Points

. Findings: o The overexpression of a gene called OsJAZ9 helped make rice plants more tolerant of potassium deficiency. o There was an enhanced accumulation of JA-Ile — a bioactive form of the hormone Jasmonate (JA), in OsJAZ9 overexpressing rice, on potassium deficiency.  The JA-lle helps in modulating various K transporters and root system architecture.  JA-Ile contributes to several aspects of plant growth and development and levels increase under stress conditions. o The study suggests that targeting research towards JA could help achieve both, nutrient- efficient crops and protection against pests. o JA is often associated with the plant’s defence against biotic factors like insects, pests and other pathogens. . Potassium. Potassium (K) is considered a macronutrient for plants and is the most abundant cation within plant cells. o Significance of Potassium:  Plants require, among other things, a high and stable concentration of potassium ion to activate many enzymes that are involved in respiration and photosynthesis.  Potassium is also involved in key cellular processes such as energy production, and cell expansion.  Cell expansion is the process of taking cells extracted from tissue, culturing them in the lab and encouraging them to reproduce. o Potassium Deficiency: It affects plants by inhibiting the growth of the roots and the shoots.  Studies have shown that plants that are deficient in potassium are more susceptible to salt, drought, chilling and other abiotic and biotic stresses.  Potassium deficiency occurs frequently in plants grown on sandy soils resulting in a number of symptoms including curling of leaf tips and yellowing (chlorosis) of leaves, as well as reduced growth and fertility.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 3 o Potassium Availability to plant Roots: Despite being among the most abundant minerals in the soil, its availability to plants is limited.  This is because most of the soil potassium (about 98%) is in bound forms and its release into the soil solution is far slower than the rate of its acquisition by the roots.  The availability of potassium in the soil solution or exchangeable form depends on multiple factors like soil acidity, presence of other monovalent cations like sodium and ammonium ions and the type of soil particles.

Macro and Micro-nutrients

. Macronutrients are divided into two groups: primary and secondary. . The primary macronutrients are those that are needed in the highest concentration: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). In fact, these three primary nutrients are needed in higher concentrations than the rest of the macronutrients combined. . Secondary macronutrients are also required for sustained plant health, but in lower quantities than the primary macronutrients. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S) comprise the secondary macronutrients. . Micronutrients are also essential to plant development and growth but are needed only in trace amounts, compared to their macro-counterparts. The seven critical micronutrients are: o Boron (B) o Zinc (Zn) o Iron (Fe) o Manganese (Mn) o Copper (Cu) o Molybdenum (Mo) o Chlorine (Cl)

Way Forward

. The Green Revolution of the 1960s was driven by another plant hormone called Gibberellins (GA). JA hormone can be the new focus. . Future agriculture has to be input efficient rather than input intensive. The genetic resources for improving fertiliser use efficiency in rice which is of prime value for achieving sustainable agriculture must be stressed upon.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 4

33.Report on 2020-21 Kharif Marketing Season: CACP

Why in News

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has released the latest report for the 2020-21 kharif marketing season.

Key Points

. Present Scenario: o Overflowing Stocks of Foodgrains: The central pool had 73.85 million tonnes of food grains on 2nd April, 2020. This is not only the highest-ever stock available but also over 300% of the strategic and operation reserve norm of 21.04 million tonnes. This year’s kharif crop production is also estimated to be record-high. o Failure of Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS): The Union government had decided in April 2019 to sell wheat and rice in the open market via e-auction through OMSS. It aimed to divert extra stock. But the government could just sell one-fifth of the target of a five-million tonne sale. o Increase in food business registration: There has been a 65% year- on-year jump in registration applications for new food businesses, indicating that private players are eager to invest in agri business and the rural economy as a result of the reforms by Agricultural ordinances. o Traders moving out-of Mandi: As there would be no fees on buying outside the Mandi (unlike before the agri ordinances), many of the traders would prefer to buy outside. In June to August, there was a 20-40% drop in sale volume of non-perishables within the mandis. This will adversely impact the farmers. o Increase in MSP for Rabi Crops: Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs marginally increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of six rabi crops for 2021-22. This is in line with the principle of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All- India weighted average Cost of Production as announced in Union Budget 2018-19. . Challenges: o Unavailability of Physical Space for Storage: This can cause foodgrains to perish.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 5 o Reduction in Demand due to More Supply: Release of high buffer stock in the market, would lead to a collapse in prices. This, in turn, will lead to farmers again losing on fair price for their bumper harvest. o Farmer’s protest: Recently, there have been strong protests from farmers, especially from the states of Punjab and Haryana, against three farm bills passed in the parliament. This has posed a challenge in front of the government to assure farmers of routine procurements and fair prices. . Recommendations of CACP Report: o Excess Stocks need to be urgently liquidated:  This will help ease storage capacity constraints and save large carrying costs of excessive stocks.  Excess rice stocks should be liquidated through increased allocation under the National Food Security Act and Other Welfare Schemes.  The government should divert old stocks for ethanol production and cattle feed purposes. o Review open-ended procurement policy (OEPP):  The central government should review OEPP for rice and wheat.  Major policy changes should be introduced in pricing, procurement and use of other crops like oilseeds, pulses, maize nutri-cereals to encourage farmers to shift to these crops,which have great potential for crop diversification. o More Procurement from States like UP and Bihar:  Strengthen procurement from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and restrict procurement from states like Punjab and Haryana where substantial groundwater depletion has occurred and other states that give bonus.  In all those states that impose high fees and incidental charges and pay bonus, procurement of rice and wheat should be restricted.  The state governments should discontinue the bonus above the minimum support price (MSP) as it distorts the market and discourages private sale.  More than 95% of paddy farmers in Punjab are covered under the government procurement system while it is 70% in case of Haryana. In case of other major paddy producing states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is 3.6% and 1.7% respectively.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 6 o Reserve Price for open Market Sale of Pulses and oilseeds  The government should not sell these stocks in the open market below the MSP, particularly during the procurement season as it depresses market prices and discourages the private sector to procure directly from farmers.

Way Forward

Given the forecast for food grains like paddy, the prices would be subdued due to large stocks and also less demand globally. If the government decides to flood the market with its excessive stock, it would lead to more supply, thus reducing the price. In such a scenario, implementing the bold recommendations of CACP may help in dealing with the stocks.

34.Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Why in News

Recently, the Parliament passed the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The Bill replaces an Ordinance promulgated in June 2020 and amends the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955.

Key Points

. Features of the Bill: o Removes commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities. o Aims to remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations. o Ensures that interests of consumers are safeguarded by regulating agricultural foodstuff in situations such as war, famine, extraordinary price rise and natural calamity.  However, the installed capacity of a value chain participant and the export demand of an exporter will remain exempted from such regulation so as to ensure that investments in agriculture are not discouraged. . Background: o The ECA 1955 was used to curb inflation by allowing the Centre to enable control by state governments of trade in a wide variety of commodities.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 7 o The states imposed stock limits to restrict the movement of any commodity deemed essential. It helped to discourage hoarding of items, including food commodities, such as pulses, edible oils and vegetables. o However, the Economic Survey 2019-20 highlighted that government intervention under the ECA 1955 often distorted agricultural trade while being totally ineffective in curbing inflation.  Such intervention does enable opportunities for rent-seeking and harassment.  Rent-seeking is a term used by economists to describe unproductive income, including from corruption. o Traders tend to buy far less than their usual capacity and farmers often suffer huge losses during surplus harvests of perishables, since large stocks held by traders can be outlawed under the ECA 1955 anytime. o This led to farmers being unable to get better prices due to lack of investment in cold storage, warehouses, processing and export. o Also with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) controlling stocks before, there were less investment and buyers. . Benefit: o The freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute and supply will lead to harnessing economies of scale and attract private sector/foreign direct investment into the agriculture sector. o Investment in cold storages and modernization of the food supply chain will increase. o It will create a competitive market environment and also prevent wastage of agri-produce that happens due to lack of storage facilities. o It will help both farmers and consumers while bringing in price stability. . Issues Involved: o It will be a highly centralized law and will infringe upon the States’ powers, as they will not be able to regulate let say the menace of hoarding, black marketing etc. o The stock limit relaxations under the ECA may lead to black marketing and hoarding rather than benefiting the producers. This will lead to increase in inflation and monopoly of few individuals over prices of certain goods.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 8 Way Forward

. The ECA 1955 was brought when India was not self sufficient in food grains production. But now India has become surplus in most agri- commodities, and the amendments in the ECA 1955 is an important step by the government to achieve its target of doubling farmers’ income and also for ease of doing business.

35.World Risk Index 2020

Why in News

According to the World Risk Index (WRI) 2020, India is ‘poorly prepared’ to deal with ‘climate reality’, due to which it is vulnerable to extreme natural disasters.

Key Points

. World Risk Index: o It is calculated on a country-by-country basis, through the multiplication of exposure and vulnerability and describes the disaster risk for various countries and regions. o Released annually since 2011, it indicates which countries are in the greatest need to strengthen measures for coping with and adapting to extreme natural events. o It is part of the World Risk Report 2020 released by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft and the University of Stuttgart in Germany. o Among continents, Oceania is at the highest risk, followed by Africa and the Americas. . Oceania:

o Small island states, especially in the South Pacific and the Caribbean, are disproportionately represented among high-risk countries.  Vanuatu (South Pacific Ocean) is the country with the highest disaster risk worldwide. It is followed by Tonga (South Pacific Ocean) and Dominica (Caribbean Sea). o They are at a high exposure to extreme natural events which include the rise in sea level as a result of global warming.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 18 9 o The small island states have limited financial resources and have made small contributions to climate change, but are affected the most by its consequences. o They are needed to be compensated for the climate damage and losses already incurred and merely providing financial resources for adaptation to climate change is not sufficient.

Africa:

o It has been identified as a hotspot of vulnerability. More than two-thirds of the most vulnerable countries in the world are located on the continent.  The size of semiarid regions in Africa is expected to increase, with over half of Africa’s land area vulnerable to desertification.  Large areas of Africa are marginalized and already under significant financial stress. o The Central African Republic is the most vulnerable country, followed by Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger and Guinea-Bissau.

South Asia and India:

o India has ranked 89th among 181 countries on the WRI 2020 and is fourth- most-at-risk in South Asia, after Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. o Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives have fared better than India in their abilities to cope with extreme disasters. India also lags behind these three neighbours in terms of lack of adaptive capacities or the preparedness to deal with extreme events. o A comparison with the WRI 2019, shows that all south Asian countries have slipped on their ability to adapt to the reality of climate emergency.  Countries with a score above 52.73, are ‘very poor’ in their adaptive capacities for extreme natural disasters. o India has also slipped on strengthening adaptive capacities which is concerning as it highlights the inability of systems, institutions, and other organisms to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences.  It becomes more important given that India's first ever comprehensive climate change assessment report highlighted the impacts of the climate crisis.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 0 36.Modern Grand Solar Minimum

Why in News

The magnitude of the Sun's solar activity is decreasing. This period of decreased solar activity is known as the Modern Grand Solar Minimum that will last from 2020 to 2053.

Key Points

. Measurement of Solar Activity: This is done by observing the number of Sunspots at any given time. The number of sunspots is directly proportional to solar activity. More Sunspots mean more solar activity. o Sunspots (some as large as 50,000 km in diameter) are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun (photosphere). They appear dark because they are cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface. o Sunspots are relatively cool because they form at areas where magnetic fields are particularly strong. These magnetic fields are so strong that they keep some of the heat within the Sun from reaching the surface. . Decrease in Sun Spots: According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), 71% of the Sun had no Sun spots in 2020 through September 21, 2020 as compared to 77% in 2019. . Possible Reason: o 2020 marks the beginning of the 11th solar cycle. The beginning of a solar cycle is a solar minimum, or when the Sun has the sunspots and thus, least activity.  Solar Cycle is the periodic flipping of the magnetic field of the Sun that occurs every 11 years or so. The north and south poles of the Sun change positions.  The middle of the solar cycle is the solar maximum, or when the Sun has the most sunspots. . Maunder Minimum: The last time such an event occurred was during the Maunder Minimum, from 1645 CE to 1710 CE. That period is a part of the Little Ice Age (from 1300 to around 1850), when Earth went through a series of elongated cold periods. o During the Maunder Minimum, the solar irradiance went down by 0.22 % in 1710 CE when the period ended. This brought down the temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe, by

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 1 1-1.5°C and led to frozen rivers, long cold winters and cold summers. . Impact: o The surface temperatures on Earth may go down during the Modern Grand Solar Minimum due to a 70% reduction in solar magnetic activity. o Variations in solar irradiance lead to heating of the upper layer of the Earth’s atmosphere and influences the transport of solar energy towards the planet’s surface. o Decreased solar activity has complex impacts on the abundance of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere o It also affects the climatic cycles of Earth such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).  North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is an irregular fluctuation of atmospheric pressure over the North Atlantic Ocean that has a strong effect on winter weather in Europe, Greenland, northeastern North America, North Africa, and northern Asia.  It was in a negative phase during the Maunder Minimum. o The sun’s magnetic field shields the Earth from harmful cosmic and galactic rays. In the absence of the shielding more rays will reach the Earth and form high clouds in the atmosphere leading to the cooling. . Impact on Global Warming: o It is possible that the cooling due to solar minimum may offset the rising temperatures due to global warming. o However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has dismissed this and said the decrease in climate crisis would only be worth as much as three years of carbon dioxide growth in the atmosphere. o According to NASA, the impact of global warming would be six times greater than the cooling caused by the Grand Solar Minimum. . Other Related Events: NASA had observed a family of sunspots in May 2020 that were associated with the biggest solar flare since October 2017. o A solar flare is a burst of activity on the sun’s surface accompanied by an ejection of particles known as the coronal mass ejection. o Big solar flares can disrupt satellite communications and many other technological equipment in and around Earth.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 2 Way Forward

. The sun’s activity is not completely understood. It takes months to just decide about the Sun’s activities from observations. Also, Sunspots are mere symptoms and not causes of solar activity so they can not be used as reliable measurements.

Even with state-of-the-art models and top scientists reviewing them, the only conclusion that could be drawn was that the Sun will attain a peak sunspot range of 95-130, and that this will happen sometime between 2023 and 2026, during the 25th solar cycle.

37.Science & Technology Indicators, 2019-20 Why in News

According to the latest Science & Technology Indicators (STI) report for 2019- 20, India performs very dismally in the field science & technology innovation.

. The STI report is released by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Key Points

. Patent Data: o Between 2005-06 and 2017-18, a total of 5,10,000 patent applications were filed in India. However, nearly three-quarters were filed by foreign entities or individuals. o In other words, in these 13 years, just 24% of patent claims came from Indians. o Patent filing in India is governed by Patents Act, 1970. Recently, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the DST have jointly initiated the formulation of a new national Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020).  A patent is the granting of a property right by a sovereign authority to an inventor.  This grant provides the inventor exclusive rights to the patented process, design, or invention for a designated period in exchange for a comprehensive disclosure of the invention.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 3 o According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India stands at the 7th position on number of patents filed.  China tops the list, followed by the USA and Japan. . Reasons for Dismal Performance: o Poor investment in research and development (R&D) by the government, and the private sector. o The pathetic state of higher education. o Lack of employable personnel, who have neither the skills nor the aptitude in a variety of fields. o Lack of funds and a lack of conducive environment for start-ups.  However, as per a recent report by the IBM Institute for Business Value, most Indian start-ups have failed because they lack pioneering ideas based on new technologies.  The Indian start-ups also do not come up with unique business models and prefer to copy successful ideas from elsewhere and focus on creating value merely by fine-tuning these successful concepts to local markets.  The Makeshift solutions or Jugaad enjoys respectability in India. It has been termed frugal innovation by some peoples. . Suggestions: o To spark the innovation in India, research content at major institutions, especially at universities, needs to be increased. o The national labs can be linked to universities to create new knowledge ecosystems. o Greater public engagement of the science and research establishment and attracting more scientists from across the world in India. o Increasing scientific temper among students. o Strengthening higher education in India. o There is a need to increase funding in R&D and to create a conducive environment for innovation. o Participation of the private sector in R&D needs to be increased.

Way Forward

. The makeshift solutions provide short term solutions, but to increase innovation, there is a need for pure research, which can be done when Indians will come up with new and original ideas. . Experience of developing countries shows that Science & Technology Innovation policies that are well integrated into national development

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 4 strategies and combined with institutional and organizational changes can help raise productivity, improve firm competitiveness, support faster growth and create jobs.

38.Need for Balanced Loan Restructuring Scheme: RBI Governor

Why in News

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor has called for a balanced loan restructuring scheme to tackle the Covid-19 related stress.

Key Points

. The financial stability of the banking sector needs to be kept in mind while providing loan restructuring along with depositors' interest. o There are crores of depositors (small depositors, middle-class people, retired persons) who depend on deposit income while borrowers are only in lakhs. o The loan restructuring includes altering the terms of existing loans, usually to make them more favorable to the borrower. For example, the lender may restructure a loan to receive a lower interest rate or monthly payment.  Restructured loans are most common if the borrower states that he/she can no longer afford payments under the old terms. . The governor does not want a repeat of the Non-Performing Asset (NPA) surge that happened after 2014 with loan restructuring. o The economic measures taken by the RBI in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-09, led to a surge in bad loans from 2014-15. . The idea behind loan restructuring was to protect viable businesses that are facing genuine cash flow problems. The revival of business will ensure NPA levels are kept low and also ensure quick economic recovery. . However, the governor cautioned that the economic recovery would be gradual, as the upticks in some sectors appear to be levelling off as efforts towards reopening of the economy are confronted with rising infections.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 5 Background

. In the recent Monetary Policy report, RBI has allowed banks to restructure loans to reduce the rising stress on incomes and balance sheets of large corporates, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as individuals. o A large number of firms that otherwise maintain a good track record are facing the challenge as their debt burden is becoming disproportionate, relative to their cash flow generation abilities. . The RBI set up a committee headed by K.V. Kamath on restructuring of loans impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. o The committee was tasked to recommend parameters for one-time restructuring of corporate loans. o The committee recommended five financial ratios and sector-specific thresholds for resolution of Covid-19 related stressed assets in 26 sectors. o It also specified that restructured loan tenure cannot be extended beyond two years.

Issues Involved

. The major criticism of the restructuring scheme is the select 26 sectors identified by the K V. Kamath committee. However, there are many other sectors that are eligible for a restructuring scheme. o The 26 sectors include automobiles, power, tourism, cement, chemicals, gems and jewellery, logistics, mining, manufacturing, real estate, and shipping among others. . As per the RBI, only those borrowers which were classified as standard and with arrears less than 30 days as at 1st March 2020 are eligible for restructuring. . The two year period is also very short for economic recovery. Given the GDP contraction and no second economic stimulus by the government in sight, the recovery will take longer than two years. o In May 2020, the government announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)’ with an economic stimulus package — worth Rs. 20 lakh crores aimed towards achieving the mission.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 6 Way Forward

. The loan restructuring must be a temporary step as continuing it for long may lead to an inflation surge, currency crisis, and financial instability. It is important that post-Covid-19, regulatory measures are rolled out in a very careful and orderly manner and the financial sector returns to normal functioning without relying on the regulatory relaxations as the new norm.

39. Delhi Metro develops indigenous signalling technology under 'Make in India'

Context

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken a major step towards the development of an indigenously built signalling technology for metro trains in line with the government's flagship 'Make in India' initiative. As part of it, i-ATS, an important sub-system of the signalling system, was launched, it said.

Background

"The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Engineers Day (September 15) today took a major step towards the development of an indigenously-built CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) based signalling technology for metro railway with the launch of the i-ATS, which is an important sub-system of the signalling system," the DMRC said in a statement.

About ATS

 ATS (Automatic Train Supervision) is a computer based system, which manages train operations.  This system is indispensable for high density operations such as the metro, where services are scheduled every few minutes, it said.  i-ATS is the indigenously developed technology, which will significantly reduce the dependence of Indian metros on foreign vendors dealing with such technologies, officials said.  Technology systems such as the CBTC are primarily controlled by the European countries and Japan.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 7  As part of the 'Make in India' initiative of the government of India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has decided to indigenize the CBTC technology, the statement said.

About the Highlights

 It can work with Train Control & Signaling Systems of different suppliers.  i-ATS can work with different levels of technology of Train control and Signalling systems.  It is also suitable for introduction in Indian Railways which is now introducing Centralized Train control, on a large scale, which uses part of ATS functions.  Predictive Maintenance module shall also be introduced in the Phase IV corridors using the i-ATS system, the statement said.

40.Contraction in July Factory Output: IIP

Why in News

Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has released data, highlighting the decline in the factory output (also called Industrial Production) for the fifth consecutive month, with July 2020 posting a contraction of 10.4% compared to July 2019.

. The data, however, recorded a sequential improvement from 15.8% contraction seen in June, reflecting some resumption in industrial activity with the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

Key Points

. Cumulatively, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) contracted by 29.2% for April-July against a growth of 3.5% in the same period last year. o The IIP had grown by 4.9% in July 2019. . Reason: The decline is mainly due to degrowth in manufacturing, mining, capital goods, and consumer durables output. . Contraction Data: Barring consumer non-durables, all other sectors including manufacturing, mining, primary goods, capital goods contracted in July. o Consumer Non-durables: A proxy for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), it posted a positive growth of 6.7%.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 8 o Manufacturing Sector: Weight of 77.6% in IIP, contracted by 11.1% in July from a contraction of 16.0% in June. o Electricity Output: It contracted by 2.5% as against a double-digit contraction of 10.0% in June.  It recorded the best sequential improvement and may turn out to be the first sector, apart from consumer non-durables, to find its way in positive territory going ahead. . Similar Trends: The decline in industrial growth mirrors the trend in other high-frequency indicators for July. o India’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) had stood at 46 in July compared with 47.2 in June. A print below 50 signifies a contraction. . Impact: The negative IIP for July, which is the first month of the second quarter, will reflect in the expected contraction in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth numbers for the July-September quarter. o India’s GDP growth contracted by 23.9% in the April-June quarter, the worst among G20 countries.

Index of Industrial Production

. It is an indicator that measures the changes in the volume of production of industrial products during a given period. . It is compiled and published monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. o NSO is the central statistical agency of the government, set up by an Act of the Parliament, Statistical Services Act (Chapter 386) 1980. . IIP is a composite indicator that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under: o Broad sectors, namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. o Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods. . Core Sector Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in IIP. o The eight core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel> Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement> Fertilisers. . Base Year for IIP is 2011-2012. . Significance of IIP: o It is used by government agencies including the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India, etc. for policy-making purposes.

www.vishnuias.com (+91-7702170025) 19 9 o IIP remains extremely relevant for the calculation of the quarterly and advance GDP estimates.