CURRENT AFFAIRS ORGANIC AND ORGANISED DECEMBERFEBRUARY 2019 2021
A LETTER FROM MY HEART
Dear IAS Aspirant Friends, It gives me immense pleasure to present to you the 360º Current Affairs Magazine for the month of February 2021. The dedicated team that compiles and edits Current Affairs at IAS WINNISHERS has made sincere efforts to provide to you the most relevant and important news from the point of view of Interview, Mains and especially the soon approaching Prelims.
Our mission is to build IAS aspirants into human beings who can become IAS officers. In that direction, we strive to facilitate the current affairs knowledge that is ORGANIC and ORGANISED.
We fully empathize with your anxiety related to the exam. This compilation aids you in your preparation, especially the Prelims exam which is becoming challenging over the years. The present issue also carries information on INTERVIEW GUIDANCE PROGRAM conducted by IAS WINNISHERS, which has produced amazing results in the past. Get more information on our website and benefit immensely from it.
Wishing You Success Vinay Kumar R Founder & CEO, IAS WINNISHERS
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Contents
1. POLITY & CONSTITUTION...... 7 1.1.INDIA TIGHTENS OVERSIGHT ON FUNDS RECEIVED BY NGOs ...... 8 1.2.BUILD EKLAVYA SCHOOLS IN 4 MORE DISTRICTS: UP GOVT URGES CENTRE ...... 9 1.3.LINGAYAT SUB-SECT PUSHES FOR 15% QUOTA ...... 9 1.4.SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OBCS: WHAT A COMMISSION HAS FOUND SO FAR...... 10 1.5.DNA BILL: HOUSE PANEL FLAGS FEARS THAT DATABANK MAY TARGET GROUPS ...... 11 1.6.NOTICE TO TWITTER AND THE LAWS GOVERNING THE CYBER WORLD ...... 13 1.7.FIFTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION ...... 14 1.8.THE DIGITAL MEDIA CODE ...... 15 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ...... 18 2.1.THE DAVOS AGENDA 2021 ...... 18 2.2.WORLD TOURISM BAROMETER: UNWTO...... 20 2.3.SRI LANKA PUSHES INDIA OUT OF COLOMBO TERMINAL PROJECT ...... 21 2.4.US-RUSSIA EXTEND NEW START TREATY ...... 23 2.5.DEMOCRACY INDEX 2020 ...... 25 2.6.FIRST INDIA-BAHRAIN JOINT WORKING GROUP MEETING IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY...... 26 2.7.FIRST INDIA-EU HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND INVESTNOTIC ...... 28 2.8.INDIA, AFGHANISTAN SIGN MOU TO BUILD SHAHTOOT DAM IN KABUL ...... 29 2.9.INDIA, CHINA HOLD CONSULTATIONS ON AGENDA OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL ...... 30 2.10.EXIM BANK TO PROVIDE $400 MILLION FOR MALDIVES PROJECT ...... 30 2.11.MoU WITH JAPAN ON TRAINING OF SKILLED WORKERS ...... 31 2.12.INDIA-MYANMAR: KALADAN MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT TRANSPORT PROJECT ...... 32 2.13.INDIA INKS NEW AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRALIA ON SPACE COLLABORATION ...... 33 2.14.ISA TO LAUNCH WORLD SOLAR BANK AT THE GLOBAL CLIMATE MEET ...... 34 2.15.QUAD’S 3RD MINISTERIAL MEETING ...... 35 2.16.CECPA BETWEEN INDIA AND MAURITIUS ...... 36 2.17.INDIA, MALDIVES INK DEALS IN PUBLIC BROADCASTING, SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT ...... 37 2.18.INDIA-ETHIOPIA ...... 38 2.19.BRICS INDIA 2021 ...... 39
3. ECONOMY ...... 42 AGRICULTURE AND RELATED ISSUES ...... 42 3.1.e-NAM ...... 42 3.2.AGRI GRANTS - FINANCE COMMISSION ...... 43 3.3.FINGER ON INDIA'S PULSES ...... 44 3.4.AGRI-CREDIT ...... 45 3.5.MODEL BILL ON CONCLUSIVE LAND TITLING ...... 46 3.6.DOUBLING FARMERS INCOME ...... 47
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3.7.ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (AHIDF)...... 48 FISCAL POLICY ...... 49 3.8.BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS ...... 49 3.9.THE REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION ...... 50 3.10.GOODBYE TO FISCAL ORTHODOXY, INDIA TAKES A CHANCE ON GROWTH ...... 53 3.11.TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH ...... 55 3.12.NOD TO PLI SCHEME FOR TELECOM EQUIPMENT ...... 56 3.13.DIALLING GROWTH WITH TELECOM PLI SCHEME ...... 57 3.14.LABOUR CODES ...... 58 3.15.NEW PSE POLICY ...... 59 3.16.A CHANGING FISCAL FRAMEWORK ...... 60 BANKING &FINANCIAL SECTOR ...... 62 3.17.RBI MONETARY POLICY ...... 62 3.18.BAD BANKS ...... 63 3.19.INSURANCE SECTOR ...... 64 3.20.GILT SECURITIES ...... 65 3.21.GOVERNMENT BONDS ...... 66 3.22.ONE PERSON COMPANIES ...... 67 3.23.EQUITY INVESTMENTS ...... 68 3.24.GREEN BONDS...... 70 3.25.BOND YIELDS AND PRICES ...... 72 External Sector ...... 73 3.26.FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS ...... 73 3.27.CARRY TRADE ...... 74 Infrastructure ...... 75 3.28.NATIONAL MONETIZATION PIPELINE ...... 75 3.29.MAJOR PORTS AUTHORITY BILL, 2020 ...... 76 3.30.INDIA NEEDS TO FOCUS ON DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 77
4. ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY ...... 80 4.1.NITI AAYOG’S MEGA CITY PROJECT FOR LITTLE ANDAMAN ...... 80 4.2.GREEN TAX...... 81 4.3.A WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN BY FISHING CAT CONSERVATION ALLIANCE ...... 81 4.4.OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE ...... 82 4.5.BIHAR STARTS TAGGING MIGRATORY BIRDS ...... 83 4.6.SMALLEST REPTILE ON EARTH' DISCOVERED IN MADAGASCAR ...... 84 4.7.DENMARK’S ARTIFICIAL ENERGY ISLAND PROJECT ...... 85 4.8.SRIVILLIPUTHUR – MEGHAMALAI TIGER RESERVE IN TAMIL NADU ...... 85 4.9.CAN PLANTS PRODUCE MAGNETIC FIELD...... 86 4.10.GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD IN UTTARKHAND ...... 87 4.11.RISK OF RISING NUMBER OF GLACIAL LAKES ...... 88 4.12.POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY HAS 58 WATERFOWL SPECIES ...... 89 4.13.IIHR DEVELOPS NEW WATER CONSERVING IRRIGATION METHOD ...... 90 4.14.GLACIERS IN HINDUKUSH- KARAKORAM RANGE ...... 91 4.15.GENOME BANK TO SAFEGUARD SUPERIOR QUALITY POULTRY BIRDS...... 92 4.16.KARNATAKA SECOND IN LEOPARD POPULATION ...... 92
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4.17.WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2021 ...... 93 4.18.PUNJAB RELEASES CAPTIVE -BRED GHARIALS IN BEAS RESERVE ...... 93 4.19.VITAMIN-D ENRICHED RICE AND WHEAT ...... 94 4.20.RARE DUCK SIGHTED IN UPPER ASSAM ...... 95 4.21.SIX ELEPHANTS DIE OF HAEMORRHAGIC SEPTICAEMIA IN ODISHA’S KARLAPAT SANCTUARY...... 96 4.22.NEW FLY SPECIES NAMED AFTER A WATER BODY ...... 96 4.23.GIANT LEATHERBACK TURTLE ...... 96 4.24.CARBON NEUTRALITY – INDIA: THE PATH TO NET ZERO ...... 98 4.25.NEW APPROACH TO TRACK LEOPARD POPULATION...... 100 4.26.RUNNING CARS ON HYDROGEN: NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION ...... 100 4.27.INDIA’S FIRST GEOTHERMAL FIELD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ...... 102 4.28.DISCOVERY OF LIFE DEEP BENEATH ANTARCTICA’S ICE SHELVES ...... 102 4.29.MAKING PEACE WITH NATURE REPORT ...... 103 4.30.ELIZABETH ANN, THE FIRST CLONED FERRET OF USA ...... 104 4.31.WOOLY NECKED STORK SPOTTED IN KARAIVETTI BIRD SANCTUARY ...... 104 4.32.CARBON WATCH – INDIA’S FIRST APP TO ASSESS ONE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT ...... 105 4.33.EXOTIC RED – EARED SLIDER TURTLE ...... 106 4.34.GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT ...... 106 4.35.A SMALL MOVEMENT TO PROTECT PANGOLINS IN EASTERN GHATS ...... 107 4.36.NEW ALPINE PLANT SPECIES DISCOVERED IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH ...... 108 4.37.BLACK BROWED BABBLER REDISCOVERED AFTER 170 YEARS ...... 108 4.38.MOUNT ETNA’S LATEST ERUPTION AWE VOLCANOLOGISTS...... 109 4.39.CARACAL, A WILDCAT LISTED AS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ...... 109 4.40.MADRAS HEDGEHOG ...... 110 4.41.TRACKING OF SNOW LEOPARD IN HIMACHAL PRADESH ...... 111 4.42.MOOTH COATED OTTER SIGHTED IN UPPALAPADU BIRD SANCTUARY...... 112 4.43.NEW LIGHT ON THE RISE OF MAMMALS ...... 112 5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...... 115 SPACE RELATED ...... 115 5.1.GALAXY NGC 4535...... 115 5.2.SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY, THE WORLD’S LARGEST RADIO TELESCOPE...... 115 5.3.CHINA'S SPACE PROBE SENDS BACK ITS FIRST IMAGE OF MARS ...... 117 5.4.EMIRATI 'HOPE' PROBE APPROACHES MARS ...... 117 5.5.FARFAROUT ...... 118 5.6.ISRO’S LAUNCH FOR FEBRUARY 28 ...... 119 5.7.NASA'S SPHEREx MISSION ...... 120 5.8.SCIENTISTS DECODE HOW MARS MAY HAVE LOST ITS ATMOSPHERE ...... 120 5.9.MICROBES FROM EARTH COULD TEMPORARILY SURVIVE ON MARS: STUDY ...... 121 5.10.PSLV-C51 ...... 121 OTHER NEWS ...... 122 5.11.SCHEME TO ENHANCE ETHANOL DISTILLATION CAPACITY ...... 122 5.12.STARDUST 1.0, THE FIRST ROCKET TO RUN ON BIOFUEL ...... 124 5.13.SILK-PROTEIN-BASED TUMOUR MODELS FOR TESTING OUT CANCER DRUGS ...... 125 5.14.AI TO COUNTER MUTATIONS IN CORONAVIRUS ...... 126 5.15.BITCOIN ...... 126
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5.16.INDIA IS PUTTING OUT ITS MAPPING, GEOSPATIAL DATA AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL USE...... 128 5.17.SOFTWARE TOOL FOR AUTOMATED DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19 LUNG INFECTION ...... 128 5.18.APPLE GRANTED A PATENT FOR A PENCIL WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONALITIES ...... 129 5.19.HYDROGEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL ...... 129 5.20.IIT ROPAR DEVELOPS ALTERNATIVE TO ALCOHOL-BASED DISINFECTANT ...... 131 5.21.GLOBAL BIO-INDIA 2021 ...... 131 5.22.RUSSIA LAUNCHES SATELLITE TO MONITOR CLIMATE IN ARCTIC ...... 132
6. SECURITY ...... 133 6.1.DISHANI AND GARUDASTRA ...... 133 6.2.Ka-226T ...... 133 6.3.COMBINED AIR TEAMING SYSTEM (CATS) ...... 133 6.4.BrahMos SHORT-RANGE RAMJET SUPERSONIC CRUISE MISSILE ...... 134 6.5.DISINFORMATION AS A CYBER THREAT...... 134 6.6.DHRUVASTRA ANTI-TANK GUIDED MISSILES (ATGM) ...... 135 7. SOCIAL ISSUES ...... 137 SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, POVERTY AND DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES ...... 137 7.1.WOMEN WEAVERS FROM DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE ...... 137 7.2.TRIFED REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN CHHATTISGARH ...... 139 7.3.THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES (POCSO) ACT,2012 ...... 141 7.4.Ph.D. ENTRY IN IITS TOUGHER FOR STUDENTS FROM MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES...... 143 7.5.SCHOOLING FOR ADIVASIS ...... 144 7.6.CHILD/ADOLESCENT MARRIAGES STILL POSE A PROBLEM FOR INDIA ...... 146 7.7.TRIBALS SEEK FOREST RIGHTS IN SITANADI UDANTI TIGER RESERVE ...... 147 ISSUES RELATED TO HEALTH ...... 149 7.8.PULSE POLIO PROGRAMME FOR 2021 ...... 149 7.9.UNFEASIBLE ABORTION ...... 151 7.10.IISC STUDY LOOKS AT WAYS TO BLOCK HIV FROM REPLICATING ...... 152 7.11.THE KIRAN HELPLINE ...... 154 7.12.HEALTHY VISION OF THE CHILD ...... 155 7.13.SCALING UP THE TELEHEALTH SERVICES ...... 157 7.14.ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS SYNDROME (AES) ...... 158 ISSUES RELATED TO EDUCATION ...... 159 7.15.NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NRF) ...... 159 7.16.UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FROM OVEREXPANSION OF IITs ...... 159 7.17.INDIA’S ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE ...... 161 7.18.NITI AAYOG’S DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON MIGRANT WORKERS ...... 162
8. SCHEMES ...... 165 8.1.STARS (STRENGTHENING TEACHING-LEARNING AND RESULTS FOR STATES) PROJECT ...... 165 8.2.MEGA INVESTMENT TEXTILES PARKS (MITRA) ...... 166 8.3.AYUSHMAN BHARAT'S JAN AROGYA YOJANA (JAY) ...... 167 8.4.JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN) ...... 170 8.5.SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (URBAN) 2.0 ...... 171 8.6.PRADHAN MANTRI ATMANIRBHAR SWASTH BHARAT YOJANA...... 172 8.7.OPERATION GREEN SCHEME ...... 173
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8.8.UDAN 4.0 (UDEDESH KA AAMNAGRIK) ...... 174 8.9.PRADHAN MANTRI MATRU VANDANA YOJANA ...... 175 8.10.NAIROSHNI ...... 176 8.11.SEEKHO AUR KAMAO (LEARN & EARN) AND NAIMANZIL SCHEME ...... 177 8.12.PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA (PMFBY) ...... 177 8.13.GARIB KALYAN ROJGAR ABHIYAAN (GKRA) ...... 179 8.14.ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ROJGAR YOJANA ...... 179 8.15.REMISSION OF DUTIES AND TAXES ON EXPORTED PRODUCTS (RoDTEP) ...... 180 8.16.SAKSHAM (SHRAMIK SHAKTI MANCH) ...... 181 8.17.SEAWEEDS MISSION ...... 182 8.18.JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN) ...... 183 8.19.NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE (NCS) ...... 185 8.20.MISSION ‘LAL LAKIR’ ...... 187 8.21.SVAMITVA SCHEME ...... 187 8.22.NATIONAL URBAN DIGITAL MISSION ...... 188 8.23.PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA ...... 189 8.24.SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS SCHEME...... 191
9. MISCELLANEOUS/FACTS ...... 195 9.1.SWITCH DELHI CAMPAIGN...... 195 9.2.JERENGA POTHAR ...... 195 9.3.EINSTEINIUM ...... 197 9.4.ARTISANS OF KINNAL AND THEIR WOODEN DOLLS ...... 197 9.5.THOLPAVAKKOOTHU ...... 198 9.6.DRIVERLESS METRO CAR ...... 199 9.7.DICKINSONIA ...... 201 9.8.SAKA NANKANA SAHIB ...... 203 9.9.BINDU SAGAR CLEANING PROJECT ...... 203 9.10.INSCRIPTION ON VIJAYANAGAR KING’S DEATH DISCOVERED ...... 204 9.11.GLOBAL ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD ...... 205
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1. POLITY & CONSTITUTION
1.1.INDIA TIGHTENS OVERSIGHT ON FUNDS RECEIVED BY NGOs
Why in news? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has laid down a charter for banks which says that “donations received in Indian rupees” by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations from “any foreign source even if that source is located in India at the time of such donation” should be treated as “foreign contribution”
Other regulations As per the existing rules, all banks have to report to the Central government within 48 hours, the “receipt or utilisation of any foreign contribution” by any NGO, association or person whether or not they are registered or granted prior permission under the FCRA. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, was amended in September 2020 by Parliament and a new provision that makes it mandatory for all NGOs to receive foreign funds in a designated bank account at the State Bank of India’s New Delhi branch was inserted. It may be noted that foreign contribution has to be received only through banking channels and it has to be accounted for in the manner prescribed. Any violation by the NGO or by the bank may invite penal provisions of The FCRA, 2010. Donations given in Indian rupees (INR) by any foreigner/foreign source including foreigners of Indian origin like OCI or PIO cardholders should also be treated as foreign contribution. In 2019, MHA had amended FCRA rules where it said that even persons prohibited to receive foreign funds such as journalists, politicians, members of the judiciary “are allowed to accept foreign contribution from their relatives” if the amount does not exceed Rs 1 lakh. Any such transaction above Rs 1 lakh will have to be informed to MHA. "Good practices” to be followed by NGOs in accordance with standards of global financial watchdog- Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It asked NGOs to inform the Ministry about “suspicious activities” of any donor or recipient and “take due diligence of its employees at the time of recruitment.
What is the FCRA? The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security. First enacted in 1976, it was amended in 2010 when a slew of new measures were adopted to regulate foreign donations. The FCRA is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations. It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms. Registered associations can receive foreign contribution for social, educational, religious, economic and cultural purposes.
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Filing of annual returns, on the lines of Income Tax, is compulsory.
Who cannot receive foreign donations? Members of the legislature and political parties, government officials, judges and media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contribution. However, in 2017 the MHA, through the Finance Bill route, amended the 1976- repealed FCRA law paving the way for political parties to receive funds from the Indian subsidiary of a foreign company or a foreign company in which an Indian holds 50% or more shares.
1.2.BUILD EKLAVYA SCHOOLS IN 4 MORE DISTRICTS: UP GOVT URGES CENTRE
Why in news? The Uttar Pradesh government has sent a proposal to the Centre to build Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Lucknow, Sonbhadra, Bijnor and Shravasti districts of the state.
In the Budget tabled by the Centre , Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of additional 750 such schools across the country.
About Ekalvya schools: EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas in order to enable them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors. The schools focus not only on academic education but on the all-round development of the students. In order to give further impetus to EMRS, it has been decided that by the year 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS. Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development. Across the country, as per census 2011 figures, there are 564 such sub-districts out of which there is an EMRS in 102 sub-districts. Thus, 462 new schools have to be opened by the year 2022. These are being set up by grants provided under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
1.3.LINGAYAT SUB-SECT PUSHES FOR 15% QUOTA
Why in news? The Veerashaiva Lingayat community who make up 17 per cent of the state population is currently provided five per cent reservation on the whole under the 3B category of backward classes.
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classes quota in Karnataka. Rallies have been held over the past few days to demand inclusion of 80 lakh Panchamasali Lingayats under Category 2A. At present, Karnataka provides 15% reservation for SCs, 3% for STs and 32% for the other backward classes (OBC) — totalling to 50%. These include 101 scheduled castes, 50 scheduled tribes and 207 OBCs, which include Muslims, Christians and Jains.
Reservation issues in Karnataka: • Kuruba community demanding the Scheduled Tribe (ST) tag and Valmiki community seeking a hike in overall ST reservation quota, any inclusion and exclusion from quota is a legally and politically fraught issue. • Meanwhile, already on the table is H.N. Nagamohan Das Committee Report that recommends a hike in reservation for STs by 4%, taking it to 7%, and for Scheduled Castes (SCs) by 2%, taking it to 17%, in proportion to their population. If Kurubas are to be declared ST as per their demand, the quota for STs will have to be proportionally increased • The larger issue is also that the State has already hit the apex court set 50% cap on reservation and any hike poses a challenge. • Seniors in the backward classes movement argue that the socio-economic survey should be the basis for reconstitution of the matrix, essentially demanding that communities that have progressed since availing of benefits be stripped of them to accommodate others who continue to be “backward”. This argument is particularly aimed at the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. However, leaders of these communities say they are prepared for even a legal challenge, depending on the outcome of the caste census.
Way to accommodate reservations: • One way out is through a Bill to increase reservation beyond the 50% limit passed in Parliament and including it under the IX Schedule of the Constitution, putting it beyond judicial review, like in the case of Tamil Nadu, experts said. • There are also complex procedural issues in including any community in the ST list. The Union government has to pass a Bill in the Lok Sabha and the President of India must give his assent. Given the complexity, the government may not be willing to do that right now.
1.4.SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OBCS: WHAT A COMMISSION HAS FOUND SO FAR
On January 21, the Centre has extended the tenure of The Commission to Examine Sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) headed by Justice G Rohini, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. The commission now has until July 31 to submit its report
In September 2020, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court reopened the legal debate on sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations.
What is sub-categorisation of OBCs?
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• OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government. The debate arises out of the perception that only a few affluent communities among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs have secured a major part of this 27% reservation. The argument for sub-categorisation — or creating categories within OBCs for reservation — is that it would ensure “equitable distribution” of representation among all OBC communities. • To examine this, the Rohini Commission was constituted on October 2, 2017.
What are the Commission’s terms of reference? It was originally set up with three terms of reference 1. To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List; 2. To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs; 3. To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub- castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.
A fourth term of reference was added on January 22, 2020, when the Cabinet granted it an extension: 4. To study the various entries in the Central List of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription.
What progress has it made so far? Following the latest term of reference given (on January 22, 2020) to the Commission, it is studying the list of communities in the central list. The Rohini Commission on September 29, 2020 asked for copies of advisories from NCBC regarding some OBC communities in the central list from Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Daman and Diu, and the Ministry forwarded this request to the NCBC in October.
What have its findings been so far? As per the report submitted to the NCBC by the Department of Personnel and Training on July 24, 2020, OBC representation is 16.51 % in group-A central government services, 13.38 % in group-B, 21.25 % in group-C (excluding safai karmacharis) and 17.72 % in group-C (safai karmacharis). This data was for only 42 ministries/departments of the central government.
1.5.DNA BILL: HOUSE PANEL FLAGS FEARS THAT DATABANK MAY TARGET GROUPS
Why in news? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change has recommended that the government assuage concerns raised over the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019,
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including over creation of a national databank of crime scene DNA profiles and fears of communities being targeted.
Concerns of the Bill : • The risk with a national databank of crime scene DNA profiles is that it will likely include virtually everyone since DNA is left at the ‘crime scene’ before and after the crime by several persons who may have nothing to do with the crime being investigated. • The Committee is of the strong opinion that an enabling ecosystem must be created soon to ensure that DNA profiling is done in a manner that is fully consistent with the letter and spirit of various Supreme Court judgments and with the Constitution. • The Committee is conscious of the fact that this Bill is very technical, complex and sensitive. A number of Members have expressed concern about the use of DNA technology — or more accurately its misuse — to target different segments of our society based on factors like religion, caste or political views. These fears are not entirely unfounded (and) have to be recognized and addressed • While the Bill speaks of regional databanks apart from a central one, the Parliamentary Standing Committee strongly recommends only one National Data Bank, to minimise chances of misuse of data. • The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommends that this DNA Regulatory Board be independent and “not comprise wholly of serving government officials”. • It further says that DNA samples be taken only with the consent of an individual and no person be “forced to provide evidence that may incriminate him/her in any crime”.
Advantages of Bill • The primary intended purpose of “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019” is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country • The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill aims to establish a database of “certain category of persons” such as victims of crimes, missing persons and children, unidentified bodies, as well as offenders,suspects and undertrials in cases. Such a data base, the Bill says, would help trace repeat offenders of heinous crimes such as rape and murder through DNA profiling • The Bill talks of a DNA Regulatory Board that would advise the Centre and state governments on issues such as setting up of DNA laboratories and databanks; and laying down of guidelines, standards and procedures for the same. • The proposed legislation will empower the criminal justice delivery system by enabling the application of DNA evidence, which is considered the gold standard in crime investigations. • The proposed Bill will give fillip to the development of uniform code of practices in all laboratories involved in DNA testing throughout the country • This will aid in scientific up gradation and streamlining of the DNA testing activities in the country with appropriate inputs from the DNA Regulatory Board which would be set up for the purpose. • It is expected that the expanded use of this scientifically driven technology would empower the existing justice delivery system.
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1.6.NOTICE TO TWITTER AND THE LAWS GOVERNING THE CYBER WORLD
Why in news? The Centre has issued notice to Twitter after the micro-blogging site restored more than 250 accounts that had been suspended earlier on the government’s ‘legal demand’. The government wants the platform to comply with its earlier order of January 31 by which it was asked to block accounts and a controversial hashtag that spoke of an impending ‘genocide’ of farmers for allegedly promoting misinformation about the protests, adversely affecting public order
Are platforms required to comply with government requests? Cooperation between technology services companies and law enforcement agencies is now deemed a vital part of fighting cybercrime, and various other crimes that are committed using computer resources. These cover hacking, digital impersonation and theft of data. The potential of the Internet and its offshoots such as mail and messaging services and social media networks to disseminate potentially harmful content such as hate speech, rumours, inflammatory and provocative messages and child pornography, has led to law enforcement officials constantly seeking to curb the ill-effects of using the medium.
What does the law in India cover? In India, the Information Technology Act, 2000, as amended from time to time, governs all activities related to the use of computer resources. It covers all ‘intermediaries’ who play a role in the use of computer resources and electronic records. The term ‘intermediaries’ includes providers of telecom service, network service, Internet service and web hosting, besides search engines, online payment and auction sites, online marketplaces and cyber cafes. It includes any person who, on behalf of another, “receives, stores or transmits” any electronic record. Social media platforms would fall under this definition
What are the Centre’s powers vis-à-vis intermediaries? Section 69 of the Act confers on the Central and State governments the power to issue directions “to intercept, monitor or decrypt…any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource”.
The grounds on which these powers may be exercised are: In the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India Defence of India. Security of the state Friendly relations with foreign states. Public order. or For preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to these, or for investigating any offence.
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How does the government block websites and networks? Section 69A, for similar reasons and grounds on which it can intercept or monitor information, enables the Centre to ask any agency of the government, or any intermediary, to block access to the public of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored or hosted on any computer resource. Any such request for blocking access must be based on reasons given in writing. Procedures and safeguards have been incorporated in the rules framed for the purpose.
Is the liability of the intermediary absolute? No. Section 79 of the Act makes it clear that “an intermediary shall not be liable for any third-party information, data, or communication link made available or hosted by him”. This protects intermediaries such as Internet and data service providers and those hosting websites from being made liable for content that users may post or generate. However, the exemption from liability does not apply if there is evidence that the intermediary abetted or induced the commission of the unlawful act involved. Also, the provision casts a responsibility on intermediaries to remove the offensive content or block access to it upon getting “actual knowledge” of an unlawful act being committed using their resources, or as soon as it is brought to their notice.
1.7.FIFTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION
This year’s Union budget was accompanied by the unveiling of the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s report for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. This report outlines some crucial recommendations for state governments, covering tax devolution, grants from the Centre, and the guidelines for the borrowings that they are permitted to incur over the medium-term.
Recommendations of Commission: The commission has recommended that 41 per cent of the government’s divisible pool of taxes be transferred to state governments during its award period of 2021- 22 to 2025-26. This vertical tax devolution is in line with the level that the 15th FC had recommended for 2020-21. It only differs from the 14th FC’s recommendation on account of the exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir, which is no longer a state. In the horizontal devolution formula — which specifies each state’s share in the overall pie — the criteria and weights chosen by the 15th FC differ from those taken by the previous commission. The 15th FC was required to use the states’ population as per the 2011 Census — a highly contentious change. It has also introduced a demographic performance criterion to reward those states which have performed well on demographic management over the last few decades. Additionally, it has also introduced a new criterion (tax effort) measured by the ratio of the three-year average of per-capita own tax revenues and per-capita gross state domestic product (GSDP).
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The net result of the change in criteria is that the share of 10 states in the divisible pool has declined during its award period, relative to the previous commission’s period. Karnataka is the biggest loser, while Maharashtra is the biggest gainer. 57 per cent of the 15th FC-recommended grants accepted so far by the GoI are conditional, relative to just 17 per cent for the 14th FC (including J&K) In line with the Finance Commissions that are set up at the Union level, the Constitution requires state governments to set up State Finance Commissions (SFC). The 15th FC has asserted that the mandate of any given SFC is intended to be applicable only for five years The Centre has also accepted the recommendation of providing Rs 2.9 trillion as revenue deficit grants to 17 states during 2021-26. These grants are unconditional — a positive for the recipients. The commission has recommended that the normal limit for net borrowings of state governments be fixed at 4 per cent of GSDP in 2021-22, in line with the enhanced baseline borrowing limit for the year.
1.8.THE DIGITAL MEDIA CODE
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India (MeitY), led by Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, has announced the proposed Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code.
The guidelines will cover social networks, digital media companies, and OTT platforms while making the nation’s sovereign stance clear on matters of ethics and the protection of freedom of expression of creators, publishers, and digital platform companies, and balancing the questions of accountability and grievance redressal that are posed by the citizens of the country.
Pros of the move: With this move, India continues to deepen its position as a leader in digital policy and technological innovation. These guidelines have been intentionally designed so that India’s next-gen digital media innovators can propel the acceleration of value generation and inclusive empowerment of their local users, while global companies that have large user bases in the country can also align with a common framework that protects creators and consumers alike. MeitY’s collaborative approach to the drafting of these guidelines ensured an inclusive framework that has embraced the concerns of citizens, protects the freedom of speech and expression of creators, encourages the many regional language communities and applications that are essential for the freedom of expression of every Indian citizen while adding minimal friction or disincentives for the continued growth of the country’s digital ecosystems. The proposal has clearly-defined grievance redressal mechanisms that empower every social and digital media intermediary to self-enforce effective mechanisms to address complaints from users.
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With a special focus on protecting the online safety and dignity of users, especially women, the guidelines have prioritised affirmative addressal of the most serious issues that have affected India’s digital population. The guidelines also address a controversial and contemporary issue that has challenged the world’s governments today — that of arbitrary censorship by social network companies. The country’s guidelines will ensure that unlawful information has clear boundary conditions, liability is defined, the process for enforcement of orders is transparent, and that all social and digital media companies can rely on a consistent definition of the ethics code that protects all participants in the digital ecosystem. This light-touch, empowering, and inclusive regulatory architecture is exactly what the country was hoping for, and India’s citizens will applaud this move as a foundational pillar towards an Atmanirbhar India.
The need of the hour is for every country to have a body of clearly-defined policy that is consistent with the principles of their democracies. India has taken a leadership position and made these issues a matter of inclusive public debate through this announcement.
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2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1.THE DAVOS AGENDA 2021
Why in news? The 51st Edition of 2021 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting called ‘The Davos Agenda 2021’ took place virtually from January 25-29, 2021.
Theme of Davos Agenda – ‘A Crucial Year to Rebuild Trust’ Around 1, 500 Business, Government & Civil Society Leaders from 70 countries participated in the Meeting. Heads of State & Government like Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India;Xi Jinping, President of China & others participated in the meeting. Several leaders from International Organizations, Government agencies & Central banks participated in the Davos Agenda 2021.
Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Address: Prime Minister’s (PM) address in the WEF forum focussed on the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution-using technology for the good of humanity’. India is working on all 4 factors of Industry 4.0 – Connectivity, Automation, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning & real-time data. Utilization of Digital Infrastructure in India for various fields like Dissemination of Financial funds, Healthcare & peer-to-peer transaction. Indians transferred around 4 Trillion Rupees through UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in December, 2020. Government transferred 1.8 Trillion rupees Assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the accounts of 760 Million Indians during the Pandemic. Use of Digital Infrastructure under National Digital Health mission for improving access to health care through distribution of Health IDs. He invited Global Companies to leverage the 26 Billion Dollars Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme introduced by the Government for boosting investments. Infrastructure Projects worth 1.5 Trillion USD are to be completed in India in the next five years under the National Infrastructure pipeline. India has committed to develop sustainable urbanization with focus on ease of living, ease of doing business & climate sensitive development. In order to fulfill this commitment, the Government has invested around 150 Billion Dollars in Urban India during the period 2014-20.
Highlights of Harsh Vardhan’s Address: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare addressed the WEF on Restoring Cross Border Mobility hosted by WEF’s Common Trust Network. The discussions were focussed on policies, practices and partnerships needed for reopening borders to resume travel, tourism and commerce in a safe and sustainable way. Harsh Vardhan stated the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for easing the operations of International Contact Tracing.
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To ease Travel restrictions, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) & a few countries in Europe have proposed the idea of ‘Immunity passports’/travel passes. Harsh Vardhan stated that ‘Immunity passports’ must be based on equity and privacy and emphasized international acceptability of such frameworks.
USA rejoins the Paris Climate Accord: During the WEF’s panel discussion on ‘Mobilizing Action on Climate Change’, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry stated that the US has re-joined the Paris Climate Accord to fulfill its goals under the deal. The US had quit the Paris Climate Accord in 2017. On January 20, 2021 Newly Elected US President, Joe Biden signed an order for rejoining the US into the Paris Climate Accord. The US is the 2nd Largest emitter of Greenhouse gases in the world followed by China. The main goal of the Paris Climate Agreement is to keep Global Temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Important Launches during the event:
WEF Launches Global AI Action Alliance (GAIA): During the event, WEF launched the Global AI (Artificial Intelligence) Action Alliance (GAIA). Objective – To Accelerate the adoption of Inclusive, Transparent & Trusted AI across the globe. Around 100 companies, Governments & civil society organizations from across the world will work to identify and implement best tools and practices for the ethical use of AI. A Steering Committee will be set up for guidance of the Alliance. It will be co- chaired by Arvind Krishna, Chairman & CEO of IBM, Vilas Dhar, President of Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. By 2035, AI is expected to contribute over USD 14 Trillion to the Global Economy.
WEF launches EDISON Alliance to accelerate digital inclusion: WEF launched the first-of-its-kind platform called ‘Essential Digital Infrastructure and Services’ – EDISON Alliance to reduce digital inequalities & ensure equitable access to digital opportunities for everyone by 2025. It is the 1st Global mobilization of public sector and industry leaders to ensure affordable and accessible digital opportunities for everyone. In 2021, the Alliance will work towards increasing digital inclusion in healthcare, education and financial services. The Alliance will be led by Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon & WEF will serve as the secretariat and platform for the alliance. A wide group of Champions Leaders will support & advise the Alliance. Pandemic has exposed the inequalities and gaps in access to digital technologies across the world.
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Around 50% of the World’s Population remain offline 50% of the Population in developed countries find Broadband services as expensive. The connectivity gaps hampers access to health, education and economic inclusion.
Background Annual meeting in Davos: The flagship event of the World Economic Forum is the invitation-only annual meeting held at the end of January in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together chief executive officers from its 1,000 member companies, as well as selected politicians, representatives from academia, NGOs, religious leaders, and the media in an alpine environment. The winter discussions ostensibly focus around key issues of global concern (such as the globalization, capital markets, wealth management, international conflicts, environmental problems and their possible solutions). The participants are also taking part in role playing events, such as the Investment Heat Map. Informal winter meetings may have led to as many ideas and solutions as the official sessions.
2.2.WORLD TOURISM BAROMETER: UNWTO
Why in news? Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
• Destinations worldwide welcomed 1 billion fewer international arrivals in 2020 than in the previous year, due to an unprecedented fall in demand and widespread travel restrictions. This compares with the 4% decline recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis. • According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the collapse in international travel represents an estimated loss of USD 1.3 trillion in export revenues – more than 11 times the loss recorded during the 2009 global economic crisis.
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UNWTO Report: Highlights • The UNWTO report noted that the COVID-19 crisis has put almost 100-120 million direct tourism jobs at risk, many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises. • The report further stated that due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, many countries are now reintroducing stricter travel restrictions. • The restrictions include quarantine rules, mandatory testing and complete closure of borders in some cases. • At the same time, the report noted that the gradual rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to help restore consumer confidence and contribute to the easing travel restrictions, slowly leading normalisation of travel during the year ahead. • On the regional front, Asia and the Pacific aced sharpest year-on-year contraction of 84% (-84%). It was followed by the Middle East (-75%) and Europe (-70%).
Background: The World Tourism rankings are compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as part of their World Tourism Barometer publication, which is released up to six times per year.
2.3.SRI LANKA PUSHES INDIA OUT OF COLOMBO TERMINAL PROJECT
Why in news? After the strong opposition from trade unions across the country, the Sri Lankan government was forced to renege on a 2019 agreement with India and Japan to develop the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port.
The Colombo port trade unions are protesting against privatisation of the port. Compromise formula: Sri Lanka also approved a proposal to develop the West Terminal at the Colombo Port as a Public Private Partnership with India and Japan, to compensate India. It is unclear whether India would accept the latest proposal.
ECT Project: The tripartite agreement, signed by India, Sri Lanka and Japan, proposes to develop the ECT, which is located at the newly expanded southern part of the Colombo Port. The ECT is located 3 km away from the China-backed international financial city, known as Port City, currently being built in Colombo. A Chinese company was behind the controversial 2018 Hambantota port project, signed its first contract in the Port City last month. It is also on the map of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Reasons for dropping India: Senior leaders of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party said the pressure was immense on the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to cancel the 2019 agreement.
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Opposers had quoted his own presidential manifesto that was contrary to this 2019 agreement. He did argue with them citing the agreement in which the Sri Lanka government owned 51% stake in the development and operational project of ECT.
China: This move can be easily interpreted as a reaction to Chinese communication to Sri Lanka. China has reportedly instigated trade unions and civil societies against this project.
Significance:
The $500-million project aims to upgrade the port to allow large container ships to enter with the aim of enhancing Sri Lanka’s status as a maritime hub. New Delhi is said to be keen on the deal as about 70 percent of the transhipment business at the port is linked to India. Geopolitics: The ECT is located 3 km away from the China- backed international financial city, known as Port City, currently being built in Colombo. Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy: Japan has also been pushing to be a player in the region under its ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy’.
India’s reaction: A few weeks ago EAM S. Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka where he discussed the development of the stalled project. India’s first response was that the island nation should not be taking a decision in a unilateral manner on an existing tripartite agreement.
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Compensatory offer to India: After the decision on revoking the 2019 agreement, SL has approved another proposal to develop the west terminal of the Colombo port with Japan and India. Commercially, the west terminal offer is better for India as it gives 85% stake for developers of the West Terminal against the 49% in ECT.
Sri Lanka expects India to rethink. Why? Indian response to this compensatory offer is unclear since there was no formal communication by SL authorities. Geo-politically, west terminal is almost the same India considers the security aspect and the necessity to have a port terminal in Sri Lanka. There is no difference between East and West Terminals except for the fact that development of the ECT is partially completed while the development of the West Terminal has to start from scratch.
Impact on India-Sri Lanka relationship: India’s first response was that the island nation should not be taking a decision in a unilateral manner on an existing tripartite agreement. India can make life tough for Sri Lanka, isolating the tiny island nation, geo- politically and on the economic front. However, the Indian side may agree with WTC offer as a compromise formula with a promise that the private stake will be 85% in WTC instead of 49% at ECT.
2.4.US-RUSSIA EXTEND NEW START TREATY
Why in News?
US President Joe Biden's administration extended the New START nuclear treaty with Russia by five years, saying it hoped to prevent an arms race despite rising tensions with Moscow, including over its imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
One day before the treaty was set to expire, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was extending New START by the maximum allowed time of five years. The Russian lower house of Parliament, the Duma has ratified a new START nuclear treaty with the US. Both countries had “agreed in principle” to extend the arms treaty by five years with Joe Biden swearing-in.
Highlights: US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly discussed the treaty over the phone a week ago. The Russian President signed legislation extending the treaty for another five years on January 29, 2021. The New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty was originally signed by the then US President Barack Obama in 2010. The pact is the last remaining arms control treaty between the two nations.
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Former President Donald Trump's administration had torn up previous agreements with Russia and tried to unsuccessfully secure a shorter arms control agreement with Russia that included a freeze on all nuclear warheads and the future inclusion of China, which ultimately resulted in a stalemate. The Secretary of State said that the Biden administration aims to use the five-year extension to pursue an arms control treaty that addresses all US and Russian nuclear weapons as well as to reduce the dangers from China’s modern and growing nuclear arsenal. The Kremlin said in a statement that New START Nuclear Treaty will make it possible to maintain the transparency and predictability of strategic relations between Russia and the United States and to support global strategic stability. NATO also welcomed the extension of New START, saying it would preserve international stability even as the United States keeps negotiating with Russia.
Background: New START Treaty: The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) pact limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers and is due to expire in 2021 unless renewed. The treaty limits the US and Russia to a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, well below Cold War caps. It was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. It entered into force on 5th February, 2011. It is a successor to the START framework of 1991 (at the end of the Cold War) that limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads. It is one of the key controls on the superpower deployment of nuclear weapons. A reset to Trumps policies In February 2020, the US withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), accusing Moscow of violating the agreement. Russian then had proposed a one-year extension without conditions of the last major nuclear arms reduction accord, the New START Treaty between Russia and the U.S.
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If it had fallen, it could have been the second nuclear weapons treaty to collapse under the leadership of Trump.
2.5.DEMOCRACY INDEX 2020
Why in news? Democracy was dealt a major blow in 2020. Almost 70% of countries covered by The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index recorded a decline in their overall score, as country after country locked down to protect lives from a novel coronavirus. The global average score fell to its lowest level since the index began in 2006.
According to the ‘Democracy Index 2020’ released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), India with a score of 6.61 slipped two places to 53rd Rank (out of 167 countries) in the Index due to decline in Civil Liberties. Norway topped the index followed by Iceland & Sweden. The handling of Coronavirus Pandemic has led to a further decline of civil liberties in 2020 in India, Asia and other regions of the world.
The Rankings are based on 5 Categories:
Electoral Process & Pluralism Functioning of Government Political Participation Political Culture Civil Liberties
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India along with the US, France, Belgium & Brazil have been classified under ‘Flawed Democracy’ Category. Based on scores on 60 Indicators, Countries have been classified into one of the four types of regime. They are Full Democracy – 23 Countries Democracy Index: Flawed Democracy – 52 The Democracy Index is an index compiled by the Countries, India has been Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research classified under this division of the Economist Group, a UK-based private category. company which publishes The Economist. The index is self-described as intending to measure the state of Hybrid Regime – 35 democracy in 167 countries, of which 166 are Countries sovereign states and 164 are UN member states. Authoritarian regimes – 57
regimes Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU):
Decline in India’s Ranking: The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is the research and analysis division of Economist Group India was ranked 51st in providing forecasting and advisory services through 2019 Democracy Index research and analysis, such as monthly country The index states the main reports, five-year country economic forecasts, country reason behind India’s decline risk service reports, and industry reports. in rankings is due to The EIU provides country, industry, and Pressure on India’s management analysis worldwide and incorporates the democratic norms by the former Business International Corporation, a UK Current Ruling Government. company acquired by its parent company in 1986. India’s score fell from 7.92 in The EIU has several offices across the globe 2014 to 6.61 in 2020 & its including two offices in China and one in Hong Kong ranking from 27th in 2014 and is headquartered at London. to 53rd in 2020.
Ranking of India’s Neighbours: Flawed Democracy – Sri Lanka (68th Rank) Hybrid Regime – Bangladesh (76th Rank), Bhutan (84th Rank) & Pakistan (105th Rank) Authoritarian Regime – Afghanistan (139th Rank)
Global Rankings: Japan & South Korea marked improvements as they returned to ‘Full Democracy’ for the first time since 2014. Taiwan attained the status of ‘Full Democracy’ for the First Time. Asia has only 5 ‘Full Democracies’ compared to Western Europe’s 13.
2.6.FIRST INDIA-BAHRAIN JOINT WORKING GROUP MEETING IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
Why in news? India & Kingdom of Bahrain held the 1st Joint Working Group Meeting 2021 in the field of Renewable Energy (RE) in a virtual format.
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The Indian side was led by Mr Dinesh Dayanand Jagdale, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy & Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, President of Sustainable Energy Authority led the Bahraini side.
Highlights of the meeting: Both sides emphasized on the importance of renewable energy to meet the climate change goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. India has set a target to cut its emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 of 2005 levels. The two sides presented the initiatives taken, future targets, progress made by them in the Renewable Energy Sector. They also discussed the opportunities available in the sector. Both countries agreed to share the best practices, experience & expertise in the RE sector. They agreed to increase engagement in capacity building & focused cooperation between concerned agencies & private sector of two countries in the RE sector with special focus on wind, solar & clean hydrogen. It was also agreed to hold the next round of JWG meeting at a mutually convenient date, which will be decided by the diplomatic channels of both countries.
Background: MoU signed between India and Bahrain: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and Bahrain in July 2018 for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the renewable energy sector. During PM Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation, the two countries had also signed an MoU for the collaboration through the International Solar Alliance.
Other recent developments in India - Bahrain relations: Recently, Bahrain received 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as a gift under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative of India.
Vaccine Maitri India has officially started its vaccine diplomacy with the name “Vaccine Maitri” under its Neighborhood First policy. Vaccine Diplomacy: It is the use of vaccines to increase a country’s diplomatic relationship with other countries.
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Seychelles. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius will also get doses once they give necessary regulatory approvals. Pakistan has not been named as a neighboring country which will get the vaccine. Vaccine will be Supplied to the partner countries in a phased manner, keeping in mind the demand.
2.7.FIRST INDIA-EU HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND INVESTNOTIC
Why in news? The First High-Level Dialogue(HLD) on India-European Union(EU) Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) 2021 Held virtually.
It was co-chaired by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Executive Vice-President & Trade Commissioner.
Commitment to the establishment of this Dialogue was a major outcome of the 15th India-EU Leader’s Summit held in July 2020, with an objective for ministerial-level guidance towards the bilateral trade and investment relations, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Highlights: In the HLD, the Ministers from both the countries emphasized on the importance of global cooperation. Both sides acknowledged the importance of the solidarity in the post COVID-19 world. They agreed to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship by a series of regular engagements. They decided to hold the regular engagements with the aim of quick delivery for the businesses amid the COVID-19 led economic crisis.
A Meet within next 3 months: The Ministers agreed to meet within the next three months to sign agreement for many bilateral trade & investment cooperation issues namely: A bilateral Regulatory Dialogue An India-EU Multilateral Dialogue to explore further possibilities of cooperation, etc., In a significant step forward, regular interactions for re-initiation of bilateral trade and investment agreements, with an interim agreement, to start with, were also discussed. The ministers concluded the dialogue with confidence and commitment towards a renewed India-EU commercial and economic partnership reflecting the full potential of bilateral commercial relations.
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2.8.INDIA, AFGHANISTAN SIGN MOU TO BUILD SHAHTOOT DAM IN KABUL
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted summit-level talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani via video conferencing. During the meeting, PM Modi expressed concerns over the rising violence in Afghanistan and termed targeting of the civilians, journalists and workers by the terrorists a “cowardice act” and asserted that both India and Afghanistan want to see the region free of terrorism. PM Modi while stressing on the friendship between the two countries, said that India has always supported Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-supported initiatives. He further stressed that unified Afghanistan can fight any calamities and success of the nation is the all-around success of India. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani thanked India and PM Modi for India’s gift of water through the signing of an Shahtoot dam agreement and delivery of 5,00,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Afghan President stated that India’s attention to Afghanistan and its offer of the gift of life to Kabul and the people of Afghanistan symbolise the value of decency, democracy, humanity, mutual interest, mutual respect, mutual trust and our interdependent world.
India, Afghanistan sign MoU to construct Shatoot Dam: The MoU was signed by Union External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Mr. Hanif Atmar, in the presence of PM Modi and the Afghan President. The Shahtoot dam is proposed to be constructed on the Kabul river basin, which is one of the five river basins of Afghanistan. Shahtoot Dam will provide clean drinking water to two million citizens of Kabul and will also be used to provide irrigation water to nearby areas, rehabilitate the existing irrigation and drainage network, aid in flood protection and management efforts in the area, and also provide electricity to the region. The project is a part of the New Development Partnership between India and Afghanistan. The Shahtoot dam is the second major dam being built by India in Afghanistan, after the India- Afghanistan Friendship Dam [Salma Dam], which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the President in June 2016. The signing of the Shahtoot Dam agreement is a reflection of India’s strong and long-term commitment towards the socio-economic development of Afghanistan. PM Modi during the talks highlighted the civilisational relationship between India and Afghanistan and gave an assurance of India’s continued support for a peaceful, united, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan.
Recent Developments: Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar had announced at the Geneva Donors Conference in November 2020 that India will be constructing the Shahtoot Dam on the Kabul river in Afghanistan. Along with this dam, India has pledged to rebuild Afghanistan committing to USD 80 million worth of projects. Around 150 projects have been announced by India in the conflict-ridden country.
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Overall, India has completed a large number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including the construction of the Salma Dam, the Afghan parliament building, which was inaugurated in 2015 and a 218-km road from Delaram to Zaranj along the Iranian border to provide alternative connectivity for Afghanistan through Iran.
2.9.INDIA, CHINA HOLD CONSULTATIONS ON AGENDA OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Why in news? India and China held bilateral consultations on issues on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, a rare meeting between the two sides amid the dragging military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
As per the release by the Ministry of External Affairs, during the meeting, the Chinese delegation was led by the Director-General of International Organizations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Yang Tao. While the Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UNP & Summits) along with the officials from East Asia and UN Economic and Social Divisions of MEA, from the Permanent Mission of India New York and Embassy of India in Beijing. India had begun a two-year stint as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council earlier in February 2021.
UNSC agenda discussed between India and China: The Indian delegation, during the video conferencing with the Chinese Officials, briefed them about India’s priorities during its UNSC tenure. Both the nations discussed a wide range of issues on the UNSC agenda. India and China, during the consultation, also agreed to continue their engagement on the key issues on the UNSC agenda.
Agreement on the early disengagement of frontline troops: During the ninth round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting which was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point on January 24, 2021, both India and China had agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops in the Eastern Ladakh. The meeting had lasted for more than 15 hours after it started at 11 am at Moldo opposite Chushul in the Eastern Ladakh Sector for addressing the ongoing military standoff between both nations.
2.10.EXIM BANK TO PROVIDE $400 MILLION FOR MALDIVES PROJECT
Why in news? Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) will provide $400 million to Maldives to fund Greater Male Connectivity Project, the Reserve Bank of India said. The agreement under the line of credit is effective January 28, 2021.
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Highlights: The Exim Bank had signed an agreement with the Maldives government to provide the supported Line of Credit of USD 400 million on October 12, 2020. The Greater Male Connectivity project is the Male to Thilafushi Link project in Maldives. The agreement under the Line of Credit is effective from January 28, 2021. The utilisation period of the terminal is 60 months after the completion date of the project.
Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP): The GMCP project was the election promise by the current President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This project will connect the Gulhifalhu Port and Thilafushi industrial zone with a 6.7-kilometre-long bridge. This is a landmark project that will streamline the connectivity between the four islands namely, Maldives, Villingili, Gulhifahu and Thilafushi. It would help in boosting the economic activity and would also generate employment. It will also promote a holistic urban development in Male region of Maldives.
Indian Support to Maldives: In September 2020, the first Ever Direct
Cargo Ferry Service between India and Maldives was launched to boost the business communities of both nations. In September 2020, India also provided a financial assistance of US$250 million (Indian Rupees of around 1837 crores) at favourable terms to the Government of Maldives in the form of symbolic cheque. In August 2020, India and Maldives signed a contract for the development of five eco-tourism zones in Addu atoll of Maldives. The Government of India is also supporting the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project under the USD 800 million Line of Credit from EXIM Bank of India. In July 2020 State Bank of India (SBI) provided liquidity support of USD 16.20 million as a COVID-relief for the Government of Maldives to overcome liquidity shortage.
2.11.MoU WITH JAPAN ON TRAINING OF SKILLED WORKERS
Why in news?
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The government has approved the signing of an agreement to institutionalise a mechanism for cooperation between India and Japan in sending and accepting skilled Indian workers, who have qualified the skill and Japanese language test.
The memorandum of cooperation on a basic framework for partnership pertaining to "Specified Skilled Worker" between India and Japan was cleared at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of workers and skilled professionals.
Highlights: The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on a basic framework of partnership. MoC was signed for the proper operation of the system od “Specified Skilled Worker”. As per the Cooperation, skilled Indian workers from 14 sectors have been identified for the enhanced job opportunities in Japan. These skilled Indian workers have been chosen from the sectors namely, building cleaning, nursing care, industrial machinery manufacturing industry, construction, material processing industry, electric and electronic information related industry, shipbuilding & ship-related industry, aviation, agriculture, lodging, food & beverages manufacturing industry, automobile maintenance, fisheries and food service industry.
Bilateral Cooperation on Skill Transfer: By November 2016, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship from India and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from Japan had signed a MoC for ten years on “Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme”. In the line, the Japanese Industry which is based in India has launched 13 Japan- India Institute for Manufacturing and 5 Japanese Endowed Course under the Manufacturing Skill Transfer Programme. Further by October 2017, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs from India and Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare of Japan signed an Memorandum of Cooperation and invited candidates from India to Japan under Technical Intern Training Program. The Memorandum of Cooperation on Technical Intern Training Program was signed with aim of expanding the bilateral cooperation between the countries in the arena of skill development. It seeks to transform skill ecosystem of India by sending and accepting the technical interns from India to Japan. Under Technical Intern Training Program, India has sent 220 candidates to Japan in sectors ranging from construction, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and healthcare.
2.12.INDIA-MYANMAR: KALADAN MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT TRANSPORT PROJECT
Why in news? The Union External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar recently said that the Kaladan Multi- Modal Transit Transport Project is in the final stages however, the project was delayed because of various challenges.
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The Kaladan project which costs $484 million was supposed to be completed and operation by 2014. The external affairs minister further said that the Sittwe Port is now operational for some time. He also said, the Paletwa Inland Water Terminal Project has also progressed. The minister also stated that, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project was delayed because of road building. He stated that the region faces the challenges of some law and order. However, now the countries will be able to push through the challenges.
Kaladan project: The Kaladan project connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border. The project was jointly initiated by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal platform for cargo shipments from the eastern ports to Myanmar and to the North- eastern parts of the country through Myanmar.
Sittwe: Sittwe is the capital of Rakhine State (which has been in the news for the plight of Rohingya Muslims) in south-western Myanmar. It is located at the mouth of the Kaladan river, which flows into Mizoram in north-eastern India.
Significance of the Project: It is expected to open up sea routes and promote economic development in the North-eastern states, and also add value to the economic, commercial and strategic ties between India and Myanmar. India has for years sought transit access through Bangladesh to ship goods to the landlocked north-eastern States. This project will reduce distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1328 km and will reduce the need to transport good through the narrow Siliguri corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck. The new route through Sittwe would significantly lower the cost and distance of movement from Kolkata to Mizoram and beyond.
2.13.INDIA INKS NEW AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRALIA ON SPACE COLLABORATION
Why in news? Australian Space Agency & Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in Civil Space Activities.
The New Agreement covers an amendment to the Civil Space Cooperation (CSC) MoU signed by both Countries in 2012.
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The MoU has been developed as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia & India, which was announced by Prime Ministers of both countries in June, 2020.
Highlights: Increases the scope of activities under which the Australian & Indian agencies can coordinate their work. Will boost collaboration between two countries in the fields of Civil Space Research, Technology and capability development, educational activities and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Collaborations under Progress: Australian Space Agency, ISRO are working together to set up Temporary ground station tracking facilities in Australia for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission. Gaganyaan Mission is an ambitious plan of ISRO to put an Indian in space by 2022. India’s Gaganyaan Mission will make it just the 4th Nation to send a crew into space
2.14.ISA TO LAUNCH WORLD SOLAR BANK AT THE GLOBAL CLIMATE MEET
Why in news? The International Solar Alliance (ISA) plans to launch the World Solar Bank (WSB) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, a top ISA official said, a development that will support India’s attempt to secure leadership in the climate arena.
The ISA is the first treaty-based international government organization headquartered in India. The development assumes significance, given that green finance will be among priority themes at the climate meet called COP-26, which comes in the backdrop of US re-joining the Paris climate accord. The ISA was co-founded by India at the 2015 climate change conference in Paris.
Highlights: The development of the World Solar Bank will support India’s attempt to secure its leadership in the climate arena. The development of the bank is significance because the green finance will be one of the priority themes at the climate meet called COP-26. COP-26 will be organised in the backdrop of US re-joining the Paris climate accord. The headquarter of the World Solar Bank is expected to be set up in India. It will be first multilateral development bank (MDB) that will be set up in India. The WSB have planned to disburse around $50 billion to the member countries of ISA over next 10 years.
Why WSB will be launched?
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The WSB will be launched because many member countries of the ISA face the challenge of raising finances on their own. Further, it was launched to assist the 800 million people who do not have access to power.
2.15.QUAD’S 3RD MINISTERIAL MEETING
Why in news? The 3rd QUAD meeting of Foreign Ministers of Japan, India, Australia and the United States (US) was held virtually from Washington DC, US. Notably, this Quad Ministerial Meeting was first under the Joe Biden Administration.
The QUAD nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation including support for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity. Myanmar was the key focus of the meet. The Indian side was represented by Union Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Highlights: Discussions were held on COVID-19 response and climate change and to address these global challenges. They also discussed countering disinformation, counterterrorism, maritime security, the urgent need to restore the democratically elected government in Myanmar, and the priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region. They reaffirmed their mutual support for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality. They also expressed their commitment in enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment. Notably, India’s efforts at providing vaccines to 74 countries were appreciated at the meeting.
Background: During the second meeting of Quad in October 2020 former US-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had disapproved China for using the economic power so as to increase its domination in the neighboring countries across South China. He also bought the attention of the grouping to China’s corruption, exploitation and coercion in the neighboring countries.
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: It is an informal strategic forum between Japan, Australia, India, and the United States of America. The forum is maintained by the information exchanges, semi-regular summits, and military drills between the countries.
The forum was first initiated as a dialogue in August 2007 by the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the support of then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of Australia John Howard, and the Vice-President of US Dick Cheney.
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QUAD Group Guiding Principles: The idea behind the QUAD Group is to keep the strategic and significant sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (read Chinese influence).
It is seen as a strategic grouping to preempt and reduce Chinese influences. The core objectives of the QUAD is to secure a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation. It seeks to contain a ‘rising China’ and work against its predatory trade and economic policies. Another purpose of the QUAD is to offer alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
2.16.CECPA BETWEEN INDIA AND MAURITIUS
Why in news? The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius.
This will be the first trade agreement to be signed by India with an African country. The Agreement is a limited agreement, which will cover trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Telecom, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Dispute Settlement, Financial services, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Movement of Natural Persons, Customs Procedures and Cooperation in other Areas.
Highlights: The India-Mauritius CECPA will provide an institutional mechanism to boost trade between the two countries. The CECPA will cover 310 export items for India, including food and beverages (80 lines), base metals and articles thereof (32 lines), textile and textile articles (27 lines), agricultural products (25 lines), plastics and chemicals (20 lines), wood and articles thereof (15 lines), electricals and electronic items (13 lines) and others. On the other hand, Mauritius will get preferential market access into India for its 615 products, including specialty sugar, mineral water, frozen fish, fresh fruits, juices, biscuits, alcoholic drinks, beer, apparel, soaps, bags and medical and surgical equipment. The Indian service providers will also get access to around 115 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors including education, environmental, financial, tourism & travel-related, telecommunication, computer-related services, professional services, construction, distribution, research & development, other business services, recreational, yoga, transport services and audio-visual services. India has offered about 95 sub-sectors from 11 broad services sectors including higher education, environmental, health, telecommunication, financial, professional services, R&D, other business services, distribution, recreational services, tourism and travel-related services and transport services.
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India and Mauritius have also agreed to negotiate an Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM) for some highly sensitive products within two years of the signing of the agreement.
Significance of the agreement: In the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, the two trading countries cut or eliminate the duties on the products and liberalize the norms to promote the services trade. Under the agreement, a mutually convenient date will be finalized in order to sign the agreement. It will cover trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary & phytosanitary measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, dispute settlement, financial services, telecom, customs procedures and movement of natural persons.
Background: India-Mauritius Relations: Mauritius is an important development partner of India. In 2016, the Government of India had extended a ‘Special Economic Package’ worth USD 353 million to Mauritius. The new Supreme Court building project is one of the five projects being implemented under the package. It was jointly inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth in July 2020. In October 2019, PM Modi and the Mauritius PM had also jointly inaugurated Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the 100-bed state-of-the-art ENT hospital project in Mauritius, which was also built under the special economic package. India has been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius since 2005. India has also been one of the largest exporters of goods and services to Mauritius. As per International Trade Centre (ITC), the main import partners of Mauritius in 2019 were China (16.69%), India (13.85%), South Africa (8.07%) and UAE (7.28%). The bilateral trade between the two nations has registered a growth of 233% from USD 206.76 million in FY 2005-06 to USD 690.02 million in FY 2019-20. India’s exports to Mauritius surged 232% from USD 199.43 million in FY 2005-06 to USD 662.13 million in FY 2019-20, while India’s imports from Mauritius increased 280% from USD7.33 million in fy 2005-06 to USD 27.89 million in FY 2019-20.
2.17.INDIA, MALDIVES INK DEALS IN PUBLIC BROADCASTING, SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Why in news? India and Maldives have signed multiple agreements in public broadcasting and sustainable urban development, informed the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
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The pacts between both the nations were signed during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives. The five agreements signed will help in boosting the infrastructure in the island nation.
Agreements signed between India and Maldives: • A letter of intent has been signed between EXIM Bank of India and Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation, for 2,000 social housing units. This further indicates an increasing interest from Indian investors in the Maldives. • A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between India and Maldives to establish Geydhoshu Masplant in Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo. The agreement will allocate Indian grant assistance under the High Impact Community Development Projects Scheme for the further development of small-scale fish processing plants in the Maldives. • The EXIM Bank of India and the Maldives government also signed the Second Amendatory Dollar Credit Line Agreement. It will re-purpose the balance of the 2011 USD 40 million Line of Credit, for the development of roads across the island which is also a much-needed investment in the Maldives. • An MoU has been signed on an exchange of content and expertise and capacity building between Prasar Bharati and Public State Media, Maldives. • An agreement in sustainable urban development between the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives, and MoHUA has also been inked.
India’s assistance to the Maldives: The rapid and comprehensive assistance of India to the Maldives since the outbreak of the pandemic has also enforced India’s credentials as the first responder. Maldives was the first country to receive the gift of 1,00,000 COVID-19 doses of Coronavirus vaccines from India in January 2021.
EAM’s visit to the Maldives: During his visit, the External Affairs Minister called on President of Maldives Mohamed Solih and also had substantive discussions with the Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, Finance and Planning, and Infrastructure.
2.18.INDIA-ETHIOPIA
Why in news? India and Ethiopia signed two agreements on visa facilitation and leather technology. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister is on a four-day visit to India.
Highlights: These agreements were signed in the presence of Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The deputy prime minister of Ethiopia is on a 4-day visit to India. Both the countries had useful and productive discussions on several of bilateral and regional issues.
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The ministers also agreed to expand the bilateral agenda with respect to the economy, defence, S&T, digital and cultural cooperation.
India-Ethiopia relations: The relations between the two nations have been existing for almost two millennia. In July 1948, the modern diplomatic relations between the two countries were established at the legations level and its raised to the level of ambassadorial in 1952. Both India and Ethiopia enjoy friendly and close relations. India supports the developmental efforts of Ethiopia and Ethiopia has been supporting India’s interests such as its claim of being a permanent member of the UN Security Council. They also share a common understanding of the need for the reform of the UN, cross-border international terrorism, and the significance of action on climate change.
Trade Relation: India is amongst top development, trade and investment partner in Ethiopia. India is also the third most important trading partner for Ethiopia. India’s exports to 11% of all the imports in Ethiopia which mainly comprises primary and semi-finished iron and steel products. India also exports drugs & pharmaceuticals, machinery & instruments, plastic chemicals, metal, transport equipment and electrical materials. While, India imports cotton, pulses and spices that annually amounts to US $ 30 million. In 2018-19, the bilateral trade between both the countries stood at USD 1.28 billion. Out of this, Indian exports to Ethiopia stood at USD 1.23 billion and imports stood at USD 55.01 million.
Other cooperation: Further, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of concessional Lines of Credit by India among all the African countries. India is also the second largest foreign investor in the country. Around 40% of the Indian investment is done in the field of agriculture. India also plays a major role in the field of education, Science & Technology and Defence.
2.19.BRICS INDIA 2021
Why in news? India has begun its BRICS Chairship with the inaugural three-day-long Sherpas’ meeting.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) chaired the meeting and introduced India’s themes, priorities, and calendar for BRICS Summit 2021.
China extends support to India’s BRICS Chairmanship 2021:
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• China had stated that they support India for hosting the BRICS Summit 2021 and expressed interest in working with India to strengthen the cooperation among the five-member group of emerging economies of which both China and India are critical members. • As per reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit India later this year while extending the support to India in hosting this year’s summit. • Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said BRICS had become an influential grouping and Beijing supported New Delhi’s efforts as host. Wang said this when asked about Xi’s possible attendance at the summit and whether the border tension would affect their multilateral cooperation. • Wang also stated that China attaches great importance to the BRICS mechanism and it supports the Indian side in hosting the meeting and is willing to work with India and other BRICS countries in expanding cooperation on economy, politics and people-to-people exchanges. • The statement comes a day after India and China “positively appraised” the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area.
Recent Developments: • India and China agreed to continue their communication and push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector. • The exchange came during the 10th round of the China-India Corps Commander level meeting, which was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point. • During the meeting, both India and China had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector.
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3. ECONOMY
AGRICULTURE AND RELATED ISSUES
3.1.e-NAM
Relevance: GS 3 - Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints
Why in news? 1,000 mandis have been integrated with electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) in 21 states and Union Territories so far with a user base of 1.69 crore farmers, 1.55 lakh traders and 87,827 commission agents and also additional 1,000 mandis will be connected with this digital platform by next fiscal.
As on date, a total volume of 4.12 crore MT & 3.64 crore numbers (bamboo, lemon, etc), worth approximately Rs 1.22 lakh crore has been traded on the platform. The CAGR, in the last four years, has been 28% in value and 18% in volume. Digital transactions of nearly Rs 1,000 crore have been carried out, benefitting more than two lakh farmers. The features available on e-NAM benefit various stakeholders. A robust mobile app & website is available in 12 languages and equipped with GPS-based mandi locator for searching mandis within 100 km radius. Farmers can track the progress of bids for their lot through mobile. Weighbridges & electronic weighing scales have been integrated with e-NAM to ensure transparency and error-free weighing of commodities. Payment to farmers by traders can also be made electronically. These initiatives have led to better price realisation - farmers received higher prices for soya (yellow) and masoor in Vidisha and Neemuch mandis (MP), respectively. Bandikui mandi (Rajasthan) also gave better prices for chana. Around 61% farmers secured higher-than-MSP prices for cotton (Rs 4,320) in Andhra Pradesh during 2017-18.
What is eNam ? National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead agency for implementing eNAM under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
VISION To promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining of procedures across the integrated markets, removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real time price discovery based on actual demand and supply.
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MISSION Integration of APMCs across the country through a common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in agriculture commodities, providing better price discovery through transparent auction process based on quality of produce along with timely online payment.
3.2.AGRI GRANTS - FINANCE COMMISSION
Why in news? 15th Finance commission has recommended a sum of Rs 45,000 crore as performance- linked incentives and grants to states for reforms in agriculture. These reforms are in four categories: land-lease reforms, sustainable and efficient water-use in agriculture, export promotion and contribution towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Each of these carry an equal weight, of 25%. Importance and issues related. Land-lease reform: The objective is to ‘create legal provisions for liberalisation and recognition of land lease’. Relevance - Land leasing is prevalent in many parts of the country, calling for formal recognition of short- and long-term land lease for agriculture, agro-industry and agriculture-related logistics. Tenant farmers are reported to be as high as 40% in some states. Most of them are deprived of the benefits of schemes like PM-KISAN. As and when DBT in agriculture gets rolled out, the tenants will be left out again, since they have no documents to prove their tenancy or lease. Export promotion of agricultural products: The focus is on cluster development anchored by value-chain private players. Seven value chains (five for export and two import-substitution), namely, rice, shrimp, spices, buffalo meat, fruits & vegetables for Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 43
export, and vegetable oils and wood for import substitution, have been identified. Another set of fifteen value chains have been mentioned to promote exports. Contribution towards Atmanirbhar Bharat: This focuses on increasing production of oilseeds, pulses, and wood & wood-based products. India imports nearly 15 million tonnes of vegetable oils (mostly palm oil) valued at approximately Rs 69,000 crore (about $10 billion) every year to meet 60% of the domestic demand. Any further increase in pulse production must come from increase in productivity as the increase in recent times had come at a cost of decreased nutri- cereals (millets). Maintaining and augmenting groundwater stock: Groundwater is a common resource and public good. It has so far been treated as a private resource of the person who owns the piece of land on which a tube-well is constructed. While some states have placed restrictions on new drilling, the situation in many parts of India continue to be alarming due to over-exploitation. The issue is whether states like Punjab where free power is a politically sensitive issue will consider reducing ground water usage for a few thousand crore incentive.
3.3.FINGER ON INDIA'S PULSES
Why in news? The CACP has proposed to increase tur MSP to Rs 6,000 for 2020-21 against Rs 5,800 in 2019-20. New MSP for urad has been proposed at Rs 6,000 against Rs 5,700. The proposed MSP for moong is Rs 7,196 against Rs 7,050. The government has also increased MSP for chana from Rs 4,875 to Rs 5,100 and masur from Rs 4,800 to Rs 5,100. The sown area coverage-under Kharif pulses has increased by 32.33% to 81.65 lakh ha. It was 61.7 lakh ha last year. Pulses are mainly produced in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states, good rains have helped increase production this year. The current Kharif season accounts for about 30% of whole pulses production in the country. Higher MSP for pulses and a smooth procurement drive has also encouraged farmers to grow more pulses this season. Farmers have covered 30.84 lakh ha against 22.39 lakh ha under tur, 25.43 lakh ha against 17.77 lakh ha under urad, 20.98 lakh ha against 16.10 lakh ha under moong and 4.37 lakh ha against 5.39 lakh ha under other pulses. This is the right time for the Indian agricultural sector to identify pulses’ importance as the second-best alternative crop for production. The government has set a target of 25.6 million tonnes of pulses production this year. This target is 11.2% more than the estimated output last year. However, from a nutritional and food security viewpoint, the target must be increased by 25%. This will also help the government address issues of undernourishment and malnourishment. The governments need to ensure that pulses are procured at MSP rates to buoy farmer confidence in these crops. For instance, the Gujarat government has announced the procurement of kharif pulses, such as moong and urad, amid other crops at the MSP rates.
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The government of India must now focus on improving the productivity of homegrown pulse production by providing more efficient infrastructure in terms of improved local mandi facilities and easy or accessible credit.
3.4.AGRI-CREDIT
Agri-credit flow in the recent decades During the pre-reform period (FY72 to FY90), direct agri-credit flow as a percentage of agri-GDP increased at a modest average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 4.2%. FY91 to FY00 - AAGR decelerated to 3.2% per annum. Between FY01 and FY08, it witnessed tremendous growth of 12%, only to fall back to just 3.6% between FY09 and FY18.
Reasons for fluctuations The massive growth between FY01 and FY08 can be attributed to Kisan Credit Card (KCC), introduced in 1998 and the Interest Subvention Scheme, which incentivised short-term credit for crops. Interest subvention scheme was introduced in 2006 to provide crop loans at 7% interest, and 4% for those who paid back their loans regularly The slowdown after FY08 appears to be due to a loan waiver scheme, which led to a halt in lending. Bankers feared that farmers loan waivers created moral hazard.
Issues Failure of priority sector lending - Even after three decades of priority sector lending directives and tardy performance by banks, not one bank has been penalised for failing to meet these targets. Instead, they are asked to invest in the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund managed by Nabard. Funds directed to RIDF do not reach the farmers—they are disbursed to state governments. Diversion of agri-credit - There is a large scale diversion of agri-credit to non- agricultural purposes. Total short-term credit to agriculture and allied sectors, as a portion of input requirements was substantially above 100% for many states. Big farmers take agri-credit in crores of rupees at 9-10% interest, and re-lend to small farmers at 36%. Sometimes they even deposit the money in fixed deposits of the same branches. Decline in long term credit - The share of short-term credit witnessed a significant jump from 44% in FY82 to 74.3% in FY16 whereas, somewhat worryingly, the share of long-term credit fell from 56.1% to 25.3%, respectively affecting the long term growth of the agricultural sector. Banks are reluctant to provide long-term credit. Farmers are being financed by NBFC's at a higher interest rates. Corruption and the absence of systemic credit risk assessment, combined with a herd mindset to lending, especially to corporate borrowers, has resulted in an NPA pile-up.
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Way forward Instead of pushing and forcing PSBs to lend to the rural sector, the policy has to make lending attractive, and the only way is to allow specialised agriculture banks similar to DFI's ( Development Financial institutions ). RBI should come up with Differentiated banking licences for the agriculture sector. There will be many takers for serving the rural sector who will do a better job of providing and spreading credit for much-needed reforms such as crop diversification.
Priority sector lending - To ensure that adequate institutional credit reaches some of the vulnerable sectors of the economy, which otherwise may not be attractive for banks from the profitability point of view, RBI mandates banks to lend a certain portion of their funds to specified sectors like Agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), export credit, education, housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, start ups etc.
3.5.MODEL BILL ON CONCLUSIVE LAND TITLING
News Niti aayog has sent a model bill on conclusive land titling to states and union territories seeking their comments.the centre wants to reform the countries land markets through a fundamental legal and procedural shift in how land titles are awarded.
Presumptive land titling India currently follows a system of presumptive land titling. This means that land records are maintained, with information on possession, which is determined through details of past transactions. Ownership, then, is established on the basis of current possession. Registration of land is actually a registration of transactions, such as sale deeds, records of inheritance, mortgage and lease. Holding registration papers does not actually involve the government or the legal framework guaranteeing the ownership title of the land. Because land titles are based on transactions, people have to keep the entire chain of transaction records and a dispute on any link in that change causes ambiguity in ownership.
Conclusive land titling Land Records designate actual ownership. The title is granted by the government which takes responsibility for the accuracy. Once the title is granted any other claimant will have to settle disputes with the government not the title holder. Further government may provide composition to claimants in case of disputes but the title holder is in no danger of losing ownership.
Advantages Will drastically lower litigation related to land. Land disputes and unclear titles create hurdles for infrastructure development and housing construction.
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Promotes active land market - Investors who want to purchase land for business activities will be able to do so without facing constant risk that their ownership may be questioned. Access to agricultural credit is dependent on ability to use land as collateral. Conclusive land titling allows farmers to prove their ownership of land.
Challenges Land records have not been updated for decades especially in rural and semi- urban areas. land records are often in the name of grandparents of current owners with no proof of inheritance. Unless they are based on updated records conclusive land titles could create even more problems.
Proposed model bill NITI aayog calls for land authorities to be set up by each state governments which will appoint a title registration officer to prepare and publish a draught list of land titles based on existing records and documents. All potential claimants interested in the property will have to file their claims in objections within a set period of time before a Land dispute resolution officer. Land authority will publish a record of titles having resolved all disputed claims. Over a three-year period decisions of land authorities can be challenged before land titling applied tribunals which will be set up under the law. After three years the record of titles will be considered conclusive proof of ownership. Further fields can only be taken up in High courts.
3.6.DOUBLING FARMERS INCOME
Issues related to DFI The most recent estimates were done in a study by ICAR in 2015, according to which farm income per cultivator in 2015-16 was only Rs 44,000 in real prices. This income took almost 22 years to double from a little over Rs 21,000 that the farmers used to get in 1993. By government’s own admission, agriculture will require an annual growth rate of 10.4 per cent to achieve this target. But for the last few years, this rate of growth has remained between 2.8 and 3.4 per cent. According to Niti Ayog’s action plan document, increase in crop productivity, saving cost of production, increase in crop intensity and crop diversification, among others are necessary for achieving these targets. But the growth rate for crop productivity and crop diversification is at present less than required.
Reduced budget allocations Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), a direct cash transfer scheme for farmers, has a lower revised expenditure of Rs 10,000 crore than the budgeted estimate for 2020-21. Allocations under MIS-PSS for 2021-22 were halved than previous years’. Similarly, allocation under PM-AASHA came down 73 per cent in this year’s budget, compared to what it was two years before. Market Intervention and Price Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 47
Support Scheme (MIS-PSS) as well as Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Yojna (PM-AASHA) are two schemes that ensure implementation of MSP.
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is an ad-hoc scheme under which are included horticultural commodities and other agricultural commodities which are perishable in nature and which are not covered under the minimum price support scheme. In order to protect the growers of these horticultural/agricultural commodities from making distress sale in the event of bumper crop during the peak arrival period when prices fall to very low levels, the Government implements M.I.S. for a particular commodity on the request of a State Government concerned. Losses suffered are shared on a 50:50 basis between centre and state.
3.7.ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (AHIDF)
Importance of Animal husbandry in Indian Economy As an allied industry of agriculture, the animal husbandry and dairy sector collectively employs more than 100 million people. Bulk of establishments in this sector is concentrated in rural India making it socio-economically very relevant. More than 20% of landless labourers and 10% of small and marginal farmers depend on livestock as their primary source of income.
Scope for development There is potential to increase the productivity of cattle, especially by enhancing the quality of animal feed. Enhance research activities to come up with new varieties of green fodder and enriched animal feed. There is an infrastructure gap of 10-18 MMT in the production and supply of affordable compound cattle feed. There is a pressing need to enhance chilling infrastructure at collection centres by setting up bulk milk coolers to prevent wastage of milk. Currently, there is an infrastructure gap of about 120-130 MMT ( million metric tonnes).
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The AHIDF has been set up with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore. As per the provisions of AHIDF, a project will be eligible for a loan amount that covers up to 90% of the estimated cost – with an interest subvention of 3% for all eligible entities. Applicants can submit the proposal with a complete Detailed Project Report through the Udyami Mitra Portal. As such, this is the first major fund launched by the government that includes a diverse set of stakeholders such as FPOs, private dairy players, individual entrepreneurs, and non-profits within its ambit. The AHIDF also has the potential to create over 30 lakh jobs.
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FISCAL POLICY
3.8.BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
An Expenditure Budget: Capex increased by 34.46% to 5.54 lakh crores. Disinvestment and structural reforms -Two public-sector banks and one state-owned general insurance company to be lined up for disinvestment. FDI in insurance to be hiked to 74% from 49% now. LIC IPO. The divestments will help raise revenue for the government and is expected to improve efficiency and provide momentum to privatisation. Bad banks - government has finally decided to set up an asset reconstruction company that will take over the bad loans of banks, giving them flexibility to finance the economic recovery. Why it requires government involvement - Though India has over a dozen private ARCs, no state-owned banker in the current environment will be courageous enough to sell his bad assets to these at a discount, for fear of prosecution by state investigative agencies at a later date. And private ARCs will ask for a massive haircut from banks. It’s here that a national ARC can inspire confidence amongst banks. Development Finance Institutions (DFI) Reborn: To provide debt to long gestation projects, a new DFI with a capital of Rs 20,000 crore. It will have statutory backing, but will be professionally managed. Lending portfolio of Rs 5 lakh crore within three years. The proposed DFI will be used to finance both social and economic infrastructure projects identified under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). The Pradhan Mantri Atma Nirbhar Swasthya Bharat Yojana- The government has announced a new central healthcare scheme to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure over the next six years, which will operate in addition to the existing National Health Mission, has been allocated around Rs 64,180 crore. This scheme is expected to be used to develop capacities of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. It will also cater to the detection and cure of new and emerging diseases. Power sector push - A framework will also be put in place to give consumers alternatives to choose from more than one distribution company. This is to improve competition and break the monopolies of discoms. Social security net for gig workers -Social security benefits will be extended to gig and platform workers. Platform work is a work arrangement outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship in which organisations or individuals use an online platform. Growth Vs Prudence – Tilting Towards Growth: Fiscal deficit estimated at 6.8 per cent of GDP in 2021-22; it is estimated to touch 9.5% in 2020-21. It will be brought down to 4.5 per cent of GDP by 2025-26.
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3.9.THE REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION
The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves. Two distinctive features of the Commission’s work involve redressing the vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the centre and the States respectively and equalization of all public services across the States.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XVFC)’s was asked to recommend performance incentives for States in many areas like power sector, adoption of DBT, solid waste management etc. Also to recommend funding mechanism for defence and internal security.
Vertical devolution: In order to maintain predictability and stability of resources, especially during the pandemic, XVFC has recommended maintaining the vertical devolution at 41 per cent – the same as in the report for 2020-21. It is at the same level of 42 per cent of the divisible pool as recommended by FC-XIV. However, it has made the required adjustment of about 1 per cent due to the changed status of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into the new Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. In XVFC’s assessment, gross tax revenues for 5-year period is expected to be 135.2 lakh crore. Out of that, Divisible pool (after deducting cesses and surcharges & cost of collection) is estimated to be 103 lakh crore. States’ share at 41 per cent of divisible pool comes to 42.2 lakh crore for 2021- 26 period Including total grants of Rs. 10.33 lakh crore (details later) and tax devolution of Rs. 42.2 lakh crore, aggregate transfers to States is estimated to remain at around 50.9 per cent of the divisible pool during 2021-26 period. Total XVFC transfers (devolution + grants) constitutes about 34 per cent of estimated Gross Revenue Receipts of the Union leaving adequate fiscal space for the Union to meet its resource requirements and spending obligations on national development priorities.
Horizontal devolution: Based on principles of need, equity and performance, overall devolution formula is as follows.
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On horizontal devolution, while XVFC agreed that the Census 2011 population data better represents the present need of States, to be fair to, as well as reward, the States which have done better on the demographic front, XVFC has assigned a 12.5 per cent weight to the demographic performance criterion. XVFC has re-introduced tax effort criterion to reward fiscal performance.
Revenue deficit grants: Based on uniform norms of assessing revenues and expenditure of the States and the Union, XVFC has recommended total revenue deficit grants (RDG) of Rs 2,94,514 crore over the award period for seventeen States.
Local Governments: The total size of the grant to local governments should be Rs. 4,36,361 crore for the period 2021-26. Of these total grants, Rs. 8,000 crore is performance-based grants for incubation of new cities and Rs. 450 crore is for shared municipal services. A sum of Rs. 2,36,805 crore is earmarked for rural local bodies, Rs.1,21,055 crore for urban local bodies and Rs. 70,051 crore for health grants through local governments. Urban local bodies have been categorised into two groups, based on population, and different norms have been used for flow of grants to each, based on their specific needs and aspirations. Basic grants are proposed only for cities/towns having a population of less than a million. For Million-Plus cities, 100 per cent of the grants are performance-linked through the Million-Plus Cities Challenge Fund (MCF).
Health: XVFC has recommend that health spending by States should be increased to more than 8 per cent of their budget by 2022. Given the inter-State disparity in the availability of medical doctors, it is essential to constitute an All India Medical and Health Service as is envisaged under Section 2A of the All-India Services Act, 1951. The total grants-in-aid support to the health sector over the award period works out to Rs. 1,06,606 crore, which is 10.3 per cent of the total grants-in-aid recommended by XVFC. The grants for the health sector will be unconditional. XVFC has recommend health grants aggregating to Rs. 70,051 crore for urban health and wellness centres (HWCs), building-less sub centre, PHCs, CHCs, block level public health units, support for diagnostic infrastructure for the primary healthcare activities and conversion of rural sub centres and PHCs to HWCs. These grants will be released to the local governments. Out of the remaining grant of Rs. 31,755 crore for the health sector (total of Rs. 1,06,606 crore minus Rs. 70, 051 crore through local bodies and Rs.4800 crore state-specific grants), XVFC has recommended Rs. 15,265 crore for critical care hospitals. This includes Rs. 13,367 crore for general States and Rs 1,898 crore for NEH States. XVFC has recommended Rs. 13,296 crore for training of the allied healthcare workforce. Out of this, Rs. 1,986 crore will be for NEH States and Rs. 11,310 crore for general States.
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Performance incentives and grants XVFC has recommended grants of Rs. 4,800 crore (Rs. 1,200 crore each year) from 2022-23 to 2025-26 for incentivising the States to enhance educational outcomes. XVFC has recommended Rs. 6,143 crore for online learning and development of professional courses (medical and engineering) in regional languages (matribhasha) for higher education in India. XVFC has recommended that Rs. 45,000 crore be kept as performance-based incentive for all the States for carrying out agricultural reforms for amending their land-related laws on the lines of NITI Aayog’s model law, incentive-based grants to States that maintain and augment groundwater stock, growth in agricultural exports and for production of oilseeds, pulses and wood and wood-based.
Defence and Internal Security Keeping in view the extant strategic requirements for national defence in the global context, XVFC has, in its approach, re-calibrated the relative shares of Union and States in gross revenue receipts. This will enable the Union to set aside resources for the special funding mechanism that XVFC has proposed. The Union Government may constitute in the Public Account of India, a dedicated non-lapsable fund, Modernisation Fund for Defence and Internal Security (MFDIS). The total indicative size of the proposed MFDIS over the period 2021-26 is Rs. 2,38,354 crore.
Disaster Risk Management: Mitigation Funds should be set up at both the national and State levels, in line with the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. The Mitigation Fund should be used for those local level and community-based interventions which reduce risks and promote environment-friendly settlements and livelihood practices. For SDRMF, XVFC has recommended the total corpus of Rs.1,60,153 crore for States for disaster management for the duration of 2021-26, of which the Union’s share is Rs. 1,22,601 crore and States’ share is Rs. 37,552 crore. XVFC has recommended six earmarked allocations for a total amount of Rs. 11,950 crore for certain priority areas, namely, two under the NDRF (Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services and Resettlement of Displaced People affected by Erosion) and four under the NDMF (Catalytic Assistance to Twelve Most Drought-prone States, Managing Seismic and Landslide Risks in Ten Hill States, Reducing the Risk of Urban Flooding in Seven Most Populous Cities and Mitigation Measures to Prevent Erosion).
Fiscal consolidation Provided range for fiscal deficit and debt path of both the Union and States. Additional borrowing room to States based on performance in power sector reforms. A threshold amount of annual appropriation should be fixed below which the funding for a CSS may be stopped. Below the stipulated threshold, the administrating department should justify the need for the continuation of the scheme. As the life cycle of ongoing schemes has been made co-terminus with the cycle of Finance Commissions, the third-party evaluation of all CSSs should be completed within a stipulated timeframe. The flow of monitoring information
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should be regular and should include credible information on output and outcome indicators. In view of the uncertainty that prevails at the stage that XVFC have done its analysis, as well as the contemporary realities and challenges, we recognise that the FRBM Act needs a major restructuring and recommend that the time-table for defining and achieving debt sustainability may be examined by a High-powered Inter-governmental Group. This High-powered Group can craft the new FRBM framework and oversee its implementation. It is important that the Union and State Governments amend their FRBM Acts, based on the recommendations of the Group, so as to ensure that their legislations are consistent with the fiscal sustainability framework put in place. This High-powered Inter-Governmental Group could also be tasked to oversee the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission’s diverse recommendations. State Governments may explore formation of independent public debt management cells which will chart their borrowing programme efficiently.
3.10.GOODBYE TO FISCAL ORTHODOXY, INDIA TAKES A CHANCE ON GROWTH
Why in news? Government’s Budget for 2021-22 seems to signal with its fiscal deficit at 9.5% of GDP for FY21 and 6.8% in FY22. However, part of this is because of increased transparency, wherein the government has taken cognizance of the burgeoning loans of FCI from the national small savings’ pool and reflected it onto its balance sheet.
Moving away from framework The Budget marks an important departure from one of the key tenets of the Washington Consensus, the framework for market-oriented economics which has dominated policy making in most parts of the world. ‘Macroeconomic stability’ is central to the Consensus. ‘Macroeconomic stability’ means that government budgets need to be broadly in balance so that borrowings to finance the deficit are kept to the minimum. ‘Austerity’ became something of a mantra. It has been bitterly contested in recent years, especially in Europe, but austerity won the day until the COVID-19 crisis struck. The Economic Survey has a quote from economist Olivier Blanchard, “If the interest rate paid by the government is less than the growth rate, then the intertemporal budget constraint facing the government no longer binds.” The “intertemporal budget constraint” means that any debt outstanding today must be offset by future primary surpluses. Blanchard was saying that this is not true if the Interest Rate-Growth Differential (IRGD), the difference between the interest rate and growth rate, becomes negative. In the advanced economies, as interest rates have turned negative, Blanchard’s condition has been met. So governments there do not have to worry that deficits will render public debt unsustainable.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, both flag-bearers of the Washington Consensus, have been urging a departure from fiscal orthodoxy in the wake of the pandemic. Both these institutions used to be wary of any increase in the public debt to GDP ratio beyond 100%. Now they are urging the advanced economies to spend more by running up deficits even when the debt to GDP ratio is poised to rise to 125% by the end of 2021. The Survey argues that in India, the growth rate is higher than the interest rate most of the time. So the conventional restraints on fiscal policy need to be questioned, especially when there is a serious contraction of the sort the Indian economy faced in 2020-21. In the current situation, expansionary fiscal policy will boost growth and cause debt to GDP ratios to be lower, not higher. Given India’s growth potential, we do not have to worry about debt sustainability until 2030.
The move into fiscal activism is driven by two factors: 1. Spending more during lockdowns (other than for liquidity support) would have resulted in smaller multiplier effects, given higher precautionary savings in the private sector. With the economy now normalising, government spending is likely to have a greater bang-for-the-buck. 2. The government has shed its concern around sovereign ratings threat.
Key concerns Survey’s line was not accepted in the past because of the fear that the rating agencies would downgrade India if total public debt crossed, say, 10%-11% of GDP. That is a risk that cannot be wished away unless the rating agencies have decided to toe the IMF-World Bank line on fiscal deficits. Large fiscal deficit can fuel a rise in inflation. It is more than likely that a change in the fiscal consolidation targets will require a change in the inflation target of 4% set for the Reserve Bank of India. The Budget makes no mention of such a possibility. The tax to GDP ratio not rising as expected, the sale of public assets has become crucial to reduction in fiscal deficits in the years ahead. This is a high-risk strategy. For years now, revenues from disinvestment have fallen short of targets. The sale of Air India, which was begun in 2018, is still dragging on. Large-scale privatisation is not easily accomplished in India. Selling public assets cheap is politically contentious. There will be allegations of favouring certain industrial houses. Public sector unions are a vital political constituency. Privatisation of banks raises concerns about financial stability. Job losses from privatisation are bound to evoke a backlash.
From a sovereign ratings perspective, the budget has a few positives (bad bank, infrastructure spending, realistic assumptions, greater fiscal transparency) and few negatives (weak medium-term fiscal commitment, larger size of the government).
Will the baton of driving growth pass from monetary policy to fiscal policy this year? Through 2020, the burden of uplifting growth had largely fallen on monetary policy, while fiscal policy had taken a backseat. This appears to be changing with fiscal policy taking a more proactive role in driving growth, thereby reducing the burden on monetary policy.
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In the near term, though, with growth still in the early stages of a recovery and demand side price pressure low, monetary policy is likely to stay accommodative. The market may struggle to absorb this supply and it will be challenging for the RBI to simultaneously inject liquidity in the market through OMO buybacks. Potentially strong capital flows in FY22 may mean that further FX intervention in line with the RBI’s aim to build forex reserves, needs to be sterilised, if the RBI does not want to add to liquidity. The RBI in it's next policy meet needs to continue with policy status quo on rates and stance. The RBI governor needs to push back on market expectations of liquidity normalisation and reiterate the commitment to ‘ample’ liquidity. Overall, despite a faster pick-up in growth, the RBI needs to state that the output gap remains negative and demand-side price pressures remain muted, so policy support will be maintained to nurture the initial signs of a growth recovery, and stepped up further, if required.
3.11.TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Context: The COVID-19 pandemic has unequivocally highlighted how vital the health of the planet is for our individual and collective well-being as well as the growth of our economies.
The pandemic has resulted in huge economic losses. Globally, the GDP is expected to contract 2.4% to 8% in 2020. The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that the global cost of dealing with the pandemic could be from $8.1 trillion to $15.8 trillion. Preventing such pandemics will cost only a fraction of this amount, estimated at $22.2 billion to $30.7 billion a year, and this is without factoring in the human suffering. There is a strong correlation between human density, richness of biodiversity, and the emergence of zoonotic pathogens of wild origin, which renders India particularly vulnerable. With high human densities — among the highest diversity of mammals in the world — and a saturated interface between humans and wildlife, India is considered to be among the hotspots for zoonotic emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Pandemic risk can be significantly lowered by reducing human activities that drive the loss of biodiversity as it will help prevent the spillover of new diseases. Rampant destruction of natural habitats, especially due to mining and infrastructure development, continued expansion and intensification of agriculture and animal husbandry as well as unrestrained consumption have disrupted nature, increased contact between wildlife, livestock, pathogens and people, setting the stage for the pandemic to take hold of our lives.
The WEF’s Global Risks report for 2021 states that environmental risks continue to threaten the global economy. The top five risks are:
1. Extreme weather 2. Climate action failure
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3. Human environmental damage 4. Infectious diseases 5. Biodiversity loss.
In terms of impact, infectious diseases top the list, followed by climate action failure. The top two risk response blind spots are climate action failure and biodiversity loss.
A study by Swiss Re Institute published in 2020 introduces a new biodiversity and ecosystem services index. It found that globally, 20% of countries, including India, have fragile ecosystems. It also states that 55% of the global GDP depends on high- functioning biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Way forward Policymakers should factor biodiversity and ecosystems into their economic decision-making. This will accelerate the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to sustainable, equitable, inclusive and just development models. World’s governments need to come up with a form of national accounting that is different from the GDP model, and the new system has to account for the depletion of nature and natural resources. All budgets need to reduce investments, including subsidies, in activities that will further degrade our natural habitats. By orders of magnitude, we should enhance investment in research in sustainability science. A National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-Being has been approved by the Prime Minister’s Science Technology and Innovation Advisory Council. The overarching objectives are o To restore and enhance biodiversity o Strengthen its sustainable use o Generate thousands of green jobs o Encourage the Indian public to appreciate the natural and associated cultural treasures that we have collectively inherited. This initiative has the potential to enable India to play a global leadership role in linking conservation with tangible human well-being outcomes.
3.12.NOD TO PLI SCHEME FOR TELECOM EQUIPMENT
Why in news? The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 12,195-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom equipment manufacturing in the country, which like the one approved for mobile phones earlier, is designed to offer incentives to the chosen firms for incremental production over base year.
Telecom equipment which would get covered under the scheme, includes core transmission equipment, 4G/5G next generation radio access network and wireless equipment, access and customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of
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things (IoT) access devices, other wireless equipment and enterprise equipment like switches, routers, etc. The new scheme has an outlay of Rs 12,195 crore over five years, and its eligibility will be subject to achievement of a minimum threshold of cumulative incremental investment and incremental sales of manufactured goods. The incentive structure ranges between 4 and 7% for different categories and years. For MSMEs, 1% higher incentive is proposed in year 1, year 2 and year 3. Financial year 2019-20 will be treated as the base year for computation of cumulative incremental sales of manufactured goods net of taxes. The fiscal 2021 has not been taken as a base year because of lower production during the year due to the pandemic. The minimum investment threshold for MSMEs has been kept at Rs 10 crore and for others at Rs 100 crore. “Once qualified, the investor will be incentivised up to 20 times of minimum investment threshold enabling them to utilise their unused capacity.
Benefits Through such PLI schemes, the government is aiming to reduce imports, boost domestic production, increase employment and export competitiveness. The scheme, which would be operational from April 1, would lead to incremental production of around Rs 2.4 lakh crore with exports of around Rs 2 lakh crore over five years. The scheme is expected to bring investment of over Rs 3,000 crore and generate huge direct and indirect employment and taxes both. The scheme is expected to offset huge imports of telecom equipment worth more than Rs 50,000 crore and reinforce it with Made in India products both for domestic markets and exports.
3.13.DIALLING GROWTH WITH TELECOM PLI SCHEME
Backdrop of PLI scheme The exports linked incentives on offer hit a roadblock with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). With this backdrop and to continue the momentum to incentivise local manufacturing, the focus has now shifted to sector-specific incentives schemes known as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme(s). PLI schemes are aimed at scaling up domestic manufacturing in critical sectors while also ensuring compliance with WTO norms. Creation of such a manufacturing ecosystem will also lead to the generation of ample employment opportunities, thus utilising the abundant resource pool that India offers. Thus, in November 2020, the Union Cabinet announced PLI schemes for 10 key sectors to boost India’s manufacturing capabilities and enhance the nation’s share of exports in the global supply chain. In the announcement, the government has identified the sectors, eligible product lines and overall financial outlay for the next five years. This announcement came on the back of PLI schemes announced for three sectors (mobile phones, critical pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices) earlier in 2020, which were well received by the industry.
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PLI scheme for the telecom sector Recently, the PLI scheme for the telecom sector was approved by the Union Cabinet. The scheme, effective from April 1, will provide financial aid of 4-7% to telecom gear manufacturers for a period of five years. Incentives will be provided on incremental sales of manufactured goods over the base year, i.e., 2019-20, with a commitment towards minimum investment in the country. The telecom sector is the backbone for “Digital India”. Thus, this scheme is a welcome move and will also aid the ongoing focus towards digital transformation. The scheme will be implemented and monitored by the central government. At the same time, investors will also be eligible for availing incentives granted by the State government(s) in addition to those offered under the PLI scheme. Companies qualifying under the scheme would be eligible for benefits that could go up to 20-times the minimum investment threshold. The scheme seems to meet expectations with the minimum investment threshold kept at Rs 100 crore for large players (vis-à-vis investment of Rs 10 crore for MSME). The government also acknowledges that the MSME sector would need additional support, and hence an additional incentive of 1% has been announced for such investors in the initial three years. Presently, most of the nation’s demand for telecom equipment is met through imports. Trai envisions net zero import of telecom gears by 2022. Aligned with this vision, the PLI scheme proposes to incentivise domestic manufacture of the following products: o Core transmission equipment o 4G/5G, next-gen RAN and wireless equipment o Access and customer premises equipment o IoT access devices o Other wireless equipment & enterprise equipment like switches, routers etc.
3.14.LABOUR CODES
Why in news? The Finance Minister in budget 2021 speech announced that the four labour codes shall be implemented.
Context The growing informal nature of the workforce and the lack of the state’s accountability makes it a breeding ground for rising inequality. The workers face the risk of violations of their human and labour rights, dignity of livelihood, unsafe and unregulated working conditions and lower wages apart, among several other vulnerabilities. They are devoid of any employment security, paid leaves, health benefits or social security. India’s estimated 450 million informal workers comprise 90 per cent of its total workforce, with 5-10 million workers added annually. Nearly 40 per cent of these are employed with MSMEs. The pandemic has worsened the problems faced by
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Issues affecting informal sector Exclusion - The draft rules mandate the registration of all workers (with Aadhaar cards) on the Shram Suvidha Portal to receive any form of social security benefit. This would lead to Aadhaar-driven exclusion and, on the other, workers will most likely be unable to register on their own due to lack of information on the Aadhaar registration processes. Updating information on the online portal at regular intervals, especially by the migrant or seasonal labour force is a challenge. Does not address the issue of lack of portability of benefits, which will have a deep impact on migrant labourers. Despite inclusion of informal sector and gig workers, at present the draft rules apply to manufacturing firms with over 299 workers. This leaves 71 per cent of manufacturing companies out of its purview. The codes fail to extend any form of social protection to the vast majority of informal sector workers which is predominant in rural areas including migrant workers, self-employed workers, home-based workers and other vulnerable groups.
3.15.NEW PSE POLICY
Why in news? The new public sector enterprises policy envisages that the strategic sectors have limited number of players restricting it to maximum four public sector enterprises of a holding nature. The remaining enterprises would be rationalised in terms of mergers, amalgamations and privatisation if feasible. The government aims at making use of disinvestment proceeds to finance various social sector and developmental programmes and also to infuse private capital, technology and best management practices in Central Government Public Sector Enterprises.
Policy on Strategic Disinvestment Fulfilling the governments’ commitment under the AtmaNirbhar Package of coming up with a policy of strategic disinvestment of public sector enterprises, the Minister highlighted the following as it’s main features : 1. Existing CPSEs, Public Sector Banks and Public Sector Insurance Companies to be covered under it. 2. Two fold classification of Sectors to be disinvested : a) Strategic Sector : Bare minimum presence of the public sector enterprises and remaining to be privatised or merged or subsidiarized with other CPSEs or closed.
Following 4 sectors to come under it : i) Atomic energy, Space and Defence ii) Transport and Telecommunications iii) Power, Petroleum, Coal and other minerals iv) Banking, Insurance and financial services
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b) Non- Strategic Sector : In this sector, CPSEs will be privatised, otherwise shall be closed. MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) have the potential in the sectors such as defence, infrastructure, manufacturing, power, petroleum, coal, mining, ports, airports, and many more, which will help to create better running of government assets.
Special purpose vehicle for monetising idle land Idle assets will not contribute to AtmaNirbhar Bharat and the non-core assets largely consist of surplus land with government Ministries/Depart ments and Public Sector Enterprises, the Minister proposed to use a Special Purpose Vehicle in the form of a company to carry out monetization of idle land. This can either be by way of direct sale or concession or by similar means. Finance Minister also proposed to introduce a revised mechanism that will ensure timely closure of sick or loss making CPSEs.
3.16.A CHANGING FISCAL FRAMEWORK
Why in news? COVID-19 has ushered in a cataclysm. As opposed to a Budget estimate of 3.5% for fiscal deficit, the revised estimates show a 2.7 times larger deficit of 9.5% for FY 2020-21.
Increase in excise duty A comparison of the government’s revised Budget estimates with the original Budget estimates reveals a fall in receipts from every source of taxation except
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excise. The revised Budget shows a rise of ₹94,000 crore on account of excise duties alone. Presumably, the increase comes from the much-debated excise duty increases on petroleum and diesel. As far as the Budget documents go, the excise duty rise will hardly compensate for the huge falls in other tax revenues. It is not surprising, therefore, that despite the excise rise, the fiscal deficit continues to be higher than the Budget estimate. In fact, the larger excise duty collection is not large enough to have significantly reduced the inflated fiscal deficit figure. Given the nature of the products on which the excise duty has gone up, prices of commodities will rise in general, directly or indirectly. This is because all these commodities fall either in the category of final goods, which individuals purchase for personal consumption, or in the category of intermediate goods, which are used to produce a variety of essential services such as public transport, agricultural water supply, hotels and restaurants. With annual output shrinking by an estimated 7.7%, it is straightforward to conclude that unemployment has risen significantly. The accompanying price rise will be the unemployed persons’ worst nightmare. The result will be severe inequality.
New philosophy A fiscal deficit automatically transformed to government debt. Such debts along with their servicing liabilities have a tendency to magnify over the years, thereby imprisoning governments in debt traps, where present borrowings keep increasing to repay past borrowings and service charges. This leaves little room for growth enhancing expenditure and reduces a government’s credit worthiness in the eyes of lenders. Professor Blanchard’s view may appear to run counter to our own Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, according to which the fiscal deficit must be capped under 3.5% or so. Professor Blanchard, and Economic Survey, propose a different viewpoint altogether. Debt-financed fiscal spending, according to them, could well be a driver of growth. It can improve the standard of living of the entire population, without necessarily removing inequality. The inequality, however, could well be benignant, for even though the rich will grow richer, the poor will escape out of poverty. A government’s fiscal expenditure, Professor Blanchard points out, has stronger multiplier effects during recessions than during booms. In an economic boom, state expenditure may crowd out private expenditure on account of a rise in the interest rate. During recessions, private expenditure is low in any case, on account of a rise in precautionary savings and the grim state of long-term expectations. The government, however, is not affected by such psychological constraints. Its fiscal expenditure produces positive growth and this in turn can generate a feel good factor for the private sector over time, raise animal spirits, and improve the state of the economy.
Blanchard’s argument The debt, or the fiscal deficit itself constitutes the government’s spendable resource. Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 61
The debt-to-GDP ratio can be prevented from exploding if the rate of growth of GDP happens to be higher than the sovereign rate of interest. This is the case in developed economies. In such economies, debt financed government expenditure will create a positive primary surplus (defined as the total government receipts minus expenditure net of interest payments) out of which interest payments can be made to keep the debt-GDP ratio under control. There will, of course, be a maximum value that this ratio can attain, a value that is higher the larger is the excess of the growth rate over the interest rate. According to the Economic Survey, India’s average interest rate and growth rate over the last 25 years (leaving out FY 2020-21) have been 8.8% and 12.8% respectively. Hence, Professor Blanchard’s condition is satisfied, so that debt financing of recession ought not to raise FRBM issues involving fear of future taxation to address past debts. The philosophy of the Economic Survey, on the other hand, appears to be that expenditure causes growth, rather than distributional equality. With improved growth, standards of living will rise across the population, bringing affluence of a sort to the economically deprived even as it makes the rich grow richer. This, of course, is not to support excise duty increases, for it goes against the very principle of the Blanchard argument, which emphasises maintainable debt and expenditure as the vehicle of development as opposed to increased tax burdens. Therefore, there appears to be a contradiction between the government’s announced fiscal policy stance and the fiscal regime it is actually running. But then, Professor Blanchard’s argument requires the growth rate to exceed the rate of interest, which was not the case in FY 2020-21.
BANKING &FINANCIAL SECTOR
3.17.RBI MONETARY POLICY
Why in news? The Fiscal deficit for this year is at 7.2% of GDP which is higher than expected Morover, High expenditure levels by the government, at about 10.3% of GDP compared with 8% pre-Covid is going to increase the money supply in the economy inducing a possible inflationary effect. This counter cyclical fiscal support will result in rising bond yields and increased interest rates. In this light, Central bank declared that it would maintain accommodative monetary policy stance to support growth, keep inflation at targeted level. What is expected of the RBI? Needs to ensure that there isn't a sharp increase in interest rates to support the nascent recovery. Monetary policy must support fiscal policy to improve growth rate. Ensure that Govt borrowing costs also are kept low. To manage the liquidity to ensure the government’s enormous borrowing programme goes through; If monetary policy turns somewhat restrictive at a juncture when the fiscal stance is turning expansionary, the output gap could persist for longer and the macro situation will become difficult to handle.
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Ways in which RBI can facilitate funding higher deficits Increasing banks’ held to maturity (HTM) limits - This will allow banks to subscribe to more long term G-secs helping to fund the fiscal deficit. Stepping up open market operations (OMO) combined with long-term repo operations. Buying FX in the forward market to increase money supply. Held-to-maturity - securities are purchased to be owned until maturity. E.g bonds. This is unlike Trading securities are that have been purchased for the purposes of realizing a short-term profit. Eg :- stocks which don't have a maturity date and can be sold anytime. Accommodative monetary policy - occurs when a central bank (RBI) attempts to expand the overall money supply to boost the economy when growth is slowing (as measured by GDP). The policy is implemented to allow the money supply to rise in line with national income and the demand for money. Dovish stance - Monetary policies that usually involve low-interest rates. Dovish stance supports low-interest rates and an expansionary monetary policy to increase employment and growth.The term hawkish is used to describe contractionary monetary policy. Neutral monetary policy - The monetary policy neither stimulates (speed up) nor restrains (slowdown) the economic growth. Calibrated tightening - means that in the current rate cycle, a cut in the policy repo rate is off the table, and RBI is not obliged to increase the rate at every policy meeting.
3.18.BAD BANKS
Context Stress tests carried out by the RBI, published in its latest financial stability report, found that gross non-performing loans of the banking system could rise to 13.5 per cent of advances by September 2021, up from 7.5 per cent last year. The rising problem of bad loans has brought up the idea of constituting a bad bank.
What is a bad bank? The idea of a bad bank is to buy bad loans and other illiquid holdings (non- performing assets) of another financial institution. The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits, but helps commercial banks clean up their balance sheets and resolve bad loans. The takeover of bad loans is normally below the book value of the loan. After the purchase of a bad loan from a bank, the bad bank may later try to restructure and sell the NPA to investors who might be interested in purchasing it.
Benefits Banks are required to set aside some capital as provisions against bad loans. Bad banks can free this capital and improve banks’ capital buffers helping banks feel more confident to start lending again. This allows banks to increase lending — reviving credit growth which is after all critical for a sustainable economic recovery.
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Loans of a stressed entity are often held across several banks, aggregating them into a single entity may pave the way for a quicker, more effective restructuring of the loans. NPAs in the power sector can't be resolved through the IBC system as they involve complex power purchase and fuel supply agreements. Bad banks can handle them better. Most of the existing ARCs are thinly capitalised and have many procedural issues – necessitating to set up a new structure to resolve these stressed assets urgently.
Issues and concerns A bad bank does not address the structural weaknesses in public sector banks (accounted for 86%, of the total NPAs). Without governance reforms , banks may end up piling up bad debts again. Some economists look at it as a way of shifting loans from one government pocket (the public sector banks) to another (the bad bank). If the bank is in the private sector, it can be more efficient because restructured assets require quicker decision making which is not possible in the public sector. Moral Hazard: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had said that a bad bank may create a moral hazard and enable banks to continue reckless lending practices, without any commitment to reduce NPAs. Since the proposed bad banks are being set up by the government , there are concerns that it may end up paying more for stressed assets of the public sector banks. Transparency of the process is another concern. In this light the government has decided not to infuse equity into the bad bank, both state-run and private lenders will be invited to pitch in.
3.19.INSURANCE SECTOR
Context The insurance sector occupies an important position in the growth and development of an economy. The significance of this sector has been realised during the pandemic with those most in need being left out without insurance protection. Liberalisation of the sector, coupled with privatisation as proposed in the Union Budget, could change the face of insurance in India.
Problems the sector faces Dearth of capital - Insurance is a capital intensive industry .Raising FDI to 74% with adequate safeguards in place is expected to bring in requisite capital for stoking the growth of the sector, in line with the expectations of the industry.
Depressed insurance penetration and density rates - The penetration rate for 2018-19 for India is 3.7% as per the data by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Annual Report 2018-19. India lags behind all BRICS nations other than Russia. Brazil (3.9%), Russia (1.53%), South Africa (12.89%), and China (4.22%). The data for total density rate also paint a similar picture: Brazil ($345), Russia ($164), India ($74), China ($406), and South Africa ($840). Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 64
Feeble uptake of insurance products in India is closely linked with the paucity of capital. Consequently, sections of the population with high susceptibility to financial shocks are the ones that are underserved (Migrant labourers for instance).
Dominance of public sector insurers - Lack of capital and inefficient management has led to deterioration of the financial health of public sector insurers. 3 of the largest insurers are in the public sector and have a market share of 40% . Hence their Financial health is important for the sector as a whole. Moral Hazard: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had said that a bad bank may create a moral hazard and enable banks to continue reckless lending practices, without any commitment to reduce NPAs.
3.20.GILT SECURITIES
Why in news? In a bid to encourage retail participation in the Government securities market, the RBI has decided to provide online access to the government securities market to retail investors. Currently, the RBI allows small investors to buy government bonds via the Gobid platform on BSE and NSE. The retail investors would be allowed online access to both primary and secondary government securities market. While no country allows a direct retail participation as the RBI has promised now, Britain, Brazil and Hungary allow small investors to buy/sell through third-party controls. This is the second major step that the RBI is taking to encourage retail investors to enter the gilt market after it had allowed entry through the stock exchanges a few years back.
What Are Gilts? Government bonds in the India, U.K. and several other Commonwealth countries are known as gilts. Gilts are the equivalent of U.S. Treasury securities in their respective countries. The term gilt is often used informally to describe any bond that has a very low risk of default and a correspondingly low rate of return. They are called gilts because the original certificates issued by the British government had gilded edges. Gilts are government bonds, so they are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes. They also provide diversification benefits because of their low or negative correlation with stock markets. Gilts often respond strongly to political events, such as Brexit. On behalf of the government, RBI issues gilt funds for investors. They come in varying maturities. Investing in gild mutual funds is considered to be safe by experts. With the new facility, retail investors would be able to directly invest in such securities.
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3.21.GOVERNMENT BONDS
What kind of returns do government bonds give? The current yield on the 10-year government bond (G-Sec) is 6.126%. The yield fluctuates according to the size of the government’s borrowing programme and the RBI’s monetary policy outlook. Government bonds of shorter tenors than 10 years such as treasury bills (those with maturity of 365 days or less). These tend to have lower yields. Government of India (Taxable) Savings Bonds which pay a floating interest rate linked to the rate on National Savings Certificates (NSCs). This rate is currently 7.15% and it is revised every six months based on the NSC rate. These Government of India (Taxable) Savings Bonds can be bought through certain designated banks such as SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and others.
How are returns on government bonds taxed? Interest on government bonds is taxable at slab rate. There are certain bonds with tax-free interest that were issued by public sector enterprises such as Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) or Housing Development Corporation (HUDCO). These can be bought on the secondary market. However, the yields on these tax- free bonds are a lot lower than those on taxable bonds. If a listed bond (including a government bond) is sold within one year, the capital gain is taxed at slab rate. If sold after one year, the gains are taxed as Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) at 10%. However, the benefit of indexation can't be obtained.
What are the risks involved? Government bonds have almost no risk of default. However their prices change according to interest rate changes in the economy (called duration risk). The longer dated the bond is, the more sensitive its price is to interest rate movements. A rise in interest rate lowers the price of the bond and vice versa. These price movements however are not relevant if bonds are held to maturity. Another risk is that the return on the bond does not exceed the rate of inflation. For instance if the interest rate on the bond is 6% and inflation is 7%, your money locked in the bond will get eroded by inflation.
Can retail investors buy government bonds? Yes. At present the most common route for retail investors to buy government bonds is government securities (gilt) mutual funds. These are mutual funds which in turn invest in government securities. However, such funds charge an expense ratio which slightly reduces the return that investors get. Apart from gilt funds, retail investors can purchase government bonds by registering themselves on stock exchanges for non-competitive bids. In this route, there is no need of a stock broker and can submit your order directly through the exchange. Also a demat account to hold the bonds is not needed. Finally investors can purchase government bonds through stock brokers by participating in the non-competitive bidding window. 'Non competitive’ means is that the yield is determined through the bids of institutional investors and retail investors are allotted the bonds at the market-determined yield.
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What is the RBI proposal for retail participation in government bonds? The RBI has allowed retail investors to open gilt accounts with the RBI. “It is proposed to provide retail investors with online access to the government securities market (primary and secondary) through the RBI (Retail Direct).
3.22.ONE PERSON COMPANIES
One-person company is a company that can be formed by just one person as a shareholder. These companies can be contrasted with private companies, which require a minimum of two members to get going. However, for all practical purposes, these are like private companies. It is not as if there was no scope for an individual with aspirations in business prior to the introduction of OPC as a concept. As an individual, a person could get into business through a sole proprietorship mode, and this is a path that is still available.
Need of such companies A single-person company and sole proprietorship differ significantly in how they are perceived in the eyes of law. For the former, the person and the company are considered separate legal entities. In sole proprietorship, the owner and the business are considered the same. It has an important implication when it comes to the liability of the individual member or owner. In a one-person company, the sole owner’s liability is limited to that person’s investment. In a sole proprietorship set-up, however, the owner has unlimited liability as they are not considered different legal entities. It is a move to encourage corporatisation of small businesses. It is useful for entrepreneurs to have this option while deciding to start a business.
Is this a new idea? No. Such a concept already exists in many countries. In India, the concept was introduced in the Companies Act of 2013. Its introduction was based on the suggestions of the J.J. Irani Committee Report on Company Law, which submitted its recommendations in 2005. Small companies would contribute significantly to the Indian economy, but because of their size, they could not be burdened with the same level of compliance requirements as large public-listed companies. Also it would not be reasonable to expect that every entrepreneur who is capable of developing his ideas and participating in the marketplace should do it through an association of persons. Such an entity may be provided with a simpler regime through exemptions so that the single entrepreneur is not compelled to fritter away his time, energy and resources on procedural matters. The law on one-person companies that took shape, as a result, exempted such companies from many procedural requirements, and, in some cases, provided relaxations. For instance, such a company does not need to conduct an annual general meeting, which is a requirement for other companies.
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A one-person company also does not require signatures of both its company secretary and director on its annual returns. One is enough. The criticism is that some rules governing a one-person company were restrictive in nature.
What has changed for these companies with the new measures in this year’s Budget? One of the measures that the Finance Minister has announced in the Budget pertains to the removal of restrictions on paid-up capital and turnover. The 2014 rule, which stated that a one-person company would cease to have that status once its paid-up share capital exceeds ₹50 lakh or its average turnover for the preceding three years exceeds ₹2 crore, has been lifted. Also to reduce the residency limit for an Indian citizen to set up an OPC from 182 days to 120 days and also allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to incorporate OPCs in India.” Earlier, only an Indian citizen and an Indian resident could start a single-person company. These changes come alongside a proposal to increase the capital base and turnover threshold for companies that can be classified as ‘small’, which means they can enjoy easy compliance requirements a bit longer. The capital base limit has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore, and the turnover limit has been increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 20 crore.
How many OPCs does India have? According to data compiled by the Monthly Information Bulletin on Corporate Sector, there were 34,235 one-person companies out of a total number of about 1.3 million active companies in India, as on December 31, 2020. The number of OPCs was 2,238 (out of a total of about 1 million companies) as on March 31, 2015. Data also show that more than half of the OPCs are in business services.
3.23.EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Why in news? The Union Budget removed the tax exemption on maturity proceeds of unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) having annual aggregate premium of over Rs 2.5 lakh, equity- linked savings schemes (ELSS) of mutual funds will be preferred more by investors as these have the shortest lock-in period of three years, have lower expense ratio and give higher returns.
What is ULIPS? Unit Linked Insurance Policies or ULIPs are insurance policies whichoffer the potential of wealth creation while providing the security of a Life Cover. In ULIPs, a part premium that is dedicated towards insurance and the rest is assigned to a common pool of money, called fund, which invests in equity, debt, or a combination of both. The returns on investments depend upon the performance of the fund opted.
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What is ELSS? ELSS or Equity Linked Savings Schemes are Mutual fund investment schemes that help save income tax. They are also known as tax-saving funds. One of the approved securities is ELSS– others include PPF, postal savings like NSC, tax-saving FDs, NPS, etc. For those investing for tax savings, ELSS can be a good option to not only save on tax, but also earn higher long-term returns. Both ELSS and Ulips are eligible for tax deductions on investments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, for Ulips, the condition for tax deduction is that the premium should not exceed 10% of the sum assured. The lock-in period of Ulips is five years. The long-term capital gains (LTCG) booked from equity-oriented investments over Rs 1 lakh with holding period of over one year are taxed at 10%. One of the major advantages of taxing LTCG is that the long term losses are available for set-off against profits and also for carry forward for a period of eight years.
ELSS scores over fixed income products Despite LTCG tax on ELSS, the effective returns are higher than some fixed income products such as Public Provident Fund, National Savings Certificates or bank deposits. Moreover, the lock-in periods in these fixed income products are higher than ELSS. The minimum investment limit in ELSS is Rs 500 and there is no cap on the maximum amount. However, tax benefit is only on investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year. An individual can invest a lump sum amount or invest every month through SIP. In fact, an SIP works best in falling markets when an investor is able to buy more units. An investor can even pause the SIP in case of any cash crunch. However, if one invests in ELSS via SIP, then each instalment will have a different maturity date. Asset management companies offer three options in ELSS—growth, dividend payout and dividend reinvestment. o If an investor opts for a dividend payout option, then the dividends are tax- free in his hands. o Alternatively, if the investor does not need any regular cash flow, then he should opt for growth plans, which will help in getting the returns compounded. o In the growth option, investors get the gains at the time of redemption which helps to appreciate the total net asset value.
Performance gauge As ELSS is a market-linked product, there is no guarantee of any assured returns. Fund houses invest in diversified stocks and sectors, which reduces the risks in case of any cyclical markets volatility. However, returns fluctuate depending upon the performance of the equity market and the stock selection of the fund manager. Data from Value Research show that returns for ELSS for one year is 23.94%, for two years it is 8.47% and for five years it is 14.45%. For salaried employees, a mix of ELSS and EPFO will help to balance out risk and return on their investment portfolio. As the Budget has proposed that the interest Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 69
earned on employees’ annual contribution to provident fund over `2.5 lakh will be taxable, salaried employees should diversify by investing in ELSS. Before investing in any ELSS, an investor must analyse some of the key parameters such as Sharpe Ratio, Alpha and Standard Deviation to gauge the performance of the fund. The investor must also look at the track record of the fund manager and the consistency of the fund in terms of returns, stock picks and conviction. An investor must invest in funds that have performed consistently over a period of five years, compare the fund’s performance with funds and benchmark.
What Is the Sharpe Ratio? The Sharpe ratio was developed by Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe and is used to help investors understand the return of an investment compared to its risk. The ratio is the average return earned in excess of the risk-free rate per unit of volatility or total risk. Volatility is a measure of the price fluctuations of an asset or portfolio. Subtracting the risk-free rate from the mean return allows an investor to better isolate the profits associated with risk-taking activities. The risk-free rate of return is the return on an investment with zero risk, meaning it's the return investors could expect for taking no risk. The yield for a U.S. Treasury bond, for example, could be used as the risk-free rate. Generally, the greater the value of the Sharpe ratio, the more attractive the risk- adjusted return.
What are Alpha and Beta? Alpha and beta are two of the key measurements used to evaluate the performance of a stock, a fund, or an investment portfolio. Alpha measures the amount that the investment has returned in comparison to the market index or other broad benchmark that it is compared against. Beta measures the volatility of an investment. It is an indication of its relative risk.
What Is Standard Deviation? The standard deviation is a statistic that measures the dispersion of a dataset relative to its mean and is calculated as the square root of the variance. The standard deviation is calculated as the square root of variance by determining each data point's deviation relative to the mean. If the data points are further from the mean, there is a higher deviation within the data set. Thus, the more spread out the data, the higher the standard deviation.
3.24.GREEN BONDS
A green bond is a bond whose proceeds are used to fund environment-friendly projects that have a positive effect on the environment. 1. Such projects could be for prevention of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, increasing energy-efficiency, or improving waste management.
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2. More specifically, green bonds finance projects aimed at energy efficiency, pollution prevention, sustainable agriculture, fishery and forestry, the protection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, clean transportation, clean water, and sustainable water management.
Traditional bonds vs green bonds 1. Generally, when a company offers bonds to prospective investors it states a reason such as general company purposes and in turn, the money could be used to buy back its own shares, to pay dividends, or even to pay back some other outstanding debt. But to qualify as a legitimate green bond, the issuer is expected to meet certain conditions which are globally known as Green Bond Framework. 2. Accordingly, the company should indicate clearly which environmental issues the bond proceeds address. It has to say what are the non-monetary tools techniques used for project evaluation and selection to meet the environmental issues declared, explain in detail about managing the proceeds and document in a detailed manner what metrics the company will use to measure the impact of the projects invested such as how much greenhouse gas emissions is expected to reduce and how it will communicate the same to investors.
Why invest in green bonds? 1. Investors should consider green bonds as part of their portfolio because this type of bonds carries lower risk than other bonds. 2. The salient feature of green bonds is that though proceeds are raised for a declared green project, repayment is tied to the issuing company and not the success or failure of the projects. Thus, the onus of payment of interest and principal lies with the issuing company and is not based on the performance of the project. 3. From the issuer’s perspective, green bonds offer a chance to demonstrate its concern for the environment. The issuer company attracts a certain set of investors from the global market who have earmarked funds for such green ventures and thus the interest rate on such bonds are relatively lower than the traditional bonds. 4. As of now, a few banks such as SBI, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, etc., have mobilised funds and these bonds are listed on India International Exchange (INX), a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE. 5. India INX’s Global Security Market is India’s first debt listing platform that allows raising funds in any currency by both foreign and Indian issuers from investors across the globe.
Risks associated with green bonds 1. Though many firms raise funds through green bonds stating that the projects will reduce greenhouse emission and enhance energy efficiency, etc., there are instances wherein companies have not adhered to the same in a strict sense. 2. Green bonds offered in India have a shorter tenure of 10 years which is less compared to the international issuances. In addition to the above, there could be a currency risk.
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Green bonds may not yield the same returns as that of the traditional bonds. Rather, they offer investors a better diversified portfolio with environmentally concerned decisions.
3.25.BOND YIELDS AND PRICES
News The yield on 10-year bonds in India moved up from the recent low of 5.76% to 6.20% in line with the rise in US yields. There has been a sudden rise in domestic and global bond yields owing to increased borrowings from the governments worldwide.
What are bonds? A bond is an instrument to borrow money. A bond could be floated/issued by a country’s government or by a company to raise funds. Since government bonds (referred to as G-secs in India, Treasury in the US, and Gilts in the UK) come with the sovereign’s guarantee, they are considered one of the safest investments. As a result, they also give the lowest returns on investment (or yield). Every bond has a face value and a coupon payment. There is also the price of the bond, which may or may not be equal to the face value of the bond. Bond yield is the return an investor gets on that bond or on a particular government security.
Example Suppose the face value of a 10-year G-sec is Rs 100, and its coupon payment is Rs 5. Buyers of this bond will give the government Rs 100 (the face value); in return, the government will pay them Rs 5 (the coupon payment) every year for the next 10 years, and will pay back their Rs 100 at the end of the tenure. In this case, the bond’s yield, or effective rate of interest, is 5%.
Factors affecting bond yields The major factors affecting the yield is the monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India, especially the course of interest rates, the fiscal position of the government and its borrowing programme, global markets, economy, and inflation.
Interest rates A fall in prevailing market interest rates makes bond prices rise, and bond yields fall — and rising interest rates cause bond prices to fall, and bond yields to rise. In short, a rise in bond yields means interest rates in the monetary system have fallen, and the returns for investors (those who invested in bonds and govt securities) have declined.
Example - if the prevailing interest rate is 4% and the government announces a bond with a yield of 5% (that is, a face value of Rs 100 and a coupon of Rs 5) then a lot of people will rush to buy such a bond to earn a higher interest rate. This increased
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demand will start pushing up bond prices, even as the yields fall. This will carry on until the time the bond price reaches Rs 125 — at that point, a Rs-5 coupon payment would be equivalent to a yield of 4%, the same as in the rest of the economy.
Demand Consider a situation in which there is just one bond, and two buyers (or people willing to lend to the government). In such a scenario, the selling price of the bond may go from Rs 100 to Rs 105 or Rs 110 because of competitive bidding by the two buyers. Importantly, even if the bond is sold at Rs 110, the coupon payment of Rs 5 will not change. Thus, as the price of the bond increases from Rs 100 to Rs 110, the yield falls to 4.5%.
How will the borrowing programme and economy be impacted? When bond yields rise, the RBI has to offer higher cut-off price/yield to investors during auctions. This means borrowing costs will increase.However, RBI is expected to stabilise yields through open market operations and operation twists. Government borrowing costs are used as the benchmark for pricing loans to businesses and consumers, any increase in yields will be transmitted to the real economy.
Impact of Yields on Foreign portfolio investments When bond yields rise in the US, FPIs move out of Indian equities. Also, it has been seen that when the bond yield in India goes up, it results in capital outflows from equities and into debt. A higher return on treasury bonds in the US leads investors to move their asset allocation from more risky emerging market equities or debt to the US Treasury, which is the safest investment instrument.
External Sector
3.26.FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
What is FTA? A free trade agreement (FTA) or treaty is a bilateral or multilateral agreement according to international law to form a free-trade area between the cooperating states by loosening restrictions. FTAs between two or more countries increase trade by reducing customs duties and non-tariff barriers on substantially all trade. They also cover services and non-trade issues like investment. Bilateral trade agreements occur between two countries whereas multilateral involve 3 or more countries.
How can FTAs benefit India? FTAs can help India gain substantial access to large markets at concessional duty for products where we are competitive. Sectors like automotive, textiles, handicrafts, leather, pharmaceuticals, light electricals, some chemicals, many agricultural items, jewellery and professional services, which are all employment- intensive, could benefit. Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 73
It can trigger huge job creation riding on exports. In textiles and clothing, our competitors Vietnam and Bangladesh enjoy tariff-free access to the large and lucrative EU and US markets on account of their FTAs or LDC status. Tariff elimination under FTAs can provide our exporters a level-playing field and stop erosion of our market share and profits. Enhances competitiveness of Indian industries due to competition from foriegn goods.
Concerns Negotiating FTAs can be a challenge as it involves an element of give and take. Since companies trade and not countries, some benefit while others lose out. FTAs have led to increased imports and exports, although the former has been greater. India’s trade deficit with ASEAN, Korea and Japan has widened post-FTAs. In the past , A 'goods only’ agreement with a number of ASEAN manufacturing countries, when our main strength was services, ended up sacrificing many industrial sectors.
Way forward Reduction in tariffs on intermediate goods enhances competitiveness of finished goods in India. Conclusion of the India-EU agreement should be a priority. Drawing up a negative list of FTA partners. China, the factory of the world, with its huge subsidies and scale of manufacturing, is clearly one. The government wisely abandoned the RCEP, where the proposed tariff elimination on 80% trade would have wrecked our domestic industry. Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), comprising Russia and many of the erstwhile Soviet republics, should be another high priority area. The EAEU is rich in energy resources, has a hunger for our pharmaceuticals, textile and agriculture exports, and traditional goodwill for India. Africa is another large, growing market and we should leverage their apprehension of Chinese dominance and take a lead in initiating a dialogue with them.
3.27.CARRY TRADE
Carry trade refers to the trade where an investor borrows funds in a market where the interest rate is relatively low and then invests the borrowed money in a market where the interest rate is higher. A carry trade is typically based on borrowing in a low-interest rate currency and converting the borrowed amount into another currency. Generally, the proceeds would be deposited in the second currency if it offers a higher interest rate. The proceeds also could be deployed into assets such as stocks, commodities, bonds, or real estate that are denominated in the second currency.
Why are investors attracted to the trade? It helps investors realise better returns by arbitraging on the interest rate differentials.
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For example, a foreign portfolio investor may borrow in the U.S. (the U.S. Federal Funds Rate is currently 0.00% to 0.25%) and invest the funds in an emerging market such as India (where the RBI's benchmark repo rate is 4%). The investor could convert the dollar loan to rupees and could invest in a relatively secure debt instrument in India that would fetch a higher rate of interest. For instance, an investor could borrow $1,000 in the U.S. at 0.25%, convert it into Indian rupees at Rs.73 to a dollar, and invest the resultant Rs.73,000 in a bond that offers 4%. A year later, the investment would yield Rs.75,920. On redeeming the investment and assuming the rupee-dollar rate remains unchanged, the conversion into dollars should yield about $1,040 (75,920/73). Thus, after repaying the U.S. loan with interest, or paying back $1002.50, one would be left with a gain of $37.50.
Risks involved The risk of a sharp decline in the price of the invested assets. The implicit exchange risk, or currency risk, when the funding currency differs from the borrower’s domestic currency. For example, the rupee weakens against the dollar so much so that one now needs Rs. 75 to buy each dollar, then on conversion would need only $1,012.27 (75,920/75). After paying back the U.S. loan, the investor would be left with a meagre gain of $9.77. Worse, if the rupee slides to Rs. 77 or Rs. 78 to a dollar, the investor will end up losing money. Currency risk in a carry trade is seldom hedged because hedging would either impose an additional cost or negate the positive interest rate differential if currency forwards—or contracts that lock in the exchange rate for a time in the future—are used.
How do carry trades impact a nation's economy? Any change in the global economic environment including actual changes or expectations of changes in interest rates in different markets could influence investors to pull their money out of a country and move it to another. This in turn could cause a sudden outflow of the lower yield bearing currency, impacting the exchange rate of the country into which these funds were invested and thus potentially pushing up the cost of imports in that economy.
Infrastructure
3.28.NATIONAL MONETIZATION PIPELINE
One of the six pillars of this Budget is ‘Physical and Financial Capital and Infrastructure’. Investment in infrastructure is necessary for growth and for making this growth inclusive, leading to development. Infrastructure investment as a per cent of GDP has come down substantially to less than 6% since 11th FYP and 5% in 2019-20 which is less compared to other developing economies. Given that India has a target of becoming a $5-trillion economy by 2024 and reclaiming its position as the fastest growing large economy in the world, the status quo needs to be changed. In this context the budget has proposed a National monetisation pipeline.
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National monetisation pipeline It is a plan through which operational infrastructure projects will be concessioned to institutional investors like pension, insurance and sovereign wealth funds to raise resources to fund infrastructural projects.This would be the first practical step towards asset monetization.
What is asset monetisation? Asset monetisation is the process of unlocking the value of investment made in public assets which have not yielded appropriate or potential returns so far.
Need for such a measure Looking at the scale of infrastructure investment required (more than Rs 18 lakh crore per annum for the six years of the National Infrastructure Pipeline, cumulatively adding up to Rs 111 lakh crore) and the vast pool of operational assets available with public sector entities (in roads, railways, ports, airports, oil and gas pipelines, power transmission lines, telecom towers, etc), there is a large potential and it is hoped that the national monetisation pipeline would help convert this potential into reality by making available well-prepared operational assets to institutional investors. National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is a group of social and economic infrastructure projects in India over a period of five years with an initial sanctioned amount of Rs 102 lakh crore (US$1.4 trillion) to provide world-class infrastructure to Indians.
Issues affecting asset monetization Lack of proper maintenance of asset register and title and encroachment issues governments plan to monetize its land. Many government assets are undervalued in today's market conditions. Assets stuck up as NPA's. Unavailability, delayed approvals and clearances, policy constraints and lack of coordination among stakeholders are some other hurdles.
3.29.MAJOR PORTS AUTHORITY BILL, 2020
News and background Parliament has passed landmark Major Port Authorities Bill,2020 It seeks to replace the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. The major-port sector hasn’t seen the required level of fixed assets creation to pare the country’s high logistic costs owing to legacy issues, including the TAMP’s archaic regulatory grip.
Aims It will be curtains down for the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) which had a lot of governmental interference. Decentralisation - State-run ports in the country, termed ‘major ports’ will now be governed by a Port Authority (board). These boards will replace the existing port trusts. The existing port trusts gave central governments overriding powers. There was lack of representation from many stakeholders. Autonomy- They will get to determine the tariffs for various port-related services ( based on market conditions ) as well as the terms for private developers who team
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up with them. Currently, the rates for services provided by the port trusts and the PPP operators are set by the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP). Aimed at releasing them from TAMP’s archaic regulatory and boosting their decision-making powers in order to compete with private ports. Reorient the governance model in central ports to landlord port ( in line with global best practices) model to increase private investments in Port infrastructure and encourage PPP model. The new law envisages a compact Board with professional independent Members to strengthen decision making and strategic planning. Imparts faster and transparent decision making benefiting the stakeholders and better project execution capability.
What is landlord model? In the landlord port model, the publicly governed port authority acts as a regulatory body and as landlord while private companies carry out port operations—mainly cargo- handling activities. The landlord gets a share of revenue.
Steps to spur private investments in the recent times - via the PPP route in state-run ports - It allowed investors to share royalty with the port authorities on discounted tariffs, rather than as a percentage of gross revenue based on tariff ceiling fixed by the regulator at the time of bidding. Other steps announced then included easier exit akin to what investors in highway projects enjoy. Immunity from post-model concession agreement threat to project viability from regulatory orders and changes in environmental and labour laws and imposition of or hikes in indirect taxes. India has 12 major ports — Deendayal (erstwhile Kandla), Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Kamarajar (earlier Ennore), V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia).
3.30.INDIA NEEDS TO FOCUS ON DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure investment in digital technology—increased access to mobile broadband, fibre-optic cable connections, and power-supply expansion—combined with the expansion of low-cost smartphones has enabled millions of Indians to connect to the internet for the first time.
Asia has taken the lead in technological entrepreneurship, as it now accounts for 52% of global growth in tech-company revenues, 43% of start-up funding, and 85% of patents filed. More than 90% of the world’s smartphones are made in Asia. Four of the world’s top-10 technology companies by market capitalisation are in Asia. While India still lags behind China, it is ahead of European countries, in terms of mobile and fixed broadband performance.
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India has experienced several new spatial development trends. First, in the manufacturing sector, the formal and organised sector has begun to make the transition out of urban areas and towards rural locations within districts. In contrast, the informal or unorganised sector is still transitioning towards urban areas within the 500-odd districts in India. Looking across spatial locations, the organised sector is increasingly locating along major infrastructure transport corridors. The entry of new plants, in the organised sector and formal sector, has played a key role in these spatial transformations. Urbanisation is helping the informal sector. Informal enterprises are expanding in the tradable goods sector and contracting in the non-tradable sector. Services are now the key to economic growth in developing countries, more so than manufacturing, but we still don’t have a good sense of their spatial dynamics. There still exists knowledge gap in how these emerging trends interact with urbanisation and structural transformation.
Private sector participation in infrastructure projects has collapsed recently, with investment dropping by more than 50% in 2019. This drop is unprecedented and alarming. Like many other sectors, infrastructure was brought to a near standstill by Covid-19.
Way forward If the promises of digitalisation are to be fulfilled, the world will need to align financing and investment strategies more tightly to sustainable development outcomes, with active participation of the policymakers, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations. Some basic measures can be collected like the share of villages with telecommunications equipment, and calculate local penetration of the internet and other modern communications. This would provide deeper insights into how the development of villages (and the many variants of firms within services) associates with the quality of modern infrastructure. This should become a key pillar of the national technology strategy. India has the advantage of demographic dividend and a youth bulge, while the working age population in advanced countries is declining; the country also has a huge pool of tech talent. In addition, India alone produced more than 70% of the world’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates between 2016 and 2018. By scaling up investments in human and physical digital infrastructure, and increased collaboration with local and global entrepreneurs, India can easily expand its role in the growing global market for digital information-technology services, such as big data and analytics, digital legacy modernisation, climate change agenda, and the Internet of Things.
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4. ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
4.1.NITI AAYOG’S MEGA CITY PROJECT FOR LITTLE ANDAMAN
The Niti Aayog in it’s Sustainable Development of Little Andaman Island - Vision Document has proposed construction of a mega financial-tourist complex on Little Andaman Island, which will place at risk a fragile ecosystem and result in habitat loss of the vulnerable Onge tribe and rare wildlife. The vision proposes to build a new greenfield coastal city , that will be developed as a free trade zone and will compete with Singapore and Hong Kong. The proposal is pivoted along three development anchors and zones. o Zone 1 — spread over 102 sq km along the east coast of Little Andaman — will be the financial district and media city and will include an aero city, and a tourism and hospital district. o Zone 2 -that Spread over 85 sq km of pristine forest as the leisure zone, will have a film city, a residential district and a tourism SEZ. o Zone 3 — on 52 sq km of pristine forest — will be a nature zone, further categorized into three districts: an exclusive forest resort, a nature healing district and a nature retreat, all on the western coast. Concerns : Large diversion of forest land would cause obvious environmental loss leading to irreversible damage that habitats of various wild animals including endangered sea turtles would be affected. About 95% of Little Andaman is covered in forest, a large part of it the pristine evergreen type. Some 640 sq km of the island is Reserve Forest under the Indian Forest Act, and nearly 450 sq km is protected as the Onge Tribal Reserve, creating a unique and rare socio-ecological-historical complex of high importance. There was no environment impact assessment report and neither were there any detailed site layout plans for the proposed diversion. The document has no mention of the geological vulnerability of the place, which was amongst the worst-affected in the earthquake-tsunami combination in 2004.
Onge Tribe The Onge are an indigenous people of Little Andaman and one of the five PVTGs from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The present population of Onges is 96 as per the census 2001. They speak the Önge language, which has been listed as Endangered language. A major cause of the decline in Onge population is the changes in their food habits brought about by their contact with the outside world and are one of the least fertile people in the world.
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4.2.GREEN TAX
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Sh. Nitin Gadkari has approved a proposal to levy a “Green Tax” on old vehicles which are polluting the environment. It also approved the policy of deregistration and scrapping of vehicles owned by Government department and PSU, which are above 15 years in age. It is to be notified, and will come into effect from 1st April, 2022.
The main principles to be followed while levying the Green Tax are : Transport vehicles older than 8 years could be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of fitness certificate, at the rate of 10 to 25 % of road tax; Personal vehicles to be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of Registration Certification after 15 years; Public transport vehicles, such as city buses, to be charged lower Green tax; Higher Green tax (50% of Road Tax) for vehicles being registered in highly polluted cities Differential tax, depending on fuel (petrol/diesel) and type of vehicle; Vehicles like strong hybrids, electric vehicles and alternate fuels like CNG, ethanol .LPG etc to be exempted; Vehicles used in farming, such as tractor, harvestor, tiller etc to be exempted; Revenue collected from the Green Tax to be kept in a separate account and used for tackling pollution, and for States to set up stateof-art facilities for emission monitoring.
Green tax: Green tax is also called as pollution tax or environmental tax and is the tax levied on all the goods or activities that cause environmental pollution. It is believed to discourage people from anti-ecological behaviour and make them sensitive towards the environment.
Benefits of the “Green Tax” on vehicles: To dissuade people from using vehicles which damage the environment To motivate people to switch to newer, less polluting vehicles Green tax will reduce the pollution level, and make the polluter pay for pollution.
4.3.A WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN BY FISHING CAT CONSERVATION ALLIANCE
The Alliance will kick-start a worldwide month-long campaign in February to raise awareness and garner support across the globe for conservation of Fishing cat. The Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance is a team of conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts across the world working to achieve a single dream — a world with functioning floodplains and coastal ecosystems that ensure survival of the fishing cat and all species with which it shares a home.
About fishing cat The highly elusive fishing cat, a lesser-known feline species, is facing several threats due to its depleting habitat.
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Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, the species has a high probability of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve. They are distributed along the Eastern Ghats abound in estuarine floodplains, tidal mangrove forests and also inland freshwater habitats. Fishing cat hunts in water. It has specialized features like – partially webbed feet and water resistant fur that helps it to thrive in wetlands. Apart from Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bangladesh, fishing cats inhabit the Chilika lagoon and surrounding wetlands
in Odisha, Coringa and Krishna mangroves in Andhra Pradesh. The conservation threats to fishing cats in the Eastern Ghats are mainly habitat loss, sand mining along river banks, agricultural intensification resulting in loss of riverine buffer and conflict with humans in certain areas resulting in targeted hunting and retaliatory killings.
Conservation efforts by the Alliance: With its regional group of conservationists and researchers, it has initiated an understanding of the bio-geographical distribution of the fishing cat in the unprotected and human-dominated landscapes of the northeastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh . Other efforts include promoting awareness among people living near fishing cat habitats , to engage them in conservation efforts by capacity-building measures not only to monitor its population but also to document any threats to their survival in unprotected/unclassified forest areas. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Fishing Cat Species Survival Plan in conjunction with the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance will be sharing their expertise via cartoons, videos and other material to inspire in both children and adults the necessity to act on behalf of such an incredible small wild cat.
4.4.OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE
At least 800 Olive Ridley sea turtles died, their carcasses washed ashore since January 2021, on the beaches of Odisha -30 kilometers’ along the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and its nearby areas from Silali to Nasi beach. Turtles die after getting stuck in fishing nets. Many dead turtles bore injuries, which pointed to the possibility of them being trapped in a trawl or gill net. According to Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982 , the trawlers are allowed to fish beyond 20 km from the coast in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. But they violate the law and fish near the shore. As a result, turtles get caught in trawl nets and die.
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The risk to turtles can be reduced by equipping trawlers with turtle excluder devices (TED), which is a small additional net or metal grid inside the net that allows turtles to escape. The Government of Odisha is planning to construct a riverine port at Akhadasali at the Mahanadi river near the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. Which according to conservationists will increase the flow of traffic and aggravate the threat to the sea turtles.
Olive Ridley Turtle : The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world, inhabiting warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
IUCN – Vulnerable CITES – Appendix-1 These turtles, along with their cousin the Kemps ridley turtle, are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Important nesting sites in India – Gahirmatha beach ( largest mass nesting site) ,mouths of the Rushikulya river and Devi river in Odisha . Others - Marina beach of Chennai is a protected site for olive ridley turtle nests especially along the Neelankarai section of the beach .
4.5.BIHAR STARTS TAGGING MIGRATORY BIRDS
Non-profit Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) tagged 91 migratory birds with satellite-enabled chip in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district to track their movement. The primary objective was to conserve migratory birds and study their origin, habitat, breeding period, shelter place, their number and fly route taken and their weight as well as gender. The birds were tagged at a ringing centre, first of its kind set up in the state last year. Out of the 13 flyways used by migratory species across the globe, two — Central Asian Flyways and East Asian Flyways — pass through Bihar. These are important routes for migratory birds to complete their annual cycle. The state government had signed a memorandum of understanding with BNHS for five years in connection at the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory at Gandhinagar in Gujarat in February 2020. Bihar is the fourth state in the country after Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Orissa to initiate the process. Bhagalpur’s flood plains area is the third most popular breeding centre for endangered Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) in the world after Assam and Combodia.
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What is bird tagging? Bird-tagging refers to the attachment of a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tag to the leg or wing of a wild bird to enable individual identification. This helps in keeping track of the movements of the bird and its life history.
Bombay Natural History Society: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), founded on 15 September 1883, is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. BNHS is the partner of BirdLife International in India. It has been designated as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’ by the Department of Science and Technology. The BNHS logo is the great hornbill, inspired by a great hornbill named William, who lived on the premises of the Society from 1894 until 1920.
4.6.SMALLEST REPTILE ON EARTH' DISCOVERED IN MADAGASCAR
Why in news? Scientists from Madagascar and Germany say a newly discovered species of chameleon is a contender for the title of world’s smallest reptile.
About Researchers have discovered a new species of chameleon so tiny it can sit snugly on a human fingertip. They say it may be the smallest reptile on earth. The species, was named Brookesia nana.The male Brookesia nana, or nano- chameleon, has a body of just 13.5mm.The female is far bigger at around 29mm. Only two adult specimens are known, leading researchers to infer that the species may be endangered.The scientists recommended that the chameleon be listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to help protect it and its habitat. The teeny reptiles live in a heavily forested region of Madagascar, which was recently named a protected area.
About chameleon Chameleons or chamaeleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive and highly specialized clade of Old World lizards. These species come in a range of colors, and many species have the ability to change color. Most species, the larger ones in particular, also have a prehensile tail. Chameleons' eyes are
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independently mobile, but in aiming at a prey item, they focus forward in coordination, affording the animal stereoscopic vision. Chameleons are adapted for climbing and visual hunting. They live in warm habitats that range from rain forest to desert conditions, with various species occurring in Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and across southern Asia as far as Sri Lanka. They also have been introduced to Hawaii, California, and Florida, and often are kept as household pets.
4.7.DENMARK’S ARTIFICIAL ENERGY ISLAND PROJECT
The Danish government has approved a plan to build an artificial island in the North Sea as part of its effort to switch to green energy. The project is being called the largest construction project to be undertaken in Denmark’s history. An energy island is based on a platform that serves as a hub for electricity generation from surrounding offshore wind farms .Its primary purpose is to provide large-scale offshore wind power. In June 2020, the Danish Parliament decided to initiate the construction of two energy islands, which will export power to mainland Denmark and neighbouring countries. One of these islands will be located in the North Sea and the second island, called the island of Bornholm, will be located in the Baltic Sea. Denmark wants to become the first country in the world to begin working on such energy islands with a total capacity of about 5 GW offshore winds. The construction of both islands is expected to be complete by 2030. The move has come after the EU announced its plans to transform its electricity system to rely mostly on renewables within a decade and to increase its offshore wind energy capacity by over 25-fold by the year 2050. Estimates suggest that it will be able to store and produce enough green energy to cover the electricity requirements of over 3 million households in the European Union (EU).
4.8.SRIVILLIPUTHUR – MEGHAMALAI TIGER RESERVE IN TAMIL NADU
Why in news? The Central government has given its approval for the creation of a fifth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu that will encompass the Meghamalai and Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuaries.
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The Forest Department’s proposal was to declare 1.48 lakh hectares of land encompassing Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary as Tamil Nadu’s fifth tiger reserve. Linking these two sanctuaries, adjoining the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, and then to connect it with the Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary, and then to Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve will make it a contiguous corridor where the big cats can thrive. The proposal states that the new tiger reserve will also result in the rejuvenation of the Vaigai river by protecting the river’s origins in these forests. Forest officials have noticed 14 tigers regularly in both the wildlife sanctuaries. As young tigers teem in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the spill-over effect is already being noticed in these sanctuaries which were acting as buffer zones till now.
Srivilliputhur Wildlife sanctuary: It is also known as Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS), was established in 1988 to protect the Near-Threatened grizzled giant squirrel. It is the eastern boundary for the Periyar river watershed. This sanctuary is contiguous to Periyar Tiger Reserve on the south western side and the Megamalai Reserve Forest on the north western side. Water sources for the sanctuary are the Kallar and Mullaperiyar Dams and the Periyar, Naragaiar, Pachaiar, Mangar, Kovilar and Pairakudraiar rivers.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located at the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala, hence it acts as the buffer zone for Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill etc. The Wood snake is ‘point endemic’ to Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which means this type of species is found only here and nowhere else.
4.9.CAN PLANTS PRODUCE MAGNETIC FIELD
Why in news? A recent study (Scientific Reports) from Germany has found that the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) plant is capable of generating small magnetic fields. When these plants send electrical signals to trigger the closure of their traps, to catch an insect, a biomagnetism phenomenon was observed. The leaf stalk, or petiole, is not excitable and is electrically insulated from the trap. Using new and advanced atomic magnetometers, the team was able to measure the magnetic signals, which had an amplitude of up to 0.5 picotesla, which is millions of times weaker than the Earth’s magnetic field The trap is electrically excitable in a variety of ways: in addition to mechanical influences such as touch or injury, osmotic energy, for example salt-water loads, and thermal energy in the form of heat or cold can also trigger action potentials. Though biomagnetism has been studied in humans and animals, it has not been explored much in plants. Further studies on other plants can help in identifying
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how the plant responds to sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and pest attacks.
Venus flytrap The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a carnivorous plant native to subtropical wetlands on the East Coast of the United States in North Carolina and South Carolina. It catches its prey— chiefly insects and arachnids—with a trapping structure formed by the terminal portion of each of the plant's leaves, which is triggered by tiny hairs (called "trigger hairs" or "sensitive hairs") on their inner surfaces. When an insect or spider crawling along the leaves contacts a hair, the trap prepares to close, snapping shut only if another contact occurs within approximately twenty seconds of the first strike. Triggers may occur if one-tenth of the insect is within contact. The requirement of redundant triggering in this mechanism serves as a safeguard against wasting energy by trapping objects with no nutritional value, and the plant will only begin digestion after five more stimuli to ensure it has caught a live bug worthy of consumption.
Biomagnetism Biomagnetism is the phenomenon of magnetic fields produced by living organisms; it is a subset of bioelectromagnetism. It is the measurement of magnetic signals that are associated with the specific physiological activity and that are typically linked to an accompanying electric field from a specific tissue or organ .
4.10.GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD IN UTTARKHAND
Why in news? Parts of Uttarakhand witnessed massive flooding after a chunk of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli districtand and caused water levels in the Dhauliganga and the Rishiganga rivers to rise.
As per the available information, over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are missing while rescue teams have recovered 10 bodies so far. The power project was completely washed off and homes along the way were also swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent.
What glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)? What happened at Chamoli is being seen as GLOF — a breach in a glacier which is not very unusual. When glaciers retreat, they leave a space which becomes a glacial lake being filled with water. When such a lake breaches, it is known as glacial lake outburst flood.
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A glacial lake outburst is a type of outburst flood that takes place occurs when water dammed by a glacier or moraine is released. It is yet to be investigated what triggered the breach — whether there was an avalanche in the area recently or whether the lake breach was the result of construction, anthropological activities, climate change etc.
GLOFs have three main features: They involve sudden (and sometimes cyclic) releases of water. They tend to be rapid events, lasting hours to days. They result in large downstream river discharges (which often increase by an order of magnitude).
Why does a glacier break? A glacier break or burst can occur for a number of reasons like erosion, a build-up of water pressure, an avalanche of snow or rocks, and also an earthquake under the ice. A glacier burst can also be triggered by massive displacement of water in a glacial lake when a large portion of an adjacent glacier collapses into it. Although glacier lakes can vary in volume, they are known to hold millions to hundreds of millions of cubic metres of water and a failure to contain ice or glacial sediment can result in water being released even for days.
Nanda Devi glacier The Nanda Devi glacier forms part of the second-highest mountain in India -- the Nanda Devi mountain. While it the second-highest after Kangchenjunga, it is the highest mountain located entirely within the country as Kangchenjunga lies on the border of India and Nepal. On the northern side of the Nanda Devi lies the Uttari Nanda Devi Glacier which flows into the 'Uttari Rishi Glacier'. To the southwest lies the Dakkhini Nanda Devi Glacier which flows into the Dakkhini Rishi Glacier. All of these glaciers drain west into the Rishiganga.
4.11.RISK OF RISING NUMBER OF GLACIAL LAKES
Why in news? The new evidence from satellite images suggest that glacial lakes might not be the reason for recent flash flood in Uttarakhand, however several studies in the last few years have highlighted the risk posed by such lakes in causing similar incidents.
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These studies have taken note of the rapid increase in the number of glacial lakes due to a retreat in the glaciers caused by warming temperatures, and their potential to cause large scale flooding and destruction. A 2005 inventory of glaciers and glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, documented by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) had identified 127 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand using satellite images. However, a similar exercise in 2015 by two scientists from National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad, had identified as many as 362 glacial lakes in the state — an increase of 235 lakes in ten years. Modern technology and better resolution satellite imagery has enabled scientists to see these mountains in much greater detail, and discover many more lakes today. Glacial lakes are increasing, not just in Uttarakhand but in other regions of the Himalayas as well. Higher the number of such lakes, greater is the risk of incidents like the one in Uttarakhand. It is not just the number but also the size of the lakes that is increasing. As glaciers retreat more and more, the size of the lake increases corresponding, adding to its destruction potential. The present analysis of expansion of some selected glacial lakes in Uttarakhand Himalayas shows an increase in the trend of formation and expansion of lakes. The glaciers and glacial lakes are also a major source of water supply for agricultural and industrial use, and also for the generation of hydroelectric power. But their potential to cause massive flash floods is what makes them dangerous.
International Centre for Integrated mountain development It is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre founded in 1883 to serve the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayas. It serves the eight regional member countries (RMCs) of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan—and the global mountain community. Headquarters – Lalitpur, Nepal.
4.12.POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY HAS 58 WATERFOWL SPECIES
Why in news? Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ which has the highest concentration of the one-horned rhinoceros, has 58 species of waterfowls, the annual survey of the birds has revealed. The number is six fewer than last year, when the sanctuary recorded 64 species during the second waterfowl census. Pobitora Sanctuary had an estimated 102 rhinos in 2018. At 6.375 rhinos per square kilometre, the concentration of the herbivore in the sanctuary is higher than that in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve further east. The sanctuary is often referred to as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ because its landscape and fauna are similar to that of Kaziranga national park.
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Pobitora wildlife sanctuary: It is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra in Morigaon district in Assam. It was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1987 and covers 38.85 km2 (15.00 sq mi), providing grassland and wetland habitat for the Indian rhinoceros. Under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) which is a joint programme of the Department of Environment & Forests, Govt of Assam, WWF India, the International Rhino Foundation and the US fish & wildlife service, six rhinos were translocated from Pobitora and re-introduced into the Manas National Park between December 2010 and January 2011, owing to overpopulation of rhinos in the sanctuary.
4.13.IIHR DEVELOPS NEW WATER CONSERVING IRRIGATION METHOD
The Scientists at the Hesaraghatta-based Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) have developed a new irrigation method, which conserves even more water than drip irrigation. The new model is a hybrid (combined) version of two different hydroponics methods of nutrient film technology (NFT) and wick system. In this model, water is circulated through a pipe that is laid underground. This pipe will have holes through which wicks are inserted. They will suck water that flows through the pipe and dampen the roots of plants. The water which is pumped through the pipe is collected at the end and recirculated. Water is made to circulate to ensure availability of more dissolved oxygen to help the growth of plants. The main disadvantage of drip irrigation is that it supplies water above the ground. But when the water percolates into the ground, it clogs the air pores present in the soil. These air pores that have oxygen pockets are crucial for plant breathing. The new hybrid version does not clog the air pores as it works on capillary force The new system may turn out to be a game changer if it turns out to be successful on large tracts and it can boost farming in dry areas. It can be adopted only for The new water saving cultivation method cultivation of horticultural developed by IIHR (Above ) The vertical wick crops like fruits and system of hydroponics developed by IIHR for vegetables as well as green. terrace hardening (Below) The horizontal wick The wick system has been system developed by IIHR for terrace gardening. developed in both vertical and horizontal mode for
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terrace gardening in urban areas, which would encourage urbanites to pursue terrace gardening as a hobby.
Nutrient film Technology: Nutrient film technique (NFT) is a hydroponic technique where in a very shallow stream of water containing all the dissolved nutrients required for plant growth is re-circulated past the bare roots of plants in a watertight gully, also known as channels.
Wick system: Wick system hydroponics is the simplest of all types of hydroponics system designs. In this method the growing container is positioned a short distance above the reservoir, and wicks are placed so they will draw the nutrient solution up from the reservoir and release it into to the growing medium, which in turn, absorbs it and makes it available to the plant roots.
4.14.GLACIERS IN HINDUKUSH- KARAKORAM RANGE
Why in news? While there is ample scientific evidence to confirm the higher glacier retreat in recent decades due to global warming as also witnessed in Uttarakhand recently, there is a contrast picture emerging from the Hindukush Himalayas. Snowfall over the higher reaches of the Hindukush Himalayan mountain ranges has been increasing in recent decades, which has shielded the region from glacier shrinkage, the Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region report has stated. Several areas of Hindukush Karakoram Himalayas have experienced a declining trend in snowfall and also retreat of glaciers in recent decades. In contrast, the high-elevation Karakoram Himalayas have experienced higher winter snowfall that has shielded the region from glacier shrinkage,” stated the report published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in June 2020. This was the first such report prepared for India. After the North and the South poles, the Hindukush – Karakoram ranges, along with the Tibetan Plateau, hold the largest reserves of fresh water and are known as the ‘Third Pole. These ranges form the source to 10 major river systems in Asia, supporting drinking water, irrigation and power supply to 1.3 billion people in the continent. The snow cover over the Hindukush Karakoram ranges has shown varying tendencies from 1980 to 2018, with moderate declining rate observed since 2000. The overall climate along the Hindukush Karakoram region is undergoing warming at a higher rate during the winter season as compared to other seasons. Besides, the warming reported from this region is higher than global mean temperatures, About 50 per cent of the region's annual precipitation occurs during winter months, with snowfall being the primary source for water for the rest of the dry months of the year. Monsoon causes precipitation during summers too. Due to this warming trend, there is an expected increase in the precipitation projected over the region.
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4.15.GENOME BANK TO SAFEGUARD SUPERIOR QUALITY POULTRY BIRDS
Why in news? The Central Avian Research Institute (CARI) has decided to set up a genome bank of poultry birds aimed at the safety of superior quality species from diseases like bird flu. The need to set up a genome bank came up as a measure to safeguard the species of poultry birds from extinction caused by any event or disease like bird flu. Once set up, the genome bank will be one of a kind for poultry birds in the country. CARI’s sister institute, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), developed a genome bank of wild animals three years ago.
Genome Bank: Genome bank, commonly referred to as a DNA bank, is where genetic material required for regeneration of a species is stored. The genetic material can include eggs, sperms, and other cells or even tissue of an organism, stored in cryogenic medium like liquid nitrogen.
Central Avian Research Institute: It is a research institute located at Izzatnagar near Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The institute was established in 1979 under the administrative control of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It studies poultry science, including avian genetics, breeding, nutrition and feed technology, and avian physiology and reproduction, for the betterment of the Indian poultry industry. CARI has been a part of developing poultry birds in the country using selective breeding technique, where only superior quality of birds in a lot are mated together and propagated. Over 15,000 poultry farms, mostly in North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, have benefited from the superior quality poultry birds developed at CARI.
4.16.KARNATAKA SECOND IN LEOPARD POPULATION
A recent report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change indicated that Karnataka harbours the second-highest number of leopards (1,783) in the country, after Madhya Pradesh (3,421). The figures were based on sampling in forested habitats in tiger range areas of the country. They did not include coffee and tea plantations, scrub jungles, and other landscapes known to support leopards.
About Leopard : It is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera. It is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN Red list.
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Distribution : It occurs in a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa, in small parts of Western and Central Asia, a small part of European Russia, and on the Indian subcontinent to Southeast and East Asia. The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent in India, Nepal, Bhutan and parts of Pakistan.
4.17.WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2021
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021, organised by The Energy Resources Institute, Delhi, on February 10 in a mediated video conference address that had delegations and heads of state. In his address, he emphasised about “climate justice” in that it meant developing countries be given enough space to grow. He reiterated India’s achievements of ensuring that nearly a fourth of its geographical area was under forest cover, of installing nearly 38% of its electrical energy capacity through non-fossil sources that “included nuclear power as well as large hydropower projects He underlined India’s commitment to install infrastructure for 450,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030.
World Sustainable Development summit World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The Summit series brings together governments, business leaders, academicians, climate scientists, youth, and the civil society in the fight against climate change. It is organised annually since 2001, as Delhi Sustainable Development summit as a precursor to WSDS. Following the landmark Paris Agreement and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the global community, TERI’s annual flagship event, the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) evolved into the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) and hosted its first edition in 2016 in New Delhi. In 2005, TERI established The Sustainable Development Leadership Award to felicitate the efforts of global leaders in the field of sustainable development. The WSDS 2021 will be held under the umbrella theme of ‘Redefining Our Common Future: Safe and Secure Environment for All’.
4.18.PUNJAB RELEASES CAPTIVE -BRED GHARIALS IN BEAS RESERVE
Punjab State Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation released 23 captive-bred gharials in the Beas conservation reserve as a part of Gharial Reintroduction Project. A suitable stretch of river Beas near Salimpur and Tahli forest in Hoshiarpur district has been selected for the reintroduction of the current batch.
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Earlier, in 2017-18, during the first phase of ‘Gharial Reintroduction Project’ as many as 47 gharials were released in the Beas conservation reserve in batches in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts. Field surveys conducted, so far, jointly with WWF-India indicate that gharials have dispersed both upstream and downstream of the release sites in the reserve.
About Gharial: The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as the gavial or the fish-eating crocodile and is among the longest of all living crocodilians. They have a distinct boss at the end of the snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as a ghara, hence the name “gharial. IUCN Status – Critically endangered Habitat : Gharials live in clear freshwater river systems, congregating at river bends where the water is deeper. Distribution : Historically they were found in river system of India , Pakistan , Bangladesh and southern part of Bhutan and Nepal. But today they survive only in waters of India and Nepal . The surviving population can be found in tributaries of the Ganga river system : Girwa (UP) , Son (MP) , Ramganga (Uttarakhand), Gandak(Bihar), Chambal (UP , MP and Rajasthan) and Mahanadi (Odisha).
Conservation efforts: In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, WWF-India started a gharial reintroduction programme at Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. Since January 2009, 250 captive reared gharial from Kukrail Rehabilitation Centre (Lucknow) have been released into River Ganga. National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, tri-state protected area in northern India for the protection of the Critically Endangered gharial. It is located on the Chambal River near the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Captive breeding centres : Kukrail Rehabilitation Centre (Lucknow), Gharial Eco park, Morena (MP).
4.19.VITAMIN-D ENRICHED RICE AND WHEAT
A Hyderabad based farmer Chintala Venkat Reddy has won the patent for Vitamin D enriched rice and wheat variety from World Intellectual Property Organisation, Geneva (WIPO). He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri award in Feb 2020 for his natural innovations in farming. The technique of farming ensures the presence of the crucial Vitamin D in rice and wheat in a completely natural way.
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Normal or conventional rice and wheat have little or no presence of Vitamin D, but Venkat Reddy through his innovative farming methods has got rice that has the presence of the vitamin ranging from 102 international units (IU) per 100 gram to 141 IU per 100 g. And for wheat, he came up with 1606 IU per 100g to 1832 IU per 100 g. This variety of rice and wheat, can be the answer to the dilemma of malnutrition and search for a proper vitamin supplement that several scientific institutions and countries have been looking for. Industrial fortification of rice with vitamins and minerals has been practised for many years in several countries throughout the world, However, rice production is often done domestically or locally which could make reaching all those in need with mass fortification programs challenging. In this light this technique is significant in fighting against Vit- D deficiency.
4.20.RARE DUCK SIGHTED IN UPPER ASSAM
The Mandarin duck , which is considered as the most beautiful duck in the world made an appearance in Assam’s Tinsukia Maguri-Motapung beel (wetland) after more than a century. It was last recorded in 1902 in Dibru river in the Rongagora area in Tinsukia. The duck was first identified by Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The eBird website, a platform that documents birds world over, describes it as a “small-exotic looking bird” native to East Asia. The migratory duck breeds in Russia, Korea, Japan and northeastern parts of China.It now has established populations in Western Europe and America also. The duck rarely visits India as it does not fall in its usual migratory route. More recently, it was sighted in Manipur’s Loktak Lake in 2013, and in Saatvoini Beel in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam’s Baksa district 2014.
About Maguri – Motapung beel: The Maguri Motapung wetland is an Important Bird Area as declared by the Bombay Natural History Society It is located close to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Upper Assam. The entire ecosystem (grassland and wetland) is very important as it is home to at least 304 bird species, including a number of endemic ones like Black-breasted parrotbill and Marsh babbler. In May 2020, the beel was adversely affected by a blowout and fire at an Oil India Limited-owned gas well. The resulting oil spill killed a number of fish, snakes as well as an endangered Gangetic dolphin, and the fire had burnt a large portion of the grassland.
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4.21.SIX ELEPHANTS DIE OF HAEMORRHAGIC SEPTICAEMIA IN ODISHA’S KARLAPAT SANCTUARY
Six elephants died of haemorrhagic septicaemia in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Kalahandi district in a fortnight , according to the forest department. A team of experts of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) who examined the elephants post mortem, found haemorrhagic septicaemia as the reason behind the deaths of jumbos.
About Haemorrhagic septicaemia: It is a contagious bacterial disease which infects animals that come in contact with contaminated water or soil or respiratory secretions The respiratory tract and lungs of the animals are affected, leading to severe pneumonia. The disease generally spreads in the period right before and after the monsoons. It can affect cattle, buffalo and other animals. It occurs in parts of Asia and Africa and is often fatal.
About Karlapat sanctuary: Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Kalahandi district . It lies within the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.[ It is home to tigers, leopards, sambars, nilgais, barking deer, mouse deer and a wide variety of birds like green munia, great eared-nightjar and various reptiles, apart from elephants.
4.22.NEW FLY SPECIES NAMED AFTER A WATER BODY
A new species of fly, which was recently identified by researchers at the Singanallur Tank, has been named after the water body. The insect was named Asphondylia singanallurensis in the research paper published in the Zootaxa journal in March 2020. The fly belongs to Cecidomyiidae family, which are commonly known as gall midges (causing leaf galls on the surfaces) There were about 396 different species of flies under the Cecidomyiidae family prior to the discovery of this new species. But this particular species has only been reported from Singanallur Tank so far. In 2017, the Coimbatore Corporation has declared the 288-acre Singanallur Tank as a biodiversity conservation zone owing to its rich biodiversity.
4.23.GIANT LEATHERBACK TURTLE
Why in news? Proposals for tourism and port development in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands have conservationists worried over the fate of some of the most important nesting populations of the Giant Leatherback turtle in this part of the Indian Ocean.
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There is concern now that at least three key nesting beaches — two on Little Andaman Island and one on Great Nicobar Island — are under threat due to mega “development” plans announced in recent months. These include NITI Aayog’s ambitious tourism vision for Little Andaman and the proposal for a mega-shipment port at Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island.
Proposed intensive growth in islands contradicts National Marine Turtle Action Plan released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Giant Leatherback Turtle IUCN status – Vulnerable The largest of the seven species of sea turtles on the planet and also the most long-ranging, Leatherbacks are found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic. Within the Indian Ocean, they nest only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are also listed in Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, according it the highest legal protection. The only species without scales and a hard shell. They are named after their tough rubbery skin and have existed in their current form since the age of the dinosaurs. They are migratory and some of them swim over 10,000 miles a year between nesting and foraging grounds.
Little Andaman The Little Andaman plan, which proposes phased growth of tourism on this virtually untouched island, has sought the de-reservation of over 200 sq km of pristine rainforest and also of about 140 sq km of the Onge Tribal Reserve. Two sites where key components of the tourism plan are to be implemented are both Leatherback nesting sites — South Bay along the southern coast of the island and West Bay along its western coast. South Bay is proposed to be part of the “Leisure Zone” where a film city, a residential district and a tourism special economic zone are to come up.
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West Bay is to be part of West Bay Nature Retreat with theme resorts, underwater resorts, beach hotels and high-end residential villas. The roughly 7-km-long beach at West Bay has been the site of ongoing marine turtle research projects. It was set up post-2004 by the Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), Dakshin Foundation, the Indian Institute of Science and the A&N Forest Department to monitor how turtle populations have responded after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Satellite-tagged female turtles have been tracked swimming up to 13,000 km after nesting on West Bay, towards the western coast of Australia and southwest towards the eastern coast of Africa. One of the tagged turtles travelled to Madagascar, covering 12,328 km in 395 days while another travelled 13,237 km in 266 days to the Mozambique coast. Large numbers have been recorded nesting here — mainly on the long and wide beaches at the mouth of the Dagmar and Alexandira rivers on the west coast and at the mouth of the Galathea river along its south eastern coast. Galathea Bay was, in fact, proposed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1997 for the protection of turtles and was also the site of a long-term monitoring programme.
National Marine Turtle Action Plan The A&N Islands are prominent in the National Marine Turtle Action Plan released on February 1, 2021, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The plan notes that “India has identified all its important sea turtle nesting habitats as ‘Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas’ and included them in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) - 1”. South Bay and West Bay on Little Andaman and Galathea on Great Nicobar, along with other nesting beaches in the islands, find a specific mention here as “Important Marine Turtle Habitats in India” and the largest Leatherback nesting grounds in India. The plan identifies coastal development, including construction of ports, jetties, resorts and industries, as major threats to turtle populations. It also asks for assessments of the environmental impact of marine and coastal development that may affect marine turtle populations and their habitats. The plan also highlight actions to be taken for handling stranded animals on shore, stranded or entangled animals in the sea or on a boat, , reducing threats to marine species and their habitats, rehabilitation of degraded habitats, enhancing people’s participation, advance scientific research and exchange of information on marine mammals and marine turtles and their habitats.
4.24.CARBON NEUTRALITY – INDIA: THE PATH TO NET ZERO
Recently, International Energy Agency issued a statement announcing the release of a roadmap to reach net zero by 2050.While the IEA aims at providing an all- encompassing plan, it may not be able to fully capture country-specific issues.
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More than 100 countries have already declared their goal of becoming net zero emitters by 2050 , this fact puts some kind of pressure on India, especially when China too has declared that it would become a net zero economy by 2060. It is also reported that about 71 countries have already submitted their revised INDCs (January 2021) under Paris climate agreement, but only a few of them have introduced stiffer targets, though not necessarily net zero complaint. India and a 100 other signatories are yet to submit their revised INDCs.
India’s position to declare net zero emitter by the middle of this century: As per second Biennial Update Report (BUR) prepared by India in 2018, India emitted about 1.99 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2014 and the combined effect of all GHGs - methane , Nitrous oxide andfluorinated gases was equivalent to having about 2.6 GT of CO2 . The largest share of CO2 emissions is accounted for by electricity production (54%), followed by manufacturing industries and construction (25%) and transport (12%). Coal still accounts for a little more than 70% of our conventional power generation and also keeping in mind that our peak demand occurs at 8:00 pm when there is no solar power, we have no alternative but to continue with coal- based generation for many years to come. Similarly the transport sector where 90% is accounted by road transport which means burning of fossil fuels and very minuscule penetration of electric vehicles in the sector. One way in which India can turn net zero is by removing CO2 using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
About Carbon Capture and Storage technology: CCS refers to capturing CO2 from point sources, transporting it to preselected locations and storing it underground. CCS is an extremely expensive technology and it has a host of other issues like finding potential reservoirs for storage having stable geological environment, low seismic activity, etc. The Government of India can take the lead in adopting CCS technology especially in power sector where it has large presence . The government should identify centrally-owned generating stations that still have sufficient life and set up CCS units in these plants. Initial government investment may trigger a fall in capital costs, which may lead to further adoption of the technology. The best way to promote this technology would be to make it a part-and-parcel of the INDCs, which would have guaranteed quick percolation at reduced cost due to economies of scale.
About Carbon Neutrality: Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether (the transition to the “post-carbon economy”).
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4.25.NEW APPROACH TO TRACK LEOPARD POPULATION
Why in news? Experts from three organizations , Aaranyak , Panthera and World wide fund for Nature – India , have come up with a system that helps in properly estimating the leopard population in areas sustaining a mix of rosette and melanistic individuals. Rosettes are jagged black circular marks on the tawny coat of a leopard. Like the tiger’s stripes, the rosettes of each leopard are unique in shape and size, making the species identifiable individually. But Melanistic leopards commonly called black leopards or black panthers or ghongs (Assamese) have been difficult to estimate as their rosettes are invisible. Melanism has been documented in 14 wild cat species, including the leopard. This problem of estimation is acute in the tropical and subtropical moist forests of South and Southeast Asia where the frequency of melanistic leopards is high and leopards also face the greatest threat. The Spatial Mark-Resight (SMR) models applied by the scientists of Aaranyak, Panthera and World Wide Fund for Nature-India have provided a way of counting the melanistic leopards also. The team used three years of camera trapping data between 2017 and 2019 obtained from Manas National Park to establish the SMR approach. The population density of leopards in Manas is 3.37 per 100 sq km. In the study, about 22.6% images of the leopards were of the melanistic kind. In the SMR models, the scientists then borrow the capture history of the rosette leopards and apply the information on the melanistic leopards to estimate the entire population size of leopards. This is a significant analytical development that can help assess the population of leopards across a great part of the species range from where population estimates are scant. This model can also be applied for other species that exhibit similar colour variation in nature.
About Panthera : Panthera Corporation, or Panthera is a charitable organization founded in 2006 and is based in New York. It is the only organisation in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. It utilizes the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, to develop and implement global strategies for the most imperiled large cats: tigers, lions, jaguars, snow leopards, cheetahs, pumas, and leopards.
4.26.RUNNING CARS ON HYDROGEN: NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION
Union budget 2021-22 announced the National Hydrogen Mission as roadmap for using hydrogen as an energy source, with specific focus on green hydrogen, dovetailing India’s growing renewable capacity with the hydrogen economy.
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Though the proposed end-use sectors include steel and chemicals, the major industry that hydrogen has the potential of transforming is transportation, which contributes a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell cars have a near zero carbon footprint. Hydrogen is about two to three times as efficient as burning petrol, because an electric chemical reaction is much more efficient than combustion. Hydrogen vehicles can be especially effective in long-haul trucking and other hard-to-electrify sectors such as shipping and long-haul air travel.
Various initiatives undertaken so far: In October, Delhi became the first Indian city to operate buses running on hydrogen spiked compressed natural gas (H-CNG) in a six-month pilot project. It is based on new technology patented by Indian Oil Corp for producing H-CNG with 18 per cent hydrogen in CNG, directly from natural gas, without resorting to conventional blending. NTPC Ltd is operating a pilot to run 10 hydrogen fuel cell-based electric buses and fuel cell electric cars in Leh and Delhi, and is considering setting up a green hydrogen production facility in Andhra Pradesh. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways late last year issued a notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to include safety evaluation standards for hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles.
Why hydrogen and its types: Hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel source has a history spanning nearly 150 years. But after the oil price shocks of the 1970s, the possibility of hydrogen replacing fossil fuels came to be considered seriously.Three carmakers Japan’s Honda and Toyota, and South Korea’s Hyundai — have since moved decisively in the direction of commercializing the technology, albeit on a limited scale. Although hydrogen is a clean molecule, the process of extracting it is energy- intensive The sources and processes by which hydrogen is derived, are categorised by colour tabs - o Grey hydrogen:Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels , which constitutes the bulk of the hydrogen produced today. o Blue hydrogen:Hydrogen generated from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage options. o Green hydrogen: Hydrogen generated entirely from renewable power sources.
Advantages of Green hydrogen: It is a clean burning molecule, which can decarbonise a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. Renewable energy that cannot be stored or used by the grid can be channelled to produce hydrogen. National Hydrogen Energy Mission also aims for generating Hydrogen from green power sources for a sustainable future.
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4.27.INDIA’S FIRST GEOTHERMAL FIELD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Why in news? Taking a step further for carbon-neutral Ladakh a tripartite agreement/ pact has been signed between the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Energy Centre and Union Territory Administration Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh to establish the country’s first-ever geothermal field development project in Puga, Leh. The project will be executed in a phased manner where phase 1 is the pilot project. Under this pilot, power generation capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) will be generated and the general public will get 100 per cent free power supply. Under the phase 2 for this project, the officials will dive deep in the “lateral exploration of geothermal reservoir” and this will be done by drilling an optimal number of wells. A high capacity demo plant will also be set up in Ladakh. Depending on the discovered capacity, the plan is to make this a commercial project under phase 3.
About Geothermal energy : Geothermal energy is the thermal energy that is stored in the vast reservoir of Earth’s inner core. Below the earth’s crust , there is a layer of hot and molten rock called magma . Heat is continually produced there, mostly from the decay of radioactive materials like Uranium and potassium. This thermal energy is harnessed for electricity generation. Geothermal systems can be found in regions with a normal or slightly above normal geothermal gradient. The average geothermal gradient is about 2.5- 3°C/100m. India has a potential for producing around 10,600 MW of power from Geothermal sources.
Potential sites for Geothermal energy generation: Puga valley (Ladakh) Tattapani (Chhattisgarh) Godavari basin Manikaran (HP) Bakreshwar (West Bengal) Tuwa (Gujarat) Unai and Jalgaon (Maharashtra)
4.28.DISCOVERY OF LIFE DEEP BENEATH ANTARCTICA’S ICE SHELVES
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science Researchers have accidentally discovered life under the ice shelves of the Antarctic in extremely cold and harsh conditions. The discovery has left many of them baffled for it contradicts earlier theories of non-survival of life in such extreme conditions. They have discovered sessile sponges, a pore bearing multicellular organism and other alien species attached to the sides of a rock beneath the ice sheets.
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The unidentified species are estimated to be related to sponges, ascidians (sea squirts), hydroids, barnacles, cnidarian or polychaete. All of these look like bristle worms. The team used borehole cameras and recorded 16 sponges and 22 unidentified species attached to a rock, away from the sunlight. The study noted that the filter feeders of such organisms are known to adapt in temperatures up to -2 degrees Celsius. But the sponges were found in to survive in far low temperature. The images of the rock with sponges were recorded by drilling through two boreholes in the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, the second- largest ice shelf of Antarctic. It was 260 kilometres from the open water shelf where photosynthetic organisms can survive. Scientists are yet to discover how these organisms access food. They said they would use Environment Deoxyribonucleic acid (e- DNA) technology in future to identify the organisms. The new discovery has now broken the assumed trend and challenged scientists to re-examine their theories about life beneath the ice shelves of Antarctic.
4.29.MAKING PEACE WITH NATURE REPORT
The first UNEP synthesis report, titled: “Making Peace with Nature” has been released. It’s a scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies” which is based on evidence from global environmental assessments. Released ahead of the fifth UN Environment Assembly, the report presents a strong case for why and how urgent action should be taken to protect and restore the planet and its climate in a holistic way. The report lays out the gravity of these three environmental crises by drawing on global assessments, including those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, as well as UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook report, the UNEP International Resource Panel, and new findings on the emergence of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19. As climate change-inducing emissions continue to rise, biodiversity loss accelerates and new pandemics emerge, solutions have proved inadequate in isolation. So the report lays out a program to address the three interlinked environmental emergencies - climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution in an integrated way. The authors assess the links between multiple environmental and development challenges, and explain how advances in science and bold policymaking can open a pathway towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and a carbon neutral world by 2050 while bending the curve on biodiversity loss and curbing pollution and waste.
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4.30.ELIZABETH ANN, THE FIRST CLONED FERRET OF USA
Why in news? The U.S. scientists have successfully cloned an endangered black-footed ferret using frozen cells from along-dead wild animal, the first time any native endangered species has been cloned in the United States. The species, North America’s only native ferret, were once thought to be extinct but were brought back from nearly vanishing forever after a Wyoming rancher discovered a small population on his land in 1981. They were captured to begin a captive breeding program to recover the species.But only seven of the original wild animals were bred, and all living ferrets today are closely related.That puts limitations on the species’ genetic diversity, creating challenges forresilience to changing environments and emerging disease threats. Elizabeth Ann is a genetic copy of Willa, a black-footed ferret captured among the last wild individuals, who died in the1980s and has no living descendants, so is not one of the seven founders. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department had the foresight to preserve her genes and sent tissue samples from Willa to SanDiego Zoo Global’s Frozen Zoo in 1988. Years later, that provided viable cell cultures for the project. Although this research is preliminary, it is the first cloning of a native endangered species in North America, and it provides a promising tool for continued efforts to conserve the black-footed ferret.
Black footed ferret: The Black-Footed Ferret is also known as the American polecat or Prairie Dog Hunter native to Central North America . IUCN Status : It was first listed as "endangered" in 1982, then listed as "extinct in the wild" in 1996 before being downgraded back to "endangered" in 2008. It is largely nocturnal and solitary, except when breeding or raising litters.Up to 91% of its diet is composed of prairie dogs.
4.31.WOOLY NECKED STORK SPOTTED IN KARAIVETTI BIRD SANCTUARY
A woolly-necked stork, a vulnerable wading species, has been spotted and recorded at the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur district during the two day annual synchronised bird census held in Tamil Nadu. The bird had been sighted and photographed probably for the fist time in the region. The bird is known to inhabit wetlands, marshes, rivers and ponds. The presence of the bird has enabled ornithologists to study details about the little-studied bird. Another bird bar Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 104
headed goose, vulnerable and rare species, was also spotted in the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary.
Karaivetti Bird sanctuary: The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is a large irrigation tank located in the northern alluvial plains of the Kaveri river. It is fed during the northeast monsoons by the Pullambadi canal. It is also referred to together with another nearby tank and called Vettakudi- Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary. About 200 birds species are recorded from this sanctuary and is one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA's) of Tamil Nadu .
About Synchronised Bird census: It is a two day census that is conducted annually in Tamil Nadu to help in understanding the migratory pattern of birds and their nesting behaviour. The census is jointly organized by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD) and Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BCF-India). The fourth edition of the census this year will cover 22 protected areas in 13 districts of Tamil Nadu. The last three years’ census data was compiled into a book titled ‘Birds in Protected Areas of Tamil Nadu’ which will serve as a field guide for volunteers and forest department staff who will be part of the census.
4.32.CARBON WATCH – INDIA’S FIRST APP TO ASSESS ONE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT
The Department of Environment, Chandigarh has developed a mobile app, “Carbon Watch”, for city residents to assess their carbon footprint and steps to reduce it in order to make them climate-smart citizens. Apart from Chandigarh residents, others can also create their account on the app and calculate their carbon footprint, which is the amount of green house gases especially carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organisation or community. The application can be downloaded through a QR code in Android supported smart cell phones. As a person downloads the application, they will need to fill details in four parts- Water, Energy, Waste Generation and Transport (Vehicular movement). With the mentioned information, the mobile application will automatically calculate the carbon footprint of the individual. The application will also provide information such as the national and world average of the emission, and the individual’s level of emission generation.
What solutions will be offered by the mobile application? The mobile application will suggest methods to reduce the carbon footprints based on the information furnished by the individuals.
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For instance, if a person feeds in the app that they travel only in four-wheelers, the app will advise them to reduce their travel in four-wheelers and use bicycles occasionally. Moreover, in the option of Energy, the app will inform the individuals about the use of solar energy. It also suggests remedial actions and sensitises people about their lifestyle emissions, their impact and possible countermeasures to mitigate the same.
4.33.EXOTIC RED – EARED SLIDER TURTLE
Why in news? The exotic invasive Red eared slider turtle species is posing a major threat to the biodiversity of waterbodies in the State of Kerala.
About Red eared slider turtle: Scientifically called Trachemys scripta elegans, the red-eared slider turtle is the latest favourite of pet lovers, especially children, because of its small size and colour. Originated from the area around the Mississippi river and the Gulf of Mexico, they live in still and warm waterbodies such as ponds, lakes, streams, and slow- running rivers They are considered a major threat to native turtle specials, as they mature fast, grow larger, and produce more offspring, and are very aggressive. They can out-compete native turtles for food, nestling, and basking sites As they eat plants and animals, they can finish off a wide range of aquatic species, including fish and rare frogs. Studies show that they can also transfer diseases and parasites to native reptile species. In many places such as Australia and the European Union, it is illegal to import and keep these turtles. The Nodal Centre for Biological Invasions (NCBI) at Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has started a massive survey and restoration efforts to remove the red-eared slider turtle from the wild. It is also working on discouraging pet shops from selling the species and instructing pet owners not to release them to the wild.
4.34.GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
Why in news? More than 270 species of birds were recorded from Andhra Pradesh this year during the four-day annual event of The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) and Campus Bird Count (CBC). It is organised every year in February and is coordinated by the Bird Count India Collective.
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Great Backyard Bird Count: The GBBC is the community science project to collect bird sightings online and display results in near real-time and is supported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) India is the Indian implementation of the global Great Backyard Bird Count. Birders in India have participated in the GBBC since the event went worldwide in 2013. The data is collated at eBird, a global online platform, for documenting and maintaining observations of birds. It is housed in Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology. These annual snapshots of bird populations provide crucial information on a variety of important questions, including “how birds are distributed across the country, how they are affected by changes in habitat and weather, and whether populations and distributions might be changing from year to year.
4.35.A SMALL MOVEMENT TO PROTECT PANGOLINS IN EASTERN GHATS
Why in news? Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society (EGWS) in collaboration with Save Pangolins and Pangolin Crisis Fund USA has initiated an immediate conservation status survey to acquire vital data on the presence/absence of the Pangolin species and specific human-induced threats. The toothless, sticky-tongued creature thrives on ants and termites, and lives in hollow trees and burrows throughout the Eastern Ghats ranges in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. The pangolin is believed to be the world’s most trafficked animal. But little is known about the conservation status and activity pattern of the Indian pangolin throughout its range. According to the reports from local communities there has been a rise in poaching and illegal trade of pangolins since 2010 in the three districts of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh in South India.
Objectives of the Project: To assess the presence/absence of Indian pangolin in protected and unprotected human-dominated landscapes of the three coastal districts in north-eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh. To understand local perceptions of rural communities living alongside the pangolin habitat To assess human-induced threats to the species and the habitat in the region. To impart awareness about the threatened status and conservation significance of Indian pangolin among all major stakeholders.
About Pangolin They are Shy, solitary and nocturnal animals and are also called scaly anteaters because of their preferred diet. Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 107
Distribition : There are eight species of pangolins are found on two continents Asia and Africa.They range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. The four species found in Asia: Indian pangolin , Philippine pangolin ,Sunda pangolin and the Chinese pangolin .The Sunda pangolin and Chinese pangolin are categorised as Critically endangered . When threatened, the pangolin curls up into a tight ball, exposing its scales to prevent attack by predators. Unfortunately, this defense mechanism is the primary cause for its near-extinction, making it an easy prey for poachers. The scared pangolin is simply lifted away by poachers, who then boil it to death and tear up the scales. These scales are used to make traditional medicines that are said to cure diseases. However, the medicinal value is not conclusively proven yet.
4.36.NEW ALPINE PLANT SPECIES DISCOVERED IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH
A new species of alpine plant in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district has been discovered by a group of scientists of three institutes of the country, according to a paper published in Biodiversitas: Journal of Biological Diversity. The new species belongs to the family of Himalayan sunflower and is named as Cremanthodium indicum. The plant species which generally flowers from July to August, is endemic to Penga-Teng Tso Lake of Tawang district, where it was discovered. The alpine plant species is assessed as critically endangered, according to the IUCN guidelines.
4.37.BLACK BROWED BABBLER REDISCOVERED AFTER 170 YEARS
The bird last seen more than 170 years ago in the rainforests of Borneo has been rediscovered, amazing conservationists who have long assumed it was extinct. The Black-browed Babbler has only ever been documented once when it was first described by scientists around 1848 eluding all subsequent
efforts to find it.
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The Black-browed Babbler was alive and well, despite not having been seen since before Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species. Little is known about the creature with brown and grey feathers, which has been “missing” longer than any other Asian bird. Late last year it was rediscovered in Indonesian Borneo according to Global Wildlife Conservation. More than 150 species of birds around the world are considered "lost" with no confirmed sightings in the past decade.
4.38.MOUNT ETNA’S LATEST ERUPTION AWE VOLCANOLOGISTS
Mount Etna,has awed even seasoned volcanologists in recent days with spectacular spurts of lava lighting up the Sicilian sky each night. Etna is Europe’s most active volcano, and it erupts relatively often. The last major eruption was in 1992. Following the amazingly regular pattern of paroxysms (fire-fountaining episodes) at almost identical intervals of around 35-48 hours, the 6th eruption in a row is now in full swing. Its eruptions have rarely caused damage or injury in recent decades and officials believe this eruption is no exception. Etna has finally erupted in a way that most of the volcanlogists studying Etna have rarely seen in the last decade .
About Mount Etna: It is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It lies above the convergent plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. It is by far the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy, and about two and a half times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. Mount Etna has been designated a Decade Volcano by the United Nations. And in 2013, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
4.39.CARACAL, A WILDCAT LISTED AS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Why in news? The National Board for Wildlife and Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has included the caracal, a medium-sized wildcat found in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, in the list of critically endangered species. Though not under grave threat in its other habitats. Some experts believe that the animal is on the verge of extinction in India.
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The recovery programme for critically endangered species in India now includes 22 wildlife species.
About Caracal: The caracal is an elusive, primarily noctural animal. Besides India, it is found in several dozen countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.While it flourishes in parts of Africa, its numbers in Asia are declining. The wildcat has long legs, a short face, long canine teeth, and distinctive ears long and pointy, with tufts of black hair at their tips. The iconic ears are what give the animal its name caracal which comes from the Turkish karakulak, meaning ‘black ears’. In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’. The earliest evidence of the caracal in the subcontinent comes from a fossil dating back to the civilisation of the Indus Valley c. 3000-2000 BC. It has traditionally been valued for its litheness and extraordinary ability to catch birds in flight and was a favourite coursing or hunting animal in medieval India. Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88) had siyah-goshdar khana, stables that housed large numbers of coursing caracal. It finds mention in Abul Fazl’s Akbarnama, as a hunting animal in the time of Akbar. The caracal has historically lived in 13 Indian states, in nine out of the 26 biotic provinces.But after 2001, sightings have been reported from only three states due to habitat loss. Today, its presence is restricted to Rajasthan, Kutch, and parts of MP. The decline of its population is attributable mainly to loss of habitat and increasing urbanisation. Experts point out that the caracal’s natural habitat for example the Chambal ravines is often officially notified as wasteland. And land and environment policies are not geared towards the preservation of such wasteland ecology.
4.40.MADRAS HEDGEHOG
It is scientifically known as paraechinus nudiventris, the animal is insectivorous and nocturnal. Its elusive nature mean there has been limited studies about the species, its habitat and ecology. The Madras hedgehog, was discovered in 1851 in what was then known as the Madras Presidency and is endemic to South India. Of the 17 species of hedgehog around the world, India is home to three: Indian Long-eared or collared hedgehog
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,Indian hedgehog ,Bare-bellied or Madras hegehog It is distributed in the drylands and semi-arid locations in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Dindugal, Theni, Erode, Madurai, Tirupur, the Nilgiris, Karur, Salem and Virudhunagar districts. Despite the vastness of the habitat, sighting of the species has gone down considerably over the years . Major threats to the animal are loss of habitat to agriculture and lack of legal protection, combined with exploitation of the species for pet and bush meat trade. It is not listed under any schedule of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Due to this, traders trapping the mammal from the wild escape with either little or no punishment.
4.41.TRACKING OF SNOW LEOPARD IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
Why in news? A study based on scientific enumeration of snow leopards by the Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Department and the Mysore-based Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) has noted that Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude hilly terrains could be harbouring as many as 73 snow leopards. This is the first such enumeration in the country based on scientific methods. The wildlife wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department commenced the snow leopard enumeration project in 2018, with techniques aligned to the protocols prescribed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI). This project is the first systematic effort at a large regional scale that utilised a stratified sampling design to estimate the snow leopard population. The population of the primary wild ungulate prey of snow leopards - blue sheep and ibex, for the entire snow leopard habitat was assessed by using the double observer survey technique and found that the snow leopard density was positively correlated with the wild prey density. In Himachal Pradesh, the snow leopard’s habitat covers a greater part of the districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Its potential habitat also extends into the upper regions of the districts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba and Kangra. The the study notes that local communities are the strongest allies in conservation, if their concerns can be factored into conservation planning.
About Snow leopard: The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as the ounce, is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. In India it is found in the western Himalayas including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. They prefer steep, rugged terrains with
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rocky outcrops and ravines. This type of habitat provides good cover and clear view to help them sneak up on their prey. They are found at elevations of 3,000-5,000 metres or higher in the Himalayas. The snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List and included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
4.42.MOOTH COATED OTTER SIGHTED IN UPPALAPADU BIRD SANCTUARY
A rare species of Smooth-coated otter has been sighted at the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, near Guntur. The sight of otters is a testimony to the conservation efforts at the sanctuary for over 30 years. The Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary has evolved over the years and is often touted as a shining example of human coexistence with the migratory birds, is home to about 12,000 birds mostly, spot-billed pelicans and painted storks etc. The unique characteristics of otters, a short and sleek fur, rounded head, hairless nose and webbed feet makes it an excellent hunting mammal in water. Such rare species found in wetlands help in balancing the ecosystem.
About smooth coated otter: The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is an otter species occurring in most of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with a disjunct population in Iraq. IUCN Status : Vulnerable They are mainly seen in groups and feed on juvenile fish, reptiles, amphibians. They occur usually in larger water bodies and where freshwater is available. They are known to breed throughout the year and some species breed between October and February.
4.43.NEW LIGHT ON THE RISE OF MAMMALS
According to a study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science Scientists have documented the earliest-known fossil evidence of primates, an advance which sheds light on how life on land recovered after the extinction event 66 million years ago that wiped out the dinosaurs and led to the rise of mammals. The research is based on the analysis of several fossils of Purgatorius – the oldest genus in a group of the earliest-known primates called plesiadapiforms. The scientists analysed fossilised teeth found in the Hell Creek area of northeastern Montana in the U.S. which are now part of the collections at the University of California Museum of Paleontology. The fossils are estimated to be 65.9 million years old, about 1,05,000 to 1,39,000 years after the mass extinction event.
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The fossils, according to the researchers, include two species of Purgatorius – Purgatorius janisae, and a new species Purgatorius mckeeveri. Based on the age of the fossils, the scientists noted that the ancestor of all primates, including the plesiadapiforms and modern day primates such as lemurs, monkeys and apes, likely lived alongside large dinosaurs. They were some of the first mammals to diversify in this new post-mass extinction world, taking advantage of the fruits and insects up in the forest canopy. This discovery is significant because it represents the oldest dated occurrence of archaic primates in the fossil record and also adds to the knowledge how the earliest primates separated themselves from their competitors following the demise of the dinosaurs.
About Mass extinction: A mass extinction is usually defined as a loss of about three quarters of all species in existence across the entire Earth over a “short” geological period of time. Given the vast amount of time since life first evolved on the planet, “short” is defined as anything less than 2.8 million years Since at least the Cambrian period that began around 540 million years ago when the diversity of life first exploded into a vast array of forms, only five extinction events have definitively met these mass-extinction criteria. These so-called “Big Five” have become part of the scientific benchmark to determine whether human beings have today created the conditions for a sixth mass extinction.
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5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
SPACE RELATED
5.1.GALAXY NGC 4535
Located in the constellation of Virgo, around 50 million light-years from Earth, the galaxy NGC 4535. NGC 4535 has a hazy, somewhat ghostly, appearance when viewed from a smaller telescope. This led amateur astronomer Leland S. Copeland to nickname NGC 4535 the “Lost Galaxy” in the 1950s. The bright colors in the image actually tell us about the population of stars within the barred spiral galaxy. The bright blueish colors, seen nestled amongst NGC 4535’s long, spiral arms, indicate the presence of a greater number of younger and hotter stars. In contrast, the yellower tones of this galaxy’s bulge suggest that the central area is home to stars which are older and cooler. This galaxy was studied as part of the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) survey, which aims to clarify many of the links between cold gas clouds, star formation, and the overall shape and other properties of galaxies.
5.2.SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY, THE WORLD’S LARGEST RADIO TELESCOPE
On 4th February 2021, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) Council held its maiden meeting and approved the establishment of the world’s largest radio telescope. SKAO is a new intergovernmental organisation dedicated to radio astronomy and is headquartered in the UK. At the moment, organisations from ten countries are a part of the SKAO. These include Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK.
Radio telescopes 1. Radio telescope is a specialized antenna and radio receiver used to detect radio waves from astronomical radio sources in the sky. 2. Radio telescopes are the main observing instrument used in radio astronomy, which studies the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic
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spectrum emitted by astronomical objects, just as optical telescopes are the main observing instrument used in traditional optical astronomy which studies the light wave portion of the spectrum coming from astronomical objects. 3. Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes can detect invisible gas and, therefore, they can reveal areas of space that may be obscured by cosmic dust. 4. The first radio signals were detected by physicist Karl Jansky in the 1930s. 5. According to NASA, the field of radio astronomy evolved after World War II and became one of the most important tools for making astronomical observations since. The Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico, which was the second-largest single-dish radio telescope in the world, collapsed in December 2020. The telescope was built in 1963 and because of its powerful radar, scientists employed it to observe planets, asteroids and the ionosphere, making several discoveries over the decades, including finding prebiotic molecules in distant galaxies, the first exoplanets, and the first- millisecond pulsar.
Significance about the SKA telescope 1. The telescope, proposed to be the largest radio telescope in the world, will be located in Africa and Australia whose operation, maintenance and construction will be overseen by SKAO. 2. The completion is expected to take nearly a decade at a cost of over £1.8 billion. 3. Some of the questions that scientists hope to address using this telescope include the beginning of the universe, how and when the first stars were born, the life-cycle of a galaxy, exploring the possibility of detecting technologically-active civilisations elsewhere in our galaxy and understanding where gravitational waves come from. 4. Significantly, the development of SKA will use the results of various surveys undertaken using another powerful telescope called the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). This telescope, which has been fully operational since February 2019 mapped over three million galaxies in a record 300 hours during its first all-sky survey conducted late last year. 5. ASKAP surveys are designed to map the structure and evolution of the Universe, which it does by observing galaxies and the hydrogen gas that they contain.
India's Role: India is participating in SKAO, through the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Pune-based TIFR-National Centre for Radio Astrophysics leads a team of researchers including from Raman Research Institute, Indian Institute of Science, Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, IITs of Kanpur,
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Kharagpur and Indore, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Presidency College and IISER-Mohali. The Indian team was among the first to submit and get the design approval of a highly sophisticated Telescope Manager (TM), nicknamed “nervous system”, of the SKA observatory. The Indian team has now been chosen to lead the construction of the TM system, which will be responsible for end-to-end operations of SKAO. India will also contribute towards building digital hardware for the SKA low- frequency receiver systems, some parts of the receiver for the SKA mid- frequency telescopes along with parts of the data processing units.
5.3.CHINA'S SPACE PROBE SENDS BACK ITS FIRST IMAGE OF MARS
China's Tianwen-1 probe has sent back its first image of Mars, as the mission prepares to touch down on the Red Planet later this year. The spacecraft, launched in July around the same time as a rival U.S. mission, is expected to enter Mars orbit around February 10. The black-and-white photo released showed geological features including the Schiaparelli crater and the Valles Marineris, a vast stretch of canyons on the Martian surface. The photo was taken about 2.2 million kilometres from Mars. The five-tonne Tianwen-1 includes a Mars orbiter, a lander and a rover that will study the planet's soil. China hopes to ultimately land the rover in May in Utopia, a massive impact basin on Mars. Tianwen-1 is not China's first attempt to reach Mars. A previous mission with Russia in 2011 ended prematurely as the launch failed.
5.4.EMIRATI 'HOPE' PROBE APPROACHES MARS
The first Arab interplanetary mission is expected to reach Mars' orbit on February 9 in what is considered the most critical part of the journey to unravel the secrets of weather on the Red Planet. The unmanned probe named "Al-Amal", Arabic for "Hope" blasted off from Japan on 20th July 2020, marking the next step in the United Arab Emirates' ambitious space programme.
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This particular mission draws inspiration from the Middle East's golden age of cultural and scientific achievements.
Projects of UAE in the field of Space: 1. The UAE, made up of seven emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has 12 satellites in orbit, with plans to launch several more in coming years. 2. In September 2019 it sent the first Emirati into space, Hazza al-Mansouri, who was part of a three-member crew. They blasted off from Kazakhstan, returning home after an eight-day mission in which he became the first Arab to visit the International Space Station. 3. But the UAE's ambitions go much further, with a goal of building a human settlement on Mars by 2117. 4. It plans to create a white-domed "Science City" in the deserts outside Dubai to simulate Martian conditions and develop the technology needed to colonise the planet. 5. The UAE has plans to launch an unmanned rover to the moon by 2024 and is also eyeing future mining projects beyond Earth, as well as space tourism. 6. It has announced the creation of a "space court" to settle commercial disputes relating to space industries.
Unlike the other two Mars ventures this year, the Tianwen-1 from China and Mars 2020 from the United States, the UAE's probe will not land on the Red Planet. Three instruments mounted on the "Hope" probe will provide a picture of the Mars atmosphere throughout the Martian year 687 days. 1. The first is an infrared spectrometer to measure the lower atmosphere and analyse the temperature structure. 2. The second is a high-resolution imager that will also provide information about ozone levels. 3. The third, an ultraviolet spectrometer, is to measure oxygen and hydrogen levels from a distance of up to 43,000 kilometres from the surface. The UAE wanted to send a strong message to the Arab youth and to remind them of the past, that they used to be generators of knowledge. Themission, if successful, would make the UAE the fifth nation to ever reach Mars, and is timed to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's unification.
5.5.FARFAROUT
Why in news? The faint planet named Farfarout has been confirmed as the most distant object in our solar system. The planet was discovered two years ago in January 2018 with the help of the Subaru Telescope at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This was confirmed with the help of research done in the last two years at the International Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF’s NOIRLab, and other ground-based telescopes. The celestial body located far away in our solar system received this designation from the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
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The celestial body is currently 132 astronomical units (au) away from the sun which translates to 132 times away from where Earth is in our solar system. It is more than three times away from dwarf planet Pluto which is 39au away from the Sun. The previous-known farthest planet of our solar system was Farout, which is 124au away from the Sun. However, Farfarout’s distance from the Sun fluctuates depending on its elongated orbit. The closest it can get to the Sun is 27au whereas the farthest it reaches is 175au. While completing its 1,000-year orbit around the Sun, it also comes close to the eighth planet of our solar system, Neptune. Astronomers believe that Neptune may have played a role in the Farfarout’s change in orbit. Farfarout may also help them understand the history of Neptune and the outer solar system. Judging from the brightness and the distance from Sun, Farfarout is expected to be 400 km across which means there is a low possibility that it will get the status of a dwarf planet from IAU.
5.6.ISRO’S LAUNCH FOR FEBRUARY 28
In its first space mission in 2021, India’s space agency ISRO planned to launch Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 and 20 other payloads, including one built by a home-grown start-up, on February 28th February 2021. PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India company under Department of Space. NSIL is undertaking this mission under a commercial arrangement with Spaceflight Inc. USA. Amazonia-1 is the optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research (INPE). This satellite would further strengthen the existing structure by providing remote sensing data to users for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory. It is the primary payload on board ISRO’s PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket. The 20 co-passenger satellites include one from ISRO (INS-2TD), ‘Anand’, ‘Satish Dhawan’ satellite and ‘UNITYsat’. ‘Anand’ is built by Indian space startup, Pixxel, and marks the launch the country’s first commercial private remote-sensing satellite on an ISRO PSLV rocket. ‘Satish Dhawan Satellite’ by Chennai-based Space Kidz India is named after former ISRO Chairman Satish Dhawan, aimed to study space radiation and Magnetosphere and demonstrate the indigenously designed and developed nanosatellite components. The satellite also tests the capabilities of LoRa (Long
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Range) technology in Space which could be helpful for many applications in the future in short and M2M communication. UNITYsat is a combination of three satellites designed and built as a joint development.
5.7.NASA'S SPHEREx MISSION
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has selected the Elon Musk- founded Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) for the launch of its SPHEREx Mission.
About NASA's SPHEREx mission 1. Nasa's Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is a planned two-year astrophysics mission that aims to survey the sky in the near-infrared light to study the birth of the universe, gather data on more than 300 million galaxies as well as more than 100 million stars in the Milky Way galaxy. 2. SpaceX based out of Hawthorne, California has been selected by Nasa to provide for its launch services. 3. The mission is targeted to launch as early as in June 2024 on a SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 4. It will be looking for water and organic molecules for life. The mission will search for the essentials for life in stellar nurseries, that are the regions where stars are born from gas and dust, and disks around the stars where 'new planets could be forming'.
5.8.SCIENTISTS DECODE HOW MARS MAY HAVE LOST ITS ATMOSPHERE
Solar winds may have led to Mars losing its atmosphere, according to a computer simulation study which confirms the long held belief that planets need a protective magnetic field to block such harmful radiations in order to sustain life. Factors like the existence of a moderately warm, moist atmosphere and liquid water determines whether a planet can host life. According to the scientists, from the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, these magnetic fields enveloping planets can act like a protective umbrella, shielding the atmosphere from the super fast plasma winds of the Sun. On the Earth, they said a geo-dynamo mechanism generates the planet's protective magnetosphere, an invisible shield that stops the solar wind from eroding away our atmosphere. The simulations revealed that in the young Mars, the magnetosphere may have acted as a shield stopping the solar wind from coming too close to the planet's atmosphere thus protecting it.
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Without an intrinsic magnetosphere, the researchers said the solar wind magnetic field may have first draped around, and slipped past Mars, carrying bits of the planet's atmosphere away, eventually eroding it completely. Thus the findings confirm the belief that the magnetospheres around planets play a crucial role in determining their ability to sustain life. The researchers believe the study has important implications for the search for habitable exoplanets via initiatives like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and ISRO's ExoWorlds mission.
5.9.MICROBES FROM EARTH COULD TEMPORARILY SURVIVE ON MARS: STUDY
Some microbes found on Earth may temporarily survive on the surface of Mars, according to a study that could be vital for the success of future missions to the Red Planet. The researchers from NASA and German Aerospace Center tested the endurance of microorganisms to Martian conditions by launching them into stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere which closely represents key conditions on Mars. The study paves the way for understanding not only the threat of microbes to space missions, but also the opportunities for resource independence from Earth. Microbes, in particular spores from the black mold fungus, were able to survive, even when exposed to very high ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With crewed long-term missions to Mars, it is important to know how human- associated microorganisms would survive on the Red Planet, as some may pose a health risk to astronauts. In addition, some microbes could be invaluable for space exploration. They could help us produce food and material supplies independently from Earth, which will be crucial when far away from home. Many key characteristics of the environment at the Martian surface cannot be found or easily replicated at the surface of Earth, however in middle stratosphere the conditions are remarkably similar. The microbes were launched into the stratosphere inside the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival and Biological Outcomes experiment) payload, which was kept at Martian pressure and filled with artificial Martian atmosphere throughout the mission. While not all the microbes survived the trip, one previously detected on the International Space Station, the black mold Aspergillus niger, could be revived after it returned home.
5.10.PSLV-C51
Why in news? India's Polar rocket PSLV C-51 carrying Amazonia-1 of Brazil and 18 other satellites blasted off on 28th February 2021, in the first mission of the year for ISRO. Amazonia-1, the primary satellite, was injected into orbit about 18 minutes after lift-off while the 18 co-passenger payloads, including one from Chennai-based Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 121
Space Kidz India (SKI), also engraved with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched over the next two hours. When the PSLV-C51 mission was announced, the most excitement was about a satellite that eventually could not be part of the launch. The star that did not show up at the launch party was a satellite from Pixxel India, one of several new startups that are billed to do to India’s space sector what SpaceX or Planet Labs have done in the United States. Bengaluru-based Pixxel India has planned a vast constellation of earth-imaging satellites that would continuously monitor every part of the globe and beam high- resolution imagery and other data that can be used for a variety of applications related to climate change, agriculture, and urban planning. The first of these satellites, called Anand, was supposed to be on the PSLV-C51 rocket that lifted off from the Sriharikota. Certain software issues had arisen during testing. The main payload, sun-synchronous Amazonia-1 earth observation satellite, is the first commercial venture for ISRO’s two-year-old marketing arm, NewSpace India Limited. It is the first satellite to be fully designed, integrated, tested, and operated by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research. It can generate images of any part of the world every five days, but will be used mainly to provide remote sensing data in order to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. ISRO’s earlier marketing company, Antrix, has been bogged down by long litigation in the controversial Devas deal. Among the 18 other satellites on board the launch vehicle were 12 SpaceBEEs from the US, and a group of three satellites called UNITYsat developed jointly by students of three institutes. Also on board was a nano satellite developed by Space Kidz India, which will study space weather and demonstrate long-range communication technologies.
OTHER NEWS
5.11.SCHEME TO ENHANCE ETHANOL DISTILLATION CAPACITY
The Government has fixed a target of 10% blending of fuel grade ethanol with petrol by 2022 and 20% blending by 2025. This has been done with a view to boost agricultural economy, to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel, to save foreign exchange on account of crude oil import bill and to reduce the air pollution. To meet out the requirement of ethanol, the Government has notified a “Scheme for extending financial assistance to project proponents for enhancement of their ethanol distillation capacity or to set up distilleries for producing 1st Generation (1G) ethanol from feed stocks such sugarcane, rice available with Food Corporation of India, maize etc. The State Governments have been requested to promote the scheme to the entrepreneurs of their states and encourage them to participate in the scheme so that the target set by the Government could be achieved well within the timeline.
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State Governments were also requested to facilitate entrepreneurs in arranging land for the project, to get environment clearance at the earliest and in setting up of distilleries. Every State should constitute a Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary and comprising of officers of State Excise Authority, State Pollution Control Board, Industry Department, Industry Associations, entrepreneurs and officers of Central Government to review the implementation of the scheme on monthly basis.
The benefits of Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme: 1. Excess sugar of about 60 Lakh Tonne will be diverted to ethanol. 2. Helps sugar mills in timely payments of cane dues to farmers. 3. Additional utilization of food-grains of about 135 Lakh Tonne will help in increasing the income of farmers. 4. Investment by entrepreneurs will help in creation of employment in rural areas. 5. Distributed ethanol production will help in reduction of transportation cost of ethanol. 6. Reduction in crude oil import will help India to become Atmanirbhar in petroleum sector. Remunerative prices of ethanol from various feed-stocks including sugarcane juice, B-Heavy molasses, C-Heavy molasses, rice available with FCI, damaged food grains and maize have also been fixed. Prices of ethanol are fixed on the basis of prices of raw materials and not on the basis of prices of crude oil. Some State Governments have also included ethanol projects under priority sector.
About Biofuels Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel. Biofuels may be solid(Wood, dried plant material, and manure), liquid(Bioethanol and Biodiesel) or gaseous(Biogas) in nature. These can be used to replace or can be used in addition to diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels for transport, stationary, portable and other applications. Also, they can be used to generate heat and electricity. Main reasons for shifting to biofuels are: the rising prices of oil, emission of the greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and the interest for obtaining fuel from agricultural crops for the benefit of farmers.
Categories of Biofuels 1. First generation biofuels: made from food sources such as sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology. Common first- generation biofuels include Bioalcohols, Biodiesel, Vegetable oil, Bioethers, Biogas. Though the process of conversion is easy, but use of food sources in the production of biofuels creates an imbalance in food economy, leading to increased food prices and hunger. 2. Second generation biofuels: produced from non-food crops or portions of food crops that are not edible and considered as wastes, like stems, husks, wood chips, and fruit skins and peeling. Thermochemical reactions or biochemical Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 123
conversion process is used for producing such fuels. Examples include cellulose ethanol, biodiesel. Though these fuels do not affect food economy, their production is quite complicated. Also, it is reported that these biofuels emit less greenhouse gases when compared to first generation biofuels. 3. Third generation biofuels: produced from micro-organisms like algae. Example- Butanol. Micro-organisms like algae can be grown using land and water unsuitable for food production, therefore reducing the strain on already depleted water sources. One disadvantage is that fertilizers used in the production of such crops lead to environment pollution. 4. Fourth Generation Biofuels: In the production of these fuels, crops that are genetically engineered to take in high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass. The crops are then converted into fuel using second generation techniques. The fuel is pre-combusted and the carbon is captured. Then the carbon is geo-sequestered, meaning that the carbon is stored in depleted oil or gas fields or in unmineable coal seams. Some of these fuels are considered as carbon negative as their production pulls out carbon from environment.
5.12.STARDUST 1.0, THE FIRST ROCKET TO RUN ON BIOFUEL
On January 31, Stardust 1.0 became the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel, which is non-toxic for the environment as opposed to traditionally used rocket fuels. Also it has become the first commercial rocket launch for the state located in northeastern US. Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads. The rocket can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg and during its first launch carried three payloads. The payloads in the first launch included a cubesat prototype built by highschool students, a metal alloy designed to lessen vibrations, which is developed by Kellogg’s Research Labs and a cubesat from software company Rocket Insights. (CubeSat is a type of miniaturized satellite for space research that is made up of multiple cubic modules of 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm size. CubeSats have a mass of no more than 1.33 kilograms per unit. They are one of the variants of Nano-satellites (mass varying from 1kg to 10kg)). The rocket is manufactured by bluShift, an aerospace company based in Maine that is developing rockets that are powered by bio-derived fuels. These rockets will help to launch small satellites into space in a way that is relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel and is less toxic for the environment. Significantly, the accommodation of mini payloads provides easier access to space to not only experienced researchers but also to students who are part of educational institutions and are working to develop their own space programs for a very nominal price. The biofuel used for the launch is not yet clear, but as per media reports it can be sourced from farms around the world.
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According to the US government’s office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the two most common kinds of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel and they both represent the first generation of biofuel technology. 1. Ethanol is renewable and made from different kinds of plant materials. 2. Biodiesel is produced by combining alcohol with new and used vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled cooking grease.
5.13.SILK-PROTEIN-BASED TUMOUR MODELS FOR TESTING OUT CANCER DRUGS
Improving on techniques for testing cancer drugs, researchers from IIT Guwahati have come up with silk-protein-based tumour models. An alternative to testing cancer drugs using patient-derived cell lines or animal models, the research involves fabrication of a bio-active composite of silk proteins from two species of silk moths and building a scaffolding(a temporary structure) that provides a three-dimensional base for growing tumouroids.
The Science followed till now: 1. Normally, cancer drugs are tested using patient-derived primary cancer cells, on tumours induced in animal models or on genetically modified organisms. 2. However, these models are insufficient to reproduce the three-dimensional morphology and physiology of human tumours and hence show inaccuracies in drug screening. 3. Moreover, animal models are expensive to maintain and can increase the cost of drug development. In this context, the silk-protein-based tumour models developed by the group come as a useful intervention.
The New Technology: 1. As an alternative to existing cancer models, the tissue-engineered 3D silk-based tumour model imitates native tumour microenvironment, complex tumour physiology and metastasis, thus improving drug screening efficacy. 2. The scientists mixed the silk fibroins extracted from the cocoons of the domestic silk moth (Bombyx mori) and the silk glands of the muga silk moth (Antheraea assama) in equal proportions and used them to build up scaffolds on which they grew breast and liver tumour cell cultures. 3. The scientists also tested the screening capacity of the tumours on known anticancer drugs, Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel, thus serve as a vital step in research laboratories to evaluate a variety of anticancer drugs and understand their mechanisms.
Further Studies: The Researchers next plan to miniaturise the cancer model using microfluidics technology and to mimic the native tumour by adding blood vessels in it. This improved model would assist in studying cancer metastasis from one tissue to another tissue and drug testing for cancer metastasis.(The development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer).
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5.14.AI TO COUNTER MUTATIONS IN CORONAVIRUS
Researchers from University of Southern California (USC), have developed a new method to counter, emergent mutations of the coronavirus and say it can hasten vaccine development to stop the pathogen. Using artificial intelligence, the research team developed a method to speed the analysis of vaccines and zero in on the best potential preventive medical therapy. The newly developed method is easily adaptable to analyse potential mutations of the virus, ensuring the best possible vaccines are quickly identified. Vaccine design cycles that once took months or years can be accomplished in seconds and minutes with the machine-learning model, moving them to clinical trials quickly to achieve preventive medical therapies without compromising safety. Moreover, this can be adapted to help us stay ahead of the coronavirus as it mutates around the world. When applied to SARS-CoV-2, the AI-assisted method predicted 26 potential vaccines that would work against the coronavirus. From those, the scientists identified the best 11 from which to construct a multi-epitope (-region) vaccine, which can attack the spike proteins that the coronavirus uses to infect a host cell. Engineers can construct a new multi-epitope vaccine for a new virus in less than a minute and validate its quality within an hour. By contrast, current processes to control the virus require growing the pathogen in the lab, deactivating it and injecting the virus that caused a disease. The process is time-consuming and takes more than one year. The researchers said that if SARS-CoV-2 becomes uncontrollable by current vaccines, or if new vaccines are needed to deal with other emerging viruses, then the AI assisted method can be used to design other preventive mechanisms quickly.
5.15.BITCOIN
In News Bitcoin surged anew on 8th February 2021, when Elon Musk stated that Tesla Inc. would soon take payment for its electric vehicles in bitcoins and revealed it had already bought $1.5 billion worth of it.
About Bitcoins Bitcoin is the original and most popular cryptocurrency, or digital coin, and started circulating in 2009. It was created by the mysterious "Satoshi Nakamoto," designed to be free of central financial authorities like governments, banks and central banks. It is "peer-to-peer," meaning it can be transferred directly between online users without any intermediaries. Bitcoin is based on blockchain technology which acts like a public ledger of transactions and is secured by advanced cryptography that offers users a degree of anonymity.
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As there is no central authority governing supply,bitcoin's value depends on people's confidence in it, and to date it has mainly been used for speculation by financial traders rather than for real-world commerce and payments. In 2013, it started at around $13 and spiked to over $1,000 by December. In 2017, it went from about $1,000 to around $20,000. In early 2020, it had sunk below $4,000 at one point before its dizzying rise to nearly $45,000 on 8th February 2021.
Bitcoins Creation New bitcoins are generated in a process called "mining," which involves individuals or groups using large amounts of computing power to solve complex mathematical equations to build the blockchain and earn rewards in the form of new coins. Bitcoin was designed to be created at a fixed rate, which means miners must compete against each other to win coins. The number of bitcoins created annually automatically decreases over time and issuance will end with a total of 21 million bitcoins in circulation. The more time passes, the harder computers have to work to mine new bitcoins. There are currently more than 18 million bitcoins in circulation.
How to Store, Trade and Spend Bitcoin is held in virtual wallets with unique keys. Transactions are made by sending bitcoin from one wallet to a unique key associated with another wallet in a cryptographic process that is verified by computers across the bitcoin network. Bitcoin wallets can be stored offline or online at cryptocurrency exchanges, venues where bitcoin can be bought and sold for traditional currencies or other virtual coins.
Bitcoins at Present Bitcoin has been rallying hard, jumping over 300% in 2020, breezing past its record high to reach $42,000 in January and pushing above $44,000 in first week of February 2021, driving a 10% surge in its value and usage. This has been driven in part by big institutional investors who see it as a hedge against inflation in a pandemic era of huge financial stimulus, and are attracted by increasing regulation of the opaque crypto market. There have also been signs that bitcoin may start to gain acceptance as a more mainstream means of payment. PayPal Holdings Inc said in October 2020, that it would allow customers to buy, sell and hold bitcoin and other virtual coins using its online wallets. The company will also be able to use cryptocurrencies to shop at the 26 million merchants on its network starting this year. Some industry experts view Musk and Tesla as quickening the bitcoins inclusion into the financial mainstream.
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5.16.INDIA IS PUTTING OUT ITS MAPPING, GEOSPATIAL DATA AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL USE
India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) on 15th February 2021, opened access to its geospatial data and services, including maps, for all Indian entities. The move is said to release a lot of data that is currently restricted and not available for free. The update represents a major change in the country’s mapping policy, which earlier required individuals and companies to seek approval for use of mapping data under the Geospatial Information Regulation Act, 2016. Geospatial data includes location information about natural or man-made, physical or imaginary features, whether above the ground or below, boundaries, points of interest, natural phenomena, mobility data, weather patterns, and other statistical information. Liberalisation of the mapping industry and democratization of existing datasets will spur domestic innovation and enable Indian companies to compete in the global mapping ecosystem by leveraging modern geospatial technologies The announcement comes at a time when advances in mapping technology, including aerial vehicles, mobile mapping systems, LIDAR and RADAR sensors, and satellite- based remote sensing techniques, are giving a lift to innovation in e-commerce, logistics and urban transportation sectors. India has so far been reliant on foreign resources for mapping technologies and services. The week before, ISRO and MapmyIndia announced an initiative to develop a ‘Make in India’ rival to Google Maps.
5.17.SOFTWARE TOOL FOR AUTOMATED DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19 LUNG INFECTION
A new software tool that reveals the severity of lung infections in COVID-19 patients has been developed by researchers from the Departments of Computational and Data Science (CDS) and Instrumentation and Applied Physics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with colleagues from the Oslo University Hospital and the University of Agder in Norway. The software tool, which is freely available to the public. While it is known that COVID-19 can cause severe damage to the respiratory systems, especially the lung tissues, and methods such as X-ray or CT scans can prove helpful in determining how bad the infection is, an IISc release said the software tool, called AnamNet, can ‘read’ the chest CT scans of COVID-19 patients, and, using a special kind of neural network, estimate how much damage has been caused in the lungs by searching for specific abnormal features. Such a tool can provide automated assistance to doctors and therefore help in faster diagnosis and better management of COVID-19. Another significant advantage of AnamNet is that the software is lightweight with a small memory footprint. This has enabled the team to develop an app called
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CovSeg that can be run on a mobile phone and hence potentially be used by healthcare professionals. The researchers are now looking at diversifying the tool to other common lung diseases such are pneumonia, fibrosis and even lung cancer in the near future.
5.18.APPLE GRANTED A PATENT FOR A PENCIL WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONALITIES
Apple has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a touch-based Pencil that has removable and exchangeable components. Users holding the Pencil will be able to conduct in-air gestures to control Macs, Apple TV boxes and advanced televisions. It can perform operations like pause, advance or reverse playback. The removable component can also function as a connector for charging and communicating with the stylus. Apple Pencil could include a tip with ink, paint, lead, or graphite that can be used for markings on a physical surface. The functional components could also include sensors, cameras, biometric readers, displays, switches, buttons, speakers, compass, microphones, voice coils.
5.19.HYDROGEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL
In the 2021-22 Union Budget address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India will launch its National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) in 2021-22. The proposal in the Budget will be followed up with a mission draft over the next couple of months, a roadmap for using hydrogen as an energy source, with a specific focus on green hydrogen, dovetailing India’s growing renewable capacity with the hydrogen economy. While proposed end-use sectors include steel and chemicals, the major industry that hydrogen has the potential of transforming is transportation which contributes a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, and where hydrogen is being seen as a direct replacement of fossil fuels, with specific advantages over traditional EVs.
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5.20.IIT ROPAR DEVELOPS ALTERNATIVE TO ALCOHOL-BASED DISINFECTANT
The IIT Ropar on 23rd February 2021 said it has developed a low-cost device to produce electrolysed water that could be used as an alternative to alcohol-based disinfectant. The acidic electrolysed water has a pH of 5.0-6.5 and high concentration of Free Available Chlorine (FAC). It was reported recently that freely available chlorine can potently inactivate the corona virus. The electrolysed water also shows strong killing activity against bacteria, fungi and many other types of viruses. Unlike traditional procedure of cleaning water with chlorine treatment, electrolysed water does not harm humans. It also shows strong activity against food-borne pathogens that could be beneficial for food and agricultural industries. It can be prepared from the normal tap water within five minutes and is stable up to one week. It can be used in healthcare, food safety, water treatment, and general sanitation. It is non-toxic and non-flammable and therefore does not require hazardous or chemical storage or handling precautions. Nor are there any special shipping or export requirements.
5.21.GLOBAL BIO-INDIA 2021
The Biotechnology sector has emerged as an integral part of the Indian economy over the past few decades, and the Government of India is playing a transformative and catalytic role in building a USD 150 billion bio-economy by 2025. The sector is recognized as one of the key drivers for India to achieve its USD 5 trillion target. To showcase the strength and opportunities of the India’s biotechnology sector at national level and to the global community, the second edition of Global Bio-India will be organised from 1-3 March 2021 on digital platform. The theme for this year is “Transforming lives” and tag line “Biosciences to Bioeconomy”. Global Bio-India is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders’ conglomerates that is being co-organised by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India along with its Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) in partnership with industry association Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) and Invest India. The first edition of Global Bio-India 2019 at New Delhi was a huge success that saw participation from over 25+ countries, 190 exhibitors, 2500+ delegates, 300+ start-ups, 50+incubators, 60+ Research Institutes, 800+ Bio- partnering meetings and representation from 9 states. Global Bio-India 2021 is expected to have representatives from 50+ countries with Switzerland being the partner country and Karnataka as its state partner till date. More partners are expected to join this biotechnology event.
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To emphasise the role of multiple allied sectors in the growth of biotechnology in India, there are around 24 knowledge sessions across different segments including India Fights COVID: The COVID 19 Vaccine Journey from Science to Delivery; Health Conclave; Start-up Conclave; Phytopharma & Traditional Knowledge; Clean Energy Conclave; Precision Medicine & Data-Driven life Sciences; Women Entrepreneurs Conclave; State sessions; International Investor’s meet etc. Global Bio-India is expected to facilitate recognition of India as emerging Innovation Hub and Bio-manufacturing Hub for the world. It will facilitate scaling of India’s Biotech innovation ecosystem, investments, global networking and collaborations, Make In India for the Atmanirbhar Bharat.
5.22.RUSSIA LAUNCHES SATELLITE TO MONITOR CLIMATE IN ARCTIC
Russia launched its space satellite Arktika-M on 28th February 2021, on a mission to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic amid a push by the Kremlin to expand the country’s activities in the region. The Arctic has warmed more than twice as fast as the global average over the last three decades and Moscow is seeking to develop the energy-rich region, investing in the Northern Sea Route for shipping across its long northern flank as ice melts. The satellite successfully reached its intended orbit after being launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur cosmodrome by a Soyuz rocket. Russia plans to send up a second satellite in 2023 and, combined, the two will offer round-the-clock, all-weather monitoring of the Arctic Ocean and the surface of the Earth. The Arktika-M will have a highly elliptical orbit that passes high over northern latitudes allowing it to monitor northern regions for lengthy periods before it loops back down under Earth. At the right orbit, the satellite will be able to monitor and take images every 15-30 minutes of the Arctic, which can’t be continuously observed by satellites that orbit above the Earth’s equator. The satellite will also be able to retransmit distress signals from ships, aircraft or people in remote areas as part of the internationalCospas-Sarsat satellite-based search and rescue programme.
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6. SECURITY
6.1.DISHANI AND GARUDASTRA
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has launched two new products during Aero India- 2021 - the “Dishani” and “Garudastra”. Garudastra is an advanced anti-submarine self-guided state of the art homing torpedo system. Dishani, an expendable air-deployed ASW sonobuoy system.
6.2.Ka-226T
The total indigenous content of the Ka-226T utility helicopters, to be jointly manufactured locally by India and Russia with Transfer of Technology (ToT). The helicopters would be manufactured by a joint venture — India Russia Helicopters Limited (IRHL) between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian Helicopters. The Ka-226T is meant to replace the ageing and obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleet of the Army and Air Force and the total technical life of these will start finishing from 2023 onwards. About 75% of the Army’s fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is over 30 years old. Some of them are about 50 years old and they need urgent replacements. Operational capability has been impacted due to deficiencies and non-availability of replacement.
6.3.COMBINED AIR TEAMING SYSTEM (CATS)
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said that it is developing a futuristic high altitude pseudo satellite with a start-up company, a first of its kind in the world. Features of the Project The satellite will be solar energised and become a big asset flying unmanned around 70,000 feet for 2-3 months and taking information. The HAL will be teaming up for unmanned aircraft and vehicles with manned jets similar to the US project of SKYBROG. The project will strengthen the country's military strike capabilities. In the project where the manned aircraft will operate within the boundary and the unmanned aircraft will enter the enemy zone and can carry out strikes deep inside the enemy territory. The technology is named Combined Air Teaming System (CATS). It will have a mother ship and four autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles known as CATS Warrior. The vehicles will have the capacity to carry out a strike. It will be able to stealthily enter 700 kilometres inside enemy territory.
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6.4.BrahMos SHORT-RANGE RAMJET SUPERSONIC CRUISE MISSILE
The BrahMos Missile, designed, developed and produced jointly by India and Russia has generated a lot of interest globally and is expected to undergo a change in size. Mini-BrahMos or BrahMos NG has a shorter dimension and is lighter and mightier to its predecessor variant. It has the capability of going up to Mach 3.5. There will be smaller version of the missile for smaller aircraft – like Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2 and the Russian Su 30 MKI fighter aircraft and other aircraft across the globe.
6.5.DISINFORMATION AS A CYBER THREAT
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting and defending computer systems, networks, and our digital lives from disruption. Nefarious actors use attacks to compromise confidentiality, the integrity and the availability of IT systems for their benefit. Cybersecurity attacks are executed using malware, viruses, trojans, botnets, and social engineering.
Disinformation as a threat Disinformation is, similarly, an attack and compromise of our cognitive being. Disinformation attacks use manipulated, miscontextualised, misappropriated information, deep fakes, and cheap fakes. A report released by Neustar International Security Council (NISC) found 48% of cybersecurity professionals regard disinformation as threats, and of the remainder, 49% say that threat is very significant. Disinformation is used for social engineering threats on a mass scale. Like phishing attacks, to compromise IT systems for data extraction, disinformation campaigns play on emotions, giving cybercriminals another feasible method for scams. A few quality and highly targeted disinformation campaigns using deepfakes could widen the divides between peoples in democracies even more and cause unimaginable levels of chaos, with increased levels of violence, damage to property and lives.
Why Disinformation is a challenge Today, the response to disinformation is in silos of each platform with little or no coordination. There is no consistent taxonomy, definitions, policy, norms, and response for disinformation campaigns and actors. This inconsistency enables perpetrators to push the boundaries and move around on platforms to achieve their nefarious goals.
Steps to be taken A critical component of cybersecurity is education. Technology industry, civil society and the government should coordinate to make users aware of cyber threat vectors such as phishing, viruses, and malware.
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The industry with public-private partnerships must also invest in media literacy efforts to reach out to discerning public. Intervention with media education can make a big difference in understanding context, motivations, and challenging disinformation to reduce damage. The freedom of speech and the freedom of expression are protected rights in most democracies. Balancing the rights of speech with the dangers of disinformation is a challenge for policymakers and regulators. There are laws and regulations for cybersecurity criminals. More than 1,000 entities have signed the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, for stability and security in the information space. Similarly, 52 countries and international bodies have signed the Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.
6.6.DHRUVASTRA ANTI-TANK GUIDED MISSILES (ATGM)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out joint user trials of indigenously developed Helina and Dhruvastra Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) in the desert. Helina is the Army variant and Dhruvastra is the Air Force variant of the ALH.
Features of the missile: It is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. The Helina and Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock-on-Before-Launch (LOBL) fire and forget ATGMs that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day-and-night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour.
TOPIC : ARJUN MAIN BATTLE TANK PROJECT
The Arjun Main Battle Tank project was initiated by DRDO in 1972 with the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) as its lead laboratory. The objective was to create a “state-of-the-art tank with superior fire power, high mobility, and excellent protection”.
Features of the Arjun tank The Arjun tanks stand out for their ‘Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)’ ammunition and 120-mm calibre rifled gun. It also has a computer-controlled integrated fire control system with stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.
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7. SOCIAL ISSUES
SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, POVERTY AND DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
7.1.WOMEN WEAVERS FROM DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE
News A group of women weavers in the northern buffer of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh belonging to the Tharu Hath KargaGharelu Udyog – a Self Help Group (SHG) have recorded significant increase in revenue from sale of their wares in 2020 due to the technological interventions that have improved their looms.
About In order to correct imbalance of traditional looms resulting from excess moisture in soil due to flooding of the area in monsoons, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) fixed the base of the looms. They also added a second set of pedals in them, making them operable by two weavers, thereby reducing the production time of the durries and weave complex designs. Wooden shuttles used traditionally were replaced with fiberglass shuttle, which is lighter and more efficient. Two pulley based designs - Garrari system and Rope roller system were designed to avoid disruption of work continuity while adjusting the thread roller and durrie roller of the loom for getting a blank thread panel to weave. These technological interventions realized with funding support under TARA Scheme of Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and implemented through Core Support Group- WWF India have reduced the inconvenience caused to the women and also increased the efficiency of operations with quality production through a number of ways. It has also set up a centre for production in terms of technological interventions, modification, and improvisation.
Technological Advancement for Rural Areas (TARA): This scheme under SEED programmes is essentially to provide long term core support to Science based Voluntary Organizations/field institutions to promote and nurture them as “S&T Incubators” / “Active Field Laboratories” in rural and other disadvantaged areas to work and provide technological solutions and effective delivery of technologies for livelihood generation & societal benefits.
Programme Focus: Focus to support for innovation (i.e. technology evelopment/adaptation) & working technology system with multiplication.
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Long-term Action Research Programmes with defined goals for development, field testing and adoption of appropriate technologies to address location specific needs rather than “institutional support”.. Focus sharply on demonstrable replicability and enterprise models: shift to non farm and service sectors. Especially to support core S&T manpower otherwise difficult to retain in grassroot organizations. Strengthen a network of S&T capable organizations in the country for application and propagation of appropriate technologies to address location-specific user needs through participatory approach.
Eligibility Conditions and Selection Mechanism: Organizations with minimum 10 years field level experience in rural technology development and management with proven capability of delivering technology model(s) through adaptive R & D for field level application. Having minimum infrastructure to work as core supported group (CSG), like land and demonstrate working relations with Panchayats/State Govt. from long-term sustainability point of view. The organization should have experience in handling projects having focus on S &T with support from scientific departments of Govt. of India. Selection is based on initial scrutiny at the department level/presentation of proposal before the expert committee (1st level of screening). Based on the recommendation of the expert committee, proposal is further evaluated (2nd level of screening) by a on-site evaluation by expert team to assess need, capability and delivery potential of the organization for proposed programme/activities. After on the spot evaluation, the proposal along with assessment report of the visiting expert team is examined by the expert committee for final recommendation.
Funding of Projects : If approved, core funding is provided initially for a period of five to ten years subject to periodic review which may be extendable upto 15 years and more.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve : Located on the Indo-Nepal border in the district Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa National Park, together with Kishanpur and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries, represent the best natural forests and grasslands left in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. The three Protected Areas(PAs), being the last viable home of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the state, have been jointly constituted into Dudhwa Tiger Reserve under Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 138
Project Tiger. Kishanpur (204 sq km), the oldest of the three PAs, was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, followed by Katerniaghat (440 sq km) in 1975 and finally Dudhwa National Park (680 sq km) in 1977. Though the 3 PAs are physically separate, each consists of unbroken tracts of dense forests. The Sharda River flows by the Kishanpur WL Sanctuary, the Geruwa River flows through the Katerniaghat WL Sanctuary and the Suheli and Mohana streams flow in the Dudhwa National Park, all of which are tributaries of the mighty Ghagra River.
7.2.TRIFED REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN CHHATTISGARH
News: A team of TRIFED officials visited the state of Chhattisgarh to discuss the state of progress of tribal development programmes in place in the state.
Areas of Discussion The progress made by the state of Chhattisgarh with respect to the programmes that have been put in place by the government for improving tribal livelihoods such as the Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MSP for MFP), Van Dhan Yojana,Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme ( ESDP) training for tribals were discussed. Based on extensive planning and discussions, it has been decided to expand the number of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to 231, Haat Bazaars to 370, Godowns to 74 and Tertiary Processing units to 13 over the next financial year. It has been recommended that Chhattisgarh state may consider allocating 10% of District Mineral Funds (DMF) and funds under Art 275(1) for developing entrepreneurship and livelihood generation of tribals through TRIFOOD units. 25 tribal clusters are to be identified so that they can be developed into entities under the SFURTI scheme. It is proposed to set up 10 TRIFOOD units in the state and locations will be identified for the same. One of the action points being put in place is organising a National Workshop in Chhattisgarh during the peak harvesting season of Minor Forest Products (MFPs) where the working processes and systems adopted by this champion state will be explained to officials of other states. It was recommended that the state also submit a proposal for inclusion of 15 more items to the list of MFPs under the scheme of MSP for MFP.
Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MSP for MFP) Under the scheme "Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price and development of Value chain for MFP", Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) has been fixed for select MFP. The scheme is designed as a social safety net for improvement of livelihood of MFP gatherers by providing them fair price for the MFPs they collect. The Scheme is applicable in all states. States have been given freedom for fixing MSP 10% above or below the MSP rate decided by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
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Van Dhan Yojana It is a component of the The ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP’ was launched in 2018. Implemented by TRIFED as the nodal agency at the national level, the Van Dhan start ups is a well thought master plan for the socio-economic development of the tribal population of the country. Its crucial steps are enumerated below -
1. An initiative targeting livelihood generation for tribal gatherers and transforming them into entrepreneurs. 2. Setting up of tribal community-owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in predominantly forested tribal districts. 3. A Kendra shall constitute of 15 tribal SHGs, each comprising of up to 20 tribal NTFP gatherers or artisans i.e. about 300 beneficiaries per Van Dhan Kendra. 4. 100% Central Government Funded with TRIFED providing Rs. 15 lakhs for each 300 member Van Dhan Kendra.
Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP):
The main objective behind the scheme is to motivate youth representing various sections of the society like SC/ST/Women, differently-abled, Ex-servicemen, and BPL persons to consider self-employment or entrepreneurship as one of the career options. It also fosters new enterprises, capacity building of existing MSMEs, and generating entrepreneurial culture within the country. The following activities are conducted under the ESDP Scheme : 1. Industrial Motivational Campaign (IMC) – Two days 2. Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) – Two Weeks 3. Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programme (E-SDP) – Six Weeks 4. Management Development Programme (MDP) – One Week. Overall 40% of the targeted beneficiaries of EAPs and E-SDPs should be Women.
TRIFOOD Being implemented by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Ministry of Food Processing (MoFPI), TRIFOOD aims to enhance the income of tribals through better utilization of and value addition to the MFPs collected by the tribal forest gatherers.
Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) It is an initiative by Ministry of MSME to promote Cluster development. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal Agency for promotion of Cluster development for Khadi.
Objectives To organize the traditional industries and artisans into clusters to make them competitive and provide support for their long term sustainability. To provide sustained employment for traditional Industry artisans and rural entrepreneurs.
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To enhance marketability of products of clusters by providing support for new products, design intervention and improved packaging, and also the improvement of marketing Infrastructure. To equip traditional artisans of the associated clusters with improved skills and capabilities through training and exposure visits. To make provision for common facilities and improved tools and equipment for artisans. To strengthen the cluster governance systems with the active participation of the stakeholders, so that they are able to gauge the emerging challenges and opportunities and respond to them in a coherent manner. To build innovative and traditional skills, improved technologies, advanced processes, market intelligence and new models of public-private partnerships, so as to gradually replicate similar models of cluster- based regenerated traditional Industries.
District Mineral Foundation (DMF) It is a trust set up as a non-profit body, in those districts affected by the mining works, to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations. It is funded through the contributions from miners. Its manner of operation comes under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government. Setting up of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in all districts in the country affected by mining related operations was mandated through the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, (MMDRA) 2015. In 2015,Central Government issued a notification directing states to set up DMF. Every holder of a mining lease or a prospecting licence-cum-mining lease shall, in addition to the royalty, pay to the District Mineral Foundation of the district in which their mining operations are carried on. DMF funds are treated as extra-budgetary resources for the State Plan.
Major and Minor minerals Major minerals are those specified in the first schedule appended in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act 1957) and the common major minerals are Lignite, Coal, Uranium, iron ore, gold etc. There is no official definition for “major minerals” in the MMDR Act. Hence, whatever is not declared as a “minor mineral” may be treated as the major mineral. The major-minor classification has nothing to do with the quantum /availability of these minerals, though it is correlated with the relative value of these minerals.
7.3.THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES (POCSO) ACT,2012
News : In the backdrop that the recent judgment of the Bombay High Court, in Satish Ragde v. State of Maharashtra, in which the accused was acquitted under the POCSO Act, came under massive criticism. The Bench acquitted a man found guilty of assault on the grounds that he groped his victim over her clothes and there was no skin-to-skin
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contact between them. As this judgment was likely to set a dangerous precedent, the apex court stayed the acquittal.
Salient features of the Act and its amendment: The Act is gender neutral and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as a matter of paramount importance at every stage so as to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and well-being of the child as being of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. It defines different forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non- penetrative assault, as well as sexual harassment and pornography, and deems a sexual assault to be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, such as when the abused child is mentally ill or when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority vis-à-vis the child, like a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor. People who traffic children for sexual purposes are also punishable under the provisions relating to abetment in the Act. The Act prescribes stringent punishment graded as per the gravity of the offence, with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine. It defines "child pornography" as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child which include photograph, video, digital or computer generated image indistinguishable from an actual child, and image created, adapted, or modified, but appear to depict a child. A scheme for setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country to help adjudicate cases of Rape, and offences pending for trial under POCSO Act has also been appraised for assisting States/ UTs.
Provisions of protection from child abuse : Section 7 of the POCSO Act, inter alia, says that whoever with sexual intent touches the breast of the child is said to commit sexual assault. Whereas Section 8 of the Act provides minimum imprisonment of three years for sexual assault. Under Section 39 of the Act, the state government is required to frame guidelines for the use of persons including non-governmental organisations, professionals and experts or persons trained in and having knowledge of psychology, social work, physical health, mental health and child development to assist the child at the trial and pre-trial stage. Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) lays down a minimum of one year imprisonment for outraging the modesty of a woman. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by India in 1992, also requires sexual exploitation and sexual abuse to be addressed as heinous crimes.
IPC vs POCSO: The definition of ‘assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty’ given in the IPC is generic whereas in POCSO, the acts of sexual assault are explicitly mentioned such as touching various private parts or doing any other act which involves physical contact without penetration. Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 142
‘Sexual assault’ in POCSO specifically excludes rape which requires penetration; otherwise the scope of ‘sexual assault’ under POCSO and ‘outraging modesty of a woman’ under the IPC is the same. The IPC provides punishment for the offence irrespective of any age of the victim, POCSO is specific for the protection of children Higher punishment is provided under POCSO not because more ‘serious allegations’ of sexual assault are required but because the legislature wanted punishment to be more deterrent if the victims are children.
Relevant judgements: 1. In Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997), the Supreme Court held that the offence relating to modesty of woman cannot be treated as trivial. 2. In Pappu Singh Rajput v. State of Chhattisgarh (2015), the High Court of Chhattisgarh, though it acquitted the accused under Section 354 of the IPC as the offence was found lacking in use of ‘criminal force or assault’, convicted him for sexual harassment under Section 354A which requires ‘physical contact’ and advances as a necessary element.
7.4.Ph.D. ENTRY IN IITS TOUGHER FOR STUDENTS FROM MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES
News: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe applicants are half as likely to get selected for a Ph.D. programme at leading IITs in the country as aspirants from the General Category (GC) are.
About: The acceptance rate, which refers to the number of students selected for every 100 students who applied, stood at 4% for students from historically privileged castes (General Category). It falls to 2.7% for OBC students and further down to just 2.16% for SCs and 2.2% for STs. Total admissions made by all IITs from 2015 to 2019, only 2.1% went to STs and 9.1% to SCs. The government’s reservation policy mandates allocation of 7.5% seats for students from the STs and 15% from SCs. Similarly, 23.2% seats went to applicants from the OBCs against the 27% mandated by reservation. Remaining 65.6%, or roughly two-thirds of all the seats, went to GC applicants.
Selection bias: According to the Professor Subramanian, who has written on the workings of upper caste privileges in the IITs in her book The Caste of Merit, there has been long-standing opposition among IIT administrators and faculty to reservations, which they see as a form of unjust government intervention in their meritocratic institutions.She said the argument of “merit” was often used as an alibi for continuing social exclusion. The recent report of an Education Ministry-constituted committee, which included administrators from a few IITs, has faced criticism for recommending the abolition of reservation in faculty recruitment.
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A committee was constituted to look into caste-based discrimination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said the data highlighted the need for a further detailed study on the issue.It stressed the need for increased transparency in the admission process and the presence of OBC, SC and ST members on the selection panels.
7.5.SCHOOLING FOR ADIVASIS
Tribal Indigenous Institutions The best known of the indigenous institutions is the Ghotul in Bastar, where older Muria Gond children educate youngsters through a work-play continuum and a sophisticated etiquette of passing on knowledge orally. Children learn countless skills, while sharing myths, riddles, songs, dances, and an ethics based on values of sharing rather than competition. Similar institutions such as Dhumkuria and Dangribasa exist in Jharkhand and Odisha.
Setting up of Advasi Schools by outsiders: Most early schools for Adivasis were set up by Christian missions. During the 1920-50s, a reaction set in. Gandhiji’s Nai Talim was one, decolonising education to bring unity of hand, mind and heart, and emphasising local practical knowledge and mother tongues. Another was Hindutva, consolidated in the 50s, when R.K. Deshpande set up Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA), which soon established a vast network of schools.The VKA’s perception of Adivasis was coloured by the idea of them as ‘backward Hindus,’ promoted by G.S. Ghurye, a founding father of Indian sociology, trained in anthropology at Cambridge in the 1920s. Ghurye advocated ‘assimilation’ of tribal people, as did A.V. Thakkar (Thakkar Bapa), who set up the influential ashramshala model.
Residential Schools: From the 1960s there was a rapid increase in residential schools for Adivasi children, which focused on training tribal citizens for jobs in industrial projects — a trend clearly aimed at producing a compliant workforce for the industries expanding in Adivasi areas. The trend grew stronger in the 1990s, when several new tribal residential schools started, such as the state-run Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), the Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and private ones like the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar. From 2005, with the Maoist conflict escalating and mining companies vying to take over forest lands, hundreds of day schools have been shut down in Adivasi villages. Replacing them, ‘portacabin’ schools were set up in south Chhattisgarh, removing Adivasi children collectively from ‘Maoist affected’ villages. Around this time, companies also started funding their own tribal schools. The National Mineral Development Corporation set up ‘education cities’ in Chhattisgarh.
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Integration of tribal knowledge and languages into the curriculum : Key national and international guidelines on indigenous education have not been followed. The 1961 Dhebar Commission had recommended integration of tribal knowledge and languages into the curriculum, and ensuring that school times didn’t clash with tribal festivals and agricultural work, which are vital learning spaces. Similar recommendations from the National Curriculum Framework of 2005 have not been followed. The 2006 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples underscores their right to establish and control their own educational institutions.
Signs of hope: Muskaan in Bhopal, working with the children of ST waste-collectors. Teachers use Pardhi, Gondi and other Adivasi languages along with Hindi and English. This makes classroom interaction meaningful and engaging and builds children’s self- confidence. Community members participate as teachers, storytellers, artists and textbook writers. In Badwani district, Madhya Pradesh, the village-based Adharshila Learning Centre runs on similar principles, incorporating Adivasi knowledge systems and the local language, Bareli. Besides studies, children have built much of the school and planted agricultural fields and vegetable gardens around it.
Amritlal Vithaldas Thakkar (Thakkar Bapa): He was an Indian social worker who worked for upliftment of tribal people in Gujarat . He became a member of the Servants of India Society founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905. In 1922, he founded the Bhil Seva Mandal. Later, he became the general secretary of the Harijan Sevak Sangh founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 . The Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh was founded in1948 on his initiative. He played a singular role in the negotiations which led to the Poona Pact during Mahatma Gandhi's fast unto death in 1932. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly and made significant constributions to debates on minority rights including suggestions on the prohibition on the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs, funding and inclusion of backward castes amongst Hindus and Muslims.
Govind Sadashiv Ghurye (G.S.Ghurye) (1893–1983) : He is a towering figure in the sphere of Sociology in India. Variously described as ‘the father of Indian Sociology’, ‘the doyen of Indian Sociologists’ or ‘the symbol of Sociological Creativeness'. His book 'Caste and race in India' is regarded as a classic in the field.
Nai Talim: The phrase Nai Talim is a combination of two words- Nai Means ‘New’ and Talim – a Urdu word-means ‘Education’. In 1937, Gandhiji introduced the concept of Nai Talim in India.
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He believed the importance of role of teacher in the learning process. According to him, teaching-learning process can become fruitful if teacher and learner are at same understanding level. Nai-Talim, also known as Buniyadi Shikshan, means basic education. He defined education as, ‘Education for life and education through life”. It is an approach to the total personality development of body, mind and spirit and was based on four principles, namely: 1. Education or learning in mother tongue along with handicraft work. 2. Work should be linked with most useful vocational needs of the locality. 3. Learning should be linked with vocational work. 4. Work should be socially useful and productive needed for living. This approach of work centric education with technology accessible locally was basic approach of Nai Talim. Nai Talim had inherent philosophy of non-violence, equality and oppression free society.
7.6.CHILD/ADOLESCENT MARRIAGES STILL POSE A PROBLEM FOR INDIA
News : The Punjab & Haryana High Court recognising a ‘marriage’ between a 17-year-old girl and 36-year-old man—the court held that the girl was of marriageable age under Muslim personal law — has sparked a debate on child/adolescent (10-19 years of age) marriage in the country.
Adverse Effects on Health: Marriage at such an early stage in life has a strong positive correlation with poor health outcomes for women in their later years, especially if maternity has followed soon after. The World Health Organization lists complications during pregnancy and delivery as the leading cause of death among girls aged 15-19 years around the globe. The bulk of the abortions that girls in this age cohort undergo is unsafe, contributing to elevated mortality and morbidity levels. Adolescent mothers face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections, including chronic conditions like anaemia, than mothers in the 20-24 years, and their babies are at a higher risk of low birth-weight, preterm delivery and severe neonatal conditions. Research by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), shows that there is a link between child stunting in India—which accounts for 11% of the world’s teenage pregnancy.
As per National Family Health Survey 4 (2014-15) (NFHS-4): 27% of girls under the age of 18 are married is rather shocking, even though there has been a sharp fall since the turn of the millennium. NFHS-4 data showed that with a sharp increase in education levels among women and even men, total fertility rates declined for communities that record some of the highest fertility rates in the country.
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Eclampsia : a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby.
Puerperal endometritis : Uterine infection, typically caused by bacteria ascending from the lower genital or gastrointestinal tract.
7.7.TRIBALS SEEK FOREST RIGHTS IN SITANADI UDANTI TIGER RESERVE
News: Thousands of tribals living in villages located in the core areas of Sitanadi Udanti Tiger Reserve are demanding that their Community Forest Resource rights be recognised.These villagers are facing bureaucratic hurdles, largely based on interpretation of law. The residents have submitted a letter to the Sub Divisional Magistrate, asking for a special gram sabha to facilitate the recognition of Community Forest Resource rights provided under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
About Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act), 2006 came into force in 2008.
Provisions: 1. Title rights - i.e. ownership - to land that is being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers as on 13 December 2005, subject to a maximum of 4 hectares; ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family as on that date, meaning that no new lands are granted. 2. Use rights - to minor forest produce (also including ownership), to grazing areas, to pastoralist routes, etc. 3. Relief and development rights - to rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement;and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection. 4. Forest management rights - to protect forests and wildlife
Eligibility criteria: According to Section 2(c) of Forest Rights Act (FRA), to qualify as Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe (FDST) and be eligible for recognition of rights under FRA, three conditions must be satisfied by the applicant/s, who could be “members or community”:
1. Must be a Scheduled Tribe in the area where the right is claimed; and 2. Primarily resided in forest or forests land prior to 13-12-2005. 3. Depend on the forest or forests land for bonafide livelihood needs.
According to Section 2(o) of Forest Rights Act (FRA), to qualify as Other Traditional Forest Dweller (OTFD) and be eligible for recognition of rights under FRA, two conditions need to be fulfilled:
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1. Primarily resided in forest or forests land for three generations (75 years) prior to 13-12-2005. 2. Depend on the forest or forests land for bonafide livelihood needs.
About Sitanadi Udanti Tiger Reserve: Located in Chhattisgarh , Udanti -Sitandi tiger reserve came into existence in the year 2008-09, are two separate reserves combined together and controlled by one field officer. Individually, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous and important wildlife sanctuaries in central India. It derives its name from the Sitanadi River that originates in the middle of sanctuary. Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary came into existence in 1984 which is located in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. It derives its name from the Udanti River covering major part of the sanctuary.
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ISSUES RELATED TO HEALTH
7.8.PULSE POLIO PROGRAMME FOR 2021
News: Hon. President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
About: The drops were administered to children on the eve of the Polio National Immunization Day, which is observed on the 31st January 2021 (Sunday), also popularly known as Polio Ravivar. Around 17 crore children of less than 5 years of age will be given polio drops as part of the drive of Government of India to sustain polio free status of the country. The strategy of Pulse Polio Immunization Programme was conceived in December 1993 and it was rolled out from 2nd October, 1994 when the first child was immunized against Polio as part of this programme. Before the start of the program, India had 60% caseload of Polio worldwide. With the last case of Polio reported in Howrah on 13th January, 2011, the country has been free of Polio for a decade now. 'Polio-free certification’ of the entire South-East Asia Region of WHO including India on the 27th of March 2014 was a huge accomplishment in the history of India and Global Public Health.
Mission Indradhanush : It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on December 25, 2014. Between 2009-2013 immunization coverage has increased from 61% to 65%, indicating only 1% increase in coverage every year. To accelerate the process of immunization by covering 5% and more children every year, Indradhanush mission has been adopted to achieve target of full coverage by 2020. Vaccination is being provided against 8 vaccine-preventable diseases nationally : Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B and meningitis & pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type B; and against Rotavirus Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in selected states and districts respectively.
Objective : The Mission Indradhanush aims to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush(IMI) To further intensify the immunisation programme, PM Narendra Modi launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) on 8 October 2017. Through this the Government aims to reach each and every child up to two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme/UIP.
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The focus of special drive was to improve immunisation coverage in select districts and cities to ensure full immunisation to more than 90% by December 2018, instead of 2020. It will have inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination, action-based review mechanism and intensified monitoring and accountability framework for effective implementation of targeted rapid interventions to improve the routine immunization coverage. It would be closely monitored at the district, state and central level at regular intervals. Further, it would be reviewed by the Cabinet Secretary at the National level and will continue to be monitored at the highest level under a special initiative ‘Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)’ platform.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0: To boost the routine immunisation coverage in the country, Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 was launched to ensure reaching the unreached with all available vaccines and accelerate the coverage of children and pregnant women in the identified districts and blocks from December 2019-March 2020. This aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending preventable child deaths by 2030. It aims at immunising 272 districts in 27 States and at block level (652 blocks) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar because of its hard to reach and tribal populations.
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) Platform : As the name suggests, it is aimed at starting a culture of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. It is also a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders. The platform was launched on March 25, 2015. It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the states).
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) : It is a vaccination programme launched by the Government of India in 1985. It became a part of Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992 and is currently one of the key areas under National Rural Health Mission since 2005. The programme now consists of vaccination for 12 diseases- tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis B, diarrhoea, Japanese encephalitis, rubella, pneumonia (haemophilus influenzae type B) and Pneumococcal diseases (pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis).
Poliomyelitis (polio): It is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.
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Of the 3 strains of wild poliovirus (type 1, type 2 and type 3), wild poliovirus type 2 was eradicated in 1999 and no case of wild poliovirus type 3 has been found since the last reported case in Nigeria in November 2012. Both strains have officially been certified as globally eradicated. As of 2020, wild poliovirus type 1 affects two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan. October 24 is observed as World Polio Day every year in order to call on countries to stay vigilant in their fight against the disease.
What is India’s situation with regard to polio? India was declared polio-free in January 2014, after three years of zero cases, an achievement widely believed to have been spurred by the successful pulse polio campaign in which all children were administered polio drops. The last case due to wild poliovirus in the country was detected on January 13, 2011.
7.9.UNFEASIBLE ABORTION
News: A panel of doctors to decide on termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks as proposed in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Bill, 2020, is “unfeasible” as 82% of these posts are lying vacant in the country, finds a new study.
According to the Report: The Report analysed district-wise availability of specialists, including surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, physicians and paediatricians. The shortfall in these posts hovered between 71% to 81.8% between 2015-2019. The shortfall was starker in the northeast where Sikkim, Mizoram and Manipur had a total absence of obstetricians and gynaecologists, and a near total absence of paediatricians. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya had a 100% shortage of paediatricians.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Bill, 2020: Termination of pregnancy: Proposes requirement of opinion of one registered medical practitioner (RMP) for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation. Proposes for the requirement of opinion of two RMPs for termination of pregnancy of 20 to 24 weeks. The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government (i.e, for survivors of rape, and other vulnerable women). Seeks to relax the contraceptive-failure condition for “any woman or her partner” from the present provision for “only married woman or her husband”, allowing them to medically terminate the pregnancy.
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Medical Board: The upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities. These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board. Under the Bill, every state government is required to constitute such a Medical Board. Medical Boards will consist of: gynaecologist, paediatrician, radiologist or sonologist, and any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.
On Privacy:
A registered medical practitioner may only reveal the details of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated to a person authorised by law. Violation is punishable with imprisonment up to a year, a fine, or both.
7.10.IISC STUDY LOOKS AT WAYS TO BLOCK HIV FROM REPLICATING
News: An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has used computer simulations to understand how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS fuses with the host cell membrane.
About the Findings gp41, a core component of the HIV envelope protein (Env), is essential for the viral membrane to fuse with the cell membrane of the host’s immune cell, called T cell. This step is critical for HIV to invade and subsequently replicate within the host cell. The HIV envelope protein assembles into a three-part structure such that each unit comprises one gp41 protein. At the time of fusion, gp41 appears to fold into a six-helix bundle structure, which is thought to be necessary for membrane fusion. The team built models of HIV and host membranes with lipid compositions nearly identical to biological membranes.
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Currently, the team is working on identifying mutations that can be introduced in gp41 to block the fusion step. They are also hoping to develop antibodies that can prevent infection.
What Is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). First identified in 1981, HIV is the cause of one of humanity’s deadliest and most persistent epidemics.
What Is AIDS? AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) It refers to any HIV treatment that uses a combination of two or more drugs. A healthcare provider may choose to prescribe a combination of three or more drugs to improve the treatment’s chance of success.
• Antiretroviral therapy has the following positive effects on HIV: 1. stops it from multiplying in the blood 2. reduces viral load, which is the number of HIV copies in the blood 3. increases the number of CD4 cells, which are immune cells that HIV targets, to improve immune system function 4. slows down and prevents the development of stage 3 HIV, or AIDS 5. prevents transmission 6. reduces the severity of complications and increases survival rates 7. keeps virus counts low in the blood
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7.11.THE KIRAN HELPLINE
News 70 % of callers to a mental health rehabilitation helpline launched, in September 2020 by the Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) Ministry, were men according to an internal report of the Ministry.
According to the Report: From September 16, 2020 to January 15, the helpline received 13,550 new calls, of which 70.5% were from males and 29.5% from females. A total of 1,618 follow-up calls were fielded by the mental health professionals of the helpline. The majority of callers (75.5%) were in the age group of 15 to 40 years, while 18.1% were older, in the 41 to 60 age group The report said, majority of them had “milder nature of distress”, followed by those of “moderately distressed” and “severely distressed”. The report said 32.3% of the callers were students, 15.2% were self-employed, 27.1% were employed, 23.3% were unemployed, 1.4% were home-makers. While most of the callers (78.2%) sought help for themselves, others reached out for their parents, siblings, spouse and others. Majorly the challenges faced by the callers were related to anxiety (28.5%) and depression (25.5%); while few others included pandemic-related challenges (7.8%), suicidal tendency (2.8%), substance abuse (3.4%) and others miscellaneous (32%). Most of the calls were from the North zone , followed by West , South , East and North East.
About Kiran: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline “KIRAN” (1800-500-0019) to provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness. DEPwD, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment launched it in view of the growing incidence of Mental Illness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Salient features of KIRAN This Toll Free Helpline will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Technical Coordination of BSNL. 25 Institutions including 8 National Institutes are involved in this Helpline. It is backed by 660 Clinical / Rehabilitation Psychologists and 668 Psychiatrists. The 13 languages covered in the Helpline are: Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu and English. The MHelpline is dedicated to resolve mental health issues related to Anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Suicide; Depression; Panic Attack(s) Adjustment Disorders; Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and Substance Abuse. The Helpline will cater to- People in Distress; Pandemic induced psychological issues and Mental Health Emergency.
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7.12.HEALTHY VISION OF THE CHILD
Healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of a child’s development. Visual defects have a considerable impact on the lives of the affected individuals as well as their families and society.
Consequences of Loss or Impairment of Vision : Loss of vision in children influences availing of academic opportunities, career choices, and social life. Vision plays a fundamental role in acquiring skills such as language, interpreting facial expressions, and skills requiring hand-eye coordination.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and the eye care : In India, it is estimated that 1 in 1,000 aged 0-15 years are blind. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) programme of the National Health Mission, which evaluates a child’s health, includes screening for visual disorders. However, limitations of equipment and ophthalmologists allow only for a test for refractive error. The programme has been designed primarily to identify developmental delays (usually associated with a neurological deficit) in early childhood. It does not specifically identify visual impairment in children under 4-5 years of age.
Causes of Suboptimal Vision: The common causes of correctable suboptimal vision in a child are amblyopia, uncorrected refractive error, and visual perception disorders—this is as high as 1 in 50 children. Amblyopia is where the eye is structurally normal, but the vision is low. This occurs when the images being projected on to the retina of the two eyes are significantly different. If uncorrected, these conditions could lead to the eye having a permanently reduced vision, But, with early detection, it can be rectified to restore full and normal vision.
Solutions offered include: It is imperative that effective strategies be developed to eliminate avoidable and treatable causes of childhood blindness. Strategies to address the eye health of children during the early years of life have, therefore, focused on school eye health programs. Innovative community-based strategies are required to provide quality services to the underserved sections of the community. Introducing teachers as the first component of the school eye screening programme, especially in rural areas, can lead to the effective utilisation of existing resources and early detection of potentially blinding disorders in children. The successful implementation of the strategy will involve a partnership between state government agencies, NGOs, trusts and charities. A teaching hospital or an academic centre will have to be identified in each geographical area so that patients, who cannot be helped with spectacles alone will be referred for further management.
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Defects of vision : Sometimes the vision is bled visual defect and it occurs due to the refractive error of the eye. The three major errors of refraction are: • Myopia (nearsightedness) • Hyperopia (far-sightedness) • Astigmatism
Myopia: It is a condition when a person can see nearby objects clearly but cannot see distant objects. It usually develops in childhood or young age. In this condition, the light from an object is focussed in front of the retina. The condition is due to elongation of the eyeball or change in curvature of the eye lens.
Treatment : Myopia can be corrected by using concave lens of suitable power The concave lens can help to form an image on the retina.
Hypermetropia: Hypermetropia or Hyperopia or far-sightedness is a condition in which the person can see distant objects clearly but is unable to see the nearby objects distinctly. This condition is caused when light from an object is focussed at a point behind the retina. The size of the eyeball in hypermetropia is smaller than normal.
Treatment: Hyperopia is corrected by the use of a convex lens of suitable power.
Astigmatism : A person suffering from astigmatism hasblurred, distorted or fuzzy vision, as the light rays are focussed on two or more points on the retina.
Treatment : Astigmatism is corrected by the use of a cylindrical lens in the spectacles.
Presbyopia: The power of the eye to see nearby objects decreases with ageing. They find it difficult to see nearby objects comfortably and distinctly without corrective eyeglasses.
Treatment : Presbyopia is corrected using convex lenses, which can be used for reading and any other work involving looking at nearby objects.
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7.13.SCALING UP THE TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Background: A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 105 countries in July 2020 showed that essential services were disrupted in the majority of countries, with immunization, antenatal and childcare services among the most widely affected. About 45% of low-income countries incurred at least partial disruption of over 75% of services, relative to only 4% of high-income countries. Almost 60% of services were at least partially disrupted in South East Asian countries.
COVID-19 impact: With stoppage of routine follow ups, blood sugar control for diabetics was at risk, increasing the chances of adverse events requiring hospitalisation, including worse outcomes in the case of COVID-19 infection. Cancer care has been badly affected in many countries, as well as diagnosis and treatment of other non-communicable diseases.
Enhancing technology use: The acceleration in the use of digital technologies has mitigated the impact of COVID-19 to some extent. Virtual consultations avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission and are helping to bridge this socio-economic divide. The Indian government’s eSanjeevani platform offers both provider-to-patient interactions and provider-to-provider interactions, where patients visit smartphone-equipped community health officers in rural health and wellness centres; these in turn connect to general practitioners and specialist doctors through a hub-and-spoke model. Private providers and non-governmental organisations have also expanded virtual access to underserved populations.
Shared medical appointments (SMAs): Remote-shared medical appointments in which multiple patients with similar medical needs meet with a clinician at once, remotely, and where each receives individual attention, can greatly increase telehealth capacity by eliminating repetition of common advice. SMAs enable peer support and peer-to-peer learning. Providers who have offered SMAs have found them to improve both productivity and outcomes for many conditions, notably diabetes. SMAs could help tackle India’s widespread “sugar” problem. Health care providers can offer virtual group information sessions accessible via smartphone in which a health-care worker explains the benefits of COVID-19 testing and vaccination and answers questions, reaching potentially quite large audiences. Training platforms such as ECHO, which train primary-care providers in many States through an online platform can accelerate adoption and should also guide implementers on how to gather data that can be used to scientifically validate this care model.
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Way Forward: Data plans are cheaper in India than anywhere. It is possible to get 1.5 GB of data a day for a few hundred rupees a month. Having a group interaction with a care provider on an appropriately secure platform is certainly conceivable. WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health, adopted by the World Health Assembly, is a call to action providing a road map for nations to rapidly expand digital health services. With innovation in systems thinking, learning and adaptation, new digital tools bring an opportunity to leapfrog into a reality of ‘Health for All’.
About ESanjeevani OPD portal: eSanjeevani - a doctor to patient telemedicine system has been deployed nationally for the Miinistry of Health & Family Welfare under Ayushman Bharat Scheme of Government of India. The scheme is particularly useful during times of pandemic Coivd-19 as it helps people avoid going out to consult a doctor or visit a hospital. Through eSanjeevani OPD, anyone can seek medical advice and medication through audio and video. With the introduction of this service, people living in the remotest areas will also be able to get their health related consultation.
7.14.ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS SYNDROME (AES)
News: Every year, February 22 is observed as World Encephalitis Day to create awareness for people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis. The theme this year was ‘Light up a local landmark’. Prominent landmarks, including Vidhana Soudha, Arogya Soudha and NIMHANS in Bengaluru, Karnataka were lit up in red.
What is AES? AES, also known as ‘Chamki Fever’ or Litchi Virus in India, is an umbrella term used for infections that causes inflammation irritation or swelling on the brain.
Causes: Apart from sources like as fungus, bacteria, chemical, parasites, toxins and spirochetes are reported to be the cause of AES over the past few decades, viruses have also been attributed mainly to be the cause of AES in India. In addition to viral encephalitis, severe form of toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis can cause AES. Apart from this, the causative agent of AES varies with geographical location and season.
Who is affected? It mostly affects people below 15 years. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has its endemic zones covering the Gangetic plain like states of Bihar, Assam, east UP, West Bengal and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
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ISSUES RELATED TO EDUCATION
7.15.NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NRF)
News Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earmarked Rs 50,000 crore over five years for the creation of a National Research Foundation (NRF).
About In order to bring non-science disciplines of research in its ambit, NRF will fund research projects across four major disciplines –Sciences; Technology; Social Sciences; and Arts and Humanities. The NRF will also help build the capacity to do research through an institutionalised mentoring mechanism, involving expert researchers from premier institutions of the country. Lack of fund allocation has often been cited as one of the biggest reasons behind the lack of researchers in India and NRF aims to cater to the same.
Research in India The funds allocated to research have declined from 0.84 % of GDP in 2008 to 0.69 % in 2014, as mentioned in the draft National Education Policy (NEP). The new National Education Policy also acknowledges, “research and innovation investment in India is, at the current time, only 0.69 % of GDP as compared to 2.8 % in the United States of America, 4.3 % in Israel and 4.2 % in South Korea.” Lack of funds is not the only problem. The number of students pursuing research is also very low in India. Currently, the number of researchers (per lakh population) in the country is way behind China, US, as well as much smaller nations including Israel. Less than 0.5 % of Indian students pursue PhD or equivalent level of education, according to the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) report.
7.16.UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FROM OVEREXPANSION OF IITs
News: The recent decision of the University Grants Commission to permit select IITs under the ‘Institutions of Eminence’ category to set up campuses abroad could further weaken the already stretched institutions.
What the IITs are and what they are not? The original five IITs were established in the 1950s and early 1960s. Four had a foreign collaborator: IIT Bombay (the Soviet Union), IIT Madras (Germany), IIT Kanpur (the United States), and IIT Delhi (the United Kingdom). Currently, there are 23 IITs. Funded generously by the central government, the IITs focused exclusively on technology and engineering.
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They later added the humanities and social sciences — but these programmes were modest until the 2020 National Education Policy emphasised the IITs should focus more on “holistic and multidisciplinary education”. These institutions with average student enrolments in the five older IITs of around 10,000. Some of the newer ones remain quite small, with fewer than 400 students. The older IITs have faculties of around 1,000, while some of the new ones, such as those in Palakkad and Jammu, employ 100 or so. Further, most of the IITs suffer from a severe shortage of professors.
Not that attractive for Faculty any more: The IITs have traditionally attracted high quality faculty, where most have doctorates from the most respected western universities. Top quality professors have been attracted to the IITs because of the quality of the students, the chance to work with the best academic minds in India, and a commitment to India’s development. While salaries do not compare well on the international market, working and living conditions on the older IIT campuses are comfortable. IITs could not attract a sufficient number of young faculty to fill vacancies resulting from retirements. The emerging IT and related industries in India offered much more attractive salaries and exciting work opportunities, and many were lured to universities and industry in other countries.
Lack of correlation between the local needs and IITs: Most of the IITs and other prominent “Institutes of National Importance” are ‘academic enclaves’ with little connection with their regions. Only a few State governments are effectively utilising the presence of IITs in the local milieu through knowledge sharing networks involving universities, colleges and schools, and local industries and firms. There are few community outreach programmes. Such an approach could prevent disruption, such as that occurring in Goa, where local groups are resisting locating a new IIT in their region.
What needs to be done: Some of the newly established institutes can be renamed and provided with sufficient resources to produce high quality graduates and good research. A more limited “IIT system” needs to be funded at “world class” levels and staffed by “world class” faculty, perhaps with some recruited from top universities internationally. Recent decision to liberalise the recruitment rules to attract more foreign faculty is a good step in the right direction. The IITs need to pay attention to internationalisation beyond sending their brightest graduates abroad and recruiting Indians with foreign PhDs; starting overseas branches is a bad idea, but in-depth collaboration with the best global universities, and hiring foreign faculty, perhaps as visiting scholars, would yield excellent results, and further build the IITs international brand.
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7.17.INDIA’S ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
COVID-19 has affected all sectors. However, there are areas where countries such as India should be more worried about. One of them is education, especially education of the girl child. Around 300 million children across all age groups are reported to be out of school in India now. The education sector faces the challenges of delivery, especially of pedagogical processes, classroom assessment frameworks, students’ support and teacher-student engagement.
Realistic assessment is key: More than just the numbers, the authorities have to realistically assess the level of understanding of students who have returned to schools after ‘digital learning’ at home. A majority of children, especially girl students, have missed out much on the various e-mail platforms offered. Apart from poor access to digital data, the children were burdened with household/farm work; girl students in particular were apprehensive of being given away in marriage. There is credible evidence that students , parents and teachers were unprepared for the pedagogic shift.
Initiatives: Diksha portal which has e-learning content aligned to the curriculum, and e- Pathshala, an app by the National Council of Educational Research and Training for Classes 1 to 12 in multiple languages. SWAYAM hosts 1,900 complete courses including teaching videos, computer weekly assignments, examinations and credit transfers, aimed both at school (Classes 1 to 12) and higher education. SWAYAM Prabha is a group of 32 direct to home channels devoted to the telecasting of educational programmes.
Manifold Impact: Following closure of schools, boys became inattentive to studies while girls, with lesser opportunities, were more involved in household chores. Decision to postpone the board examinations and to allow automatic promotion to the higher classes is bound to affect the quality. The abilities of the families and communities concerned to support the educational journeys of the children have been found to be affected. The long closure of schools has also meant the disruption of a range of activities such as the mid-day meal scheme, the school health programme and pre-metric scholarships to girl children. These activities in the past have had a lot to do with the enrolment as well as regular attendance.
Role of NGO's: Schools run by the non-governmental organisation sector did fairly well during the interregnum.
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Catering mostly to the poor and backward segments, these schools did not go online. Instead, teachers visited individual students at home. They also taught children in small groups.
Way Forward: Education planning has to be context specific, gender responsive and inclusive. Enabling measures should include access to online education, removal of barriers in pre-metric scholarships and ensuring the provision of mid-day meals, iron and folic acid tablets and provision of personal hygiene products to girl students even when schools are closed. Once schools reopen finally, the authorities should establish the re-enrolment of children as mandated by the National Education Policy 2020. Mass outreach programmes should be developed with civil society to encourage re- enrolment. Remedial tuitions and counselling are advisable, along with scholarships, targeted cash transfers and other entitlements to retain the poorest at school. It is also suggested that it is apt to consider making secondary education for girls free.
7.18.NITI AAYOG’S DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON MIGRANT WORKERS
A rights-based approach: The draft describes two approaches to policy design:
1. On cash transfers, special quotas, and reservations. 2. Which “enhances the agency and capability of the community and thereby remove aspects that come in the way of an individual’s own natural ability to thrive”. Migration should be acknowledged as an integral part of development and government policies should not hinder but seek to facilitate internal migration.
The importance of data: The draft calls for a central database to help employers “fill the gap between demand and supply” and ensure “maximum benefit of social welfare schemes”. It asks the Ministries and the Census office to be consistent with the definitions of migrants and subpopulations, capture seasonal and circular migrants, and incorporate migrant-specific variables in existing surveys.
Preventing exploitation: The policy draft describes a lack of administrative capacity to handle issues of exploitation. It points that State labour departments have little engagement with migration issues, and are in “halting human trafficking mode. “The local administration, given the usual constraints of manpower, is not in a position to monitor.This has become the breeding ground for middlemen to thrive on the situation and entrap migrants.”
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Ways to stem migration: The absence of community building organisations (CBO) and administrative staff in the source states has hindered access to development programmes, pushing tribals towards migration, the draft says. The “long term plan” for CBOs and panchayats should be to “alleviate distress migration policy initiatives” by aiming “for a more pro-poor development strategy in the sending area that can strengthen the livelihood base in these areas”. Panchayats should maintain a database of migrant workers, issue identity cards and pass books, and provide “migration management and governance” through training, placement, and social-security benefit assurance, the draft says.
Specific recommendations: The draft asks the Ministries of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Housing and Urban Affairs to use Tribal Affairs migration data to help create migration resource centres in high migration zones. It asks the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to focus on skill-building at these centres. The Ministry of Education should take measures under the Right to Education Act to mainstream migrant children’s education, to map migrant children, and to provide local-language teachers in migrant destinations. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs should address issues of night shelters, short-stay homes, and seasonal accommodation for migrants in cities. The National Legal Services authority (NALSA) and Ministry of Labour should set up grievance handling cells and fast track legal responses for trafficking, minimum wage violations, and workplace abuses and accidents for migrant workers.
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8. SCHEMES
8.1.STARS (STRENGTHENING TEACHING-LEARNING AND RESULTS FOR STATES) PROJECT
Why in news? Agreement for financial support to STARS project signed between DEA and World Bank
Ministry: Ministry of Education About: Aim: The identified States will be supported for various interventions for improving the quality of education States covered: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha. STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of STARS project in Oct 2020. The STARS project will be implemented through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Implementing agency : . The MoE at the national level. . The integrated State Implementation Society (SIS), at the State level. The Program envisions improving the overall monitoring and measurement activities in the Indian school education system through interventions in selected states Some 250 million students (between the age of 6 and 17) in 1.5 million schools and over 10 million teachers will benefit from the STARS program STARS project will be instrumental in the implementation of various recommendations of National Education Policy 2020 i.e. Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Foundational Learning, Improving Learning Assessment System, ICT-enabled approaches in education, Teachers Development and Vocational education etc.
Financing: The total project cost of STARS project is Rs 5718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to US $ 500 million (approximately Rs. 3700 crore) and rest coming as State share from the participating States, over a period of 5 years. The proposed World Bank support under STARS is primarily in the form of a results-based financing instrument called Program for Results (PforR) The SIG (State Incentive Grant) matrix has been aligned with the intermediate outcome indicators as per the requirement of PforR instrument. An independent Verification agency (IVA) will verify each result before disbursement of funds. Major components of the STARS 1) At the national level,the project envisages the following interventions which will benefit all states and UTs:
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To strengthen MOE’s national data systems to capture robust and authentic data on retention, transition and completion rates of students. To support MOE in improving states PGI(Performance Grading Index ) scores by incentivizing states governance reform agenda through SIG (State Incentive Grants). To support the strengthening of learning assessment systems. To support MOE’s efforts to establish a National Assessment Center (PARAKH).
2) At the State level, the project envisages: Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Foundational Learning Improving Learning Assessment Systems Strengthening classroom instruction and remediation through teacher development and school leadership Governance and Decentralized Management for Improved Service Delivery. Strengthening Vocational education in schools through mainstreaming, career guidance and counselling, internships and coverage of out of school children
Program for International Student Assessment (PISA): India’s participation in the 2021 cycle of thePISA survey will be funded by this project. PISA was introduced by OECD in 2000. It is an international assessment that measures 15-year-old students’ reading, mathematics, and science literacy every three years. India stayed away from PISA in 2012 and 2015 on account of its dismal performance in 2009, when it was placed 72nd among the 74 participating countries. The government decided to end the boycott in 2019.
8.2.MEGA INVESTMENT TEXTILES PARKS (MITRA)
Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
About: Aim: to enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments, boost employment generation and exports.
Features This will create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable create global champions in exports. MITRA will be launched in addition to the Production Linked Incentive Scheme(PLI).
Others MITRA will lead to increased investments and enhanced employment opportunities.
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Mentioning about the need to rationalize duties on raw material inputs to man- made textile, the Finance Minister announced of bringing nylon chain on par with polyester and other man-made fibers. Announcing uniform deduction of the BCD rates on caprolactam, nylon chips and nylon fiber and yarn to 5 per cent, the move will help the textile industry, MSMEs and exports too. Similar parks already exist in China, Vietnam and Ethiopia where the entire textiles value chain is covered. India has already sanctioned 59 textile parks under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), of which 22 have been completed. However, their slow progress due to delays in obtaining land and other statutory clearances from state governments and tardy fund mobilization, have prompted the government to develop MITRA parks India has been losing its competitive edge to Bangladesh and Vietnam owing to their low labour costs, wider scale of operations and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) advantage enjoyed by them. With the textile sector being the second largest employment generator in the country after agriculture, the Budget announcements mean a significant step forward for the industry.
8.3.AYUSHMAN BHARAT'S JAN AROGYA YOJANA (JAY)
Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Why in news? Amalgamation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana with State Health Schemes.
About: Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlining commitment, which is to "leave no one behind."
Funding: For North-Eastern States and Himalayan States, the ratio is 90:10.
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In the case of Union Territories without legislatures, the Central contribution of premium is 100%. The ratio of central share to state share for rest all States 60: 40 Features: It adopts a continuum of care approach It is comprising of two inter-related components, which are - 1. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) 2. National Health Protection Mission (AB-PMJAY =Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)
Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) In February 2018, the Government of India announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming the existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres These centres are to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) bringing healthcare closer to the homes of people. They cover both, maternal and child health services and non-communicable diseases, including free essential drugs and diagnostic services.
List of Services to be provided at Health & Wellness Centre Pregnancy care and maternal health services Neonatal and infant health services Child health Chronic communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases Management of mental illness Dental care Eye care Geriatric care Emergency medicine
National Health Protection Mission (AB-PMJAY) Key Features of PM-JAY PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government. It provides a cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India. Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) that form the bottom 40% of the Indian population are eligible for these benefits. PM-JAY provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital. PM-JAY envisions to help mitigate catastrophic expenditure on medical treatment which pushes nearly 6 crore Indians into poverty each year. It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines. There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender. All pre–existing conditions are covered from day one.
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Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country i.e. a beneficiary can visit any empanelled public or private hospital in India to avail cashless treatment. Services include approximately 1,393 procedures covering all the costs related to treatment, including but not limited to drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician's fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges etc. Public hospitals are reimbursed for the healthcare services at par with the private hospitals.
Benefits Benefit cover under various Government-funded health insurance schemes in India have always been structured on an upper ceiling limit ranging from an annual cover of INR30,000 to INR3,00,000 per family across various States which created a fragmented system.
It covers all hospitalisation expenses with cashless transactions to beneficiaries. Accommodation during hospitalisation. Pre and post-hospitalisation costs. Any complications arising during the treatment. Can be used by all family members. No cap on family size, age or gender. Pre-existing conditions are included from day one
Eligibility AB-PMJAY is an entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on the basis of deprivation criteria in the SECC database.
Rural Beneficiaries Only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof No adult member between ages 16 to 59 Households with no adult male member between ages 16 to 59 Disabled member and no able-bodied adult member SC/ST households Landless households deriving a major part of their income from manual casual labour
Urban Beneficiaries The following 11 occupational categories of workers are eligible for the scheme: Ragpicker Beggar Domestic worker Street vendor/Cobbler/Hawker/Other service provider working on streets Construction worker/Mason/Plumber/Mason/Labour/Painter/Welder/Security guard/Coolie and other head-load worker Sweeper/Sanitation worker/Mali Home-based worker/Artisan/Handicrafts Worker/Tailor Transport worker/Driver/Conductor/Helper to drivers and conductors/Cart puller/Rickshaw puller
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Shop worker/Assistant/Peon in small establishment/Helper/Delivery assistant/Attendant/Waiter Electrician/Mechanic/Assembler/Repair worker Washerman/Chowkidar
Ayushman Bharat Golden Card To ensure cashless, paperless and portable transactions through the PNJAY scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana Golden Card will be issued to beneficiaries. The PMJAY e-card contains all required information of the patient. It is mandatory to present this card at the time of availing the treatment at the empanelled hospital
8.4.JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN)
Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Why in news? During her Budget speech, the Hon’ble Finance Minister announced JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN) which has been designed to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory townsin accordance with SDG Goal- 6.
About: 2.68 crore is the estimated gap in urban household tap connections that is proposed to be covered under JJM(U). Likewise, estimated gap in sewer connections in 500 AMRUT cities proposed to be covered in JJM(U) is 2.64 crore. Rejuvenation of water bodies to augment sustainable fresh water supply and creating green spaces and sponge cities to reduce floods and enhance amenity value through an Urban Aquifer Management plan are other key areas of the Mission. promote circular economy of water through development of city water balance plan for each city focusing on recycle/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies and water conservation. 20% of water demand to be met by reused water with development of institutional mechanism. A Technology Sub-Mission for water is proposed to leverage latest global technologies in the field of water. Awareness among masses about conservation of water : Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign
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Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies with respect to quantity and quality of water through a challenge process. Mission has a reform agenda with focus on strengthening of urban local bodies and water security of the cities. Major reforms are o reducing non-revenue water to below 20% o recycle of treated used water to meet at least 20% of total city water demand and 40% for industrial water demand at State level;
Funding The total outlay proposed for JJM(U) is Rs 2,87,000 crore which includes Rs 10,000 crore for continuing financial support to AMRUT Mission. Public private partnership: It has been mandated for cities having million plus population to take up PPP projects worth minimum of 10 percent of their total project fund allocation.
Area/ Territory Central funding Union Territories 100% North Eastern and Hill States 90% Cities with less than 1 lakh population 50% cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population 33.3% cities with million plus population 25%
8.5.SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (URBAN) 2.0
Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Why in news? Swachh Bharat Mission (URBAN) 2.0 Announced For Next 5 Years. It will be launched under the “Health and Wellbeing” vertical.
About: Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 1.0 Launched in: It was launched in 2014. The focus of the mission was to make urban India open defecation free (ODF). As well as, 100% scientific solid waste management. Swachh Surevkshan(2015): The “Swachh Survekshan” survey which ranks cities on cleanliness and other aspects of urban sanitation. City Compost Policy(2017): The policy wants to ensure that all organic solid waste generated in cities is converted into compost or biogas by October 2019 by providing subsidy. Fertiliser companies were asked to co-market compost with chemical fertilisers Swachhata Pakhwada(2017): The focus is on involving people and bringing about behavioural and attitudinal change through innovative activities so that the ultimate goals of the SBM could be achieved and sustained. Under the Pakhwada programme, between October 1-15, 2017, different cities and ULBs will undertake
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awareness programmes and campaigns, urging residents, commercial centres, hospitals and institutes to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign(2017): It seeks to mobilise people to come out and get directly involved with the Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation to contribute to Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a Clean India
Salient features of Mission A total outlay of Rs 1,41,678 crores was announced for SBM (U) 2.0, for the next 5 years. This will be a continuation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), with the following components for funding and implementation across all statutory towns, viz. Sustainable sanitation (construction of toilets) Wastewater treatment, including fecal sludge management in all ULBs with less than 1 lakh population (this is a new component added to SBM-U 2.0) Solid Waste Management Information, Education and Communication, and Capacity building. It is focusing on o management of sludge o waste watertreatment o source segregation of garbage o reduction in single use plastic o reduction in air pollution o Bio-remediation for construction and demolition waste in cities
At the end of the Mission, the following outcomes are expected to be achieved: All statutory towns will become ODF+ certified All statutory towns with less than 1 lakh population will become ODF++ certified , 50% of all statutory towns with less than 1 lakh population will become Water+ certified All statutory towns will be at least 3-star Garbage Free rated as per MoHUA’s Star Rating Protocol for Garbage Free cities Bio-remediation of all legacy dumpsites.
8.6.PRADHAN MANTRI ATMANIRBHAR SWASTH BHARAT YOJANA
Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare About: This scheme will be in additions to National Health Mission (NHM) This will develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care Health Systems Strengthen existing national institutions, and create new institutions, to cater to detection and cure of new and emerging diseases.
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8.7.OPERATION GREEN SCHEME
Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries Nodal Agency to implement price stabilization measures: NAFED
Why in news? Scheme has been extended to 22 perishable products.
About: Seeks to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility. The scheme was extended during June 2020 to cover all fruits & vegetables (TOTAL) for a period of six months on pilot basis as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan The E-NAM platforms will be connected to the Agriculture Produce Market Committee so as to help in the structural and infrastructure part of Operation Greens scheme. The scheme is required to submit the online application on SAMPADA portal.
Objectives Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.
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Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introduction of dual use varieties. Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of suitable agro-logistics, creation of appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres. Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain with firm linkages with production clusters. Setting up of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and supply and price of TOP crops. Strategy Short term Price Stabilisation Measures : MoFPI will provide 50% of the subsidy on the following two components: Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage; Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops; Long Term Integrated value chain development projects Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortium Quality production Post-harvest processing facilities Agri-Logistics Marketing / Consumption Points Creation and Management of e-platform for demand and supply management of TOP Crops
Market Intelligence and Early Warning System MIEWS Dashboard and Portal is a platform for monitoring prices of tomato, onion and potato (TOP) and for generating alerts for intervention under the terms of the Operation Greens scheme.
8.8.UDAN 4.0 (UDEDESH KA AAMNAGRIK) . Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
Why in news? 24 Routes Identified in Assam Under the 1st Phase of UDAN 4.0
About: Aim: To enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. So far, 766 routes have been sanctioned under the UDAN scheme. The 4th round of UDAN was launched in December 2019 with a special focus on North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. Under UDAN 4, the operation of helicopter and seaplanes is also been incorporated. Salient features of the UDAN scheme 1. Demand driven 2. Affordability of airfare 3. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to Selected Airline Operators (SAOs) 4. Minimum performance level of UDAN flights by the SAOs
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5. Exclusivity of operation on UDAN routes. 6. Focus on priority areas i.e NER, Hilly Sates and Islands.
8.9.PRADHAN MANTRI MATRU VANDANA YOJANA
Why in news? Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, has crossed 1.75 crore eligible women till financial year 2020
Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development About: It is a Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in all the districts of the country in accordance with the provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013
Objectives Providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate res t before and after delivery of the first living child. The cash incentive provided would lead to improved health seeking behaviour amongst the Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW& LM).
Target beneficiaries 1. All Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, excluding PW&LM who are in regular employment with the Central Government or the State Governments or PSUs or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force. 2. All eligible Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers who have their pregnancy on or after 01.01.2017 for first child in family. 3. The date and stage of pregnancy for a beneficiary would be counted with respect to her LMP date as mentioned in the MCP card. 4. Case of Miscarriage/Still Birth : A beneficiary is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme only once. In case of miscarriage/still birth, the beneficiary would be eligible to claim the remaining instalment(s) in event of any future pregnancy. Thus, after receiving the 1st instalment, if the beneficiary has a miscarriage, she would only be eligible for receiving 2nd and 3rd instalment in event of future pregnancy subject to fulfilment of eligibility criterion and conditionalities of the scheme. Similarly, if the beneficiary has a miscarriage or still birth after receiving 1st and 2nd instalments, she would only be eligible for receiving 3rd instalment in event of future pregnancy subject to fulfilment of eligibility criterion and conditionalities of the scheme. 5. Case of Infant Mortality: A beneficiary is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme only once. That is, in case of infant mortality, she will not be eligible for claiming benefits under the scheme, if she has already received all the instalments of the maternity benefit under PMMVY earlier.
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6. Pregnant and Lactating AWWs/ AWHs/ ASHA may also avail the benefits under the PMMVY subject to fulfilment of scheme conditionalities.
Benefits under PMMVY Cash incentive of Rs 5000 in three instalments i.e. 1. early registration of pregnancy 2. on receiving at least one ante-natal check-up (ANC) 3. after child birth is registered and the child has received the first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis - B, or its equivalent/ substitute. The eligible beneficiaries would receive the incentive given under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for Institutional delivery and the incentive received under JSY would be accounted towards maternity benefits so that on an average a woman gets Rs 6000 /- .
8.10.NAIROSHNI
Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
A Leadership Development Programme for Minority Womenlaunched in 2012- 13 Objective To empower and instill confidence among minority women, including their neighbours from other communities living in the same village/locality, by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for interacting with Government systems, banks and other institutions at all levels. “Nai Roshni” programme is run with the help of NGOs, Civil societies and Government Institutions all over the country The scheme provides for six days training programme followed by handholding for a period of one year. The training is provided on various pre-designed Training modules covering issues relating to women viz. Leadership of Women through participation in decision making, Educational Programmes for women, Health and Hygiene, Legal rights of women, Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Swachh Bharat, Life Skills, and Advocacy for Social and Behaviourial change Target Group and Distribution All minorities notified under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 viz. Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Zoroastrian (Parsis) and Jain The scheme permits a mix of women from non-minority communitiesnot exceeding 25% of a project proposal. Efforts should be made by the Organization for having a representative mix of women from SCs/STs/OBCs, women with disabilities and other communities under within this 25% group.
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8.11.SEEKHO AUR KAMAO (LEARN & EARN) AND NAIMANZIL SCHEME
Why in News? Ministry announced in Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn & Earn) Scheme, 33% of the total beneficiaries are women. Similarly in NaiManzil scheme , 30% of the total beneficiaries are women
Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
SeekhoAurKamao (Learn & Earn) Scheme A central sector scheme for Skill Development of Minorities Launched in 2013 A skill development scheme for youth of 14 - 35 years age group and aiming at improving the employability of existing workers, school dropouts etc Objectives: To bring down unemployment rate of minorities during 14th Finance commission To conserve and update traditional skills of minorities and establish their linkages with the JOB market. To improve employability of existing workers, school dropouts etc and ensure their placement. To generate means of better livelihood for marginalised minorities and bring them in the mainstream. To enable minorities to avail opportunities in the growing market. To develop potential human resource for the country.
NaiManzil scheme Launched in 2015 To promote a holistic development of the Minority community through an integrated education and livelihood initiative. The World Bank is partnering with MoMA by providing technical assistance, which includes 50% of the scheme’s budget Target group: School dropout minority youth from BPL families in the age group of 17-35 years Provide education bridge program to eligible minority youth, to obtain open schooling certification of class 8th / 10th. Impart high quality skill training including soft skills leading to productive employment. Provide job placement support to assist sustainable employment
8.12.PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA (PMFBY)
Why in news? Government of India allocates Rs. 16000 crore for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for 2021-22
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
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About: Today, PMFBY is globally the largest crop insurance scheme in terms of farmer participation and 3rd largest in terms of premium. Over 5.5 crore farmer applications are received on year-on-year basis. A uniform premium to be paid by farmers for All Kharif 2% All Rabi crops 1.5% Commercial and horticultural crops 5%. There is no upper limit on Government subsidy. Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be borne by the Government. The use of technology will be encouraged to a great extent. Smart phones will be used to capture and upload data of crop cutting to reduce the delays in claim payment to farmers. Remote sensing will be used to reduce the number of crop cutting experiments. Coverage: All farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have insurable interest in the crop are eligible.
Risks covered under the scheme Yield Losses (standing crops, on notified area basis). Comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado. Risks due to Flood, Inundation and Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/ Diseases also will be covered. In cases where majority of the insured farmers of a notified area, having intent to sow/plant and incurred expenditure for the purpose, are prevented from sowing/planting the insured crop due to adverse weather conditions, shall be eligible for indemnity claims upto a maximum of 25 per cent of the sum-insured. In post-harvest losses, coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field. For certain localized problems, Loss / damage resulting from occurrence of identified localized risks like hailstorm, landslide, and Inundation affecting isolated farms in the notified area would also be covered.
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8.13.GARIB KALYAN ROJGAR ABHIYAAN (GKRA)
Lunched On 20th June, 2020
Aim: ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ is a massive rural public works scheme of Government of India to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens.
Objectives: with a resource envelop of Rs. 50,000 Crore Provide livelihood opportunities to returning migrants and similarly affected rural citizens Saturate villages with public infrastructure - Anganwadis, Panchayat Bhawans, Community Sanitary Complexes etc. Set stage for enhancing longer term livelihood opportunities.
Coverage A total of 116 Districts with more than 25,000 returnee migrant workers across six States, namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha have been chosen for the campaign which includes 27 Aspirational Districts. These districts are estimated to cover about 2/3 of such migrant workers.
Duration of the scheme Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA) will be operational for a period of 125 days, commencing from 20th June, 2020.
Participants: 12 different Ministries/Departments, namely, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Road Transport and Highways, Mines, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Environment, Railways, etc. will be coordinating for the implementation of the scheme Focus on 25 Works
8.14.ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ROJGAR YOJANA
Ministry: Ministry of Labour & Employment
Implementing agency: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
About: This is being launched to boost employment in formal sector and incentivize creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid recovery phase under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0.
Eligibility: An employee drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who was not working in any establishment registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) before 1st October, 2020 and did not have a Universal Account Number or EPF Member account number prior to 1st October 2020 is eligible for the benefit.
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Any EPF member possessing Universal Account Number (UAN) drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who made exit from employment during Covid pandemic from 01.03.2020 to 30.09.2020 and did not join employment in any EPF covered establishment up to 30.09.2020 is also eligible to avail benefit
Eligibility criteria for Establishments Establishments registered with EPFO if they add new employees compared to reference base of employees as in September, 2020 as under: minimum of two new employees if reference base is 50 employees or less. minimum of five new employees if reference base is more than 50 employees.
Benefits Government of India will provide subsidy for two years in respect of new employees engaged on or after 1st October, 2020 Establishments employing up to 1000 employees: Employee’s contributions (12% of Wages) & Employer’s contributions (12% of wages) totalling 24% of wages Establishments employing more than 1000 employees: Only Employee’s EPF contributions (12% of EPF wages) Operational till upto 30th June, 2021.
8.15.REMISSION OF DUTIES AND TAXES ON EXPORTED PRODUCTS (RoDTEP)
Why in news? The Union govt. has decided to extend the benefit of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to all export goods with effect from 1st January 2021.
About: RoDTEP will replace the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) It will create a fully automated route for Input Tax Credit (ITC) in the GST to help increase exports in India
RoDTEP is a scheme for the Exporters to make Indian products cost-competitive and create a level playing field for them in the Global Market. It has replaced the current Merchandise Exports from India Scheme, which is not in compliance with WTO norms and rules. The new RoDTEP Scheme is a fully WTO compliant scheme. It will reimburse all the taxes/duties/levies being charged at the Central/State/Local level which are not currently refunded under any of the existing schemes but are incurred at the manufacturing and distribution process. The RoDTEP rates, conditions and exclusions under which it can be availed would be specified by the department of commerce, may based on recommendation of the GK Pillai committeethat are expected soon. The GK Pillai headed committee had sought data and evidence from industry that have suggested higher remission rates than 2%, 3% and 5%, payable as a percentage of realised free-on-board value as incentives underMEIS.
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8.16.SAKSHAM (SHRAMIK SHAKTI MANCH)
LAUNCHED BY: Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council About:
It is a dynamic job portal for mapping the skills of Shramiks vis-à-vis requirements of MSMEs to directly connect Shramiks with MSMEs and facilitate placement of 10 lakh blue-collar jobs The portal with the demand and supply data uses algorithm and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, for geo spatial information on demand and availability of Shramiks, and also provide analysis on skill training programmes of Shramiks. Key Features of SAKSHAM: • A dynamic job portal – opportunity for Shramiks and MSMEs • Facilitate creation of 10 lakh blue collar jobs • Direct connect between Shramiks and MSMEs, no middleman in between • Minimise migration of Shramiks – job opportunity in proximate MSMEs
TIFAC It is an autonomous organization under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India
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8.17.SEAWEEDS MISSION
Why in news? Seaweeds Mission launched for commercial farming of seaweeds LAUNCHE BY: Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council About: Status: • Out of the global seaweed production of ~ 32 million tons fresh weight valued around 12 billion US dollars. • China produces ~57 %, Indonesia ~28% followed by South Korea, whereas India is having a mere share of ~0.01-0.02%. • Despite several advantages, commercial seaweeds cultivation has not been taken place in the country at an appropriate scale, as being practiced in South-East Asian countries.
The Mission envisages the following activities: • Establishing model demonstration farms over one hectare for cultivation of economically important seaweeds in nearshore and onshore along the Indian coast • Establishment of seaweed nurseries for supplying seed material for large scale farming of • Onshore cultivation for (i) Seedling supply facility (ii) Seaweed cultivation for processing • Establishment and demonstration of processing technologies/recipes for edible seaweeds in line with consumer acceptability or cultural food habits • Setting up of processing plant for integrated production of plant growth stimulants (sap) along with industrially important cell wall polysaccharides (phycocolloids) such as agar, agarose, carrageenan and alginates from fresh seaweeds
Methodology Technology demonstration for commercial farming of seaweeds in the country. Technology demonstration for processing of seaweeds for value-added products.
Potential Scope for attracting overseas investments in Indian seaweed sector Got potentials to contribute to the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’
Advantages By an estimate, if cultivation is done in ≈10 million hectares or 5% of the EEZ area of India, 1. It can provide employment to ~ 50 million people 2. Set up new seaweed industry 3. Contribute to national GDP
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4. Ocean productivity; Healthier ocean 5. Abates algal blooms 6. Sequesters millions of tons CO2 7. Bio-ethanol of 6.6 billion litres
8.18.JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN)
Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Why in news? Launch of Pey Jal Survekshan under JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN) in 10 cities
About: JJM(U) has been designed to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory townsin accordance with SDG Goal- 6. 2.68 crore is the estimated gap in urban household tap connections that is proposed to be covered under JJM(U). Likewise, estimated gap in sewer connections in 500 AMRUT cities proposed to be covered in JJM(U) is 2.64 crore. Rejuvenation of water bodies to augment sustainable fresh water supply and creating green spaces and sponge cities to reduce floods and enhance amenity
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value through an Urban Aquifer Management plan are other key areas of the Mission. promote circular economy of water through development of city water balance plan for each city focusing on recycle/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies and water conservation 20% of water demand to be met by reused water with development of institutional mechanism A Technology Sub-Mission for water is proposed to leverage latest global technologies in the field of water. Awareness among masses about conservation of water : Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign. Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies with respect to quantity and quality of water through a challenge process. Mission has a reform agenda with focus on strengthening of urban local bodies and water security of the cities. Major reforms are o reducing non-revenue water to below 20% o recycle of treated used water to meet at least 20% of total city water demand and 40% for industrial water demand at State level; Funding The total outlay proposed for JJM(U) is Rs 2,87,000 crore which includes Rs10,000 crore for continuing financial support to AMRUT Mission. Public private partnership: It has been mandated for cities having million plus population to take up PPP projects worth minimum of 10 percent of their total project fund allocation. Area/ Territory Central funding Union Territories 100% North Eastern and Hill States 90% Cities with less than 1 lakh population 50% cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population 33.3% cities with million plus population 25%
Pey Jal Survekshan: It is a drinking water survey launched in 10 cities under Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). As part of the survey, data will also be collected on wastewater management and condition of water bodies in the cities.
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It will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies with respect to quantity and quality of water through a challenge process.
8.19.NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE (NCS)
Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment
Aims to bridge the gap between those who need jobs and those who want to hire them, between people seeking career guidance and training and those who can provide the counselling and training. NCS brings jobseekers, employers, counselors, trainers and placement organizations together on one platform by offering convergence of information that enlightens minds and empowers people It is a Five Year Mission Mode Project launched by the Prime Minister on 20th July, 2015. It is within the umbrella of the e-governance plan The training module is available in Hindi and English on the NCS portal. National Career Service aims at reaching out to people across the country, in particular the youth, through a well-designed structure that comprises 1. an ICT-based portal, 2. a countrywide set-up of career centers, 3. a multilingual call centre, 4. a network of career counsellors.
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Components of National Career Service
1. The NCS Portal Links job-seekers, employers, counsellors and training providers, all through Aadhaar-based authentication. Registration is online and free of charge. The portal provides information on over 3000 career options from 53 key industry Sectors - from IT to Textiles, Construction to Automobiles, Pharma and much more. Job- seekers also have access to industry trends in a user-friendly way.
2. Career centres - Hubs of Career related Services For offline registration and enquiry. The Government is transforming Job Fairs Employment Exchanges and University Placements Employment Information Guidance Bureaus into Career Centres, To locate the career centres,
3. Call Centre - A helpline to get started on the NCS platform A multilingual call centre to cater to the needs of those who face difficulty in registration or have other queries.
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8.20.MISSION ‘LAL LAKIR’
Why in news? The Punjab Government to carry out drone based large scale mapping of Abadi in rural areas of Punjab. Punjab inks MoU with survey of India to prepare inventory of properties within laal lakir of villages.
About: Mission ‘Lal Lakir’ ‘Lal Lakir’ refers to land that is part of the village ‘abaadi’ (habitation) and is used for non-agriculture purposes only. This is the way to give ownership rights of properties falling in Lal Dora of villages The mission is aimed at facilitating villagers to monetize property rights and availing benefits provided by government departments, institutions and banks in all villages across the state. As no record of rights is available for such properties within the ‘Lal Lakir’, the same cannot currently be monetized as per the real value of the property and no mortgages can be created on such properties. There are households within the ‘Lal Lakir’, which do not own property other than the areas within the ‘Lal Lakir’, and are thus at a disadvantage. The common lands within ‘Lal Lakir’, such as ponds, common gathering areas and even passages and streets, which were facing encroachments due to non- availability/creation of record to maintain these assets, will now be protected under the mission Under the mission, the right of record of properties within ‘Lal Lakir’ in the villages of the state will be prepared with the cooperation of the government of India under the SVAMITVA scheme
8.21.SVAMITVA SCHEME
Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. The scheme provides for an integrated property validation solution for rural India Use of the latest surveying technology such as drones for measuring the inhabited land in villages and rural areas. Property Cards will be prepared and given to the respective owners. Under the Scheme, a record of rights is being given to property owners in villages. The use of latest surveying methods – Drone’s technology is brought with the collaborated efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Department, State Revenue Department and Survey of India. Up till now, about 1.80 lakh property-owners in 1,241 villages have been provided cards.
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Significance The scheme will ensure streamlined planning, revenue collection and provide clarity over property rights in rural areas. This will open up avenues for applying for loans from financial institutions by the owners. Disputes related to property would also be settled through the title deeds allotted through this scheme.
8.22.NATIONAL URBAN DIGITAL MISSION
About: Launched by: Ministry of Urban affairs and Housing and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
About: Objective: NUDM will create a shared digital infrastructure for urban India, working across the three pillars of people, process, and platform to provide holistic support to cities and towns. It will institutionalise a citizen-centric and ecosystem-driven approach to urban governance and service delivery in 2022 cities by 2022, and across all cities and towns in India by 2024. NUDM will create a shared digital infrastructure that can consolidate and cross- leverage the various digital initiatives of theMoHUA.enabling cities and towns across India to benefit from holistic and diverse forms of support, in keeping with their needs and local challenges. NUDM has articulated a set of governing principles, and inherits the technology design principles of the National Urban Innovation Stack (NUIS), whose strategy and approach was released by MoHUA in February, 2019. The principles in turn give rise to standards, specifications, and certifications, across the three pillars of people, process, and platforms.
India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) Developed by: developed in partnership between the Smart Cities Mission and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. IUDX serves as a seamless interface for data providers and data users, including ULBs, to share, request, and access datasets related to cities, urban governance, and urban service delivery. IUDX is an open-source software platform which facilitates the secure, authenticated, and managed exchange of data amongst various data platforms, 3rd party authenticated and authorised applications, and other sources. IUDX creates a secure and reliable channel for data producers or owners to share their data, with complete control over what is shared and with whom, in order to enable sharing while addressing security and privacy protections by design.
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8.23.PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA
Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) is a scheme as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat to supply free food grains to migrants and poor.
Salient features of the scheme Objective: During the period April - November 2020, more than 80 crore people will be provided 5 kg free wheat/rice per person / month along with 1 kg free whole chana to each family per month. Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, - Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat and rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs. The Prime Minister also underlined that the country is moving towards the institution of ‘one nation, one ration card’, which will be of immense benefit to the poor who travel to other states in search of work. Distributing to all beneficiary households of States/UTs claiming under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
Eligibility PHH are to be identified by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations as per criteria evolved by them. AAY families are to be identified by States/UTs as per the criteria prescribed by the Central Government: Households headed by widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more with no assured means of subsistence or societal support. Widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more or single women or single men with no family or societal support or assured means of subsistence. All primitive tribal households. Landless agriculture labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen such as potters, tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, slum dwellers, and persons earning their livelihood on daily basis in the informal sector like porters, coolies, rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, fruit and flower sellers, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitutes and other similar categories in both rural and urban areas. All eligible Below Poverty Line families of HIV positive persons.
NOTE: One Nation One Ration Card: Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, about 81 crore persons are entitled to buy subsidized foodgrain — rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Re 1/kg — from their designated Fair Price Shops (FPS) of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Under the ONORC system, the beneficiary will be able to buy subsidised foodgrains from any FPS across the country.
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The new system, based on a technological solution, will identify a beneficiary through biometric authentication on electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices installed at the FPSs. By 31st March 2021 all remaining States will be added to One Nation One Ration Card scheme and the scheme will be operational all over India.
National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) The National Food Security Act, 2013 was enacted to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. Public Distribution System (PDS) is now governed by provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). Coverage under PDS is de-linked from the erstwhile 'poverty estimates'. The Act provides coverage for nearly 2/3rd of the country's total population, basis Census 2011 population estimates 75% of Rural and 50% of Urban population is entitled to receive highly subsidised foodgrains under two categories of beneficiaries – Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). State/UT-wise coverage is determined by the erstwhile Planning Commission (now NITI Ayog) on the basis of 2011-12 Household Consumption Expenditure survey of NSSO. The Act entitles 35 kg of foodgrains per AAY Household per month, whereas 5 Kg of foodgrain per PHH Person per month. Identification of beneficiaries/households under NFSA is done by respective State/UT Government, which is required to frame its own criteria. The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 kgs of food grains per person per month at subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious "take home ration" of 600 Calories, 18-20 grams of protein and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months. The eldest women of the household of age 18 years or above will be the head of the household for the purpose of issuing ration cards. Children 6 months to 14 yearsof age are to receive free hot meals or "take home rations". States are the implementing agencies and the Central Government will be responsible to provide funds to states in case of short supplies of food grains Grievance redressal mechanism, through State Food Commissions, DGROs, and Vigilance Committees at different levels are provisioned for Women Empowerment. No reduction in foodgrains allocation to any State/UT under NFSA. Allocation gaps if any, are covered with Tide-Over allocation Provisions for disclosure of records relating to PDS operations, placing of beneficiaries' list in public domain/portals, for enhanced transparency Assistance to States/UTs for meeting expenditure on intra-State transportation & handling of foodgrains and FPS Dealers' margin.
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8.24.SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS SCHEME
Ministry of Finance
About: India has an estimated 20,000 tonnes of gold lying idle with Indian households and institutions. The following schemes are aimed at bringing the gold lying with citizens into the economy, and at reducing India’s dependence on gold imports.
SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity.
The Bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of Government of India.
Persons resident in India as defined under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 are eligible to invest in SGB. Eligible investors include individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, charitable institutions, etc.
The Bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.50 per cent (fixed rate) per annum on the amount of initial investment.
Interest will be credited semiannually to the bank account of the investor and the last interest will be payable on maturity along with the principal. The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Government of India, issues tranches of Sovereign Gold Bonds
Channels to buy bonds: Investors can buy these bonds through designated scheduled commercial banks (except Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks), Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited, and designated post offices. One can also buy these bonds through National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) Limited.
Sl. Item Details No.
1 Product name Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 (Series IX)
2 Issuance To be issued by Reserve Bank India on behalf of the Government of India.
3 Eligibility The Bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities including individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
4 Denomination The Bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.
5 Tenor The tenor of the Bond will be for a period of 8 years with exit option after 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
6 Minimum size Minimum permissible investment will be 1 gram of gold.
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7 Maximum limit The maximum limit of subscribed shall be 4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March) notified by the Government from time to time. A self-declaration to this effect will be obtained. The annual ceiling will include bonds subscribed under different tranches during initial issuance by Government and those purchase from the Secondary Market.
8 Joint holder In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 KG will be applied to the first applicant only.
9 Issue price Price of Bond will be fixed in Indian Rupees on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 working days of the week preceding the subscription period. The issue price of the Gold Bonds will be Rs 50 per gram less for those who subscribe online and pay through digital mode. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs 5,000 per gram.
10 Payment option Payment for the Bonds will be through cash payment (upto a maximum of Rs 20,000) or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking.
11 Issuance form The Gold Bonds will be issued as Government of India Stocks under GS Act, 2006. The investors will be issued a Holding Certificate for the same. The Bonds are eligible for conversion into demat form.
12 Redemption The redemption price will be in Indian Rupees based on simple average of price closing price of gold of 999 purity of previous 3 working days published by IBJA.
13 Sales channel Bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices as may be notified and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Ltd and Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd, either directly or through agents.
14 Interest rate The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.
15 Collateral Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is to be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.
16 KYC Know-your-customer (KYC) norms will be the same as that for purchase of Documentation physical gold. KYC documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card/PAN or TAN /Passport will be required. Every application must be accompanied by the ‘PAN Number’ issued by the Income Tax Department to the investor(s).
17 Tax treatment The interest on Gold Bonds shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961). The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bond
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18 Tradability Bonds will be tradable on stock exchanges within a fortnight of the issuance on a date as notified by the RBI.
19 SLR eligibility Bonds acquired by the banks through the process of invoking lien/hypothecation/pledge alone, shall be counted towards Statutory Liquidity Ratio.
20 Commission Commission for distribution of the bond shall be paid at the rate of 1% of the total subscription received by the receiving offices and receiving offices shall share at least 50% of the commission so received with the agents or sub agents for the business procured through them.
Benefits The Sovereign Gold Bonds will be available both in demat and paper form. The tenor of the bond is for a minimum of 8 years with option to exit from 5th year. They will carry sovereign guarantee both on the capital invested and the interest. Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. Bonds would be allowed to be traded on exchanges to allow early exits for investors who may so desire. The Capital gain tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual is exempted.
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9. MISCELLANEOUS/FACTS
9.1.SWITCH DELHI CAMPAIGN
Delhi Chief Minister launched the ‘Switch Delhi’ campaign to promote electric vehicles and appealed to people to buy such vehicles to combat pollution in the city. To address the vehicular pollution in Delhi, the government notified the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy in August 2020. The vision is that 25% of all vehicles in Delhi should run on electricity by 2024. The Delhi government has rolled out the highest incentive on the purchase of EVs among all States. Incentives on EVs range from a maximum of Rs 30,000 for two and three-wheelers and up to Rs 1,50,000 on the purchase of 4-wheelers.
Delhi Electric Vehicle(DEV) Policy 2020 : Objective : To establish Delhi as the EV capital of India and accelerate the pace of adoption across vehicle segments, especially in the mass category of two-wheelers, public/shared transport vehicles and good carriers. The policy which will remain valid for a period of three years seeks to drive the rapid adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The fiscal incentives being offered would be in addition to the demand incentives available in the central government’s FAME II scheme. It comes as a huge blow Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles as additional taxation has been implemented for fund promotion of EVs. A cess on the sale of diesel is already applicable in the NCT of Delhi at 25 paise per litre. Additional road tax will be levied on diesel and petrol vehicles, especially luxury cars. The notice further added that an appropriate congestion fee will be levied on all trips taken using cab aggregator and ride-hailing services. To encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, the Delhi government currently offers a subsidy of Rs 5,000/kWh or up to Rs1.5 lakh for electric four-wheelers and Rs 30,000 for electric two-wheelers. The EV policy in Delhi also covers other electric vehicles too, such as electric auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, electric freight vehicles, etc. The local government has also waived off road tax and registration fee for all new EVs in Delhi. Delhi EV policy 2020 also includes a scrappage scheme wherein EV buyers can avail additional incentives for scrapping their old ICE vehicles and buying a new EV instead.
9.2.JERENGA POTHAR
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam on January 23 — his first in the run-up to the Assembly elections likely in April. The venue for Modi’s programme — where he will launch an Assam government initiative to distribute over one lakh land
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pattas (documents) to indigenous communities of the state — is the historic Jerenga Pothar in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district.
About Assam’s Sivasagar district Formerly known as Rangpur, Sivasagar was the seat of the powerful Ahom dynasty, who ruled Assam for six centuries (1228-1826). It is part of Upper Assam, which saw strong opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) last year.
What is the historical significance of Jerenga Pothar? Jerenga Pothar, an open field in Sivasagar town, is popularly connected to the valour of 17th century Ahom princess Joymoti. While the courage of Ahom kings is well-documented, Joymoti’s story — little- known until the latter part of the 19th century — is now celebrated and invoked as a symbol of inspiration. From 1671 to 1681, the Ahom kingdom was undergoing a period of tumult under ‘ministerial superiority’, meaning the nobles and prime ministers were more important than the king, who were often puppets. It was at this time that Sulikhpaa— also known as ‘Lora Raja’ or the boy prince — and his prime minister Laluksala Borphukan were tracking down, and killing, possible heirs, to ensure a clear passage to the throne. Prince Godapani, Joymoti’s husband, was next in line, but he escaped to the Naga Hills before Lora Raja and his men could capture him. It was then that Lora Raja sought out Godapani’s wife Joymoti, hoping she would tell him about his whereabouts. However, despite being tortured for days, tied to a thorny plant, in an open field, Joymoti refused to divulge any information. She died, sacrificing her life for her husband, who ultimately became the king, ushering in an era of stability and peace in Assam. The place Joymoti was tortured to death was Jerenga Pothar. In 2017, the field was used for the centenary celebrations of the apex and influential literary body, the Assam Sahitya Sabha.
About The Ahom kingdom The Ahom kingdom ( 1228–1826) was a late medieval kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam founded by Chaolung Sukapha ,ruled Assam for six centuries. It is well known for maintaining its sovereignty for nearly 600 years and successfully resisting Mughal expansion in Northeast India. The kingdom became weaker with the rise of the Moamoria rebellion, and subsequently fell to repeated Burmese invasions of Assam. With the defeat of the Burmese after the First Anglo-Burmese War and the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, control of the kingdom passed into East India Company hands.
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9.3.EINSTEINIUM
A team of scientists at the Berkeley Lab (California) has reported some of the properties of element 99 in the periodic table called “Einsteinium”, named after Albert Einstein. It was discovered in 1952 in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb (the detonation of a thermonuclear device called “Ivy Mike” in the Pacific Ocean). Since its discovery, scientists have not been able to perform a lot of experiments with it because it is difficult to create and is highly radioactive. Therefore, very little is known about this element. Because of its high radioactivity and short half-life of all einsteinium isotopes, even if the element was present on Earth during its formation, it has most certainly decayed. This is the reason that it cannot be found in nature and needs to be manufactured using very precise and intense processes. Therefore, so far, the element has been produced in very small quantities and its usage is limited except for the purposes of scientific research. The element is also not visible to the naked eye and after it was discovered, it took over nine years to manufacture enough of it so that it could be seen with the naked eye.
How it is Useful? For the recent research, using a precise X-ray produced by a particle accelerator, the scientists were able to examine this element to find out how it bonds with atoms. By studying this atomic arrangement, scientists can find out interesting chemical properties of other elements and isotopes that may be useful for nuclear power production and radiopharmaceuticals.
9.4.ARTISANS OF KINNAL AND THEIR WOODEN DOLLS
Social Media has given a boost to the artisans of the Kinnal Craft and their wooden dolls. It allowed them to advertise their products online and sell them. They regularly receive orders from countries including the U.S., Germany and Canada.
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About Kinnal art Kinnal, a sleepy village in Koppal taluk in karnataka, is home to the eponymous craft that was awarded a Geographical Indication tag in 2012. The chitragars, as the traditional artisans are known, fashion brightly coloured, lightweight toys and religious idols from a local variety of wood called Polki Marra, which grows in and around. The themes are mainly mythological — idols of deities including Hanuman, Garuda, Gowri and Durga are among Kinnal’s signature creations. The craft dates back to the 15th or 16th century, and is thought to have gained prominence and patronage under the Vijayanagara Empire, and later, the Nawabs of Koppal. The intricate carvings on the famous Hampi chariot are believed to be the handiwork of the ancestors of the chitragars of Kinnal. Kinhal toys also have a signature gold and silver colour which is done using a special technique called “Lajawara” method. It is prepared by hand-beating sheets of tin which results in a powder that when processed further yields silver and then gold paint. It is a very expensive and tedious process.
9.5.THOLPAVAKKOOTHU
Leather puppets in the traditional Tholpavakkoothu are being animated by robots.For the first time, the famous shadow leather puppets will tell stories of the epic Ramayana with the help of robots.
About Tholpavakkoothu is a traditional temple art in Kerala having its roots in Palakkad and neighbouring regions. It is a form of shadow puppetry performed using leather puppets as a ritual dedicated to Bhadrakali and is performed in Devi temples in specially built theatres called koothumadams.This art form is especially popular in the Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
Puppet Forms in India A doll or a figure controlled by a person so that it appears to be moving on its own is called a puppet. There are 4 major different types of puppets used in India. The types of puppets and the respective states where it is used are:
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1.Glove Puppets PavaKoothu – Kerala
2. Rod Puppets – 3 different types Putul Nach – West Bengal Kathi Kandhe – Orissa Yampuri – Bihar
3. Shadow Puppets – 6 different types Tholu Bommalata – Andhra Pradesh Togalu Gombeyata – Karnataka Tolpavakoothu – Kerala Chamadyache Bahulya – Maharashtra Ravanachhaya – Orissa Thol Bommalattam – Tamil Nadu
4. String Puppets – 6 different types Putal Nach – Assam Gombeyatta – Karnataka Kalasutri Bahulya – Maharashtra Gopalila Kundhei – Orissa Kathputli – Rajasthan Bommalattam – Tamil Nadu
Why is Puppetry Art Dying? Lack of patronage in the modern age. Competition from Electronic media which is a preferred mode of entertainment. People find it more appealing to watch mythological stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat on electronic media rather than in Puppetry. Puppetry Art is usually confined to only devotional and mythological stories. With changing times, Puppetry does not take up modern social issues. Puppetry lacks modernization in terms of script, lighting, sound and other stage effects.
9.6.DRIVERLESS METRO CAR Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the country's first indigenously designed and developed Driverless Metro Car at the BEML manufacturing facility. According to BEML, state-of-the-art driverless metro cars, being manufactured at the company's Bangalore Complex, are made up of stainless-steel body with a capacity of carrying 2280 passengers in six-cars Metro train-set.
About BEML: BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited) was established in May 1964 as a Public Sector Undertaking for manufacture of Rail Coaches & Spare Parts and Mining Equipment with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
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BEML Limited, plays a pivotal role and serves India’s core sectors like Defence, Rail, Power, Mining and Infrastructure.
TOPIC : TEETH FROM SIBERIAN MAMMOTHS YIELD OLDEST DNA EVER RECOVERED
The DNA was extracted from the molars of mammoths. These mammoths were found in the north-eastern Siberia some 1.2 million years ago. DNA was recovered and sequenced from the remains of three individual mammoths. The mammoths were among the large mammals who dominated Ice Age landscapes. The oldest of the three, discovered near the Krestovka river, was approximately 1.2 million years old. Another, from near the Adycha river, was approximately 1 to 1.2 million years old. The third, from near the Chukochya river, was roughly700,000 years old. Until now, the oldest DNA came from a horse that lived in Canada's Yukon territory about 700,000 years ago. By way of comparison, our species, Homo sapiens, first appeared roughly 300,000 years ago.
About mammoth A mammoth is any species of the extinct elephantid genus Mammuthus, one of the many genera that make up the order of trunked mammals called proboscideans. The various species of mammoth were commonly equipped with long, curved tusks and, in northern species, a covering of long hair. They lived from the Pliocene epoch (from around 5 million years ago) into the Holocene at about 4,000 years ago, and various species existed in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. They were members of the family Elephantidae, which also contains the two genera of modern elephants and their ancestors.
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Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA) It is the central information storage system of most animals and plants, and even some viruses. The DNA molecule consists of two strands that wind around one another to form a shape known as a double helix. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases--adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). The two strands are held together by bonds between the bases; adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine. The sequence of the bases along the backbones serves as instructions for assembling protein and RNA molecules.
9.7.DICKINSONIA Researchers believe they have found the first-ever fossil in India of a Dickinsonia —the Earth’s ‘oldest animal’, dating back 570 million years — on the roof of what’s called the ‘Auditorium Cave’ at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, about 40 km from Bhopal. Auditorium Cave at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is a Unesco World Heritage Site for Paleolithic and Mesolithic cave art.
About Dickinsonia is an extinct genus of basal animal that lived during the late Ediacaran period in what is now Australia, Russia and Ukraine. The Ediacaran is the youngest period of three that make up the Neoproterozoic Era, which in turn is the youngest of three eras within the Proterozoic Eon. The Ediacaran is sandwiched between the older Cryogenian Period and the younger Cambrian Period. The individual Dickinsonia typically resembles a bilaterally symmetrical ribbed oval. Its affinities are presently unknown; its mode of growth is consistent with a stem-group bilaterian affinity,though some have suggested that it belongs to the fungi, or even an "extinct kingdom".The discovery of cholesterol molecules in fossils of Dickinsonia lends support to the idea that Dickinsonia was an animal.
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9.8.SAKA NANKANA SAHIB
Nankana Sahib, the birth place of first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev, was also the site of the first big agitation by the SGPC to take back control of gurdwaras from mahants backed by the British. The centenary of Sri Nankana Sahib massacre, which is popularly known as Saka Nankana Sahib, is being marked in an event there on February 21 this year.
About Nankana massacre The SGPC came to existence in November 1920, a month after Sikhs removed partial restrictions on Dalit rights inside Golden Temple in Amritsar. It started gurdwara reform movement( also called the Akali movement) which was aimed at taking possession of historical Sikh Gurdwaras, which had turned personal property of the priests, who were called mahants. These mahants were also accused of running practices from gurdwaras which were not approved in Sikhism. Sikh leaders made attempts to bring mahant to the negotiation table but their efforts failed. It then leads to the Nankana massacre. The Nankana massacre (or Saka Nankana) took place in Nankana Sahib gurdwara on 20 February 1921, at that time a part of the British India but today in modern-day Pakistan. More than 260 Sikhs were killed, including children as young as seven, by the Mahant and his mercenaries.The event forms an important part of Sikh history. In political significance, it comes next only to Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 1919. The saga constitutes the core of the Gurdwara Reform Movement started by the Sikhs in early twentieth century. Mahatma Gandhi reached Nankana Sahib on March 3, 1921. Gandhi said that the British government was part of this massacre. He also said that cruelty of this massacre was more than that of Jallianwala Bagh.
About Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (or SGPC) is an organization in India responsible for the management of gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship in three states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh and union territory of Chandigarh. SGPC also administers Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. The SGPC is governed by the chief minister of Punjab.It manages the security, financial, facility maintenance and religious aspects of Gurdwaras as well as keeping archaeologically rare and sacred artifacts, including weapons, clothes, books and writings of the Sikh Gurus.
9.9.BINDU SAGAR CLEANING PROJECT
Chief Minister of Odisha and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the Clean Bindu Sagar initiative that aims at reviving and transforming the largest water body in the Capital city into a spiritual and tourist hotspot laced with modern amenities. Vinay Kumar R International NLP & IAS Coach 9036113902|9886273325 www.iaswinnishers.com © Winnishers Educational Services Pvt Ltd 203
The government has started implementing the ambitious Ekamra Kshetra heritage project which was announced by Chief Minister in 2019. The heritage project envisages beautification of the entire periphery of Lingaraj temple and provisioning of all amenities for the devotees and tourists.
About Lingaraja Temple Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers.
Architecture The Lingaraja temple faces east and is built of sandstone and laterite. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor. James Fergusson (1808–86), a noted critic and historian rated the temple as "one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India".
Religious significance Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th- century Sanskrit treatise. The temple has images of Vishnu, possibly because of the rising prominence of Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century. The central deity of the temple, Lingaraja, is worshipped both as Shiva and Vishnu. The harmony between the two sects of Hinduism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, is seen in this temple where the deity is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.
9.10.INSCRIPTION ON VIJAYANAGAR KING’S DEATH DISCOVERED
Officials from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered the first epigraphical reference to the death of Krishnadevaraya Nayaka, the emperor of Vijayanagara empire during 1509-1529, in an inscription found near Gopalakrishna temple at Honnenahalli of Tumkur district recently.
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The inscription found in Kannada recorded the demise of Krishnadevaraya, the third ruler from Tuluva dynasty on October 17, 1529 AD. Krishnadevaraya was born on January 17, 1471 and died of ill-health on October 17, 1529. Normally, the death of kings was not recorded in the inscriptions and this was one of those rare records officials said.
About Krishna Devaraya Krishna Devaraya was the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire during 1509–1529. He was the third ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty and is considered to be its greatest ruler. He possessed the largest empire in India after the decline of the Delhi Sultanate. Krishnadevaraya earned the titles Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana (lit, "Lord of the Kannada empire"), Andhra Bhoja (lit, "Andhra Bhoja(Scholar) King") and Mooru Rayara Ganda (lit, "King of Three Kings"). He became the dominant ruler of the peninsula of India by defeating the Sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapatis of Odisha, and was one of the most powerful Hindu rulers in India. Portuguese travellers Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz also visited the Vijayanagara Empire during his reign. The South Indian poet Muku Timmana praised him as the destroyer of the Turkics. Krishnadevaraya benefited from the able prime minister Timmarusu, who was regarded by the emperor as a father figure and responsible for his coronation.
9.11.GLOBAL ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the CERAWeek global energy and environment leadership award in recognition of his commitment to sustainability in the energy and the environment.
About CERAWeek by IHS Markit--the world's preeminent energy conference--will be held virtually March 1-5. 2021 marks the 39th edition of the conference and is the first time that it will be an all-virtual event. CERAWeek by IHS Markit(IHS Markit Ltd is an American-British information provider based in London) is the annual international gathering of energy industry leaders, experts, government officials and policymakers, leaders from the technology, financial and industrial communities - and energy technology innovators.
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