18Th July to 24Th July, 2021

O F F I C E R S ' P U L S E Issue no. 08| 18th July to 24th July, 2021

NOTHING GREAT COMES EASY

A T A G L A N C E & I N D E P T H . Polity and Social Issues C O V E R A G E . The Hindu Economy The Indian Express International Relations PIB Environment Rajya Sabha TV Science and Tech All India Radio Culture

CURRENT AFFAIRS WEEKLY THE PULSE OF UPSC AT YOUR FINGER TIPS 1

News @ a glance POLITY ...... 3 2) Asian Development Bank ...... 14 1) Privilege Motion ...... 3 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ...... 16 2) Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 ...... 4 1) AI tool NBDriver ...... 16 3) Mid-Day Meal Scheme ...... 5 2) Project 75-I ...... 16 3) Lokpal ...... 6 DEFENCE ...... 17 ENVIRONMENT ...... 9 1) Indian Multirole Helicopter ...... 17 1) Nil to 48 in 20 years; Assam’s Manas sees 2) Akash-NG and MPATGM ...... 17 amazing rise in tiger numbers ...... 9 PIB ANALYSIS...... 20 2) Microplastics in River Ganga ...... 9 1) Corporate Social Responsibility ...... 20 ECONOMY ...... 11 2) Special Economic Zones (SEZ) ...... 20 1) GST Compensations ...... 11 3) Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati ...... 21 2) Central Bank Digital Currency ...... 11 4) Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement 3) India Inequality Report 2021 ...... 12 Project Scheme ...... 21 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ...... 14 1) China-South Asia grouping ...... 14

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News in Depth AIR NEWS ...... 23 3) India must directly engage with Taliban 1) Members of Parliament Local Area 2.0 ...... 29 Development Scheme ...... 23 4) Pegasus is India’s Watergate moment ...... 30 2) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme24 INDIAN EXPRESS EXPLAINED...... 33 3) LaQshya...... 24 1) The Great Indian Bustards of Kutch: their 4) G20 & Paris Agreement ...... 25 habitats, existential threat ...... 33 THE HINDU EDITORIALS ...... 27 2) The challenge of skilling India ...... 34 1) The crisis ahead, from learning loss to INFOGRAPHIC OF THE WEEK ...... 36 resumption...... 27 1) Purchasing Managers Index ...... 36 2) Surveillance reform is the need of the hour ...... 28

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News @ a glance POLITY

1) Privilege Motion proceedings of the House without the What are Parliamentary privileges? permission of the House. . Parliamentary privileges are certain rights . The Parliamentary houses also have and immunities enjoyed by members of consequential powers necessary for the Parliament, individually and collectively, so protection of its privileges and immunities. that they can “effectively discharge their These powers are: functions”. When any of these rights and 1. To commit persons, whether they are immunities is disregarded, the offence is members or not, for breach of privilege or called a breach of privilege and is contempt of the House; punishable under law of Parliament. 2. To compel the attendance of witnesses and . It should be noted that the parliamentary to send for persons, papers and records; privileges do not extend to the President 3. To regulate its procedure and the conduct who is also an integral part of the of its business; Parliament. 4. To prohibit the publication of its debates Legal provisions and proceedings and . The powers, privileges and immunities of 5. To exclude strangers. either House of the Indian Parliament and What constitutes a breach of this privilege? of its Members and committees are laid . While the Constitution has accorded special down in Article 105 of the Constitution. privileges and powers to parliamentarians . Article 194 deals with the powers, and legislators to maintain the dignity and privileges and immunities of the State authority of the Houses, these powers and Legislatures, their Members and their privileges are not codified. committees. . Thus, there are no clear, notified rules to . Apart from the privileges as specified in the decide what constitutes a breach of Constitution, the Code of Civil Procedure, privilege, and the punishment it attracts. 1908, provides for freedom from arrest and . Any act that obstructs or impedes either detention of members under civil process House of the state legislature in performing during the continuance of the meeting of the its functions, or which obstructs or impedes House or of a committee thereof and forty any Member or officer of such House in the days before its commencement and forty discharge of his duty, or has a tendency, days after its conclusion. directly or indirectly, to produce such . In addition to the above mentioned results is treated as breach of privilege. privileges and immunities each House also . It is a breach of privilege and contempt of enjoys certain Privileges based on Rules the House to make speeches or to print or of Procedure and precedents such as: publish false information reflecting on the 1. The Chairman has a right to receive character or proceedings of the House, or its immediate information of the arrest, Committees, or on any member of the detention, conviction, imprisonment and House for or relating to his character or release of a member on a criminal charge or conduct as a legislator. for a criminal offence. Procedure to be followed 2. Members or officers of the House cannot be . The Legislative Assembly Speaker or compelled to give evidence or to produce Legislative Council Chairman constitutes a documents in courts of law, relating to the Privileges Committee consisting of 15 members in the Assembly and 10 members in the Council.

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. The members to the committee are religious or political beliefs, or any other nominated based on the party strength in category of data specified by the the Houses. government, in consultation with the . The Speaker or Chairman first decides on Authority and the concerned sectoral the motions. If the privilege and contempt regulator. are found prima facie, then the Speaker or Obligations of data fiduciary Chairman will forward it to the Privileges . A data fiduciary is an entity or individual Committee by following the due procedure. who decides the means and purpose of . The Committee, which has quasi-judicial processing personal data. Such processing powers, will seek an explanation from all will be subject to certain purpose, collection the concerned, will conduct an inquiry and and storage limitations. For instance, will make a recommendation based on the personal data can be processed only for findings to the state legislature for its specific, clear and lawful purposes. consideration. . Additionally, all data fiduciaries must Punishment undertake certain transparency and . If the Committee finds the offender guilty of accountability measures such as: (i) breach of privilege and contempt, it can implementing security safeguards (such as recommend the punishment. The data encryption and preventing misuse of punishment can include communicating the data), and (ii) instituting grievance displeasure of the state legislature to the redressal mechanisms to address offender, summoning the offender before complaints of individuals. They must also the House and giving a warning, and even institute mechanisms for age verification sending the offender to jail. and parental consent when processing . In the case of the media, press facilities of sensitive personal data of children. the state legislature may be withdrawn, and Rights of the individual a public apology may be sought. . The Bill sets out certain rights of the Why in News? individual (or data principal). These . Opposition party in the Parliament moved a include the right to: (i) obtain confirmation privilege motion against a Member of from the fiduciary on whether their Parliament. personal data has been processed, (ii) seek correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or out- 2) Personal Data Protection Bill, of-date personal data, (iii) have personal 2019 data transferred to any other data fiduciary in certain circumstances, and (iv) restrict About the Bill continuing disclosure of their personal data . The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was by a fiduciary, if it is no longer necessary or introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019. consent is withdrawn. The Bill seeks to provide for protection of Grounds for processing personal data personal data of individuals, and establishes . The Bill allows processing of data by a Data Protection Authority for the same. fiduciaries only if consent is provided by Highlights of the Bill the individual. However, in certain Applicability circumstances, personal data can be . The Bill governs the processing of personal processed without consent. These include: data by: (i) government, (ii) companies (i) if required by the State for providing incorporated in India, and (iii) foreign benefits to the individual, (ii) legal companies dealing with personal data of proceedings, (iii) to respond to a medical individuals in India. emergency. . Personal data is data which pertains to Social media intermediaries characteristics, traits or attributes of . The Bill defines these to include identity, which can be used to identify an intermediaries which enable online individual. interaction between users and allow for . The Bill categorises certain personal data as sharing of information. All such sensitive personal data. This includes intermediaries which have users above a financial data, biometric data, caste, notified threshold, and whose actions can

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impact electoral democracy or public order, with a fine of five crore rupees or 2% of the have certain obligations, which include annual turnover of the fiduciary, whichever providing a voluntary user verification is higher. mechanism for users in India. . Re-identification and processing of de- Data Protection Authority identified personal data without consent is . The Bill sets up a Data Protection Authority punishable with imprisonment of up to which may: (i) take steps to protect three years, or fine, or both. interests of individuals, (ii) prevent misuse Sharing of non-personal data with of personal data, and (iii) ensure government compliance with the Bill. . The central government may direct data . It will consist of a chairperson and six fiduciaries to provide it with any: (i) non- members, with at least 10 years’ expertise personal data and (ii) anonymised personal in the field of data protection and data (where it is not possible to identify information technology. data principal) for better targeting of . Orders of the Authority can be appealed to services. an Appellate Tribunal. Appeals from the Amendments to other laws Tribunal will go to the Supreme Court. . The Bill amends the Information . Transfer of data outside India Technology Act, 2000 to delete the . Sensitive personal data may be provisions related to compensation payable transferred outside India for processing if by companies for failure to protect personal explicitly consented to by the individual, data. and subject to certain additional Why in News? conditions. . The Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) . However, such sensitive personal data deliberating on the Personal Data should continue to be stored in India. Protection (PDP) bill was given its fifth . Certain personal data notified as critical extension to submit its report on the bill. personal data by the government can . The JCP is now expected to submit the only be processed in India. report in the first week of the Winter Exemptions Session, which usually commences around . The central government can exempt any of the last week of November. its agencies from the provisions of the Act: . The PDP bill was first brought to the (i) in interest of security of state, public Parliament in 2019 and passed on to the JCP order, sovereignty and integrity of India and for examination. friendly relations with foreign states, and (ii) for preventing incitement to 3) Mid-Day Meal Scheme commission of any cognisable offence (i.e. About the Scheme arrest without warrant) relating to the . The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) is above matters. considered as the world’s largest school . Processing of personal data is also meal programme and reaches an estimated exempted from provisions of the Bill for 12 crore children across 12 lakh schools in certain other purposes such as: (i) India. prevention, investigation, or prosecution of . In 1925, a Mid Day Meal Programme was any offence, or (ii) personal, domestic, or first introduced for disadvantaged children (iii) journalistic purposes. in Madras Municipal Corporation. At . However, such processing must be for a National level, the MDMS emerged out of specific, clear and lawful purpose, with the National Programme of Nutritional certain security safeguards. Support to Primary Education (NP– Offences NSPE), a centrally sponsored scheme . Offences under the Bill include: (i) formulated in 1995 to improve enrollment, processing or transferring personal data in attendance and retention by providing free violation of the Bill, punishable with a fine food grains to government run primary of Rs 15 crore or 4% of the annual turnover schools. of the fiduciary, whichever is higher, and (ii) failure to conduct a data audit, punishable

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. In 2002, the Supreme Court directed the . Using nationally representative data on government to provide cooked mid day cohorts of mothers and their children meals in all government and government spanning 23 years, the study showed that aided primary schools. by 2016, the prevalence of stunting was Objectives of the programme significantly lower in areas where the . The key objectives of the MDMS are to mid scheme was implemented in 2005. 1. address the issues of hunger and education Importance of Maternal health and well- in schools by serving hot cooked meals; being 2. improve the nutritional status of children . More than one in three Indian children 3. improve enrollment, attendance and are stunted, or too short for their age, retention rates in schools and other which reflects chronic undernutrition. The education centres fight against stunting has often focussed on 4. improve socialisation among castes boosting nutrition for young children, but 5. empower women through employment nutritionists have long argued that Key aspects of the scheme maternal health and well-being is the . MDMS guarantees one meal to all children key to reduce stunting in their offspring. studying in Government, Local Body and . Noting that “interventions to improve Government-aided primary and upper maternal height and education must be primary schools and the Education implemented years before those girls and Guarantee Scheme (EGS) and Alternative young women become mothers”, the study and Innovative Education (AIE) centres has attempted a first-of-its-kind inter- including Madarsa and Maqtabs generational analysis of the impacts of a supported under under Samagra Shiksha mass feeding programme. Abhiyan (an overarching programme of the . The linkages between midday meals and Ministry of Human Resource Development), lower stunting in the next generation and National Child Labour Project schools were stronger in lower socio-economic run by the ministry of labour. strata and likely work through women’s . The calorific value of a mid-day meal at education, fertility, and use of health upper primary stage has been fixed at a services. minimum of 700 calories and 20 grams of Pandemic setback protein by providing 150 grams of food . These findings come at a time when the grains (rice/wheat) per child/school day. midday meal scheme has effectively been . The cost of the MDMS is shared between put on hold for the last one and a half years, the central and state governments. The as schools have been closed since March central government provides free food 2020. Although dry foodgrains or cash grains to the states. The cost of cooking, transfers have been provided to families infrastructure development, transportation instead, food and education advocates have of food grains and payment of honorarium warned that this would not have the same to cooks and helpers is shared by the centre impact as hot cooked meals on the school with the state governments. premises, especially for girl children who . Students up to Class VIII are guaranteed one face more discrimination at home and are nutritional meal at least 200 days in a year. more likely to drop out of school due to the Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, closures. Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry have . The findings of the study exacerbate even extended the scheme to Class IX and X. concerns that the interruptions to schooling . The Scheme comes under the Ministry of and to the midday meal scheme could have Education. even longer term impacts, hurting the Why in News? nutritional health of the next generation as . According to a new study on the inter- well. generational benefits of India’s midday meal scheme, girls who had access to the free 3) Lokpal lunches provided at government schools, About Lokpal had children with a higher height-to-age ratio than those who did not.

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. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 established by an Act of Parliament or provided for the establishment of Lokpal wholly or partly funded by the Centre, for the Union and Lokayukta for States. 6. Any society or trust or body that receives . These institutions are statutory bodies foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh. without any constitutional status. They . It should be noted that the Lokpal cannot perform the function of an "ombudsman” inquire into any corruption charge and inquire into allegations of corruption against the Prime Minister if the against certain public functionaries and allegations are related to international for related matters. relations, external and internal security, Members public order, atomic energy and space, . Lokpal is a multi-member body that unless a full Bench of the Lokpal, consists of one chairperson and a consisting of its chair and all members, maximum of 8 members. considers the initiation of a probe, and at . Chairperson of the Lokpal should be either least two-thirds of the members approve the former Chief Justice of India or the it. former Judge of Supreme Court or an . Such a hearing should be held in camera, eminent person with impeccable integrity and if the complaint is dismissed, the and outstanding ability, having special records shall not be published or made knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 available to anyone. years in the matters relating to anti- How can a complaint be made and what corruption policy, public administration, happens next? vigilance, finance including insurance and . A complaint under the Lokpal Act should be banking, law and management. in the prescribed form and must pertain to . Out of the maximum eight members, half an offence under the Prevention of will be judicial members and minimum Corruption Act against a public servant. 50% of the Members will be from SC/ . When a complaint is received, the Lokpal ST/ OBC/ Minorities and women. may order a preliminary inquiry by its . The judicial member of the Lokpal shall Inquiry Wing, or refer it for investigation either be a former Judge of the Supreme by any agency, including the CBI, if there is Court or a former Chief Justice of a High a prima facie case. Court. . The Lokpal, with respect to Central . The term of office for Lokpal Chairman and government servants, may refer the Members is 5 years or till the age of 70 complaints to the Central Vigilance years. Commission (CVC). . The members are appointed by the . Lokpal has powers of confiscation of assets, President on the recommendation of a proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or Selection Committee. procured by means of corruption in special . The five-member Lokpal selection circumstances. committee includes the Prime Minister, the Why in News? Speaker and the Chief Justice of India, along . More than two years after the Lokpal came with the Leader of Opposition and an into being, the Centre is yet to appoint a eminent jurist selected by other members. director of inquiry for conducting Jurisdiction preliminary inquiry into graft complaints . The Lokpal has jurisdiction to inquire into sent by the anti-corruption ombudsman, allegations of corruption against anyone according to an RTI reply. 1. Who is or has been Prime Minister, . The Lokpal, the apex body to inquire and 2. A Minister in the Union government, investigate graft complaints against public 3. A Member of Parliament, functionaries, came into being with the 4. Officials of the Union government under appointment of its chairperson and Groups A, B, C and D, members in March 2019. 5. Chairpersons, members, officers and . According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas directors of any board, corporation, society, Act, 2013, there shall be a director of trust or autonomous body either inquiry, not below the rank of joint secretary to the government of India, who

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shall be appointed by the central For doubts and queries email us at: government for conducting preliminary [email protected] inquiries referred to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by the Lokpal.

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ENVIRONMENT

1) Nil to 48 in 20 years; Assam’s Manas sees amazing rise in tiger numbers

About Manas National Park . It was an outcome of the St Petersburg . Manas is located in Assam state bordering Summit 2010, which was the first global Bhutan. summit to protect tigers from extinction. . Manas acquired the status of a Biosphere Why in the news? reserve. . Manas National Park had seen a spurt in . It extends over an area of 2837 Sq. Km from tiger population from Nil to 48 tigers in 20 Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri years. river in the east, with a core area of 500 Sq. . There were no tiger sightings in Manas Km. of the National park, which was between 2001 and 2004. declared in 1990. . Results of the 12th annual camera trapping . River Manas flows into the national Park survey this year revealed the presence of 48 from the gorges of Bhutan and split into two tigers, of which 38 are adults, 3 sub-adults major streams of which the main water and 7 cubs. course comes out of the National Park about . This has brought a celebration as the park 30 km downstream is known as ‘Beki”. has surpassed the World Wildlife . Manas is the only landscape in the world Foundation and Global Tiger Forum’s goal where pristine Terai Grasslands are seen of doubling tiger numbers by 2022. merging with the Bhabar grasslands . Better management and protection interspersed with diverse habitats measures have resulted in an increase in ascending to Semi-Evergreen forests and tigers in Manas, which is a positive sign. then to Bhutan Himalayas. . Conservationists have pointed out that . The last population of the Pygmy Hog focus should be given on management of survive in the wilds of Manas and nowhere the prey base, so that deaths due to else in the world. infighting among tigers don’t take place. TX2 goal Deaths due to infighting happens in . The TX2 goal is a global commitment to Kaziranga where there are 111 tigers. double the world's wild tigers by 2022. 2) Microplastics in River Ganga . It's a joint goal of the World Wildlife What are microplastics? Foundation (WWF) and the Global Tiger . Microplastics are defined as synthetic solid Forum. particles sized ranging 1 micrometre (μm)

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to 5 millimetre (mm), which are insoluble . The river finally transports significantly in water. large quantities downstream into the ocean, which is the ultimate sink of all plastics being used by humans. River Ganga . The Ganga originates as Bhagirathi from the Gangotri glaciers in the Himalayas at an elevation of about 7010m in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and flows for a total length of about 2525 km up to its outfall into the Bay of Bengal through the former main course of Bhagirathi-Hooghly. . The principal tributaries joining the river . There are two categories of microplastics: are the Yamuna, the Ramganga, the primary and secondary. Ghaghra, the Gandak, the Burhi Gandak, the Primary microplastics Kosi, the Mahananda and the Sone. Chambal . Primary microplastics are tiny particles and Betwa are also the two other important designed for commercial use, such as sub-tributaries. cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from Why in the news? clothing and other textiles, such as fishing . The study, ‘Quantitative analysis of nets. Microplastics along River Ganga’ done by a Secondary microplastics Delhi-based environment NGO has revealed . Secondary microplastics are particles that pollution by microplastics in River Ganga. result from the breakdown of larger plastic . Water samples were collected at Haridwar, items, such as water bottles. This Kanpur and Varanasi. breakdown is caused by exposure to . The highest concentration of such plastic environmental factors, mainly the sun’s was found at Varanasi, comprising single- radiation and ocean waves. use and secondary plastic products. . Microplastics are recognised as a major . Results show presence of at least 40 source of marine pollution. different kinds of polymers as microplastics. Microplastics in oceans and rivers . The most frequent size range observed in . The generation of microplastics starts from all the samples was <300µm. rivers. Way Forward . Major sources like untreated sewage along . Various stakeholders, including industry, the river’s course, industrial waste and the government and civil society religious offerings wrapped in non- organisations, need to join hands for degradable plastics pile pollutants into the improving plastic waste management and river as it flows through several densely the subsequent reduction in microplastic populated cities. pollution . The plastic products and waste materials . Improved solid and liquid waste released or dumped in the river break down management can deter the generation of and are eventually broken down into micro microplastics at source. particles. For doubts and queries email us at [email protected]

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ECONOMY

1) GST Compensations UTs as a back-to-back loan in appropriate What is it? tranches as was done last year. . The GST regime, launched on July 1, 2017, introduced a uniform indirect tax structure 2) Central Bank Digital Currency across the country by merging various state What’s in the news? and local-level levies. . Recently the deputy governor of Reserve . Under the GST compensation Act 2017, Bank of India T. Rabi Shankar said that the states are guaranteed full compensation for RBI is currently working on a phased any revenue loss for the first five years implementation strategy for its own digital after the introduction of the GST. currency, Central Bank Digital Currency . For the purpose of calculating the (CBDC), and will launch it in the wholesale compensation amount in any financial year, and retail segments soon. year 2015-16 will be assumed to be the . The primary idea for the RBI is to protect base year, from which revenue will be consumers from the appalling level of projected. The growth rate of revenue for a volatility seen in some or many of the state during the five-year period is assumed virtual currencies that have no sovereign to be 14% per annum. backing. . Any shortfall has to be compensated from What is CBDC? the receipts of Compensation Cess levied . The central bank digital currency should on luxury goods and sin products such as not be mistaken with a cryptocurrency liquor, cigarettes, aerated water, or Bitcoin. automobiles, coal and other tobacco . A CBDC is a central bank issued digital commodities. currency which is backed by some kind Why in News? of assets in the form of either gold, . In a written reply to a question in the Lok currency reserves, bonds and other assets, Sabha, Minister of State for Finance said recognised by the central banks as a about Rs 1.36 lakh crore of compensation monetary asset. due to states under GST regime is yet to be . This guarantee from a central bank reduces released to states and Union Territories for the CBDC risk, volatility, and ensures a FY21 and FY22. larger acceptance across the globe. . Of this, over Rs 81,000 crore GST . On the other hand, a cryptocurrency is compensation is due to states for 2020-21, issued by a network and backed by a crypto while Rs 55,345 crore is outstanding for asset which may or may not have the April-May of current fiscal year. backing of any monetizable asset or . The economic impact of the COVID physical asset. Therefore, the risk is higher pandemic has led to higher compensation and there is more price volatility and less requirements due to lower GST collection acceptance as a money instrument globally. and at the same time lower collection of Advantages GST compensation cess. . Experts point out that the move to bring out . In 2020-21, the Centre had borrowed ₹ 1.1 a CBDC could significantly improve lakh crore under a special window and monetary policy development in India passed it on to states as back-to-back with enhanced surveillance and real-time loans to help them meet the resource gap situational monitoring. due to short-release of compensation on . A CBDC can increase the transmission of account of inadequate balance in the money from central banks to commercial compensation fund. banks and end customers much faster than . Subsequently, it has been decided that the the present system. Centre will borrow ₹ 1.59 lakh crore from . Digital fiat currencies create greater the market through a special window in the barriers to illicit activity, as physical cash current fiscal year and pass it on to states/ can help conceal and transfer funds outside

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of regulated financial systems. With the Yuan pilot run. China has plans to growing adoption of CBDCs, payments and introduce digital Yuan in the winter transfers will be easier to identify and trace Olympics next year. to previous sources, significantly reducing Way Forward the risk of fraud and money laundering. . The central bank will have to carefully . Fiat money is a currency that lacks intrinsic analyze the pros and the cons of digital value and is established as a legal tender by currencies before they are rolled out in government regulation. India. . Digital currencies have all the intrinsic advantages of fiat currency like it is 3) India Inequality Report 2021 durable, portable and fungible. Being What’s in the news? digital, it will make it easily verifiable, . Oxfam India has released a report titled more secure and traceable. Hence, “India Inequality Report 2021: India’s improving upon the existing advantages of Unequal Healthcare Story”. paper currency. . Oxfam India is a registered Non-profit . Fungibility is the ability of a good or asset to organisation working to support child be interchanged with other individual goods education, empowering women & fighting or assets of the same type. against inequality in India. Challenges Highlights of the Report . Experts, however, observe that there are Inequalities on Health Indicators also certain negatives attached to the . The report notes that sharp inequalities CBDCs. exist across different caste, religious, class . The approach of bringing a sovereign digital and gender categories on various health currency stands in stark contrast to the indicators. idea of decentralisation. . It shows that the general category is better Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, came off than the SCs and STs, Hindus are better into existence intending to eliminate the off than Muslims, the rich are better off than middleman, thereby establishing a system the poor, men are better off than women, of trust without the need to depend on any and the urban population is better off than single entity. CBDCs would again rely on the the rural population on most health banking system, as these are just the digital determinants, interventions and indicators. version of fiat currency. . The findings are primarily based on . Central banks might indulge in issuing more secondary analysis from rounds 3 and 4 of digital currencies which could potentially the National Family Health Survey and trigger higher inflation. various rounds of the National Sample Global status Survey. . Digital currencies are gaining more and Women Literacy more traction by the day, and there are . The report shows that while women’s countries which have launched, or are going literacy has improved across social to be launching digital currencies, including groups over the years, SC and ST women Ecuador, Tunisia, Senegal, Sweden, Estonia, lag behind the general category by 18.6% China, Russia, Japan, Venezuela, and Israel. and 27.9%, respectively. . Reports say that 81 countries, . Though the female literacy rate among representing over 90 per cent of Global Muslims (64.3%) is lower than all GDP, are exploring CBDCs. Fourteen religious groups, inequality has reduced counties have tested pilots, in 16 countries over time. such currencies are in the development Sanitation phase, and 32 countries in the research . As far as sanitation is concerned, 65.7% phase. Fourteen major economies, including households have access to improved, China and South Korea, have tested pilots. non-shared sanitation facilities in the . China is currently leading the race of general category while SC households CBDCs, and has recently released a report are 28.5% behind them and ST are which mentioned $ 5.5 billion worth 39.8% behind them. transactions carried out during the digital

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Other Health Indicators . Similarly, immunisation in ST households . An examination of health interventions too at 55.8% is still 6.2% below the national shows disparities. average, and Muslims have the lowest rate . The share of institutional deliveries in across all socio-religious groups at 55.4%. India has increased from 38.7% in 2005- . Life expectancy based on wealth reveals 06 to 78.9% in 2015-16, but inequalities that, on an average, an upper caste woman persist with ST households 15% below the lives 15 years longer than a Dalit woman. general category, Muslims 12% behind For doubts and queries email us at: Hindus and a 35% gap between the poorest [email protected] and richest 20% of the population.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1) China-South Asia grouping meant to exclude India, Bangladesh Foreign Background Minister said that India can join these . The China-South Asian Countries Poverty initiatives if it so desires. Alleviation and Cooperative . The absence of India from the grouping as Development Center was inaugurated on 8 well as from a series of consultations on July, 2021, in China. COVID relief between the Chinese Vice . Ambassadors of South Asian countries such Foreign Minister and different as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri combinations of all SAARC member Lanka, and Bangladesh attended and countries (other than India and Bhutan) led addressed the ceremony. India, Maldives some experts to suggest this was meant to and Bhutan did not participate in the be a “Minus India” initiative. India is the ceremonies. only country of all eight SAARC nations that . The Centre’s stated aim is to pool strength, has not requested or accepted Chinese integrate resources, and exchange wisdom COVID vaccines. to support and help the South Asian Related Information countries' economic development and About SAARC livelihood improvement, jointly promoting . The South Asian Association for Regional the cause of poverty reduction. Cooperation (SAARC) was established in China-South Asia Emergency Supply 1985 with 7 founding members. Reserve . SAARC now comprises eight Member States: . China also set up the China-South Asia Afghanistan (joined in 2007), Bangladesh, Emergency Supply Reserve recently. Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan . The reserve is a joint stockpile of and Sri Lanka. emergency supplies as part of efforts to . The Secretariat of the Association is located tackle the covid-19 pandemic and other in Kathmandu, Nepal. crises. . The objectives of the Association include Concerns promotion of welfare of the peoples of . The China-South Asian Countries Poverty South Asia and to improve their quality of Alleviation and Cooperative Development life; to accelerate economic growth, social Center is being seen as an alternative to progress and cultural development in the the eight-member South Asian region and to provide all individuals the Association for Regional Cooperation opportunity to live in dignity and to realize (SAARC) which has been inactive since their full potential. 2014 when leaders of the India-led . Decisions at all levels are to be taken on the grouping met in Kathmandu for their basis of unanimity; and bilateral and summit. contentious issues are excluded from the . The 2016 summit was to be hosted by deliberations of the Association. Pakistan but it had to be called off after India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan 2) Asian Development Bank cited terrorism emanating from Pakistan as About ADB a major threat to the region and announced . The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was their boycott. founded in 1966 with the primary mission . Officially India has not reacted to the two of fostering growth and cooperation among centres set up by China and its immediate countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. neighbours joining the China-led initiative. . It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Why in News? . At present, ADB comprises 68 members . Denying that the creation of the China- (including India)- of which 49 are from South Asian Countries Emergency Supplies within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. Reserve, and the Poverty Alleviation and . The ADB was modeled closely on the Cooperative Development Centre was World Bank, and has a similar weighted

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voting system where votes are distributed adverse impact of the coronavirus in proportion with members' capital pandemic. subscriptions. . According to the Asian Development . The two largest shareholders of the ADB are Outlook (ADO) Supplement, India’s GDP the US and Japan. growth recovered to 1.6 per cent in the last . ADB is an official United Nations Observer. quarter of fiscal year ended March 2021, Objectives narrowing contraction in the whole fiscal . ADB envisions a prosperous, inclusive, year from 8 per cent estimated in April to a resilient, and sustainable Asia and the revised 7.3 per cent. Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to . Meanwhile, growth projection for FY eradicate extreme poverty in the region. 2022 (ending in March 2023), by which Despite the region's many successes, it time much of India’s population is expected remains home to a large share of the to be vaccinated, is upgraded from 7 per world's poor: 263 million living on less than cent to 7.5 per cent as economic activity $1.90 a day and 1.1 billion on less than normalises. $3.20 a day. . On South Asia, ADB said the economic . ADB assists its members, and partners, by outlook for the subregion is dampened by providing loans, technical assistance, new waves of COVID-19 hitting the grants, and equity investments to promote subregion from March to June 2021. social and economic development. . The adverse economic impact of these new Why in News? waves is expected to be limited, with . The Asian Development Bank has businesses and consumers better able to downgraded India’s economic growth adapt to the pandemic and containment forecast for the current financial year to measures now than they were a year ago. 10 per cent, from 11 per cent projected For doubts and queries email us at: earlier this year, mainly on account of the [email protected]

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1) AI tool NBDriver equipment, weapons and sensors including Why in News? Fuel-Cell based Air Independent Propulsion . Researchers at IIT Madras have (AIP) system, advanced torpedoes, modern developed an AI tool called NBDriver missiles and state-of-the-art (neighbourhood driver) for use in analysing countermeasure systems. cancer-causing mutations in cells. . It will be the first project to be How does the technique work? implemented under the strategic . NBDriver is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnership (SP) model that allows tool developed to analyse cancer-causing domestic firms to collaborate with mutations in cells. foreign players to produce high-end . A mutation is a change in a DNA military platforms in India. sequence. Mutations can result from DNA Significance copying mistakes made during cell division, . The project would not only aid in boosting exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to the core submarine shipbuilding chemicals called mutagens, or infection by industry but would also greatly enhance viruses. the manufacturing/industrial sector, . By looking at the neighbourhood, or especially the MSME by the development context, of a mutation in the genome, it of an industrial ecosystem for the can look at harmful “driver” mutations manufacture of associated spares, systems and distinguish them from neutral and equipment related to submarines. “passenger” mutations. . Under the strategic partnership model, . Mutations that provide a selective growth domestic defence manufacturers are advantage and thus promote cancer allowed to join hands with leading foreign development are termed driver mutations defence majors to produce high-end and those that do not are termed passenger military platforms to reduce import mutations. dependence. Significance of this tool . Indian Navy plans to acquire 24 new . The usual approach misses out on submarines, including six nuclear attack mutations- Researchers usually analyse submarines, to bolster its underwater DNA sequences from large groups of cancer fighting capability under a 30-year patients by comparing sequences from programme that will end in 2030. cancer as well as normal cells and . The Navy has been focusing on significantly determine whether a particular mutation bolstering its overall capabilities in view of occurred more often in cancer cells than China's growing efforts to increase its random. However, this approach often military presence in the Indian Ocean misses out on relatively rare driver Region. mutations. Why in News: . The Defence Ministry issued the Request 2) Project 75-I For Proposal (RFP) for construction of six advanced conventional submarines for the What is Project 75-I? Navy under Project-75I. . Project-75I envisages indigenous For doubts and queries email us at: construction of modern conventional submarines with contemporary [email protected]

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DEFENCE

1) Indian Multirole Helicopter Why in News: Why in News? . A new generation of Akash surface-to-air . Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), is missile and Man Portable Anti Tank Guided planning to indigenously design and Missile was successfully flight-tested by the develop a medium lift helicopter, the Indian DRDO. multirole helicopter (IMRH). About IMRH

Akash Missile . AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air

. The IMRH is envisaged as a medium lift Missile system to protect vulnerable areas helicopter with a maximum all-up weight and vulnerable points from air attacks. of 13 tonnes to replace the Russian Mi-17 . It can strike enemy aerial targets like fighter class of helicopters in service. jets, drones, cruise missiles, air-to-surface . It will be powered by twin engines, suit the missiles as well as ballistic missiles from a high altitude requirements of the Army distance of 30 km, operating at a speed and Air Force as well feature blade folding range of 1.8 to 2.5 Mach. option for ship deck operations. . Mach is used as a unit of measurement in . The intended roles of the IMRH are to stating the speed of a moving object in support air assault, air transport, relation to the speed of sound. For combat logistics, combat search and example, if an aircraft is travelling at Mach rescue and casualty evacuation as well as 1, it is travelling at exactly the speed of VVIP duties. sound. . The HAL currently has a range of . The missile is supported by the indigenous products in the light helicopter indigenously developed radar called category — Advanced Light Helicopter, 'Rajendra'. Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility . AKASH Weapon System can Helicopter. simultaneously engage Multiple Targets . To read about Light Combat Helicopter: in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. https://officerspulse.com/light-combat- . The Akash missile system has been helicopter/ designed and developed as part of . To read about Advanced Light Helicopters: Integrated Guided-Missile Development https://officerspulse.com/indian-coast-guard- Programme (IGMDP). icg/ . To read about IGMDP (Integrated Guided . To read about Ka-226T light utility Missile Development Program) - helicopters: https://officerspulse.com/ka-226t- https://officerspulse.com/agni-p/ light-utility-helicopters/ . Recently, it became the first-ever weapons platform to be exported. Akash NG 2) Akash-NG and MPATGM

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. It is a new variant of the Akash missile that . Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air can strike targets at a distance of around missile equipped with electronic measures 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach against all known aircraft jammers. It has a 2.5. range of 9 km and is used as anti-sea . Like Akash, it is also a surface-to-air skimmer from ships against low-flying Missile. attacks. . Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon Agni II system will prove to be a force multiplier . An intermediate-range ballistic missile, for the air defence capability of the Indian the Agni-II was first test fired in 1999. The Air Force. surface-to-surface missile has a range of Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile: 2000 to 2500 km and can carry . It is an indigenously-developed anti-tank conventional or nuclear warheads. guided missile. Prithvi III . It is 'Soft' launched from a canister using an . Prithvi III is the naval-version missile with a Ejection Motor and follows the fire and range of 350 km. A two-stage surface-to- forget principle. surface missile, Prithvi III was first tested in . It uses a state-of-the-art Miniaturized 2000. Infrared Imaging Seeker along with Brahmos advanced avionics. . BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile . The man portable missile is launched using that was first test-fired in 2001. It was a tripod is designed for a max. range of 2.5 developed as a joint venture between India Km with a launch weight less than 15 Kg. and Russia and is the world's fastest anti- Other indigenously developed missile ship cruise missile in operation. systems in India. Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) Prithvi I . India’s ballistic missile defence got a fillip . Prithvi I was one of the first missiles with the development of PAD. The system developed under Government of India's was tested with a maximum interception IGMDP. Launched in 1988, Prithvi I is a altitude of 80 km, and has been designed to single-stage, liquid-fuelled missile. A neutralise missiles within a range of 300- surface-to-surface missile, it has a range of 2000 km up to a speed of Mach 5.0. The 150 km and a mounting capability of 1000 technology employed in the PAD was the kg. It was inducted into the Indian Army in precursor to the indigenously developed 1994. Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor Agni I missile which was tested in 2007, as well as . A nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni 1 the Barak-2 which was developed in is the first of the five-missile Agni series collaboration with Israel. launched in 1983 by the Defence Research K-15 Sagarika and Development Organisation. It has a . It forms the crucial third leg of India’s range of 700 km. nuclear deterrent vis-à-vis its submarine- Akash launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capability. . Akash is a surface-to-air missile with an The K-15 Sagarika, which has a range of 750 intercept range of 30 km. It has multi-target km, was successfully tested in 2008, and engagement capability and is in operational was subsequently integrated with India’s service with the Indian Army and the Indian nuclear-powered Arihant class submarine. Air Force. Dhanush Nag . Dhanush is a liquid propelled sea-based . Nag is a third-generation hit-to-kill anti- missile that was envisaged as a short-range tank missile that was first tested in 1990. version of the Prithvi II ballistic missile. It The two-stage solid propellant weapon has a range of 350 km and is capable of uses the lock-on before launch system carrying nuclear warheads. It was where the target is identified and successfully test-fired from a naval warship designated before the weapon is launched. in 2011 Trishul Agni III

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. Agni III is an intermediate-range ballistic reach up to 1,000 km. Nirbhay is capable of missile developed as the successor to the being launched from multiple platforms Agni II. It is an improvement over its on land, sea, and air. previous iteration, and has a range of 3,500- Prahaar 5,000 km, making it capable of engaging . Prahaar is a surface-to-surface missile targets deep inside neighbouring countries. with a range of 150 km that was It was inducted into the armed forces in successfully tested for the first time in 2011. June 2011, enhancing its strike capability. Stated to be a unique missile, the Prahaar Agni IV boasts of high maneuverability, . Agni III was developed to strike targets acceleration and accuracy. Primarily a within a similar range but with a battlefield support system for the Army, the significantly shorter flight time of 20 missile can be fired from a road mobile minutes. The Agni IV, which has a two- launchers and is extremely mobile in battle phase propulsion system is designed to situations owing to its lighter build. carry a 1,000 kg payload. Astra Shaurya . Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to- . It was initially conceived as a surface-to- air missile (AAM) that was tested surface ballistic missile (SSM) variant of successfully in 2011. In terms of size and the K-15 Sagarika, that can be stored in weight, the Astra is the smallest missile underground silos for extended periods and developed by the DRDO. It was envisaged launched using gas canisters as a trigger. to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at The nuclear capability of the missile supersonic speeds in head-on mode within enhances India’s second strike capability a range of 80 km. and reduces the dependence on the K-15 Agni V ballistic missile which was built with . Agni is India’s first inter-continental significant Russian assistance. ballistic missile (ICBM), with high road Nirbhay mobility, fast-reaction ability and a strike . Nirbhay is a subsonic missile which is range of over 5,000 km. ancillary to the BrahMos range. It uses a For doubts and queries email us at: terrain-following navigation system to [email protected]

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PIB ANALYSIS

1) Corporate Social Responsibility . According to the amendments, non- What is Corporate Social Responsibility? compliance to the CSR rules and . Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a obligations will no longer be treated as a business philosophy that dictates that criminal offence. These will now be companies around the globe should deviate treated as civil wrongs. from the narrow path of chasing only . Any surplus income being generated financial gains and wealth buildup and through a company’s CSR activities can not embark on a journey of sustainable form part of the company’s profit. The development. surplus shall be reinvested into the same . It includes community welfare, ethical project or shall be transferred to the corporate conduct, climate action, Unspent CSR Account. defending the socio-economic rights of . Any CSR expenditure that exceeds the marginalised sections of society, among required amount can be carried forward to other aspects. the next three years. CSR in India Why in the news? . India harbours one of the earliest and . The Minister of State for the Ministry of richest traditions of CSR in the world in the Corporate Affairs stated that Corporate form of philanthropy. houses spend a huge sum on Corporate . We can find Chanakya, also called Kautilya, Social Responsibility (CSR) for the welfare the cardinal force behind Mauryan of workers and local people in the country. Imperialism, commenting and emphasising on the importance of observing ethical 2) Special Economic Zones (SEZ) practices and principles while conducting What are SEZs? commercial activities. . SEZ is a specifically delineated duty-free . Our scriptures have also repeatedly echoed enclave and deemed to be foreign territory the importance of sharing business earnings for the purposes of trade operations and with the deprived segments of the society. duties and tariffs. . In modern India, CSR was attributed with a . SEZs’ economic laws are more liberal than a whole new dimension with the country's typical economic laws. India’s SEZ “Trusteeship Theory” of Mahatma policy offers various fiscal and regulatory Gandhi, which considered the businessmen incentives to the developers within the zone of India as trustees of trusts that looked like exemption from customs duties, central after public welfare. excise duties. Legal Provisions . The idea was to create a level playing field . India is the first country in the world to for domestic enterprises and manufacturers make CSR mandatory, following an to be competitive globally. amendment to The Company Act, 2013 in Objectives of SEZs 2014. . The major objectives of setting up a SEZ are . Any company that has a net worth of at 1. To attract FDI least Rs 500 crore, a turnover of Rs 1,000 2. Earn foreign exchange and contribute to crore or a net profit of Rs 5 crore is exchange rate stability obliged to spend 2% of its average profits 3. Boost the export sector especially non over the last three years on CSR. traditional exports . Businesses can invest their profits in areas 4. To create employment opportunities such as education, poverty, gender equality, 5. Introduce new technology and hunger as part of their CSR compliance, 6. Develop backward regions etc. as regulated by the law. Major Amendments Why in the news? . In January 2021, the Ministry of Corporate . Special Economic Zones (SEZ) have touched Affairs amended the rules of CSR. new heights in terms of performance in

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Exports, Investment and Employment in the 4. Organize a minimum of one cluster last three years. demonstration in a village Programme implementation 3) Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi . Under PKVY, farmers are provided Padhati financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare/ 3 years is given, out of which Rs. About the scheme 31,000 (61%) is provided directly through . Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) is DBT for inputs bio fertilisers, bio-pesticides, a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi organic manure, compost, vermi-compost, Vikas Yojana (PKVY) which is being botanical extracts etc. implemented by the Ministry of . Organic farming will be promoted by using Agriculture and Farmers Welfare from traditional resources and the organic 2020-21 for the promotion of traditional products will be linked with the market. indigenous practices. . It will increase domestic production and . The scheme mainly emphasizes on certification of organic produce by involving exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs farmers. and promotes on-farm biomass recycling Why in the news? with major stress on biomass mulching; . This information was given by the Union use of cow dung-urine formulations; plant- Minister of Agriculture and Farmers based preparations and time to time Welfare in Rajya Sabha recently. working of soil for aeration.

. Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for 4) Dam Rehabilitation and cluster formation, capacity building and Improvement Project Scheme continuous hand holding by trained About personnel, certification and residue . The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of analysis. Water Resources, River Development and About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Ganga Rejuvenation initiated the World (PKVY) Bank assisted Dam Rehabilitation and . The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Improvement Project (DRIP) in April 2012. (PKVY) was launched in 2015 by the . The objective is to improve safety and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers operational performance of selected Welfare. dams, institutional strengthening and . It is an extended component of Soil adopting a systems management approach. Health Management (SHM) under the . It is a State Sector Scheme with central Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), component with a provision of National Mission on Sustainable rehabilitation for 223 dams located in Agriculture (NMSA). seven States i.e. Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, . PKVY aims at supporting and promoting Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand organic farming, in turn resulting in and Uttarakhand. improvement of soil health. . The budget outlay of the Scheme is Rs.3466 . Objective Crore with scheduled closure on March 31, . The objective is to produce agricultural 2021. products free from chemicals and DRIP Phase II and Phase III pesticides residues by adopting eco- . The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs friendly, low- cost technologies. chaired by the Prime Minister has approved . Key Thrust areas of PKVY in promoting the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement organic farming include the following: Project (DRIP) Phase II & Phase III with the 1. Promote organic farming among rural financial assistance of the World Bank youth/ farmers/ consumers/ traders (WB), and Asian Infrastructure 2. Disseminate latest technologies in organic Investment Bank (AIIB). farming . The aim of the project is to improve the 3. Utilize the services of experts from public safety and operational performance of agricultural research system in India selected dams across the country, along

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with institutional strengthening with a incidental revenue for sustainable system wide management approach. operation and maintenance of dams . The Project will be implemented over a . To achieve the above objectives, DRIP Phase period of 10 years duration in two Phases, II & Phase III has following components each of six years duration with two years . Rehabilitation and improvement of dams overlapping from April, 2021 to March, and associated appurtenances, 2031. . Dam safety institutional strengthening in . The Scheme envisages comprehensive participating States and Central agencies, rehabilitation of 736 existing dams . Exploration of alternative incidental means across the country. at few of selected dams to generate the . DRIP Phase II & Phase III envisages the incidental revenue for sustainable following objectives:- operation and maintenance of dams, and 1. To improve the safety and performance . Project management. of selected existing dams and associated Why in the news? appurtenances in a sustainable manner. . Government of Andhra Pradesh has 2. To strengthen the dam safety expressed willingness to be a part of DRIP institutional setup in participating states Phase -II & III and submitted an estimate for as well as at central level, and 667 crore to rehabilitate 31 dams. 3. To explore the alternative incidental means For doubts and queries email us at at few of selected dams to generate the [email protected]

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News in Depth AIR NEWS

1) Members of Parliament Local . The MPLADS funds can be merged with Area Development Scheme other schemes such as MGNREGA and Khelo India. About the Scheme Allocation for SC & ST . The Members of Parliament Local Area . The guidelines recommend MPs to suggest Development Scheme (MPLADS) is meant to works costing at least 15 per cent of their enable Members of Parliament to MPLADS entitlement for the year for areas recommend works of developmental inhabited by Scheduled Caste population nature with emphasis on creation of and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by durable community assets based on Scheduled Tribe population. locally felt needs to be taken up in their . In case there is insufficient tribal population constituencies in the area of national in the area of Lok Sabha Member, they may priorities namely drinking water, education, recommend this amount for the creation of public health, sanitation, roads etc. community assets in tribal areas outside of . The Ministry of Statistics and their constituency but within their State of Programme Implementation has been election. responsible for the policy formulation, Implementation release of funds and prescribing monitoring . Under MPLADS, the role of the MPs is mechanism for implementation of the limited only upto recommendation of Scheme. works. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of Features the District Authority to sanction, execute . The MPLADS is fully funded by the and complete the works recommended by Government of India. The annual MPLADS Members of Parliament within the fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. stipulated time. 5 crore. . The District Authority shall identify the . Funds under the MPLADS are non- Implementing Agency capable of executing lapsable. the eligible work qualitatively, timely and . Lok Sabha Members can recommend satisfactorily. It shall be responsible for works within their Constituencies and timely and effective implementation of such Elected Members of Rajya Sabha can works. recommend works within the State of . Information on MPLADS (the number and Election (with select cost of works sanctioned, implementing exceptions). Nominated Members of both agencies, projects completed, etc) should be the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can made available to citizens under the Right recommend works anywhere in the to Information Act. country. . At least 10% of the projects under . All works to meet locally felt infrastructure implementation in the district are to be and development needs, with an emphasis inspected every year by the district on creation of durable assets in the authority. constituency are permissible under Suspension of MPLADS MPLADS as prescribed in the scheme . In April 2020, the central government guidelines. announced suspension of MPLADS for two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. Suspension of the MPLAD Scheme will make boost exports and minimise dependence Rs 7,800 crore available to the government on imports for high end steel. which will go to the Consolidated Fund of . This will also bring in investment of India to fight COVID-19 . approximately 40 thousand crore rupees Why in News? and has a potential of generating over five . The Central Government has clarified that lakh 25 thousand jobs. there is no proposal for restoration of . The Scheme proposes to incentivize MPLADS which has been stopped in view of eligible manufacturers by paying Covid-19 pandemic. between 4 percent to 12 percent incentive on incremental production. 2) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme 3) LaQshya About the scheme Background . In April last year, the central government . After the launch of the National Health had for the first time notified the Mission (NHM) in 2013, there has been a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme substantial increase in the number of for mobile phones and allied component institutional deliveries. However, this manufacturing. increase in the numbers has not resulted . As a part of the scheme, companies which in commensurate improvements in the set up new mobile and specified equipment key maternal and new-born health manufacturing units or expanded their indicators. present units would get incentives of 4 to . It is estimated that approximately 46% 6 per cent, after they achieve their maternal deaths, over 40% stillbirths and investment and production value target for 40% newborn deaths take place on the day each year. of the delivery. . It aimed at making India a hub for . A transformational change in the processes manufacturing and exports. related to the care during the delivery, . In November, the government announced which essentially relates to intrapartum that the PLI scheme would be expanded to and immediate postpartum care, is required include 12 more sectors such as to achieve tangible results within a short automobile and automobile components, period of time. Prerequisite of such pharmaceutical drugs, textile products, food approach would also hinge upon the health products, high efficiency solar photo-voltaic system’s preparedness for prompt modules, white goods such as air identification and management of maternal conditioners and LED bulbs, and speciality and newborn complications. steel products. About the Programme Why in News? . In this context, the Ministry of Health and . The Union Cabinet has approved the Family Welfare launched the ‘LaQshya’ Production-linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme (Labour room Quality Improvement for Specialty Steel with incentives of Rs. Initiative) programme in 2017 which 6,322 crore. This will be provided over a aimed at improving quality of care in period of five years. This scheme will boost labour room and maternity Operation production of high grade specialty steel in Theatre (OT). the country. Objectives of LaQshya . The scheme will cover coated or plated steel . Reduce maternal and newborn morbidity products, high strength or wear resistant and mortality; steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products, . Improve quality of care during delivery and steel wires and electrical steel. immediate post-partum period; . Any company registered in India and . Enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries, engaged in manufacturing of the identified positive birthing experience and provide specialty steel grades is eligible to Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all participate in this scheme. The decision will pregnant women attending public health facilities.

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Target Beneficiaries Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South . LaQshya program will benefit every Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and USA. pregnant woman and newborn delivering in public health institutions. Program will improve quality of care for pregnant women in the labour room, maternity Operation Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care Units (ICUs) & High Dependency Units (HDUs). Following facilities are being taken under LaQshya initiative on priority: . All Government Medical College hospitals. . All District Hospitals & equivalent healthy facilities. Key Features . LaQshya program envisages to improve quality of care in labour room and maternity OT. . Under the initiative, multi-pronged strategy has been adopted such as improving Infrastructure upgradation, ensuring availability of essential equipment, providing adequate Human Resources, . The G-20’s member-countries represent capacity building of health care workers around 85% of the world’s economic and improving quality processes in the output, three-quarters of international labour room. trade and two thirds of the world’s . Implementation of ‘fast-track’ interventions population. (National Quality Assurance Standards . The objectives of the G20 are: (NQAS) assessment, Trainings, Mentoring, 1. Policy coordination between its members in Reviews etc.) order to achieve global economic stability, . Capacity-building of healthcare workers by sustainable growth; skill-based training. 2. To promote financial regulations that . To strengthen critical care in Obstetrics, reduce risks and prevent future financial dedicated Obstetric ICUs at Medical College crises; and Hospital level and Obstetric HDUs at District 3. To create a new international financial Hospital are operationalized under LaQshya architecture. program. Why in News? Why in News? . Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav . The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare participated in the G20 Climate summit and conducted an awareness drive about the stressed that the G20 must respond to the ‘LaQshya’ (Labour room Quality call of science for urgent global climate Improvement Initiative) programme. action in this decade. . He mentioned the vision of Prime Minister 4) G20 & Paris Agreement Narendra Modi – installing 450 GigaWatt of About G20 Renewable Energy by 2030, enhanced . Founded in 1999, the Group of Twenty ambition in bio-fuels, India’s Nationally (G20) is the premier forum for its members’ Determined Contributions and various international economic cooperation and other initiatives on Urban Climate Action. decision-making. . Mr Yadav stressed that common but . The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, differentiated responsibilities to combat Brazil, Canada, China, European Union, climate change as per respective France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, capabilities and national circumstances, lies at the heart of the Paris Agreement. He

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said there should not be any shifting of emissions and on their implementation goalposts and setting new benchmarks for efforts. global climate ambition. . The Paris Agreement places great Related Information emphasis on climate-related capacity- Paris Climate Deal building for developing countries and . The Paris Agreement is a legally binding requests all developed countries to enhance international treaty on climate change. It support for capacity-building actions in comes under the United Nations developing countries. Framework Convention on Climate . With the Agreement, countries established Change (UNFCCC). an enhanced transparency framework . The agreement was negotiated and adopted (ETF). Under the ETF, countries will report by 196 parties in Paris during the UNFCCC’s transparently on actions taken and progress 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in in climate change mitigation, adaptation 2015. It came into effect in 2016. measures and support provided or . The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to received. It also provides for international strengthen the global response to the threat procedures for the review of the submitted of climate change by keeping a global reports. The information gathered through temperature rise this century well below 2 the ETF will feed into the Global stocktake degrees Celsius above pre-industrial which will assess the collective progress levels and to pursue efforts to limit the towards the long-term climate goals. temperature increase even further to 1.5 . As of December 2020, all 197 UNFCCC degrees Celsius. members have signed the agreement and . A key feature of the Paris Agreement has 189 countries remain party to it. been the way the agreement reflects the . India, too, is a party to the agreement, principle of ‘common but differentiated having ratified it in April, 2016. responsibilities’ (CBDR). This principle India’s NDCs for Paris agreement acknowledges the different capabilities and . To reduce the emissions intensity of its differing responsibilities of individual GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from countries in addressing climate change. 2005 levels. . Under the Paris Agreement, developed . To achieve about 40 per cent cumulative countries are under obligation to mobilise electric power installed capacity from non- at least $100 billion every year from the fossil fuel-based energy resources by year 2020 in climate finance meant for the 2030, with the help of transfer of developing world. This amount has to be technology and low-cost international revised upwards after five years. finance, including from the Green Climate . The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to Fund. put forward their best efforts through . To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 nationally determined contributions to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (NDCs) and to strengthen these efforts in through additional forest and tree cover by the years ahead. This includes requirements 2030. that all Parties report regularly on their For doubts and queries email us at [email protected]

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THE HINDU EDITORIALS

1) The crisis ahead, from learning . Learning loss from online class was most loss to resumption pronounced among students from disadvantaged homes. GS-2 Health and Education . Studies in the United States show that NEWS: lockdowns have also prompted some There is an urgent need to open Schools as . students to leave the public school system its closures have resulted in loss of altogether. nutrition and schooling for the poorest . Azim Premji Foundation studies sections of our society. (conducted in January 2021, covering CONTEXT more than 16,000 children, five states in . Covid has resulted in educational disruption the age group 6-11 years), found that 92% unparalleled since the mass education of children on average have lost at least system took root in India. one specific language ability and 82% . There is no clarity on the opening of schools their mathematical ability as compared that have been closed for 16 months. to previous year across all classes. . The country has tried to fill the gap of the QUESTION OVER FUTURE OF OPENING OF online classes through online classes and OFFLINE EDUCATION e-connectivity, with special focus on . The first question pertains to what should secondary and higher education. be policy while promoting students to the PROBLEM WITH SCHOOL CLOSURE next class. Will the promotion should be . First issue with online education is the automatic or or some changes need to be issue of access. Due to lack of brought in promotion policy. connectivity as well as a lack of access to . Also there issue of implementing Age- e-devices, only a fraction of children even appropriate enrolment, as guaranteed in secondary and higher age groups are under the Right to Education Act able to access online education of any kind. uniformly across the states. This access is even minuscule to primary INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE and upper primary schools. Government . In this regard, India can learn from school children are especially practices being followed across the world disadvantaged in this regard. which are: . Second issue is about the quality of online . One way of addressing the learning crisis education itself. Percentage of teachers in might be to repeat the entire academic the country capable of handling digital year as has been planned in Kenya. platforms for pedagogic purposes is very Extended time for classes both in duration small. The educational material provided by of school hours and more calendar days most of the teachers in online classes has of interaction can be practised as done in been mere reproduction of what is used in a the Philippines. physical classroom. . Another approach is to reduce and EFFECT OF ONLINE CLASSES synthesize the curriculum as done by the . Online classes have resulted in nutrition state of Ontario in Canada so that loss and learning loss as shown by studies students are able to focus on a few worldwide: important subjects and learn them well. . In the Netherlands, where there was a . Third approach is catering to the needs of short lockdown, equitable school the most disadvantaged through one-to- funding, and excellent broadband access, one tutoring. To do this, the National it was found that Tutoring Programme has been launched . Among eight to 11 year olds, students made in the United Kingdom (funding of £350 little or no progress while learning from million) and Ghana (national home; programme), different States in the U.S,

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university students of Italy have also 2) Surveillance reform is the need taken similar initiatives. of the hour . Idea of Accelerated education GS-2 Government Policies & Interventions, programmes or “bridge courses” which Fundamental Rights can condense several months/ even years of NEWS schooling into a few weeks or months, has There has been a rising number of also been taken by several countries. . questions over government hacking phones . All these International measures have and installing spyware. focused on Acceleration, not remediation. CONTEXT However, issues with these models is that . Report titled the “Pegasus Project” which they tend to ignore the complexity of is a collaboration of investigations by psychological preparedness in children. journalists from around the world, say that Hence they reduce learning to a single over 300 verified Indian mobile telephone dimension of achievement. This numbers, including those used by ministers, invariably works against children in low- opposition leaders, journalists, the legal resource contexts. Education needs to be community, businessmen, government seen in a holistic term. As said by Tony officials, scientists, rights activists and Cotton, the renowned mathematics others, were targeted using spyware made educator from the U.K., the curriculum by the Israeli firm, NSO Group. should not be seen as a fixed list of content CONCERNS that must all be covered before the . Step of surveillance is seen as a threat to learner can leave school. If the curriculum press freedom. can be seen as a map, as a landscape, 1. Amnesty International’s Security Lab where there is always plenty of time to confirmed that Pegasus was used to explore. compromise the phones of several former WAY FORWARD journalists. . After the resumption of the school, most 2. Similar allegations have been made in the likely events will be schools simply past about the use of Pegasus against reverting to business as usual, with a human rights activists, most of them were reduced syllabus, and no change situated in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh whatsoever in the overall curriculum or and targeted lawyers related to the Bhima pedagogy. Schools will be racing through Koregaon case and Dalit activists, the syllabus to catch up. This might have respectively. chances of disaster where those Children . This surveillance is particularly concerning who cannot keep especially from the because India ranks 142 out of 180 poorest section would simply be left countries in the World Press Freedom behind. This would be a great disaster. Index, 2021 produced by Reporters . Hence the need of the hour is the National Without Borders. rejuvenation programme for elementary PROBLEMATIC LEGAL PROVISIONS IN education. School system needs to be INDIA supported by a vast body of volunteers . Government already has surveillance power engaging in small groups with children under Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and from the most disadvantaged sections. the Information Technology (IT) Act, . There is a need for a flexible curriculum 2000 for interception and monitoring rooted in local reality, working with activities. physical material, and pedagogy based on . These provisions are themself problematic sound principles of psychology of learning. even without the use of Pegasus because of This is because we should not reduce their opacity. education to foundational literacy and . Provisions of the Telegraph Act relate to numeracy, but treat children as they are, telephone conversations whereas the IT study the experiences they bring, and Act is related to all communications address their nutritional, emotional and undertaken using a computer resource. intellectual well-being as a whole.

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. Section 69 of the IT Act and the requirements of procedural safeguards Interception Rules of 2009 are even more and natural justice. opaque than the Telegraph Act. They offer . Judicial oversight and judicial investigation even weaker protections to the surveilled. is essential particularly into the Pegasus . Despite their opacity, no provision under hacking case because it even causes the both the acts allows the government to phone number of a sitting Supreme Court hack the phones of any individual. judge, which further calls into question the Hacking of computer resources, including independence of the judiciary in India. mobile phones and apps, is a criminal . In the coming time as soon as spyware offence under the IT Act. becomes more affordable and . Surveillance itself, whether under a interception becomes more efficient, provision of law or without it, is a gross there is a danger that everyone will be violation of the fundamental rights of potentially subject to state-sponsored citizens as it impacts the right to privacy mass surveillance. Hence, the only and the exercise of freedom of speech solution is immediate and far-reaching and personal liberty under Articles 19 surveillance reform. and 21 of the Constitution. . The issue with the laws is that there is no 3) India must directly engage with scope for an individual subjected to Taliban 2.0 surveillance to approach a court of law GS-2: International relations, India and its prior to or during or subsequent to acts neighbouring countries of surveillance since the system itself is CONTEXT covert. . The present development is taking place in . Absence of parliamentary or judicial the background of the withdrawal of the oversight gives the executive the power to United States from Afghanistan which has influence both the subject of surveillance resulted in Afghanistan going into a full- and all classes of individuals including even blown civil war. Constitutional functionaries such as a . In order to protect its civilian assets, India sitting judge of the Supreme Court has decided to temporarily close its (Central government in RTI request in consulate in Kandahar and to evacuate 2013 have revealed that 7,500 to 9,000 its diplomats and Indo-Tibetan Border orders for interception of telephones Police (ITBP) personnel stationed in were issued by it every month). This is Kandahar. equivalent to vesting disproportionate . India has also decided to suspend power with one wing of the government operations in the Indian consulates in and is against separation of powers of the Jalalabad and Herat (now left only with government. the Embassy in Kabul and the consulate in . It is true that any surveillance is not too Mazar-e-Sharif) problematic when due process of law is SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WITHDRAWALS followed. The existing provisions are . New Delhi’s decision to partially withdraw problematic because they allow the from Afghanistan shows New Delhi executive to exercise a disproportionate realisation about the threat possessed by amount of power and curtail Articles 32 Taliban poses to Indian assets. It also and 226 and are also against K.S. points out the fact that relying only on the Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of India government in Kabul was a big mistake. (2017) of the Constitution. . The developments point out that India's WAY FORWARD Afghan policy is at a major crossroads with . Only the judiciary amongst all the three challenges like the need to protect its organs is competent to decide on instances civilian assets and stay relevant in the of surveillan. Hence it can play an important unfolding ‘great game’. role in order to satisfy the ideal of “due . Need of the hour is that India should give up process of law”, to maintain an effective hesitant, half-embarrassed backchannel separation of powers and to fulfill the parleys and open talks with the Taliban

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before it is too late. However, talking international community will be ready to do “openly” does not mean recognizing the business with the Taliban. Taliban as it is only one of the parties in . Secondly, the Taliban is looking for Afghanistan. It is neither the Afghan regional and global partners for government, nor a part of it. recognition and legitimacy. Non . India in the past have shown half-hearted, engagement may result in the Taliban half-embarrassed, ideologically-hesitant developing exclusive deals with Pakistani meandering outreach to the Taliban. deep state. . In late 2018, when Moscow organised a . Thirdly, it would be a mistake to think that conference which also had the Taliban and the worldly-wise and internationally- members of the Afghan High Peace exposed Taliban 2.0 will continue to be Council, India sent a ‘non-official Pakistan’s servile followers upon gaining delegation’ of two retired diplomats to power in Kabul. Sooner or later it would Moscow. develop its own agency and sovereign . Similarly in September last year, India’s claims like legitimacy of the Durand External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Line. joined the inaugural session of the Intra- . For India, it makes neither strategic nor Afghan negotiations in Doha. economic sense to withdraw from . Last month also, there was indirect Afghanistan after spending over $3 billion. reaching out to the Taliban which was . Last but not the least, if India is not confirmed by the Ministry of External proactive in Afghanistan, other countries Affairs. like Russia, Iran, Pakistan and China will . Problem however with such half hearted emerge as the shapers of Afghanistan’s measures is that they are insufficient to political and geopolitical destiny which safeguard Indian interests in a rapidly will be detrimental to Indian interests. shifting Afghan geopolitical landscape. WAY FORWARD . India should understand that Open dialogue . Opening up the congested north-western with the Taliban is a strategic necessity and frontier is key to bringing India’s should no longer be a taboo. continental grand strategy which New WHY NEW DELHI IS HESITANT Delhi has already started through . India is concerned that if New Delhi backchannel talks with Pakistan, ceasefire chooses to engage the Taliban directly, it on the Line of Control, and political dialogue could unease Afghanistan President with the mainstream Kashmiri leadership. Ashraf Ghani, so far India’s trusted partner Proactive engagement with the Taliban is and potentially nudge him to look towards an important part of this strategy. China and the Shanghai Cooperation . It is true that the Taliban, given its bloody Organisation (SCO) for national security past, should not have been anywhere and personal political survival. near governing Afghanistan. But . Secondly, decision makers in New Delhi considering the reality that Taliban is going have a dilemma of who to talk to within to be in power, New Delhi must exorcise the Taliban given that it is hardly a the demons of IC-814 hijacking monolith. (December 1999) from its collective . There is lack of evidence about whether the memory and engage with the Taliban 2.0. Taliban in its new Avatar have changed or not. 4) Pegasus is India’s Watergate . India is also concerned about the possibility moment of Pakistan acting out against India in GS 2 Fundamental rights, Transparency and Kashmir by establishing deeper links with accountability the Taliban. NEWS: WHY INDIA SHOULD ENGAGE With increasing technological capacity that . New Delhi should understand the Taliban in . the intelligence community has provided to one way or another is going to be part of the the government, there is growing fear of political scheme of things in Afghanistan and unlike in 1996 more players in the

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tyranny that can be imposed by the calls of opponents in trade or estranged government. spouses. CONTEXT LAWS DEALING WITH SURVEILLANCE IN . There have been allegations of spying by INDIA the Government of India using spyware . Interception and monitoring of Pegasus. communications are authorised under SURVEILLANCE IN A DEMOCRACY Section 92 of the CrPC (for call records, . The amount of surveillance that should be etc), Rule 419A of the Telegraph Rules, there in a democracy is always a point of and the rules under Sections 69 and 69B debate. Experts feel just like salt, a small of the IT Act. However, there is a lack of amount of surveillance is necessary for clarity over application of these laws. the health of the body politic, however its . In 2018, nine central agencies and one State excess is dangerous. agency were authorised to conduct . Excessive and unaccountable intercepts under Section 69 of the IT Act. surveillance imperils privacy, freedom of . There is unclarity over which entities count thought, of speech, shatters bedrock of rule as intelligence and security agencies. of law and has a chilling effect on people’s Whereas Intelligence Organisations Act, behaviour. which restricts the civil liberties of . There is a need to balance liberties with intelligence agency employees, lists only national security, but it should not come at four agencies, RTI Act lists 22 agencies as the cost of the very liberties such security “intelligence and security organisations is supposed to allow us. established by the central government” . Government claims of all its surveillance that are exempt from the RTI Act. being authorised and justified is not . Various surveillance programs such as CMS correct because of such surveillance being (Centralized Monitoring System), TCIS not proportionate. They are further prone (Telephone Call Interception System), to misuse for personal and political gain, NETRA (NEtwork TRaffic Analysis), and to harass opponents. CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking EVIDENCES OF SURVEILLANCE Network & Systems) are problematic . Numerous examples of unlawful because they don't have any authorisation surveillance which seem to be for political by any statute. They violate K.S. and personal gain and have nothing to do Puttaswamy judgment (2017) which held with national security or organised that any invasion of privacy could only be crime can be found in India. However very justified if it satisfied three tests which are: few cases have been held legally 1. Firstly, restrictions must be by law. accountable for unlawful surveillance. 2. Secondly it must be necessary and only if . For example: In 2012 in Himachal other means are not available and Pradesh, the new government raided police proportionate. agencies. It found over a lakh phone 3. Thirdly, it must promote a legitimate state conversations of over a thousand people. interest (e.g. national security). The conversation was mainly of political RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING members, and many senior police officials, SURVEILLANCE including the Director General of Police . To ensure accountability various (DGP), who is legally responsible for recommendation has been made by various conducting phone taps in the State. persons/committees: . Not only state actors but even Non-state . Ex Vice-President Hamid Ansari has actors such as the Essar group, have also called for creation of a standing been shown to engage in illegal committee of Parliament on intelligence surveillance. and legislative basis for India’s agencies. . K.K. Paul, then the Governor of . Institute for Defence and Strategic Meghalaya noted complaints by telecom Analysis (Ministry of Defence-funded operators that private individuals were think-tank) in its report “A Case for misusing police contacts to tap phone Intelligence Reforms in India” recommended that intelligence agencies in

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India must be provided a legal framework unconstitutional since they are not for their existence and functioning. The constituted under a statute passed by committee has further recommended that Parliament. functioning of these intelligence agencies WAY FORWARD must be under Parliamentary oversight . Reforms are needed in India which can and scrutiny. professionalise intelligence gathering, . Srikrishna Committee on data protection bring intelligence agencies under noted that post the K.S. Puttaswamy parliamentary oversight and ensure civil judgment, most of India’s intelligence liberties and rule of law. agencies, National Intelligence Agency For doubts and queries email us at being an exception, are potentially [email protected]

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INDIAN EXPRESS EXPLAINED

1) The Great Indian Bustards of species of grassland and hence barometers Kutch: their habitats, existential of the health of grassland ecosystems. On the brink of extinction threat . The GIB population in India had fallen to Why in the news? just 150. Of them 128 birds were in . Recently, the government informed the Rajasthan, 10 in Kutch district of Gujarat Rajya Sabha that there are no Great Indian and a few in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bustards in Kutch Bustard Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. Gujarat Kutch, a claim that has raised . The historical range of these majestic birds concerns among conservationists and included much of Indian sub-continent but wildlife enthusiasts. it has now shrunk by 90 per cent. Great Indian Bustards and their habitats . Due to the species’ smaller population size, . Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) are the largest the International Union for Conservation of among the four bustard species found in Nature (IUCN) has categorised GIBs as India, the other three being MacQueen’s critically endangered, thus on the brink of bustard, lesser florican and the Bengal extinction from the wild. florican. Threats . GIBs’ historic range included much of the . Scientists of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Indian sub-continent but it has now have been pointing out overhead power shrunken to just 10 percent of it. transmission lines as the biggest threat to . Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs the GIBs. prefer grasslands as their habitats. . WII research has concluded that in . Being terrestrial birds, they spend most of Rajasthan, 18 GIBs die every year after their time on the ground with occasional colliding with overhead power lines as the flights to go from one part of their habitat to birds, due to their poor frontal vision, the other. can’t detect power lines in time and their . They feed on insects, lizards, grass seeds weight make in-flight quick manoeuvres etc. GIBs are considered the flagship bird difficult.

. Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are of windmills and construction of power the places which have witnessed creation of lines even in core GIB areas. huge renewable energy infrastructure over . Change in landscape by way of farmers the past two decades, leading to installation cultivating their land, which otherwise

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used to remain fallow due to frequent . The latest judgement is important because droughts in Kutch, and cultivation of cotton by protecting the birds, the Court has and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are affirmed and emphasised the biocentric also cited as reasons for falling GIB values of eco-preservation. numbers. . Biocentrism holds that the natural Conservation measures environment has its own set of rights . In 2015, the Central government launched which is independent of its ability to be the GIB species recovery programme. exploited by or to be useful to humans. . Under the programme, the WII and . Anthropocentrism is a contrary Rajasthan forest department have jointly philosophy to Biocentrism. It argues that of set up conservation breeding centres where all the species on earth, humans are the GIB eggs harvested from the wild are most significant and that all other incubated artificially and hatchlings raised resources on earth may be justifiably in a controlled environment. exploited for the benefit of human . Recently, the Supreme Court in M.K. beings. Ranjitsinh & Others vs Union of India & Others have directed the government of 2) The challenge of skilling India Rajasthan and Gujarat to install bird Why in the news? diverters until the conversion of overhead . Recently, on the occasion of the World cables into underground power lines take Youth Skills Day (July 15), Prime Minister place. underscored the importance of a skilled Significance of the Judgement workforce for achieving the goal of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Skilling Challenges

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. On the one hand, companies in India face an workforce informality leads to lower acute shortage of skilled manpower and, on incentives to acquire new skills. the other, India has millions of educated . Faced with inadequately skilled workers, unemployed. businesses often choose replacing labour . At over 19% unemployment rate, one in with machinery. every five Indian who graduate (or even . That’s because skilled labour and better) is unemployed. technology are complementary, but . According to the 2018 report by National unskilled labour and technology are Council of Applied Economic Research substitutes. This, in turn, leads to still fewer (NCAER), India had about 468 million formal jobs. people in its workforce. . Millions of Indians who work in agriculture . Around 92% of them were in the informal continue to subsist because they do not sector. Around 31% were illiterate, only have the skills to take up industrial or 13% had a primary education, and only 6% services sector jobs even as these sectors were college graduates. themselves have failed to create adequate . Further, only about 2% of the workforce job opportunities. had formal vocational training, and only 9% What can be done to break this cycle? had non-formal, vocational training. . A distinct disadvantage with India’s . It is estimated that almost 1.25 million new approach towards skilling has been to workers (aged 15–29) were projected to ignore the demands of the market. join India’s workforce every month through . For the most part, skills have been provided 2022. in a top down fashion. Thus, most skilling . A big part of the trouble is the starting efforts focus almost solely on providing condition. Over 90% of India’s workforce is certain skills but fail to “match” them with in the informal sector. the needs of the market. . According to researchers at the NCAER, For doubts and queries email us at India is trapped in a vicious cycle: Greater [email protected]

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INFOGRAPHIC OF THE WEEK 1) Purchasing Managers Index

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. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- . https://indianexpress.com/article/explaine ed/surveillance-reform-is-the-need-of- d/explainspeaking-the-challenge-of- the-hour/article35414371.ece skilling-india-7411258/ . https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lea . https://indianexpress.com/article/explaine d/the-crisis-ahead-from-learning-loss- d/explained-great-indian-bustards-of- to-resumption/article35415004.ece kutch-their-habitats-existential-threat- 7417139/ INDIAN EXPRESS

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