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CURRENT AFFAIRS DECEMBER 2019 A magazine for APSC CCE and UPSC CSE

Includes Assam related topics for APSC Specific topics for UPSC CSE-2019 Personality Tests Holistically covers articles from The Hindu, Assam Tribune Covers the issues of Citizenship Amendment Act, Assam Accord, ST status

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Contents HISTORY AND CULTURE ...... 6 1.1 Maharaja Surajmal and the third battle of Panipat ...... 6 1.2 Jnanpith Award: ...... 6 1.3 India’s first maritime museum in Gujarat: ...... 6 1.4 Maharaja Duleep Singh: ...... 6 1.5 Paika Rebellion ...... 7 1.6 Udham Singh ...... 7 1.7 Tanbo Art ...... 8 1.8 Santhali...... 8 1.9 Nehru Liaqat Agreement ...... 8 1.10 Bhaona ...... 8 1.11 Suranga Bawadi ...... 9 1.12 Laxmi Narasimha temple ...... 9 1.13 UNESCO Creative Cite Network ...... 10 1.14 Saint Thiruvalluvar ...... 10 1.15 Guru Nanak ...... 10 1.16 Tolstoy Farm...... 11 GEOGRAPHY ...... 12 2.1 Drake Passage ...... 12 2.2 Victoria Falls ...... 12 2.3 Core Cold Wave Zone ...... 12 2.4 Chagos Archipelago ...... 12 2.5 Power of Siberia Gas pipeline ...... 13 2.6 White Island ...... 13 2.7 Annular Eclipse ...... 13 2.8 Phanfone Typhoon ...... 13 2.9 Tidewater Glacier ...... 14 2.10 Red Atlas MAP & CFlows App for flood mitigation in Chennai ...... 14 2.11 Heat Wave ...... 14 SOCIETY ...... 15 3.1 UNDP Human Development Index ...... 15 3.2 Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana ...... 15 3.3 Accessible India Campaign ...... 15 3.4 Global Gender Gap Index ...... 16 3.5 Nagpur Resolution ...... 16 3.6 University for Transgender people ...... 17 3.7 Social Security Code ...... 17 LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

HEALTH AND EDUCATION ...... 18 4.1 Indian Pharmacopoeia ...... 18 4.2 National Council for Teacher Education ...... 18 4.3 Mental Disorder ...... 18 4.4 Biosimilar Medicine ...... 19 4.5 Food security and Nutrition ...... 19 4.6 National Medical Commission Act 2019 ...... 19 4.7 Eat Right Movement ...... 20 POLITY ...... 21 5.1 Parliamentary committees and absent members ...... 21 5.2 Data Protection Bill ...... 21 5.3 Creamy layer principle for SC ST promotion ...... 22 5.4 Sixth Schedule of the constitution ...... 22 5.5 Disha Bill ...... 23 5.6 Public Property Act ...... 24 5.7 Impeachment of Donald Trump ...... 25 5.8 Increasing Lok Sabha strength ...... 25 5.9 National Company law Tribunal ...... 26 5.10 GST Council ...... 26 5.11 Drug Prices Control Order ...... 27 5.12 Reservations for Anglo Indians ...... 27 5.13 Fit India Plog run ...... 27 5.14 Cap on Election Spending...... 28 5.15 Extended Inner Line Permit in Nagaland ...... 28 5.16 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom ...... 29 5.17 Citizenship Amendment Bill ...... 30 5.17 Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth ...... 31 5.18 Chief of defence staff ...... 32 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ...... 33 6.1 Chabahar Port ...... 33 6.2 INSTEX Barter Mechanism ...... 33 6.3 NATO ...... 33 6.4 GCC Summit ...... 34 6.5 Indian Ocean Dialogue ...... 34 6.6 UN Convention on International settlement agreements ...... 34 6.7 SACEP Governing Council Meet ...... 34 6.8 USA Mexico Canada Agreement ...... 35 6.9 Recycling of Ships Act ...... 36

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6.10 Point Based Visa Policy of Australia ...... 36 6.11 Bougainville- new country ...... 37 6.12 USA’s Military Space Force ...... 37 6.13 Global Carbon Project: ...... 37 6.14 Asian Elephant Specialist Group ...... 38 6.15 Global Refugee Forum ...... 38 6.16 Afgan Peace Deal ...... 38 ECONOMY ...... 40 7.1 Bharat Bond ETF ...... 40 7.2 National Investment & Infrastructure Fund...... 40 7.3 Extra Neutral Alcohol ...... 40 7.4 Deposit Insurance ...... 41 7.5 Infrastructure Investment Trust ...... 41 7.6 Special Economic Zone ...... 42 7.7 Forex Reserve ...... 42 7.8 Global E-Commerce Ranking ...... 43 7.9 National Financial Reporting Authority ...... 43 7.10 National Electronic Funds Transfer ...... 44 7.11 Operation Twist ...... 44 7.12 Eight West African countries rename common currency to Eco ...... 44 7.13 Direct Tax Code ...... 45 7.14 Western Dedicated Freight Corridor...... 45 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ...... 46 8.1 Rotavirus ...... 46 8.2 HERA Mission ...... 46 8.3 Space Technology Cell ...... 46 8.4 Torrefaction ...... 46 8.5 Head on Generation Technology ...... 47 8.6 Neutrino Project ...... 47 8.7 NAVIC ...... 47 8.8 Rare Earth Elements ...... 48 8.9 New Prototype of KiloGram ...... 48 8.10 Fuel cell Electric Vehicle ...... 48 8.11 Eco Club ...... 49 8.12 Snow Ex ...... 49 8.13 RISAT ...... 50 8.14 Echo Network ...... 50 8.15 Blue Flag ...... 51

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8.16 White Dwarf system ...... 51 8.17 Hydrogen Fuel ...... 51 8.18 StrandHogg...... 52 8.19 CHEOPS system ...... 52 8.20 Long March 5 ...... 52 8.21 C-Sat-Fi ...... 52 8.22 AKRUTI Programme ...... 53 8.23 Accelerator Lab ...... 53 ENVIRONMENT ...... 54 9.1 Clownfish ...... 54 9.2 World Soil Day ...... 54 9.3 Global Climate Risk index ...... 54 9.4 Dyanganga wildlife sanctuary ...... 55 9.5 Operation Clean Art ...... 55 9.6 UNFCCC COP 25...... 55 9.7 Climate Change Performance Index ...... 56 9.8 Europe’s Climate Neutrality Plan ...... 56 9.9 Rhino reintroduction in Uttarakhand ...... 56 9.10 Sustainable development Cell ...... 57 9.11 European Green deal ...... 57 9.12 Jal Jeevan Mission ...... 58 9.13 Water Hyacinth to detect Herbicide Pollution ...... 58 9.14 Coral Reef ...... 58 9.15 Sulphur pollution...... 59 9.16 State of Forest Report ...... 59 Key Findings ...... 60 SECURITY ...... 61 10.1 Chief of Defence Staff ...... 61 10.2 Detention Centre for Illegal Migrant...... 61 10.3 AFSPA ...... 62 10.4 UN backs Russia on Internet Convention ...... 62 ASSAM RELATED CURRENT AFFAIRS ...... 64 11.1Background in which Assam Accord was signed...... 64 11.2 National Registers of Citizen ...... 66 11.3 Citizenship Amendment Act...... 70 11.4 The Issue with clause 6: Assamese Definition ...... 72 11.5 ST status to 6 communities ...... 73

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

1.1 Maharaja Surajmal and the third battle of Panipat

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the Censor Board to take note of allegations that Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film, Panipat, had wrongly portrayed Maharaja Surajmal.

The third battle of panipat- what, why and how?

• Fought between Maratha forces and invading armies of Afghan general Ahmed Shah Abdali of Durrani Empire in 1761. • Abdali was supported by two Indian allies—the Rohillas Najib-ud-daulah, Afghans of the Doab region and Shuja-ud-Daula-the Nawab of Awadh. • Outcome - the Marathas were defeated in the battle. They lost their prestige in north India and this paved the way for British expansion here. Other major battles fought at Panipat:

1. The First Battle of Panipat, in 1526: Fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi. It laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.

2. The Second Battle of Panipat, in 1556. Fought between Hemu ‘Vikramaditya’ and Akbar. It cemented Mughal rule.

1.2 Jnanpith Award:

Eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham has been chosen for 55th Jnanpith Award for the year 2019.

➢ The Jnanpith Awards was Instituted in 1961. ➢ Any Indian citizen who writes in any of the 22 official languages of India is eligible for the honour. ➢ Assamese authors to win Jnanpith till now : Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya (1979), Mamoni Raisom Goswami (2000).

1.3 India’s first maritime museum in Gujarat:

A National Maritime Heritage Museum will be established at Lothal in Gujarat.

➢ The museum will act as an independent research center for archaeology of boat building, reconstruction of maritime history and materials traded. ➢ It will hold display of salvaged materials from shipwreck sites in Indian Ocean waters.

Static GK : The evidence of first man made dockyard can be found in Lothal which belongs to the time period of Indus Valley Civilization (Approx. 3500 BC – 1500 BC).

1.4 Maharaja Duleep Singh:

Congress MP Pratap Singh Bajwa recently made a demand in the Rajya Sabha to exhume the remains of Maharaja Duleep Singh from his grave in England, and have them brought to Amritsar.

• He was the last ruler of the Sikh empire, born to Maharaja Ranjit Singh (founder and the greatest king of Sikh empire) in 1838 in Lahore. • In 1849, after the British defeated the Sikhs in the war, Singh was forced to sign a legal document that amended the Treaty of Lahore, requiring him to not only give up claims of sovereignty over the region, but also the Koh-i-noor diamond. • In 1853, he converted to Christianity, and settled in the UK in 1854.

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1.5 Paika Rebellion

President Ram Nath Kovind recently laid the foundation of a memorial dedicated to the 1817 Paika Rebellion.

Who are Paikas?

Recruited since the 16th century by kings in Odisha from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and titles.

They were the traditional land-owning militia of Odisha and served as warriors.

How the rebellion began?

When armies of the East India Company overran most of Odisha in 1803, the Raja of Khurda lost his primacy and the power and prestige of the Paikas went on a decline. So, they rebelled back.

• The British administration set up a commission under Walter Ewer to look into the issue. • The commission recommended that the hereditary rent-free lands granted to the Paikas be taken over by the British administration. They revolted against the British. • Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra Bharamarbar Rai, the highest-ranking military general of King of Khorda Mukund Dev II, led the Paikas to join the uprising. • However, the rebellion also had several other underlying causes – like the rise in the price of salt, abolition of the cowrie currency for payment of taxes and an overtly extortionist land revenue policy. Outcome:

Although initially the Company struggled to respond they managed to put down the rebellion by May 1817. Many of the Paika leaders were hung or deported. Jagabandhu surrendered in 1825.

Various Peasant and Tribal Movements in Assam & North-east

• Phulguri Uprising (1861)

• Rangia and Lachima Revolt (1893-94)

• Patharughat Uprising (1894)

• Revolt in the Jayantia Hills (1860-63)

1.6 Udham Singh

A BJP MP recently mentioned about Udham Singh in Parliament. About • Born in Sunam in Punjab’s Sangrur district in 1899. •He was a political activist who got associated with the Ghadar Party while in the US. • In 1934, Singh made his way to London with the purpose of assassinating O’Dwyer, who in 1919 had been the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab and unsurprisingly, Singh considered O’Dwyer to be responsible for the massacre. • Instead of Dyer, who instructed his men to open fire at the crowd gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, O’Dwyer is considered to be the actual perpetrator, since Dyer could not have executed it without his permission. • On March 13, 1940 Singh shot O’Dwyer at a meeting of the East India Association and the Royal Central Asian Society at Caxton Hill. • He was sentenced to death and was hanged on July 31, 1940 at Pentonville Prison. Ghadar Party • The multi-ethnic party was believed to have communist tendencies and was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakna in 1913. • Headquartered in California. • It was committed to the ouster of the British from India.

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1.7 Tanbo Art

A progressive farmer in Kerala is using Tanbo Art (a 3D art form) to depict the celebrated Guruvayur temple elephant that died in 1976. About • The farmer used several indigenous varieties of rice like Krishna Kamod, Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala to give shape to the image •Tanbo Art is a rice paddy art developed by the farmers of Inakadate village in Japan about three decades ago to beautify their paddy fields. • They drew huge replicas of famous paintings, including Mona Lisa, by growing rice crops with fronds of different colours.

1.8 Santhali

Recently, Santhali language has been spoken for the first time in the Rajya Sabha. About • Santhali is the language from the North Mundari group of the Austro asiatic Munda family. • Santhali is written in Ol Chiki script which was created by Pt. Raghunath Murmu in 1925. • The language is primarily spoken in India (Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam), Bangladesh and Nepal. • By 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, Santhali along with Bodo, Maithili and Dogri were added to the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. • In August 2018, Santhali language got its own Wikipedia edition in its own script .About Santhal: • Santhals forms the third largest tribal group in India. They call themselves Hor ko (Man) or Horhoponko(sons of Man). • Santhals follow the Sarna religion. Their God and Goddess are Marangburu, Jaheraera, and Manjh. • Sohrai is the principal festival of Santal community. Besides that Baha, Karam, Dansai, Sakrat, Mahmore, Rundo and Magsim are important festivals. • Chadar Badar, a form of puppetry known also as Santal puppetry is a folk show involving wooden puppets placed in a small cage which acts as the stage.

1.9 Nehru Liaqat Agreement

• Home Minister has recently refered to the Nehru-Liaquat Pact that was signed in Delhi in 1950 during the ongoing debate on The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Parliament. About • The Nehru-Liaquat Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was a bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan in order to provide a framework for the treatment of minorities in the two countries. • The refugees were allowed to return to dispose of their property, abducted women and looted property were to be returned, forced conversions were unrecognized, and minority rights were confirmed. • Minority commissions were set up in both countries. • More than one million refugees migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to West Bengal in India

1.10 Bhaona

Recently, Bhaona, a folk theatre form of Assam reached global audience. Bhaona is traditionally performed in the Brajavali language, developed by Shankardev exclusively for this theatre form. In this respect, let us learn about this theatre form and its significance. ABOUT • Bhaona is a mythology-based theatrical performance, and monastic dances that evolved into the classical Sattriya. • Bhaona is a presentation of the Ankia Naat of Assam. • In Bhaona, cultural glimpses of Assam, Bengal Orissa, Mathura and Brindavan can be seen. • A Bhaona, involving dialogues, songs and dances by performers in costumes and ornaments, usually involves 40-50 people, including those playing heavy drums and cymbals .• This form of theatre began almost 500 years ago by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva who experimented with the literary language of Brajavali. SHANKARADEVA • Shankaradeva was a Bhakti saint in Assam during the late fifteenth century. • He emphasised devotion to Vishnu. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• He composed poems and plays in Assamese. • He began the practice of setting up namghars or houses of recitation and prayer, a practice that continues to date. • Entertainment played a major role in the neoVaishnavite movement that Sankardeva started in Assam. • He wrote his prose in Sanskrit but used Assamese and Brajavali to develop Borgeet, a new form of spiritual music, and Bhaona. • Linguistic researchers say Sankardeva needed to connect with his Assamese masses, who did not expect the divine characters of his plays to speak in the common man’s language. • So, he created the Brajavali, a literary language limited to theatrical usage.

1.11 Suranga Bawadi

World Monuments Fund (WMF) has included Suranga Bawadi in the World Monument Watch list for 2020 along with other monuments from across the world. RESTORATION • Suranga Bawadi is an integral part of the ancient Karez system of supplying water through subterranean tunnels. • It was built during Adil Shahi era in Karnataka’s and is now set to get funding for restoration. • The monument has been selected under the “Ancient Water System of the Deccan Plateau” by the World Monuments Fund (the NGO), which monitors restoration of ancient monuments across the globe. • With this, the Suranga Bawadi is expected to get funds for restoration within the next two years. • The NGO would also coordinate with the authorities concerned for restoration and create awareness on its importance. • The World Monuments Fund works in collaboration with the local stakeholders, including the district administration, the Archaeological Survey of India and local explorers of ancient monuments, in highlighting the need for restoration of ancient monuments. • In this case, it will be working on the ancient water system

‘Karez’.ABOUT KAREZ SYSTEM • It is believed to be one of the best ancient water systems in the world. • According to historians, the Adil Shahis built the Karez underground water system in the 16th century to supply water to Vijayapura in Karnataka. • The Karez system was built in the 16th century by Ali Adil Shah–I. • His successor, Ibrahim Adil Shah–II, brought in several changes by adding more structures to strengthen it. • The Adil Shahis built the magnificent underground system to supply water to the city, which had a population of nearly 12 lakh • World Monuments Fund (WMF) is a private, international, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage

1.12 Laxmi Narasimha temple

Recently, work on renovation of the historical 13th century Lakshmi Narasimha temple that developed leaks after the recent rains has begun. LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE • The historical 13th century Lakshmi Narasimha temple is located in Bhadravati, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. • The temple was built during the Hoysala rule in the early 13th century. • It is a ‘trikuta’ — a temple with three shrines — dedicated to deities Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopalaswamy, and Purushothama. • The temple attracts a large number of devotees on Vaikuntha Ekadashi and during the month of Karthika. • With the waning of Chola and Pandya power, the Hoysalas of Karnataka grew to prominence in South India and became the most important patrons centred at Mysore. • The remains of around hundred temples have been found in southern Deccan, though it is only three of them that are most frequently discussed: the temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpuram. • Perhaps the most characteristic feature of these temples is that they grow extremely complex with so many projecting angles emerging from the previously straightforward square temple, that the plan of these temples starts looking like a star, and is thus known as a stellateplan. • Since they are made out of soapstone which is a relatively soft stone, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately. • This can be seen particularly in the jewellery of the gods that adorn their temple walls. • The Hoysaleshvara temple (Lord of the Hoysalas) at Halebid in Karnataka was built in dark schist stone by the Hoysala king in 1150. • Hoysala temples are sometimes called hybrid or vesara as their unique style seems neither completely dravida nor nagara, but somewhere in between. • They are easily distinguishable from other medieval temples by their highly original star-like ground-plans and a profusion of decorative carvings.

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1.13 UNESCO Creative Cite Network • UNESCO has designated Hyderabad as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of GASTRONOMY. • UNESCO has also designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM. • Previously, 3 Indian cities were recognized as members of UCCN, namely- Jaipur-Crafts and Folk Arts(2015), Varanasi-Creative city of Music (2015), ChennaiCreative city of Music(2017). HYDERABAD’S FOOD CULTURE • Hyderabad is the city of biryanis, kebabs, haleem, kallu, shikampur and chowki dinners. • The rich food culture owes to the pre-Islamic Kakatiya cuisines (12th century) which have interacted in an incredible fashion with the arrival of Turks in 15th century, followed by Mughal influences in the 17th century. • It is among the 66 cities named by the UNESCO in the list of new Creative Cities, which aims at pushing the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action. • The designation of Hyderabad in the creative cities’ list would bring new opportunities and turn the focus on the city’s rich culinary heritage and tradition.  RELATED INFORMATION: UCCN • UCCN, created in 2004, is a network of cities which are thriving, active centres of cultural activities in their respective countries. • The UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts a total of 246 cities. • The member cities that form part of the Network come from all continents and regions with different income levels and populations. • They work together towards a common mission: placing creativity and the creative economy at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • The 7 categories for recognition under UCCN are:- Crafts and Folk Arts; Design; Film; Gastronomy; Music; Media Arts; Literature.

1.14 Saint Thiruvalluvar

A controversy recently began when a picture of Thiruvalluvar, whose white robes had been replaced with saffron drew protests. ABOUT SAINT THIRUVALLUVAR • Thiruvalluvar is regarded as a cultural and moral icon for Tamils across caste and religious lines. • The period when he lived is debated, as is his religious identity. • Some place him in the third or fourth century; others put him in the eighth or ninth. • Some call him a Hindu; some trace his past to Jainism; Dravidian groups count him as a saint with no religious identifiers except his Dravidian roots. • In his 1873 book Tamil Wisdom, British scholar Edward Jewitt Robinson wrote about the saint, including the suggestion that “Valluvan, or priest of the Pariah tribe, found the deserted child [in a grove in Chennai], and reared him as his own.

1.15 Guru Nanak

Recently, devotees attended the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak in Bidar. This place is closely associated with Guru Nanak’s life. In this respect, let us understand the key information pertaining to this place and its significance in the life of Guru Nanak.GURU NANAK AND BIDAR • Bidar, a town in northeastern Karnataka, holds a special place in the history of the Sikh faith as it is connected to the life of Guru Nanak and a few other religious figures. • Bidar town is marking the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak with special fervour, under the aegis of the Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee and the Guru Nanak Foundation. • Guru Nanak is believed to have visited Bidar during the ‘dakshinapatha’ or his southern sojourn. • Legend has it that he stopped in the hilly town of Bidar while returning from Sri Lanka in 1512. • The people of the parched land asked him for water and he moved a stone with his toe and an eternal spring came alive there. • The spring (jhira) that bears his name still exists in the town near Gurudwara Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib. ABOUT GURU NANAK DEV • Guru Nanak, was born in the village of Talwandi (now called Nankana) in 1469. • He died at Kartarpurin in 1538. • He founded the Sikh faith, introducing the concept of one God. • Like Kabir, Nanak also preached a casteless, universal, antiritualistic, monotheistic and highly spiritual religion. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

1.16 Tolstoy Farm

Recently, two larger-than-life busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela have been unveiled at Tolstoy Farm. ABOUT TOLSTOY FARM • Tolstoy Farm is a self-sufficient commune that Mahatma Gandhi started during his tenure as a lawyer in Johannesburg. • Tolstoy Farm is named after the great Russian writer whom Gandhi much admired. • It was a community started by Gandhi in Transvaal, South Africa, in 1910. It became the headquarters of the Satyagraha campaign which Gandhi led at that time. • It was here at Tolstoy Farm that Gandhi tried to understand how to bring diverse people together on a common platform. • He never made a distinction between his personal philosophy and his political philosophy they merged into one. • Gandhi introduced vocational training to give "all-round development to the boys and girls" at this farm. • Although at this stage there was no attempt to educate the children through the medium of a specific handicraft, Gandhi enabled each child to become self-supporting by supplementing their education with vocational training

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GEOGRAPHY

2.1 Drake Passage

It is the body of water between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean (Scotia Sea) with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean. It is the shortest crossing from Antarctica to any other landmass. There is no significant land anywhere around the world at the latitudes of Drake Passage, which is important to the unimpeded flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which carries a huge volume of water through the Passage and around Antarctica. The passage is named after Sir Francis Drake, who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.

2.2 Victoria Falls

The flow of Victoria Falls, with a width of 1.7 km and a height of roughly 108 metres, has been reduced to a trickle due to the severe droughts in the southern African region since October 2018.

Key facts:

• The falls are fed by the Zambezi river and define the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. • The falls are also referred to as “The Smoke that Thunders” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2.3 Core Cold Wave Zone

Recently, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted average minimum temperatures to be “warmer than average” in winters for most parts of the country. About • India’s ‘core cold wave’ zone is expected to experience higher minimum temperature during winters. • A trigger for this phenomena is the warm surface waters of the equatorial Pacific ocean. • Core cold wave’ zone covers Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana. • The warm winters in the country and overall rising global temperature is a sign of global warming. • India on an average is 0.5-degree celsius warmer than 50 years ago. • Rising temperatures lead to warmer than average ground temperatures and consequently a rise in minimum temperatures. • The global temperature is expected to rise 3.2 degrees celsius by the end of the century and intensify severe weather events. India Meteorological Department (IMD) • IMD was established in 1875. It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. • It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology

2.4 Chagos Archipelago

Mauritius has called the UK an illegal colonial occupier after it ignored a UN mandated deadline to return the Chagos Islands. About • The Chagos Archipelago is an island group in the central Indian Ocean. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• It is located about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. • In the 19th century, Chagos were governed from Mauritius which was a British Colony. • However, UK retained possession of the Chagos archipelago even after Mauritius gained its independence in 1968 by paying compensation to and fishing rights to Mauritius In 1971, UK forced the Chagos islanders to leave their homes so that the largest island named Diego Garcia could be leased to the US for a strategic airbase. Global Stand on Chagos Islands: • In 2019, International Court of Justice has ruled that the United Kingdom should hand over the administration of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius in order to legally complete its decolonisation. • However, as the matter was referred to the Court by the UN General Assembly, it is not binding to either country but will remain only as an advisory for UN to use in future.

2.5 Power of Siberia Gas pipeline

Recently China and Russia have inaugurated cross border gas pipeline named “Power of Siberia”. About • It is the first cross-border gas pipeline between Russia and China. • Under this pipeline project, Russia will deliver 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas to China over the next 30 years. • The pipeline will pass through the deltas of the Yangtze and Amur rivers of China. • The new pipeline is an emblem of closer energy integration in Eurasia, with Russia and China as the key partners

2.6 White Island

A volcanic eruption took place at White Island in New Zealand. About • White Island is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano which has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 1,50,000 years. • About 70% of the volcano lies under the sea and the Island forms the tip of the volcano. • The volcano is located in the Bay of Plenty, about 48km (29 miles) from the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. • Including its underwater base, White Island is the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand. • The island became a private scenic reserve in 1953. • The island is also known by name Whakaari.

2.7 Annular Eclipse

An annular solar eclipse was visible in India along with several other countries on December 26, 2019. About Solar eclipse: • It occurs on a new moon day when the Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun and when all the three objects are aligned in syzygy. • The shadow cast by the Moon on Earth blocks the sunlight fully or partially. Annular Solar Eclipse: • It occurs when the angular diameter of the Moon falls short of that of the Sun. • The moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon. Other Types of Solar Eclipse: • Partial: It happens when the Moon only partially covers the disk of the Sun. • Total: It happens when Sun’s disk is completely obscured by the Moon. • Hybrid: It changes from an annular to a total solar eclipse, and vice versa, along its path.

2.8 Phanfone Typhoon

The Philippines was hit by typhoon Phanfone on 25th December 2019. About • Typhoon Phanfone is known as Ursula in the local language in the LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Philippines. It is the second typhoon after typhoon Kammuri which hit the Philippines recently. • Phanfone is following a similar path as Super Typhoon Haiyan, which had hit the country in 2013. Typhoon is a region-specific name of the Tropical Cyclone (swirling system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical oceans). The Philippines is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt. It is hit by about 20 storms and typhoons each year. • Cyclones are called 'Hurricanes' in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, 'Typhoons' in South-East Asia and China and ‘Tropical Cyclones’ in the South-West Pacific and Indian Ocean Region

2.9 Tidewater Glacier

According to recent study, Underwater melting of tidewater glaciers is occurring 100 times faster than previously thought. About Tidewater Glaciers • They are valley glaciers that flow all the way down to the ocean. • Tidewater glaciers meet the ocean at the calving front where ice undergoes melting by the ocean (submarine melting) and icebergs calve off into the sea. • Increased rate of underwater melting is due to factors like burning of fossil fuels, oil and gas drilling, Ice breaking ships etc. Difference between sea ice and glaciers. • Sea ice forms and melts strictly in the ocean whereas glaciers are formed on land. • Icebergs are chunks of glacial ice that break off glaciers and fall into the ocean Sea ice, on the other hand, is often compared to ice cubes in a glass of water: when it melts, it does not directly change the level of water in the glass.

2.10 Red Atlas MAP & CFlows App for flood mitigation in Chennai

‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ is a first of its kind map to be prepared by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority and Greater Chennai Corporation. About • It will aid effective flood mitigation in Chennai which witnessed the worst deluge in 2015. • It includes probable scenarios for different rainfall periods while taking all historical datasets into account, for providing information on individual corporation wards • It aims at flood mitigation, preparedness, operations and management aspects. • 'Coastal Flood Warning System App’ (CFLOWSChennai) is a complete web GIS-based decision support system that involves coupling models of regional weather forecasts, storm surges and captures about 796 flood scenarios. o It can be used both for mitigation planning operations before flooding and in real time for aspects like relief work

2.11 Heat Wave

Recently the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released National Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan - Prevention and Management of Heat Wave. About • According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains, 37°C or more for coastal stations and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions. Following criteria are used to declare heat wave: • Based on Departure from Normal o Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C o Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C • Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only) o Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C o Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C • To declare heat wave, the above criteria should be met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days and it will be declared on the second day.

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SOCIETY

3.1 UNDP Human Development Index

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released Human Development Index 2019. About • Norway ranked first in HDI 2019, followed by Switzerland and Ireland. Burundi ranked last (189) • India ranked 129 out of 189 countries in 2019. HDI value was 0.647. India had ranked 130 in 2018. • Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka ranked 71, China ranked 85. Bhutan Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan were ranked lower than India. About HDI • It measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development: 1. A long and healthy life- measured by Life expectancy at birth 2. Access to knowledge: measured by Mean years of schooling and Expected years of schooling 3. A decent standard of living- measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP US$). • Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq created HDI in 1990, deriving the dimensions from Amartya Sen’s capability approach. • Other important indexes published by UNDP o Multidimensional Poverty Index o Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) o Gender Inequality Index (GII) o Gender Development Index o Gender Empowerment Measure o Multidimensional gender social norms index

3.2 Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana

In line with the provisions of National Policy for Farmers (NPF) (2007), the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing a programme exclusively for women farmers namely, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP). Funding support to the tune of up to 60% (90% for North Eastern States) for such projects is provided by the Government of India. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: It is a sub component of the Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM). It seeks to improve the present status of women in Agriculture, and to enhance the opportunities available to empower her. MKSP recognizes the identity of “Mahila” as “Kisan” and strives to build the capacity of women in the domain of agro-ecologically sustainable practices. Objectives and significance: • The focus of MKSP is on capacitating smallholders to adopt sustainable climate resilient agroecology and eventually create a pool of skilled community professionals. • Its objective is to strengthen smallholder agriculture through promotion of sustainable agriculture practices such as Community Managed Sustainable Agriculture (CMSA), Non Pesticide Management (NPM), Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), Pashu-Sakhi model for doorstep animal care services, Sustainable regeneration and harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Produce. Need for feminization of agriculture: Rural women form the most productive work force in the economy of majority of the developing nations including India. • More than 80% of rural women are engaged in agriculture activities for their livelihoods. • About 20 per cent of farm livelihoods are female headed due to widowhood, desertion, or male emigration. • Agriculture support system in India strengthens the exclusion of women from their entitlements as agriculture workers and cultivators. • Most of the women-headed households are not able to access extension services, farmers support institutions and production assets like seed, water, credit, subsidy etc. As agricultural workers, women are paid lower wage than men

3.3 Accessible India Campaign

The deadline for the government’s Accessible India Campaign (AIC) has been extended to March 2020 due to slow progress. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• It is a nation-wide Campaign launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 2015. • It aims to provide universal accessibility to persons with disabilities by developing an accessible physical environment, transportation system, and Information & communication ecosystem. • Aim: The aim of the Campaign is to make a barrier free and conducive environment for Divyangjans all over the country. The campaign has the vision to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives. • The campaign targeted to complete accessibility audit of 25-50 of the most important government buildings in 50 cities by 2016 and making them completely accessible by 2018. • Accessible India Campaign is in line with the Article 9 of UNCRPD (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) to which India is a signatory since 2007

3.4 Global Gender Gap Index

It is published annually by the world economic forum since 2006. Global gender gap index is a part of this which measures gender equality across four pillars– they are economic opportunity, political empowerment, educational attainment and health and survival. Significance: The Report aims to serve “as a compass to track progress on relative gaps between women and men on health, education, economy and politics”. Through this annual yardstick, the Report says, “stakeholders within each country are able to set priorities relevant in each specific economic, political and cultural context”. Performance of India: • India has been ranked 112th among 153 countries this year. In 2018, it ranked 108. Performance of other countries: • Iceland, Norway, and Finland occupy the top three spots. • Globally, the average (population-weighted) distance completed to gender parity is at 68.6%, which is an improvement since last edition. • The largest gender disparity is in political empowerment. Only 25% of the 35,127 seats in parliaments around the world are occupied by women, and only 21% of the 3,343 ministers are women. • Projecting current trends into the future, the overall global gender gap will close in 99.5 years, on average, across the 107 countries covered continuously since the first edition of the Report. Challenges and concerns for India: India has closed two-thirds of its overall gender gap (score of 66.8%). However, the condition of women in large fringes of India’s society is precarious. • It has lost four positions since the previous edition, despite a small score improvement, as some countries ranked lower than India have improved more. • The economic gender gap runs particularly deep in India. Only one-third of the gap has been bridged. Since 2006, the gap has gotten significantly wider. Among the 153 countries studied, India is the only country where the economic gender gap is larger than the political gender gap

3.5 Nagpur Resolution

The ‘Nagpur Resolution – A holistic approach for empowering citizens’ has been adopted at the end of the Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, held recently in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Key facts: • The conference was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services. • Previously, the Shillong Declaration and the Jammu Resolution have been adopted for good governance. As per the resolution, the GOI, the Government of Maharashtra and other participating States shall collaborate to: 1. To empower the citizens by policy interventions for better service delivery through timely updation of citizens charters, implementation of enactments and benchmarking standards for continuous improvement; 2. To empower citizens by adopting a bottom-up approach to bring massive improvements in quality of grievance redressal and reduction in timelines of grievance redressal; 3. To adopt a holistic approach of systemic public grievance reforms through improved mapping, formulation of monitoring matrix, data collection and evaluation in quality of grievance redressal; 4. To provide an enabling environment for States and Ministries/Departments of the Government of India for creating web portals and to adopt a holistic approach for improved service delivery through digital platforms; 5. To focus on dynamic policy-making and strategic decisions, monitoring of implementation, appointment of key

LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS personnel, coordination and evaluation; 6. To achieve a sense of common identity by exchange of technical expertise in the areas of Improved Service Delivery between the paired States under the Ek Bharat – Shreshth Bharat Program; 7. To ensure timely publication of Good Governance Index to identify the quality of governance in 10 sectors especially those pertaining to welfare and infrastructure at the Union, State and District levels.

3.6 University for Transgender people

India’s first university for transgender community will be opened in Fazilnagar block of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh • It is the first of its kind University in country, where transgender community members will be able to get education. • The university is being built by Akhil Bhartiya Kinnar Siksha Seva Trust (All-India transgender education service trust). • The university will facilitate its members to study right from class 1 to Post Graduate (PG) and even do research and get PhD degree. • Members of the transgender community will get education and will be able to give a new direction to the country. From 15 January 2020, two children who are brought up by community members will get admission and from February and March 2020 other classes will start

3.7 Social Security Code

Labour Minister has introduced the Code on Social Security, 2019, in the Lok Sabha. • To amalgamate a clutch of existing laws and proposes several new initiatives including universal social security for unorganized sector workers and, insurance and health benefits for gig workers. • To Corporatize of existing organizations like EPFO and ESIC headed by people other than the labour minister.

Key features of the code: 1. The Code will merge eight exiting labour laws includingEmployees’ Compensation Act, 1923; Employees‘ State Insurance Act, 1948, Employees‘ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. 2. The bill seeks to establish a social security fund and tap the corporate social responsibility fund to offer unorganized sector workers medical, pension, death and disability benefits via the employee’s state insurance corporation. 3. Exemption: It will empower the central government to exempt select establishments from all or any of the provisions of the code and makes Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits under various social security schemes. 4. It proposes to offer gratuity to fixed term employees after one year of service on a pro-rata basis as against the current practice of five years. 5. Insurance, PF, life cover for unorganized sector employees:Central Government shall formulate and notify, from time to time, suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matter relating to life and disability cover; health and maternity benefits; old age protection; and any other benefit as may be determined by the central government.

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HEALTH AND EDUCATION

4.1 Indian Pharmacopoeia

IP has been recognised formally by the Public Health Ministry of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is the first country to recognise IP. About • The quality, efficacy and safety of the medicines are important from healthcare perspective. • In order to ensure the quality of medicinal products, the legal and scientific standards are provided by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). • IP is an officially recognized book of standards as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 thereunder. • As per, the Second Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, IP is designated as the official book of standards for drugs imported and/or manufactured for sale, stock or exhibition for sale or distribution in India. • Standards prescribed in the IP are authoritative in nature and are enforced by the regulatory authorities for quality control of medicines in India. What is IP Commission? • The IP Commission’s mission is to promote public and animal health in India by bringing out authoritative and officially accepted standards for quality of drugs. • It includes active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and dosage forms, used by health professionals, patients and consumers. • This is achieved by developing the standards for medicines and supporting their implementation. • In addition, IPC also develops IP Reference Substances (IPRS) that act as fingerprint for identification of an article under test and its purity as prescribed in the IP monographs.

4.2 National Council for Teacher Education

Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurates two-day International Conference on Teacher Education by NCTE. About NCTE • It is statutory body of Central Government set up under NCTE Act, 1993. • NCTE was established on 17th August 1995. • NCTE also serves as an advisory body to Central and State Governments to ensure maintenance of standards and quality in Teacher Education. Mandate of NCTE: • It covers the entire gamut of Teacher Education programmes. • It includes research and training of persons to equip them to teach at pre-primary, primary, secondary and senior secondary stages in schools as well as non-formal education, part-time education, adult education and distance education courses. • Teacher education institutions in India currently offer 17 Teacher Education programmes recognized by NCTE for prospective school teachers.

4.3 Mental Disorder

Highlights of the study titled ‘burden of mental disorders across the States of India: Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2017’. It has been conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). Key findings: 1. Mental disorders of various kinds are adversely affecting a large population of Indians, especially in South Indian States. 2. One in every seven Indians were affected by mental disorders of varying severity in 2017. 3. Back in 2017, there were 19.73 crore people with mental disorders, which comprises of 14.3 per cent of the total population of the country. 4. The proportional contribution of mental disorders to the total disease burden in India has almost doubled from 1990 to 2017. 5. Prevalence of depressive disorders was highest in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Telangana in the high Socio- demographic index (SDI) State group and Andhra Pradesh in the middle SDI State group. Why depression and anxiety high in South India?

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The higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in southern States could be related to the higher levels of modernisation and urbanisation in these States and to many other factors that are not yet well understood. The study found positive relationship between depression and suicide death rates at the State level, with suicide death rates also being higher in the southern States than in the northern ones. What other mental health disorders? Other notable mental health disorders in South Indian States were schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (IDID), conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). North-South Divide: Interestingly, mental health issues that manifest among adults were generally higher in the more developed Southern Indian States than in less developed Northern Indian States. Prevalence of mental disorders with onset of predominantly in childhood and adolescence was generally higher in the less developed Northern States than in developed Southern States.

4.4 Biosimilar Medicine WHO prequalifies first biosimilar medicine– trastuzumab- to increase worldwide access to life-saving breast cancer treatment. • Trastuzumab – a monoclonal antibody – was included in the WHO Essential Medicines List in 2015 as an essential treatment for about 20% of breast cancers. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. 2.1 million women contracted breast cancer in 2018. 630 000 of them died from the disease, many because of late diagnosis and lack of access to affordable treatment. What are Biosimilars? • It is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original product that is manufactured by a different company. • They are officially approved versions of original “innovator” products and can be manufactured when the original product’s patent expires. • Reference to the innovator product is an integral component of the approval. Characteristics: • Biological medicines contain active substances from a biological source, such as living cells or organisms. • Most biological medicines in current clinical use contain active substances made of proteins. Difference between biosimilars and generics: • Biosimilars involve developing equivalent of biological entitywhile generics involve developing equivalent of a chemical entity-the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. • Cost: Generic drugs are chemically identical to the original branded drug and, as such, cost significantly less because they don’t require much testing. Because biosimilars are made from living organisms, though, and don’t contain identical ingredients to their name-brand counterparts, they still require some testing. So, they cost more than generics, but less than the branded biologic.

4.5 Food security and Nutrition Recently United Nations released The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2019. About • It is issued annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO). • This year’s report, for the first time comes with estimates of the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). • Moderate food insecurity: People experiencing moderate food insecurity do not have regular access to nutritious and sufficient food – even if they are not necessarily suffering from hunger, they are at risk of various forms of malnutrition and poor health. • Severe food insecurity: People facing severe food insecurity, on the other hand, have likely run out of food, experienced hunger and, at the most extreme, gone for days without eating, putting their health and well-being at grave risk.

4.6 National Medical Commission Act 2019

Recently, President gave assent to National Medical Commission (NMC) Act 2019. • Prof. Ranjit Roy Chaudhury committee (2015) recommended structurally reconfiguring the (Medical Council of India) LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

MCI’s functions and suggested the formation of a National Medical Commission. • Various other committees such as Lodha Panel (2016) and Arvind Panagariya have also previously suggested scrapping of the MCI. • Recently, the government also passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill of 2019 to further continue the interim provisions of the ordinance. • The National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 seeks to replace the MCI with a National Medical Commission and overhaul the medical education system. Medical Council of India • It is a statutory body, established under Indian Medical Council Act 1956. • It regulates, o standards of medical education. o permission to start colleges, courses or increase the number of seats. o standards of professional conduct of medical practitioners such as registration of doctors etc.

4.7 Eat Right Movement

Western Railway's Mumbai Central Terminus has become India's first Eat Right Station. Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rated the station with four stars. Background: • The station was graded on the basis of food safety and hygiene, availability of healthy diet, food handling at preparation and food waste management among others. • The food was certified and rated after a thorough inspection. 'Eat Right Station' is a part of the ‘Eat Right India' initiative that was launched by FSSAI in 2018 to help passengers make a healthy choice. About Eat Right Movement: It was launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The movement aims to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in three years. It also aims to engage and enable citizens to improve their health and well-being by making the right food choices. Measures in place: FSSAI has put in place robust regulatory measures under three major pillars: Eat Safe, Eat Health and Eat Sustainably for the programme. FSSAI has prescribed a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) at 25% in cooking oil to avoid the harmful effects of reused cooking oil. Significance of the campaign: The country is in need of a movement on preventive health for all in the backdrop of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases, widespread deficiencies of vitamins and minerals and rampant food-borne illnesses. The Eat Right India movement acts as a crucial preventive healthcare measure to trigger social and behavioural change through a judicious mix of regulatory measures, combined with soft interventions for ensuring awareness and capacity building of food businesses and citizens alike.

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POLITY

5.1 Parliamentary committees and absent members

Persistent absenteeism from meetings of department-related standing committees should cost MPs their spot on these parliamentary panels was a strong view that emerged during a meeting of chairpersons of the committees with Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu recently Why have parliamentary committees? 1. Committees are an instrument of Parliament for its own effective functioning. 2. Committees are platforms for threadbare discussion on a proposed law. 3. The smaller cohort of lawmakers, assembled on the basis of the proportional strength of individual parties and interests and expertise of individual lawmakers, could have more open, intensive and better-informed discussions. 4. Committee meetings are ‘closed door’ and members are not bound by party whips, which allows them the latitude for a more meaningful exchange of views as against discussions in full and open Houses where grandstanding and party positions invariably take precedence. 5. Members of Parliament may have great acumen but they would require the assistance of experts in dealing with such situations. It is through committees that such expertise is drawn into lawmaking. They allow for more detailed discussions. 6. This mechanism also enables parliamentarians to understand the executive processes closely. What are the types of committees? Most committees are ‘standing’ as their existence is uninterrupted and usually reconstituted on an annual basis. Some are ‘select’ committees formed for a specific purpose, for instance, to deliberate on a particular bill. Once the Bill is disposed of, that select committee ceases to exist. Some standing committees are departmentally related.

5.2 Data Protection Bill

Personal Data Protection Bill was placed in Parliament. The Bill has three key aspects that were not previously included in a draft version, prepared by a committee headed by retired Justice B N Srikrishna. How does the bill seek to regulate data? The bill constitutes 3 personal information types: 1. Critical 2. Sensitive 3. General Sensitive data constitutes or is related to passwords, financial data, health data, official identifier, sexual orientation, religious or caste data, biometric data and genetic data. It may be processed outside India with the explicit consent of the user. Critical data will be characterised by the government every once in a while, and must be stored, handled only in India. General data: Any data that is non-critical and non-sensitive is categorised as general data with no limitation on where it is stored or managed. Other Key provisions: Data principal: As per the bill, it is the individual whose data is being stored and processed. Exemptions: The government is qualified to order any data fiduciary to acquire personal and non-personal/ anonymised data for the sake of research and for national security and criminal investigations. Social media companies, which are deemed significant data fiduciaries based on factors such as volume and sensitivity of data as well as their turnover, should develop their own user verification mechanism. An independent regulator Data Protection Agency (DPA) will oversee assessments and audits and definition making. Each company will have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who will liaison with the DPA for auditing, grievance redressal, recording maintenance and more. The bill also grants individuals the right to data portability, and the ability to access and transfer one’s own data. The right to be forgotten: this right allows an individual to remove consent for data collection and disclosure. Why does data protection matter? With a population of over a billion, there are about 500 million active web users and India’s online market is second only to China. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Large collection of information about individuals and their online habits has become an important source of profits. It is also a potential avenue for invasion of privacy because it can reveal extremely personal aspects. Companies, governments, and political parties find it valuable because they can use it to find the most convincing ways to advertise to you online. Besides, presently, there are no laws on the utilisation of individual information and forestalling its abuse, even though the Supreme Court maintained the right to privacy as a fundamental right back directly in 2017.

How is data handled? Data is collected and handled by entities called data fiduciaries. While the fiduciary controls how and why data is processed, the processing itself may be by a third party, the data processor. The physical attributes of data — where data is stored, where it is sent, where it is turned into something useful — are called data flows.

Why there are Concerns over the bill? The bill is like a two-sided sword. While it protects the personal data of Indians by empowering them with data principal rights, on the other hand, it gives the central government with exemptions which are against the principles of processing personal data. The government can process even sensitive personal data when needed, without explicit permission from the data principals.

5.3 Creamy layer principle for SC ST promotion

Central government has asked the Supreme Court of India to refer to a seven-judge Bench the question whether the creamy layer concept should apply (or not) to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes while giving them reservation in promotions. What’s the issue? The Centre has asked the CJI to refer a September 26, 2018 judgment of a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in Jarnail Singh versus Lachhmi Narain Gupta to a larger Bench of seven judges for a review. In Jarnail Singh, the court had agreed with its 12-year-old verdict in the M. Nagaraj case that the creamy layer applied to SCs and STs in order to prevent the socially advanced in a backward community or class from eating the whole cake while leaving the weak among them impoverished. What is the creamy layer concept? The ‘means-test and creamy layer’ first finds expression in the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Indra Sawhney versus Union of India, delivered by a nine-judge Bench on November 16, 1992. ‘Creamy layer’ are “some members of a backward class who are highly advanced socially as well as economically and educationally. Constitutional basis- Article 335: Article 335 recognises that special measures need to be adopted for considering the claims of SCs and STs in order to bring them to a level-playing field. How was the creamy layer made applicable to SC/ST members? 1. Indra Sawhney vs Union of India: In its landmark 1992 decision in Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, the Supreme Court had held that reservations under Article 16(4) could only be provided at the time of entry into government service but not in matters of promotion. And the principle would operate only prospectively and not affect promotions already made and reservation already provided in promotions shall continue in operation for a period of five years from the date of the judgment. More significantly, It ruled that the creamy layer can be and must be excluded. On June 17, 1995, Parliament, acting in its constituent capacity, adopted the seventy-seventh amendment by which clause (4A) was inserted into Article 16 to enable reservation to be made in promotion for SCs and STs. 2. The validity of the amendment was challenged before the Supreme Court in the Nagaraj case (2006). Upholding the validity of Article 16 (4A), the court then said that it is an enabling provision. “The State is not bound to make reservation for the SCs and STs in promotions. But, if it seeks to do so, it must collect quantifiable data on three facets — the backwardness of the class; the inadequacy of the representation of that class in public employment; and the general efficiency of service as mandated by Article 335 would not be affected”. The court ruled that the constitutional amendments do not abrogate the fundamentals of equality

5.4 Sixth Schedule of the constitution

The centre has asserted that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been tweaked so that states where the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is applicable, and tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram that

LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS are notified under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution would be kept out of its purview. What CAB exemption means for 6th Schedule areas? The tweaked CAB states that areas under the Sixth Schedule are exempted from its purview, which means nonMuslim refugees from the three countries who are granted Indian citizenship will not have any land or trading rights in the autonomous regions. This essentially means the refugees can neither reside or settle in the 10 autonomous districts, nor enjoy benefits extended to the tribals, even if they are provided with Indian citizenship. Further, the laws made by Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with the powers bestowed upon them by the Sixth Schedule will not be scrapped by the CAB. What is 6th schedule? Under Article 244, it deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, it seeks to safeguard the rights of tribal population through the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC). Key provisions: The governor is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous districts. If there are different tribes in an autonomous district, the governor can divide the district into several autonomous regions. Composition: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members, of whom four are nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise. Term: The elected members hold office for a term of five years (unless the council is dissolved earlier) and nominated members hold office during the pleasure of the governor. Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council. Powers of councils: The district and regional councils administer the areas under their jurisdiction. They can make laws on certain specified matters like land, forests, canal water, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance of property, marriage and divorce, social customs and so on. But all such laws require the assent of the governor. Village councils: The district and regional councils within their territorial jurisdictions can constitute village councils or courts for trial of suits and cases between the tribes. They hear appeals from them. The jurisdiction of high court over these suits and cases is specified by the governor. Powers and functions: The district council can establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in the district. It can also make regulations for the control of money lending and trading by non-tribals. But, such regulations require the assent of the governor. The district and regional councils are empowered to assess and collect land revenue and to impose certain specified taxes. Exceptions: The acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions. The governor can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions. He may dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the commission. Related- 125th amendment bill: It seeks to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 Autonomous Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeastern region. The amendments provide for elected village municipal councils, ensuring democracy at the grassroot level. • The village councils will be empowered to prepare plans for economic development and social justice including those related to agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries and social forestry. • The Finance Commission will be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to them. • The Autonomous Councils now depend on grants from Central ministries and the State government for specific projects. At least one-third of the seats will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura after the amendment is approved

5.5 Disha Bill

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has passed the Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill, 2019 (Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019). Disha is the name given to a veterinarian who was raped and murdered in Hyderabad on November 27. Key features of the Bill: 1. It envisages the completion of investigation in seven days and trial in 14 working days, where there is adequate conclusive evidence, and reducing the total judgment time to 21 days from the existing four months. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

2. It prescribes life imprisonment for other sexual offences against children and includes Section 354 F and 354 G in IPC. 3. In cases of harassment of women through social or digital media, the Act states two years imprisonment for the first conviction and four years for second and subsequent convictions. For this, a new Section 354 E will be added in IPC, 1860. 4. As per the Bill, the Andhra Pradesh government will establish, operate and maintain a register in electronic form, to be called the ‘Women & Children Offenders Registry’. This registry will be made public and will be available to law enforcement agencies. 5. The government will establish exclusive special courts in each district to ensure speedy trial. These courts will exclusively deal with cases of offences against women and children including rape, acid attacks, stalking, voyeurism, social media harassment of women, sexual harassment and all cases under the POCSO Act. 6. The government will constitute special police teams at the district level to be called District Special Police Team to be headed by DSP for investigation of offences related to women and children. 7. The government will also appoint a special public prosecutor for each exclusive special court.

5.6 Public Property Act

Despite a law against the destruction of property, incidents of rioting, vandalism, and arson have been common during protests across the country. Supreme Court has recently expressed displeasure over rioting and destruction of public property. What the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 says? It punishes anyone “who commits mischief by doing any act in respect of any public property” with a jail term of up to five years and a fine or both. Provisions of this law can be coupled with those under the Indian Penal Code. What is a public property? Public property under this Act includes “any building, installation or other property used in connection with the production, distribution or supply of water, light, power or energy; any oil installation; any sewage works; any mine or factory; any means of public transportation or of telecommunications, or any building, installation or other property used in connection therewith”. Need for review: The Supreme Court has on several earlier occasions found the law inadequate, and has attempted to fill the gaps through guidelines. 2007: The court took suo motu cognizance of “various instances where there was large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of agitations, bandhs, hartals and the like”, and set up two Committees headed by former apex court judge Justice K T Thomas and senior advocate Fali Nariman to suggest changes to the law. 2009 case of In Re: Destruction of Public & Private Properties v State of AP and Ors: The Supreme Court issued guidelines based on the recommendations of the two expert Committees. SC guidelines based on Thomas Committee recommendations: • Reverse the burden of proof against protesters. • Prosecution should be required to prove that public property had been damaged in direct action called by an organisation, and the accused also participated in such direct action. From that stage the burden can be shifted to the accused to prove his innocence. • The law must be amended to give the court the power to draw a presumption that the accused is guilty of destroying public property, and it would then be open to the accused to rebut such presumption. Based on Nariman Committee’s recommendations: • Rioters would be made strictly liable for the damage, and compensation would be collected to “make good” the damage. • Where persons, whether jointly or otherwise, are part of a protest which turns violent, results in damage to private or public property, the persons who have caused the damage, or were part of the protest or who have organized it will be deemed to be strictly liable for the damage so caused, which may be assessed by the ordinary courts or by any special procedure created to enforce the right. • High Courts should order suo motu action, and set up a machinery to investigate the damage caused and award compensation wherever mass destruction to property takes place due to protests. Impact of guidelines: Like the law, the guidelines too, have had a limited impact. This is because the identification of protesters remains difficult, especially in cases where there is no leader who gave the call to protest. In its verdict in Koshy Jacob vs Union Of India, the court reiterated that the law needed to be updated — but it did not grant the petitioner any compensation since the organisers of the protest were not before the court

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5.7 Impeachment of Donald Trump

Donald Trump has become the third President to be impeached by the US House. He was accused of enlisting foreign government to investigate political rival before 2020 election. Background: • So far only two American presidents have been impeached. In 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached on charges of sexual relationship with his intern. However, the senate acquitted him. Before him, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached. He was acquitted by one vote in the Senate. • In 1974, President Nixon resigned over water gate corruption charges. The judiciary committee approved the articles of impeachment before the house could even pass them. What is Impeachment? Impeachment is a provision that allows Congress to remove the President of the United States. Under the US Constitution: 1. The House of Representatives (Lower House) has the “the sole power of impeachment” while the Senate (Upper House) has “the sole power to try all impeachments”. 2. The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court has the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate. Grounds for impeachment: The President can be removed from office for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours”. Essentially, it means an abuse of power by a high-level public official. This does not necessarily have to be a violation of an ordinary criminal statute. Historically, in the US, it has encompassed corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings. The process: 1. It begins with an investigation by a House committee. If they find that there is enough evidence of wrongdoing, it will refer the matter to the full House. 2. HOUSE VOTE: When the full House votes, if one or more of the articles of impeachment gets a majority vote, the President is impeached. Next, the proceedings move to the Senate. 3. SENATE TRIAL & VOTE:The Senate holds a trial, overseen by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. A team of lawmakers from the House, known as managers, play the role of prosecutors. The President has defence lawyers, and the Senate serves as the jury. If at least two-thirds of the Senators present find the President guilty, he is removed and the Vice President takes over as President.

5.8 Increasing Lok Sabha strength

How the strength of Lok Sabha is determined presently? • Article 81 of the Constitution defines the composition of the House of the People or Lok Sabha. • It states that the House shall not consist of more than 550 elected members of whom not more than 20 will represent UTs. • It also mandates that the number of Lok Sabha seats allotted to a state would be such that the ratio between that number and the population of the state is, as far as possible, the same for all states. This is to ensure that every state is equally represented. • Exceptions: However, this logic does not apply to small states whose population is not more than 60 lakh. • So, at least one seat is allocated to every state even if it means that its population-to-seat-ratio is not enough to qualify it for that seat. Basis for determination of population: As per Clause 3 of Article 81, population, for the purpose of allocation of seats, means “population as ascertained at the last preceding Census of which the relevant figures have been published” — in other words, the last published Census. However, as a result of an amendment to this Clause in 2003, the “population” now means population as per the 1971 Census — and will be so until the first Census that is taken after 2026. Need for more seats: 1. The composition of the Lower House has remained more or less the same for four decades. Every MP currently represents an average 16-18 lakh Indians — too large a number to be kept in touch with in a meaningful way. Therefore, the number of Lok Sabha seats should be rationalized on the basis of population.

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2. The Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament last week, while extending the reservation for SC/STs, did away with the provision for nomination of Anglo Indians. This has brought the strength of Lok Sabha down to 543 now. 3. Besides, even after statehood was attained by Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in 1986, the creation of a Legislative Assembly for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the creation of new states such as Uttarakhand, the number of seats have not been revised

5.9 National Company law Tribunal

National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) was constituted under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. Functions: 1. It hears appeals against the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), with effect from 1st June, 2016. 2. It is the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by NCLT(s) under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). 3. It is the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under Section 202 and Section 211 of IBC. 4. It is the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction issued or decision made or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Composition: The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of: 1. Chief Justice of India or his nominee—Chairperson. 2. A senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of High Court— Member. 3. Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—Member. 4. Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice—Member. 5. Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance— Member.

5.10 GST Council

The all-powerful GST Council, in its 38th meeting has voted for uniform rate of 28% on lotteries across the country. To facilitate the setting up industrial parks, the Council has decided that all entities with 20% ownership by central or state governments will be exempt from GST payable for long-term land leases from January 1, 2020. Earlier, only entities with a 50% government stake were exempt. Why do we need a GST Council? 1. The predominant responsibility of the GST Council is to ensure to have one uniform tax rate for goods and services across the nation. 2. It is the key decision-making body that will take all important decisions regarding the GST. 3. It dictates tax rate, tax exemption, the due date of forms, tax laws, and tax deadlines, keeping in mind special rates and provisions for some states How is the GST Council structured? The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is governed by the GST Council. Article 279 (1) of the amended Indian Constitution states that the GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of the Article 279A. Composition: According to the article, GST Council will be a joint forum for the Centre and the States. It consists of the following members: 1. The Union Finance Minister will be the Chairperson 2. As a member, the Union Minister of State will be in charge of Revenue of Finance 3. The Minister in charge of finance or taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State government, as members. GST Council recommendations: Article 279A (4) specifies that the Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on the important issues related to GST, such as, the goods and services will be subject or exempted from the Goods and Services Tax

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5.11 Drug Prices Control Order

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has allowed an increase in the maximum retailvprices of 21 drugs currently under price control by as much as 50%. Significance: The decision has been taken to ensure that the life saving essential drugs must remain available to the general public at all times. This is to avoid a situation where these drugs become unavailable in the market and the public is forced to switch to costly alternatives. This is the first time the NPPA — which is known to slash prices of essential and life- saving medicines — is increasing prices in public interest. What is the “Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO)” ? The Drugs Prices Control Order is an order issued by the Government of India under Sec. 3 of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the prices of drugs. The Order interalia provides the list of price controlled drugs, procedures for fixation of prices of drugs, method of implementation of prices fixed by Govt., penalties for contravention of provisions etc. For the purpose of implementing provisions of DPCO, powers of Govt. have been vested in NPPA. Are all the drugs marketed in the country under price control ? No. The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2011 is adopted as the primary basis for determining essentiality, which constitutes the list of scheduled medicines for the purpose of price control. The DPCO 2013 contains more than 600 scheduled drug formulations spread across 27 therapeutic groups. However, the prices of other drugs can be regulated, if warranted in public interest. What is NPPA and its role? National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), was established on 29th August 1997 as an independent body of experts as per the decision taken by the Cabinet committee in September 1994 while reviewing Drug Policy. Functions: The Authority, interalia, has been entrusted with the task of fixation/revision of prices of pharmaceutical products (bulk drugs and formulations), enforcement of provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order and monitoring of the prices of controlled and decontrolled drugs in the country.

5.12 Reservations for Anglo Indians

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the removal of reservation for Anglo-Indians in legislative bodies. ✓ Anglo-Indians were provided two nominated seats in the Lok Sabha and one nominated seat in the State Legislative Assemblies to ensure adequate representation of the community in elected legislative bodies. ✓ Anglo-Indians constitute a religious, social, as well as a linguistic minority. Being numerically an extremely small community, and being interspersed all over India, the Anglo-Indians were provided reservations in legislative bodies. ✓ The reservation for the Anglo-Indian community was extended till the year 2020 through the 95th Amendment, 2009. Originally, this provision was to operate till 1960. Related Articles: I. Article 366: It defines Anglo-Indian as a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born within such territory of parents habitually resident therein and not established there for temporary purposes only. II. Article 331: It states that the President can nominate two members of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if the community is not adequately represented. III. Article 333: It states that the Governor of a State may if he is of the opinion that the Anglo Indian community needs representation in the Legislative Assembly of the State and is not adequately represented therein, nominate one member of that community to the Assembly. IV. Article 334(b): The reservation of the Anglo Indian community in the Legislative bodies was extended for 40 years in 1949 through the insertion of this article. V. National Commission for SCs (Article 338) : It investigates all matters relating to the Constitutional and other legal safeguards for the Anglo-Indian community and report to the President upon their working.

5.13 Fit India Plog run Plog Run ✓ Plog Run is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging. ✓ It is a ‘first of its kind’ initiative by United Way India (Community Service Organisation) to highlight the need for reducing plastic consumption and compel a healthier way of managing trash. ✓ It combines the Fit India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

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Recently, Fit India Plogging Run was concluded in Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. It was launched on 2nd October 2019 and covered 50 cities across the country. ✓ The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the nation-wide Plogging Ambassador Mission under which, Indians who have been running and cleaning their cities, towns or districts, will be nominated as Plogging Ambassadors of their region. ✓ The ministry felicitated Ripu Daman Bevli, popularly known as the Plogman of India and named him the Plogging Ambassador of India.

5.14 Cap on Election Spending A Private Member’s bill was introduced in the Parliament which intends to do away with the cap on election spending by candidates. ✓ The Bill has been introduced on the ground that the ceiling on election expenses ends up being counterproductive and encourages candidates to under-report their expenditure. ✓ Also, the ceiling currently prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) is meant for legitimate expenditure. A lot of money in elections is being spent for illegitimate purposes. Present status: ✓ At present, under Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, a candidate contesting Lok Sabha polls can spend up to Rs 70 lakh and up to Rs 28 lakh in an assembly election depending on the state in which s/he is contesting polls. ✓ Under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every candidate shall keep a separate and correct account of all expenditure incurred between the date on which he has been nominated and the date of declaration of the result. ✓ All candidates are required to submit their expenditure statement to the ECI within 30 days of the completion of the elections. ✓ An incorrect account or expenditure beyond the cap can lead to disqualification of the candidate by the ECI for up to three years, under Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. ✓ It can be noted that there is no cap on a political party’s expenditure, which is often exploited by candidates of the party. However, all registered political parties have to submit a statement of their election expenditure to the ECI within 90 days of the completion of the elections.

5.15 Extended Inner Line Permit in Nagaland

Recently, the Nagaland government has extended the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to the district of Dimapur. ✓ This step was taken to exempt the entire district from the purview of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). ✓ So far, Dimapur was the only place in Nagaland which was not under the ILP system because the district is a commercial hub and has a mixed population (often referred to as ‘Mini India’). ✓ Recently Manipur has also been brought under the purview of ILP System. Thus, the entire northeast India has been exempted from CAB except for Sikkim and non-tribal areas in Assam and Tripura.

✓ The extension of ILP to Dimapur has been issued under section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 by the governor of Nagaland. ✓ The extension of the ILP regime makes it mandatory for “every non-indigenous person” who entered the district after November 21, 1979, to obtain an ILP within 90 days. ✓ Exemptions: o Any non-indigenous persons living in Dimapur prior to November 21, 1979, with a certificate from the Deputy Commissioner. o Any non-indigenous person passing through Dimapur to other states as a transit passenger with a valid document. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

✓ Inner Line Permit Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the concerned State Government to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is a special permit required by “outsiders” from other regions of the country to enter the notified states. It is based on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.

o This act was enacted during the British era to protect the British interests from the hill tribals who used to invade the British subjects. o An imaginary line known as the inner-line was created to divide between the two communities so that neither party could go beyond the line without a permit from the appropriate authorities.

5.16 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Recently, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concern over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019. ✓ This concern is related to the provision of granting citizenship based on religion in CAB, 2019. ✓ Earlier in August, 2019 USCIRF had also issued a statement against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and a mob lynching incident in Jharkhand. Controversial Clause of CAB, 2019 ✓ In 2016, a Bill was introduced to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. However, it lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. o Subsequently, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is has been introduced in the Parliament in December 2019. ✓ The 2019 amendment Bill provides for an exception for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with regard to qualification for citizenship. USCIRF ✓ It is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission created by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), 1998. It monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad.

✓ USCIRF uses international standards to monitor religious freedom violations globally, and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and Congressional leaders of both political parties.

o Their work is supported by a professional, nonpartisan staff. USCIRF is separate from the State Department, although the Department’s Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom is a non-voting ex officio Commissioner. ✓ Its recommendations are not binding and acts only as a conscience-keeper for the two branches in the US government — the legislature and the executive. International Religious Freedom report, 2019 ✓ USCIRF releases International Religious Freedom report annually. The Report consists of country- wise chapters. ✓ The 2019 report on India discussed mob-related violence, religious conversion, the legal status of minorities and government policies. ✓ It has placed India on its Tier 2 category for engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations that meet at least one of the elements of the “systematic, ongoing, egregious” standard for designation as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

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5.17 Citizenship Amendment Bill

The Parliament has passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019. ✓ The Bill seeks to grant Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have migrated to India after facing persecution on grounds of religion in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. ✓ It basically intends to make it easier for non-Muslim immigrants from India’s three Muslim-majority neighbours to become citizens of India. Background ✓ In India, citizenship is regulated by the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Act specifies that citizenship may be acquired in India through five methods – by birth in India, by descent, through registration, by naturalisation (extended residence in India), and by incorporation of territory into India. ✓ However, illegal migrants cannot become Indian citizens. Under the Act, an illegal migrant is a foreigner who:

o enters the country without valid travel documents like a passport and visa, or enters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period. o Illegal migrants may be put in jail or deported under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. ✓ In 2015 and 2016, the government exempted specified groups of illegal migrants from provisions of the 1946 and 1920 Acts. They were Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who reached India on or before December 31, 2014. ✓ This meant that these particular categories of illegal migrants would not be deported or jailed for being in India without valid documents. ✓ The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Parliament to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, so that these people could be made eligible for citizenship of India. ✓ The Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Subsequently, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019. Key Features ✓ Citizenship on the basis of religion: The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, and for the first time, will grant citizenship on the basis of religion to non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. ✓ Non - Muslim Communities Included: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian. This implies that migrants, who identify themselves with any group or community other than those mentioned here, from the above mentioned countries won't be eligible for citizenship. ✓ Exceptions: The provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to two categories - states protected by the ‘Inner Line’, and areas covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

o Inner Line Permit (ILP): This is a special permit that citizens from other parts of India require to enter a state protected by the ILP regime. Without an ILP granted by the state government, an Indian from another state cannot visit a state that is under the ILP regime. o Sixth Schedule: The Sixth Schedule relates to special provisions in administration of certain Northeastern states (Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura). It provides special powers for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in these states. ✓ Citizenship by Naturalization

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o Under The Citizenship Act, 1955, one of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation is that the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months, as well as for 11 of the previous 14 years. o The amendment relaxes the second requirement from 11 years to 5 years as a specific condition for applicants belonging to the specified six religions, and the above mentioned three countries. ✓ Additional Ground for Cancelling Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Registration i.e. violation of any law notified by the central government.

o However, the Bill does not provide any guidance on the nature of laws which the central government may notify. The Supreme Court has noted that this guidance is necessary to set limits on the authority’s powers and to avoid any arbitrariness in exercise of powers. Arguments Against the Bill ✓ The fundamental criticism of the Bill has been that it specifically targets Muslims. Critics argue that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution (which guarantees the right to equality) and the principle of secularism. ✓ India has several other refugees that include Tamils from Sri Lanka and Hindu Rohingya from Myanmar. They are not covered under the Act. ✓ Despite exemption granted to some regions in the Northeastern states, the prospect of citizenship for massive numbers of illegal Bangladeshi migrants has triggered deep anxieties in the states. ✓ It will be difficult for the government to differentiate between illegal migrants and those persecuted. Arguments in Favour ✓ The government has clarified that Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are Islamic republics where Muslims are in majority hence they cannot be treated as persecuted minorities. It has assured that the government will examine the application from any other community on a case to case basis. ✓ This Bill will come as a big boon to all those people who have been the victims of Partition and the subsequent conversion of the three countries into theocratic Islamic republics.

o Citing partition between India and Pakistan on religious lines in 1947, the government has argued that millions of citizens of undivided India belonging to various faiths were staying in Pakistan and Bangladesh from 1947. o The constitutions of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh provide for a specific state religion. As a result, many persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities have faced persecution on grounds of religion in those countries. o Many such persons have fled to India to seek shelter and continued to stay in India even if their travel documents have expired or they have incomplete or no documents. ✓ After Independence, not once but twice, India conceded that the minorities in its neighbourhood is its responsibility. First, immediately after Partition and again during the Indira-Mujib Pact in 1972 when India had agreed to absorb over 1.2 million refugees. It is a historical fact that on both occasions, it was only the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians who had come over to Indian side.

5.17 Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth

The newly-formed Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth (CCIG) held its first meeting to discuss issues related to the slowdown in the economy. ▪ The meeting also discussed about the slowing GDP growth to 4.5% (a six-year low) as investment, exports and consumption have declined in the country. ▪ Alongside CCIG, a Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development was also constituted in response to rising unemployment in the country.

o The Periodic Labour Force Survey had shown the overall unemployment rate to be 6.1% during 2017- 18. Cabinet Committees

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▪ Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional in emergence. In other words, they are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, the Rules of Business provide for their establishment.

o These Rules emerge out of Article 77(3) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government, and for the allocation among Ministers. ▪ These committees are of two types—standing and ad hoc. The standing Cabinet Committees are of a permanent nature while the ad hoc Cabinet Committees are of a temporary nature.

o The Prime Minister constitutes Standing Committees of the Cabinet and sets out the specific functions assigned to them. He can add or reduce the number of committees. o The ad hoc committees are constituted from time to time to deal with special problems. They are disbanded after their task is completed. Note: All Cabinet Committees except Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs are headed by Prime Minister.

5.18 Chief of defence staff

The government has modified the Service Rules of the Army, Navy and Air Force to enable the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and fix the upper age limit at 65 if a service chief is appointed to the post of CDS. ✓ The service (Army, Navy and Indian Air Force) chiefs, when appointed, are usually given a tenure of three years or till they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. ✓ However, the tenure of the CDS has not been fixed yet. Chief of Defence Staff ▪ The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the creation of the CDS on 24th December 2019. ▪ Role o The CDS will act as the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters relating to tri- services. He will be appointed in a four-star rank at par with the three service chiefs. o The CDS will also serve as the permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) which comprises the three service chiefs. • So far, the chairmanship of the CoSC has not been permanent and is held in rotation by the senior-most service chief, which has caused problems of inadequate attention and short tenures as Chairman, CoSC. o The tri-service agencies, organisations and commands relating to cyber and space will be under the command of the CDS. o The CDS will also function as the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority. ▪ Major Responsibilities o The key mandate of the CDS will be to facilitate the restructuring of military commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint/theatre commands. o To achieve jointness in operation, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance of the three services within three years of assuming office. ▪ The CDS will not be eligible to hold any government post after demitting office. The CDS will also not be allowed to take up any private employment, without prior approval, for a period of five years after demitting (resigning) the office.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

6.1 Chabahar Port

India, Afghanistan and Iran recently met to discuss the issues in the implementation of Chabahar port in Iran. This was the second meeting of the Follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between India, Afghanistan and Iran at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director General. Outcomes of the meet: 1. The three countries have decided to open Mormugoa and New Mangalore Port in addition to JNPT, Mundra, Kandla and Cochin as part of designated route under the Chabahar Agreement. 2. It was agreed to finalise the protocol to harmonise transit, roads, customs and consular matters. Till that time, the TIR Convention will continue to be used for cargo movement. The work of the Chabahar port is being conducted by the Port Global Ltd Company. Where is Chabahar Port? Located on the Gulf of Oman and is the only oceanic port of the country. Why Chabahar port is important for India? 1. With this, India can bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan. 2. It will also boost India’s access to Iran, the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. 3. It also helps India counter Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by helping Pakistan develop the Gwadar port. Gwadar port is less than 400 km from Chabahar by road and 100 km by sea. 4. With Chabahar port being developed and operated by India, Iran also becomes a military ally to India. Chabahar could be used in case China decides to flex its navy muscles by stationing ships in Gwadar port to reckon its upper hand in the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and Middle East. 5. Trade benefits: With Chabahar port becoming functional, there will be a significant boost in the import of iron ore, sugar and rice to India. The import cost of oil to India will also see a considerable decline. India has already increased its crude purchase from Iran since the West imposed ban on Iran was lifted. 6. From a diplomatic perspective, Chabahar port could be used as a point from where humanitarian operations could be coordinated.

6.2 INSTEX Barter Mechanism

Six Countries - Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have recently joined INSTEX. About • A trade mechanism ‘Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX)’ was established by France, Germany and the United Kingdom in January 2019 to allow European entities to maintain trade with Iran. • The mechanism has been designed to circumvent U.S. sanctions against trade with Iran by avoiding the use of the dollar. • The United States imposed sanctions, after it withdrew from Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018. • This Paris-based mechanism functions as a clearing house allowing Iran to continue to sell oil and import other products or services in exchange. • The mechanism represents continuing commitment of France, Germany and the UK to the JCPOA. • It has been seen that the system has not yet enabled any transactions.

6.3 NATO

The leaders of NATO are going to meet in London to mark the 70th birthday of the organisation. About • NATO is an intergovernmental political and military alliance among 29 independent member countries across North American and European states. • HQ - Brussels, Belgium. • It was founded in 1949 for the collective defence of its members, linking the security of the United States with its European allies against the Soviet Union. • Principle of Collective Defence – It is enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington treaty which states that an attack against one or several of its members is considered as an attack against all. Recent developments –

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• North Macedonia (ex-Yugoslav republics) has recently signed accession agreement with NATO. • The move must be ratified by 29 member countries, which typically takes about a year. • After the ratification, it is expected to formally join the alliance in 2020, as its 30th member

6.4 GCC Summit

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 40th summit was recently held in Riyadh, for second year in a row. About GCC • It is a regional political and economic alliance of six Gulf States i.e Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. • HQ - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. • Aim is to achieve ever closer union between energy rich Gulf countries. • In recent summit, Saudi Arabia's King Salman called for regional unity to confront Iran and secure energy supplies and maritime channels. Qatar and GCC – • Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt imposed a political and economic boycott of Qatar in June 2017 over allegations that Doha backs terrorism. • Kuwait and the United States have tried to mediate the rift. • After 2 years of strained relationship, Qatar’s Prime Minister has attended the recent meeting which is the sign of thaw in a regional dispute. • PM is the most senior Qatari to attend the annual gathering since 2017, follows an intensification of efforts to resolve the Gulf dispute.

6.5 Indian Ocean Dialogue

The 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue held in New Delhi on 13th and 14th December 2019. About BRICS • The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). • It is originated in the 13th Council of Ministers meeting, held in 2013 in Perth, Australia. • The first IOD was held in Kerala, India in 2014, • Areas of discussion includes economic cooperation, maritime safety and security, blue economy, human assistance and disaster relief, etc. Indian Ocean Rim Association • The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an international organisation consisting of 22 coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean. • It is formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). • The IORA is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. • It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region. • The Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is located at Ebene, Mauritius

6.6 UN Convention on International settlement agreements

The Union Cabinet approved the signing of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements resulting from mediation by India. About • It is also known as Singapore Convention on Mediation. • It was adopted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2018. • The Convention provides a uniform and efficient framework for the enforcement of international settlement agreements resulting from mediation. Benefits of signing for India: • Signing of the Convention will boost the confidence of the investors and shall provide a positive signal to foreign investors about India’s commitment to adhere to international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

6.7 SACEP Governing Council Meet LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Recently, 15th governing council meeting of South Asia Cooperative environment Programme (SACEP) was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. • Along with SACEP, the 6th Inter-governmental Meeting of South Asia Seas Programme (SASP) was also held. About SACEP • It SACEP is an inter-governmental organization which was established in 1982. • Its member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka aim to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of the environment in the region. About SASP • SASP is a regional agreement adopted in 1995 – among the five maritime countries of South Asia, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, sharing the Indian Ocean. • SASP is part of the global Regional Seas Programme established under the auspices of UN Environment. • It aims to protect and manage the marine environment and related coastal ecosystems of the region in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner • SACEP acts as the Secretariat for the South Asian Seas Programme

6.8 USA Mexico Canada Agreement

The House of Representatives has passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement — the replacement for NAFTA, or the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. The new deal includes stronger labour and environmental provisions. American labor groups have backed the new trade deal. About United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): It’s basically NAFTA 2.0, with major changes on cars and new policies on labor and environmental standards, intellectual property protections, and some digital trade provisions. The changes include: Country of origin rules: Automobiles must have 75% of their components manufactured in Mexico, the US, or Canada to qualify for zero tariffs (up from 62.5 percent under NAFTA). Labor provisions: 40 to 45 percent of automobile parts have to be made by workers who earn at least $16 an hour by 2023. Mexico has also agreed to pass laws giving workers the right to union representation, extend labor protections to migrant workers, and protect women from discrimination. The countries can also sanction one another for labor violations. US farmers get more access to the Canadian dairy market: The US got Canada to open up its dairy market to US farmers, which was a big issue for Trump. Intellectual property and digital trade: The deal extends the terms of copyright to 70 years beyond the life of the author (up from 50). It also extends the period that a pharmaceutical drug can be protected from generic competition. It also includes new provisions to deal with the digital economy, including prohibiting duties on things like music and e-books, and protections for internet companies so they’re not liable for content their users produce. Sunset clause: The agreement puts in a 16-year “sunset” clause — meaning the terms of the agreement expire, or “sunset,” after a set period of time. The deal is also subject to a review every six years, at which point the US, Mexico, and Canada can decide to extend USMCA. What is NAFTA? NAFTA is the initialism for the North American Free Trade Agreement, an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States that reduced or eliminated trade barriers in North America. (Since the U.S. and Canada already had a free trade agreement (signed in 1988), NAFTA merely brought Mexico into the trade bloc.) Negotiations for the trade agreement began in 1990 under the administration of George H.W. Bush and were finalized under Bill Clinton’s presidency in 1993. The agreement went into effect on January 1, 1994. What was the purpose of NAFTA? 1. In 1993 the European Union (EU) created a “single market”—one territory without any internal borders or other regulatory obstacles to the free movement of goods and services. This allowed every country and business in the EU to have access to more than 500 million consumers. 2. NAFTA, which was approved that same year, was designed to have a similar effect, providing a way to allow the exchange of goods and services to flow more freely across national borders without the artificial restrictions 3. NAFTA provided for progressive elimination of all tariffs on any goods qualifying as North American. The deal also sought to protect intellectual property, establish dispute-resolution mechanisms, and, through corollary agreements, implement labor and environmental safeguards. Why is NAFTA controversial? NAFTA was controversial when first proposed, mostly because it was the first [free trade agreement] involving two wealthy, developed countries and a developing country. Some people felt that allowing free trade with a developing country provides an incentive for U.S-based business to move their operations to that country. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Since its implementation NAFTA has remained a prime target of trade protectionists (those who advocate taking measures such as taxing imports to “protect” domestic industries from foreign competition).

6.9 Recycling of Ships Act

The Recycling of Ships Act has come into force with President Ram Nath Kovind giving assent to the law which provides for safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. The government has also decided to accede to the Hong Kong International Convention for safe and environmentally sound recycling of Ships, 2009. Background: The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for enactment of Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 and accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009. Key features of the bill: 1. It restricts and prohibits the use or installation of hazardous material, which applies irrespective of whether a ship is meant for recycling or not. 2. For new ships, such restriction or prohibition on use of hazardous material will be immediate, that is, from the date the legislation comes into force, while existing ships shall have a period of five years for compliance. 3. Restriction or prohibition on use of hazardous material would not be applied to warships and noncommercial ships operated by Government. 4. Ships shall be surveyed and certified on the inventory of hazardous material used in ships. 5. Under the Bill, ship recycling facilities are required to be authorized and ships shall be recycled only in such authorized ship recycling facilities. 6. It also provides that ships shall be recycled in accordance with a ship-specific recycling plan. 7. Ships to be recycled in India shall be required to obtain a Ready for Recycling Certificate in accordance with the HKC- Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. What is Hong Kong convention? The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (the Hong Kong Convention), was adopted at a diplomatic conference held in Hong Kong, China in 2009. • It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009. • The Convention is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment. • It also addresses concerns raised about the working and environmental conditions at many of the world’s ship recycling locations. • The Convention is yet to come into force because it has not been ratified by 15 nations, representing 40 per cent of the world merchant shipping by gross tonnage (capacity) and a maximum annual ship recycling volume of not less than 3 per cent of the combined tonnage of the countries. Need for legislation: India is the leader in the global ship recycling industry, with a share of over 30% of the market. • As per UNCTAD report on Review of Maritime Transport, 2018, India had demolished 6323 tonnes in 2017, of known ship scrapping across the world. • The ship-recycling industry is a labour-intensive sector, but it is susceptible to concerns on environmental safety

6.10 Point Based Visa Policy of Australia

What’s a points-based policy? How it works? Generally, for visas that are points-tested, points may be given for different categories ranging from age to proficiency in English and amount of work experience. To be granted such visas, the individual’s score must reach a cutoff fixed by the authorities. For workers with an “eligible skilled occupation” there are 10 categories of visas available. Applications are tested with points awarded in various categories. One of these is “Skilled Independent Visa”. • A migrant with this visa can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia, study in Australia, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence and if eligible, enrol in Australia’s health-care system and subject to eligibility, also become an Australian citizen. Some of the skilled jobs that come under the ambit of the skilled migration program include: accountant, actor, aeronautical engineer, advertising manager, air conditioning and mechanical services plumber, author, baker, swimming coach, urologist and vegetable grower. What are the advantages of points systems? The ability to qualify without an employer sponsor- workers entering under the Australian points system are less dependent on their employers and do not need permission to switch between jobs as they do in the UK; as a result, they are expected to have more bargaining power and to operate in a more competitive labour market.

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Criticisms: The most common criticism of points systems is that they often do not require a job offer and if workers do not have employment lined up, it is difficult to know whether they are actually employable. The system relies on the government’s perception of what skills are valuable, rather than on the views of the employers who are to recruit them. Other criticisms include the fact that eligibility criteria can be unpredictable if candidate are ranked against each other and a specific number admitted. This is because the bar for admission will be higher in periods when more other people are applying.

6.11 Bougainville- new country

Where is Bougainville? It is an island in the Pacific. Why in news? It is holding a referendum to decide if it wants to remain a part of Papua New Guinea or become an independent country. How does a territory become a new country? There is no straightforward rule. A region’s quest for nationhood mainly depends on how many countries and international organisations it manages to convince to recognise it as a country. The biggest sanction of nationhood is the United Nations recognising a territory as a country. Why UN recognition matters? With UN recognition, a new country has access to the World Bank, the IMF, etc. • Its currency is recognised, which allows it to trade. • There is protection against parent country’s aggression, and international trade. And as per 1933’s Montevideo Convention, a region wanting to become independent should meet 4 criteria: A country-hopeful must have a defined territory, people, government, and the ability to form relationships with other countries.

6.12 USA’s Military Space Force

United States President Donald Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, authorising the establishment of Space Force which would become the sixth branch of the armed forces. Key facts: • Space Force would become the youngest US military branch, and the first new service since the establishment of the US Air Force back in 1947. The Space Force would be part of the Department of the Air Force. The main goal of the Space Force is to secure and extend American dominance of the space domain. It will organize, train, and equip military space forces. Challenges: • The fundamental difficulty of a space corps is that the physical environment of space is not conducive to the conduct of military operations without incurring serious losses in the form of spacecraft and debris. And despite efforts to make spacecraft more fuel efficient, the energy requirements are enormous. • The technical demands of defending assets in space make the possibility of dominance and space as a domain for war-fighting a sort of chimera. Why space has become so important? • Space is a “war-fighting domain” and global powers like Russia and China are already treating it as such. • Besides, the stakes are high. Much of our 21st-century economy and lifestyle — from bank transactions to weather forecasting to television service to the GPS directions — depends on satellites functioning round the clock and without interruption. The military depends on them too. • In 2007, China shot down one of its own satellites — mission accomplished in its own right, it also littered orbit with potentially destructive space debris. Many saw the operation as a veiled display of military power.

6.13 Global Carbon Project: Formed in 2001 to help the international science community to establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge base that supports policy debate and action to slow the rate of increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a research partner of the World Climate Research programme. It works collaboratively with the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme, the World Climate Programme, the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change and Diversitas, under the Earth System Science Partnership. Its projects include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse gases — CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide — and complementary efforts in urban, regional, cumulative, and negative emissions.

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Observations made by the Global Carbon Project on India: • India’s emissions in 2019 was likely to be only 1.8 per cent higher than in 2018. • Weak economic growth in India has led to slower growth in oil and natural gas use. • With a weakening economy, growth in India’s generation of electricity has slowed from 6 per cent per year to under 1 per cent in 2019, despite electrification of villages adding to potential demand. • Moreover, the addition of a very wet monsoon led to very high hydropower generation and a decline in generation from coal.

6.14 Asian Elephant Specialist Group The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) 10th Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) Meeting was held recently at Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. • More than 130 elephant conservationists, partner organisations and experts gathered at the meeting. • Issues discussed included national action plans for elephant conservation by Asian elephant range states, best practices in managing human-elephant conflict, mechanisms to involve group members in monitoring the illegal killing of elephants, issues related to captive elephant welfare and sharing and learning from the African experience. About AsESG: The IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) is a global network of specialists (both scientists and nonscientists) concerned with the study, monitoring, management, and conservation of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus). Aim: To promote the long-term conservation of Asia's elephants and, where possible, the recovery of their populations to viable levels. AsESG is an integral part of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Functions: It shall provide the best available scientifically grounded evidence to the abundance, distribution, and demographic status of Asian elephant populations in all 13 range states. Gajah is the bi-annual journal of the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG).

6.15 Global Refugee Forum

First ever Global Refugee Forum is being held in Geneva, Switzerland. It was Jointly hosted by United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) along with Government of Switzerland. What is Global Refugee Forum? Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees, the Global Refugee Forum is an opportunity to translate the principle of international responsibility-sharing into concrete action. The Forum will showcase impactful pledges and contributions and the exchange of good practices. Refugees situations- concerns and challenges: • Refugee situations continue to increase in scope, scale, and complexity. There are 25.4 million refugees around the world, and 85 per cent of them are hosted in low- and middle-income countries facing their own economic and development challenges. • Despite the tremendous generosity of host countries and donors, the gap between needs and the resources available to meet them continues to grow. There is an urgent need for a more equitable sharing of the burden and responsibility for hosting and supporting the world’s refugees. Refugees and host communities should not be left behind. What is Global Compact on Refugees? It was affirmed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018. It represents the determination of the international community to strengthen solidarity with refugees and the countries that host them. The Compact sets out arrangements to ensure that host countries receive predictable and sustainable support; that refugees can contribute to their host communities and secure their own futures; and that solutions are sought from the outset.

6.16 Afgan Peace Deal

The Taliban’s ruling council has agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Afghanistan. It provides a window during which a peace agreement with the United States could be signed. ▪ However, the Taliban chief has not yet approved the cease-fire decision. ▪ Also, the duration of the cease-fire has not been specified. Background ▪ Afghanistan has been ravaged by war since 2001 when a US-led coalition overthrew the Taliban.

o In 2018, Afghanistan was the world’s deadliest conflict. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

o The Taliban initially emerged as a militia - largely consisted of students (talib), in 1994. This group comprises of militants who had been educated in traditional Islamic schools and fought during the Soviet–Afghan War (ended in 1989). ▪ Since October 2018, Taliban representatives and US officials have been meeting to chalk out a peace treaty. Key Elements of Afghan Peace Deal ✓ Withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. o The U.S. currently has an estimated 12,000 troops in Afghanistan. ✓ To prevent Afghanistan from being used by terrorist groups. ✓ A permanent ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghanistan. ✓ Direct negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan Government (Intra - Afghan Negotiations). o The negotiations will cover a variety of issues, including the rights of women, free speech, and changes to the country’s constitution. o The Intra-Afghan talks would also lay out the fate of tens of thousands of Taliban fighters as well as the heavily armed militias belonging to Afghanistan’s warlords who have amassed wealth and power since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001.

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ECONOMY

7.1 Bharat Bond ETF

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for creation and launch of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).

• Bharat Bond ETF would be the first corporate Bond ETF in the country. • It helps to create an additional source of funding for Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Central Public Financial Institutions (CPFIs) and other Government organizations. Features of Bharat Bond ETF: • ETF will be a basket of bonds issued by CPSE/CPSU/CPFI/any other Government organization Bonds (Initially, all AAA rated bonds) o Tradable on exchange o Small unit size Rs 1,000 o Transparent NAV (Periodic live NAV during the day) o Transparent Portfolio (Daily disclosure on the website) o Low cost (0.0005%) Index Methodology: • The index will be constructed by an independent index provider – National Stock Exchange • Different indices tracking specific maturity years - 3 and 10 years Bharat Bond ETF Benefits for CPSEs: • Bond ETF would offer CPSEs, CPSUs, CPFIs and other Government organizations an additional source of meeting their borrowing requirements apart from bank financing. • It will expand their investor base through retail and HNI participation which can increase demand for their bonds. • With an increase in demand for their bonds, these issuers may be able to borrow at reduced cost thereby reducing their cost of borrowing over a period of time

7.2 National Investment & Infrastructure Fund Canada's largest pension fund Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has agreed to invest about $600 million in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) through the NIIF Master Fund. With CPPIB’s investment, NIIF Master Fund now has $2.1 billion in commitments and has achieved its initially targeted fund size. The government had set up the ₹40,000 crore NIIF in 2015 as an investment vehicle for funding commercially viable greenfield, brownfield and stalled infrastructure projects. The Indian government is investing 49% and the rest of the corpus is to be raised from third-party investors such as sovereign wealth funds, insurance and pension funds, endowments, etc. • NIIF’s mandate includes investing in areas such as energy, transportation, housing, water, waste management and other infrastructure-related sectors in India. • NIIF currently manages three funds each with its distinctive investment mandate. The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The three funds are: Master Fund: Is an infrastructure fund with the objective of primarily investing in operating assets in the core infrastructure sectors such as roads, ports, airports, power etc. Fund of Funds: Managed by fund managers who have good track records in infrastructure and associated sectors in India. Some of the sectors of focus include Green Infrastructure, Mid-Income & Affordable Housing, Infrastructure services and allied sectors. Strategic Investment Fund: Is registered as an Alternative Investment Fund II under SEBI in India. The objective is to invest largely in equity and equity-linked instruments. It will focus on green field and brown field investments in the core infrastructure sectors.

7.3 Extra Neutral Alcohol

Alcohol manufacturers have written to NITI Aayog asking for reduction in import duty so as they can import Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) from global markets cost effectively. About • It is a byproduct of the sugar industry. • Formed from molasses that are a residue of sugarcane processing. • It is the primary raw material for making alcoholic beverages. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Features: • It is colourless food-grade alcohol that does not have any impurities. • It has a neutral smell and taste and typically contains over 95 per cent alcohol by volume. Uses of Extra Neutral Alcohol • ENA is the primary raw material for making alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka etc. • It serves as an essential ingredient in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products such as perfumes, toiletries, hair spray, etc. • Given its properties as a good solvent, it also finds industrial use and is utilised in the production of some lacquers, paints and ink for the printing industry, as well as in pharmaceutical products such as antiseptics, drugs, syrups, medicated sprays.

7.4 Deposit Insurance

Finance Ministry, IRDAI seek insurance for bank deposits above Rs 1 lakh. The requests comes in the aftermath of the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank scam. What is deposit insurance? How is it regulated in India? Deposit insurance is providing insurance protection to the depositor’s money by receiving a premium. • The government has set up Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) under RBI to protect depositors if a bank fails. • Every insured bank pays premium amounting to 0.001% of its deposits to DICGC every year. What happens to depositors’ money when a bank fails? • When a bank is liquidated, depositors are entitled to receive an insurance amount of ₹1 lakh per individual from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC). • The ₹1 lakh insurance limit includes both principal and interest dues across your savings bank accounts, current accounts, fixed deposits and recurring deposits held with the bank. What is the procedure for depositors to claim the money from a failed bank? The DICGC does not deal directly with depositors. 1. The RBI (or the Registrar), on directing that a bank be liquidated, appoints an official liquidator to oversee the winding up process. 2. Under the DICGC Act, the liquidator is supposed to hand over a list of all the insured depositors (with their dues) to the DICGC within three months of taking charge. 3. The DICGC is supposed to pay these dues within two months of receiving this list. Who are insured by the DICGC? The corporation covers all commercial and co-operative banks, except in Meghalaya, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Besides, Only primary cooperative societies are not insured by the DICGC. The DICGC does not include the following types of deposits: 1. Deposits of foreign governments. 2. Deposits of central/state governments. 3. Inter-bank deposits. 4. Deposits of the state land development banks with the state co-operative bank. 5. Any amount due on account of any deposit received outside India. 6. Any amount specifically exempted by the DICGC with previous approval of RBI. Reforms necessary? 1. Enhance the insurance cover and the insured amount. 2. Allow private players to provide insurance cover

7.5 Infrastructure Investment Trust

Cabinet authorises NHAI to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust and monetize National Highway projects. About the Infrastructure Investment Trust: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will set up the Infrastructure Investment Trust(s) (InvIT) as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI. Under InvIT, highway projects will be bundled to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to be offered to investors. The SPV would then be traded on the stock exchanges, and returns will be linked to the InvIT’s performance in the capital market. Significance and expected outcomes: This will enable the NHAI to monetize completed national highways that have a toll collection track record of at least one year and the NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway. Why InvIT? InvIT as an instrument provides greater flexibility to investors and is expected to create specialized O&M concessionaires, attract patient capital for around 30 years to the highways market.

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NHAI has received a total of Rs 36,691 crore as budgetary support and has been authorised to raise Rs 75,000 crores from the market in the current financial year. Given the magnitude of the Bharatmala, the government’s flagship highway development program, NHAI would need adequate funds to complete the projects within the prescribed timelines. What is Bharatmala project? It is the second largest highways construction project in the country since NHDP, under which almost 50,000 km of highway roads were targeted across the country. Bharatmala will look to improve connectivity particularly on economic corridors, border areas and far flung areas with an aim of quicker movement of cargo and boosting exports.

7.6 Special Economic Zone Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified setting up of Tripura’s first ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ). It will be developed by Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC) Ltd. for the industries based on rubber, textile and apparel, bamboo and agri-food processing. What are SEZs? Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically delineated ‘enclaves’ in which regulations and practices related to business and trade differ from the rest of the country and therefore all the units therein enjoy special privileges. The basic idea of SEZs emerges from the fact that, while it might be very difficult to dramatically improve infrastructure and business environment of the overall economy ‘overnight’, SEZs can be built in a much shorter time, and they can work as efficient enclaves to solve these problems. Facilities and incentives for SEZs: 1. Duty-free import/domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and maintenance of SEZ units. 2. Income tax exemption on export income for SEZ units under the Income Tax Act for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years thereafter and 50% of the ploughed back export profit for next 5 years. 3. Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). 4. Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals. Concerns with present SEZ: 1. SEZs in India have not been as successful as their counterparts in many other countries. Several Asian economies, particularly China, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, have greatly benefitted from these zones. 2. Most of India’s new generation SEZs came up not for exporting, but for avoiding taxes. Large fiscal sops, in the form of a bunch of reliefs from central and state taxes, lured developers into building SEZs. 3. Most manufacturing SEZs in India have performed below par due to their poor linkages with the rest of the economy. Weak connections of coastal SEZs with their hinterlands inhibited these zones from utilising full potential. 4. States did not match the central SEZ Act with State-level legislation, which rendered the single window system ineffective. 5. Lack of a robust policy design, efficient implementation and effective monitoring have seriously jeopardised India’s effort to industrialise through SEZs Where are SEZs located in India? At present there are eight functional SEZs located at • Santa Cruz (Maharashtra) • Cochin (Kerala) • Kandla and Surat (Gujarat) • Chennai (Tamil Nadu) • Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) • Falta (West Bengal) • Noida (Uttar Pradesh) in India.

7.7 Forex Reserve

India’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $450-billion mark for the first time. About Report • India’s Forex reserves consists of Foreign Currency Assets, Gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDR), Reserve Tranche Position in the IMF. • The country’s foreign exchange reserves recently crossed the $450-billion mark for the first time ever. • It provides country’s import cover for 11 months. • Since the beginning of the current financial year, the forex reserve has gained by $38.8 billion. • It enables the central bank to buy dollars from the market to check any sharp appreciation of the rupee. Trends – • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $274.8 billion in September of 2013.

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• It prompted the Centre and RBI to unleash measures to attract inflows. • It has been a steady rise for the reserves since then, with $175 billion added in the last six years.

7.8 Global E-Commerce Ranking

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) has released the Business-toConsumer(B2C) E- commerce Index 2019. • The index compares 152 countries on four major indicators that are highly related to E-Commerce which includes population age, individuals using the internet, postal reliability index and secure internet servers. Key takeaways from the index: • Netherlands has topped the index for the second consecutive time followed by Switzerland. • India has showed slight improvement in its ranking. It was ranked at jump 73rd among 152 countries. • About 11% of Internet users and 3% of the overall population in India have shopped online this year. • As per the estimate, the Indian e-commerce market is expected to grow to US$ 200 billion by 2026 from US$ 38.5 billion as of now. About UNCTAD: • UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and part of the UN Secretariat. Currently, UNCTAD has 195 member states. • It was formed specifically to handle the problems of developing countries dealing with trade, investment and development issues. o UNCTAD produces a number of topical reports, including: o The Trade and Development Report o The Trade and Environment Review o The World Investment Report o The Least Developed Countries Report o UNCTAD Statistics o The Information Economy Report o The Review of Maritime Transport o The International Accounting and Reporting Issues Annual Review o The Technology and Innovation Report

7.9 National Financial Reporting Authority

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has issued its first audit report of IL&FS Financial Services Limited for the year 2017-18. About NFRA • The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has been constituted in 2018 by the Government of India under section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013. • The need for establishing NFRA was felt in the wake of accounting scams and to establish an independent regulator for enforcement of auditing standards and ensuring the quality of audits. • Further, due to the establishment of NFRA, India is also now eligible for the membership of International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR). Functions of NFRA: • Recommend accounting and auditing policies and standards to be adopted by companies for approval by the Central Government • Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards; • Oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring compliance with such standards and suggest measures for improvement in the quality of service; Powers • It can probe listed companies and those unlisted public companies having paid-up capital of no less than Rs 500 crore or annual turnover of no less than Rs 1,000 crore. • It can investigate professional misconduct committed by members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for prescribed class of body corporate or persons. Composition • The regulator will have 15 members, including a chairperson and 3 full-time members & there would be a secretary. About IFIAR: • International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators is a global member organization established in 2006 at Paris. • It was established by independent audit regulators from 18 jurisdictions, IFIAR has now grown to 55 Members

LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS around the world • The mission of IFIAR is to serve the public interest including investors, by enhancing audit oversight globally

7.10 National Electronic Funds Transfer

RBI has extended the availability of National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) round-the-clock on all the seven days of the week — 24×7 basis — to facilitate beyond the banking hour fund transfer. • The RBI joins an elite club of countries having payment systems which enable round the clock funds transfer and settlement of any value. • So far, Australia, Hong Kong, Mexico, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and China have such payment system. About NEFT • NEFT is an electronic funds transfer system maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). • Started in November 2005, the setup was established and maintained by Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT). • NEFT enables bank customers in India to transfer funds between any two NEFT-enabled bank accounts on a one-to- one basis. • It is done via electronic messages. • Unlike Real-time gross settlement (RTGS), fund transfers through the NEFT system do not occur in realtime basis. About RTGS • RTGS are specialist funds transfer systems where the transfer of money or securities takes place from one bank to any other bank on a “real time” and on a “gross” basis.

7.11 Operation Twist

RBI to carry out US-style ‘Operation Twist’ to bring down interest rates. About • Operation Twist is the name given to a U.S Federal Reserve monetary policy operation in 2011-12 that involves the purchase and sale of bonds. • Its objective was to make long-term borrowing cheaper and to stimulate the economy. • It does not expand the Fed’s balance sheet, making it a less aggressive form of easing. • Accordingly, RBI will simultaneously buy and sale government securities worth Rs. 10,000 crore each under its open market operations. • RBI will purchase the longer-term government bonds maturing in 2029 at 6.45% and simultaneously sell short term bonds maturing in 2020. • It will purchase bonds that are trading at a spread of 150 bps (basis points) over the repo rate, so that the yield of these papers will soften. • It is seen as a move aimed at managing the yields. • Bond yields have been rising since the RBI unexpectedly left its key repo rate unchanged earlier this month • Thus, it is an unconventional step by RBI as policy rate cuts are unable to bring down the bank lending rates proportionately. About Open Market operations: • Open market operations are the sale and purchase of government securities and treasury bills by RBI or the central bank of the country. • The objective of OMO is to regulate the money supply in the economy. The central bank carries out the OMO through commercial banks and does not directly deal with the public. • When the RBI wants to increase the money supply in the economy, it purchases the government securities from the market and it sells government securities to out liquidity from the system

7.12 Eight West African countries rename common currency to Eco

The eight West African nations have agreed to change the name of their common currency from ‘CFA franc’ to ‘Eco’, after they jointly severed the CFA franc’s links to former colonial ruler France. About • The 8 West African countries namely- Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Guinea- Bissau currently use CFA France as their currency. • All these countries, except Guinea-Bissau, are former French colonies. • The CFA franc was initially pegged to French franc and has been linked to euro for about two decades. • The common currency Eco will see the light of day in 2020. About CFA franc LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• It is the name of two currencies- ‘the West African CFA franc’, which is used in 8 West African countries, and ‘Central African CFA franc’, which is used in 6 Central African countries. • Both currencies are guaranteed by French treasury and was created in 1945. • The currency was seen by many as a sign of French interference in its former African colonies even after countries became independent. • Ivory Coast is the world’s top cocoa producer as well as France’s former main colony in West Africa

7.13 Direct Tax Code

Recently, the draft legislation of the new Direct Tax Code (DTC) was submitted by the task force, headed by Akhilesh Ranjan, to the Government of India. • It will revise, consolidate and simplify the structure of direct tax laws in India into a single legislation. • When implemented, it will replace the Income-tax Act, 1961 (ITA), and other direct tax legislations like the Wealth Tax Act, 1957. What is a Direct Tax? • These are the taxes, paid directly to the government by the taxpayer. Under the direct tax system, the incidence and impact of taxation fall on the same entity, which cannot be transferred to another person. • It is termed as a progressive tax because the proportion of tax liability rises as an individual or entity's income increases. • Examples- Income tax, corporate Tax, Dividend Distribution Tax, Capital Gain Tax, Security Transaction Tax. • The system of Direct taxation is governed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). It is a part of the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.

7.14 Western Dedicated Freight Corridor

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL) opened the more than 300-km section between Rewari, Haryana to Madar, Rajasthan, for commercial trial runs. This is the first section to be opened on the under-construction 1,500-km western freight corridor.

What is Western Dedicated Freight Corridor? • Basically Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is a railway route, which is dedicated to freight traffic movement only. • Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is a broad gauge corridor under construction that will connect Delhi and Mumbai, the national and business capitals of India. • In October 2006, the Indian Government established a dedicated body, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), to carry out the project. • The western DFC will separate freight and passenger traffic to increase the speed of freight movement. It will be used to transport fertilisers, food grains, salt, coal, iron & steel and cement. The project will eventually be linked to the Eastern DFC to form four hubs known as India’s Golden Quadrilateral including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Western dedicated freight corridor route details The 1,504-km-long route — from JNPT to Dadri via Vadodara-Ahmedabad- Palanpur-Phulera- Rewari — Western DFC will pass through Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. It is proposed to join the Eastern Corridor at Dadri. Financing: The project will be funded by a soft loan of $4bn provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency under special terms for economic partnership (STEP). The remaining funds will be provided through equity by the Ministry of Railways. DFCCIL is a special purpose vehicle tasked with planning and completion of 3,306 kms of Dedicated Freight Corridors, consisting of western freight corridor and eastern freight corridor (1,856 kms). The total project cost is estimated at over ₹81,000 crore.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

8.1 Rotavirus

Vice- President has launched the new rotavirus vaccine – ROTAVAC5D. • The vaccine has been designed and developed by Bharat Biotech. • It is a genus of double-stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family. • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and death among children less than five years of age. • It is responsible for around 10% of total child mortality every year. Rotavirus-Signs and Symptoms: • Kids with a rotavirus infection have fever, nausea, and vomiting, often followed by abdominal cramps and frequent, watery diarrhea. • Kids may also have a cough and runny nose. • Sometimes the diarrhea that accompanies a rotavirus infection is so severe that it can quickly lead to dehydration. • As with all viruses, though, some rotavirus infections cause few or no symptoms, especially in adults. Transmission: • Rotavirus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, via contact with contaminated hands, surfaces and objects, and possibly by the respiratory route. Viral diarrhea is highly contagious.

8.2 HERA Mission

The European Space Agency (ESA) has approved the budget of Hera, the European component of the mission to slam a spacecraft into an asteroid. • Hera is the European contribution to an international double-spacecraft collaboration. • Hera is named after the Greek goddess of marriage. How is it planned? • Due to launch in 2024, Hera would travel to a binary asteroid system – the Didymos pair of near-Earth asteroids. • NASA will first perform a kinetic impact on the smaller of the two bodies, then Hera will followup with a detailed post-impact survey that will turn this grand-scale experiment into a well-understood and repeatable planetary defence technique. What is DART mission? • Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) will target Didymoon as part of its planetary defence programme. • DART will deliberately crash itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6 km per second, using an onboard camera and autonomous navigation software. • The collision will change the speed of the moonlet in its orbit around the main body

8.3 Space Technology Cell

The Indian Space Research Organization has decided to set up five Space Technology Cells at the premier institutes in order to carry out research activities. • The Space Technology cells are being established under the RESPOND Programme. • The Technology cells will consist of professors and scholars associated with the institute. • Under the programme, the experts will conduct space technology research and applications. • Currently, the ISRO has already set up Space Technology Cells (STC) at premier institutions like IIT Bombay, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras, IISc, Bengaluru and Joint Research Programme with Savitribai Phule Pune University About RESPOND Programme: • ISRO had started the RESPOND (Sponsored Research) programme in the 1970s. • The objective of the programme is to encourage academia to participate and contribute in various Space related research activities. • Under the programme, projects are taken up by Universities/Academic Institutions in the areas of relevance to Space Programme. • ISRO helps these institutions to establish the necessary technical facilities and also provide fellowships to researchers to work on cutting edge research topics. • The programme is mutually beneficial to both ISRO and Academia wherein the rich talent of Academia/ faculty is being harnessed to support the Nation’s Space programme.

8.4 Torrefaction

The government recently thought to use Torrefaction, a Swedish technology to reduce stubble burning which is the key contributor to the sharp decline in air quality in Delhi. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• It is a thermochemical process typically at 200-350 °C in the absence of oxygen, at atmospheric pressure with low particle heating rates and a reactor time of one hour. • The process causes biomass to partly decompose, creating torrefied biomass or char, also referred to as 'bio coal'. • Bio coal has higher energy content per unit volume, and torrefaction followed by palletization at the harvest sites facilitates transport over longer distances. • It also avoids problems associated with the decomposition of biomass during storage. • It help to convert about 65% of the biomass could be converted to energy

8.5 Head on Generation Technology

The system runs the train’s ‘hotel load’ (the load of air conditioning, lights, fans, and pantry, etc.) by drawing electricity from the overhead electric lines through the pantograph. The power supply from the overhead cable is 750 volts at single-phase, and a transformer with a winding of 945 kVA converts it to a 750 Volts 50 Hz output at 3-phase. This energy is then provided to the compartments. How is it different from the present EOG technology? In the End on Generation (EOG) system, the ‘hotel load’ is provided with electricity from two large diesel generator sets. The generator cars are attached to either end of the train, giving the system its name. Benefits of HOG over EOG: 1. HOG-fitted trains do not require power from diesel generators and need only one emergency generator car attached, instead of two regular generator cars. 2. HOG system is free of air and noise pollution: It would bring down yearly CO2 and NOx emissions, which are currently at 1724.6 tonnes/annum and 7.48 tonnes/annum respectively, to zero. 3. The reduction in emissions could also help Railways accrue carbon credits, and tradevvon the international market. 4. With the noise-emitting generator sets gone, noise pollution would also drop

8.6 Neutrino Project

The Centre has reiterated that the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO) will be established in picturesque Theni in south Tamil Nadu though there has been opposition to the project by locals. About the project: The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional effort aimed at building a worldclass underground laboratory with a rock cover of approx.1200 m for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear physics research in India. The initial goal of INO is to study neutrinos. It is a mega-science project jointly funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). • Construction of an underground laboratory and associated surface facilities at Pottipuram in Bodi West hills of Theni District of Tamil Nadu. • Construction of an Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector for studying neutrinos. • Setting up of National Centre for High Energy Physics at Madurai, for the operation and maintenance of the underground laboratory, human resource development and detector R&D along with its applications. What are neutrinos? Neutrinos, first proposed by Swiss scientist Wolfgang Pauli in 1930, are the second most widely occurring particle in the universe, only second to photons, the particle which makes up light. In fact, neutrinos are so abundant among us that every second, there are more than 100 trillion of them passing right through each of us. Neutrinos occur in three different types, or flavours. These are separated in terms of different masses. From experiments so far, we know that neutrinos have a tiny mass, but the ordering of the neutrino mass states is not known and is one of the key questions that remain unanswered till today. This is a major challenge INO will set to resolve, thus completing our picture of the neutrino.

8.7 NAVIC

US Congress has consented to designate India's Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC) as its “allied” navigational satellite system along with the Galileo of the European Union and QZSS of Japan. What is NAVIC? Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. Services provided: IRNSS would provide two types of services, namely Standard Positioning Services available to all users and Restricted Services provided to authorised users. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Its applications include: 1. Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation. 2. Disaster Management. 3. Vehicle tracking and fleet management. 4. Integration with mobile phones

8.8 Rare Earth Elements

The US Army plans to fund the construction of a Rare Earths processing facility to secure the domestic supply of minerals that are used to make military weapons and electronics. This will be the first financial investment by the US military into commercial-scale Rare Earths production since the Manhattan Project to build the first atomic bomb during World War II. What necessitated this? • The decision comes after China threatened to stop exporting Rare Earth materials to the US amid the ongoing trade war between the countries. • At present, China refines approximately 80%-90% of the world’s Rare Earths, thereby having substantial control over their supply. What are REMs? • The rare earths minerals (REM) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table in addition to scandium and yttrium that show similar physical and chemical properties to the lanthanides. • The REMs have unique catalytic, metallurgical, nuclear, electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties. While named ‘rare earth’, they are in fact not that rare and are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust. Strategic importance of REMs: They have distinctive electrical, metallurgical, catalytic, nuclear, magnetic and luminescent properties. • Its usage range from daily use (e.g., lighter flints, glass polishing mediums, car alternators) to high-end technology (lasers, magnets, batteries, fibre-optic telecommunication cables). • Even futuristic technologies need these REMs (For example high-temperature superconductivity, safe storage and transport of hydrogen for a post-hydrocarbon economy, environmental global warming and energy efficiency issues). • Due to their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties, they help in technologies perform with reduced weight, reduced emissions, and energy consumption; therefore give them greater efficiency, performance, miniaturization, speed, durability, and thermal stability.

8.9 New Prototype of KiloGram

The prototype of one kilogram (NPK-57) is now available in India and placed at the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. Scientists, last year, have changed the way the kilogram is defined. The decision was made at the General Conference on Weights and Measures. The new definitions came into force on 20 May 2019. How does the new system work? Electromagnets generate a force. Scrap-yards use them on cranes to lift and move large metal objects, such as old cars. The pull of the electromagnet, the force it exerts, is directly related to the amount of electrical current going through its coils. There is, therefore, a direct relationship between electricity and weight. So, in principle, scientists can define a kilogram, or any other weight, in terms of the amount of electricity needed to counteract the weight (gravitational force acting on a mass). What is Planck’s constant? There is a quantity that relates weight to electrical current, called Planck’s constant – named after the German physicist Max Planck and denoted by the symbol h. But h is an incredibly small number and to measure it, the research scientist Dr Bryan Kibble built a superaccurate set of scales. The Kibble balance, as it has become known, has an electromagnet that pulls down on one side of the scales and a weight – say, a kilogram – on the other. The electrical current going through the electromagnet is increased until the two sides are perfectly balanced. By measuring the current running through the electromagnet to incredible precision, the researchers are able to calculate h to an accuracy of 0.000001%. This breakthrough has paved the way for Le Grand K to be deposed by “die kleine h”.

8.10 Fuel cell Electric Vehicle

Supreme Court, last month, directed the government to look into the feasibility of introducing vehicles based on a hydrogen cell technology to deal with air pollution in the National Capital Region. How does the hydrogen fuel cell work in electric vehicles? LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

A fuel-cell electric vehicle is essentially a hybrid electric vehicle wherein, the internal combustion engine is replaced with a fuel-cell stack. The onboard sources of power include hydrogen as well as an advanced battery system. The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current, water being the only byproduct. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process. And, there are no moving parts in the fuel cell, so they are more efficient and reliable by comparison. How is it different from an electric vehicle (EV)? Unlike a battery-electricity vehicle, it does not store energy and, instead, relies on a constant supply of fuel and oxygen — in the same way that an internal combustion engine relies on a constant supply of petrol or diesel, and oxygen. Advantages of fuel cells: • They produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that cause health problems. • If pure hydrogen is used, fuel cells emit only heat and water as a byproduct. • They are also energy efficient than traditional combustion technologies. • Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles do not need to be plugged in, and most models exceed 300 km of range on a full tank. They are filled up with a nozzle, just like in a petrol or diesel station. Disadvantages: • The process of making hydrogen needs energy — often from fossil fuel sources. That has raised questions over hydrogen’s green credentials. • There are questions of safety — hydrogen is more explosive than petrol. • Besides, the vehicles are expensive, and fuel dispensing pumps are scarce.

8.11 Eco Club

Launched under the Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT), the National Green Corps (NGC) popularly known as “a programme of Ecoclubs” is a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India (now Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change). • To impart knowledge to school children, through hands-on experience, about their immediate environment, interactions within it and the problems therein. • To develop requisite skills of observation, experimentation, survey, recording, analysis and reasoning for conserving the environment through various activities. • To inculcate the proper attitude towards the environment and its conservation through community interactions. • To sensitize children to issues related to environment and development through field visits and demonstrations. • To promote logical and independent thinking among children so that they are able to make the right choices in a spirit of scientific inquiry. • To motivate and stimulate young minds by involving them in action projects related to environmental conservation. Methodology: 1. The scheme is being operated through Eco-clubs of 50-60 students having interest in environment related issues, formed in member schools. 2. Eco clubs are supervised by a Teacher In-charge, who is selected from among the teachers of the member school. 3. There is District Implementation and Monitoring Committee to supervise, organise training for Incharge teachers, and monitor periodically the implementation of scheme at the District level. 4. There is a State Steering Committee for guidance, direction and to oversee the implementation of the scheme. 5. The State Nodal Agency coordinates the implementation of the scheme in the State and organize related activities like training to Master Trainers. 6. The National Steering Committee will give overall direction to the programme and ensure linkages at all levels

8.12 Snow Ex

It is a five year program initiated and funded by NASA. Objective: To address the most important gaps in snow remote sensing knowledge and thus lay the groundwork for a future snow satellite mission. It focuses on airborne campaigns and field work, and on comparing the various sensing technologies, from the mature to the more experimental, in globally-representative types of snow. The mission will utilize a suite of airborne instruments such as Lidar, SAR, Passive Microwave, Multispectral/hyperspectral VIS/IR, and others, as well as ground measurements, to study Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) in forested areas. Objectives: • develop/test algorithms for measurement of SWE in forested and non-forested areas by providing multisensor observations of seasonally snow-covered landscapes.

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• develop/test energy balance models and snow distribution models of beneath-canopy snowpack using appropriate field measurements. • explore how best to combine sensing technologies with modeling and data assimilation methods to produce the most accurate products. What are the SnowEx outcomes and International Engagement? SnowEx will provide key insights into optimal strategies for mapping global SWE with remote sensing and models, which will enable a competitive proposal for a Decadal Survey “Earth System Explorer” mission. The systematic assessment of methods for mapping water and energy components of seasonal snow in SnowEx is fully aligned with the objectives of the NASA Terrestrial Hydrology Program and the Earth Science Division as well as the ESDS. Why have this campaign? • More than one-sixth of the world’s population (~1.2 billion people) relies on seasonal snowpack and glaciers for their water supply. • Snowmelt-generated water supply is likely to decrease this century. Snow is also a critical component of Earth’s cold regions ecosystems where wildlife, vegetation and snow have strongly interconnected fates. • Besides, to understand the time and space variation in the snow’s energy and mass balances along with the extensive feedbacks with the Earth’s climate, water cycle, and carbon cycle, it is critical to accurately measure snowpack

8.13 RISAT

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its fiftieth flight (PSLV-C48), has successfully launched RISAT- 2BR1 along with nine commercial satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. This is PSLV’s 50th successful mission and the 75 thlaunch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. What is RISAT-2BR1? It is a radar imaging earth observation satellite. It provides services in the field of agriculture, forestry and disaster management. Its mission life is 5 years. Other satellites on board: The nine customer satellites were from Israel, Italy, Japan and the USA. These satellites were launched under a commercial arrangement with New Space India Limited (NSIL). The RISAT, which was first deployed in orbit on April 20, 2009 as the RISAT-2, uses synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to provide Indian forces with all weather surveillance and observation, which are crucial to notice any potential threat or malicious activity around the nation’s borders. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the launch of RISAT-2 was prioritised over RISAT- 1, as its C-band SAR radar was not yet ready and RISAT -2 carried an Israeli built X-band radar.

8.14 Echo Network

To identify gaps in knowledge regarding environment and then train postdoctoral leaders in research and outreach on these topics, incorporating current public and private efforts. Key features: • It will provide a template for cross-disciplinary leadership in India with the specific focus of increasing research, knowledge, and awareness of Indian ecology and the environment. • The Network would develop a national network to catalyse a new generation of Indians who can synthesize interdisciplinary concepts and tackle real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, ecology, and technology. How it works? 1. Through interactive sessions with citizens, industry, academia, and the government, the Network will identify gaps in knowledge regarding selected topics in human and environmental ecosystems. 2. The program will then train postdoctoral leaders in research and outreach on these topics, while also incorporating current public and private efforts into a national network. 3. It would then go on to establishing nation-wide awareness in these issues through public discourse and education for citizens, industry, and government with information exchange at all educational levels.

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The need: Despite concerted efforts to promote ecological and environmental research, India lacks trained scientists with interdisciplinary skills and collaborative mind-set. Educators and students need to be trained to identify and solve problems in an interdisciplinary manner. This network will inspire an entirely new approach to Indian education and exploration necessary for the post technological world

8.15 Blue Flag

The MoEFCC has embarked upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ Certification for select beaches in the country. Beaches identified in India: 13 pilot beaches have been identified for the certification. These include Ghoghala Beach (Diu), Shivrajpur beach (Gujarat), Bhogave (Maharashtra), Padubidri and Kasarkod (Karnataka), Kappad beach (Kerala) etc. Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha’s Konark coast was the first to complete the tag certification process will be the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification. Blue flag programme: The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). • It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. • Japan and South Korea are the only countries in South and southeastern Asia to have Blue Flag beaches. • Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395, respectively. Criteria: There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.

8.16 White Dwarf system

Recently for the first time ever, astronomers have found indirect evidence of a giant planet orbiting a white dwarf star (WDJ0914+1914). About • The system was found in the Cancer constellation. • The planet was not seen directly but evidence of its presence was in the form of a disc of gas (hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur) formed due to its evaporating atmosphere which was detected by the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile. • This is the first evidence of an actual planet revolving around a white dwarf star. About White Dwarfs • A white dwarf, also called a degenerate dwarf, is a stellar core remnant composed mostly of electronde generate matter. • A white dwarf is very dense: its mass is comparable to that of the Sun, while its volume is comparable to that of Earth. • A white dwarf's faint luminosity comes from the emission of stored thermal energy; no fusion takes place in a white dwarf. • The nearest known white dwarf is Sirius B, at 8.6 light-years, the smaller component of the Sirius binary star. • There are currently thought to be eight white dwarfs among the hundred star systems nearest the Sun. • The unusual faintness of white dwarfs was first recognized in 1910.

8.17 Hydrogen Fuel

Supreme Court has asked government to look into the feasibility of hydrogen-based tech to deal with vehicular air pollution in capital • Fuel Cell electric vehicles uses hydrogen as a source of fuel and an oxidant to create electricity by an electrochemical process. • The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current, water being the only byproduct. • Like conventional batteries, it converts chemical energy into electrical energy. • It gets differed from battery operated vehicles which stores energy whereas fuel cells rely on a constant supply of fuel and oxygen. • It is similar to the combustion engines with constant supply of fuel (petrol or diesel) but there will be no moving parts as in the combustion engines. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

Pros – • It produces much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that cause health problems. • It is far more energy efficient than tradition combustion technologies. • Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles do not need to be plugged in. Cons – • While they do not generate gases that contribute to global warming, the process of making hydrogen needs energy often from fossil fuel sources. • Hydrogen is more explosive than petrol thus raising the questions of safety

8.18 StrandHogg

The Union Home Ministry has alerted States, warning them about the vulnerability of the Android operating system to a bug called 'StrandHogg’. • It is a vulnerability in android which allows real-time malware applications to pose as genuine applications and access user data of all kinds. • This malware can then potentially listen to their conversations, access photo album, read/send messages, make calls, record conversations and get login credentials to various accounts. • Such malware can access include private images, files, contact details, call logs, and location information. • It can activate the microphone, allowing a hacker in a remote location to listen to live conversations. • The information was shared by the Threat Analytical Unit, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre • It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs. • It would deal with cybercrimes such as financial frauds, circulation of communal and pornographic contents. • The centre would maintain a list of suspects and the leads generated during investigations in cybercrime cases

8.19 CHEOPS system

CHEOPS – CHaracterising ExOplanet Satellite is a new telescope going to be launched by European Space Agency. • Unlike, NASA’s Kepler & TESS mission, it is follow-up mission for the study of exoplanets, than a discovery machine. • Thus, it will help in determining planet sizes and other information. • It will lift-off as a secondary passenger on a Soyuz-Fregat rocket. • Its aim is to measure size of known transiting exoplanets and search for transits of exoplanets previously discovered via radial velocity. • It is the first mission dedicated to searching for exoplanetary transits by performing ultra-high precision photometry on bright stars already known to host planets. The Mission objectives are, o Use ultra-high precision photometry to measure accurate sizes of a large sample of Earth to Neptune sized planets, o Seeks to measure light curves of hot Jupiters to see how energy is transported in planetary atmospheres, o Combine CHEOPS size measurements with existing planet masses to constrain composition and internal structures. o Identify prime targets to search for the fingerprints of key molecules in the planets’ atmospheres using future observatories on Earth

8.20 Long March 5

China has successfully launched its largest carrier rocket, Long March-5, carrying the Shijian-20 satellite, from Wenchang Space Launch Center (WSLC) in south China’s Hainan Province. • The rocket which is also known as CZ-5 is China’s heaviest and most advanced communications . • It can carry a maximum payload of 25 tonnes into low Earth orbit (LEO) and 14 tonnes into geosynchronous orbit. The successful launch is a major step forward for China’s planned mission to Mars in 2020. • It blasted off with more than 1,000 tonnes of thrust. • The mission was declared a complete success by Chinese space authorities after lift-off when Shijian-20 satellite it carried entered its designated orbit. • This is China’s third attempt to launch rocket and first attempt was made in 2016. • However, during first attempt, the rocket failed to reach speed required for early phase of flight. The second attempt also failed

8.21 C-Sat-Fi

The Government reiterated its commitment in providing Wi-Fi in all the villages through GramNet with connectivity between 10mbps to 100 mbps speed.

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• The Minister launched C-DOT’s latest innovations, C-Sat-Fi (C-DOT Satellite WiFi) XGSPON (10 G Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) and C-DOT’s Interoperable Set Top Box (CiSTB). C-Sat-Fi technology: • C-Sat-Fi (C-DOT Satellite WiFi) is based on the optimal utilization of wireless and satellite communication to extend connectivity to the unserved areas including the remote islands and difficult terrains. • Besides offering the ease of deployment, the solution is ideally suited to addressing disasters and emergencies when no other means of communication are available. • This cost-effective solution does not require the expensive Satellite Phones and can work on WiFi enabled phone. XGSPON (10 G Symmetrical Passive Optical Network): • is an effective solution to fulfil the rapidly increasing demands of high network speeds emanating from the new dimensions of user applications like IPTV, HD Video Streaming, Online Gaming and host of other cloud-based services that necessitate the seamless availability of high bandwidth. Interoperable Set Top Box: • C-DOT’s Interoperable Set Top Box (CiSTB) will prove to be a boon to the dissatisfied customers who cannot change their Cable TV operator in view of the recurring costs of setting and installing the physical infrastructure afresh.

8.22 AKRUTI Programme

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, is organizing a two-day exhibition on DAE spin-off technologies for non-power applications at New Moti Bagh recreation club, New Delhi. • Department of Atomic Energy has launched DAE-Societal Initiative for utilization of Non-Power Applications (NPAs) and Spin-off technologies in the area of water, agriculture, food processing and agri-land improvement through urban and rural waste management. • The structured program called “AKRUTI-KRUTIK-FORCE” has been formulated by BARC, Mumbai. • It is implemented through technically oriented NGOs for techno-economic growth of the rural sector. • AKRUTI is an acronym for Advanced Knowledge and RUral Technology Implementation Initiative. • Under this programme, several AKRUTI MoUs were signed. Three AKRUTI nodes were set up in Maharashtra state and made operational with funding by GoM and as a follow up, some more nodes were set up in self-financed mode by other NGOs in other states. • AKRUTI nodes through NGOs have demonstrated the usefulness of BARC technologies for rural sector leading to societal benefit. • Further, it has demonstrated that technically oriented Human Resource in rural sector is capable to deploy technologies for their use under the guidance of BARC scientists and engineers. • This programme has potential to encourage village techno-preneurship based on BARC technology

8.23 Accelerator Lab

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the India chapter of its new initiative, Accelerator Labs, for which it is partnering with Germany and Qatar. About • It seeks to drive innovation in order to address some of the most pressing issues facing India, including air pollution, sustainable water management and client-resilient livelihoods. o The project has been launched in collaboration with the government’s Atal Innovation Mission. • They identify grassroots solutions together with local actors and validate their potential to accelerate development. • Accelerator Labs are built on UNDP’s partnerships with governments to scale solutions. This is highlighted in the Indian Accelerator Lab team’s philosophy to ‘work out loud’, or share the issues.

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ENVIRONMENT

9.1 Clownfish

A new study published in the journal Ecology Letters has concluded that clownfish cannot be expected to be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment as it does not have the genetic capacity to do so. About • Clownfish (family: Pomacentridae), also known as anemonefish, are some of the most iconic marine fish in the world. • They are highly popular among SCUBA divers due to their striking colour combinations of white, orange, yellow and brown. • There are total of 28 species of clownfish, which are all very similar in their habits. Perhaps the most renowned of these is the Common Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), which was popularised in the Walt Disney movie ‘Finding Nemo’. • Distribution: o Clownfish are found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. o The greatest diversity of clownfish is found close to Papua New Guinea, although the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is also known for a number of unique variants • Habitat: Within their range, clownfish are restricted to shallow waters due to their fascinating relationship with only a handful of specific sea-anemone species. Also Remember: - • Clownfish breed only in sea anemones, sharing a symbiotic bond. The anemone benefits because clownfish can defend the anemone from fish that might eat it. • Clownfish are the only fish that do not get stung by the nematocysts of the anemone

9.2 World Soil Day

To communicate messages on importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. Theme 2019: ‘Stop Soil Erosion, Save Our Future’. Why December 5 was chosen? It corresponds with the official birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, who officially sanctioned the event. Soil pollution- concerns: Soil pollution is a hidden danger that lurks beneath our feet. 1. 1/3 of our global soils are already degraded. Yet we risk losing more due to this hidden danger. Soil pollution can be invisible and seems far away but everyone, everywhere is affected. 2. With a growing population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, soil pollution is a worldwide problem which degrades our soils, poisons the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. 3. Most of the pollutants originate from human activities, such as unsustainable farming practices, industrial activities and mining, untreated urban waste and other non-environmental friendly practices. 4. Technology improvements may also lead to new contaminants being released into the environment. SDGs: In the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 12, and 15 have targets which commend direct consideration of soil resources, especially soil pollution and degradation in relation to food security

9.3 Global Climate Risk index

The international environmental think tank ‘Germanwatch’ has recently released the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. The annually published Risk Index analyses to what extent countries have been affected by the impacts of weather-related loss events (storms, floods, heat waves etc.). Germanwatch, based in Bonn and Berlin (Germany), is an independent development and environmental organisation which works for sustainable global development. Key findings: On India: 1. India is the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change. 2. In 2020, India’s rank has worsened from the 14th spot in 2017 to 5th in 2018 in the global vulnerability. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

3. India has also recorded the highest number of fatalities due to climate change and the second highest monetary losses from its impact in 2018. 4. India’s high rank is due to severe rainfalls, followed by heavy flooding and landslide that killed over 1000 people. Global scenario: • Japan is the worst-hit country in 2018 (the last year covered by the data), while Germany and Canada were both also in the ‘bottom 10’, that is, the most affected. • The results reflect the increasing damage caused by heatwaves, which scientists have found are being worsened by the climate change. How climate change impacts extreme weather events? Many studies have concluded that the “frequency, intensity, and duration of some extreme weather events have been changing as the climate system has warmed.” • For instance, global warming leads to higher temperatures which leads to intensification of the water cycles. This means that there will be more droughts, along with increased floods due to drier soil and increased humidity. • Extreme precipitation is expected to increase as global warming intensifies the global hydrological cycle. Thereby, single precipitation events are expected to increase in intensity at a higher rate than global mean changes in total precipitation. Further, surface sea temperatures impact increase in storms, wind speeds and precipitation too. Climate change is also impacting desertification and degradation of land, increasing the risk of the former in the future. This has negative implications for loss of biodiversity as well a potential increase in wildfires

9.4 Dyanganga wildlife sanctuary

Recently a tiger travelled 1300 km distance between Maharashtra and Telangana passing through Dyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary and Tipeshwar Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. • The Dnyanganga Sanctuary is situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. • It is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. • It is located near the Dnyanganga River which is a tributary of the Tapti River. Tipeshwar Tiger Reserve • It is located in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra. • The rivers such as Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti flow through the sanctuary. • Due to the presence of a sufficient quantity of water, it is also popularly known as Green Oasis of Maharashtra.

9.5 Operation Clean Art

Operation Clean Art was recently counted to crackdown on the smuggling of mongoose hair in the country. • It was the first pan India operation to crackdown on the smuggling of mongoose hair in the country. • Operation Clean Art was conceived by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with the singular aim of ensuring that the mongoose hair brush trade should be closed down across the country. • The hairs brushes of mongoose have been used mainly by painters. About Mongoose • Mongoose is listed in Schedule II Part 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and any smuggling or possession of its body part is a non-bailable offence. • According to IUCN Red List status it is Least Concerned. • All six species are listed on CITES Appendix III with a zero quota for commercial trade. • There are six species of mongoose found in India- Indian grey mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Crab-eating mongoose, Stripe-necked mongoose and Brown mongoose. • The Indian grey mongoose is the most commonly found species and also the most hunted. • Brushes made of mongoose hair are preferred because they are superior and hold colour better

9.6 UNFCCC COP 25

The 25th edition of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or COP25 has held in Madrid (Spain). • The Global Carbon Budget is the sum of all exchanges (inflows and outflows) of carbon compounds between the earth's carbon reservoirs (such as landmass and atmosphere) in the carbon cycle.

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• It is used to determine, whether a particular pool/reservoir/circle is working as a source of the Carbon Dioxide. • It is important to be in line what is scientifically required to keep global warming and climate change tolerable. • According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature rise should not exceed 1.5°C if catastrophic climate change is to be avoided. • Americans, some 4.3 per cent of the world population, caused 25% of historical emissions (1751-2017). The EU, which consists of 6.8 per cent of the world population, caused 22 per cent of the emissions (1751-2017). • However, India, which houses nearly 18 per cent of the world population, had emitted only 3 per cent. • The Global Carbon Project, which puts out emission estimates for across the world every year, has said India’s emissions in 2019 (2.6 billion tonnes or gigatonnes) was likely to be only 1.8 per cent higher than in 2018. About Global Carbon Project • The Global Carbon Project is an organisation that seeks to quantify global greenhouse emissions and their causes. • Established in 2001, its projects include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. • The main object of the group has been to fully understand the carbon cycle. • The project has brought together emissions experts, earth scientists, and economists to tackle the problem of rising concentrations of greenhouse gases. • It publishes Global Carbon Budget and Global Carbon Atlas.

9.7 Climate Change Performance Index

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2020 has been released at UNFCC CoP25 in Madrid, Spain. • CCPI is an independent monitoring tool for countries’ climate protection performance. • It measures the emissions, renewable energy share and climate policies of 57 countries and the European Union. • These countries are collectively responsible for 90% of GHG emissions. • The index is developed by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network (CAN). Key Takeaways from CCPI 2020 • The USA followed by Saudi Arabia was designated as topmost polluters. • Sweden is the least polluter followed by Denmark. • India has been ranked 9th

9.8 Europe’s Climate Neutrality Plan

European Union has put forward European Green Deal at UNFCCC CoP25 in Madrid, Spain. • It commits to climate neutrality by 2050. • EU’s NDC under the Paris Agreement is to reduce its emissions by 40 % by 2030 from 1990 levels. • Climate neutrality: It is when CO2 emissions do not have a negative impact on climate. It can be achieved through reducing emissions to a minimum and balancing remaining emissions with climate protection measures. India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under Paris Agreement: • Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% by 2030 from 2005 level, • increase total cumulative electricity generation from fossil free energy sources to 40% by 2030, • Create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons through additional forest and tree cover

9.9 Rhino reintroduction in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board has cleared a proposal by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to introduce rhinoceroses in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). About Jim Corbett National Park • Jim Corbet National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park- the first national park in India. • It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. • The park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973- the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative. The Great one-horned Rhinoceros (Indian rhinoceros): • It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. • There are about 2,600 rhinos in India, with more than 90% of the population concentrated in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. Outside Kaziranga, rhinos are found in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Other Rhino Species: • Southern White Rhino:: It is listed as Near Threatened in IUCN Red List.

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• Northern White Rhino: Functionally extinct. • Black Rhino: It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List. Wildlife Institute of India • It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. • It was established in 1982.

9.10 Sustainable development Cell

The Ministry of Coal has decided to establish a ‘Sustainable Development Cell’. Objective: To promote environmentally sustainable coal mining in the country and address environmental concerns during the decommissioning or closure of mines. Roles and functions: • Advise, mentor, plan and monitor the mitigation measures taken by the coal companies for maximising the utilisation of available resources in a sustainable way. • Act as nodal point at Ministry of Coal level in this matter. Formulate the future policy framework for the environmental mitigation measures including the Mine closure Fund. Implications: This move gains significance as the new private entities are now going to form a significant part of the future, a set of guidelines for proper rehabilitation of mines need to be evolved in tune with global best practices.

9.11 European Green deal

On the sidelines of recently concluded annual Madrid Climate talks, the European Union came up with an announcement on additional measures it would on climate change. It is Called the European Green Deal. Overview and key features of the European Green Deal: Climate neutrality: The EU has promised to bring a law, binding on all member countries, to ensure it becomes “climate neutral” by 2050. • What is it? Climate neutrality, sometimes also expressed as a state of net-zero emissions, is achieved when a country’s emissions are balanced by absorptions and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Absorption can be increased by creating more carbon sinks like forests, while removal involves technologies like carbon capture and storage. Increase in 2030 emission reduction target: • In its climate action plan declared under the Paris Agreement, the EU was committed to making a 40 per cent reduction in its emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. It is now promising to increase this reduction to at least 50 per cent and work towards 55 per cent. Significance of the deal: EU with 28 member countries are together the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world after China and the United States. Therefore, the announcement was hailed as a major step forward, even though it needs complementary efforts from other countries to make a significant impact. Implications and Lessons for other countries: • Over the last few months, there had been a growing demand for countries to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. The UN Secretary-General had convened a special meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly session in September to persuade countries to commit to this target. Over 60 countries had agreed to scale up their climate actions, or to the 2050 target, but these were all relatively small emitters. The EU is now the first major emitter to agree to the 2050 climate neutrality target. • The EU also happens to be only one among major emitters to retain the 1990 baseline for emission cuts, originally mandated under the Kyoto Protocol for all developed countries. Most other countries have shifted their baselines to 2005 or even later under the 2015 Paris Agreement. What else is expected from developed regions like EU? EU has not been fulfilling all its climate obligations. The Kyoto Protocol required the rich and developed countries to provide finance and technology to the developing countries to help them fight climate change. In those respects, there has been little climate money flowing out of the EU, especially for adaptation needs of developing countries, and transfer of new climate-friendly technologies has been mired in patent and ownership complications. This is the reason why developing countries, like India and China, have been repeatedly raising the issue of unfulfilled obligations of developed countries in the pre-2020 period, that is covered by the Kyoto Protocol. Concerns and challenges:

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The Green Deal is important but inadequate in itself to achieve the emission reductions that scientific assessments say would be required to save the world from catastrophic and irreversible impacts of climate change. There has been no signal from other big emitters, including large developing countries like China and India, that they were considering immediate scaling up of their climate actions. • As long as many international partners do not share the same ambition as the EU, there is a risk of carbon leakage, either because production is transferred from the EU to other countries with lower ambition for emission reduction, or because EU products are replaced by more carbon-intensive imports. • If this risk materializes, there will be no reduction in global emissions, and this will frustrate the efforts of EU and its industries to meet the global climate objectives of the Paris Agreement.

9.12 Jal Jeevan Mission

Operational guidelines for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission have been released. The Mission was announced in August 2019. The chief objective of the Mission is to provide piped water supply (Har Ghar Jal) to all rural and urban households by 2024. It also aims to create local infrastructure for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household waste water for reuse in agriculture. The Mission will converge with other Central and State Government Schemes to achieve its objectives of sustainable water supply management across the country. Benefits of the mission: • Household pipeline water supply. • Clean and drinkable water. • Recharge of groundwater level. • Better local infrastructure. • Less water-borne diseases. • Less water wastage. Need for and significance of the mission: India has 16% of the world population, but only 4% of freshwater resources. Depleting groundwater level, over exploitation and deteriorating water quality, climate change, etc. are major challenges to provide potable drinking water. It is an urgent requirement of water conservation in the country because of the decreasing amount of groundwater level. Therefore, the Jal Jeevan Mission will focus on integrated demand and supply management of water at the local level.

9.13 Water Hyacinth to detect Herbicide Pollution

Researchers have used invasive plant water hyacinth to produce carbon nanoparticles which can be used for detecting a commonly used herbicide — pretilachlor. • The nanoparticles were found to be selective and sensitive for the detection of the herbicide. About Carbon Dots • The water hyacinth without chlorophyll is powdered and heated at 150-degree Celsius to convert it to carbon dots. • When a nanoparticle is less than 10 nanometre it is known as a dot or nanodot. Working Principle: • The carbon dots gives a green fluorescence under UltraViolet (UV) light, due to the presence of oxygen functional groups on the surface of the dot. • The fluorescence intensity of carbon dot increases in the presence of the herbicide. • The electron transfer between the dot and the herbicide enables the fluorescence enhancement. • The carbon dot is extremely sensitive to pretilachlor and could detect even very small quantity of it. Advantages: • The detection of herbicides through carbon dots is a commercially viable option compared to the currently available sensors in the market as the raw material i.e. water hyacinth is readily available. • It will help to convert waste material like the water hyacinth to produce useful technology

9.14 Coral Reef

Gulf of Mannar (GoM) witnessed massive bleaching between 2005 and 2010 and 2016 due to high temperature and other factors.

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• Coral reefs are important hotspots of biodiversity in the ocean. • Corals are animals in the same class (Cnidaria) as jellyfish andanemones. • They consist of individual polyps that get together and build reefs. • Corals control the level of carbon dioxide in the water by converting it into a limestone shell. • Major Reef formations in India: o The Gulf of Mannar o Gulf of Kutch o Andaman and Nicobar o Lakshadweep Islands. Coral Bleaching: • Coral reefs are threatened by climate change. • When the sea surface temperature increases beyond a tolerable limit, they undergo a process of bleaching. • Bleaching is when the corals expel a certain algae known as zooxanthellae, which lives in the tissues of the coral in a symbiotic relationship. Great Barrier Reef: • The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs • and 900 islands. • The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. • It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE (ICRI) : • The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal partnership between Nations and organizations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. • The Initiative was founded in 1994 by eight governments: Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the • Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. • ICRI now counts more than 60 members. • India is a member. • International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has declared year 2018 as the 3rd International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2018). • IYOR 2018 theme – ‘identify and implement effective management strategies for conservation, increased resiliency and sustainable use of coral reefs. • The first IYOR was designated in 1997 in response to the increasing threats on coral reefs and associated ecosystems. • The year 2007 was designated as the second IYOR

9.15 Sulphur pollution

India is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the world, according to a new report by Greenpeace. About • India is the more than 15 per cent of global anthropogenic SO2 emissions. • The primary reason for India’s high emission output is the expansion of coal-based electricity generation over the past decade. • China reduced their SO2 emissions through stringent emission norms and implementation of technologies like flue- gas desulfurisation (FGD). SO2 emissions, contribution and other sources: • SO2 emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution. • Its direct exposure and exposure to particulate matter PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) produced when SO2 reacts with other air pollutants to form sulphate particles both affect human health. • Other sources include industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore, natural sources such a volcanoes, and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with high sulphur content.

9.16 State of Forest Report

The Ministry for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2019. ▪ ISFR is a biennial publication of Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change. ▪ The ISFR assesses the forest and tree cover, bamboo resources, carbon stock and forest fires.

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▪ The 2019 report for the first time has assessed the qualitative nature of the forest cover, including listing its biodiversity and the type of plants and trees found. ▪ It also created a national forest inventory for the first time on produce from forests. Key Findings ▪ Increase in Forest Cover

o The country’s forest cover includes all patches of land with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and more than 1 hectare in area, irrespective of land use, ownership and species of trees. o The total forest cover of the country is 7,12,249 sq km which is 21.67% of the geographical area of the country. o The top five states to have shown an increase in forest cover include Karnataka (1,025 sq km) > Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) > Kerala (823 sq km) > J&K (371 sq km) > Himachal Pradesh (334 sq km). ▪ Decline of Forest Cover in North Eastern Region

o Total forest cover in the North Eastern region is 1,70,541 sq km, which is 65.05% of its geographical area. o There has been a decrease of forest cover to the extent of 765 sq km (0.45%) in the region. Except Assam and Tripura, all the States in the region show decrease in forest cover. ▪ Forest Cover in Tribal Districts

o The total forest cover in the tribal districts is 4,22,351 sq km, which is 37.54% of the geographical area of these districts. o There has been a decrease of 741 sq km of forest cover within the Recorded Forest Area/ Green Wash (RFA/GW) in the tribal districts and an increase of 1,922 sq km outside. o There has been a decline in tree cover inside forests due to tribal populations getting “land titles” (patta) and there has been a rise in trees outside the forest area due to an increase in tree plantation and afforestation activities. ▪ Recorded Forest Area: The area recorded as forest in the Government records. ▪ Green Wash: The extent of wooded areas generally shown in light green colour on the Survey of India toposheets. ▪ Increase in the tree cover

o Tree cover comprises of tree patches of size less than 1 hectare occurring outside the recorded forest area. o The tree cover of the country is estimated as 95,027 sq km which is 2.89% of the geographical area. o Maharashtra has had the highest increase in tree cover and a large part of that is due to horticulture. ▪ In comparison to 2017

o The 2019 survey has found an increase of 5,188 sq km in total forest and tree cover in the country. o Tree and forest cover together made up 24.56% (8,07,276 sq km) of India's area. In the last assessment it was 24.39%. o The nation’s tree and forest cover has largely hovered from 21-25% and is short of the National Forest Policy, 1988, which envisages 33% to be under such cover. ▪ Mangrove cover in the country has increased by 54 sq km (1.10%) as compared to the previous assessment. ▪ Carbon Stock

o The total carbon stock of the country was estimated at 7124 million tons, which is an increase of 42.6 million tons from the last assessment. o It implies that India is on the right track to achieve its Paris Agreement commitment of 2.5 -3 billion carbon sinks. ▪ Wetlands

o The total number of wetlands located within the RFA/GW is 8.13%. o Amongst the States, Gujarat has the largest area of wetlands within RFA in the country followed by West Bengal. ▪ Forest Produce

o Dependence of fuelwood on forests is the highest in the State of Maharashtra, whereas, for fodder, small timber and bamboo, dependence is highest in Madhya Pradesh. ▪ The analysis reveals that 21.40% of the forest cover of the country is highly to extremely fire prone. National Forest Policy, 1988 ▪ The policy aims at maintaining of environmental stability. ▪ It looks at conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining natural forests. ▪ Increasing forest/tree cover in the country through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes. ▪ Creating a massive people’s movement for achieving these objectives and to minimise pressure on existing forests.

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SECURITY

10.1 Chief of Defence Staff

The outgoing Army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, has been appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). As per the notification by the government, the upper age limit for the CDS has been fixed at 65 years. However, the tenure of CDS has not been fixed. About CDS: He will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. CDS oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services. Conditions: He will be a Four-star General. 1. Not eligible to hold any Government office after demitting the office of CDS. 2. No private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS. Roles and functions: • CDS will provide “single-point military advice” to the government, inject synergy in planning, procurements and logistics in the armed forces. • It will ensure integration of land-air-sea operations through the eventual setting up of theatre commands. The CDS will also function as the military advisor to the PM-led Nuclear Command Authority, as also have direct command of tri-Service organizations to handle the new warfare domains of space and cyberspace. • He will function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and also as the Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). • The CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. Significance: The charter of the CDS, if implemented properly, will prepare the 15-lakh strong armed forces for the wars of the future. The CDS is mandated to ensure the Army, Navy and IAF, which often pull in different directions, truly integrate to slash wasteful expenditure amidst the ongoing severe fund crunch for military modernization because of the ballooning pay and pension bills.

10.2 Detention Centre for Illegal Migrant

Detention Centres for illegal migrants have been at the centre of a political debate as the government and the opposition parties trade charges over the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Registry for Citizens. What are detention centres? They are places designated to keep illegal migrants (people who have entered a country without necessary documents) once they are detected by the authorities till the time their nationality is confirmed and they are deported to the country of their origin. Does India have detention centres? Yes, there are 6 detention centres in Assam. The combined capacity of these temporary centres is 1000, but the centres are overcrowded. How were the detention centres set up in Assam? Detention centres were set up in Assam after the Union government authorized the state to do so under the provisions of Section 3(2)(e) of the Foreigners' Act, 1946 and Para 11(2) of the Foreigners Order, 1948. A detailed manual on ‘model detention centres’ has been circulated to all the states. As per the manual: 1. States require no specific approval from the Centre to set up these centres. 2. These centres should be setup outside the jail premises. 3. Their numbers and size should be decided by the states keeping in view the actual number of foreigners to be housed as well as the progress in deportation proceedings. Why are detention camps in focus now? LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

The issue has come into focus amid talks of a nation-wide NRC, especially after the process in Assam identified a little over 19 lakh people without proper citizenship documents in the state.

10.3 AFSPA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the entire State of Nagaland as a “disturbed area” for six more months, under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). What does the AFSPA mean? In simple terms, AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. Powers given to armed forces: • They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law. • If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms. • Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest. What is a “disturbed area” and who has the power to declare it? A disturbed area is one which is declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA. An area can be disturbed due to differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities. The Central Government, or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area. A suitable notification would have to be made in the Official Gazette. As per Section 3, it can be invoked in places where “the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary”. What’s the origin of AFSPA? The Act came into force in the context of increasing violence in the Northeastern States decades ago, which the State governments found difficult to control. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. Has there been any review of the Act? On November 19, 2004, the Central government appointed a five-member committee headed by Justice B P Jeevan Reddy to review the provisions of the act in the north eastern states. The committee submitted its report in 2005, which included the following recommendations: (a) AFSPA should be repealed and appropriate provisions should be inserted in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; (b) The Unlawful Activities Act should be modified to clearly specify the powers of the armed forces and paramilitary forces and (c) grievance cells should be set up in each district where the armed forces are deployed. The 5th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on public order has also recommended the repeal of the AFSPA.

10.4 UN backs Russia on Internet Convention

The United Nations has approved a Russian-led bid that aims to create a new convention on cybercrime, alarming rights groups and Western powers that fear a bid to restrict online freedom. The General Assembly approved the resolution sponsored by Russia and backed by China, which would set up a committee of international experts in 2020. Why the US is worried about this? A new UN treaty on cybercrime could render the Budapest Convention obsolete, further alarming rights groups. The Budapest Convention was drafted by the Council of Europe, but other countries have joined, including the United States and Japan.

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Russia has opposed the Budapest Convention, arguing that giving investigators access to computer data across borders violates national sovereignty. What is Budapest convention? Also known as the Convention on Cybercrime, it is the first international treaty seeking to address Internet and computer crime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing cooperation among nations. • It was drawn up by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, with the active participation of the Council of Europe’s observer states Canada, Japan, South Africa and the United States. • It is open for ratification even to states that are not members of the Council of Europe. As of September 2019, 64 states have ratified the convention. What it does? The Budapest Convention provides for the criminalisation of conduct, ranging from illegal access, data and systems interference to computer-related fraud and child pornography, procedural law tools to make investigation of cybercrime and securing of e-evidence in relation to any crime more effective, and international police and judicial cooperation on cybercrime and e-evidence. India’s concerns over signing of this agreement: • India did not participate in the negotiation of the Convention and thus is worried about it. • The Convention — through its Article 32b — allows for transborder access to data and thus infringes on national sovereignty. • The regime of the Convention is not effective, “the promise of cooperation not firm enough,” or that there are grounds for refusal to cooperate

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ASSAM RELATED CURRENT AFFAIRS

11.1Background in which Assam Accord was signed

Memorandum of settlement :

The Memorandum of Settlement began with a summary of the context of its signing. It said all signatories have been

“most anxious to find a satisfactory solution to the problem of foreigners in Assam”, and that AASU had, through a memorandum dated February 2, 1980, conveyed to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi its “profound sense of apprehensions regarding the continuing influx of foreign nationals into Assam and the fear about adverse effects upon the political, social, culture and economic life of the State”.

Indira Gandhi began a dialogue with the AASU/AAGSP, and talks were held at the levels of the PM and Home Minister during 1980-83. Formal discussions resumed in March 1985, when Rajiv Gandhi was PM. Earlier, several rounds of informal talks had been held in 1984.

The Accord was finally signed later in 1985, “keeping all aspects of the problem including constitutional and legal provisions, international agreements, national commitments and humanitarian considerations”.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Home Minister S.B. Chavan with a delegation of Assam Gan Parishad leader headed by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Bhrigu Kumar Phukan (Archive) What was agreed upon in the Assam Accord?

At the heart of the Accord was the “Foreigners Issue” (Clause 5), and “Safeguards and Economic Development”

(Clauses 6 and 7). There were some “Other Issues” (Clauses 8-12), and a section on “Restoration of Normalcy”

(Clauses 13 and 14).

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The Home Ministry was the nodal Ministry for the implementation of the Accord. In 1986, a new Department was set up in the Government of Assam, called “Implementation of Assam Accord Department”, to implement the various clauses of the Memorandum of Settlement.

On its website, the Assam government says the Implementation of Assam Accord Department monitors “the works implementing under various clauses of the Assam Accord which is executed by different

Department(s)/Organization(s) as entrusted by the Government of India as well as the Govt. of Assam”, and “liaises with All Assam Students’ Union and the different Department(s)/Organization(s) of the Government of India and

Government of Assam involved in the process of implementation of the clauses of Assam Accord”. What was agreed upon with regard to the “foreigners’ issue”?

It was agreed that “for purposes of detection and deletion of foreigners, 1.1.1966 shall be the base data and year”, and that “all persons who came to Assam prior to 1.1.1966, including those amongst them whose names appeared on the electoral rolls used in 1967 elections shall be regularised”.

Foreigners who “came to Assam after 1.1.1966 (inclusive) and upto 24th March, 1971 shall be detected in accordance with the provisions of The Foreigners Act, 1946, and The Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964”, and their names “will be deleted from the electoral rolls in force”.

“Such persons”, it was agreed, “will be required to register themselves before the Registration Officers of the respective districts in accordance with the provisions of The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and The Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1939”.

While, “On the expiry of a period of ten years following the date of detection, the names of all such persons which have been deleted from the electoral rolls shall be restored”, “all persons who were expelled earlier, but have since reentered illegally into Assam shall be expelled”.

Under Clause 5.8, “Foreigners who came to Assam on or after March 25, 1971 shall continue to be detected, deleted and practical steps shall be taken to expel such foreigners.” What does the much discussed Clause 6 of the Accord say?

Clause 6 deals with safeguards for the Assamese people.

It reads: “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”

The government has been citing this clause to allay protests in the state. There is deep anxiety among people that with the CAB paving the road to easy citizenship for illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as long as they were not

Muslim, Assam will be overrun by aliens.

On Thursday (December 12), Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on Twitter: “I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of #CAB. I want to assure them — no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow… The Central Government and I are totally committed to constitutionally safeguard the political, linguistic, cultural and land rights of the

Assamese people as per the spirit of Clause 6.”

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The Accord also underlined the government’s “commitment for the speedy all-round economic development of Assam, so as to improve the standard of living of the people”, with special emphasis on “education and science and technology through establishment of national institutions”. Why is the Assam Accord so important to the state and its people?

The Assam Accord brought closure to a phase of great violence and anxiety in the modern history of Assam. The agitation was led by the youth, who saw a direct threat to their future from the illegal influx of foreigners into the state.

One of the top leaders of the agitation and a signatory to the Accord, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, went on to become

Chief Minister, and the other, Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, a Minister in the state government. The current Chief Minister,

Sarbananda Sonowal is, like Mahanta, a former president of AASU.

The government of Assam describes the Assam movement as “historic”, and “one of the famous movements in post- colonial India mainly led by students of Assam”.

It says that during the “six long years of the historic movement… 855 (later on 860, as submitted by AASU) people sacrificed their lives in the hope of an ‘Infiltration Free Assam'”

11.2 National Registers of Citizen

At its core, the NRC is an official record of those who are legal Indian citizens. It includes demographic information about all those individuals who qualify as citizens of India as per the Citizenship Act, 1955. The register was first prepared after the 1951 Census of India and since then it has not been updated until recently. NRC: Timeline • 1951: First NRC prepared • First NRC to check illegal inflow of people. • 2013: SC directs state to update NRC • 2015: Process to update NRC begins • 2018: Draft released; 4,007,707 names excluded

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• June 2019: Additional Draft excludes 1,02,462 people. • August 31: 19 lakh people left out of NRC Proof needed:

• Existence of name in the legacy data: The legacy data is the collective list of the NRC data of 1951 and the electoral rolls up to midnight of 24 March 1971. • Proving linkage with the person whose name appears in the legacy data.

Why was it updated? The process of NRC update was taken up in Assam as per a Supreme Court order in 2013. In order to wean out cases of illegal migration from Bangladesh and other adjoining areas, NRC updation was carried out under The Citizenship Act, 1955, and according to rules framed in the Assam Accord.

Why is March 24, 1971 the cut-off date? There have been several waves of migration to Assam from Bangladesh, but the biggest was in March 1971 when the Pakistan army crackdown forced many to flee to India. The Assam Accord of 1985 that ended the six-year anti- foreigners’ agitation decided upon the midnight of March 24, 1971 as the cut-off date.

Who is a citizen in Assam? The Citizenship Act of 1955 was amended after the Assam Accord for all Indian-origin people who came from Bangladesh before January 1, 1966 to be deemed as citizens. Those who came between January 1, 1966 and March 25, 1971 were eligible for citizenship after registering and living in the State for 10 years while those entering after March 25, 1971, were to be deported.

Back in 1951, it had recorded 80 lakh citizens in the State. Since then, the process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been debated and become a contentious issue in the State’s politics. A PIL was filed in the Supreme Court seeking the removal of “illegal voters” from the electoral rolls of Assam and the preparation of the NRC as required under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and its rules. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students’’ Union (AASU) in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985.

NRC Verification:

• The process of NRC update was taken up in Assam as per a Supreme Court order in 2013. • It was done in order to wean out cases of illegal migration from Bangladesh and other adjoining areas. • NRC updation was carried out under The Citizenship Act, 1955, and according to rules framed in the Assam Accord • The verification involved house-to-house field verification, determination of authenticity of documents, family tree investigations in order to rule out bogus claims of parenthood and separate hearings for married women. Issues in the NRC Process • The Assam Public Works (APW), the original petitioner in the Supreme Court which led to the updation of the National Register of Citizens six years ago, said the final NRC turned out to be a "flawed document" as its appeal for reverification of the draft list was rejected by the apex court. • There are doubts whether the software used in the updation exercise was capable enough to handle so much data and if it was examined by any third party Information Technology expert. • The State government and many political parties have promised to offer legal help to those excluded suggests that procedural errors might have occurred in the process. • But such assistance should have been forthcoming from the time the updating exercise was rolled out on the ground in 2015. • Such legal help was mostly left to sundry organisations and concerned activists to come to the aid of hundreds of thousands oblivious of documentation novelties such as legacy data. Fate of excluded People • Those excluded, will now need to prove that they or their ancestors were Indian citizens on or before 24 March 1971, according to the Assam Accord of 1985, which was drafted between the Centre, the Assam government and the All Assam Students’ Union.

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• Excluded persons will have 120 days to file an appeal at any of the existing 100 Foreigners’ Tribunals. At least 200 additional Foreigners’ Tribunals are expected to be set up by September, 2019. • The Tribunals are required to dispose of the cases within six months. Appellants can then approach the High Court and Supreme Court. They will get a window of 10 months to prove their citizenship before being sent to detention centres. • Six Central jails will double up as detention centres. A separate detention centre at Agia in western Assam’s Goalpara district has been constructed. It has the capacity to house 3,000 people. Ten more such centres are in the works. • Nowlays the question of what to do with those declared illegal aliens once the quasi-judicial process is done and dusted. Will they be deported? Issues in Deportation • For a country to be able to deport a mass of individuals to another country, the second country has to accept that they were its citizens who entered the first country illegally. • According to government data until February 2019, Assam has since 2013 deported 166 persons (162 “convicted” and four “declared”) including 147 to Bangladesh. • The NRC context is vastly different this is not about a few hundred but lakhs of individuals, many of whom have lived in Assam for decades and been identifying themselves as Indian citizens. • Bangladesh has always maintained that NRC is an internal matter of India.Over the years, Bangladeshi leaders have frequently been quoted in the media as denying the presence of its nationals in India. • Now even External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said thatthe process of documenting and identifying illegal immigrants in Assam is India's "internal matter". Other options • The administration is readying detention centres, but only a veritable ‘prison state’ can house such numbers.The detention centres have often come into focus for lack of basic facilities, and the Supreme Court recently allowed conditional release of those who have completed three years in detention, against a bond. • Some has suggested that their identity should be digitally recorded and they should not be allowed to claim Indian citizenship in other states. • Once that is done, they should be given basic human rights. Then a system of work permits can be instituted. • A renewed attempt should be taken to nudge Dhaka to take in some of the declared foreigners with appropriate deal. Some ‘friendly’ State governments volunteering to share some of the burden can be provided with some incentives. Assam Accord? The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985.

• The accord brought an end to the Assam Agitation and paved the way for the leaders of the agitation to form a political party and form a government in the state of Assam soon after. • As per the Accord, those Bangladeshis who came between 1966 and 1971 will be barred from voting for ten years. The Accord also mentions that the international borders will be sealed and all persons who crossed over from Bangladesh after 1971 are to be deported. • Though the accord brought an end to the agitation, some of the key clauses are yet to be implemented, which has kept some of the issues festering. • Clause 6: Constitutional, legislature and administrative safeguards. • Clause 6: Protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people. • Clause 7: Government renews commitment for economic development of Assam. • Clause 7: Special emphasis on education and Science and Technology.

Why a separate National Register of Citizens?

• This is because of a history of migration. • During British rule, Assam was merged with Bengal Presidency for administrative purpose.

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• From 1826 to 1947, the British continuously brought migrant workers to Assam for cheap labour in tea plantations. • Two major waves of migration came after British rule. • First after Partition, from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). • Then in the aftermath of the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. • This eventually led to an agitation during 1979-85, led by the All Assam Students’ Union. • It culminated in the 1985 Assam Accord, under which illegal migrants were to be identified and deported.

IMDT Law:

• Enquiries were initiated in 3,10,759 cases • Only 10,015 persons declared illegal migrants. • 1,481 illegal migrants physically expelled.

This exercise of compiling the NRC in the first place has sparked a debate around its social, political and economic consequences. Social consequences of illegal migration

• Crisis of identity: The influx of immigrants created a crisis of identity among the indigenous Their c ultural survival will be in jeopardy, their political control will be weakened and their employment o pportunities will be undermined by such illegal migration. The recent Bodo-Muslim violence in the BTAD has its root on the issue of illegal migration. • Environmental degradation: Large areas of forest land were encroached upon by the immigrants for settlement and cultivation. The state experienced declining percent of land area under forest from 39% in 1951-52 to about 30% now. • Difficult to identify the illegal migrants: Due to the similar language spoken by illegal migrants from Bangladesh and the in digenous Bengali speaking Muslim of Assam, it becomes difficult to identify and deport the illegal migration from Assam soil. • Community tension: The commission on integration and Cohesion found that tension usually exist with the presence of high levels of migration combine with other forms of social exclusion like poverty, poor housing etc. Economic consequences

• Increase financial burden: Immigration has increased pressure on the part of state government, as the government has to increase the expenditure on education and health facilities to the immigrants. • Displacing native workers: There is a fear particularly during a recession that immigrants take jobs which wo uld otherwise be taken by local people; in particular place and circumstances there can be competit ion and conflict. • Decreases wage level with the increase of population: Illegal immigrants in every year have been adding a good number of people in Assam. It is one of the main reasons of population explosion. Due to this there is a possibility of decreasing wage level. Political consequences • Assam agitation: The failure of government to respond the issue of illegal migration led to the agitation b y the Assamese under the leadership of All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) and All Assam Student’s Union (AASU). Assam witnessed governmental instability, sustained civil disobedience campaigns and worst cases of ethnic violence. Assam accord was the result of this agitation. • Illegal voters: Most of the Bangladeshi immigrants have got their names enlisted in the voting list illegally, thereby claiming themselves as citizens of the state. The immigrant’s population act as a vote bank for the political parties in Assam. • Issue of terrorism: Pakistan’s ISI has been active in Bangladesh supporting militant movements in Assam (Lt Gen S K Sinha, 1998). It is alleged that among the illegal migrants there are also militants, who enter into Assam to carry out the terrorist activities. Migration of outsiders into Assam has a long history, initially people of neighbouring states came to the state in search of work but illegal influx of Bangladeshi’s over decades has assumed political significance

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Is a nationwide NRC different from the Assam one?

So far, the government has not officially called for the updation of the NRC for all of India, hence how this process will be carried is not clear.

While in Assam, citizens were asked to submit the proof of citizenship themselves to NRC Seva Kendras set across the state, it is not sure how the same model will be implemented across the entire country.

Also, the Assam NRC was mandated through a special exception for the state in the Citizenship Act, 2003 and the process was overseen by the Supreme Court. At present, no such guidelines exist for a countrywide updation of the list. If a nationwide NRC is carried out, it will be under the direction of the Union government.

However, the processes similar to the NRC have begun in many states such as the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland as well as the Centre announced National Population Register (NPR) which will contain demographic as well biometric information of citizens.

How is NRC related to CAA?

The proposed nationwide NRC, which till now remains just a proposal, if implemented will target illegal immigrants in

India.

But Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains and Parsis coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh won't be affected, if they claim they have arrived in India after fleeing religious persecution.

This essentially means if a nationwide NRC comes in as proposed, any illegal immigrant from nations other than Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, will be affected.

Moreover, many also fear that Indian Muslims may be deemed illegal immigrants if they are unable to furnish adequate proof of citizenship as they are not included in the Citizenship Amendment Act.

What has the government said about linking CAA to NRC?

As of now, the government has vehemently denied the use of the CAA for the updation of the NRC.

11.3 Citizenship Amendment Act

The Union Cabinet has cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan if they faced religious persecution there. The bill amended the Citizenship Act, 1955, in order to grant Indian nationality to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who come to India after facing religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Over the past weeks, the home ministry has held marathon talks with leaders and stakeholders. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill. Congress, Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a few

LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS other political parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill, claiming that citizenship can’t be given on the basis of religion. The bill to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, is introduced in the Parliament in this session.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019:

• Definition of illegal migrants The Citizenship Act, 1955 prohibits illegal migrants from acquiring Indian citizenship. The Bill amends the Act to provide that the following minority groups will not be treated as illegal migrants: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, to get this benefit, they must have also been exempted from the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 by the central government.

• Consequences of acquiring citizenship: The Bill says that on acquiring citizenship: (i) such persons shall be deemed to be citizens of India from the date of their entry into India, and (ii) all legal proceedings against them in respect of their illegal migration or citizenship will be closed. • Exception: Further, the Bill adds that the provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura, as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. These tribal areas include Karbi Anglong (in Assam), Garo Hills (in Meghalaya), Chakma District (in Mizoram), and Tripura Tribal Areas District. It will also not apply to the areas under the Inner Line” under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The Inner Line Permit regulates visit of Indians to Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

• Citizenship by naturalization The 1955 Act allows a person to apply for citizenship by naturalisation if he meets certain qualifications. One of these is that the person must have resided in India or served the central government for a certain period of time: (i) for the 12 months immediately preceding the application for citizenship, and (ii) for 11 of the 14 years preceding the 12- month period. For people belonging to the same six religions and three countries, the Act relaxes the 11-year requirement to five years.

• Cancellation of registration of Overseas Citizen of India cardholder The 1955 Act provides that the central government may cancel registration of OCIs on certain grounds, Including: (i) if the OCI had registered through fraud, or (ii) if within five years of registration, the OCI was sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more. The Bill adds one more ground for cancelling registration, that is, if the OCI has violated any law in the country.

Need for the Act:

• There are thousands of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis who have entered India after facing religious persecution in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan without any valid document. • All the reports clearly say that there is threat perception on the basis of what is perceived as an unfinished agenda. • These refugees have been facing difficulty in getting Long Term Visa (LTV) or Citizenship • The existing Citizenship law does not allow anyone granting Indian nationality if he or she can not show proof of documents on country of birth and therefore they have to stay at least 12 years in India. • Those Hindus who are persecuted due to religion has no other place to go except India.

Issues surrounding the Act:

• It makes distinction on the basis of religion. • The proposed amendment is, however, unprecedented, in the sense that never before has religion been specifically identified in the citizenship law as the ground for distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens. • Civil society groups are opposing the bill, terming it “communally motivated humanitarianism.” • Since Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality to all persons, citizens and foreigners, differentiating between people on the grounds of religion would be in violation of the constitution. • The Bill will stamp these countries as institutions of religious oppression and worsen bilateral ties. • The proposed law not only provides citizenship rights to such refugees, but greatly relaxes the procedure to avail of them. • Assam has a major problem regarding infiltration of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants. this bill does not consider Bangladeshi Hindus as illegal immigrants. LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS

• The implicit consequence of such a law is that people only from the Muslim community in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh will be treated as illegal immigrants. • Provides wide discretion to the government to cancel OCI registrations for both major offences like murder, as well as minor offences like parking in a no-parking zone or jumping a red light.

Legal fallacies of the proposed law:

• The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill also fails on the tenets of international refugee law. • Although India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, granting refuge based on humanitarian considerations is arguably a norm of customary international law. • Shelter to individuals of a select religion defeats not only the intention but also the rationality of refugee policy. • Muslims are considerably discriminated against and exploited in the neighbouring countries of China, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The 36,000 Rohingyas Muslims from Myanmar who fled to India in the wake of 2015 insurgency is just one such example. • Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar are not offered such hospitality. The only way for them to live in India is by obtaining a valid visa and refugee status.

Consequences of these changes:

• Introduced religion as a new principle into the citizenship law. • By marking out Muslims as a residual category, it reiterates the narrative of partition, without incorporating the principles of inclusion which were present in both the constitution of India and the Citizenship Act of 1955 at its inception. • While religious persecution is a reasonable principle for differentiation, it cannot be articulated in a manner that dilutes the republican and secular foundations of citizenship in India, and goes against constitutional morality.

Citizenship Act and indigenous people’s interests: The proposed legislation has polarised the Northeast and triggered a process of social and political realignment. Most disquietingly, it threatens to expose the faultlines that had led to the rise of sub-nationalist politics in the region in the 1980s.The bill is leading to following issues in North east:

• The Citizenship Amendment Act has not been sitting well with the Assamese as it contradicts the Assam Accord of 1985, which clearly states that illegal migrants heading in from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971, would be deported. • There are an estimated 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam and they have inalienably altered the demography of the state, besides putting a severe strain on the state’s resources and economy. • Mizoram fears Buddhist Chakmas and Hindu Hajongs from Bangladesh may take advantage of the Act. • Meghalaya and Nagaland are apprehensive of migrants of Bengali stock. • Groups in Arunachal Pradesh fear the new rules may benefit Chakmas and Tibetans. • Manipur wants the Inner-line Permit System to stop outsiders from entering the state.

11.4 The Issue with clause 6: Assamese Definition

Clause Six of the 1985 Assam Accord, which sought to bring closure to the bloody yet remarkable struggle led by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) to define outsiders (in this case Bangladeshis), left a fundamental issue unresolved: who or what is an Assamese? It sought constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for the Assamese, without defining them further. Why the issues? Assam’s extreme diversity is one of the reason for this lingering issue. This reflects the larger region to which it belongs, not just politically but also geographically. Here getting a consensus on any issue is difficult because the communities have long been opposed to or suspicious of each other. Assam lies in the lap of the eastern Himalayan rim and is bisected by the vast Brahmaputra. It is landlocked between Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, the Patkai range of Nagaland, the blue hills of Mizoram, the Shillong plateau and the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills. Diverse ethnicity also hinders in this solution. Assam is home to over 220 separate ethnic groups and more than 30 of them are in Assam, which has over 70 per cent of the region’s population. This diversity is not helped by the

LUCENT IAS CALL@6003834101 LUCENT IAS fact that although the religious break-up is clear — about 64 per cent Hindu and 34.2 per cent Muslim — the fact is that the former comprises many different groups and tribes, which do not speak in one voice or see eye-to-eye on most matters. Assam is a classic case of numerous major minorities of ethnic and linguistic groups, which have become increasingly fragmented with time, leading to outbreaks of anger and violence where larger groups in the valley have preyed upon more vulnerable ones. Today, there is no politically acceptable definition of the ‘Assamese’. A statement by an umbrella group of organisations led by AASU declared that “those whose names, irrespective of caste, community or religion, were included in National Register of Citizens (NRC) 1951 were Assamese and eligible to enjoy safeguards as promised by Clause Six of the Assam Accord”. But this in turn raises more questions than it answers: - what about those who moved out of Assam pre-independence or post-independence, post-1951 to other parts of India and the Northeast? - What about those who were residents of Meghalaya when it was carved out of Assam in 1972? - What about the migrants who moved into Assam post-1951? We cannot be blind to the constitutional provision that gives every Indian the right to move and settle in other parts of the country. Example of Karnataka

Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1961, which specified a domicile of 15 years for both government and private jobs, and language proficiency, besides requiring an applicant to have cleared Class X with Kannada as one of their languages. In keeping with the Sarojini Mahishi report of 1986, Kannadigas are entitled to 100 per cent reservation in private and Group C and D government jobs. According to an Indian Express report, most stakeholders agree that the NRC of 1951 should be taken as the cutoff for defining “Assamese people” eligible for the proposed safeguards. Those who came in between 1951 and 1971 are Indian citizens, but not indigenous people. Speaker of last legislative assembly, Mr. Pranab Gogoi, recommended, after consultations with 53 different organisations, that the year 1951 be taken as the cut off period and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), 1951, be taken as the basis for the definition of the “Assamese People” for the purpose of reservation of seats and constitutional safeguards as required by the Assam Accord. Pranab Gogoi, in his two-page report, which he read out, stated that 1951 Census Report defined indigenous people of Assam thus: “Indigenous person of Assam means a person belonging to the State of Assam and speaking the Assamese language or any tribal dialect of Assam, or in the case of Cachar the language of the region.” He also pointed out that late Chief Minister Bimala Prasad Chaliha in his official message to enumerators stated that the NRC would be compiled on the basis of 1951 Census report.

11.5 ST status to 6 communities

• Centre had proposed to give the ST status to Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran and Tea Tribes. • Once the proposal is passed, it will change the demographic status of Assam, making it a tribal-majority State. • Currently six communities in Assam are listed as Other Backward Classes.

Who are Scheduled Tribes? • The Constitution of India in Article 366 (25) prescribe that the Scheduled Tribes means such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 of the Constitution to be Scheduled Tribes. • They are certain communities in the country suffering from extreme social, educational and economic backwardness on account of the primitive agricultural practices, lack of infrastructure facilities and geographical isolation. The provisions under Article 342:

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• Article 342(1) Scheduled Tribes - the President may with respect to any State or Union Territory after consultation with the Governor by a public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities as Scheduled Tribe. • Parliament may be law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in a notification. Criteria for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe • Indian Constitution is silent about the criteria for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe. • The criteria presently followed for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe are: • Indications of primitive traits • Distinctive culture • Geographical isolation • Shyness of contact with the community at large • Backwardness • The largest number of main tribal communities (62) has been specified in the State of Orissa. The Scheduled Tribes have been specified in relation to all the States and Union Territories except Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Pondicherry.

Present status of ST population in Assam

• There are two ST lists — one for the two hill districts (Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao), the other for the plains districts. STs in the hill districts are Dimasa Kachari, Chakma, Karbi, Garo, Hajong, Hmar, Khasi, Jaintia, Pnar, Kuki (37 subgroups), Lakher, Man, Mizo (several subtribes), Naga tribes, Pawi, Synteng and Tiwa. The ST communities in the plains districts are: Bodo, Rabha, Mising, Deuri, Hojai, Kachari (including Sonowal, Thengal), Tiwa, Mech, Dimasa, Hajong, Singpho, Hojai, Khamti and Barman (in Cachar district only). • All ST communities together comprise about 14% of Assam’s population. Of this, Bodos are 41%, Mising 17.8%, Karbi 10.7%, Rabha 8.4%, Kachari 7.1%, Tiwa 5.2%, Dimasa 3.4% and Deuri 1.2%. No break-up of population of the 6 communities demanding ST status is available

What are the issues related to the ST status to 6 communities - There is no precise estimate of these six groups since data doesn’t really capture the ethno- lingual details of persons enumerated from the 1951 to 2011 Census. As a result, an estimated figure of 1.50 crore as the total population of these six groups is being projected in the media over and above 3.8 million existing tribals (under the Scheduled Tribes — Plains and Hills categories) of Assam’s total population of 3.12 crore as per the 2011 Census. - This will make Assam a tribal majority state. The constitutional and administrative implications of this declaration are many and complex. First, Article 19(5) of the Constitution enjoins the state to make laws for the protection of the interests of the Scheduled Tribes Of forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act 2006. - Another complex issue is the fact that the areas inhabited presently by these six groups are general areas outside the Sixth Schedule areas of Bodoland, Karbi Anglong and Dimahasao districts and the tribal belt and blocs created under Chapter 10 of the Assam Land Revenue Regulations 1886, which was incorporated after Independence to protect land rights of the plains tribes such as the Bodos and prevent alienation of tribal lands. Thus inclusion of the six groups in the ST Plains category will necessitate a revision of this chapter for which a settlement operation to create a new set of tribal belts and blocs, preparation of land record of rights covering these groups will have to be carried out to put in place a revamped and vastly expanded tribal land administration. - This will be a complex and time consuming task as over the years, transactions in the areas inhabited by these six groups must have created overlapping of lands owned by these groups and others sharing the same landmass, water bodies and “commons”, which would make it well-nigh impossible to create a compact “Tribal belts and blocs”. - State job reservations and reservation of seats in the Assam Legislative Assembly for the new ST groups will be highly contentious and even intractable as the Bodos and Hill tribes have already started agitations against the central move as a vastly expanded ST population, caused by adding far advanced landowning and established groups like the Koch Rajbanshis, is certain to drastically reduce their prospects of getting jobs under the central and state services.

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- According to the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), these 6 communities are educationally and economically advanced, as well as numerically significant, and there is no way the existing ST communities can compete with them. CCTOA claims giving them ST status would wipe out existing communities from elected bodies from the village council to Lok Sabha, as well as from education and jobs, and would lead to STs losing their land rights. - The Committee recalls the situation in 1996, when, it says, the Centre granted ST status to the Koch- Rajbangshi community for six months, leading to the majority share of the ST quota in college admissions passing to them — 33 out of 42 MBBS seats, 17 out of 21 BE seats, all 8 BAMS seats, and 35 out of 45 BSc seats reserved for all ST communities in government colleges Thus, government will have to ensure that granting the ST status to these six communities do not hamper in progress of other communities. Also, dialogue through proper channel should take place to find out solution for it.

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