CURRENT AFFAIRS 2019 – 2020 (PAPER II) for

KAS MAINS

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PAPER –II (A) Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Political System, Governance, Social Justice and International Relations EVM Controversy

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privileges.

Context:

Recently, opposition parties discussed future course of action on the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs. They raised their concern regarding EVMs with Election Commission. Credibility of EVMs were questioned in the previous General elections of Parliament and State Assemblies. Out of 120 democratic countries only 25 have experimented with or used electronic voting machines to elect their governments. It indicates that EVM is not a dominant choice globally for recording votes in elections. Background: India is the world leader in the use of EVMs. The Election Commission has been conducting all elections through EVMs since 2001.The Indian EVM is a direct recording device, which is a stand-alone machine. The Election Commission has clarified several times that Indian EVMs don't talk to any machine outside its own system - be it through wired network, internet, satellite, and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The EVM is not connected to server, so cyber hacking of Indian EVMs is not possible unless an authorised person acts with malafide intention. In 2014, a whopping 55.38 crore people cast their votes in EVMs in the parliamentary elections.

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Analysis

EVM challenge: Forensic Lab test for EVMs Throughout these years, the Election Commission has denied all the claims of EVM tampering and in 2017, it got a scientific proof to back up its claim. In May, the Bombay High Court had ordered an examination of EVMs from the ‘Parvati constituency in Pune’. The order was issued to rule out tampering during elections to Maharashtra legislative assembly in 2014.One control unit, one ballot unit and two batteries were sent to the lab. An EVM comprises a control unit and a ballot unit. As per the report received from the lab,the machine is a stand-alone, non- networked, one-time programmable unit, which is neither computer controlled externally nor could be connected internally or to any network. The report was made public after being submitted to the high court.The Election Commission had also thrown open EVM hackathon challenge to prove that the machines are incorruptible. But no political party showed interest. Feminisation of India Politics

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privilages.

The feminisation of Indian politics means the increase in women's participation in the politics of the country. The word Political Participation has deep meaning. It not only means the Right to vote but also includes the involvement of women in the decision-making process, power-sharing, running political parties, holding political offices, and policymaking at all levels of governance of the state. To understand the political participation of women, we need to divide the political involvement of women in three-level:

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Political participation of women at the national level(Basically in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, National political parties, or any other ways by which women further their political interest).Political participation of women at the state level politics(In the legislative assembly or any state-level politics). Political participation of women at the local level in the panchayat and the municipalities. Constitutional Provisions: Constitution has provided equal opportunities for both men and women in all the spheres including the political area with article 14, article 15, and article 16 of the constitution Moreover, Article 325 and 326 guarantees political equality, equal Right to participate in political activities, and the Right to vote, respectively. Apart from this, the 73rd Constitutional amendment has added article 243(D)(3), which provides reservation to the women. It provides reservation to women not less than 1/3rd of the total number of seats to be filled by direct elections of the panchayat. Due to this, more than 10 lakh women entered the local level politics of the country. However, no such reservation is provided at the national level as well as the state level. and hence only 78 women elected to the parliament in the recent Lok Sabha election Similarly, in state-level politics, the participation of women is less. Need of women in Indian politics: Increasing the women in Indian politics will help in better representation of women's and children's concerns in policymaking.

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Women legislators in India gave a better performance in their constituencies by approx 1.8% per year more than male legislators. Even in terms of corruption, efficiency, and motivation, women show better results. Male legislators are almost three times as likely as the female legislature to have criminal charges pending against them when they contest the election, Even in terms of assets accumulation in office, women do this 10% point lower than men. Since economic infrastructure is valuable input, Women politicians are more likely to complete the project. It is based on the performance of MLA in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Despite so many favourable points for women, women make up 14% of the Lok Sabha and 11% of the Rajya sabha. Women constitute only 9% of State assembly members and only 5% of the state Council members. Reason for less entry of women in Indian politics Low status in society: Women are treated as a second class citizen, and patriarchal society often think that women are only for domestic responsibilities The restraining cultural norms, Poor economic status: Women often face the problem of finance for their participation in the election. Lesser exposure to education Women are often considered as a liability in some parts of the country and deprived of fundamental rights such as education. Lack of leadership training: Women's participation is often limited at the low level in the political party, and no leadership training is provided to them. Lack of political will: Political parties in India tend not to follow provisions in their constitutions reserving seats for women in different committees

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On the reserved seats, at the local level, political leaders take positions in the name of their wife, and after winning elections, actual power is used by their male counterparts instead of women. (Concept of sarpanch pati raj) NE Autonomous Council

Topic: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States

Cabinet has approved the amendment to Article 280 and the sixth schedule to the Constitution in order to increase powers of Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule areas of North East. The sixth schedule to the Constitution includes 10 autonomous district councils of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. The 10 autonomous councils among the 4 states under schedule six to the Constitution are: Assam Bodoland Territorial Council Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council Meghalaya Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Tripura Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council

Mizoram

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Chakma Autonomous District Council Lai Autonomous District Council Mara Autonomous District Council Bill for Trade Union Recognition

Topic: Directive Principles

Why in news? Union government has proposed to grant statutory recognition to TUs by amending the Trade Unions Act, 1926 (TU Act). What is the status of Trade unions in India? The trade union movement in India, for various reasons, has been characterised by a multiplicity of unions. Hence, a tripartite national body determines the membership criteria for designating trade union organisations as central trade union organisations (CTUOs). On the basis of this process, certain unions are deemed ‘recognised’. Trade unions with a verified membership of five lakh spread over at least four States and four industries as on December 31, 2002 were given the status of CTUOs by the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), as per the 2002 exercise, currently there are 13 CTUOs. What is government’s plan on trade unions? The Centre proposes to grant statutory recognition to TUs by amending the Trade Unions Act, 1926 (TU Act), so that other central and state ministries take them seriously.The proposed Section 28-A in the TU Act would require the Centre and the States to provide for statutory recognition of trade unions.

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The amendment provides that in the event of any dispute over recognition by the Central or the State governments, it will be decided by an authority, and by means provided by the appropriate government. What are the concerns with the proposal? The TU Act merely provides for voluntary registration of trade unions, and not for their statutory recognition by employers for collective bargaining purposes. Despite demands by trade unions and employers, statutory recognition by employers does not exist in the Act. In the absence of statutory union recognition and bargaining obligation, any minority union can vitiate industrial relations in a firm either on its own or by connivance with employers. The proposal also completely ignores the serious “allegations and complaints” made by various CTUOs that the Labour Ministry has been carrying out several labour reforms without consulting them. February 2019

Section 124 A of IPC

Topic: Fundamental rights

Why in news? The Law Commission is in the process of revisiting the section 124-A of Indian Penal Code. It calls for a thorough reconsideration and presents the various issues related to it before the public for a national debate. What is Sec 124 A of IPC? Sec 124-A deals with sedition, and was introduced by the British colonial government in 1870. It says that the act of Sedition is to bring hatred or contempt towards the Government established by law in India. In this case, the punishment

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may be of imprisonment for life and fine, or imprisonment for 3 years and fine. It was actually brought to suppress the freedom struggle prevalent then. What does the previous Law Commission report say?

In an earlier report in 1968, the Law Commission had rejected the idea of repealing the Section. In 1971, the panel wanted the scope of the section to be expanded. It called for covering the Constitution, the legislature and the judiciary, in addition to the 'government to be established by law'. It meant that ‘disaffection’ against all these institutions should not be tolerated. The only dilution it mooted was to modify the wide gap between the two jail terms prescribed (either three years or life).It called for fixing the maximum sanction at seven years’ rigorous imprisonment with fine. What are the concerns?

Purpose - It is an irony to retain a provision that was used extensively to suppress the freedom struggle. It is to be noted that, Britain itself abolished it 10 years ago. Also, there have been repeated instances of misuse of the Section. Under the present law, it offers scope to consider as seditious strong criticism against government policies and personalities slogans voicing disapprobation of leaders depictions of an unresponsive or insensitive regime In recent times the core principle enunciated by the Supreme Court in this regard has been forgotten. It specifies that incitement to violence or tendency to create public disorder are the essential ingredients of the offence. Judges and Post Retirement Positions

Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions, imporatant provisions relating to Emergency and Constitutional amendments, Judicial review, Public Interest Litigation, Land Revenue Laws 9 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What is the issue?

Controversies around appointments of judges post-retirement have been a recurring one. The judiciary needs a firm mechanism to regulate the issue of post- retirement government appointments. In law, justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. What are the notable instances?

Recently, Justice A.K. Sikri, a well-regarded judge of the Supreme Court of India, accepted a post offered by the government while being a judge of the court. But controversy erupted over it and so he turned down the offer. Many judges and Law Commission members have for long denounced the act of judges accepting post-retirement jobs sponsored by governments and have called for an end to it. What are the observations in this regard? Law Commission had consistently maintained that judges accepting employment under the government after retirement was undesirable. It had felt that this could affect the independence of the judiciary. A Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy's study pointed out that as many as 70 out of 100 Supreme Court retired judges have taken up some or the other assignments. These include those in National Human Rights Commission, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Armed Forces Tribunal, and the Law Commission of India, etc. It is largely observed that tribunals are getting to be havens for retired judicial persons. This could result in decisions being influenced if the Government itself is a litigant and appointment authority at the same time.

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What is the complexity? Unlike abroad, a judge of the higher judiciary in India retires at a comparatively young age. So s/he is capable of many more years of productive work. The valuable experience and insights that competent and honest judges acquire during their service period cannot be wasted after retirement. But government-sponsored post-retirement appointments are likely to be looked upon with suspicion. As the saying goes, in law, justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. Self-Regulation of Social Media in Elections

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privileges.

Context: Social media platforms and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have presented a ‘Voluntary Code of Ethics for the General Election 2019 to the Election Commission of India. Participants including BIGO, ByteDance, Facebook, Google, Sharechat and Twitter have agreed to take action on the content reported by the nodal officer, expeditiously, in accordance with the law. Key highlights: The code aims to identify measures that the platforms can take to increase confidence in the electoral process to safeguard against misuse that vitiates the free and fair character.The Social media platforms will deploy appropriate policies and processes to facilitate access to information on electoral matters where appropriate and keeping in mind the principle of freedom of expression.

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The platforms have voluntarily undertaken to establish a high-priority communication channel with the nodal officers designated by the ECI. The Election commission together with platforms has developed a notification mechanism by which the electoral body can notify them of potential violations under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act and on other matters. As per the code, the platforms will acknowledge these notifications within three hours of receipt and will act upon expeditiously based on the nature of the reported violation.Platforms will ensure that political advertisements by parties or their candidates are pre-certified. Need of the hour:Fake news affects voting behaviour in a big way and right now, the only mechanism is Section 126 and EC instructions on paid news. We have to bring in a robust mechanism for conduct on social media platforms. What is fake news? Fake news is a type of yellow journalism that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via the traditional print, broadcasting news media, or via Internet-based social media. Fake news is written and published with the intent to mislead in order to gain financially or politically, often with sensationalist, exaggerated, or patently false headlines that grab attention. The main driving force behind fake news remains: Getting easy viewership through sensational news-e.g. dubbing foreign prisoners as spies or terrorists without any proof Directed towards a particular organization or person with an intention to either glorify it or to bring malice.eg. a news channel was established to defend the accused in Jessica Lal murder case. Vote Bank Politics Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privilages. 12 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What is the issue? Despite the negative connotations, vote banks are favourable in terms of raising the bargaining power of individuals and groups. What does 'vote-bank' mean? The term ‘vote-bank politics’ was first used in a research paper in 1955 by noted sociologist MN Srinivas. He used it in a very specific context to showcase the political influence exerted by a patron over a client. Today, the term denotes voting on the basis of, among other things, caste, sect, language and religion. What is the present understanding? Almost all commentators, journalists, political parties, and columnists use the term ‘vote bank’ to showcase a type of politics. It generally connotes a politics of appeasement and the term is usually used negatively. Just as a market treats a person as a consumer, a political party or leader sees the masses merely as voters. The discourse on the subject reduces the identity of a citizen to a vote- bank and thereby it has come to assume a negative connotation. What are the favourable aspects? A positive aspect is that vote bank politics increases the individual and collective bargaining power of the people vis-a-vis those in power.In vote-bank politics, a particular group is aligned on the basis of caste, sect, religion, or language. Significantly, this is recognised by the political parties. In effect, the chances of demands and aspirations getting fulfilled are much higher for a group that is recognised as a vote bank. For instance, persons with disabilities are not considered as a vote bank despite being 40-60 million in number. So, mere numerical strength does not matter as much as the recognition of the group as a vote bank by political parties. Similarly, women, despite accounting for almost half of the total population, are not considered as a separate vote bank.

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This is because, over the years, political parties have realised that women do not vote as a group or community for one single party. During elections, their identity as women takes a back seat while their identities of caste, religion and sect gain prominence. Should vote banks be promoted then?It is argued that political parties often try and ‘cultivate’ vote banks in order to secure more votes. However, this is not always the case. Once a group or community starts feeling that it can be recognised as a vote bank, their collective strength increases manifold. Consequently, all political parties keep appeasing these groups to gain support and votes.In this way, vote banks serve the purpose of both the voters as well as political parties. Nevertheless, vote-bank politics is criticisable when it is misused to manipulate the demands of one group/s to polarise the society. Given its potential for misuse, vote-bank politics should be seen as an instrument to be deployed by citizens, and not by the political class for dissecting the society. Official Secrets Act

Why in News? Attorney-General’s request for “criminal action” against those responsible for making “stolen documents” on the Rafale deal public, has brought the Official Secrets Act into focus. About Official Secrets Act: The law meant for ensuring secrecy and confidentiality in governance, mostly on national security and espionage issues. The Indian Official Secrets Act, 1904 was enacted during the time of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. One of the main purposes of the Act was to muzzle the voice of nationalist publications.

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The Indian Official Secrets Act (Act No XIX of 1923) replaced the earlier Act, and was extended to all matters of secrecy and confidentiality in governance in the country. Ambit of the Act: The secrecy law broadly deals with two aspects — spying or espionage, which is dealt with in Section 3 of the Act, and disclosure of other secret information of the government, which is dealt with in Section 5. The secret information can be any official code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information. Need for review: Since the classification of secret information is so broad, it is argued that the colonial law is in direct conflict with the Right to Information Act. Under Section 5, both the person communicating the information, and the person receiving the information, can be punished by the prosecuting agency. The SARC report states that as the OSA’s background is the colonial climate of mistrust of people and the primacy of public officials in dealing with the citizens, it created a culture of secrecy. Another contentious issue with the law is that its Section 5, which deals with potential breaches of national security, is often misinterpreted. The Section makes it a punishable offence to share information that may help an enemy state. The Section comes in handy to book journalists when they publicise information that may cause embarrassment to the government or the armed forces May 2019 Reservation in Promotions Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has upheld the application of "creamy layer" principle relating to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in promotions. The creamy layer is a concept that puts an 15 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

income ceiling on people availing of caste-wise reservations in government jobs and education. Till now, this was only applicable for reservations under the Other Backward Classes quota. SCs and STs were excluded since it was argued that their backwardness was based purely on untouchability for which economic improvement was not a remedy. Further Supreme Court ruled that the judgment in the case of M. Nagraj v. Union of India , relating to reservations for SCs and STs in promotions, need not to be referred to a larger bench for consideration. Center had claimed that there was a need to review the M Nagaraj verdict of 2006 stating that the judgement had virtually stopped promotions by putting criteria like backwardness, inadequate representation and overall administrative efficiency. Various States had challenged the Nagaraj verdict stating that the criteria for reservation in promotion for SC/ST employees laid down in it was proving to be a hurdle to filling up lakhs of vacancies in different government departments spread across various States. So, the correctness of interpretation given by Nagaraj decision was referred to Constitution Bench for reconsideration during November 2017. Background The Central and the State Government since the 1950s have been following a policy of reserving seats in promotions in favours of SC and ST communities on the ground that they are not adequately represented at the decision making level of public services. This policy was held to be unconstitutional and void by the Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney v. Union Of India 1992 case on the ground that under Article 16(4) the State is provided with the power to make reservations in favour of backward classes of citizens only at the entry level that is at the time of recruitment into public services but not subsequently.

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The Parliament responded by enacting 77 th Constitutional Amendment Act which introduced Article 16(4A). It confers power on the state to reserve seats in favour of SC and ST in promotions in Public Services if the communities are not adequately represented in public employment. This law was given retrospective effect from 1992. The Supreme Court in M. Nagraj v. Union Of India 2006 case while upholding the constitutional validity of Art 16(4A) held that any such reservation policy in order to be constitutionally valid shall satisfy the following three constitutional requirements: The SC and ST community should be socially and educationally backward, The SC and ST communities are not adequately represented in Public employment. Such a reservation policy shall not affect the overall efficiency in the administration. Supreme Court's Judgement Application of the “Creamy layer” principle Supreme Court ruled that the "creamy layer exclusion" principle, till date applied only to OBCs, can be extended to SCs and STs to deny reservation to the elite among the two communities. It upheld the constitutional amendments leading to Article 16(4A). Therefore, the Constitution Bench held that there was no necessity to revisit Nagaraj judgment in so far as it applied the creamy layer test. Giving a stamp of approval to application of creamy layer principle to SC/STs, the court asserted that the objective of reservation would not be fulfilled if only the creamy layer within that class bag all the coveted jobs in the public sector, leaving the rest of the class as backward as they always were. Proof Of Backwardness Of SC/STs The Supreme Court held the conclusion in Nagaraj case that the State has to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the SCs and the STs as invalid.

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It opined that this was contrary to the finding arrived at by the nine-judge bench in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India. It noted that the nine-Judge Bench in Indra Sawhney case had categorically ruled that test or requirement of social and educational backwardness cannot be applied to SCs and STs, who undoubtedly fall within the expression “backward class of citizens”. Judicial Pendency Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions, imporatant provisions relating to Emergency and Constitutional amendments, Judicial review, Public Interest Litigation. Context According to the Economic Survey 2018-19, There are about 3.5 crore cases pending in the judicial system, especially in district and subordinate courts. About 87.54 per cent of the total pendency of cases is in the district and subordinate courts. More than 64% of all cases are pending for more than 1 year. The average disposal time for civil and criminal cases in Indian District & Subordinate courts in 2018 was 4.4 fold and 6 fold higher respectively when compared with the average of Council of Europe members (2016). A Case Clearance Rate of 100 percent (i.e. zero accumulation) can be achieved with the addition of merely 2,279 judges in the lower courts, 93 in High Courts and only one in the Supreme Court, which is already within sanctioned strength and only needs filling of vacancies. The Ease of Doing Business Report of the World Bank for 2018 and 2019 shows that the time taken to decide a case has remained static at 1,445 days. Problems in the judiciary The government is the biggest litigant. Poorly drafted orders have resulted in contested tax revenues equal to 4.7 per cent of the GDP and it is rising. Crowding out investment: Roughly Rs 50,000 crore are locked up in stalled projects and investments are reducing. Both these complications have arisen because of 18 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

injunctions and stay orders granted by the courts primarily due to poorly drafted and poorly reasoned orders. Less budgetary allocation: the budget allocated to the judiciary is between 0.08 and 0.09 per cent of the GDP. Only four countries — Japan, Norway, Australia and Iceland — have a lesser budget allocation and they do not have problems of pendency like India. Redactive Pricing Audit Topic: Constitutional Authorities – Powers, Functions and Responsibilities Context: The CAG is mandated to audit all receipts and expenditures of the three-tier governments in India and report to the legislature judiciously, independently, objectively in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, without fear and favour. The vision of Supreme Audit Institution of India (SAI) India represents what we aspire to become: We strive to be a global leader and initiator of national and international best practices in public sector auditing and accounting and recognised for independent, credible, balanced and timely reporting on public finance and governance. In an audit report submitted by Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) to the President under Article 151 of the Indian Constitution on pricing of Rafale jets, the CAG used the concept of “redactive pricing”. In the preface of the audit report, the CAG stated that redactive pricing was unprecedented but had to be accepted due to the Ministry’s insistence citing security concerns. About Redactive Pricing: Redaction is the selection or adaption by removing sensitive information from a document before publication.Under redactive pricing method, CAG withheld full

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commercial details and blackened the figures on the procurement deal on security concerns cited by Ministry of Defence. Whether the Ministry’s insistence citing security concerns could have been accepted by the CAG can be examined only by the Supreme Court in the light of the constitutional provisions on the CAG’s duties and parliamentary privileges and prerogatives.Submitting Reports to Parliament and there by Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings: CAG conducts financial compliance and performance audits and submits his reports to the legislature to help people’s representatives in enforcing legislative oversight and public accountability of the executive. Legislative committees such as the Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings examine the CAG’s selected reports. The CAG’s audit is expected to highlight value for money in any purchase decisions of the government. An audit by CAG is expected to analyse the facts and comparative pricing charts to highlight the financial propriety and prudence of the procurement decision. Parliament is constitutionally privileged to know the details of any procurement deal made by the executive including the conditions and circumstances of such procurement. Thus, any decision with respect to procurement by the executive needs to be audited independently by CAG. It including non-compliance of essential procurement procedures, conditions and pricing errors which may have a negative financial impact and cause potential damage to the country’s interests. Reconstituting of NITI Aayog Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies Government has approved the reconstitution of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog. 20 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The Prime Minister will serve as the Chairman of Niti Aayog. Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar continues in his post along with Permanent members VK Saraswat, Ramesh Chand and VK Paul. The ex-officio members now include Defence Minister, the Home Minister,theFinance Minister and Agriculture Minister. Special invitees to NITI Aayog include Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Minister of Railways and Minister of Statistics. One Nation, One Ration Card Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles One nation one ration card scheme was launched on a pilot basis in four states- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Launched by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. It will be available across the country from July 1, 2020. The main objective is to introduce nation-wide portability of ration card holders under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) It will allow portability of food security benefitse. to lift their entitlement food grains from any Fair Price Shop in the country This means poor migrant workers will be able to buy subsidised rice and wheat from any ration shop in the country, so long as their ration cards are linked to Aadhaar. It would integrate the existing PDS systems/portals of States/UTs with the Central systems/portals.

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RTI Amendment Act Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies Context Parliament passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, amid uproars that changes diluted the crucial transparency law. Background Information empowers and enables people; pushes them towards exercising their legal, social, economic and political rights. It spreads awareness among citizens and creates a culture of transparency and accountability so as to make the system of governance of a nation closer to impeccability. In India, it all started with petitions of the press to the Supreme Court, relating to issues of enforcement of the right to freedom of speech and expression. Access to information was realised as being a key tool to fight corruption and wrongdoing, the public has a right to scrutinise the actions of its leaders and engage them into a full and open debate - the free flow information is a must for a society so diverse in its mind-sets. The Supreme Court, in State of U.P v. Raj Narain - a 1974 case, recognized the ‘right to know’ as a right inherent in Fundamental Right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Consequently, The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 was thus passed to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in real sense. Protection of Human Rights Amendment Act Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies, Rights Issues (Human rights, Women rights, SC/ST rights, Child rights, etc.), Important Acts. To make the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) more inclusive and efficient, Lok Sabha passes the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which amends the Protection of Human Rights Act,1993. 22 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Amendment proposed A person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of India. Increasing the members of the commission who have knowledge of human rights issues, from two to three, out of which one must be a woman; Include Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Chairperson of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as deemed Members of the Commission; Reduces the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission and the State Commissions from five to three years and shall be eligible for re- appointment; A person who has been a Judge of the High Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the State Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of the High Court; and, Confer upon State Commissions, the functions relating to human rights being discharged by the Union territories, other than the Union territory of Delhi, which will be dealt with by the Commission. Inter State River Water Disputes Amendment Bill Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure – Devolution of Power and Finances upto local levels and challenges therein. Context: Lok Sabha has passed the Inter-State River Water disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to amend the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 with a view to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust. 23 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Features of the bill: Disputes Resolution Committee: The Bill requires the central government to set up a Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC), for resolving any inter-state water dispute amicably. The DRC will get a period of one year, extendable by six months, to submit its report to the central government. Members of DRC: Members of the DRC will be from relevant fields, as deemed fit by the central government. Tribunal: The Bill proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal, for adjudication of water disputes, if a dispute is not resolved through the DRC. This tribunal can have multiple benches. All existing tribunals will be dissolved and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to this newly formed tribunal. Composition of the Tribunal: The tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, and not more than six nominated members (judges of the Supreme Court or of a High Court), nominated by the Chief Justice of India. Drawbacks of interstate Water Dispute Act, 1956: The Inter State Water Dispute Act, 1956 which provides the legal framework to address such disputes suffers from many drawbacks as it does not fix any time limit for resolving river water disputes. Delays are on account of no time limit for adjudication by a Tribunal, no upper age limit for the Chairman or the Members, work getting stalled due to occurrence of any vacancy and no time limit for publishing the report of the Tribunal.The River Boards Act 1956, which is supposed to facilitate inter-state collaboration over water resource development, remained a ‘dead letter’ since its enactment. Surface water is controlled by Central Water Commission (CWC) and ground water by Central Ground Water Board of India (CGWB). Both bodies work

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independently and there is no common forum for common discussion with state governments on water management. Arbitration in India Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions. Arbitration in India is gaining importance given the overstressed judicial system with the huge pendency of cases. With a lot of commercial disputes, it’s necessary to have a proper arbitration mechanism in place for faster resolution of issues. What is arbitration? In simple words, arbitration is the act of dispute settlement through an arbitrator, i.e. a third party, who is not involved in the dispute. It is an alternative dispute settlement mechanism, aiming at settlement outside the court. New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019 The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament. It seeks to establish an autonomous and independent institution for better management of arbitration in India. Key features of the Bill include: The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the NDIAC to conduct an arbitration, mediation and conciliation proceedings. International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) is a registered society to promote the resolution of disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods (such as arbitration and mediation). The Bill seeks to transfer the existing ICADR to the central government. Upon notification by the central government, all the rights, title, and interest in the ICADR will be transferred to the NDIAC.

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Composition: Under the Bill, the NDIAC will consist of seven members including: A chairperson who may be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court or an eminent person with special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration. Two eminent persons having substantial knowledge and experience in institutional arbitration. Three ex-officio members, including a nominee from the Ministry of Finance. Chief Executive Officer (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the NDIAC). Key objectives of the NDIAC include: Promoting research, providing training and organising conferences and seminars in alternative dispute resolution matters. Providing facilities and administrative assistance for the conduct of the arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings. Maintaining a panel of accredited professionals to conduct an arbitration, mediation, and conciliation proceedings. Key functions include: Facilitating the conduct of arbitration and conciliation in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner. Promoting studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution August 2019 Removal of Article 370 and 35A Topic: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privileges. Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure – Devolution of Power and Finances up to local levels and challenges therein. On 5th of August 2019, the President of India promulgated the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019.

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The order effectively abrogates the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under the provision of Article 370 - whereby provisions of the Constitution which were applicable to other states were not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).According to the Order, provisions of the Indian Constitution are now applicable in the State. This Order comes into force “at once”, and shall “supersede the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954.” A separate Bill - the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019 - was introduced to bifurcate the State into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature), and Ladakh (without legislature). Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 was also introduced to extend the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir. The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 settled the constitutional relationship of J&K and the Union of India. It made the following provisions - Indian citizenship and all related benefits (fundamental rights) were extended to the 'permanent residents' of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 35A was added to the Constitution (empowering the state legislature to legislate on the privileges of permanent residents with regard to immovable property, settlement in the state and employment).The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India was extended to the State. Central Government was given the power to declare a national emergency in the event of external aggression. The power in case of internal disturbances could be exercised only with the concurrence of the State Government. Normalized the financial relations between the Centre and J&K

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NRC Topic: Why in News? The Supreme Court recently issued a notice to the centre and the Election Commission of India on a plea seeking that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be updated to include Tripura. The final draft of the NRC in Assam was released, excluding four million residents of the state.This draft of the NRC is however not final and people can still appeal against the non-inclusion of their names in the NRC.Several religious and linguistic minority groups are also opposing the NRC as discriminatory and undemocratic. Purpose: To separate “illegal” immigrants from “legitimate” residents of Assam. Nodal Agency: Registrar General and Census Commissioner India. What is National Register of Citizens (NRC)? National Register of Citizens, 1951 is a register prepared after the conduct of the Census of 1951 in respect of each village, showing the houses or holdings in a serial order and indicating against each house or holding the number and names of persons staying therein.The NRC was published only once in 1951. Regulating Social Media Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies. Context: The centre is planning to come up with rules to regulate social media because it can cause “unimaginable disruption” to democracy. Rules will help in curbing growing threats to “individual rights and nation’s integrity, sovereignty, and security. Background:

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The Supreme Court had expressed the need to regulate social media to curb fake news, defamation and trolling. It had also asked the Union government to come up with guidelines to prevent misuse of social media while protecting users’ privacy in three weeks’ time. Existing regulations and misuse: In India, social media platforms already come under the purview of the Information Technology (IT) Act, the ‘intermediaries guidelines’ that were notified under the IT Act in 2011 and the Indian Penal Code. Under existing laws, social media channels are already required to take down content if they are directed to do so by a court or law enforcement. There are also reporting mechanisms on these platforms, where they exercise discretion to ascertain whether a reported post is violating community guidelines and needs to be taken down. These, however, have been reported to be arbitrary – many posts on body positivity and menstruation, for instance, have been taken down in the past while other explicit imagery continues to be allowed. Many of the existing regulations themselves are “dangerously close to censorship and may have a chilling effect on freedom of speech, which is why cases are being fought on those in courts.” Another problem of a lot of regulatory measures is the vagueness of language which is exploited by state agencies to behave in a repressive way. Need for regulations: The speed and reach of social media has meant that subversive rumours and fake news get aired with impunity. This has resulted in serious law and order problems. In India, this phenomenon has assumed dangerous proportions. Fake news on WhatsApp has led to lynchings and communal flare-ups in many parts of the country. This menace needs to be curbed.

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Challenges before the government: Too stringent a policy of policing social media could violate the individual’s right to privacy.It’s not easy to force Facebook Inc., the owner of WhatsApp, to give up on the app’s unique selling proposition to the user of complete end-to-end confidentiality. INDEA Framework Topic: Public Policy and Governance. Shillong Declaration on e-governance adopted at the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) talked about India Enterprise Architecture (IndEA). What is India Enterprise Architecture? IndEA, is a framework for developing a holistic architecture treating the Government as a single enterprise which are functionally interrelated.Ind-EA provides a generic framework, comprising a set of architecture reference models, which can be converted into an integrated architecture,With IndEA, there will be one personalised account for each individual and he or she can avail all government services from that account. This shall eliminate the need to visit separate sites and have separate logins on them to access government services. IndEA Framework is generic by design. It cannot be used straightaway by any enterprise. The framework has to be customized to fit the broad requirements of the business vision and objectives of the enterprise. The methods of implementation vary widely across enterprises, depending on the ecosystem of governance and the current stage of evolution of e-Governance in the enterprise. As such it is difficult to lay down any principles or detailed procedures for the implementation stage.Enterprise Architecture has intricate dependencies and inter-connections between several parts. It is not possible to pull out individual components and redesign / implement them in isolation as it

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would seriously impair the interoperability and integration capabilities across government With IndEA, India would be inching closer towards digital governance and establish itself as a knowledge economy as envisaged in the Digital India initiative. To achieve this EA planners should recognize the importance and provide specialized resources and effort adequately in the planning phase. NPR Topic: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privileges. Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure. Recently, there has been at least 4 confusing words in news connected with citizenship and identity. Recently, there has been at least 4 confusing words in news connected with citizenship and identity. The National Population Register (NPR) is a register of the usual residents of the country. A usual resident is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next 6 months or more.It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR. It is being prepared at the local (Village/sub-Town), sub-District, District, State and National level under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.The database under the NPR will be maintained by the Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.The NPR database contains demographic as well as biometric details. As per the provisions of the NPR, a resident identity card (RIC) will be issued to individuals over the age of 18. This will be a chip-embedded smart card with the UID number (Aadhaar) printed.In India, NPR was prepared along with Census

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2011. It was updated in 2015.The new and latest NPR is planned to be conducted across India (except Assam) between April 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020 along with next census enumeration.NPR is not a citizenship enumeration drive; it would also include a foreigner staying in an area for more than six months. NPR is considered as the prelude to the NRC. One Nation, One Language Topic: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privilages. Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal Structure. Recently, on the occasion of Hindi Divas, the Union Minister of Home Affairs held that if one language can do the work of uniting the country, then it is the most spoken language, Hindi. The remark was made in the context of preserving India's ancient culture and English being an imposed colonial legacy. This has revived the debate of imposition of Hindi under the name of One nation One language. Background The Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi written in Devnagari Script along with English as the official language of the country on September 14, 1949, under Article 343(1). Article 351 gives power to the Union Government to issue a directive for the development of the Hindi language. The Hindi language is one of the 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The imposition of Hindi was contested in many non-Hindi states, especially in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Violent protests broke out in southern India leading the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to introduce the ‘Official Languages

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Act’ in 1963, which assured the continuation of English along with Hindi as the official language of the Union of India. Anti-Hindi protests of 1965 marked an important turn in India’s official language policy. The ‘Official Languages Act’ was amended in 1967 guaranteeing the "virtual indefinite policy of bilingualism" for all official purposes of the Union. Given the linguistic diversity of India, there is no national language as all the states are free to decide their own official languages. Should Hindi Become Lingua Franca for India? The 2011 Census listed 1,369 ‘mother tongues’ in the country. Hindi is only one among them.Hindi has largely been influenced by Persian — and then English, among other languages.Also, when the languages were enumerated, Hindi subsumed Bhojpuri, which is spoken by a little over five crore people. The Census has put Bhojpuri as a subset of Hindi. So, it may be true that Hindi is spoken by a large number of people in India, but it is equally true that it is not spoken by a majority of Indians. The fact that Constitution, which has made space for 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule, upholds the language diversity principle.It is ironic that our animosity towards English makes us blind to the fact that the idea of a singular nation: One nation, One language, is itself a European Idea, whereas India always believed in Unity in diversity. This idea is not in tune with our history, culture and civilisation as India is a multilingual society.Many leaders in the national movement visualized a special role for Hindi. Most of them supported Hindusthani, a mixed language, not the pure Hindi being pushed today. But all of them were clear that it could not be imposed. Today nearly 35% of people are migrating daily for work. Therefore, clubbing together multilingual spaces with monolingual habitats is not fair to the large

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cities today.Any idea of one link language, whether Hindi or English, will be economically disastrous for India. It will slow down migration and reduce the ease of capital flow. If there is a mechanical and monolithic idea of unity followed by any entity, such an entity generally generates great hostility beyond its immediate borders. This may affect the relationship with India's neighbouring countries. In neighbouring Bangladesh – then East Pakistan – the language movement against the imposition of Urdu on Bengali speakers was a key driver of Pakistan splitting into two nations.English is the language that can be linked to India’s successes in modern sectors such as IT. Regional Bench of SC Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions. Context: Recently Vice President of India, P M Venkaiah Naidu made the following suggestions; Institute four regional Benches to tackle the enormous backlog of cases, and to ensure their speedy disposal. The court should be split into two divisions. Why these suggestions were made? In the early decades of the Republic, the Supreme Court of India functioned largely as a constitutional court, with some 70-80 judgments being delivered every year by Constitution Benches of five or more judges who ruled, as per Article 145(3) of the Constitution, on matters “involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of *the+ Constitution”. This number has now come down to 10-12. Due to their heavy workload, judges mostly sit in two- or three-judge Benches to dispose of all kinds of cases; these include several non-Constitutional and relatively petty matters such as bans (or

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lifting of bans) on films, or allegations that a Commissioner of Police is misusing his powers. On some occasions, even PILs on demands such as Sardar jokes should be banned, or that Muslims should be sent out of the country, come before the Supreme Court. More than 65,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, and disposal of appeals takes many years. Several cases involving the interpretation of the Constitution by five or seven judges have been pending for years. What the Law Commissions said? The Supreme Court of India should consist of two Divisions, namely (a) Constitutional Division, and (b) Legal Division.Only matters of Constitutional law may be assigned to the proposed Constitutional Division. A Constitution Bench be set up at Delhi to deal with constitutional and other allied issues”. Four Cassation Benches be set up in the Northern region/zone at Delhi, the Southern region/zone at Chennai/Hyderabad, the Eastern region/zone at Kolkata and the Western region/zone at Mumbai to deal with all appellate work arising out of the orders/judgments of the High Courts of the particular region”. Internet as Basic Right Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles Context: The Kerala High Court has held that the right to have access to the Internet is part of the fundamental right to education as well as the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. What’s the issue? A college student from Kozhikode was recently expelled from the college hostel for using her mobile phone beyond the restricted hours. This was challenged in the court. 35 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The petitioner contended that the internet, accessible through mobile phones or laptops, provided an avenue for the students to gather knowledge. Observations made by the HC: When the Human Rights Council of the United Nations has found that the right of access to Internet is a fundamental freedom and a tool to ensure right to education, a rule or instruction which impairs the said right of the students cannot be permitted to stand in the eye of law. The action of the college authorities infringed the fundamental freedom as well as privacy and would adversely affect the future and career of students who want to acquire knowledge and compete with their peers. The court while citing the observations of the SupremeCourt in the S.Rengarajan and others v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989) case said “ the fundamental freedom under Article 19(1)(a) can be reasonably restricted only for the purposes mentioned in Article 19(2) and the restriction must be justified on the anvil of necessity and not the quicksand of convenience or expediency.” The Court has observed rightly in the sense that the hostel authorities are expected to enforce only those rules and regulations for enforcing discipline. Enforcement of discipline shall not be by blocking the ways and means of the students to acquire knowledge. Besides, college authorities as well as parents should be conscious of the fact that the students in a college hostel are adults capable of taking decisions as to how and when they have to study. 1. Right to be Forgotten Why in news? The Karnataka High Court recently upheld the concept of and the right to be forgotten. What is right to be forgotten? 36 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The ‘right to be forgotten’ has been in practice in Argentina and the European Union since 2006.It allows for the lawful removal of personal information of an individual if such request is made.The right is seen as significant in these jurisdictions as it can “determine the development of their life in an autonomous way, without being perpetually or periodically stigmatised as a consequence of a specific action performed in the past”.The right to be forgotten is distinct from the right to privacy because the right to privacy constitutes information that is not publicly known, whereas the right to be forgotten involves removing information that was publicly known at a certain time and not allowing third parties to access the information. What is the experience in EU? The European Union created a system that allows people to seek the removal of search results from Google that are “inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant.” The system does not result in the removal of the actual content, but rather makes it more difficult to find in light of the near-universal reliance on search engines to locate information online. Since the European decision, Google has received nearly 700,000 requests for the removal of links.Problems such as revenge porn sites appearing in a person's name, or references to petty crimes committed many years ago remaining unduly as prominent part of a person's Internet footprint can be addressed by it. But there are concerns about its impact on the right to freedom of expression as it might decrease the quality of the Internet through censorship and a rewriting of history. NGOs under RTI Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles Context: Supreme Court of India in its recent judgment has held that Non- governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially” financed by the government fall within the ambit of the Right to Information Act. 37 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What has the Court said? NGOs which receive considerable finances from the government or are essentially dependent on the government fall under the category of “public authority” defined in Section 2(h) of the RTI Act of 2005. This means that they have to disclose vital information, ranging from finances to hierarchy to decisions to functioning, to citizens who apply under RTI. An NGO may also include societies which are neither owned or controlled by the government, but if they are significantly funded by the government, directly or indirectly, they come under the RTI Act. The court defined “substantial” as a “large portion.” It does not necessarily have to mean a major portion or more than 50%. No hard and fast rule can be laid down in this regard. Substantial financing can be both direct or indirect. If government gives land in a city free of cost or on heavy discount to hospitals, educational institutions or any such body, this in itself could also be substantial financing, the judgment explained. SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act Topic: Rights Issues(Human rights, Women rights, SC/ST rights, Child rights, etc.), Imporatant Acts Why in News

The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018.

th . The Amendment Act nullified the Court’s 20 March, 2018 judgment which had diluted the stringent provisions of the original Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. . Petitions were filed challenging the 2018 Amendment Act on the grounds of violation of the fundamental right to equality (Article 14) and personal liberty (Article 21). 38 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Salient Features of the Amendment Act, 2018

. It added Section 18A to the original Act.

. It delineates specific crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as atrocities and describes strategies and prescribes punishments to counter these acts.

. It identifies what acts constitute “atrocities” and all offences listed in the Act are cognizable. The police can arrest the offender without a warrant and start an investigation into the case without taking any orders from the court.

. The Act calls upon all the states to convert an existing sessions court in each district into a Special Court to try cases registered under it and provides for the appointment of Public Prosecutors/Special Public Prosecutors for conducting cases in special courts.

. It creates provisions for states to declare areas with high levels of caste violence to be “atrocity-prone” and to appoint qualified officers to monitor and maintain law and order.

. It provides for the punishment for wilful neglect of duties by non-SC/ST public servants.

. It is implemented by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, which are provided due central assistance. Section 18A states that

. For the Prevention of Atrocities Act, the preliminary enquiry shall not be required for registration of a First Information Report against any person.

. The provision of section 438 (pre-arrest bail) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) shall not apply to a case under the Act, notwithstanding any judgment or order or direction of any Court.

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NCRB Report 2018 Topic: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) published the annual Crime in India Report 2018. It shows the crime statistics in the country between 2017 and 2018. NCRB has also released Accidental Death and Suicides in India 2018 report which outlines death and suicide statistics of the country.The report shows an increase of 1.3% in the registration of cases. The crime rate per lakh population has come down from 388.6 in 2017 to 383.5. Crime Against Women rise has been observed in 2018 compared to 2017. Uttar Pradesh topped the list followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal. Delhi tops the list among the metropolitan cities. Cruelty by husband or his relatives (31.9%) followed by an assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (27.6%) constituted the major share of crimes against women. The total number of people who committed suicide in 2018 has increased from 2017.The highest number of suicide victims were daily wage earners comprising 22.4% of such deaths. Maximum of the suicides were reported from Maharashtra followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Farm sector workers accounted for 7.7 % of the total number of suicides in the country.West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Goa, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry reported zero suicides by farmers/cultivators and agricultural labourers. Economic Offences: It includes criminal breach of trust, forgery, cheating, fraud and counterfeiting, etc. Higher economic offences were observed in 2018 as compared to 2017.Uttar Pradesh accounted for the maximum number of economic offences followed by Telangana and Bihar.

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Violence due to Riots: Riot cases due to communal, political, agrarian and student issues declined but riots arising out of industrial and water disputes rose sharply. SC/ST related crimes: The incidents registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes related Acts observed a decline in 2018 from 2017. Cyber Crimes: An increase in cybercrimes has been observed in 2018 compared to 2017. Two Child Policy Two-Child Policy Recently the Assam government announced Two-Child Policy. In this policy, people with more than two children will not be eligible for government jobs from January 2021. Know Assam's Two-Child Policy: The policy seeks to bar those having more than two children from being elected or nominated to panchayat and other local bodies’ elections or government jobs. The policy will also bar those who will have more than two children from government jobs. The incentives and disincentives under the policy shall be applicable only prospectively. The move will have a direct impact on the weaker section of the society including women, whose reproductive choices are often subject to a variety of constraints. Who else has the same policy? Assam will become the fourth state after Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to have a two-child norm in place for government jobs. A Private Member Bill on Two-Child Policy: Earlier a nominated MP has introduced a private member’s Bill- Population Regulation Bill, 2019- in the Rajya Sabha. The bill seeking to enforce a two-child norm by giving incentives for those adopting the small family practice and penalties for those contravening it. 41 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The bill mentioned that people with more than two living children should be “disqualified” from being chosen as an MP, MLA or a member of anybody of the local self-government. The bill also says that those government employees who have more than two children on or before the commencement of the Act should be exempted. Other penalties under the bill were a reduction in subsidies on loans and interest rates on savings instruments, reduction in benefits under the public distribution system. The Analysis: Is the ‘Two-Child Policy’ required for India? The population of India is growing and will continue to grow for the next couple of decades. The reason for the fact is the higher proportion of people in the marriageable age group who will produce children. Data shows that fertility rates are declining tremendously as compared to the recent past. The average number of children that a woman is expected to bear in her lifetime is called TFR. The National Family Health Survey data shows that the country-level TFR in India is 2.23, which is not hugely above the desired level of 2.1. A TFR of about 2.1 is considered as replacement-level fertility if achieved, it will lead the population to stabilize in the long run. In the case of India, Twenty states/UTs have achieved the replacement-level TFR, another five have got it below 2.2, with the remaining 11 states having a higher rate. Data also indicate that these 11 states/UTs account for 42% of the country’s population, they are already showing a fall in their TFRs. Looking at these statistics, there is no need to usher the policy like Assam has promulgated to control the population.

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Social Consequences of ‘Two-child Norm’: Sex-Selective Abortions: A legal restriction to two children could force couples to go for sex-selective abortions as there are only two ‘attempts’. Unsafe Abortions: A significant proportion of rural women especially those from lower socio-economic strata, would be forced to go for unsafe abortions because of issues of access and affordability. Gender Imbalances: Enforcement of such policies will create gender imbalances and also can create mental subordination towards women. Negative Population Growth: By interfering with the birth rate, India faces a future with severe negative population growth, a serious problem that most developed countries are trying to reverse. If implemented, what will happen to the ‘Third Child’? Exclusion of Free & Compulsory Education: This may lead to the exclusion of free and compulsory education to that third child, and maybe also his/her coverage under the public-funded health insurance scheme. Depriving of the opportunity to contest elections: Parents should be punished by depriving them of the opportunity to contest elections and apply for jobs. Dis-qualified Candidates: A study conducted in five states shows that the two- child norm was responsible for the largest number of disqualified candidates in panchayat elections. Whether implementing such policy discriminating in nature? If implemented, these measures would be contrary to the constitutional Right to Education (Article 21A, Article 45 and 51A) and Right to Life (Article 21) and also the United Nation’s Convention on Rights of Child. As the policy keep abstains people from contesting election in Panchayat. Of these, Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs formed an overwhelming 80%.

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Implementation of such types of measures will contravene the 73rd amendment, which aims to give political representation to people from marginalized communities in democratic processes. The government on Population Control: Measures taken so far Human resource development plan: A rational human resource development plan is in place for the provision of IUCD, minimap, and NSV. Criticisms related to ‘Two-Child Policy’: Many critics have argued that the population growth in India naturally goes on the path of declining trajectory as the countries becoming more educated. It was observed in the case of China’s One-Child Policy that resulting from a strong preference for boys and millions of undocumented children who were born to parents that already had their one child. These problems also may arise in the case of India with the implementation of the two-child policy. Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its declaration mentioned that the two-child policy as regressive and violating the principle of voluntary informed choice, human rights, and rights of the child. November 2019 Nationwide NRC Recently, Union home minister said in Parliament that the Nation Register of Citizens (NRC) would be prepared for every state in the country. Background

 ter of Citizens (NRC) is a register containing names of all genuine Indian citizens. At present, only Assam has such a register.  The exercise may be extended to other states as well. Nagaland is already creating a similar database known as the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants. 44 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The Centre is planning to create a National Population Register (NPR), which will contain demographic and biometric details of citizens.  National Register of Citizens, 1951 is a register prepared after the conduct of the Census of 1951.  Purpose:To separate “illegal” immigrants and deport them.  Nodal Agency:Registrar General and Census Commissioner India.

NRC in Assam

 The issue of its update assumed importance as Assam witnessed large-scale illegal migration from erstwhile East Pakistan and, after 1971, from present- day Bangladesh.  This led to the six-year-long Assam movement from 1979 to 1985, for deporting illegal migrants.  The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) led the movement that demanded the updating of the NRC and the deportation of all illegal migrants who had entered Assam after 1951.  The movement culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985.  It set March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date for the deportation of illegal migrants.  Since the cut-off date prescribed under articles 5 and 6 of the Constitution was July 19, 1949 - to give force to the new date, an amendment was made to the Citizenship Act, 1955, and a new section was introduced.  It was made applicable only to Assam.  There had been intermittent demands from AASU and other organisations in Assam for updating the NRC, an Assam based NGO filed a petition at the Supreme Court.  In December 2014, a division bench of the apex court ordered that the NRC be updated in a time-bound manner.  The NRC of 1951 and the Electoral Roll of 1971 (up to midnight of 24 March 1971) are together called Legacy Data. Persons and their descendants

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whose names appeared in these documents are certified as Indian citizens.  On 31st August, the updated National Registry of Citizens was released in Assam after a Supreme Court deadline. Of the 3.3 crore applicants, 3.11 crore figured in the final citizens' list, while about 19 lakh residents were excluded. st  Assam government rejected NRC data released on 31 August.

 Census and National Population Register is counting residents while the proposed NRC will count citizens. Its objective is to weed out non-citizens and deport them to their countries of origin or put them in detention camps.

Scope of NRC across India

 An amendment in the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, issued by the central government on May 30 paves the way for expanding the scope of NRC beyond.  The amended order empowers state governments and even district magistrates of all states and Union Territories to set up tribunals to identify a "foreigner" who is living in India illegally.

Implications of Nationwide NRC

 It puts an entire population under suspicion of alienage. Under the foreigners’ Act 1946, the burden of proof rests on the individual charged with being a foreigner. Moreover, Citizenship Act provides no mechanism for identifying aliens. With that justification can a state that does not have the ability to detect aliens or even to secure its borders against illegal immigrants, set out to find aliens by elimination? Elimination method is not the right approach.  Cost of Authentication: Preparation of a countrywide NRC requires lot of resources. The Assam NRC is reported to have costed Rs 1600 crores. To

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prepare a countrywide NRC we need an estimated outlay of Rs 4.26 lakh crore. It would also need deployment of 1.33 crore officials when total number of government employees in India was 2.9 crore in 2011-12.  Lot of time to prepare it: It is a regressive exercise and will take lot of time to prepare it.  Building new detention centers that will be needed to incarcerate the excluded people.  Panic among people: The necessary documents required to be included in NRC has created panic and fear in Assam and many committed suicides as they were not having the documents to prove their citizenship even when their ancestors have been living here for hundreds of years. If NRC done at national level it would have graver ramifications.  Federal Imperative of seeking the consent of state governments: Many states in northeast are erupting in protest against NRC. It is a federal issue and requires consultations between states and the centre and it cannot be done on the whims of a particular political party that comes to party.  Fraying plural social fabric of this nation: If the NRC carves out paths to statelessness for groups that are disfavoured, the citizenship Amendment Bill creates paths to citizenship for preferred groups. The implicit assumption in the NRC is that the infiltrators are Bangladeshis Muslims who must be disenfranchised as they have illegally acquired the citizenship. The citizenship Amendment Bill on the other hand promises citizenship to migrants belonging to all groups except Muslims – who will be eligible for fast-track citizenship because they are persecuted minorities in Afghanistan, Pajistan and Bangladesh. However, it does not offer the same to the victims of sectarian religious persecution in neighbouring countries, such as the Ahmadiyas or the Rohingyas. It is a hypocrisy on part of the state.

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Modalities for Implementation of NRC

 Although citizenship rules say being born in India or having parents who were born in India are enough for the citizenship. The NRC also requires you or your parents to have been born before a certain cut-off date. In case of Assam, you have to prove that your ancestors entered India before March 24, 1971, the eve of the Bangladesh War. You can be born in India in 1971, to parents who crossed the border that year, and still be considered a foreigner at the age of 48.  The Home Ministry is working on modalities to implement across the country the exercise to identify illegal immigrants for deportation.

Conclusion Constitutionally, India is a political community whose citizens avow the idea of the nation as a civic entity, transcending ethnic differences. The NRC-CAB combination signals a transformative shift from a civic-national conception to an ethno-national conception of India, as a political community in which identity determines gradations of citizenship. Hence, the rationale for a nationwide register of citizens, its feasibility, and, above all, its moral legitimacy, is questionable CJI under RTI Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions Why in News The Supreme Court has ruled that the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi gave the ruling. Highlights of the Ruling

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The Supreme Court is a “public authority” and the office of the CJI is part and parcel of the institution. Hence, if the Supreme Court is a public authority, so is the office of the CJI. The judiciary cannot function in total insulation as judges enjoy a constitutional post and discharge public duty. However, Right to Privacy is an important aspect and has to be balanced with transparency while deciding to give out information from the office of the Chief Justice of India. RTI cannot be used as a tool of surveillance and that judicial independence has to be kept in mind while dealing with transparency. On the issue related to the appointment of judges, the Supreme Court held that only the names of the judges recommended by the Collegium for appointment can be disclosed, not the reasons. Outcome of the Ruling The office of the CJI will now entertain RTI applications. Under the RTI Act, 2005, every public authority has to provide information to persons requesting for the information under the Act. Public Authority includes the body constituted by or under the Constitution. Article 124 of the Constitution deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court of India. Information includes any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, etc. The Ruling is an example for other bodies such as political parties, number of schools, trusts and public-private partnerships who resist categorisation as public authorities under the Act.

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However, it has been seen that Offices such as those of the Prime Minister and the President which are public authorities under the RTI Act have often denied information quoting separate observations by the Supreme Court. For instance, in 2011, the Supreme Court observed that: Officials need to furnish only such information which already exists and is held by the public authority and not collate or create information, that is The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties. Note: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is out of the purview of the RTI Act. It was granted exemption in 2011. Rules on Tribunal Posting strikes down A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court struck down in entirety Rules framed by the government under the Finance Act of 2017 to alter the appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals, including the Central Administrative Tribunal. Why it was struck down?  The Section 184 of the Finance Act, 2017 suffered from excessive delegation of legislative functions.

 It was under Section 184 that the 2017 Rules regarding appointment of tribunals were framed.  One of the major grounds of challenge to the Finance Act was on the ground that the same was passed as a Money Bill.  It was the petitioners’ case that the passage of the Finance Act in the form of a Money Bill’ was entirely inappropriate and amounted to a fraud on the Constitution.  The petitions had stated that the provisions of Finance Act 2017 affected the powers and structures of various judicial tribunals such as National Green

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Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, National Company Law Tribunal and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. What did the court ruled?

 The court ordered the Centre to re-formulate the Rules within six months strictly in conformity with the principles delineated by the Supreme Court.

 The new set of Rules to be formulated by the Central Government shall ensure non-discriminatory and uniform conditions of service, including assured tenure.  The court further ordered the Union Ministry of Law and Justice to conduct a ‘Judicial Impact Assessment’ of tribunals to analyse the ramifications of the changes caused by the Finance Act, 2017.

Karnataka MLA Disqualification Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privilages.

Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 17 dissident legislators approved by the then Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection law).

Background

. In 2019, a motion of no-confidence was to be considered in Karnataka Assembly against the ruling party. During this process, a few of the legislators resigned from their respective parties. However, their resignation was not taken under consideration by the then Assembly Speaker in lieu of the confidence vote that was to be held within a few days.

. As soon as the trust vote was not achieved during the floor test by the ruling party, the Speaker disqualified those rebellious members. This raised the

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question of the disqualification of members under the Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule) versus the role of Speaker to accept their resignation.

. Also, the Speaker barred those MLAs from contesting elections till the time incumbent Assembly’s term gets over, i.e, by 2023. This raised another question whether disqualification under Tenth Schedule can lead to a bar upon legislators to contest by-elections during the tenure of the incumbent Legislative Assembly.

. Tenth Schedule versus Re-contesting elections: The Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of the dissident legislators however it also held that their ouster does not put any bar upon them from contesting by-polls.

o According to the Court, ‘neither under the Constitution nor under the statutory scheme (i.e, Representation of the People Act, 1951 or the Anti-Defection Law) it is mentioned that disqualification under the Tenth Schedule would lead to a bar for contesting re-elections.’

st o The court also remarked that even the 91 Amendment Act, 2003 which did not allow a disqualified member to be appointed as a minister, did not give Speaker the power to put a ban upon them to contest elections till the end of the term.

. Resignation versus Disqualification:

o A member may choose to resign for a variety of reasons which represents an individual’s choice or will. An elected member if chooses to resign cannot be compelled to continue in the office. Whereas, a disqualification leads to the expulsion of the member from the office, irrespective of their will.

o In this case, the court observed, ‘on the one hand, resignation does not take away the effect of a prior act that amounts to disqualification. On the other, Speakers are not given a free power to sit on resignation letters indefinitely.’

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 Under Article 190(3) of the Constitution, the Speaker has to ascertain the voluntary and genuine nature of a resignation before accepting it.

 It is a limited inquiry process only to check if the letter is authentic and if the intent to quit is based on free will. Once it is clear, the Speaker has no option but to accept the resignation.

o The Court also observed that a pending disqualification action does not become nonfunctional by mere submission of the resignation letter. This would defeat the purpose of the Tenth Schedule if it was held that disqualification proceedings would become unfruitful upon tendering resignation. Anti-Defection Law

nd . The Anti-Defection Law was passed in 1985 through the 52 Amendment to the Constitution. It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat “the evil of political defections”.

. According to it, a member of a House belonging to any political party becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, (a) if he voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or (b) if he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days. Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law . Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.

. After Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachilhu case (1993), the Supreme Court declared that the decision of the presiding officer is not final and can be questioned in any court. It is subject to judicial review on the grounds of malafide, perversity, etc.

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Sabarimala Temple Verdict Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles Context: The Supreme Court has referred to a 7 judge- bench a clutch of review petitions challenging its September 2018 verdict allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple. Background:

The verdict was given by a 5- judge bench. In 3:2 majority verdict, two judges stuck to their earlier stand of quashing the custom which barred entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 years. The split decision came on 65 petitions – 56 review petitions, four fresh writ petitions and five transfer pleas – which were filed after the apex court verdict of September 28, 2018 sparked violent protests in Kerala.

Observations made by the court:

1. Restrictions on women in religious places are not limited to Sabarimala alone and are prevalent in other religions too. The issue of entry of women into mosques and Agiyari could also be taken by the larger bench. 2. Both sections of the same religious group have a right to freely profess, practise and propagate their religious beliefs as being integral part of their religion by virtue of Article 25 of the Constitution of India.

Questions before the larger bench:

1. Whether a court can probe if a practice is essential to a religion or should the question be left to the respective religious head? 2. Should “essential religious practices” be afforded constitutional protection under Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs)? 54 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

3. What is the “permissible extent” of judicial recognition a court should give to PILs filed by people who do not belong to the religion of which practices are under the scanner?

Constitutional vs Cultural dimensions: The case has constitutional as well as cultural dimensions. Displaying great cultural sensitivity, a division Bench of the Kerala High Court had, back in 1991, pointed out that “age regulation” in Sabarimala is not unconstitutional. In Sabarimala, the deity is worshipped in the form of Naishtika Brahmacharior a celibate, as pointed out by the Kerala High Court. The supporters of Temple ban say that:

1. This particular deity system is Tantric in nature and not Vedic. 2. In the Tantric system, the temple is not a prayer hall but an energy centre; the deity is not God who is omnipresent, but a source of energy (chaithanya) in a particular spiritual space. 3. Uniqueness is the soul of every temple. Lakhs of women congregate in Sabarimala every year. There is only one limitation: they should not be between 10 and 50, because of the specific nature of the Prathishta(idol) and the vow celibacy associated with the idol. 4. The restriction finds its source in the legend that the Sabarimala temple deity – Swami Ayyappa – is a ‘Naishtika Brahmachari’ – and should not be disturbed.

Why does preventing women’s entry to the temple discriminatory in nature? Preventing women’s entry to the Sabarimala temple with an irrational and obsolete notion of “purity” clearly offends the equality clauses in the

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Constitution. In any civilised society, gender equality is to be treated as one of the core values.

1. It denotes a patriarchal and partisan approach. 2. The entry prohibition takes away the woman’s right against discrimination guaranteed under Article 15(1) of the Constitution. 3. It curtails her religious freedom assured by Article 25(1). 4. Prohibition of women’s entry to the shrine solely on the basis of womanhood and the biological features associated with womanhood is derogatory to women, which Article 51A (e) aims to renounce. 5. The classification based on age is an act of discrimination based on sex.

Way ahead: This issue raises serious questions about faith and practices of a religious denomination or sect. Therefore, it is time to evolve a judicial policy to do substantial and complete justice. Ayodhya Verdict Topic: Judiciary in India – Structure and functions. Context: A bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi delivered the Ayodhya verdict alongside CJI designate S.A. Bobde, and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S.A. Nazeer. The verdict was unanimous. What was the issue? At the centre of the issue is the belief among sections of Hindus that the Babri Masjid, named after Mughal emperor Babur, was built in Ayodhya after destroying a Ram Temple that marked the birthplace of the deity.

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The Hindu parties wanted the land to themselves, contending that Lord Ram was born at a spot on which later the central dome of the mosque was built. The Muslim parties, however, contended that the mosque was constructed in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a commander of Babur’s army, without demolishing any place of worship and since the land rights had not been transferred to any other party, the space was rightfully theirs. The verdict:

1. The Hindus would get the entire disputed 2.77 acres in Ayodhya where the demolished Babri Masjid once stood. 2. Possession of disputed 2.77 acre land will remain with Central government receiver. 3. The Muslims will get alternate five acres of land either in the surplus 67 acres acquired in and around the disputed structure by the central government or any other “prominent” place. 4. A trust will be formed in 3 months to build a temple on the disputed land. The court held that the Nirmohi Akhara is not the shebait or devotee of the deity Ram Lalla but will get to be a member of the Trust.

What is Article 142, invoked by SC to give land for a mosque? The Supreme Court, implicitly referring to the demolition of the Babri Masjid at the disputed site, said that it was invoking Article 142 “to ensure that a wrong committed must be remedied”. Article 142(1) states that “The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law

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made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe”. This was the first time that the court invoked this power in a case involving a civil dispute over an immovable property, involving private parties. Who are the travellers quoted in Ayodhya judgment? In its judgment, the Supreme Court relied in part on centuries-old travelogues, gazetteers and books to provide an account of the faith and belief that the Hindus placed in the Janmasthan. The travelogues that the court took note of included, among others, those by the European travellers Joseph Tieffenthaler, William Finch, and Montgomery Martin – these being written before the building of the grill-brick wall in front of the mosque during British rule.

1. Tieffenthaler was an 18th-century missionary who travelled in India for 27 years, and wrote his travelogue titled “Description Historique et Geographique De l’Inde”. In India, he was commissioned at the famous observatory of Sawai Jai Singh, the Raja of Jaipur, and was later attached at the Jesuit College in Agra which was built with the patronage of Akbar. 2. William Finch’s account has been recorded in the 1921 book ‘Early Travels in India (1583-1619)’ by the historiographer Sir William Foster. 3. Originally from Dublin in Ireland, Martin was an Anglo-Irish author and civil servant. He practised medicine in Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), East Africa and Australia. Martin then went on to work in Kolkata where helped found the paper ‘Bengal Herald’. He wrote the three-volume work ‘History, Antiquities, Topography and Statistics of Eastern India’.

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What is adverse possession, the Muslim claim SC rejected? One of the questions before the Supreme Court was whether the Sunni Wakf Board had acquired the title of the disputed land by adverse possession. Adverse possession is hostile possession of a property – which has to be continuous, uninterrupted and peaceful. The Muslim side had claimed that the mosque was built 400 years ago by Babar – and that even if it is assumed that it was built on the land where a temple earlier existed, Muslims, by virtue of their long exclusive and continuous possession – beginning from the time the mosque was built, and up to the time the mosque was desecrated – they had perfected their title by adverse possession. This argument has now been rejected by the Supreme Court. Impeachment of US President Topic: Constitutional Authorities – Powers, Functions and Responsibilities. Why in News

Donald Trump has become the third US President in history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. The trial had undergone in the Senate.

. The two prior impeachments were: Andrew Johnson (1868) and Bill Clinton (1998).

. The legislature of the United States of America i.e. Congress of the United States consists of two houses: the Senate, in which each state, regardless of its size, is represented by two senators, and the House of Representatives, to which members are elected on the basis of population.

. The US Constitution states that the President can be removed for conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanour".

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o In India, the President can be removed only for ‘violation of the Constitution’ and the Constitution does not define the meaning of the phrase ‘violation of the Constitution’. December 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019. The CAA will grant Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) is a bill introduced by the Central Government in the Parliament of India in 2019 to primarily amend the Citizenship Act of 1955. Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 Included Not Included Hindus Muslims Sikhs Srilankan Tamils Buddhists Jains Parsis Christians Exceptions to the Act

 CAA won’t apply to areas under the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution – which deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.  The bill will also not apply to states that have the inner-line permit regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram). 60 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 - Overview The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 that seeks to give Indian nationality to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan passed the lower House test on 09.12.2019. Key points

 The Bill seeks to amend the definition of illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.  They will be granted fast-track Indian citizenship in six years. So far, 12 years of residence has been the standard eligibility requirement for naturalization. Who is eligible? The proposed legislation applies to those who were “forced or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the ground of religion”. It aims to protect such people from proceedings of illegal migration. The cut-off date for citizenship is December 31, 2014, which means the applicant should have entered India on or before that date. Indian citizenship, under present law, is given either to those born in India or if they have resided in the country for a minimum of 11 years. The Bill also proposes to incorporate a sub-section (d) to Section 7, providing for cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration where the OCI card- holder has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other law in force. Isn't it the same like the NRC? The National Register of Citizens or NRC that we saw in Assam targeted illegal immigrants. A person had to prove that either they, or their ancestors were in Assam on or before March 24, 1971. NRC, which may be extended to the rest of the country, is not based on religion unlike CAB.

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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.

 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. Inner Line Permit Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the civil society groups that the Citizenship Bill would provide protection to such regions and states where the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is applicable, and autonomous administration has been granted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

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What is an ILP? Simply put, an Inner Line Permit is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system. The ILP is obligatory for all those who reside outside the protected states.

 Currently, the Inner Line Permit is operational in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.  It can be issued for travel purposes solely.  An ILP is issued by the state government concerned. What’s the issue? The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill aims to make it easier for non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to obtain Indian citizenship. If it is implemented with provisions for excluding from its ambit the states under the ILP regime, it means that beneficiaries under CAB will become Indian citizens but will not be able to settle in these three states. As a matter of fact, the same restriction applies to existing Indian citizens. Now, on these lines, even Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya are demanding the implementation of ILP system. Origin of ILP: ILP’s origin dates back to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873- It prohibited “British subjects” or Indians from entering into these protected areas. After Independence, in 1950, the word “British subjects” was replaced by Citizens of India and the focus of the ban on free movement was explained as a bid to protect tribal cultures in north-eastern India.

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Articles related to Citizenship in Indian Constitution

Article Provisions

Article 5 Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution

Article 6 Rights of citizenship of certain persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan

Article 7 Rights of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan

Article 8 Rights of citizenship of certain persons of Indian origin residing outside India

Article 9 Persons voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign State not to be citizens

Article 10 Continuance of the rights of citizenship

Article 11 Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law

Who is Citizen of India? The Citizenship Act 1955 provides for the acquisition of Indian Citizenship after the commencement of the Constitution in five ways; i.e. birth, descent, registration, naturalization and incorporation of territory.  Citizenship by birth Any person born in India, on or after 26th January 1950 but prior to the commencement of the 1986 Act on 1st July 1987, is a citizen of India if either of his parent was a citizen of India at the time of the birth. Further, those born in India on or after 3rd December 2004 are considered citizens of India only if both their parents are citizens of India or

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if one parent is a citizen of India and the other not an illegal migrant at the time of their birth.  Citizenship by descent. Person born outside India on or after 26th January 1950 but before 10th December 1992 are citizen of India by descent if their father was a citizen of India at the time of their birth. Persons born outside India on or after 10th December 1992 are considered as citizen of India if either of their parents is a citizen of India at the time of their birth. From 3rd December 2004 onwards, person born outside India shall not be considered citizens of India unless their birth is registered at an Indian consulate within one year with the permission of the central government.  Citizenship by registration. Any person, who is not a citizen by virtue of the Constitution or the provisions of the Citizenship Act and belongs to any of the following categories, can apply for registration as a citizen. However, he must have resided in India for at least seven years immediately before making an application for registration as a citizen. These are: 1. person of India origin who is ordinarily in India for seven years before making application for registration. (throughout the period of twelve months immediately before making application and for six years in the aggregate in the eight years preceding the twelve months). 2. a person of Indian origin who is ordinarily resident in any country or place outside undivided Indian; 3. a person who is married to a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making an application for registration; 4. minor children of persons who are citizens of India; 5. a person of full age and capacity whose parents are registered as citizen of India.

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6. a person of full age and capacity who, or either of his parents, was earlier citizen of independent India, and has been residing in India for one years immediately before making an application for registration;  Citizenship by naturalization. A foreigner, on application for naturalization to a competent authority appointed by the State, can acquire Indian citizenship provided he satisfies certain conditions like having normal resided for at least twelve years in India in a period of 14 years before making an application.

Other conditions are: 1. That he is not a citizen or subject of a country where Indian citizens are prevented from becoming citizens by naturalization; 2. that he renounces his citizenship of the other country; 3. that he has either resided in India and/or been in government service for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application; 4. that during 14 years prior to these 12 months, he has either resided and/or been in government services for not less than 11 years; 5. that he is of good character; 6. that he has an adequate knowledge of a language recognized by the Constitution; 7. that after naturalization he intends to reside in India. If the Central government is of the opinion that the applicant has rendered distinguished service to the cause of science, philosophy, art, literature, world peace or human progress generally, it may waive all or any of the above conditions for naturalization in his case.

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 Citizenship by incorporation of territory. If any new territory becomes a part of India, the Government of India, the Government of India shall notify the persons of that territory to be citizens of India. Creamy Layer for SC/ST Topic: Fundamental rights, fundamental duties and Directive Principles. Recently, the Centre had asked the Supreme Court to refer the question of ‘whether the creamy layer concept should apply or not to the Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Scheduled Tribes (STs) while providing them reservation in promotions’ to a larger Bench reconsidering its earlier pronouncement in M. Nagaraj & Others vs Union of India case (2006).

 Issues Related to SCs & STs What is the creamy layer concept?

. The expression ‘means-test and creamy layer’ first found its mention in the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Indra Sawhney vs Union of India case of 1992 (also known as Mandal Commission case), that was delivered by a nine-judge Bench on November 16, 1992.

o The creamy layer was then described as- “some members of a backward class who are socially, economically as well as educationally advanced as compared to the rest of the members of that community. They constitute the forward section of that particular backward class and eat up all the benefits of reservations meant for that class, without allowing benefits to reach the truly backward members”.

. The Court also asked the Central government to fix the norms for income, property and status for identifying the creamy layer. In 1993, the creamy layer ceiling was fixed at ₹1 lakh. It was subsequently increased to ₹2.5 lakh (2004), ₹4.5 lakh (2008), ₹6 lakh (2013), and at ₹8 lakh since 2017. Creamy Layer Chronology

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. In 1980, the Mandal Commission report recommended to provide 27% reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in jobs.

. In 1990, the V P Singh Government declared such reservation of 27% in government jobs for the OBCs.

. In 1991, the Narasimha Rao Government introduced a change in order to give preference to the poorer sections among the OBCs while granting the 27% quota.

. In the Indra Sawhney judgment (1992), the Court upheld the government’s move and proclaimed that the advanced sections among the OBCs (i.e, the creamy layer) must be excluded from the list of beneficiaries of reservation. It also held that the concept of creamy layer must be excluded for SCs & STs. How the creamy layer was made applicable to SC/ST members?

. In the Nagaraj case (2006) the issue had arisen regarding the validity of the following four Constitutional amendments, claiming that these amendments made by the government were meant to reverse the decisions made by the Court in the Indra Sawhney Case, 1992:

th o 77 Constitutional Amendment Act, 1995: The Indra Sawhney verdict had held there would be reservation only in initial appointments and not promotions. But the government through this amendment introduced Article 16(4A) to the Constitution, empowering the state to make provisions for reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees if the state feels they are not adequately represented.

st o 81 Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000: It introduced Article 16(4B), which says unfilled SC/ST quota of a particular year, when carried forward to the next year, will be treated separately and not clubbed with the regular vacancies of that year. While the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney Case capped the reservation quota at 50%, the government by this amendment

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ensured that 50% ceiling for these carried forward unfilled posts does not apply.

nd o 82 Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000: It inserted a condition at the end of Article 335 that enables the state to make any provision in favour of the members of the SC/STs for relaxation in qualifying marks in any examination or lowering the standards of evaluation, for reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State. Constitutional Provision: Article 335 recognises that special measures need to be adopted for considering the claims of SCs and STs to services and posts, in order to bring them at par. It is read as: “The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.” th . 85 Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001: It provided for the reservation in promotion can be applied with ‘consequential seniority’ for the government servants belonging to the SCs and STs with retrospective effect from June 1995. Key Pronouncements of M. Nagaraj Case (2006)

The Court in this case laid down three conditions for promotion of SCs and STs in public employment:

. Government cannot introduce quota unless it proves that the particular community is backward,

. Inadequately represented (based on quantifiable data), and

. Providing reservation in promotion would not affect the overall efficiency of public administration.

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. The five-judges Bench in Nagaraj case although upheld the constitutional validity of all four amendments, but the following two validations by the Supreme Court in this case became the bone of contention:

o First: The Court proclaimed that the State is not bound to make reservation for SC/ST in the matter of promotions. However if they wish to exercise their discretion and make such provision, the State has to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment in addition to compliance of Article 335.

o Second: Also, it reversed its earlier stance in Mandal case, in which it had excluded the creamy layer concept on SCs/STs (that was applicable on OBCs). The verdict in Nagaraj case made clear that even if the State has compelling reasons (as stated above), the State needs to ensure that its reservation provision does not lead to excessiveness- breaching the ceiling- limit of 50%, or destroying the creamy layer principle, or extending the reservation indefinitely. Therefore, the Court extended the creamy layer principle to SCs and STs too in this verdict. Current Demand by the Centre

. The Centre asked the Court to review its stance on the above two issues:

o As collecting quantifiable data showing backwardness is contrary to the Mandal case pronouncement where it was held that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are the most backward among backward classes. It is, therefore, presumed that once they are added in the Presidential List under Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution of India, there is no question of proving backwardness of the SCs and STs all over again.

 The said List cannot be altered by anybody except Parliament under Articles 341 and 342- defining who will be considered as SCs or STs in any state or Union Territory.

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o And, the creamy layer concept has not been applied in the Indra Sawhney case.

. The Court clarifying its stance in Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta case (2018) refused to refer the above issue to a larger bench.

o However, it invalidated the requirement of collecting quantifiable data by states on the backwardness of SCs and STs while granting quota in promotions as laid down by the Court in Nagaraj verdict, but states need to back it with appropriate data showing the inadequate representation of SCs & STs in the cadre.

o On the creamy layer principle for excluding the well-off amongst the SC/ST communities from availing the benefit, the Court followed the Nagaraj verdict.

 The Court held that socially, educationally, and economically advanced cream of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes communities must be excluded from the benefits of reservation in government services in order to transfer quota benefits to the weakest of the weaker individuals and not be snatched away by members of the same class who were in the “top creamy layer”.

 The Court also observed that it will not be possible to uplift the weaker sections if only the creamy layer within that class bags all the coveted jobs in the public sector and perpetuate themselves, leaving the rest of the class as backward as they were.

. The government is now asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its verdict in Jarnail Singh case with respect to the applicability of creamy layer principle. Reservation provides appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the socially and educationally backward sections of the society. And the creamy layer concept helps in ensuring that only the genuinely deserving and the most

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downtrodden members of any particular community get those reservation benefits.

126th Constitutional Amendment Bill Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, function, power and privileges. Why in News? Parliament passed the Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill, extending reservation for SC/STs but doing away with the provision for nomination of Anglo Indians to Lok Sabha and some state Assemblies. Who are Anglo-Indians?

 Origin - The Anglo-Indian community in India traces its origins to an official policy of the British East India Company to encourage marriages of its officers with local women.  The term Anglo-Indian first appeared in the Govt. of India Act, 1935.  Article 366(2) - According to this article of the Indian Constitution, an Anglo-Indian means a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is or was of European descent.  This person 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.

What is the Anglo-Indian population?

 The number of people who identified themselves as Anglo-Indian was 296, according to the 2011 Census.  The All India Anglo-Indian Association, on the other hand, has objected to Law Minister’s claim that the community has just 296 members.

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 Its president-in-chief, Barry O’Brien, has written to both the Prime Minister and the Law Minister.  He stated the following points to them, 1. According to the 2011 census, there are only nine Anglo-Indians in West Bengal. But this data didn’t even touch the actual population size there. 2. Also it shows zero in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand yet those Assemblies right now have sitting members from the community.  The truth is nobody knows how many Anglo-Indians are there in the country.  All we know is it’s not just a few thousand, neither or it in crores. It’s probably somewhere in the lakhs.

Under what provisions was reservation in legislature granted?

 Article 331 of the Constitution provides for nomination of two Anglo- Indians to the House of the people by the President when in his opinion the community is not adequately represented in the House.  The idea of such nominations is traced to Frank Anthony, who headed the All India Anglo-Indian Association.  Article 331 was added in the Constitution following his suggestion to Jawaharlal Nehru.  Article 333 of the Constitution provides for nomination of one Anglo-Indian to the Legislative Assembly of the State by the President when in his opinion the community is not adequately represented in the House.  Currently 14 Assemblies have one Anglo-Indian member each: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, etc.  The 126th Amendment does away with this as well.  10th Schedule of the Constitution - Anglo-Indian members of the House of the people and State Assemblies can take the membership of any party within six months of their nomination.

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 But, once they do so, they are bound by their party whip.  The Anglo-Indian members enjoy the same powers as others, but they cannot vote in the Presidential election because they are nominated by the President.

 In the current Lok Sabha, the two seats still empty.

Good Governance Index Topic: Public Policy and Governance.

The Good Governance Index is a uniform tool across States to assess the Status of Governance and impact of various interventions taken up by the State Government and UTs. The objectives of GGI are to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all states and UTs, enable states and UTs to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration. Various principles have been kept in mind while selecting the indicators, i.e. it should be easy to understand & calculate, citizen-centric & result driven, leading to improved results and applicable to all states and UTs, among others. Various consultation meetings were held with the stakeholders, including consultations with sector experts, ministries, states & UTs.

The GGI takes into consideration ten sectors: 1). Agriculture and Allied Sectors, 2). Commerce & Industries, 3). Human Resource Development, 4). Public Health, 5). Public Infrastructure & Utilities, 6). Economic Governance, 7). Social Welfare & Development, 8). Judicial & Public Security, 9). Environment and 10). Citizen- Centric Governance. These ten Governance Sectors are measured on total 50 indicators. Difference indicators are given different weightage under one Governance Sector to calculate the value. E.g. Under Agriculture & Allied Sector, there are 6 indicators with different weightage, namely: Growth rate of agriculture and allied sector (0.4), growth rate of food grains production (0.1),

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growth rate of horticulture produce (0.1), growth rate of milk production (0.1), growth rate of meat production (0.1) and crop insurance (0.2). The states and UTs are divided into three groups: a). Big States, b). North-East & Hill States and c). UTs. The states and UTs are ranked on all indicators separately, at the same time composite ranking is also calculated for these states and UTs under their respective groups based upon these indicators.

PPRTMS Topic: Constitutional Authorities – Powers, Functions and Responsibilities. Why in News

The Election Commission of India has launched a “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS)”.

. The salient feature in the PPRTMS is that the applicant, who is applying for a political party registration from 1st January, 2020 will be able to track the progress of his/her application and will get status updates through SMS and e- mail.

o Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951

o An association seeking registration under the above mentioned Section has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation. INDEPENDENCE OF TRIBUNALS

Why in News Recently, Ministry of Finance notified the new rules for prescribing the eligibility criteria, selection process, removal, salaries , tenure and other service conditions pertaining to various members of 19 tribunals. As per the rules powers for this were sub-delegated to the rule making powers of the central government. 75 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What are Tribunals? Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established by Article 323A & 323B of the Indian constitution. Article 323A deals with Administrative tribunals while Article 323B deals with Tribunals for other matters. Significance of Tribunals Tribunals reduce the burden of Indian judiciary considerably. As per National judicial data grid, there are 3.3 Cr. pending cases in Indian judiciary. Tribunals can be formed for specific matters with expert knowledge which increases its efficiency & effectiveness. For example, Tax tribunals. Flexibility in approach as Tribunals are not bound by procedure lay down in civil procedure code but by natural justice. Independence of Tribunals - Significance Established as quasi-judicial bodies, Tribunals carry out judicial duties in various matters akin to the constitutional functions of the law courts. This makes Tribunal independence from interference of executive & political authority imperative since executive is a litigant in many of the cases before the tribunals. Independence of Tribunals - Issues As per the newly notified rules central govt. gets considerable say in appointment & deciding the tenure of the tribunal members and has provisions to appoint government secretaries to the posts. This affects the independence of tribunals as central govt. is a litigant in many of the cases. The above scenario is in strict contradiction to many supreme judgments such as in Madras Bar Association series & in Rojer Mathew 2019 cases. Way Forward . 272nd law commission report recommendations . Chairman, vice-chairman & judicial members are appointment by a selection committee headed by CJI or SC judge + two nominees from govt. 76 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. Uniformity in appointment, tenure & service conditions of members. . Single nodal agency under law ministry to monitor tribunal working.

DECRIMINALISING CORPORATE OFFENCES - AMENDMENTS TO COMPANIES ACT 2013

Why in News? Recently, Finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman proposed an amendment to companies Act 2013 which will be a second amendment to the act in last one year. It is a bid to decriminalise a number of offences and ease corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements, especially for smaller companies. The priority is to remove sections which criminalise offences which may not have been intended to be malafide as per finance ministry officials. What are the changes? Union Cabinet approved the proposal to amend 65 sections of the Act. Centre proposes to recategorise 23 offences so that they can be dealt with through an in-house adjudication framework, while five types of offences will be dealt with under different alternative frameworks Another seven will be omitted altogether. Most of these are procedural or technical defaults that lack the element of fraud or do not affect larger public interest. For 11 kinds of offences, the provision of imprisonment will be removed, limiting punishment to fines only. The amendment bill will also enable the listing of Indian companies on stock exchanges in foreign jurisdictions. This is expected to give Indian firms greater access to capital, a broader investor base and better valuations. The proposed amendments will also ensure that companies which have an obligation to spend ₹50 lakh per annum or less on Corporate Social Responsibility

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(CSR) are no longer required to have a CSR committee. Companies that spend more than the mandatory 2% on CSR in a particular year can carry it forward as credit for fulfilment of CSR obligations for the next few years as well. Why significant? . Many of the corporate offences are not in the nature of criminal offences as they can be due to technical issues. . Criminalising corporate offences tend to clog criminal justice system. Many of the offences can be resolved using alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. . Trust of corporate sector is highly needed at a time when India registers low growth due to lack of private investment. Decriminalising corporate offices will enhance ease of doing business.

Way forward . Corporate sector is crucial in generating employment for the huge young demography of India. Initiatives to strengthen the trust between corporate sector & govt are most welcome. . While decriminalising offences, govt. must also enhance its regulatory capacity to avoid malafide. . Digitalising government to business interactions to avoid malafide is an act in the right direction.

FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION ACT 2010

Why in News? Recently,SC held that the Central government cannot brand an organisation ‘political’ and deprive it of its right to receive foreign funds for using “legitimate forms of dissent” like bandh, hartal, road roko or jail ‘bharo’ to aid a public cause.

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What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act ? . The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and rules framed under it (the “FCRA” or “Act”) regulate the receipt and usage of foreign contribution by non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”) in India. . The intent of the Act is to prevent use of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activity detrimental to the national interest. . It has a very wide scope and is applicable to a natural person, body corporate, all other types of Indian entities (whether incorporated or not) as well as NRIs and overseas branches/subsidiaries of Indian companies and other entities formed or registered in India. . It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. . The act Prohibits acceptance and use of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality by a certain specified category of persons such as a candidate for election, judge, journalist, columnist, newspaper publication, cartoonist and others. . It also regulates the inflow to and usage of foreign contribution by NGOs by prescribing a mechanism to accept uses and report usage of the same.

What is the Issue now? Recently central govt. has acted against a number of NGOs by cancelling their FCRA license and also against a number of organisations which led protests against CAA and conduct other anti-govt. activities. SC held that central govt. cannot act against an organisation only because it dissented against it by terming it a political organisation. Political organisations are banned from accepting foreign funds under FCRA. Way forward Illegal funding by NGOs must be banned, but at the same time it must not stifle the activities of legitimate NGOs which contribute to development activities.

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Govt. must not use FCRA regulations to stifle dissent as dissent is the lifeline of democratic societies. 1. SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA

Why in News? Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (HRD) identified shortfalls in budgetary funding and utilisation, resulting in critical infrastructure gaps of Indian schools. What is the issue? According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) 2017- 18 survey cited by the parliamentary panel schools infrastructure in India has critical gaps. As per the report, only 56% of schools have electricity, with the lowest rates in Manipur and Madhya Pradesh, where less than 20% have access to power. Less than 57% of schools have playgrounds, including less than 30% of schools in Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir. Almost 40% of schools did not have a boundary wall, endangering the safety of students and school property. The parliamentary panel also slammed the government for its “dismal” rate of progress in building classrooms, labs and libraries to strengthen government higher secondary schools. Out of 2,613 sanctioned projects for 2019-20, only three had been completed in the first nine months of the financial year, said the panel, warning that such delays would alienate students from government schools. For the core Samagra Shiksha Scheme, the department had only spent 71% of revised estimates by December 31, 2019. Why is School infrastructure important? . Infrastructure has significant implications on learning outcomes and overall development of school children.

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. Lack of access to power will have negate impacts on learning processes, including govt plans to implement digital tools for learning. It will also have impacts on comfortable environment for learning. . Absence of playgrounds will leave no options for students to practice physical activities or any sort of extra-curricular activities. . Absence of boundary wall affects safety of students and existing infrastructure of schools.

Suggestions made by the Panel The panel recommended that the HRD Ministry collaborate with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to construct boundary walls. It also recommended that HRD Ministry work with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide solar energy and other renewable energy sources so that schools have access to power. 2. GENDER SOCIAL NORMS INDEX

Why in News? Recently, United Nations Development Programme released the first Gender Social Norms Index. What is Gender Social Norms Index? The Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) measures how social beliefs obstruct gender equality in areas like politics, work, and education, and contains data from 75 countries, covering over 80 percent of the world’s population. Findings of the Index The analysis reveals that, despite decades of progress closing the equality gap between men and women, close to 90 percent of men and women hold some sort of bias against women, providing new clues to the invisible barriers women face in achieving equality.

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According to the index, about half of the world’s men and women feel that men make better political leaders, and over 40 percent feel that men make better business executives and that men have more right to a job when jobs are scarce. 28 percent think it is justified for a man to beat his wife. The publication also includes the GSNI trends for 31 countries, representing 59 percent of the global population. The trends show that while in some countries there have been improvements, in others, attitudes appear to have worsened in recent years, signalling that progress cannot be taken for granted. Way Forward Efforts to achieve gender equality must now evolve to address something far more challenging: a deeply ingrained bias among both men and women - against genuine equality. UNDP says deeply-held biases could be addressed through education, raised awareness and incentives such as tax structures that encourage equally shared childcare or by encouraging women to enter male-dominated job sectors. 3. DISRUPTIONS IN PARLIAMENT

Why in News? Lok Sabha on Wednesday revoked the suspension of seven Congress MPs who were suspended earlier. What is the Issue? . The members were suspended on March 5 for the remaining period of the Budget session for ‘gross misconduct and utter disregard’ for House rules after papers from the Speaker’s table were snatched by the MPs. . Opposition members disrupted parliamentary proceedings as the demand for an immediate debate on Delhi riots was rejected by the government and govt said that the debate can be conducted only after a few days.

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. Disruptions in both the houses of Parliament in the past few decades have affected the productivity of the institution considerably. . Disruptions are often done for political purposes by opposition parties.

Reasons for Parliamentary Disruptions . Ineffectiveness of existing parliamentary control over executive. The majority enjoyed by the ruling party in the parliament reduces effectiveness of parliamentary control. . Disruptions are often done for political purposes by opposition parties. . Ineffective of rules & procedures in parliament. Parliamentary agenda currently is solely a govt prerogative. . Decline of political ethics among members of Parliament.

Impacts of Parliamentary disruptions . Loss of parliamentary productivity. . Loss of public trust in parliament as an institution. . Parliament becoming a political playground. . Loss of public money. . Ineffective debates & discussions on major legislative & executive policies of govt.

Way Forward . Guaranteed time for opposition for it own agenda .UK parliament allocates 20 days a year when agenda is decided by opposition. . Parliament must meet more frequently.100-120 days minimum (NCRWC recommendation). Now only 70 days average against UK House of Commons 150 days. . Executive discretion in parliamentary schedule to be curtailed. Calendar of sitting to be published at beginning of every year. . Rules to ensure house is summoned if 25%-33% of members gives written notice. 83 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. Study group outside parliament for study of procedural reforms.(NCRWC) 4. BREAK THE CHAIN CAMPAIGN

Why in News? In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 virus across the state, the Kerala government has launched a mass hand washing campaign named ''break the chain''. Aim of the Campaign

The campaign aims to educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene.

Under this campaign, the Kerala government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with hand wash bottles. It is also urging people to use hand sanitizers when they are outdoors. Sanitisers have also been made available in all offices.

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in various species of animals, such as cattle, camels, bats, and cats. In some cases, animal coronaviruses can infect humans, which can then spread from person to person. Coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans which are generally mild, but sometimes, can be fatal. The coronavirus spreads through both direct and indirect contact.Direct contact happens through a physical transfer of the microorganism through close contact with oral secretions. Indirect contact happens when a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, which spreads the virus droplets on surfaces. Other steps taken by Kerala Government against COVID 19 . To minimise the spread of the deadly virus with early surveillance and people's support.

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. To follow personal hygiene as a healthy habit and wash our hands and face whenever we are in public contact. . To recruit and train health volunteers in the state. . To keep surveillance on home quarantined persons through mobile tracking. . To monitor them through house visits and brief them about the risks of breaking the home quarantine instructions. A team consisting of a health worker, police official and health volunteer to visit every home where persons are quarantined and verify their status . To screen passengers travelling through trains and by road . An SMS alert facility for creating awareness about COVID 19 was launched by the Kerala Government. People can register their mobile numbers and receive relevant information and updates on the outbreak. 5. UPLIFTMENT OF TRANSGENDERS

Why in News? The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, has been enacted in order to provide for protection of rights of transgender persons and their welfare, recently. As per the Act, the appropriate Government shall formulate welfare schemes and programmes to facilitate and support livelihood for transgender persons including their vocational training and self-employment. Transgender Rights Who is a transgender? : A person may be considered to be a transgender person if their gender identity is inconsistent or not culturally associated with the sex they were assigned at birth and consequently also with the gender role and social status that is typically associated with that sex. Problems faced by Transgender Population:The main problems that are being faced by the transgender community are of discrimination, unemployment, lack

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of educational facilities, homelessness and lack of medical facilities: like HIV care and hygiene, depression, hormone pill abuse, tobacco and alcohol abuse, penectomy and problems related to marriage and adoption. In 1994, transgender persons got the voting right but the task of issuing them voter identity cards got caught up in the male or female question. Several of them were denied cards with sexual category of their choice. The Supreme Court judgement on Transgender Rights This judgement covers persons who want to identify with the third gender as well as persons who want to transition from one identity to another, i.e. to male to female or vice versa. The Court has directed Centre and State Governments to grant legal recognition of gender identity whether it is male, female or third gender. . In recognizing the third gender category, the Court ruled that fundamental rights are available to the third gender in the same manner as they are to males and females . Non-recognition of third gender in both criminal and civil statutes such as those relating to marriage, adoption, divorce, etc is discriminatory to the third gender. . Centre and State Governments have been directed to take proper measures to provide medical care to Transgender people in the hospitals and also provide them separate public toilets and other facilities . Centre and State Governments have been asked to provide the community various social welfare schemes and to treat the community as socially and economically backward classes. . Centre and State Governments have been asked to extend reservation in educational institutions and for public appointments.

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. Centre and StateGovernments are asked to take steps to create public awareness so that Transgender people will feel that they are also part and parcel of the social life, take measures to regain their respect and place in society, and seriously address the problems such as fear, shame, gender dysphoria, social pressure, depression, suicidal tendencies, and social stigma.

Way Forward

. A comprehensive sex-education program should be included as part of the school curricula that alters the heterosexist bias in education and provides judgement-free information and fosters a liberal outlook with regard to matters of sexuality, including orientation, identity and behavior of all sexualities. . Vocational training centers should be established for giving the transgender new occupational opportunities.

The Press Council of India and other watchdog institutions of various popular media (including film, video and TV) should issue guidelines to ensure sensitive and respectful treatment of these issues.

6. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC) Why in news? A question raised upon a pending case before the High Court of Madras in which a Full Bench of the High Court deciding upon whether “recommendations” made by the Human Rights Commissions are binding upon their respective State (or Central) governments, or whether the government is entitled to reject or take no action upon them. About National Human Rights Commission . NHRC is an independent statutory body established on 12 October, 1993 as per provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, later amended in 2006.

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. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. . It is the watchdog of human rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by Indian Constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India. . India has enacted the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with a view to bring about greater accountability and strengthening of the human rights in the country. Functions and Powers of NHRC . NHRC investigates grievances regarding the violation of human rights either suo moto or after receiving a petition. . It has the power to interfere in any judicial proceedings involving any allegation of violation of human rights. . It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law for the protection of the human rights and can recommend appropriate remedial measures. . NHRC undertakes and promotes research in the field of human rights. . The Commission takes an independent stand while providing opinions for the protection of human rights within the parlance of the Constitution or in law for the time being enforced. . It can visit any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government to see the living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations thereon. . NHRC works to spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promotes awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, media, seminars and other means. . It has the powers of a civil court and can grant interim relief. . It can recommend to both the central and state governments to take suitable steps to prevent the violation of Human Rights. It submits its 88 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

annual report to the President of India who causes it to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Limitations of NHRC . NHRC does not have any mechanism of investigation. In majority cases, it asks the concerned Central and State Governments to investigate the cases of the violation of Human Rights . NHRC can only make recommendations, without the power to enforce decisions. . Government often out rightly rejects recommendation of NHRC or there is partial compliance to these recommendations. . A large number of grievances go unaddressed because NHRC cannot investigate the complaint registered after one year of incident. . NHRC is viewed as post-retirement destinations for judges and bureaucrats with political affiliation moreover, inadequacy of funds also hamper its working. . National Human Rights Commission powers related to violations of human rights by the armed forces have been largely restricted. . State human rights commissions cannot call for information from the national government, which means that they are implicitly denied the power to investigate armed forces under national control. Way forward

The crucial role played by a Human Rights Commission and the requirement of state accountability in a democracy strongly indicates that the Commission’s recommendations should be binding upon the state. Otherwise, the core purposes of the Commission itself become meaningless.

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7. CONTEMPT OF COURT

Why in News? The Supreme Court has held that courts are empowered to order parties in a contempt case to surrender their passport in order to ensure their presence in the proceedings. Contempt of Court The expression ‘contempt of court’ has notbeen defined by the Constitution. As per the Contempt of Courts Act 1971, contempt refers to the offence of showing disrespect to the dignity or authority of a court. The act divides contempt into civil and criminal contempt. . Civil contempt: It is willful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other processes of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to the court. . Criminal contempt: It is any publication which may result in scandalising the court by lowering its authority, interference in the due course of a judicial proceeding or an obstruction in the administration of justice.

Constitutional Background . Article 129: Grants Supreme Court the power to punish for contempt of itself. . Article 142(2): Enables the Supreme Court to investigate and punish any person for its contempt. . Article 215: Grants every High Court the power to punish for contempt of itself.

Contempt of Court Act, 1971 The act defines the power of courts to punish for their contempt and regulates their procedure. It was amended in 2006 to include the defence of

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truth under Section 13 of the original legislation. It implies that the court must permit justification by truth as a valid defence if it is satisfied that it is in the public interest. Punishments for Contempt of Court . The Supreme Court and High Courts have the power to punish for contempt of court, either with simple imprisonment for a term up to six months or with fine up to 2,000 or with both. . In 1991, the Supreme Court has ruled that it has the power to punish for contempt not only of itself but also of high courts, subordinate courts and tribunals functioning in the entire country. . High Courts have been given special powers to punish contempt of subordinate courts, as per Section 10 of The Contempt of Courts Act of 1971.

Need for Contempt Law The purpose of contempt jurisdiction is to upholdthe majesty and dignity of the judiciary.Contempt powers help judges to do their duties of deciding cases without fear, favour, affection or ill will. 8. LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

Why in News? The State Election Commission of Kerala in an oversight, hope that the COVID pandemic is unlikely to impact the elections to the local bodies in the State and the polls are likely to be held in October itself. More in news Any change in the schedule could lead to constitutional crisis, as the newly elected local bodies will have to assume office in November 2020.

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The number of wards in local bodies will be revised through delimitation process after considering the increase in population in each local body during the last 10 years. The draft list of the wards thus prepared will be published and objections invited. The final list will be published after holding a public hearing. Salient Features of the Constitution 73rd and 74th Amendments . These amendments added two new parts to the Constitution, namely, added Part IX titled ‘The Panchayats’ (added by 73rd Amendment) and Part IXA titled ‘The Municipalities’ (added by 74th Amendment). . Basic units of democratic system-Gram Sabhas (villages) and Ward Committees (Municipalities) comprising all the adult members registered as voters. Three-tier system of panchayats at village, intermediate block/taluk and district levels except in States with population is below 20 lakhs (Article 243B). . Seats at all levels to be filled by direct elections (Article 243C). . Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the chairpersons of the Panchayats at all levels also shall be reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population. One-third of the total number of seats to be reserved for women. One third of the seats reserved for SCs and STs also reserved for women. One-third offices of chairpersons at all levels reserved for women (Article 243D). . Uniform five year term and elections to constitute new bodies to be completed before the expiry of the term. In the event of dissolution, elections compulsorily within six months (Article 243E). . Independent Election Commission in each State for superintendence, direction and control of the electoral rolls (Article 243K). . 74th Amendment provides for a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities (Article 243ZD).

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Way Forward

The Constitution visualises panchayats as institutions of self-governance. It is the major example of democratic decentralization. The powers and functions vested in Panchayati Raj Institutions vary from state to state.

9. RAJYA SABHA ELECTIONS

Why in News? The Election Commission has postponed elections to 18 Rajya Sabha seats scheduled on March 26 in view of the lockdown imposed across India due to coronavirus. More in news The elections are to be held for 18 seats to the Rajya Sabha in seven States including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The 18 seats are part of the 55 seats that fell vacant in 17 States where Rajya Sabha MPs are retiring in April this year. Of the 55 seats, 37 seats from 10 States have been filled uncontested. Election to the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) . Article 80 of the Constitution has provisions for members of the Rajya Sabha. Currently, it has 245 members, including 233 elected members and 12 nominated. As per the constitutional limit, the Upper House strength cannot exceed 250. . The number of Rajya Sabha members of a stated depends on its population. Hence, the number of elected seat changes as states are merged, bifurcated or new ones is created. . Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the people, that is, by the MLAs.

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. Members of a state's Legislative Assembly vote in the Rajya Sabha elections in proportional representation with the Single Transferable Vote system. Each MLA’s vote is counted only once. . To win a Rajya Sabha seat, a candidate should get a required number of votes. That number is found out using the formula: Required vote = Total number of votes / (Number of Rajya Sabha seats + 1) +1.

Way Forward The poll process in the elections would necessarily include the gathering of polling officials, agents of political parties, support official and members of respective legislative assemblies on the poll day, which may not be suitable in view of the prevailing unforeseen situation and related advisories in the country. The Election Commission has informed that they will review the situation and announce fresh dates later. 1. KERALA EPIDEMIC DISEASES ORDINANCE, 2020

Why in News? The Kerala government has promulgated an ordinance to give the state government several extraordinary powers to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, including restrictions on essential services and the introduction of a two-year imprisonment penalty. The ordinance, named as Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020, allows the Kerala govt to take special measures and frame regulations to tackle an epidemic disease. About the Ordinance The ordinance gives wide-ranging powers including the government to ban gatherings, inspect those who travel to the state, seal state borders, restrict public and private transport, prescribe social distancing norms, and restrict working of government and private offices, educational institutions, shops, factories, etc.

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Violation of the regulations is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with a fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or both. The offence is cognizable and bailable. It is also clarified that the Ordinance is in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force. Important Provisions of the Ordinance Section 4 of the ordinance allows the State government to take special measures and frame regulations to tackle an epidemic disease. This includes the power to restrict essential services as well, including media, banking, healthcare, etc. The provision allows it to restrict duration of services in essential or emergency services. The Section enables the government to take measures such as: a) To prohibit any usage or act which the Government considers sufficient to spread or transmit epidemic diseases from person to person in any gathering, celebration, worship or other such activities within the State. b) To inspect the persons arriving in the State by air, rail, road, sea or any other means or in quarantine or in isolation, as the case may be, in hospital, temporary accommodation, home or otherwise of persons suspected of being infected with any such disease by the officers authorized in the regulation or orders. c) To seal State borders for such period as may be deemed necessary. d) To impose restrictions on the operation of public and private transport. e) To prescribe social distancing norms. f) To restrict or prohibit congregation of persons in public places and religious institutions. g) To regulate or restrict the functioning of offices, Government and private, and educational institutions in the State. h) To impose prohibition or restrictions on the functioning of shops and commercial establishments, factories, workshops and godowns.

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i) To restrict duration of services in essential or emergency services such as banks, media, health care, food supply, electricity, water, fuel, etc. j) Such other measures as may be necessary for the regulation and prevention of epidemic diseases as decided by the Government.

2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Why in news? Consumption of child pornography after the lockdown in the country has gone up by 95% with online data monitoring websites showing an increase in demand for searches. About Child Pornography Child pornography is pornography that exploits children for sexual stimulation. It may be produced with the direct involvement or sexual assault of a child or the use of child sexual abuse images. Abuse of the child occurs during the sexual acts or lascivious exhibitions of body parts which are recorded in the production of child pornography. Child pornography may use a variety of media including writings, magazines, photos, film, videos etc. Laws related to the issue . Protection of children by the state is guaranteed to Indian citizens by an expansive reading of Article 21 of the Indian constitution, and also mandated given India's status as signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. . Under Section 15 of the POCSO Act, a person who stores child porn for commercial purposes shall face imprisonment for up to 3 years or will have to pay a fine or face both punishments.

About POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from offences 96 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, while safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial process. The Act provides for a variety of offences under which an accused can be punished. . Penetrative Sexual Assault . Sexual Assault . Sexual Harassment . Child Pornography . Aggravated (Penetrative) Sexual Assault . Abetment of child for sexual abuse

With respect to pornography, the Act criminalises even watching or collection of pornographic content involving children. Way Forward This issue demands an urgent crackdown on child pornography through a pan- India tracker. It can be done through the use of artificial intelligence which can monitor hosting, sharing, viewing and downloading of child sexual abuse material and provide the information to the government agencies. 3. NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT

Why in News? Over 10 crore people have been excluded from the Public Distribution System because outdated 2011 census data is being used to calculate State-wise National Food Security Act (NFSA) coverage. About NFSA The National Food Security Act, 2013, which is also called as Right to Food Act, is an Act of the Parliament of India which aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of Indian population. National Food Security Act

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mandates that the Central government supply 5 kg of foodgrains at subsidised prices to 75% of the population in rural areas and 50% of the population in urban areas. This comes to 67% of the country’s population. The National Food Security Act, 2013 converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the Government of India. It includes the Midday Meal Scheme (MDM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and the Public Distribution System(PDS). Further, the NFSA 2013 recognizes maternity entitlements. Entitlements under NFSA . Highly subsidized food grains under PDS . Nutritious meal, free of charge to pregnant women & lactating mothers and children up to 6 years of age under ICDS. . Nutritious meal, free of charge to children in the 6-14 years of age group under MDM. . Maternity benefits of Rs. 6000 to Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers

Key Features . PDS is governed by provisions of NFSA. 75% Rural and 50% Urban population is covered under this. State-wise coverage is determined by NITI Ayaog . Coverage of two-thirds of the total population at the all India level, under two categories of beneficiaries – Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH). 5 kg per person for PHH category and 35 kg per household for AAY households. . Prices of the commodities are Rs. 3 per kg for rice, Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Re.1 per kg for coarse grains. . Identification of Households are done by States/UTs, which are required to frame their own criteria. . Eldest woman (18 years or above) to be the head of the household for the purpose of issuing of ration cards. 98 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Current Issue According to the 2011 census, India’s population was 1.22 billion. This means 67% – or 814 million people – are eligible for subsidised foodgrains under the NFSA. But over the last decade, the country’s population is estimated to have risen by 161.4 millions to touch 1.37 billion. Using the 67% benchmark, this translates into 922 million people. This means 100 million-plus people who are entitled to food rations under Indian law are not getting them. Way Forward The updating of 2011 census data now stands delayed because of the epidemic. The public health crisis, which already created overstretched government machinery, does not have the capacity to update the numbers or expand the public distribution system lists not in the short term. States can choose how to use the grain to universalise the PDS, run community kitchens or any other way to ensure that those without ration cards are not worried about their daily meals. 4. NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (NALSA)

Why in News? The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has pointed out that around 11,077 undertrials have been released from prisons nationwide as part of the mission to decongest jails following the COVID-19 pandemic. About NALSA National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA) was formed under the authority of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 on 9 November 1995. Its purpose is to provide free legal services to eligible candidates, and to organize Lok Adalats for speedy resolution of cases. The prime objective of NALSA is speedy disposal of cases and reducing the burden of judiciary.

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Article 39 A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity. Article 14 and Article 22 (1), obligates State to ensure equality before law. Objectives of Legal Services Authorities . Provide free legal aid and advice. . Spread legal awareness. . Organise lok adalats. . Promote settlements of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms. . Provide compensation to victims of crime.

Persons Eligible for Free Legal Services . Women and Children . Persons with disability . Member of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribes . Industrial Workmen . Persons in custody . Victims of natural disasters, ethnic/caste violence, industrial disaster . Victims of Human Trafficking . Persons with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000/- or as notified by the Central/State Governments.

5. JOURNALISM RELIEF FUND Why in news? Google has launched a global Journalism Emergency Relief Fund through the Google News Initiative to support small and medium-sized news organizations producing original news for local communities.

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About Journalism Relief Fund The Fund’s aim is to support the production of original journalism for local communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating globally, it will provide an easily-accessible route to financial assistance at the critical time of COVID-19 pandemic. Local news is a vital resource for keeping people and communities connected in the best of times. It plays a greater function in reporting on local lockdowns or shelter at home orders, school and park closures, and data about how COVID-19 is affecting daily life. The fund will be open to outlets producing original news for local communities during this time of crisis. This fund is launched because the media sector has primarily faced a huge setback due to the lockdowns imposed by governments across the globe to contain the spread of the virus. Due to the crisis, a lot of small-scaled news publishers were forced to close operations and had to furlough employees.

6. ADDITIONAL SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMME (ASAP)

Why in news? Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) has commenced webinars for undergraduate and postgraduate students in view of the difficulty in conducting classes during the COVID-19 lockdown. About ASAP Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) , a joint initiative of General and Higher Education Departments of state of Kerala, was launched with an objective to impart quality skill education to the higher secondary and undergraduate students alongside their regular curriculum. Owing to the success of the program, attained over the years, the target group has widened to professional colleges and is set to kick off community skilling through the Community Skill Parks.

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ASAP’s inclusive skilling approach has paved way to innovative initiatives in the skilling arena. Funded by ADB, ASAP has now spread out its contour to 1210 educational institutions across the state. ASAP is to accentuate the employability of the youth. ASAP gives special edge to those students who are in need of immediate employment. Areas focused by ASAP . Train and develop a highly competent pool of expert personnel and skill trainers. . Design and develop NSQF aligned skill courses. . Standardize the Assessment and Certification protocols for skill training programmes. . Offer consultancy services for skill training and course development. . Establish a highly potential Quality Assurance mechanism for skill training.

Initiatives under ASAP 1) Community Skill Parks: The Community Skill Parks (CSP) are the flagship initiative under Additional Skill Acquisition Programme by Govt. of Kerala. The aim of this project is to set up international level multiskilling center to empower the people of state as well as strengthen the community to secure better livelihood which lead to a stronger economy. 2) Additional Skill Acquisition Academy (ASAA): Additional Skill Acquisition Academy was envisioned as a holistic solution to the training goals perceived by ASAP. The administration of ASAP skill courses into the regular educational curriculum will be fulfilled through ASAA, where the main curriculum integration and training pool development will take place. 3) Skill Mentorship for Innovative Life Experience (SMILE): SMILE is designed for 10th standard completed students across the state to inculcate confidence, to develop communication, technical and vocational skills and to make them aware of opportunities to earn a living. As a career orientation program, it lays emphasis on gaining experiences through skill

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training from the most relevant industry partners, experience sharing sessions by practitioners as well as getting opportunities to earn meaningful confidence in facing the society. 4) Career Facilitation: The promise of quality and standard skill education in Kerala is met out by ASAP by offering sensibly constructed industry relevant skill modules which imparts the youth with empoyability skills. . The trainees are allotted to real industrial environments after the completion of the training in order to gain valuable industry exposure and experience in their concerned trade. This includes placement strategies also. 7. WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP) Why in News? The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) stated that the number of people facing acute food insecurity could nearly double this year to 265 million due to the economic fallout of COVID-19. More in News The impact of lost tourism revenues, falling remittances and travel and other restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic are expected to leave around 130 million people acutely hungry this year, adding to around 135 million already in that category. About World Food Programme (WFP) The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. The WFP was formally established in 1963 by the FAO and the United Nations General Assembly on a three-year experimental basis. In 1965, the programme was extended to a continuing basis. The WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. WFP provides food assistance to an average of 91.4 million people in 83 countries each year. It works to help people who cannot produce or obtain enough food for 103 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

themselves and their families. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its executive committee. Objectives of WFP . Save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies. . Support food security and nutrition and (re)build livelihoods in fragile settings and following emergencies. . Reduce risk and enable people, communities and countries to meet their own food and nutrition needs. . Reduce under-nutrition and break the inter-generational cycle of hunger. . Zero Hunger by 2030.

WFP food aid is also directed to fight micronutrient deficiencies, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat disease, including HIV and AIDS. Food-for-work programmes help promote environmental and economic stability and agricultural production.

8. PANCHAYATI RAJ

Why in news? Nation celebrated the National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 organised by the Ministry of Panchayati raj organizes the National Panchayati raj Day or the national Local Self Government Day About Panchayati Raj In India, the Panchayati Raj generally refers to the local self-government. The Panchayati Raj functions as a system of governance in which gram panchayats are the basic units of local administration. The system has three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Mandal Parishad or Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).

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The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee set the stage for the launching of Panchayati Raj Institutions throughout the country. The committee recommended the establishment of the scheme of ‘democratic decentralization’, which finally came to be known as Panchayati Raj. This system was introduced by a constitutional amendment in 1992. It was formalized in 1992 by the 73rd amendment to the Indian Constitution. Main Features of the 73rd Amendment Act . Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide. . There shall be constituted in every State, Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district levels in accordance with the provisions of this Part. . Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs. . All the seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area. . Each Panchayat area shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall be approximately the same throughout the Panchayat area.

National Panchayati Raj Day National Panchayati Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is the national day of Panchayati Raj System in India celebrated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 24 April annually. India celebrated the first National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April 2010. Ministry of Panchayati Raj commemorates 24th April of every year as the National Panchayati Raj Day as the 73rd constitutional amendment came into force on this date.

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9. CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION (CVC)

Why in News? Sanjay Kothari was appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner, head of the country's anti-corruption watchdog CVC. About Central Vigilance Commission Central Vigilance Commission is the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. The CVC was set up by the Government in 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam. In 2003, the Parliament enacted CVC Act conferring statutory status on the CVC. The CVC is not controlled by any Ministry/Department. It is an independent body which is only responsible to the Parliament. . It is a multi-member commission consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Member). . The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs (Member) and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People (Member). . The term of office of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners is four years or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

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Functions of CVC . The CVC receives complaints on corruption or misuse of office and to recommend appropriate action. . It is empowered to inquire into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by certain categories of public servants. . It is not an investigating agency. The CVC either gets the investigation done through the CBI or through chief vigilance officers (CVO) in government offices. . Its annual report gives the details of the work done by the commission and points to systemic failures which lead to corruption in government departments.

10. UIDAI Why in news? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has allowed Common Service Centres that operate as banking correspondents to offer Aadhaar updation facility. About UIDAI The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (Aadhaar Act 2016) on 12 July 2016 by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). UIDAI was created with the objective to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID), named as Aadhaar, to all residents of India. Under the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI is responsible for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication, including operation and management of all stages of Aadhaar life cycle, developing the policy, procedure and system for issuing Aadhaar numbers to individuals and perform authentication and the security of identity information and authentication records of individuals. 107 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Mission of UIDAI . To empower residents of India with a unique identity and a digital platform to authenticate anytime, anywhere. . To provide for good governance, efficient, transparent and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services to residents of India through assigning of unique identity numbers. . To develop policy, procedure and system for issuing Aadhaar number to residents of India, by submitting their demographic information and biometric information by undergoing the process of enrolment. . To develop policy, procedure and systems for Aadhaar holders for updating and authenticating their digital identity. . Ensure availability, scalability and resilience of the technology infrastructure. . Build a long term sustainable organization to carry forward the vision and values of the UIDAI. . To ensure security and confidentiality of identity information and authentication records of individuals. . To ensure compliance of Aadhaar Act by all individual and agencies in letter and spirit. . To make regulations & rules consistent with the Aadhaar Act, for carrying out the provisions of the Aadhaar Act.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 11. INDIAN OCEAN COMMISSION (IOC)

Why in News? India was accepted as an observer in the Indian Ocean Commission recently. India’s entry is a consequence of its deepening strategic partnership with France as well as its expanding ties with the Vanilla Islands.

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About Indian Ocean Commission (Commission de l'Océan Indien; COI) The Indian Ocean Commission is an intergovernmental organization that links African Indian Ocean nations: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion (an overseas region of France), and Seychelles. The commission was created in 1982 in Port-Louis, Mauritius, and institutionalised in 1984. The secretariat of IOC is based in Mauritius. There are also five observers: China, India, Malta, the European Union and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (a 54 french speaking nations collective) Objectives of COI The COI works on four pillars which have been adopted in 2005 by the Summit of Heads of States: 1. Political and diplomatic cooperation, 2. Economic and commercial cooperation 3. Sustainable development in a globalisation context, cooperation in the field of agriculture, maritime fishing, and the conservation of resources and ecosystems 4. Strengthening of the regional cultural identity, cooperation in cultural, scientific, technical, educational and judicial fields.

Benefits of Joining of India . India will get an official foothold in a premier regional institution in the western Indian Ocean, boosting engagement with islands in this part of Pacific Ocean. . These island nations are increasingly important for India’s strategic outreach as part of its Indo-pacific Policy. . This move would enhance ties with France which is the strong global power in the western Indian Ocean.

It lends depth to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy unveiled by the Prime minister in 2015.

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12. GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC)

Why in News? The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have ramped up their health facilities to deal with COVID-19 even as the region continues to report a significant number of positive cases. More in News A number of these cases have resulted from international travel, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the UAE. The health authorities are carrying out more than 2.5 lakh laboratory tests for COVID-19. Using the latest medical technology, drive-through coronavirus centres have been set up across the country. About GCC The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf originally known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iraq. . It is a political and economic alliance of countries in the Arabian Peninsula. . It was established in 1981 to foster socioeconomic, security, and cultural cooperation. . Members of GCC: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait. . Presidency of the Council rotates annually.

Features of the Council . The purpose of the GCC is to achieve unity among its members based on their common objectives and their similar political and cultural identities, which are rooted in Arab and Islamic cultures. . The GCC also has a defense planning council that coordinates military cooperation between member countries.

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. The highest decision-making entity of the GCC is the Supreme Council, which meets on an annual basis and consists of GCC heads of state. Decisions of the Supreme Council are adopted by unanimous approval. . The Ministerial Council, made up of foreign ministers or other government officials, meets every three months to implement the decisions of the Supreme Council and to propose new policy. . The administrative arm of the alliance is the office of the Secretariat- General, which monitors policy implementation and arranges meetings.

13. WORLD BANK AID Why in news? The World Bank has approved a fast-track $1 billion India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project to help India prevent, detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its public health preparedness. About World Bank The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.[5] It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA). The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group. The World Bank Group consists of five development institutions. 1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provides loans, credits, and grants. 2. International Development Association (IDA) provides low- or no-interest loans to low-income countries. 3. The International Finance Corporation (IFC)provides investment, advice, and asset management to companies and governments.

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4. The Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA) insures lenders and investors against political risk such as war. 5. The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) settles investment-disputes between investors and countries.

All of these efforts support the Bank Group’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting shared prosperity of the poorest 40% of the population in all countries. Coverage of the World Bank Aid This is the largest ever health sector support from the Bank to India. This new support will cover all states and Union Territories across India and address the needs of infected people, at-risk populations, medical and emergency personnel and service providers, medical and testing facilities, and national and animal health agencies. Procurement of testing kits; setting up of new isolation wards including turning hospital beds into intensive care unit beds; infection prevention and control; and purchase of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and medicines, particularly in district hospitals and designated infectious disease hospitals will be scaled up under the project.

1. G7 SUMMIT Topic: India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

Why in news? US President Donald Trump has scrapped this year’s in-person G7 summit set to be held in the US in June due to the coronavirus crisis and will instead hold the high-profile event through video conference. G7 Countries The Group of Seven (G7) is a forum of the world’s seven largest developed economies whose government leaders meet annually to discuss international 112 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

economic and monetary issues. The G7 members are recognized as the seven wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world. The member countries of G7 are: France, Germany, UK, Italy, USA, Canada and Japan. The major purpose of the G-7 is to discuss and deliberate on international economic issues. It sometimes acts in concert to help resolve other global problems, with a special focus on economic issues. G7 Summit Summits are held annually and hosted on a rotation basis by the group’s members. The 45th G7 summit was hosted by France in August 2019. The 46th G7 summit was scheduled to be held June 10 to June 12, 2020 in the United States, on behalf of the Group of Seven. In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, the meeting will be conducted by video conference. Expansion of G7 to G8 (Group of Eight) Following the 1994 G7 meeting in Italy, Russian President held meetings with G7 member countries, in what became known as the P-8 (Political 8). In 1998, after urging from leaders including US President, Russia was added to the G7 group as a full member, creating a formal G8. However, in 2014, Russia was suspended from the group after the annexation of Crimea and tensions in Ukraine. Way forward All the G7 countries are in crisis mode to stop the spread of the COVID-19 and are equally trying and halt financial panic that threatens to send their economies into recession. So for this reason, it is better that the summit to take place remotely, in order for each country to focus all of its resources on responding to the health and economic challenges of COVID-19. SAARC COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND

Topic: India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

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Why in News? Nepal has announced a contribution of 10 crore Nepali rupees for the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund. The announcement was made by Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. About SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations spoke to each other through video conference on March 15, 2020, for a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

 Prime Minister has proposed the creation of COVID-19 Emergency Fund through voluntary contributions from all SAARC Nations.  This fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions.  India has offered the US $10 million for the fund.

About SAARC The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. The Headquarters and Secretariat of the Association are at Kathmandu, Nepal. Member Countries of SAARC: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Afghanistan became the newest member of SAARC at the 13th annual summit in 2005. Cooperation within the framework of the SAARC shall be based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non- interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit.

Other Responses by India on COVID-19

. India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along with testing kits and other equipment as an aid for other countries, if required. 114 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. An online training capsule is arranged for the emergency response teams of the neighbouring countries. . SAARC Disaster Management Centre will be used for effective and efficient practices. . India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal is shared to help trace possible virus carriers. . A common Research Platform will be created to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within the South Asian region (SAR).

Way forward In the time of such a health crisis like the Covid-19, challenges can be better and more efficiently dealt through regional cooperation. The Indian Subcontinent is an ecologically integrated entity and only regionally structured and collaborative responses can work. INDIA -US TRADE RELATIONS

Topic: India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

Why in News? Recently, US trade representative told media that US govt. is planning to exclude India from the list of developing nations and to include it in the list of developed nation. Issues with India-US relations . Indian IPR Policy - Section 3(d) of Indian patents act restricts ever greening. Further, Indian patent framework does not provide data exclusivity. . Detrimental to US Pharma industry. . Price control on medical devices - Price caps on devices like stents etc. criticised by US as other developing countries can follow suit. . US push for margin rationalisation instead of price cap.

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. Data Localisation of Financial service companies - RBI’s recent regulation requires financial service companies to store Data locally within 6 months. . Affects BPO sector of India. . Steel Tariff by US - increased by US and India moved WTO & imposed retaliatory tariffs. . Slow pace of defence agreements,purchase of UAV(predator-B),NASAMS II missiles. . Generalised system of preferences - Trump took India out of it. The system accounts for $5.6 bn worth import of India to US,I ndia is the largest beneficiary of this system. . Countering America’s Adversaries through sanctions Act - US law which mandates santions on Russia/Iran & countries that have significant trade relations with Russia/Iran.US is pressing India to scale down its defence cooperation with Russia & oil import from Iran. India got waiver recently in the case of Russian sanctions.

Silver Linings . Recent trump visit has resulted in number of defence agreements such as the purchase of Multi-role helicopter by India. . India-US interests converge in their India-pacific policy.US sees India as a strategic partner to counter Chinese influence. . Narrowing trade deficit between India and US due to increased purchase of natural gas by India from US. This is one of major focal point of Mr. Trump.

Way Forward With its large society with considerable purchasing power, US is a big market for India and India must forces on improving its relations with it. At the same time Indian govt. must adopt a policy which has minimal negative impacts on domestic economy while opening its market for US products.

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1st India- Central Asia Dialogue

Topic: India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. First India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Uzbekistan at Samarkand. Apart from five central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, Afghanistan also participated in the conference.

. Dialogue focussed on a number of issues including ways to improve connectivity and stabilize war-ravaged Afghanistan.

. India will host the next India-Central Asia Dialogue in 2020.

. India has proposed setting up of ‘India-Central Asia Development Group’ to take forward development partnership between India & Central Asian countries.

o The group may enable New Delhi to expand its footprints in the resource-rich region amid China’s massive inroads and to fight terror effectively, including in Afghanistan.

. India has proposed a dialogue on air corridors with the countries of landlocked Central Asia in an attempt to boost trade, which is currently below $2 billion.

. India also called on the Central Asia Republics to participate in the Chabahar Port project Draft Emigration Bill Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context:

 The draft Emigration Bill 2019, recently released by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), and currently pending for parliamentary approval, proposes a

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new legislative framework for matters related to emigration of Indian nationals. It provided for:

 Comprehensive emigration management,

 To institute regulatory mechanisms governing overseas employment of Indian nationals,  To establish a framework for protection and promotion of welfare of emigrants.

Key features of the bill:

 It is set to replace the extant one under the Emigration Act of 1983.  The draft bill proposes a three-tier institutional framework, with the MEA as the nodal ministry. o At the top, a central Emigration Management Authority (EMA) has been proposed for policy guidance and supervision. o In the middle, a Bureau of Emigration Policy and Planning, and a Bureau of Emigration Administration shall handle day-to-day operational matters and oversee the welfare of emigrants. o At the bottom, nodal authorities in states and union territories shall coordinate aspects of management related to both emigrants and returnees.  This could allow vertical policy coherence on emigration matters— particularly in promoting and managing safe, orderly and regular emigration. Background: Need for the Bill:  India is among a handful of countries that has explicit legislation for promoting emigration.

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 The intention of replacing the old Act is consistent with the government’s effort to weed out anachronistic laws and update them in line with modern conventions.  The 1983 Act, enacted in the specific context of large-scale emigration to the Gulf, falls short in addressing the wide geo-economic, geo-political and geo-strategic impact that emigration has today.  The United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", for the first time recognized migration as a core element of the global development agenda, and has set several targets that relate to it.  These cover student mobility, human trafficking and exploitation, labour migration and employment, migration governance, remittances and migration data.  One objective of the new legislation (While not explicitly stated in the draft bill) is to draw up appropriate regulations that would conform to the contemporary global agenda on these matters.

International Practices:

 Historically, countries which have enacted emigration laws—like the Soviet Union in the post-World War II period, restricting East-West migration in the Eastern Bloc, or North Korea today—have used such legislation to essentially prohibit international movement of their nationals.  The laws of most countries today address only immigration.

1. Space Diplomacy Space Diplomacy is the art and practice of using space to conduct International Relations and furthering National Interest. Space has emerged as new arena for competition and cooperation for global powers to compete and establish supremacy. Space technology being highly complex gives any nation international recognition, status and projects its soft-power.

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As part of its space diplomacy, India will set up five ground stations and more than 500 terminals in five neighboring countries –  Bhutan,  Nepal,  Maldives,  Bangladesh and  Sri Lanka. The infrastructure is being created as an extension of the South Asia Satellite launched in 2017. It will help put in place applications ranging from television broadcasting to telephony and internet, disaster management and telemedicine. This move also helps India in putting our strategic assets in the neighborhood. Indian initiatives in Space Diplomacy  India has also allowed SAARC countries to use its regional positioning system NAVIC.  India has also collaborated with other countries, example- NISAR.  India collaborated with NASA during its Chandrayan Mission which found water on the moon.  Data from Indian satellites is frequently shared with friendly countries for astronomical research which furthers goodwill and enhances relations.  The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) operates three international stations in Brunei, Indonesia and Mauritius.  The ISRO also established the India-Myanmar Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing in 2001  South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication satellite launched by ISRO to provide various communication applications over South Asian countries. Some other applications include: Tele-medicine, Disaster Management, Banking, e-governance etc. Concerns associated with space diplomacy Lack of legal agreements: Space is one of the areas where few or no International treaties exist for its peaceful use. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs 120 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

works to promote peaceful use of outer space but there are no binding agreements like NPT or CTBT to prevent weaponization of space.  Perpetuates Global inequality between Nations: Because only a few nations have space technology, it makes other underdeveloped and developing nations dependent on developed nations to make use of space.  Misuse of resources: There is also a concern that developing countries might overspend on space programs rather than addressing basic needs of its citizens. For example – North Korean has a space program too while its citizen suffers from famine and starvation.  Lack of uniform definition of Space boundary: There is no international agreement on the vertical extent of sovereign airspace.  Space-weaponization: Weaponization of space may become a new tool in the hands of nations in the future as a part of their space diplomacy. The space- weapons could be hundred times more lethal than current weapons and have a potential to wipe-out humanity. Space as a tool in Indian foreign policy  Furthering Neighborhood First Policy: The South Asian satellite is in line with India’s neighborhood first policy.  Enhancing Soft-Power of India: it will also enhance and project India’s soft- power and goodwill among foreign countries as we share the fruits of advancements in space technology with neighbors. India’s ISRO provides a cheaper alternative to developing nations to launch satellites compared to the American or European counterparts, thus bringing them closer to India.  Countering China: China has advanced satellite tacking center in Tibet which can not only track Indian satellites but also blind them. Ground Stations in the neighborhood will help India counter growing Chinese influence.  New Area of Cooperation: Space opens up new area of cooperation between India and other states which would further enhance bilateral relations with those countries.

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February 2019 ICJ on Decolonization of Mauritius Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed the UK’s right to govern the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean and called on its government to withdraw from the archipelago. What is the issue? The Chagos Archipelago is a group of seven atolls comprising more than 60 islands in the Indian Ocean about 500 km south of the Maldives.  It had been part of Mauritius since the 18th century when the French first settled the islands. All of the islands of French colonial territory in the region were ceded to the British in 1810.  Before Mauritian independence, in 1965, the UK split the archipelago from the territory of Mauritius to form the British Indian Ocean Territory and permitted the US to use it for defence purposes for 50 years (until December 2016) followed by a 20-year optional extension and US Military Base was setup in Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands.  2,000 inhabitants were resettled in Mauritius and the Seychelles. The UN resolutions banned the dismemberment of colonial territories before independence. Therefore Mauritius claims sovereignty over the islands and states that Britain’s claim is a violation of law and of UN resolutions. In late 1960s and early 1970s, all Chagossians were removed from the Chagos Islands under UK-orders. They were deported either to Mauritius or the Seychelles, with no compensation or support arriving for several years. All those removed to the Seychelles never received any compensation, whilst many in Mauritius report receiving significantly reduced amounts. The resettled

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inhabitants now number around 10,000 including their descendants and they wish to resettle.  UK declared Marine Protected Area around Chagos in 2010, which prohibits fishing and extractive industry and has the effect of preventing any resettlement.  In 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that that the move to declare Marine Protected Area around Chagos in 2010 as illegal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  In November 2016, the U.K. ruled out the resettlement of the islanders on the grounds of feasibility, defence, security interests and the cost.  UK also renewed the lease for Diego Garcia with US, up until 2036. Subsequently, Mauritius warned that it would push to take the matter to the ICJ. Mauritius had filed a claim in the top UN court demanding its right over the islands, an assertion which was backed by India during the legal proceedings. In its advisory opinion, which is not legally binding, ICJ concluded that the archipelago had not been lawfully separated from Mauritius, a former British colony which gained independence in 1968. The ICJ ruled that the process of separating the Chagos Islands from Mauritius during decolonisation in the 1960s constituted an “unlawful detachment” and was a “wrongful act”. Mauritius argued it was coerced into giving up the Chagos Islands, while the UK government had told the court it did not have jurisdiction to hear the case. Indian Ambassador said the historical survey indicated that the Chagos Archipelago throughout the pre and post-colonial era had been a part of the Mauritian territory. Many of the evicted islanders were sent to Mauritius and the Seychelles but eventually resettled in the UK. They have fought in British courts for years to win the right to return to their homes. Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

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1. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty, formally Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles) is a 1987 arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union.Under the INF Treaty, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. agreed to eliminate within three years all ground-launched- missiles of 500-5,500 km range and not to develop, produce or deploy these in future.The U.S. destroyed 846 Pershing IIs and Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs) and the U.S.S.R., 1,846 missiles (SS-4s, SS-5s and SS-20s), along with its support facilities. Context: The U.S has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. What’s the issue? US in early December last year announced that it would suspend its obligations under the INF treaty by Feb. 2, citing Russian “cheating,” unless Moscow comes into compliance with the terms of the pact. The U.S. government says the new Russian missile violates provisions of the pact that ban production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 310 to 3,400 miles. What would happen in the absence of treaty? 1. It is unclear what INF-prohibited systems the United States could deploy to Europe or Asia in the near term. The U.S. military has not developed any land-based missiles within the prohibited ranges for decades and has only just started funding a new ground-launched cruise missile to match the 9M729. 2. Moscow is in a very different position and could rapidly expand deployment. The number of operational 9M729 missiles has been quite

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limited, but released from its official obligations under the treaty, Moscow could deploy more units rapidly. 3. Russia could also effectively reclassify the RS-26 Rubezh, an experimental system that has been tested just above the INF Treaty’s 5,500-kilometer limit. To avoid violating the INF, Russian officials previously described the RS-26 as an intercontinental ballistic missile. However, it could form the basis for a missile of a slightly shorter range if Moscow wished to boost its INF forces — without counting it under the U.S.-Russian New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, governing longer-range systems. 4. This move is also likely to undermine the 2010 New START treaty governing U.S. and Russian long-range nuclear systems. The INF Treaty’s demise will undercut New START by reopening questions on the relationship between intermediate and strategic systems that have been resolved for 30 years by the elimination of ground-based, intermediate-range missiles. Japan- India Space Dialogue Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

 The Japan-India Space Dialogue, established in October 2018 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims in part to keep pace with the U.S., China, and Russia in this area.  The First Meeting of the Japan-India Space Dialogue was held in Delhi on March 8, 2019.  The dialogue brought together outer space-related ministries and agencies in two countries and provided an opportunity to exchange information on the space policy of each country and to hold discussions on space security, bilateral cooperation between JAXA-ISRO, their space industries, global navigation satellite system, space situational awareness (SSA), space-related norms and other areas of mutual interest.

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 Both sides shared the view that they would deepen the mutual understanding of respective space policies and explore concrete cooperation between two countries.  Both sides also decided to hold this dialogue on a regular basis to enhance bilateral cooperation. Organisation of Islamic Countries Meet Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in News

The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has criticised Government of India over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the Babri Masjid verdict of the Supreme Court.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states.

. It is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.

. It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on the 25th of September 1969.

. Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

. India is not a member of the OIC. However, India was invited as a guest of honour at 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Minister in 2019. 2019 is the 50th anniversary of OIC.

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WHO Reforms Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced “sweeping reforms” on March 6, 2019 to “modernize and strengthen” itself. The United Nations agency put out a seven-point agenda to achieve its “triple-billion targets” — core to its strategic plan for the next half a decade. The public health agency said it would align its “processes and structures” with the triple-billion targets:

 One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage  One billion more people better protected from health emergencies  One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being

Its new structure and operating model would also align with the UN Sustaibale Development Goals (SDG), WHO announced in a statement. Among 17 SDGs set by the UN in 2015, at No.3 was ‘Good Health and Well-being’. WHO announced a slew of new structures:

 A division of the chief scientist  A department of digital health  A division of data  A division of emergency preparedness

The organisation proposed a new “state-of-the-art” WHO Academy for its staff and public health professionals globally and said it would streamline recruitment. It also said the focus would be new fund-raising initiatives to increase its base of funders. The agency’s vision of “the highest attainable standard of health for all people” remained unchanged, but “the world has changed, which is why we have 127 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

articulated a new mission statement,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. According to the March 6 statement, WHO would now have four structural pillars:

 Programmes — to back universal health coverage and healthier populations  Emergencies — for critical health security (to respond to crises and help countries prepare)  External Relations and Governance — to centralise and harmonise resource mobilisation and communication  Business Operations — to ensure more “professionalized” delivery of budgeting, finance, human resources and supply chain

WHO was set up on April 7, 1948 after its constitution was signed by 61 countries on July 22, 1946 at the first meeting of the World Health Assembly. The Geneva- headquartered organisation has six regional offices and 194 members currently. Indo - Pacific Regional Cooperation Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: The term Indo-Pacific has been gaining traction in Indian policy circles for some time now, it achieved operational clarity after the Indian vision was presented by Prime Minister in his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018. What is it? Geographically, the Indo-Pacific refers to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans between the east coast of Africa and the American west coast and their several littoral countries. As a term to denote an economic and strategic community, it has been in use among scholars of international relations and geopolitics since the first decade of this century, around the same time as China’s rise. 128 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Mechanisms for India to integrate with Indo-Pacific Policy:

1. India’s Act East policyremains the bedrock of the national Indo-Pacific vision and the centrality of ASEAN is embedded in the Indian narrative. 2. India has been an active participant in mechanisms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). 3. India has also been convening the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, in which the navies of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) participate. 4. India has boosted its engagements with Australia and New Zealand and has deepened its cooperation with the Republic of Korea. 5. Through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, India is stepping up its interactions with the Pacific Island countries. 6. India views the Indo-Pacific as a geographic and strategic expanse, with the 10 ASEAN countries connecting the two great oceans.

Challenges ahead for Indo-Pacific regional policy:

1. The integration of the IORA means that attention will continue to be focused on the IOR. This can be a result of the growing Chinese footprint in the Indian Ocean and Chinese diplomacy in the region. 2. There are still challenges for India, especially how it will integrate the Quadrilateral initiative which got revived in 2017 with its larger Indo- Pacific approach. 3. There are differences between India’s vision and the U.S.’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific even as countries like China and Russia view the Indo-Pacific with suspicion.

Efforts by the US: The renaming of the U.S. Pacific Command to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as well as the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act in December 2018 showcase Washington’s more serious engagement with the Indo-Pacific. 129 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

1. The idea of an Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) was first conceptualised and conducted in 2018, as the apex level conference of the Indian Navy, organised by the National Maritime Foundation as the Navy’s Knowledge Partner. 2. The permanent theme of this annual dialogue is a review of India’s opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. 3. The aim is to focus attention on the Indo-Pacific, as a maritime geographical-entity, while deliberating aspects of great relevance to regional geopolitics.

India’s Development Partnership Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Development Partnership Administration Division of the External Affairs Ministry is organizing a conference in New Delhi today to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of India's flagship capacity building programme - Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation. ITEC Programme was launched on 15 September 1964 by the Ministry. Over the last 55 years, ITEC has been a vehicle to share India's vast and unique experience of growth and development through capacity building and training of more than 2 lakh government officials and professionals from 160 partner countries of the Global South in premier institutes of our country. 1. BRI What made the news?

It has been two years since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum was unveiled and Chinese President’s address to the second BRI forum was a clear indication that Beijing is coming to terms with the pushback this ambitious project has received. In this address was included a stated commitment to

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“transparency and sustainability” of BRI projects, and to greater debt sustainability in the “financing model” for BRI projects under new guiding principles.

The Short Gist

Since 2017, India, the U.S. and other countries have been critical of the lack of transparency with which many of the BRI projects were negotiated with governments.

. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Malaysia had second thoughts on some of the infrastructure projects over fears of a “debt trap”, and allegations of corruption in BRI projects became election issues. In April last year, European Union Ambassadors to Beijing issued a statement saying the BRI ran “counter” to their agenda for liberalising trade and “pushed the balance of power in favour of subsidised Chinese companies”.

. After Central Asia and Southeast Asia, China’s biggest foray is into Europe, and the criticism of the European Union Ambassadors did not go unheeded by Beijing. China agreed to renegotiate terms on projects, reached out to regional organisations like the Arab and African forums and the EU, where the Chinese Premier pledged to “respect EU rules and standards” at a summit of “17+1” Central and Eastern European countries that are part of the BRI.

. It is hoped that China will take this understanding forward and help build an infrastructure financing network that is equitable and transparent, especially for smaller states.

. While China’s statements on transparency and inclusivity will be welcomed in India, they don’t address India’s main concern over the BRI, which is of sovereignty.

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. India’s objection to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is that it runs through parts of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and this has led to the Indian government’s decision to stay away from the BRI summit.

. India’s other concern over the BRI’s inroads in South Asia will also grow: at the summit, China listed the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, and the CPEC as focus areas.

. Despite these, India has abandoned its sharp rhetoric against the BRI this time compared to 2017, and China issued statements saying it would not allow the decision to affect the bilateral relationship. o This is an indicator that both countries would rather be guided on the issue by the Wuhan spirit than by the deep differences they continue to have over the BRI project. The BRI project as it stands today is a mammoth infrastructure project and here are some interesting pointers about it:

. The BRI is, in essence, a response to slowing Chinese domestic economic growth earlier this decade, accentuated by a slump in Chinese exports to developed countries following the 2007-08 economic meltdown; [as infrastructure spending at home became less sustainable, China shifted to boosting the global competitiveness of domestic businesses].

. It is hard to put a precise number on the number of BRI projects worldwide because projects are negotiated informally between investor and recipient countries. But they are clearly in the thousands, unprecedented in the history of development cooperation, in terms of the volume of investment and potential benefits.

. A concern for the BRI is its current dependence on the U.S. dollar to fund the bulk of its projects. But unlike some years ago, China’s stocks of the U.S. dollar are in limited supply. Conversely, the Renminbi is yet to emerge as a full-fledged 132 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

global currency. That may leave China with the option of adopting a co- financing strategy. Such cooperation with multilateral banking institutions would be a welcome balancing act as it would increase transparency and sustainability in the long run.

. Rome endorsed the BRI recently, the first among the Group of 7 most industrialised nations to do so. This endorsement of the BRI is a potential game changer. Other major economies may follow Rome’s lead, in much the same way as the initial resistance to China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank eventually evaporated. With the rise of populist forces in many countries in recent years, the world’s open trading system has come under a protectionist strain. Perhaps, there are signs in the BRI of the beginnings of a different kind of globalisation. One day, the BRI might remain Chinese in all but name. That may actually be the next phase of globalisation in the making.

UN Sanctions on Iran Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. India and seven other countries will not be able to import cheaper Iranian oil without attracting US sanctions after May 1st, 2019 when the American administration will end all the waivers on Iranian oil imports.

Why USA is putting sanction on Iran?

. In 2015, P5+1(America, Russia ,UK, China ,France & Germany) countries reached a deal with Iran on lifting of economic sanction on Iran , on condition that Tehran would give up a bulk of its nuclear programme and would also submit itself to extremely invasive inspections from time to time.

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o But US, under Donald Trump, contends that the nuclear agreement did nothing to deter Iran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons, and hence wants the restrictions imposed by the accord to be permanent.

o US also wants Iran to abandon its ballistic missile development and to stop supporting militant groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere that United States regards as terrorist organizations.

. Impact: Any country cannot import Iranian oil without inviting sanctions from America. Sanctions are also applicable on banking transactions from Iran. Why Iranian oil is important to India?

. India is the world’s third largest oil importer, and a large share of that comes from Iran (23.5 million tonnes in 2018-9). Not only is Iran India’s third largest supplier (vs just 3% of oil imports from the US), there are other associated benefits like – 60-day credit, free insurance, free on board (FOB) basis and a barter-of-goods arrangement.

. Additionally, there are a number of strategic reasons why India wants to continue buying Iranian oil

o Shia Iran is seen by India as an ally against the predominantly Sunni Pakistan. Pakistan’s traditionally close relations with Saudi Arabia made Iran a possible ally. Iran’s position on Pakistan’s flank is also attractive, as is the perception of common Indian-Iranian interest in countering Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan.

o India also sees Iran as a conduit to Central Asia, a region that India considers strategically vital.

. India has also invested in Chabahar port in Iran and highways that provide an alternative route to both Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, thereby making Iran important for long term interests of India. Alternatives to Iranian Oil

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. India does have alternate options – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even the United States are potential suppliers that could replace Iran as an oil source. Apart from it , discovery of huge oil field in Guyana, offers a alternative source to India. India’s Shift towards BIMSTEC Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. The recently re-elected Narendra Modi-led government in India is poised to continue its “neighborhood first” policy in its second term. However, there has been a change in how India understands and delineates its neighborhood, a stance which is explicit in the shift in New Delhi’s focus from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The first visible move was Modi’s invitation to BIMSTEC leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony last month while on the same occasion in 2014, Modi had invited SAARC members. This indicates how BISMTEC is being highlighted as India’s preferred regional grouping, an idea that was given more credence by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently, who commented that India sees BIMSTEC as having new energy and possibilities, unlike SAARC that has its own problems.

India’s shift from SAARC to BIMSTEC can be assessed as a combination of two broad factors. First, SAARC has been internally fraught, with the Indo-Pak rivalry at the heart of the organization proving to be a paralyzing deadlock. For New Delhi, the hopes of an India-led model of regionalism will never be possible with Pakistan in the same grouping. Thus, the logic of convenience dictates that SAARC minus Pakistan is the road ahead if India wants to be a regional leader in its neighborhood. However, South Asia is incomplete without Pakistan and Afghanistan. Thus, the second factor driving India’s shift from SAARC to BIMSTEC is imagining its neighborhood not from a continental, South Asian frame of

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reference but a maritime one, which is a corollary to its advances in the east over the years.

A Defunct SAARC

One of the major reasons for India’s shift away from SAARC has been the moribund nature of the organization, owing to conflict between India and Pakistan. Called a “slow boat to nowhere” by Indian strategic analyst C. Raja Mohan long ago, SAARC has been unable to solve a major puzzle since its inception—how to be a functional organization that is able to produce successful outcomes without being impacted by the fundamental differences between India and Pakistan. Over the decades, the deadlock has only worsened, and the summits have been reduced to diplomatic niceties.

The most contentious issue in recent years has been cross-border terrorism, which also led to the cancellation of the 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad. The primary cause of this deadlock was one of the deadliest attacks on the Indian Army in Kashmir in recent years, at a military installation in Uri in Indian- administered Kashmir, which India believes was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. In the wake of the Uri attack, India decided to boycott the SAARC summit in Islamabad and diplomatically isolate Pakistan. Following India’s lead, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also walked out of the summit. In the last functioning summit till date in Kathmandu in 2014, Pakistan had blocked most India-led proposals related to South Asian connectivity while also staying away from the South Asian satellite project mooted by New Delhi, eventually launched in 2017. The doomed nature of SAARC is rooted in the India-Pakistan rivalry and the revival of the grouping should not be seen in terms of summits but functionality and deliverables. With territorial disputes, the presence of nuclear weapons, and innate mistrust between India and Pakistan, SAARC is likely to continue to suffer from ineffective implementation unless the nature of the relationship between the South Asian rivals changes. 136 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

While the shift from SAARC to BIMSTEC is a shift of convenience and necessity, its success would depend on New Delhi’s political will and its ability to deliver on its promises to its neighbors.

India and CTBT Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Recently, in a renewed effort, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has offered India an 'Observer' status and access to state- of-art International Monitoring System (IMS) data. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty (CTBT) is the treaty banning all nuclear explosions - everywhere, by everyone. The treaty was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1996. But, despite more than 20 years after the UN opened the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) for signature on 24 September 1996, it has still not entered into force. It is the only multilateral treaty to have met such an uncertain fate. The call for a CTBT was made long ago, in the early 1950s, as a first step towards nuclear disarmament. The United States supported the negotiations when these finally began in 1994 and then President Bill Clinton was the treaty's first signatory; today, there are 183 countries that have signed up and of these, 164 have ratified the treaty. Yet the CTBT's entry into force remains an elusive goal. This was mainly due to the fact that Article XIV of the CTBT states that the treaty can enter into force only when all of the 44 states possessing nuclear weapons capabilities and research reactors sign and ratify the treaty. Of these 44 states, the treaty awaits formal ratification from the US, China, Israel, Iran and Egypt (which have already signed) and both signature and ratification from India, Pakistan and North Korea, in order to implement a legally binding global ban on nuclear testing.

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Though short of signing the CTBT, India has endorsed the basic objective of the treaty by declaring a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. Nuclear Test Between 1945 and 1996 when the CTBT was adopted, over 2000 nuclear tests were conducted by the United States (1000+), the Soviet Union (700+), France (200+), the United Kingdom and China (45 each). Three countries have carried out nuclear explosions after the 1996: India and Pakistan in 1998 and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2006, 2009 and 2017. Significance of the Treaty The CTBT with its 183 signatories and 164 ratifications is one of the most widely supported arms-control treaties. This near universal support is due to the treaty’s non-discriminatory nature, where everyone has the same obligation never to conduct a nuclear explosion. As another mark of progress, the prohibition against testing has emerged as an established global political and behavioural norm. The international condemnation of North Korea as the only country that has conducted nuclear tests in this millennium is a vivid illustration. After each of the North Korean nuclear tests, all CTBT State Signatories received the same high-quality information about the location, magnitude, depth and time of the event within hours of detection by the CTBTO system of monitoring stations. CTBT and India’s Journey India underscored the need for a test-ban treaty long before the establishment of the CTBT. In 1954, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was the first leader of a state to call for an “immediate standstill” agreement on nuclear testing between the United States and the former Soviet Union. However, ignoring India’s efforts, the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) was signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom in August 1963, which did little to halt the actual number of nuclear tests that presently figures at 2055. Thereafter, the worsening security 138 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

concerns with China’s nuclear test in 1964, the 1965 India-Pakistan war and U.S. intimidation in the 1971 war drove India to conduct a peaceful nuclear test in 1974 to keep the nuclear testing option open. However, India still continued supporting the idea of a nuclear test-ban policy—this is evident from a June 1978 statement calling for a ban on nuclear weapons testing at a Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), followed by a call in 1982 for a freeze on nuclear weapons production. In 1988, India proposed an Action Plan that advocated a ban on development of new weapons systems, and recommended nuclear disarmament in a time-bound framework of 22 years. Believing that the CTBT was a cardinal aspect of the disarmament process, India continued to support multilateral negotiations and jointly co-sponsored a consensus resolution on the CTBT at the UNGA in 1993. However, India’s efforts towards a test-ban treaty, as a vehicle to eventually achieve total nuclear disarmament, were thwarted in 1995 with the indefinite extension of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). India protested that not only did the NPT profess unequal obligations between the nuclear-haves and have-nots, but it also did not mandate the original nuclear weapon states (NWS) to adopt equal obligations towards universal nuclear disarmament. Simultaneously, the China-Pakistan illicit nuclear nexus heightened security considerations and compelled India to eventually conduct a series of nuclear tests in May 1998. Immediately after the tests, India declared a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and has continued to adhere to that position. Following the 1998 nuclear tests, India expressed a flexible position on the CTBT and specified its readiness to discuss a de jure formalization of its voluntary moratorium on future nuclear testing. However, India made it clear that its support for the CTBT could not exist in any “vacuum” and “depended on a series of reciprocal activities” from the P5 nations (US, China, France, UK and Russia) : namely to refrain from conducting future tests under the guise of safety purposes, and to preclude all horizontal and vertical proliferation. 139 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty A fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT) is a proposed international agreement that would prohibit the production of the two main components of nuclear weapons: highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium. Discussions on this subject have taken place at the UN Conference on Disarmament (CD), a body of 65 member nations established as the sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament. The CD operates by consensus and is often stagnant, impeding progress on an FMCT. Why India hasn’t Joined CTBT? India has pursued a consistent and principled policy on nuclear disarmament and the CTBT. It is a policy rooted in the conviction that nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction and the elimination of nuclear weapons will enhance the security of all people and all nations. Since its inception, India has had a number of reservations about the CTBT. While it has stood by its demand for a nuclear weapons-free world, various principled, procedural, political, and security concerns have stood in the way of its support for the CTBT. India’s principled opposition drew from its emphasis on universal and complete nuclear disarmament in a time-bound manner. India has traditionally believed this to be the end goal with the test ban just being a path to get there. But it did not insist on a complete disarmament clause in 1994, acknowledging that it was a “complex issue.” The turning of the tides came with the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995, which did not result in a firm commitment to nuclear disarmament by the P5 as sought by the ‘have nots’. After the NPT extension, India felt that apart from the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT), the only way to hold the P5 to a time- bound elimination of nuclear weapons clause was through the CTBT. While some of these concerns were incorporated into the CTBT text, the ‘time bound’ aspect

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was not. India saw the attempt at a test ban becoming an end in itself, while exacerbating technology differences between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. For instance, one of India’s concerns was the possibility of those already possessing nuclear weapons upgrading their arsenals through sub-critical and laboratory simulated testing. Added to this mix was a crucial domestic political factor: the run-up to the Indian general elections of 1996. The political parties did not want to risk alienating the voting population since foreign policy decisions like these could be misinterpreted as capitulation to the West. On the security front, India thought that it faced uncertain dangers from Pakistan and China, which had conducted nuclear tests even while the CTBT was being negotiated. As party to the CTBT, India would be waiving the possibility of testing and developing its own nuclear weapons whereas China would be able to retain its arsenal as per the NPT. This was compounded by the fear of nuclear collusion between China and Pakistan. All of this culminated in then Indian envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Arundhati Ghose’s statement in 1996 in which she said, “…India will not sign this unequal treaty, not now, nor later.” Further, there are also those, particularly from India’s scientific and security bureaucracies, who continue to believe that accepting the CTBT would hinder India’s strategic nuclear program development and the option to test must be kept open. Others consider the hold up of CTBT ratification by the United States Congress and by China as diplomatically convenient for India in that this precludes an official Indian stand on the matter. Apart from this, there is no public debate on the CTBT in India – certainly none displaying the vigour with which it continues to be debated in the West. Gains for India by Signing CTBT

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If India decides to sign the CTBT, the diplomatic gains from such announcement will be immense. At a time when India is increasingly accepted as an emerging global power and as a responsible member of the nuclear community, a voluntary decision to sign the CTBT would enhance our stature further. At a more pragmatic level, this type of move will greatly strengthen India’s case for being admitted to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and other international groupings. Unreasonable and impractical demands have been made over the last couple of years that India should first join the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) before being considered for membership of the NSG. Such arguments wouldn’t stand against the fact that besides having always followed all the NPT guidelines in spirit, by signing the CTBT, we will go well beyond what even some NPT weapon states have done. UNSC Reforms Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. India has always remained at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

Need for UN Security Council Reforms

. UN represents a larger world and the irony is that it has only 5 permanent members in its such an important body.

. Current composition of the Security Council represents the post World War II realities and thus is not in pace with the changing balance of power in the world.

o At the time of the formation of UNSC, big powers were given privileges to make them part of the council. This was necessary for its proper functioning as well as to avoid the failure like that of the organization ‘League of Nations’.

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. The regions like far East Asia, South America, Africa have no representation in the permanent membership of the council.

. Rise of fora like G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan) as important economies and emerging world powers are pushing after quick UN Security Council reforms. Impediments in the expansion of UN Security Council

. The five permanent members themselves don’t want anyone to come on board with them. The world has no evidence in the history where countries have given up such a status quo on their own.

o In the year 2005, when G4 came with a resolution for the expansion of the council, U.S. and China lobbied very hard with African countries to ensure that they do not vote for the resolution.

. One country opposing another country’s bid for the permanent membership from a region. For example:

o Pakistan does not want India to be the permanent member of the council.

o China has serious objections to Japan being there in the Security Council.

o Italy trying to compete with Germany in Europe for a place in the Security Council.

o Argentia does not agree with the fact that Brazil should represent South America in the UNSC as a permanent representative.

. In Africa, there is still no consensus on which country should represent the region as a permanent member.

. There are no parameters in the UN Security Council for considering the countries for permanent membership. There is a concern that expansion of the council may lead to a decline in its efficiency and functioning 143 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Things to Remember: United Nations Security Council- highlights

. Established by the United Nations charter in 1945, the Security Council has primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

. The Security Council has 15 members.

o There are five permanent members: the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China and the United Kingdom.

o The non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected for a term of two years.

. Each member of the Security Council has one vote. Decisions of the Security Council on matters are made by an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members. A "No" vote from one of the five permanent members blocks the passage of the resolution.

. Any member of the United Nations which is not a member of the Security Council may participate, without vote, in the discussion of any question brought before the Security Council whenever the latter considers that the interests of that member are specially affected.

. Benefits for India

. By having a veto power, one can enjoy enormous powers.

o This is clear from the recent case of Masood Azhar. Since 2009, India was trying to get him designated as a global terrorist. One veto power of China kept delaying it.

. India will be able to work better for its interests.

o There was a time when USSR actually started boycotting the UNSC and that was the time when US managed to get the resolution passed for the Korean War. From that time onwards USSR realized that it doesn’t make sense to boycott the UN. It needs to keep veto if at all resolution is against them.

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. India’s presence as a permanent member will be an acknowledgment of its rise as a global power, ready to play a key role in the council’s objectives of international peace and security.

. India will be able to enjoy the 'prestige’ associated with the permanent membership of the council. Is India ready?

. By remaining silent on contentious issues, India has always remained in a safe zone. Once India becomes a permanent member, it has to give its views on every issue.

. India’s foreign policy machinery is not geared with the kind of deal making that permanent five do all the time. Besides expansion, issues like whether a country having a veto power should be allowed to lock a motion or not, should be taken into consideration. As far as India’s membership is considered, all five permanent members including China are more or less on board. India just needs to prepare itself for the permanent position in the council.

UN Habitat Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN- Habitat Assembly. About UN Habitat:

1. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development.

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2. It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) held in Vancouver, Canada in 1976. 3. It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. 4. The mandate of UN-Habitat derives from the Habitat Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. 5. The twin goals of the Habitat Agenda are adequate shelter for all and the development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world. 6. As an inter-governmental policy making and decision making body, the Governing Council of UN-Habitat seeks to promote integral and comprehensive approach to human settlements, assist the countries and regions in addressing human settlement problems and strengthen cooperation among all countries on human settlement issue. 7. UN-Habitat reports to the United Nations General Assembly.

June 2019 SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Structure and working

 The supreme decision-making body in the SCO is the Heads of State Council (HSC).

 The HSC meets once in a year and adopts guidelines and decisions on all important matters of the SCO. 146 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 The SCO Heads of Government Council (HGC) meets once a year to discuss the organisation’s multilateral cooperation strategy and priority areas, to resolve current important economic and other cooperation issues, and also approves the organisation’s annual

 The organisation has two permanent bodies — First is the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent and second is the SCO Secretariat based in Beijing.

 The Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO RATS and SCO Secretary-General are appointed by the Council of Heads of State for a term of 3years. Importance of SCO for India:

 SCO is Part of India’s stated policy of pursuing “multi-alignments”.

 The geographical and strategic space which the SCO straddles is important for India. India’s security, geopolitical, strategic, and economic interests are closely intertwined with developments in this

 The challenges of terrorism, radicalism, and instability pose a grave threat to the sovereignty and integrity not only of India, and also

 India requested access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter- terrorism body, the Tashkent- based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS).

 A stable Afghanistan to is in India’s interest, and RATS provides access to non-Pakistan-centred counter-terrorism information

 With the landlocked states of central Asia, and Uzbekistan even doubly landlocked, accessing these resources becomes difficult. In this regard, India has prioritized the construction of the International North-South Transport Joining SCO will help India to connect with South Asian states.

 The Central Asian region is richly endowed with vital minerals and natural resources.

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 The major interest is in energy co-operation. But India will also have to deal with an assertive China, which will push its Belt and Road Initiative during the

 SCO membership will help India to be a major pan-Asian player, which is currently boxed in the South Asian Central Asia is part of India’s extended neighbourhood. India’s relations with countries in the region, have enormous potential for enhancing ties in areas such as economy, security, policy, investment, trade, connectivity, energy, and capacity development. One reason is simply that India does not share common land- borders with the region, but another factor has been the infrequent visits at the highest level between India and Central Asian states. India’s membership in the SCO will provide an opportunity for leadership of India, including prime ministers, to meet with their counterparts from Central Asia, Russia, China, Afghanistan, and others regularly and frequently. India’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) will be an added advantage to make this partnership more fruitful. India has demonstrated its keen interest in strengthening multi-faceted relations with Central Asia through Prime Minister’s historic visit to the five Central Asian republics in July 2015. Several agreements were signed and new initiatives were launched. The TAPI gas pipeline is an example of a mutually beneficial project. In the future, India’s development experience, particularly in promoting agriculture, small and medium enterprises, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, can be of immense benefit to Central Asian countries. India at SCO 2019:

 This year (2019), our PM has come up with another innovative acronym called HEALTH which brings together the Indian experience in development, and India’s experience in engagement with other countries.

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 Indian PM also specifically spoke about radicalization as well. In the acronym that the PM gave, called, “HEALTH”, the alphabet “T” stands for countries that stand against terrorism.

 It is important to note that radicalization is an issue that bedevils the Central Asian Region in a very big way. India also called for an international conference on terrorism, the SCO can take a lead in that.

 Also in his ‘HEALTH’ acronym, the alphabet ‘A’ refers to alternative energy. It is here that he speaks about India’s experience in terms of focusing on renewable energy. Prime Minister also touched upon regional cooperation and spoke about how India is willing to share its expertise in all these areas.

 Focus on Afghanistan (as a matter of fact, this is very significant), even though Afghanistan is not a member of the SCO, but India has a contact group on Afghanistan, and the Prime Minister underlined what India’s fundamental position on Afghanistan is.

 Finally, it is important to note that the SCO provides an opportunity for the Indian leadership to connect with the leadership of the Central Asian countries. G-20 Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in News? Meeting of the Leaders’ of the G-20 Nations, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. What is G20? The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population,

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85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade. Origin 1997-1999 ASIAN Financial Crisis: This was a ministerial-level forum which emerged after G7 invited both developed and developing economies. The finance ministers and central bank governors began meeting in 1999. Amid 2008 Financial Crisis the world saw the need for a new consensus building at the highest political level. It was decided that the G20 leaders would begin meeting once annually. To help prepare these summits, the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors continue to meet on their own twice a year. They meet at the same time as the International Monetary Fund and The World Bank. How G20 Works? The work of G20 is divided into two tracks: The finance track comprises all meetings with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors and their deputies. Meeting several times throughout the year they focus on monetary and fiscal issues, financial regulations, etc. The Sherpa track focuses on broader issues such as political engagement, anti- corruption, development, energy, etc. Each G20 country is represented by its Sherpa; who plans, guides, implements, etc. on behalf of the leader of their respective country. (Indian Sherpa, at the G20 in Argentina, 2018 was Shri Shaktikanta Das) G20 Members The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi

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Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Spain as a permanent, non-member invitee, also attends leader summits. Structure and Functioning of G20 The G20 Presidency rotates annually according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time. For the selection of presidency, the 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries. The presidency rotates between each group. Every year the G20 selects a country from another group to be president. India is in Group 2 which also has Russia, South Africa, and Turkey. The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters. Instead, the G20 president is responsible for bringing together the G20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy. TROIKA: Every year when a new country takes on the presidency (in this case Argentina 2018), it works hand in hand with the previous presidency (Germany, 2017) and the next presidency (Japan, 2019) and this is collectively known as TROIKA. This ensures continuity and consistency of the group’s agenda. India has always remained at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reforms of the Security Council emphasizing that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high-table, as a permanent member. The issue of expanding the UNSC, and the text-based negotiation (a process that formalizes the adoption of a resolution) is expected to come up in the next UN General Assembly session that is to be held in September, 2019. India’s Demand for Permanent Membership India deserves to be in the list of permanent members not only because of the one-sixth world’s population that resides in India but because of the following reasons:Being a founding member of the UN, India has always respected, 151 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

participated and supported the United Nations.India is not only funding the UN substantially, but it is also leading the peace-keeping operations of the UN; upholding the principles & credentials of the UN.India is a major emerging economic power & follows an independent foreign policy, which signifies India’s stand on any issue on multinational forum. India needs to focus on strengthening itself economically, militarily & diplomatically in order to participate in major conversations and groupings. Steadily, the UNSC will itself deem India fit to become a part of the UNSC. July 2019 RCEP Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega-regional economic agreement being negotiated since 2012, between ASEAN and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) member partners.

. Membership

ASEAN Members FTA Partners Indonesia Australia Malaysia China Philippines Japan Singapore New Zealand Thailand South Korea Brunei Vietnam Laos Myanmar Cambodia

. Goals: Boost economic growth and equitable economic development, advance economic cooperation and broaden and deepen integration in the region through the RCEP.

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. It aims to cover the trade in goods and services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, intellectual property and dispute resolution.

o In 2017, the 16 prospective signatories (including India) accounted for a population of 3.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$ 21.4 trillion, about half of the world population and 39 percent of the world's GDP. History

. Countries in East Asia region have thriving trade and economic relations with each other through free trade agreements.

. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (ASEAN+1 FTAs) has free trade agreements with six partners namely,

o The People's Republic of China (ACFTA)

o Republic of Korea (AKFTA)

o Japan (AJCEP)

o India (AIFTA)

o Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA)

. To broaden and deepen the engagement among parties and to enhance parties' participation in the economic development of the region, the leaders of the 16 participating countries established the RCEP.

. The RCEP was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with the spirit to strengthen economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment-related activities as well as to contribute to minimising development gap among the parties.

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. The RCEP negotiations were launched between the Ten ASEAN member states and six ASEAN FTA partners during the 21st ASEAN Summit and related summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2012. Objective

. To achieve a modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement among the ASEAN Member States and ASEAN's FTA partners. India and RCEP

. India has dropped out of the RCEP in November 2019 in ASEAN+3 summit, because of the following reasons:

o Widening Trade Deficit: India’s trade deficit with the ASEAN, Korea and Japan has widened post-FTAs.

o Tariff elimination due to RCEP could worsen the trade deficit, at $105.2 billion in 2018-19.

 The RCEP proposes that 92% of India's goods would be tariff-free over the next 15 years. India have to slash existing tariffs on up to 90% of all goods.

 Since import duties are also a source of revenue for India, it could experience a disproportionate loss of customs revenue.

 India's trade deficit with China is at $53 billion, further reduction or removal of customs tariffs will lead to an influx of cheaper products from China.

o Sensitive List: Most of the RCEP countries have very high tariffs on certain products sensitive to them, such as rice, footwear, dairy products and honey, which they can continue to shield through the sensitive lists.

. The objections raised by India:

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o Base Year for Tariffs: The RCEP will result in reduction of tariffs in all member countries. Since negotiations began in 2013, the pact has proposed that the base year for reducing tariffs will be 2013. However, India wanted to change the base year applied to reduce tariffs to 2019.

 India has raised customs duties on many products since 2014.

 India has increased tariffs on sectors such as textiles, auto components and electronic items on average from 13% to 17%. o Auto-Trigger Mechanism: The auto-trigger mechanism is used when there is a sudden surge in imports.

 It will allow to decide which products it does not want to offer the same concessions to. o Ratchet Obligations: India wants exemptions on ratchet obligations.

 A ratchet mechanism means that if a country signs a trade agreement with another country and removes or reduces tariffs and quotas. It cannot go back on them and bring in more restrictive measures. o Data Localisation: As part of the RCEP, India wants all countries to have the rights to protect data.

 The countries may prevent the transfer of information across borders. o Services Sector: India has demanded that the ASEAN countries should open up their services sector so that Indian professionals and workers can have easier entry into their market.

 However, ASEAN countries are very sensitive about protecting this sector and have not offered much liberalisation even within the bloc to each- other.

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o Rules of Origin: India wants strict rules of origin to prevent Chinese goods from flooding the country through member countries that may have lower or no duty levels.

 Chinese garments are making their way into India through the duty-free route under the South Asia Free Trade Pact and the Duty-Free Quota- Free window from Bangladesh. Afghan Peace Process Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Issue Context:

 Afghanistan’s High Peace Council Secretary and President Ashraf Ghani’s Special Envoy Mohammad Umer Daudzai recently visited India.  Speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Daudzai said that India’s role is ‘key’ to the peace in Afghanistan.  Also, India recently handed over two Mi-24 attack helicopters to Afghanistan. These helicopters are a replacement for the four attack helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan in 2015.

Background:

 There has been a continued 25 years of civil war in Afghanistan. An Afghanistan force and Taliban conflict has been sustained during this long time and damage social and economic life make peace elusive for Afghanistan.  International efforts especially by US and NATO countries have been failed. They have spent hundreds of billion dollar and army services but no avail.  However, today progress towards a peace process is increasingly seen as central to securing a just and stable future. At reconciliation meet in 156 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

November 2018 by afghan authorities, India was present and the first time all stakeholders were present in the same room.

Analysis Role of USA in Afghan Peace Process:

 S. and Taliban negotiators have concluded a draft peace framework. This draft framework was built on years of direct and indirect talks between the two parties.  Under the framework, the Taliban would be required to deny safe haven to international terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the self-proclaimed Islamic State, has to enter into direct talks with Afghan government and also agree to declare ceasefire.  In exchange, the United States would withdraw forces from Afghanistan within eighteen months of a final agreement.

Contribution of other countries in the process:

 The effort to achieve this draft peace framework was made possible with the help of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar at various stages.  Yet the framework does not make clear what role regional states will play in achieving a final settlement.  Just as regional competition fuelled Afghanistan’s long war, regional states have a role to play in resolving it.

Pakistan:

 Pakistan has been a central participant in all phases of Afghanistan’s long war.

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 The US promised to pursue a pressure strategy aimed at punishing Pakistan for its malign behaviour, including by allowing Taliban leaders and fighters to freely live and organize from its territory.  But Pakistani civilian and military leaders feel optimistic about the current draft framework, as its pursuit delayed the escalation of this pressure campaign.  The best-case scenario for Pakistan is likely a narrow agreement that does not force it to take responsibility for its past actions in Afghanistan.

China:

 China’s interests in Afghanistan are most closely aligned with Pakistan, although Beijing’s concerns about violent extremism and terrorism are out of step with Pakistani behaviour.  S. and Chinese diplomats have worked together to support an Afghan peace process, and Beijing will want to be involved enough to account for its counterterrorism and border security concerns.  China has much to offer in terms of inducements to support a peace agreement in Afghanistan, particularly economically through Belt and Road Initiative investments in Pakistan (the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) or Central Asia (the Silk Road Economic Belt).

Russia

 Russia hosted a second round of Taliban talks in February 2019 without participation of Afghan government.  These talks risk easing pressure on the Taliban and further bolstering its standing, but could be leveraged to help the U.S. diplomatic effort.  The U.S. and Afghan governments should find ways to take advantage of Moscow’s efforts and show up to any Russia-hosted talks, even if only to deny the Taliban an uncontested boon.

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India

 With limited options of intervention in Afghanistan, India is playing a role of a responsible democratic country and a true friend and neighbour to the Afghanistan.  Indian is engaged with Afghanistan by following ways: o Developing social infrastructure as hospitals, schools; o Public infrastructure such as Salma dam, and parliament building ; o Humanitarian assistance such as medical missions; o Training of military officer and soldiers; o Military warfare such as military helicopters and repairing the old soviet era helicopters.  India is likely concerned that any deal that could introduce the Taliban back into the Afghan government could dilute its political influence in Afghanistan.  India’s hedge toward Iran, by investing in the construction of the Chabahar port (the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean), could pave the way for a continuing economic role.  But India would probably see a peace agreement, particularly one championed by Pakistan, as a short-term setback to its interests in Afghanistan.

Afghan as an elusive benefit for India:

 Afghanistan is a gateway for the north-south corridor for India.  Afghan have a rich source of oil can help India to full fill their demand.  India developed Chahbar port to increase import and export with Afghan and counter Pakistan in West Sea.  Elusive peace in afghan can help India project of TAPI.  Help India to overcome china one-road-one-belt initiatives.

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Effect on India if Taliban comes to power:

 Pakistan will gain huge strategic influence and India will lose the same.  India's access to central India will get affected.  After conquering Afghanistan Taliban may turn towards India to increase terror activities.  Pakistan will then focus on Indian border only.  As China has also raised its stakes it will use it against India.

Reasons for India to be part of reconciliation process with the Taliban:

 Regional Stability: Security and Stability are foundations over which development can be built on. Peaceful neighbourhood and trouble free regional climate will provide space for the regimes to focus more on development as threats of violence by Taliban’s in the region will be minimized.  Counter China and Pakistan's vested interests: India should play a considerable role through Quadrilateral group plus 2 talks to thwart the efforts of china to place puppet regimes which can play according to their own vested interests. This can be counterproductive for India's aspirations and concerns.  Connectivity with Central Asia: India's trade with Central Asia and reaping benefits from the enhanced connectivity will be largely dependent on Afghanistan's domestic environment. A peaceful and cooperative Afghanistan will be a key pin in India's central Asia policy. The latest trilateral transit agreement between India. Iran and Afghanistan is a significant step in this direction.  TAPI for Energy security: Violence free Afghanistan is desideratum for finishing the project of TAPI and sustaining the benefits from it through energy supplies from Turkmenistan.  Gateway to "Link west" policy: Afghanistan will act as a gateway to India's increasing rigour on its west Asia policy. 160 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Minerals of Afghanistan: The cost of access to minerals will be minimum and helpful in expanding the production of Indian Industries.

African Continental Free Trade Area Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context The 12th Summit of the African Union (AU) which concluded at Niamey, the capital of the Niger Republic, saw 54 of 55 of its member states signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) for goods and services and out of these countries, 27 have already ratified it. Background

 The African countries are set to launch the African Continental Free Trade Area or AfCFTA, the biggest free trade agreement in the world since the World Trade Organization was created in the 1990s.  The first step towards continental integration was the establishment of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1958.  The vision of “pan-Africanism” and “collective self-reliance” has long been an integral component of attempts by African leaders and policymakers to find Africa-driven solutions to African problems.  However, due to weak political, economic and governance structures, these attempts have largely failed to facilitate a structural transformation of the continent and today, the African nations continue to be fragmented economies working in isolation.  In order to achieve an African resurgence, virtually all the African countries have embraced the notion of “regionalism” and “regional integration” as part of their broader aspirations towards continental integration.

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 Over the years, various pan-African organisations have been working towards deepening economic, social and political integration in Africa. th  One such attempt was made at the 18 ordinary session of the African Union (AU), held in Addis Ababa in January 2012, with a decision to launch a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) by 2017.  A major breakthrough was achieved in 2018 when leaders from 44 African countries met in Kigali, Rwanda, and signed a framework agreement to establish what is being called one of the world’s largest trade blocs.  The agreement declared that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would “come into effect 30 days after ratification by the parliaments of at least 22 countries. Each country has 120 days after signing the framework to ratify the agreement

India-Africa and AfCFTA

 Africa is already an important economic partner for India with total annual merchandise trade estimated at $70 billion or nearly a tenth of our global trade.  India’s engagement with African nations remains at three levels: Bilateral, Regional and Multilateral.  India is Africa’s third largest trading partner.  Africa still has unfulfilled demand for Indian commodities, especially foodstuff, finished products (automobiles, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods) and services such as IT/IT-Enabled Service, health care and education, skilling, expertise in management and banking, financial services and insurance.  Africa is a continent which receives nearly 20% of our pharmaceuticals. Many of our Pharma companies have established units in various parts of Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, DRC, Zambia and Ghana.  Our medicines and medical equipment such as Bhabhatrons and phototherapy machines are saving lives in Africa. Many of our hospitals have entered into joint ventures for establishing health care facilities.

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 India is also helping the African countries to bridge the digital divide. “We have launched 2nd phase of the Pan Africa e-Network project – e- VidhyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati Network Project (E-VBAB), which aims to provide 5 years free tele-education to students, free medical education to doctors/nurses/paramedics and free medical consultancy.  During the Third India-Africa Forum Summit, India offered USD 10 billion for development projects over the next five years.

August 2019 Mekong Ganga Cooperation Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. The MGC, is a sub-regional cooperation organisation comprising India and five ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.  History: MGC was launched in 2000 at Laos capital Vientiane.  Name: MGC takes its name from the Ganga and the Mekong, the two civilisational rivers in Southeast Asia.  Mandate: The MGC aims at facilitating closer contacts among the people inhabiting these two major river basins and enhancing cooperation in tourism, culture, education, transport and communications. G-7 Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. The three days G7 summit was concluded on August 26, 2019, at Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Although no joint communique was issued at the end of the summit, the French President released a statement stating that the seven industrialized nations were committed to open and fair world trade, and global economic stability.

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Key points Discussion on forest fires in the Amazon rainforests. G7 countries pledged $20 million help to fight fires in the Amazon rainforests. US trade conflicts with France over GAFA tax & other related issues, Iran over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), US-China trade wars. G7 leaders backed the existence and importance of the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 on Hong Kong and called for violence to be avoided. The United States of America offered a better deal after UK’s Brexit. There was a call for reinstating Russia back into the group. Russia was removed from the group after it annexed Crimea in 2014. But the consensus for the same was not achieved. As a reflection of strong bilateral relations between India & France, a special invitation was sent to India to become a part of this summit. On the sidelines of this summit, India highlighted its large-scale efforts to address various environmental issues like, reducing biodiversity, climate change, water stress & ocean pollution. India highlighted the steps taken in this regard which include, vow to eliminate single-use plastic, harnessing solar energy, saving water, and protecting flora and fauna. On a session on Digital transformation at G7 Summit, Indian PM remarked, “India’s usage of technology for enhanced & innovative digital payment initiatives.” India is putting enormous efforts in leveraging digital technology to fight social inequalities through empowerment and inclusion. Indian Prime Minister also had a brief discussion with the US President over the Kashmir issue, reiterating that, ‘it is an internal matter of India & any related issues on it will be resolved bilaterally with Pakistan’.

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The need for a dedicated multilateral Green Bank was demanded. The purpose of this bank would solely be to finance the projects supporting renewable energies and mitigating environmental challenges. This bank will complement and collaborate with other existing multilateral- regional & national institutions in co-financing the projects. The Group of Seven (G7) is a forum of the world's seven largest developed economies whose government leaders meet annually to discuss international economic and monetary issues. The G-7 has its roots in an informal meeting of the finance ministers of France, West Germany, the U.S, Great Britain, and Japan (the Group of Five) in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. That, in turn, inspired the French President to invite the leaders of those countries, and Italy, to Rambouillet in 1975 for further discussions on global oil. The next year, Canada was also invited to join the group and the first meeting with all G-7 nations was hosted by the United States which was held in Puerto Rico in 1976.Summits are held annually and hosted on a rotation basis by the group's members.The 45th G7 summit was hosted by France from August 24-26, 2019, in Biarritz in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Members The G7 members are recognized as the seven wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world. The members are: France, Germany, The United Kingdom, Italy, The United States of America,

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Canada, Japan The European Union is sometimes considered an eighth member of the G-7, since it holds all the rights and responsibilities of full members except to chair or host the meeting. Expansion to G-8 (the Group of Eight) The G-7 responded as the global economy evolved. In 1991, the Soviet Union pledged to create an economy with freer markets and held its first direct presidential election. Following the 1994 G7 meeting in Naples, Russian President held meetings with G-7 member countries, in what became known as the P-8 (Political 8). In 1998, after urging from leaders including U.S. President, Russia was added to the G-7 group as a full-time member, creating a formal G-8. However, in 2014, Russia was suspended from the group after the annexation of Crimea and tensions in Ukraine. Purpose The major purpose of the G-7 is to discuss and deliberate on international economic issues. It sometimes acts in concert to help resolve other global problems, with a special focus on economic issues. G7 fills out numerous global top lists: Leading export countries, Largest gold reserves, Largest nuclear energy producers, Top contributors to the UN budget. September 2019 166 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Dispute Settlement System of WTO Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context:

 The World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) dispute settlement mechanism is going through a “crisis”: the body is struggling to appoint new members to its understaffed Appellate Body that hears appeals in trade.  Unless the issue is resolved, the body could become defunct, and countries locked in international trade disputes will be left with no forum for recourse.

Recent issues in WTO

 Over the last few years, the membership of the body has shrivelled to just three persons instead of the required seven.  Many analysts have said that Buenos Aires summit has highlighted the existential crisis faced by WTO especially during a time when emerging economies have adopted assertive and developed economies have adopted protectionist attitude.  This is because the United States, which believes the WTO is biased against it, has been blocking appointments of new members and reappointments of some members who have completed their four-year tenure.  Two members will complete their tenures in December 2019, leaving the body with just one member.  At least three people are required to preside over an appeal, and if new members are not appointed to replace the two retiring ones, the body will cease to be relevant.

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 The understaffed appeals body has been unable to stick to its 3 month deadline for appeals filed in the last few years, and the backlog of cases has prevented it from initiating proceedings in appeals that have been filed in the last year.

WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism

 The Appellate Body, set up in 1995, is a standing committee of seven members that presides over appeals against judgments passed in trade- related disputes brought by WTO members.  With over 500 international disputes brought to the WTO and over 350 rulings issued since 1995, the organisation’s dispute settlement mechanism is one of the most active in the world, and is the highest authority in these matters.  Countries involved in a dispute over measures purported to break a WTO agreement or obligation can approach the Appellate Body if they feel the report of the panel set up to examine the issue needs to be reviewed on points of law.  It can uphold, modify, or reverse the legal findings of the panel that heard the dispute.  The WTO’s dispute settlement procedure is seen as being vital to ensuring smooth international trade flows. It has so far issued 152 reports. The reports, once adopted by the WTO’s disputes settlement body, are final and binding on the parties.

India’s Disputes in WTO

 India has so far been a direct participant in 54 disputes, and has been involved in 158 disputes as a third party.  In February 2019, the body said it would be unable to staff an appeal in a dispute between Japan and India over certain safeguard measures that India had imposed on imports of iron and steel products. 168 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

India- ASEAN Free Trade Pact Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: A report, analysing the benefits of India’s free trade agreements with Asean has been released. The report has been prepared by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Asean compromises 10 countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. India had signed an FTA in goods with the regional bloc in 2009, known as the Asean–India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA). In 2014, an FTA in services was also included. Key points: Overall, India failed to benefit from free trade agreements (FTAs) with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean).In fact, India’s trade deficit had increased ever since the country entered into FTAs with Asean.India’s net exports to countries without a trade agreement were only marginally lower than its net exports to countries with FTAs.The imports from countries with trade agreements were substantially higher, pushing India into a trade deficit. What changed after the signing of these agreements? India’s imports from Asean countries increased sharply in comparison to its exports to them after signing these agreements. India’s experience with other FTAs: India’s past experience with FTAs has not been encouraging.India had recorded a trade deficit in all major trade agreements other than the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).India needs to work on its manufacturing sector to benefit 169 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

from any FTA.India should not consider entering into FTAs without preparing the agriculture and manufacturing sectors adequately QUAD Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Recently, the high level senior official meeting of Quad nations was concluded in Bangkok (Thailand) on the margins of East Asia Summit on 4th November.

In past some time, differences among the Quad countries seem to have narrowed down.

There are also common references to the creation of a free, open and inclusive regional architecture, rules of the road, freedom of navigation and over-flight, and, ASEAN centrality.

Quad

. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

. The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.

. In December 2012, Shinzo Abe again floated the concept of Asia’s “Democratic Security Diamond” involving Australia, India, Japan and the US to safeguard the maritime commons from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.

. In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long- pending "Quad" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (especially China).

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Quad Nations and China

. USA: USA had followed a policy to contain China’s increasing influence in East Asia. Therefore, USA sees the coalition as an opportunity to regain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

o The US has described China, along with Russia, as a strategic rival in its National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and the Pentagon’s report on Indo-Pacific Strategy.

. Australia: Australia is concerned about China's growing interest in its land, infrastructure and politics, and influence on its universities.

o Taking into account its overwhelming economic dependence on China for prosperity, Australia has continued its commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China.

. Japan: In the last decade, Japan has expressed concerns related to China’s territorial transgression in the region.

o Trade volume with China remains the key lifeline to the Japanese economy, where net exports contributed exactly one-third of Japan's economic growth since the beginning of 2017.

 Therefore, considering its importance, Japan is balancing its economic needs and territorial concerns with China

o Japan has also agreed to involve in the Belt and Road Initiative by participating in infrastructure programs in third country. In this way, Japan can mitigate Chinese influence in those countries while improving relations with China.

. India: In recent years, China’s violation of international norms, particularly its construction of military facilities on reclaimed islands in the South China Sea, and its growing military and economic power, pose a strategic challenge to India.

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o Considering China’s strategic importance, India is carefully balancing China on one hand and the US on the other, by remaining committed to strategic autonomy to China, which has generally proved reassuring to China.

o India has also not permitted Australia to participate in Malabar Trilateral Maritime exercises between India, US and Japan, concerned about what message it would send to China, which is wary of the exercise.

o The recent Mamallapuram summit between President Xi Jinping and PM Modi is a positive development, valued by both sides as key to giving strategic guidance to stakeholders on both sides. Challenges

. China’s Territorial Claims: China claims that it has historical ownership over nearly the entire region of South China Sea, which gives it the right to manufacture islands. However, the International Court of Arbitration rejected the claim in 2016.

. China’s Closeness to ASEAN: The ASEAN countries also have a well-knit relationship with China. The Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a recent example of China’s increasing influence over ASEAN nations.

. Economic Power of China: Considering the economic might of China and the dependence of Quad nations like Japan and Australia on China, the Quad nations cannot afford to have strained relations with it.

. Convergence among Quad Nations: The nations in the Quad grouping have different aspirations, aims at balancing their own interest. Therefore, coherence in the vision of Quad nation as a grouping is absent. Way Forward

. The Quad will need to have a clearer vision for itself. It is important for members of the Quad not to be reactive. It is also important to exhibit

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openness, and ensure that all talk of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ is more than just a mere slogan.

. India, Japan, and Australia can take the lead in infrastructural projects, while the US too needs to be more pro-active in pushing ahead the vision of connectivity.

. The Quad should focus on building a robust regional consultation mechanism and coordinate with ASEAN nations on issues of regional importance.

. The Quad framework derives its geopolitical validation from India’s association and presents a unique opportunity for India to be an active participant in shaping regional security architecture with global undertones. Russia’s Far East Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: India extends $1 billion line of credit for development of Russia’s Far East. This was announced by PM Modi at the ongoing 5th Eastern Economic Forum.Eastern Economic Forum is Established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2015.It takes place each year in Vladivostok. Serves as a platform for the discussion of key issues in the world economy, regional integration, and the development of new industrial and technological sectors, as well as of the global challenges facing Russia and other nations. Participants: The Forum business programme includes a number of business dialogues with leading partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and with ASEAN, a key integration organization of dynamically developing nations in Southeast Asia. ABOUT THE FAR EAST:

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The Far East is the easternmost part of Russia. It borders two oceans, the Pacific and the Arctic, and five countries (China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States and the DPRK).The Far Eastern Federal District covers more than a third of the country’s territory. RESOURCES: The Far East is rich in natural resources like diamonds, stannary, borax materials, 50 gold, tungsten, and fish and seafood. About 1/3 of all coal reserves and hydro-engineering resources of the country are here. Forests of the region comprise about 30% of the total forest area of Russia. October 2019 1. India China Informal Summit Recently, the Prime Minister of India and the President of the People's Republic of China held their Second Informal Summit in Chennai (Mamallapuram), India. The recent Mamallapuram Summitt has begun a “New Era of Cooperation” between India and China.First India- China informal summit invoked the ‘Wuhan spirit’, whereas the second informal India-China summit has called for ‘Chennai Connect. Informal summits allow discussion on wide-ranging issues, they are not particularly purpose-specific, and are sometimes considered to play bigger roles in diplomatic dialogue than formal exchanges.It also acts as supplementary exchanges to annual summits. Key Points Reiteration of the first Informal Summit in Wuhan (2018) Both the countries reiterated the consensus reached during the first informal Summit in Wuhan to consider India and China as factors for stability in the current international landscape. It also emphasized upon managing the differences and not to allow differences on any issue to become disputes. 174 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Economic Development: A High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue mechanism to be established to enhance trade and commercial relations The manufacturing partnership is to be established to encourage mutual investments in identified sectors. Nepal China Ink Road Connectivity Deal Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context Recently, Nepal and China ink road connectivity deal when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited China. About Nepal and China have decided to construct rail link connecting the Tibetan capital Lhasa to Nepal’s capital Kathmandu A 28-km Kerung-Kathmandu road tunnel is also proposed to cut the distance short between Kathmandu and Chinese border. President Xi promised Upgradation of the Arniko highway that links Kathmandu with Tatopani transit point which was badly damaged in 2015 earthquake. Assistance to the tune of 56 billion (Nepalese) rupees over the next two years to help Nepal’s development programmes. Nepal and China has also signed around 20 deals covering water supply, trade, traditional medicines. China wants to support Nepal in realizing its dream to become a land-linked country from the landlocked country. Concerns for India

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Nepal is a wedged between China and India. So being a landlocked nation, Nepal is trying to diversify its relations and less dependence on India. For Nepal, China serves as a potential supplier of goods and assistance that it badly needs in order to recover its economy. Indian companies in Nepal will face stiff competition from Chinese companies. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 had forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long term dependence on India. Lastly, another factor to increase the interest is China card which most of the south Asian countries are playing with India to gain the mileage in negotiations & counter India’s Big Brother approach NAM Summit Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in News? Non-Aligned Movement Summit is to be held in Azerbaijan in June 2019. the Non-Aligned Movement is a Movement of countries representing the interests and priorities of developing countries. The Movement has its origin in the Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955. The meeting was convened upon the invitation of the Prime Ministers of Burma, Ceylon, India, Indonesia and Pakistan and brought together leaders of 29 states, mostly former colonies, from the two continents of Africa and Asia, to discuss common concerns and to develop joint policies in international relations. Prime Minister Nehru, the acknowledged senior statesman, along with Prime Ministers Soekarno and Nasser, led the conference. At the meeting Third World leaders shared their similar problems of resisting the pressures of the major powers, maintaining their

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independence and opposing colonialism and neo-colonialism, specially western domination. Following this meeting a preparatory meeting for the First NAM Summit Conference was held in Cairo, from 5-12 June 1961. Where the invitations for Bandung were on a regional basis, the invitations for the first Summit were based on each invited country’s commitment to a set of shared principles. The first Conference of Non-Aligned Heads of State or Government, at which 25 countries were represented, was convened at Belgrade in September 1961, largely through the initiative of Yugoslavian President Tito. At that stage, his biggest concern was that an accelerating arms race might result in war between the Soviet Union and the USA. India Japan 2+2 Ministerial Meeting Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi, recently. This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between India and Japan. Both nations share a common vision of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured. The dialogue enhanced the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between both nations and acknowledges emerging security challenges. Defence Cooperation History- Indo-Japanese strategic cooperation has been growing since the 2+2 dialogues at the defence and foreign secretariat levels in 2010.

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These 2+2 ministerial-level dialogues between the defence and foreign ministries are the outcome of the Vision statement which Indian and Japanese Prime Ministers had put forward after the 13th summit in 2018. BRICS Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in News The 11th BRICS Summit took place from 13th-14th November 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. The theme of the 2019 BRICS summit is "Economic Growth for an Innovative Future.” BRICS countries adopted the Brasilia Declaration. Brasilia Declaration It advocates and supports multilateralism, the central role of the U.N. in international affairs and respect for international law. Reforming Multilateral Systems: There is an urgent need to strengthen and reform the United Nations and other multilateral organisations, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to address the significant challenges being faced by the developing countries. Support to Multilateralism: The trade war between China and the U.S. and rising protectionism is hurting the global economy. Multilateralism is crucial for emerging countries to protect their own interests. India’s Stand at the Summit Intra-BRICS trade accounts for just 15% of world trade, it needs to be increased. India invited business leaders of the member nations for investment, particularly in infrastructure development. India proposed to hold the first meeting of BRICS Water Ministers in India. 178 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

India highlighted the menace of terrorism which has resulted in the loss of $1 trillion to the world economy. 1. WTO Rulings Why in news? World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) dispute settlement panel ruled against India in a trade dispute over its subsidies to exporters under various schemes. What was the charge against India? The US in March 2018 challenged export subsidies provided by India under five sets of schemes: Export-Oriented Units, Electronics Hardware Technology Park and Bio-Technology Park (EOU/EHTP/BTP) Schemes Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Scheme Duty-Free Imports for Exporters Scheme (DFIS) Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) The US had alleged that these schemes violated certain provisions of WTO’s Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement. The SCM Agreement prohibits subsidies that are dependent on export performance. According to the agreement, India was only exempt from this provision until its GNP per capita per annum reached $1,000. [Click here to know more] The export subsidies under most of the challenged schemes, except for MEIS, consist of exemptions and deductions from customs duties and other taxes. The subsidies under MEIS consist of government-issued notes (“scrips”).

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The US argued these subsidies were a detriment to American workers and manufacturers. When consultations with India did not work out, the US in May 2018 requested that a dispute settlement panel be set up. What was India’s defence? The SCM Agreement allows for special and differential treatment of certain developing countries. The agreement carves out exemptions from or remission of duties or taxes on an exported product under certain conditions. India argued that certain provisions under this agreement excluded it from the provisions prohibiting export subsidies. It also argued that all the challenged schemes, except the SEZ scheme, adhered to a provision of the SCM Agreement. Russian Cyber - crime Treaty Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in News India voted in favour of a cybercrime resolution led by Russia in a committee of the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution seeks to set up new cyber norms considered as counter alternative to the US backed Budapest Accord. A final General Assembly vote to adopt the resolution will be held in December, 2019. Budapest Convention The Council of Europe’s (CoE) Cybercrime Convention is also known as the Budapest Convention. It was open for signature in 2001 and came into force in

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2004.The convention is the sole legally binding international multilateral treaty on cybercrime. It coordinates cybercrime investigations between nation-states and criminalizes certain cybercrime conduct. It serves as a guideline for any country developing comprehensive national legislation against Cybercrime and as a framework for international cooperation between state parties to this treaty. The Budapest Convention is supplemented by a Protocol on Xenophobia and Racism committed through computer systems. Significance: Almost all stakeholders agree that the current form of cross-border data sharing for law enforcement through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) is insufficient for the digital age. However, there is an ongoing debate whether to revamp MLAT or form an entirely new system for cybercrimes in the form of this Convention. This Convention has eagerly called for Indian participation since its formation in 2001, but India has decided not to be a party to it. Global Migration Report Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Context: ‘Global Migration Report 2020’ has been released by International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM). Key findings- India specific: India accounts for the highest share with 17.5 million Indians living outside the country.India is the leading recipient of remittances. International remittances in 2018 (2020 report) reached $689 billion, out of which India received $78.6 billion from the 17.5 million living abroad.

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Remittances received by India have consistently increased between the 2005 and 2020.The top migration corridors for Indians are the United Arab Emirates, the US and Saudi Arabia. Highest number of migrants entering India come from Bangladesh. Global scenario: As compared to the 2000 Global Migration Report, the number of international migrants has nearly doubled in the 2020 report, from 150 million to 272 million.India is followed by Mexico (11.8 million) and China (10.7 million).Roughly two-thirds of international migrants are labour migrants.The United States was the top remittance-issuer, at $68 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates ($44.4 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($36.1 billion).The top destinations for international migrants is the US where, as of September 2019, there were 50.7 million international migrants. The US is followed by Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russian Federation and the UK.The proportion of female international migrants has only marginally changed between the two reports, from 47.5% in 2000 to 47.9%.The share of international migrants who were children has dropped from 16% in 2000 to 13.9%.Oceania is the region with the highest proportion of international migrants. The UAE is the country with the highest proportion of international migrants. More than half of all international migrants (141 million) live in Europe and North America. Reasons for migration: 1. Economic conditions. 2. Ongoing conflicts and violence. 3. Impact of climate and weather disasters UN Peacekeeping Forces Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate.

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Context: India calls for reforms in peacekeeping at UNSC debate. Need for reforms:Peacekeeping currently is in a “no-man’s land” between trying to keep the peace in fragile environments and trying to enforce the maintenance of peace, where there is none to keep. There is not effective improvement of the cooperation between Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), the Security Council and the Secretariat. Need of the hour:Reform peacekeeping based on incentivisation, innovation and institutionalisation. Incentivise women peacekeepers. As of July 31, women peacekeepers constituted 6 per cent. There are 5,243 female peacekeepers, out of a total of 86,687 peacekeepers. Innovative options such as co-deployment of peacekeepers from different countries engenders a genuine spirit of partnership for peace and needs to be promoted. There is need for expansion of online initiatives to develop capacities of future commanders and managers so that they lead by example and raise awareness of UN standards of conduct among their personnel is another innovation that can be further promoted. What is peacekeeping? It’s significance? United Nations Peacekeeping was created in 1948. Its first mission involved the establishment of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which served to observe and maintain ceasefire during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. 183 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Peacekeeping has unique strengths, including legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates. UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles: Consent of the parties. Impartiality Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate. NATO Topic:India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations, International Treaties and Forums, their structure and mandate. Why in news? Leaders of the member states of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) are gathered in London to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the defence alliance. When and why was NATO formed? NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was founded in 1949 as a defence alliance. It was meant to ensure collective protection for its members against the threat of possible post-War communist expansion and aggression by the Soviet Union. The key member States included the United States, Canada, and American allies in Europe.The Soviet Union too, formed its own defence and political alliance with Eastern European nations as a counterbalance to NATO. In this context was signed the Warsaw Pact in 1955. This alliance was disbanded after the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1991. What is the current relevance of NATO? 184 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

NATO has traditionally focused on Russia and the European neighbourhood. It had the need to deter “revisionist” and “militarily advanced” Russia, and the threat posed by rogue nations such as North Korea. However, with the collapse of the USSR, NATO lost its fundamental purpose of existence. For most NATO members, the primary concern now is the expansionist ambition of China. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. Leprosy in India

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. Context: As per the reports of WHO in 2019, Leprosy has resurfaced in India. Now India has the highest number of new leprosy cases in the world, followed by Brazil and Indonesia. What is Leprosy? Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, acid-fast rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early infancy to very old age. Leprosy is curable and early treatment averts most disabilities. Transmission: As per the WHO, the exact mechanism of transmission of leprosy is not known. At least until recently, the most widely held belief was that the disease was transmitted by contact between cases of leprosy and healthy persons. More recently the possibility of transmission by the respiratory route is gaining ground. There are also other possibilities such as transmission through insects which cannot be completely ruled out.

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Disease causing organism enters the body commonly through respiratory system by droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases. After entering the body, the organism migrates towards the nerves and skin. If it is not diagnosed and treated in early stages, it may cause further damage to nerves leading to development of permanent disability. Symptoms: Cardinal signs are skin lesion consistent with leprosy and with definite sensory loss, with or without thickened nerves and positive skin smears.

 Dark-skinned people might have light patches on the skin, while pale- skinned people have darker or reddish patches.  Loss or decrease of sensation in the skin patches  Numbness or tingling in hand or feet  Weakness of hands, feet or eyelids  Painful nerves  Swelling or lumps in the face or earlobes  Painless wounds or burns on hands or feet.

History of decease and the treatment Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to human. It is described in the literature of ancient civilizations. Although leprosy was managed differently in the past, the first breakthrough occurred in the 1940s with the development of the medicine dapsone [diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS)]. The duration of treatment lasted many years, often a lifetime, making compliance difficult. In the 1960s, M. leprae started to develop resistance to dapsone, the only known anti-leprosy medicine at that time, dapsone. In the early 1960s, rifampicin and clofazimine were discovered and subsequently added to the treatment regimen, which was later labelled as multidrug therapy (MDT). In 1981, WHO recommended MDT. The currently recommended MDT regimen consists of medicines: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. This treatment lasts for six months for pauci-bacillary and 12 months for multi-bacillary cases. MDT

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kills the pathogen and cures the patient. Since 1995 WHO has provided MDT free of cost. Free MDT was initially funded by The Nippon Foundation, and since 2000 it is donated through an agreement with Novartis until at least 2020. Elimination of leprosy as public health problem (defined as a registered prevalence of less than 1 case per 10 000 population) was achieved globally in 2000. More than 16 million leprosy patients have been treated with MDT over the past 20 years. In 2016 WHO launched its "Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020: Accelerating towards a leprosy-free world" to reinvigorate efforts for leprosy control. The strategy focuses on children as well as on avoiding disabilities. The National Leprosy Control Programme was launched by the Govt. of India in 1955. Multi Drug Therapy came into wide use from 1982 and the National Leprosy Eradication Programme was introduced in 1983. Since then, remarkable progress has been achieved in reducing the disease burden. The country achieved the goal of leprosy elimination as a public health problem. i.e. prevalence rate (PR) of less than 1 case / 10,000 population at National level by December 2005, as set by National Health Policy 2002. As per the reports of WHO in 2019, Leprosy has resurfaced in India. Now India has the highest number of new leprosy cases in the world, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

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Global Scenario: Worldwide, two to three million people are estimated to be permanently disabled because of leprosy. India reported the greatest number of new cases (60% of reported cases), followed by Brazil (13%) and Indonesia (8%).The number of new leprosy cases is difficult to measure and monitor due to leprosy's long incubation period, delays in diagnosis after onset of the disease, and lack of medical care in affected areas. The prevalence rate is defined as the number of cases registered for MDT treatment among the population in which the cases have occurred, again at a given point in time.

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Leprosy in India: The rise in the number of recorded leprosy cases from 86,147 (in 2013-14) to 90,709 (2017-18), reported a decade and a half after India was declared leprosy-free in 2005, has turned the spotlight on the hotspots for the disease. In the past two-and-a-half years, India accounted for 60 per cent of the global total of new leprosy cases. In a recent report, the Central Leprosy Division, which comes under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, revealed that 13,485 new cases were detected only in 2017, which means that in every four minutes, one person is diagnosed with leprosy in India. After the declaration of the leprosy elimination status, the leprosy programme was shifted to the National Health Mission. The Director General for Leprosy (India) also drew the attention to a few alarming trends in the directives issued by its office in the year 2016. It mentioned about pockets of high endemicity in the country where there is ongoing transmission. A sample survey conducted by the

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that there are many hidden cases in the community. The major cause of hidden cases is low voluntary reporting in the community due to a lack of awareness as well as stigma and discrimination. The NLEP evaluation report in late 2016 showed cases of disability due to late detection of leprosy. The government has been in a state of denial about the level of leprosy in the country. In addition, during the 1990s, the focus shifted towards HIV/AIDS, which was termed a major threat to the country. The decline in the funding for leprosy- related programmes and the diversion of resources caused more harm to the fight against leprosy. Today, though, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra remain the ‘hotspots’ from which maximum prevalence was detected last year. High population density, poor sanitation and inadequate access to nutrition are among the reasons for the number remaining high. WHO’s ‘The Global Leprosy Strategy’:In 2016 WHO launched the “Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020: Accelerating towards a leprosy-free world”, which aims to reinvigorate efforts to control leprosy and avert disabilities, especially among children still affected by the disease in endemic countries. The key interventions needed to achieve the targets include:

 Detecting cases early before visible disabilities occur, with a special focus on children as a way to reduce disabilities and reduce transmission;  Targeting detection among higher risk groups through campaigns in highly endemic areas or communities; and  Improving health care coverage and access for marginalized populations. Endemic countries need to include other strategic interventions in their national plans to meet the new targets, namely:

 Screening all close contacts of persons affected by leprosy;  Promoting a shorter and uniform treatment regimen; and 190 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Incorporating specific interventions against stigmatization and discrimination. National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP): The National Leprosy Control Programme was launched by the Government of India in 1955. After introduction of Multi Drug Therapy in 1982, the programme was converted in to National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in the year 1983 with the objective of achieving eradication of the disease from the country. In 2005, though the elimination of leprosy at national level has been achieved; but still around 57% of the worlds' leprosy affected persons live in India. 554 districts (81.23%) out of total 682 districts have achieved elimination by March 2017.

Activities under NLEP:

 Diagnosis and treatment of leprosy- Services for diagnosis and treatment (Multi drug therapy) are provided by all primary health centres and govt. dispensaries throughout the country free of cost.  Training- Training of general health staff like medical officer, health workers, health supervisors, laboratory technicians and ASHAs are conducted every year to develop adequate skill in diagnosis and management of leprosy cases.  Urban leprosy control- To address the complex problems in urban areas, the Urban Leprosy control activities are being implemented in urban areas having population size of more than 1 lakh.  IEC- Intensive IEC activities are conducted for awareness generation and particularly reduction of stigma and discrimination against leprosy affected persons.  NGO services under SET scheme.  Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation.  Special Activity in High Endemic Districts.

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 Supervision and Monitoring –Programme is being monitored at different level through analysis of monthly progress reports, through field visits by the supervisory officers and programme review meetings held at central, state and district level.

2. Eat Right India Movement

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care.

Context: The Food Saftey and Standards Authorityof India (FSSAI) launched a nationwide campaign ‘Eat Right Movement to improve public health and reduce lifestyle diseases in India.

Importance: 'Eat Right India', built on two broad pillars of 'Eat Healthy' and 'Eat Safe', aims to engage, excite and enable citizens to improve their health and wellbeing. Led by FSSAI, it is a collective effort to make both the demand and supply-side interventions through the engagement of key stakeholders. This Eat Right Movement is a collaborative move with stakeholders—on both the demand and supply side—coming together.  On the demand side, the campaign focuses on empowering citizens to make right food choices.  On the supply side, it nudges food businesses to reformulate their products, provide better nutritional information to consumers and make investments in healthy food as responsible food businesses. Food systems around the world are delivering unhealthy diets, raising the risk of death and disease, malnutrition, and rising obesity. Building a world where safe and nutritious food is available for everyone and everywhere requires transformation of the food systems. More than 135 million people in India are affected by obesity. Urban population with high socio-economic status are found to be having higher obesity prevalence. Due to the consumption of energy dense food (i.e. unhealthy food habits), sedentary life style, lack of health care services 192 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

and financial support, the developing countries are facing high risk of obesity and their adverse consequences (i.e. diabetes, ischemic heart disease, etc). This campaign has kick-started at a crucial time when India is becoming the diabetes capital of the world, cases of anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies are on the rise, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for 1 in 5 disease- related deaths. This movement is aligned with the government’s flagship public health programmes such as POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anemia Mukt Bharat, Ayushman Bharat

Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission. Food systems are critical to many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognising this, the UN will host a Food Systems Summit in 2021 as part of the Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs. SDG-3 aspires to ensure health and well-being for all.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place robust regulatory measures under three major pillars: Eat Safe, Eat Health and Eat Sustainably for the programme. There are five concrete actions under each pillar. Under safety, the focus is on ensuring personal and surrounding hygiene, maintaining hygienic and sanitary practices through the food supply chain, combating adulteration, reducing toxins and contaminants in food, and controlling food hazards in processing and manufacturing processes. FSSAI has prescribed a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) at 25% in cooking oil to avoid the harmful effects of reused cooking oil.

 It aims to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in three years.  As a part of the campaign, edible oil industries took a pledge to reduce trans-fat content by 2 per cent by 2022.  Food companies also took a pledge to reformulate packaged foods with reduced level of salt, sugar and saturated fat.  Swasth Bharat Yatra: A Pan India Cycle rally, is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March and 'Salt Satyagraha' of 1930. Through his tireless yatras, Mahatma Gandhi led the nation towards freedom from Colonial Rule. Swasth Bhartat Yatra was conducted as part of Eat Right India campaign.  The EatRight Tool Kit: The toolkit is designed to provide food safety and nutrition messages for citizens at the grass roots level in an interesting and

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engaging manner. It also aims to train frontline health workers to deliver these messages effectively through a ToT model (Training of Trainers) Therefore, the toolkit targets frontline health workers such as ASHA and Anganwadi Workers, Multi-purpose workers (MPW), Mid-level Health Providers (MLHPs and Medical Officers as well as citizens both children and adults.  POSHAN Abhiyaan: Jan Andolan aims to introduce a robust convergence mechanism to map various schemes that address the issue of malnutrition. Even though there are multiple schemes in the country addressing health and nutritional status of children (0-6) years old, pregnant and lactating women, the incidence of malnutrition and other deficiencies is still high. The strategic approach of POSHAN is to target reduction in the incidence of stunting, under- nutrition, anaemia and low birth weight collectively by creating synergies within various line ministries and schemes to achieve targeted goal by 2022.  Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) initiative: The Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) initiative has been launched to bring about social and behavioural change among citizens around food safety, hygiene and healthy diets in all spheres of life- at 'Home', 'School', 'Workplace' or while 'Eating Out'. The philosophy is to create informative content and engagement material, along with simple messaging asking citizens to be aware, be cognizant and be receptive to SNF (safe and nutritious food).  Fortification of food: It is a complementary strategy to address widespread micronutrient malnutrition (deficiency of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals) in the country. FSSAI has established a Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC), within FSSAI, as a 'resource hub' to promote fortification of food as part of its mandate to assure "safe and wholesome food" to all.  Toolkit Video: It is short video introducing Eat Right ToolKit. All citizens, businesses, media houses, civil society organisations and professional associations are requested to disseminate the video across formats so that the message reaches to masses.

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Eat Right Campaign in Kerala:

 Eat Right School Kerala: Part of Eat Right India Campaign implemented by the Food Safety Department as part of the Aardram mission aims at creating healthy food habits among children, helping them identify food with adulterants, and reduce junk food intake so as to grow into a healthy generation. It is initially inaugurated in Trivandrum District. Eat Right School was also connected with other initiatives such as setting hygiene parameters for street vendors such as training and certification. The student ambassadors will make others students aware of the importance of eating safe and right.  Eat Right Day: The Eat Right Day was organised on 16th October 2018 to mark the official inauguration of the “Eat Right India Movement” in the state.

3. Young Scientist Program (YUVIKA)

Syllabus: Institutes and Organization in India promoting integration of S&T and Innovation, their activities and contributions, ISRO – it's activities and achievements Context: Indian Space Research Organisation has launched a special programme for School Children called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (युविका) from the year 2019. The second session of the programme is scheduled to be held during the month of May 2020.

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Aims: The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of Space activities. The program is thus aimed at creating awareness amongst the youngsters who are the future building blocks of our Nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”. About YUVIKA: The programme will be of two weeks duration during summer holidays (May 11-22, 2020) and the schedule will include invited talks, experience sharing by the eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts, practical and feedback sessions. 3 students each from each State/ Union Territory will be selected to participate in this programme covering CBSE, ICSE and State syllabus. 5 additional seats are reserved for OCI candidates across the country. Eligibility: Those who have finished 8th standard and currently studying in 9th standard will be eligible for the programme. Students who are studying in India including OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) are also eligible for the programme. The selection is based on the 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities.

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Students belong to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria. In case there is tie between the selected candidates, the younger candidates will be given priority. 4. UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO).

Syllabus: Institutes and Organization in India promoting integration of S&T and Innovation, their activities and contributions, ISRO – it's activities and achievements Context: India announced a capacity building programme UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO) on Nanosatellites development through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on training on Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) in June 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United nation conference UNISPACE+50. UNNATI Programme: UNNATI, a capacity building programme on Nanosatellite development, is an initiative by ISRO to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space (UNISPACE-50). The programme provides opportunities to the participating developing countries to strengthen in assembling, integrating and testing of Nanosatellite. UNNATI programme is planned to be conducted for 3 years by U.R. Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO in 3 batches and will target to benefit officials of 45 countries. UNNATI consists of two theoretical modules where the participants are taken through basics of satellite technology (module 1) and nanosatellites (module 2). The participants would be introduced to the design aspects of satellites, the various subsystems of a satellite and their functionality, configuration evolution and post-launch mission operations. Hands-on training (module 3) consists of nanosatellite assembly, integration and testing. 30 participants from 17 different countries have participated in the first batch of programme during 15th January 2019 to 15th March 2019. 198 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Why it is important?: As one of the leading space faring nations, India has been actively associated with United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as member of Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) since its inception. During the 54th session of Scientific & Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS at Vienna in February 2017, UNOOSA requested Member States to propose new initiatives for the benefit of member countries. In June 2018, the international community gathered in Vienna to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50). During this meet, India announced a capacity building training programme UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &Training by ISRO) on Nanosatellites development through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on training on Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT). Additional info:

 United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). o The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the United Nations office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. UNOOSA serves as the secretariat for the General Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space: the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). o UNOOSA is also responsible for implementing the Secretary-General's responsibilities under international space law and maintaining the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space. o UNOOSA is located at the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria.  Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). o The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of

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space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. o The Committee was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programmes, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space. o The Committee was instrumental in the creation of the five treaties and five principles of outer space. o International cooperation in space exploration and the use of space technology applications to meet global development goals are discussed in the Committee every year. o The Committee has two subsidiary bodies: the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, and the Legal Subcommittee, both established in 1961. o The Committee reports to the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, which adopts an annual resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. 5. International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT). Context:2019 has been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT), marking the 150th anniversary of the Mendeleev periodic table. Importance:The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is one of the most significant achievements in science, capturing the essence not only of chemistry, but also of physics and biology. It is a unique tool, enabling scientist to predict the appearance and properties of matter on the Earth and in the rest of the Universe. The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is more than just a guide or catalogue of the entire known atoms in the universe; it is essentially a window on the universe, helping to expand our understanding of the world around us.

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The periodic table as we know it today was first designed by the Russian scientist Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev.2019 was the 150th anniversary since Dmitry Mendeleev discovered the Periodic System and has been proclaimed the “International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements” (IYPT2019). The initiative for IYPT2019 is supported by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in partnership with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), European Association for Chemical and Molecular Science (EuCheMS), the International Council for Science (ICSU), International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPS). It was submitted by numerous organizations from over 50 countries around the world. Objectives: The announcement by the United Nations will help to raise the profile of how chemistry can provide solutions to global challenges in agriculture, education, energy and health.

Mendleev’s Periodic Table: Mendeleev realized that the physical and chemical properties of elements were related to their atomic mass in a 'periodic' way, and arranged them so that groups of elements with similar properties fell into vertical columns in his table. In 1869, just five years after John Newlands put forward his Law of Octaves, a Russian chemist called Dmitri Mendeleev published a periodic table. Mendeleev also arranged the elements known at the time in order of relative atomic mass, but he did some other things that made his table much more successful. Mendeleev’s genius lies in the acknowledgement that at the time, not all the elements were known yet, so he left gaps in the table for undiscovered elements. At that time, only 63 elements had been identified. Still the properties of five other elements (the gaps brilliantly added to complete the table) could already been determined using the table.The discovery of some of these elements in the following years confirmed Mendeleev’s predictions, and revealed the brilliance of the Periodic Law, as Mendeleev called his table.

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Fifty five elements have been discovered since Mendeleev’s first scheme, and they were all incorporated to the existing classification according to their atomic mass.Modern day periodic tables are expanded beyond Mendeleev's initial 63 elements. Most of the current periodic tables include 108 or 109 elements. Element 101 was named mendelevium to honour Mendeleev’s contributions. Only 50 scientists have elements named after them, while 180 chemists have received a Nobel prize in chemistry. Indium: an alkali metal element with atomic number 49 was named after ‘India’. It is a silvery-white metal that resembles tin in appearance.In 1863, the German chemists Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymous Theodor Richter discovered Indium. They named the element indium, from the indigo color seen in its spectrum, after the Latin indicum, meaning 'of India'. 6. RemoveDEBRIS Project Syllabus topics: Technology in Space and Defence RemoveDEBRIS is a satellite research project intending to demonstrate various space debris removal technologies. The mission is led by the Surrey Space Centre from the University of Surrey with the satellite's platform manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Partners on the project include Airbus Defence and Space (Germany, UK, and France/Toulouse), the world’s second largest space companyAirbus Safran Launchers (France), SSTL, a world leader in small satellites (UK), ISIS (Netherlands), CSEM (Switzerland,)Inria (France) and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). RemoveDEBRIS is aimed at performing key Active Debris Removal (ADR) technology demonstrations to find the best way to capture the estimated 40,000 pieces of space debris that is orbiting Earth. Space Debris: Space Debris is the collection of unwanted objects in the earth’s orbit which is either human-made or natural. Asteroids and meteors are examples of natural debris. Artificial debris consists of non-functional satellites, spent rocket motors and other remnants of space missions in outer space. More than 500,000 pieces of debris, or “space junk,” are tracked as they orbit the Earth. They all travel at speeds up to 17,500 mph, fast enough for a relatively 202 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

small piece of orbital debris to damage a satellite or a spacecraft.The rising population of space debris increases the potential danger to all space vehicles, but especially to the International Space Station, space shuttles and other spacecraft with humans aboard.

RemoveDEBRIS Project:The RemoveDEBRIS platform was based on a SSTL X50 (Surrey Satellite Technology) Structure that had been customized for deployment from the International Space Station. The platform hosted all the experimental payloads as well as providing power, data and control for the mission. A high degree of autonomy was built in using time-tagged commands to allow experiments to be run out of sight of the groundstation. Rather than engaging in active debris removal (ADR) of real space debris, the RemoveDEBRIS mission plan is to test the efficacy of several ADR technologies on mock targets in low Earth orbit. In order to complete its planned experiments the platform is equipped with a net, a harpoon, a laser ranging instrument, a dragsail, and two CubeSats (miniature research satellites - DebriSATs).

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Additional info:

 India's successful demonstration of the ASAT capability under ‘Mission Shakti’NASA criticized India for the test, describing it as a “terrible, terrible” thing that had endangered the International Space Station (ISS) and led to the creation of nearly 400 pieces of orbital debris.  The amount of Indian space debris may have almost doubled in the aftermath of the Mission Shakti anti-satellite strike but this is still significantly less than the existing space debris generated by China, Russia and the United States. o Prior to the March 27 test, for India’s 80 pieces, there were 4,091 pieces of debris by the U.S., 4,025 by Russia and China’s 4,038, according to SPACE-TRACK.  NASA pointed out increased risk of International Space Station (ISS) by debris created by Indian ASAT demonstration.  India on other hand stated that the Mission Shakti was conducted within range of 300 km above earth surface, while ISS orbits the earth between 330 km and 435 km above the earth.  ISRO initiated ‘Project NETRA’ (Network for space object Tracking and Analysis) to safeguard Indian space assets from debris and other harm on September 2019. o ‘Project NETRA’ – an early warning system in space to detect debris and other hazards to Indian satellites. o The project estimated to cost ₹400 crore, when in place, will give India its own capability in space situational awareness (SSA) like the other space powers — which is used to ‘predict’ threats from debris to Indian satellites.

7. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Context:Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the second indigenously developed ‘Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)’ propulsion based missile system from ITR, Chandipur, Odisha (February 2019). 204 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What is SFDR?: It is an indigenously developed propulsion technology expected to accelerate the development of long range air-to-air missiles. The Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad was the lead agency for the collaborative mission project of SFDR test. The SFDR Mission Project started in 2013 with an estimated funding of nearly Rs 500 cr to develop the technology and demonstrate it in 5 years. Additional info: Astra is an all-weather beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization. It is the first air-to-air missile developed by India. Astra Mk.3 will use newly developed solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology with a maximum range of 340 km (210 mi) equivalent to Meteor missile. 8. PARAM Shivay Context:The first Supercomputer designed and built under National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) by C-DAC at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi was dedicated by the Prime Minister to the scientific and research community of the nation in order to strengthen the research and development activities in the country. PARAM Shivay: It is India’s first indigenously build supercomputer. The new Supercomputing Centre is equipped with the latest Intel based processor, high memory compute nodes and with a peak computing power of 833 Teraflops. The supercomputer is also more energy efficient than the existing ones. The super computer was built at the cost of Rs 32.5 crore. the supercomputer uses more than one lakh twenty thousand compute cores (CPU + GPU cores) to offer a peak compute power of 833 TeraFlops. In the first phase of the National Supercomputing Mission, three supercomputer machines, to be fully designed, manufactured and assembled in India are being installed at IIT (Banaras Hindu University), Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Pune and IIT, Kharagpur.

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National Super Computing Mission:National Supercomputing Mission, under the leadership of Prime Minister of India is an important initiative by Government of India to boost indigenous efforts to be in the forefront of supercomputing capability for socio-economic development of the nation. The mission jointly steered by Ministry of Electronics and IT and Department of Science & Technology, is being implemented through two leading organizations – Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore with an objective to meet the increasing computing demands of the scientific and research community.The government launched National Supercomputing Mission to connect national academic and R&D institutions with a grid of over 70 high-performance computing facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore in which Rs 2,800 crore will come from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the rest, about Rs 1,700 crore, from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Experts from various organisations including NITI Aayog, IIT, JNU, DRDO and BARC have made substantial contributions towards implementing this mission. This initiative supports the government’s vision of “Digital India” and “Make in India” and will place India at the forefront of global supercomputing map. Once operational, these high-performance computing facilities facilitated by the mission would improve weather services, disaster simulation and management; help faster processing of seismic data, support computational biology and many more disciplines. Additional info:

 CDAC: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the premier R&D organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for carrying out R&D in IT, Electronics and associated areas. o The setting up of C-DAC in 1988 itself was to built Supercomputers in context of denial of import of Supercomputers by USA. Since then C-DAC has been

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undertaking building of multiple generations of Supercomputer starting from PARAM with 1 GF in 1988.  Teraflop: a unit of computing speed equal to one million million (1012) floating- point operations per second.

9. PSLV C45/EMISAT

Context:India's PSLV-C45 successfully injected EMISAT and 28 international customer satellites into their designated orbits (April, 2019).

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PSLV C45: PSLV C45 was India’s 47th mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). EMISAT, the primary satellite and 28 international customer satellites were successfully injected into their designated orbits. he speciality of this mission is that for the first time PSLV launched satellites in 3 different orbits.It was the first three-orbit mission and the first launch that used solar panels for the required thrust. Normally, polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) is a four stage

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launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. This mission is unique as it is the first PSLV fourth stage (PS4) that uses solar panels.

The PS4 orbital platform is envisaged to provide a microgravity environment for research organizations and academic institutes to perform experiments. In this mission, the PS4 hosts three payloads, namely,  Automatic Identification System (AIS) from ISRO - for Maritime satellite applicationscapturing messages transmitted from ships  Automatic Packet Repeating System (APRS) from AMSAT (Radio Amateur SatelliteCorporation), India - assists amateur radio operators in tracking and monitoring positiondata  Advanced Retarding Potential Analyzer for Ionosphere Studies (ARIS) from IndianInstitute of Space Science and technology (IIST) -for the structural and compositionalstudies of ionosphere.

EMISAT:EMISAT is a satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 bus weighing about 436 kg. The satellite is intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement. 10. AstroSat Mission Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has called for proposals from Indian and foreign researchers to access scientific data using observatory time of AstroSat satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has called for proposals from Indian and foreign researchers to access scientific data using observatory time of AstroSat satellite. The observations will be carried out between April and September 2020. The AstroSat satellite is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) spectral bands simultaneously, thus providing a space astronomy observatory operated by ISRO. The satellite is at 650 km near-equatorial orbit with 6-degree orbital inclination, and has completed four years at the end of September 2019 in orbit. 209 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Features: AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. The payloads cover the energy bands of Ultraviolet (Near and Far), limited optical and X-ray regime (0.3 keV to 100keV). One of the unique features of AstroSat mission is that it enables the simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects with a single satellite.

The scientific objectives of AstroSat mission are:  To understand high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes.  Estimate magnetic fields of neutron stars.  Study star birth regions and high energy processes in star systems lying beyond our galaxy.  Detect new briefly bright X-ray sources in the sky.  Perform a limited deep field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

AstroSat carries a total of five scientific payloads, namely, Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC), Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTi) and Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM). AstroSat has provided good spatial resolution images in UV over half degree field of view and has a large collecting area at High Energy X-rays (LAXPC). Except for SSM, other four payloads onboard AstroSat are co-aligned and capable of performing simultaneous observations of astronomical sources. ASTROSAT may be similar to the NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the former is about 10 times smaller and cannot be compared to the Hubble, which is versatile. Besides NASA, space agencies of the European Union, Japan and Russia have launched similar facilities into the space. 11. ForwArd Search ExpeRiment at the LHC (FASER)

Context: The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) approved the Forward Search Experiment (FASER). 210 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

FASER:FASER (ForwArd Search ExpeRiment) is one of the eight particle physics experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. It is designed to search for new light & weakly coupled elementary particles, and to study the interactions of high- energy neutrinos.FASER will search for a suite of hypothesized particles including so-called “dark photons”, particles which are associated with dark matter, neutralinos and others. FASERwill complement CERN’s ongoing physics program, extending its discovery potential to several new particles. Some of these sought- after particles are associated with dark matter. With an expanding interest in undiscovered particles, particularly long-lived particles and dark matter, new experiments have been proposed to expand the scientific potential of CERN’s accelerator complex and infrastructure as part of the Physics Beyond Collider (PBC) study, under whose aegis FASER operates. The four main LHC detectors are not suited for detecting the light and weakly interacting particles that might be produced parallel to the beam line. They may travel hundreds of metres without interacting with any material before transforming into known and detectable particles, such as electrons and positrons. The exotic particles would escape the existing detectors along the current beam lines and remain undetected. FASER will therefore be located along the beam trajectory 480 metres downstream from the interaction point within ATLAS. A collaboration of 16 institutes is building the detector and will carry out the experiments which will start taking data from LHC’s Run 3 between 2021 and 2023. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is a European CERN:research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. It is established in 1954 at Geneva, Switzerland. Dark Matter and Dark energy: Dark Matter is a hypothesised kind of matter that does not interact with the electromagnetic force and consequently cannot be directly detected using emitted light. Astrophysical evidence shows that dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe, but it has never been observed and studied in a laboratory. Dark energy is an unknown form of energy that affects the 211 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

universe on the largest scales. The first observational evidence for its existence came from supernovae measurements, which showed that the universe does not expand at a constant rate; rather, the expansion of the universe is accelerating.Dark energy makes up approximately 68% of the universe and appears to be associated with the vacuum in space. It is distributed evenly throughout the universe, not only in space but also in time, in other words, its effect is not diluted as the universe expands. The even distribution means that dark energy does not have any local gravitational effects, but rather a global effect on the universe as a whole. This leads to a repulsive force, which tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. The rate of expansion and its acceleration can be measured by observations based on the Hubble law. These measurements, together with other scientific data, have confirmed the existence of dark energy and provide an estimate of just how much of this mysterious substance exists. 12. Atmospheric Waves Experiment

Context:NASA has selected a $42 million mission that will help scientists understand and, ultimately, forecast the vast space weather system around our planet. Importance:Space weather is important because it can have profound impacts – affecting technology and astronauts in space, disrupting radio communications and, at its most severe, overwhelming power grids.The new experiment will, for the first time, obtain global observations of an important driver of space weather in a dynamic region of Earth’s upper atmosphere that can cause interference with radio and GPS communications. Researchers once thought that only the Sun’s constant outflow of ultraviolet light and particles, the solar wind, could affect the region. However, recently they have learned that solar variability is not enough to drive the changes observed, and Earth’s weather also must be having an effect. To help unravel that connection, AWE will investigate how waves in the lower atmosphere, caused by variations in the densities of different packets of air, impact the upper atmosphere.

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AWE:AWE is a Mission of Opportunity under NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, which conducts focused scientific research and develops instrumentation to fill the scientific gaps between the agency’s larger missions.Since the 1958 launch of NASA’s first satellite Explorer 1, which discovered Earth’s radiation belts, the Explorers Program has supported more than 90 missions. The Uhuru and Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) missions led to Nobel prizes for their investigators. AWE was selected for development based on its potential science value and the feasibility of its development plans. NASA also has selected the Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) for a seven-month, $100,000 extended formulation study. SunRISE would be an array of six CubeSats operating like one large radio telescope. This proposed mission would investigate how giant space weather storms from the Sun, called solar particle storms, are accelerated and released into planetary space.

13. Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3 (GRAPES 3)

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News:Ooty’s muon detection facility measures potential of thundercloud. GRAPES 3:GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3) is designed to study cosmic rays with an array of air shower detectors and a large area muon detector. It aims to probe acceleration of cosmic rays in the following four astrophysical settings. These include acceleration of particles to: (i) 100 MeV in atmospheric electric fields through muons, (ii) 10 GeV in Solar system through muons, (iii) 1 PeV in our galaxy through nuclear composition of cosmic rays, (iv) 100 EeV in nearby universe through measurement of diffuse γ-ray flux. Objectives of the GRAPES-3 Experiment:

Study of,

 The origin, acceleration and propagation of >1014 eV cosmic rays in the galaxy and beyond.  Existence of “Knee” in the energy spectrum of cosmic rays.  Production and/or acceleration of highest energy (~1020 eV) cosmic rays in the universe.  Astronomy of multi-TeV γ-rays from neutron stars and other compact object.  Sun the closest astrophysical object, accelerator of energetic particles and its effects on the Earth.

The GRAPES-3 is located at Ooty in Tamil Nadu, 2200m above mean sea level. The observations began with 217 plastic scintillators and a 560 m² area muon detector in 2000. The scintillators detect charged particles contained in extensive air showers produced by interaction of high energy cosmic rays in the atmosphere. At present the array is operating with ~400 scintillators that are spread over an area of 25,000 m². The energy threshold of muon detectors is 1 GeV.

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Measures potential of thundercloud:For the first time in the world, researchers at the GRAPES-3 muon telescope facility in Ooty have measured the electrical potential, size and height of a thundercloud that passed overhead on December 1, 2014. At 1.3 gigavolts (GV), this cloud had 10 times higher potential than the previous record in a cloud. This is not because clouds with such high potentials are a rarity, but rather, because the methods of detection have not been successful so far. Cloud Structure:Clouds have negative charges along their lower side and positive charges on top and can be several kilometres thick. If balloons are used to measure the potential difference between the top and bottom, they will take hours to traverse the distance. Unfortunately, thunderstorms last only for about 15-20 minutes, and this method fails. Muons and other particles are produced when cosmic rays bombard air particles surrounding the earth. The muons produced can have positive or negative charge. When a positively charged muon falls through a cloud, it loses energy. If its energy falls below 1 giga electron volt (GeV), which is the threshold of detection of the GRAPES-3 muon telescope, it goes undetected. On the contrary, a negatively charged muon gains energy when falling through the cloud and gets detected. Since there are more positive than negative muons produced in nature, the two effects don’t cancel out, and a net change in intensity is detected.Using a computer simulation and the observed muon intensity variations, the group worked out the relationship with the electric potential of the cloud. They calculated that the potential of the cloud they were studying was approximately 1.3 GV. Importance:This method can be used to solve a 25-year-old puzzle of terrestrial gamma ray bursts — huge flashes of light that accompany lightnings, but which have not been explained in theory until now. Additional info:  Muons are elementary subatomic particles similar to the electron (e lepton) but 207 times heavier. It has two forms, the negatively charged muon and its positively charged antiparticle. 215 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 The muon was discovered as a constituent of cosmic-ray particle “showers” in 1936 by the American physicists Carl D. Anderson and Seth Neddermeyer.  It was subsequently discovered, however, that a muon is correctly assigned as a member of the lepton group of subatomic particles—i.e., it never reacts with nuclei or other particles through the strong interaction.  A muon is relatively unstable, with a lifetime of only 2.2 microseconds before it decays by the weak force into an electron and two kinds of neutrinos.  Because muons are charged, before decaying they lose energy by displacing electrons from atoms (ionization). At high-particle velocities close to the speed of light, ionization dissipates energy in relatively small amounts, so muons in cosmic radiation are extremely penetrating and can travel thousands of metres below the Earth’s surface. 14. China’s Artificial Sun

Context:In a breakthrough, a ‘man-made’ sun experiment in China has successfully produced long pulse plasma discharge at a temperature of more than 50 million degrees — the longest discharge at such a high temperature. Artificial Sun:An artificial sun being built by China can provide limitless clean energy through controlled thermonuclear fusion. The light and heat of the Sun come from two of hydrogen’s radioactove isotopes - deuterium and tritium.These release a huge amount of energy during the process of fusion into a helium atom. The artificial sun imitates this fusion process. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), an artificial sun experiment developed by Hefei Institute of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Science, realised a ultra-high temperature (UHT) long pulse plasma discharge for 102 seconds as of January, 2019. The HL-2M Tokamak device is designed to replicate the nuclear fusion process that occurs naturally in the sun and stars to provide almost infinite clean energy through controlled nuclear fusion, which is often dubbed as the "artificial sun." 216 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Challenges:Achieving an ion temperature above 100 million degrees Celsius is one of the three challenges to reach the goal of harnessing the nuclear fusion, and the core of the sun is widely believed to be 15 million degree Celsius, meaning that the ion at the device's core will be seven times higher than that of the Sun. The other two challenges are containing the fusion within a limited space in the long term, and providing a sufficiently high density profile, Science and Technology. The artificial sun's plasma is mainly composed of electrons and ions, and the country's existing Tokamak devices have achieved an electron temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius in its core plasma, and an ion temperature of 50 million degrees Celsius, and it is the ion that generates energy in the device. To bring up the ion temperature to over 100 million degree Celsius, we need higher device parameters, injects and absorbs more energy, and operates with a more advanced working mode. ITER:The new HL-2M device will possess such capabilities, and hopefully will elevate the current device's plasma electric current level which shall greatly enhance the plasma's parameters providing a main technical support for China's participation in the experiment and operation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The ITER is a large international scientific project that is a global collaboration of 35 countries, including China, Russia and the US. 15. Drugs and Clinical Trials New Rules

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. Context:The Union Health Ministry has notified the Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 with the government stating that the move is aimed at promoting clinical research in the country. Reason:In 2013, after a series of media allegations of unethical practices, the CDSCO office made stricter regulations for conducting clinical trials. Many new regulations were introduced, many of which led to degrees of confusion and

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uncertainty among sponsors who conduct Global Clinical Trials (GCT) in India. Despite changes implemented to overcome challenges in those regulations, much work was still required, evidenced by the fact that the number of clinical trials approved by the Indian regulator has still not yet reached the levels existing prior to 2013. Highlights: The rules will apply to all new drugs, investigational new drugs for human use, clinical trials, bio-equivalence studies and ethics committees. The highlights of the notification includes reduction in time for approving applications, which has now come down to 30 days for drugs manufactured in India and 90 days for those developed outside the country. As per the new rule the requirement of a local clinical trial may be waived for approval of a new drug if it is approved and marketed in any of the countries (EU, UK, Australia, Japan and US) specified by the Drugs Controller General with the approval of the government.

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Regulatory Pathway for Product Registration. Courtesy: Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. Main observations:The new regulations cover provision for promoting clinical research as well as complex topics such as orphan drug, post-trial access, and pre and post submission meeting. The new rules appear comprehensive, well- balanced, and likely to improve the ethical and quality standards of clinical trials in India, which will further benefit patients and industry.The new regulations also are aimed at promoting clinical research in the country by implementing time- bound review of applications, allowing increased predictability and transparency of regulatory pathway and providing clarity on many complex subjects, including post-trial access. Previously, studies other than clinical and bioavailability and bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies were not regulated in the Drug and Cosmetic Rules and, consequently, there was insufficient control on the conduct of these studies.

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These types of studies were covered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical and Health Research Involving Human Participants (released initially in 2000, amended in 2006 and 2017). Since these were covered only under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Guidelines and not under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, these studies were unregulated and there was no clarity on the approval mechanism and or compensation process. In New Rules, 2019, such research has been defined to include “studies on basic, applied and operational research or clinical research designed primarily to increase scientific knowledge about diseases and conditions (physical or socio- behavioral), their detection and cause and evolving strategies for health promotion, prevention or amelioration of disease and rehabilitation but does not include CT.” The study types include:

 In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) performance testing for research  new surgical intervention  Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)  public health survey  epidemiological health survey  observational and non-interventional study of old drug

New Rules, 2019 describes academic clinical trials as “Clinical trial of a drug already approved for a certain claim and initiated by any investigator, academic or research institution for a new indication or new route of administration or new dose or new dosage form, where the results of such a trial are intended to be used only for academic or research purposes and not for seeking approval of the Central Licensing Authority or regulatory authority of any country for marketing or commercial purpose.”

Some important points for academic clinical trials include:

 only for approved drug  CT initiated by investigator, academic or research institute 220 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 can be conducted for new indication, new route, new dose or dosage form  results only for academic or research purpose and not for commercial purpose. Data cannot be used for seeking approval in any country  EC can seek clarity from Central Licensing Authority (CLA) and CLA must respond in 30 days (or deemed that no approval is needed)  medical management and compensation is applicable as per ICMR Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants  academic CTs are required to be conducted in accordance with the CT protocol approved by the EC and ethical principles specified in the ICMR Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants

References: The Hindu, cdsco.gov.in, raps.org

The definition of ‘new drugs’ has been revised to include following:

 phytopharmaceutical drugs  novel drug delivery system of any drug  living modified organisms, monoclonal anti-body, stem cell-derived products and gene therapeutic products or xenografts, intended to be used as drug 16. Nanopharmaceauticals

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care.

What is Nanopharmaceauticals?:Nanopharmaceuticals are a relatively new class of therapeutic-containing nanomaterials that often have unique "nanoproperties" (physiochemical properties) due to their small size (compared with their bulk- phase counterparts) a high surface-to-volume ratio and the possibility of modulating their properties. Basically they are nanoparticles intended for a broad spectrum of clinical therapeutic applications with the potential to target a particular organ or tissue site, either passively or actively.

Therapeutic agents that were previously unsuitable for traditional oral or injectable drug formulations could now be "nanoformulated" for delivery to

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specific biological targets due to superior pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics and/or active intracellular delivery.Nanopharmaceuticals can also increase drug half-life by reducing immunogenicity and diminishing drug metabolism. With these advantages, nanopharmaceuticals have the ability to extend the economic life of proprietary drugs, thereby creating additional revenue streams. As a result, they have the potential to impact drug commercialization and the healthcare landscape. Inevitably they will become an integral part of mainstream medicine.

Guidelines Released for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India:

The “Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India” is one of the most important steps for delineating quality, safety and efficacy assessment of the novel nanoformulations. These guidelines are intended to provide transparent, consistent and predictable regulatory pathways for nanopharmaceuticals in India.

Indian researchers would be facilitated to undertake research in line with the regulatory guidelines and is expected that Industry would be keen to participate from the beginning of the research pipeline towards product development and commercialisation. Further, private investments would also be attracted since these guidelines would strengthen the regulatory system

The guidelines apply to the nanopharmaceuticals in the form of finished formulation as well as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) of a new molecule or an already approved molecule with altered nanoscale dimensions, properties or phenomenon associated with the application of nanotechnology intended to be used for treatment, in vivo diagnosis, mitigation, cure or prevention of diseases and disorders in humans.

The guidelines would facilitate translational research in line with the regulatory requirements. Guidelines will also facilitate the decision making by regulator during clearances to newer products based on nanotechnology and similarly to researchers to get clearance for their products to launch in market. End users will also be benefited by the quality assured anticipated products in the market in accordance to the guidelines.This document will give impetus to initiate activities for developing safety guidelines for other domains like agri-inputs and agri-

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products, cosmetics, implantable devices, through interventions of nanotechnology.The guidelines will pave the way for significant benefits through such cutting edge technology and contribute to the mission on “Affordable Health Care for All”.

The Guidelines are developed by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is an outcome of all concerned Inter-Ministerial efforts coordinated by DBT. 17. Global Influenza Strategy

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. Context:The World Health Organization launched a strategy to protect people worldwide over the next decade against the threat of influenza, warning that new pandemics are “inevitable”. Importance:Influenza epidemics, largely seasonal, affect around one billion people and kill hundreds of thousands annually, according to WHO, which describes it as one of the world’s greatest public health challenges.Influenza remains one of the world’s greatest public health challenges. Every year across the globe, there are an estimated 1 billion cases, of which 3 to 5 million are severe cases, resulting in 290 000 to 650 000 influenza-related respiratory deaths. A new comprehensive strategy is needed to tackle the issues. WHO’s new strategy, for 2019 through 2030, aims to prevent seasonal influenza, control the virus’s spread from animals to humans and prepare for the next pandemic. Global Influenza Strategy:WHO recommends annual flu vaccines as the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease, especially for healthcare workers and people at higher risk of influenza complications.

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It outlines a path to protect populations every year and helps prepare for a pandemic through strengthening routine programmes. It has two overarching goals:  Build stronger country capacities for disease surveillance and response, prevention and control, and preparedness. To achieve this, it calls for every country to have a tailored influenza programme that contributes to national and global preparedness and health security.  Develop better tools to prevent, detect, control and treat influenza, such as more effective vaccines, antivirals and treatments, with the goal of making these accessible for all countries.

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The strategy meets one of WHO’s mandates to improve core capacities for public health, and increase global preparedness and was developed through a consultative process with input from Member States, academia, civil society, industry, and internal and external experts. 18. National AIDS Control Programme Phase – IV (NACP VI)

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. Context:The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has given its approval for continuation of National AIDS Control Programme-IV (NACP-IV) beyond 12th Five Year Plan for a period of three years from April, 2017 to March, 2020. NACP:HIV infection in India is a major challenge with no State free from the virus. HIV/AIDS continues to show itself to be one of India's most complex epidemics - a challenge that goes beyond public health, raising fundamental issues of human rights and threatening development achievements in many areas.The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, is being implemented as a comprehensive programme for prevention and control of HIV/ AIDS in India. Over time, the focus has shifted from raising awareness to behaviour change, from a national response to a more decentralized response and to increasing involvement of NGOs and networks of People living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives are:  To reduce spread of HIV infection in India  Strengthen India's capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS on a long term basis.

Different phases of NACP: NACP I: It was started in 1992 was implemented with an objective of slowing down the spread of HIV infections so as to reduce morbidity, mortality and impact of AIDS in the country.

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NACP II: Launched in November 1999, to reduce the spread of HIV infection in India, and to increase India’s capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS on a long-term basis. NACP III:It was launched in July 2007 with the goal of Halting and Reversing the Epidemic over its five-year period. NACP IV: Launched in 2012, aims to accelerate the process of reversal and further strengthen the epidemic response in India through a cautious and well defined integration process over the next five years. Objectives of NACP IV:

 Reduce new infections by 50% (2007 Baseline of NACP III)  Provide comprehensive care and support to all persons living with HIV/AIDS and treatment services for all those who require it.

Key strategies of NACP IV:

 Intensifying and consolidating prevention services, with a focus on High Risk Groups (HRGs) and vulnerable population.  Increasing access and promoting comprehensive care, support and treatment  Expanding IEC services for (a) general population and (b) high risk groups with a focus on behaviour change and demand generation.  Building capacities at national, state, district and facility levels  Strengthening Strategic Information Management System.

Benefits:

 More than 99% of population will be kept HIV free.  More than 70 lakh of key population covered annually through a comprehensive HIV prevention programme.  Around 15 crore of vulnerable population (including five crore pregnant women) will be tested for HIV in three years of project.  Two crore 32 lakh units of blood will be collected at NACO’s supported blood banks during three year of project. 226 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Two crore 82 lakh episodes of sexually transmitted infections will be managed under project during three years of project.  Seventeen lakh of PLHIV will be put on free anti-retroviral treatment by end of project period 19. Ban on e-Cigarettes

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care.

Context: Parliament passed the bill banning e-cigarettes.

Reason:As per a report of WHO, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS - also known as e-cigarettes) heat a solution to create an aerosol which frequently contains flavourants, usually dissolved into Propylene Glycol or/and Glycerin. ENDS aerosol contains nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco products. In addition to dependence, nicotine can have adverse effects on the development of the foetus during pregnancy and may contribute to cardiovascular disease.The evidence is sufficient to warn children and adolescents, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age against ENDS use and nicotine.

As per WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2017, the Governments of thirty countrieshave already banned Electronic Nicotine Delivery System in their countries.

Governments of many Indian states including Kerala had already prohibited the manufacture, distribution, import and sale of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. e-Cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated devices that heat a substance, which may or may not contain nicotine, to create vapour for inhalation. These e-cigarettes can also contain different flavours such as menthol, mango, watermelon, and cucumber. Usually, e-cigarettes are shaped like conventional tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, or hookahs), but they also take the form of everyday items such as pens and USB memory sticks.Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and therefore are not

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regulated under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. This Act regulates the sale, production, and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India, and prohibits advertisement of cigarettes.

International Regulations:

India is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) which was developed in response to the globalisation of the tobacco epidemic. In 2014, the WHO FCTC invited all its signatories to consider prohibiting or regulating e-cigarettes in their countries.

Criticisms:Addressing concerns raised by Opposition MPs who alleged that the ban on e-cigarettes was enacted to benefit tobacco companies. According to health minister, it was “big tobacco companies” that were entering the market of e-cigarettes with new names. Preventing young people, particularly since smoking was prevalent in 4% of the 15-23 age groups, from starting vaping or using e- cigarettes was the intention of the government.

Referring to several MPs questioning the government not banning conventional cigarettes and tobacco products, which were more harmful than e-cigarettes minister said, the government had been working to control tobacco and had increased the size of warnings to 85% of the packet. He said when he wrote to the Agriculture Minister in 2014 about research on tobacco and finding alternative work for tobacco farmers, the letter was leaked to the media. Many delegations of farmers, accompanied by MPs, visited him. The ban on e-cigarettes would work to “nip it in the bud” as its use was at 0.02% as of now.

Another opinion pointed that the “most objectionable part” of the Bill was the power given to the police to search premises to look for e-cigarettes without warrants. 20. Chandrayaan-2

Why in News?: When NASA’s orbiter captured images of Chandrayaan 2 Lander Vikram’s attempted landing site, it also captured the attention of readers across the world. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft snapped a series of

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images during its flyby on September 17, 2019 of Vikram’s attempted landing site near the Moon’s uncharted South Pole.

About Chandrayaan-2:

Chandrayaan-2 mission was the second lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),[17][18] after Chandrayaan-1.It was a highly complex mission, which represents a significant technological leap compared to the previous missions of ISRO, which brought together an Orbiter, Lander and Rover with the goal of exploring South Pole of the Moon.

This is a unique mission which aims at studying not just one area of the Moon but all the areas combining the exosphere, the surface as well as the sub-surface of the moon in a single mission.

The 640-tonne GSLV Mk-III carried Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit. This three-stage vehicle is India’s most powerful launcher to date, and is capable of launching 4-ton class of satellites to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

In September 2008, the Chandrayaan-2 mission was approved by the government for a cost of Rs 425 crore. It is India’s Second mission to the Moon.

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The mission payload includes Terrain Mapping Camera which will generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the entire moon, Chandrayaan 2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer which will test the elemental composition of the Moon’s surface Solar X-Ray Monitor which will provide solar X-ray spectrum inputs for CLASS.

The name of rover in the mission is “Pragyan”. The mission’s lander is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme- Dr Vikram A Sarabhai.

Chandrayaan-2 was partly success, Pragyan ended with a crash-landing.

Chandrayaan 3 mission is set to Launch in 2021. It will use Orbiter of Chandrayaan-2. 21. Three Parent Baby (Mitochondrial replacement therapy/ in vitro fertilisation) Context: A Greek woman has given birth to a baby boy using a controversial technique that combines DNA from three people, in the first clinical trial of its kind to treat infertility. News:In The Institute of Life, in Athens, Greece a 32 years old woman with a history of multiple IVF failures and poor egg quality gave birth to a baby through spindle nuclear transfer technique. The team claim they are making medical history, but several researchers have expressed concern over the use of the technique for infertility, as this is not what it is originally developed for. Instead it was meant as a way for mothers to avoid passing on mitochondrial disease to their children. The technique is called spindle nuclear transfer, in which the nucleus from the mother is transferred into a donor egg that has had its nucleus removed. The donor egg is then fertilised with sperm from the father and returned to the mother.

The resulting child would possess genetic material from the mother and the father and a small number of genes from the donor.

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The first child created using this technique was born in 2016 in Mexico, a little boy, whose mother carried genes for Leigh syndrome, a fatal neurological disorder linked to genes in mitochondria. It is not the first time that a 3-parent approach has been used to overcome fertility problems. A similar technique, called pro-nuclear transfer, has been used in Kiev, Ukraine to treat several women with poor quality eggs.

This procedure involves fertilising both the mother and the donor’s eggs with the father’s sperm, before discarding the donor’s fertilised nucleus and replacing it with the mother’s.

Three-parent Baby: Three-parent baby is a human offspring produced from the genetic material of one man and two women through the use of assisted reproductive technologies, specifically mitochondrial manipulation (or replacement) technologies and three-person in vitro fertilization (IVF). In general, the reproductive technologies used to produce three-parent babies focus on replacing or otherwise reducing the effects of mutations that occur in the DNA of cellular organelles known as mitochondria, which reside in the cell cytoplasm. The various approaches could help women to overcome infertility and could prevent the transmission to their offspring of potentially debilitating mitochondrial diseases. The first three-parent babies were born in the 1990s and early 2000s, the products of a then-novel IVF-based technique known as ooplasmic transfer (cytoplasmic transfer). 22. Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FR Act)

Context:A document which food and beverages giant PepsiCo India cited to support its charges against Gujarat potato farmers earlier this year is being revised by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), following complaints from major farmers groups. News:The Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ document had claimed that “only small and marginal farmers involved in subsistence farming” are eligible to claim rights under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (PPV&FR) Act,

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2001. The FAQ also said these rights are not for “commercial farmers” and are only meant for “small scale” use. PepsiCo has used the same argument in an on-going case at the Authority over its registered potato variety used for Lays chips. The company has also cited the FAQ document to justify dragging more than nine farmers to court in 2018 for growing and selling its registered variety. The PPV&FR Act allows a farmer to “save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a variety protected under this Act”. The ongoing case at the PPV&FRA revolves around PepsiCo’s FL-2027 variety of potatoes, which it grows through a collaborative farmers programme, wherein the company sells seeds to 12,000 farmers and has an exclusive contract to buy back their produce to make its chips. In September 2019, PepsiCo responded to the revocation notice, claiming that it had “rights under the Act to pursue necessary actions against individuals and companies alike who infringe its rights granted under the Act”. In its response, the company contends that farmers’ rights under the Act are not over-arching and draws upon the FAQ document to justify its actions. PPV & FR Act: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FR Act) seeks to address the rights of plant breeders and farmers on an equal footing. It affirms the necessity of recognizing and protecting the rights of farmers with respect to the contribution they make in conserving, improving and making Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) available for the development of new plant varieties.

The PPV&FR Act recognizes the multiple roles played by farmers in cultivating, conserving, developing and selecting varieties. With regard to developing or selecting varieties, the Act refers to the value added by farmers to wild species or traditional varieties/ landraces through selection and identification for their economic traits. Accordingly, farmers’ rights encompass the roles of farmers as users, conservers and breeders. Farmers are granted nine specific rights, which are as under: Right 1: Access to seed - Farmers are entitled to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share or sell their farm produce, including seed of protected varieties, in the same manner as they were entitles to before the coming into force to the PPV&FR Act. 232 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Right 2: Benefit sharing - Plant breeders and legal entities including farmers who provide Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) to breeders for developing new varieties shall receive a fair share of benefit from the commercial gains of the registered varieties. Out of all the national plant variety protection laws enacted since 2001, the PPV&FR Act is the first that integrates a provision for access and benefit- sharing (ABS) along with Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBRs). Right 3: Compensation- Registered seed must be sold with the full disclosure of their agronomic performance under recommended management conditions. When such seed is sold to farmers but fails to provide the expected performance under recommended management conditions, the farmer is eligible to claim compensation from the breeder through the intervention of the PPV&FR Authority. Right 4: Reasonable seed price – Farmers have the right to access seed of registered varieties at a reasonable and remunerative price. When this condition is not met, the breeder’s exclusive right over the variety is suspended under the provision concerning compulsory licensing, and the breeder is obligated to license the seed production, distribution and sales of the variety to a competent legal entity. Right 5: Farmers’ recognition and reward for contributing to conservation – Farmers who have been engaged in PGR conservation and crop improvement, and who have made substantial contributions in providing genetic resources for crop improvement, receive recognition and rewards from the national gene fund. The gene fund receives resources from the implementation of the Act, which in turn are complemented by contribution from national and international organizations. The expenditures of the fund are earmarked to support the conservation and sustainable use of PGR, and in this way it can be considered to be a national equivalent to the global benefit-sharing fund operating within the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In accordance with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (Recognition and Rewards from the Gene Fund) Rules, 2010 the Authority also setup ten Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward of Rs 1 Lakh each with citation & 233 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

memento and also twenty Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition annually from 2012-13 to the farmers engaged in the conservation of the Genetic Resources of the landraces and wild relatives of economics plants and their improvement through selection and preservation. Right 6: Registration of farmers’ varieties- The PPV&FR Act allows for the registration of existing farmers’ varieties that fulfill requirements for distinctness, uniformity, stability and denomination, but does not include that of novelty. Right 7: Prior authorization for the commercialization of essentially derived varieties - When farmers’ varieties, whether extant or new, are used by a third party as source material for the development of an essentially derived variety, the farmers need to provide prior authorization for its commercialization. Such a process can allow farmers to negotiate the terms of authorization with the breeder, which may include royalties, benefit-sharing, etc Right 8: Exemption from registration fees for farmers - Under PPV&FR Act, farmers have the privilege of being completely exempted from payment of any kind of fees or other payments that are normally payable for variety registration; tests for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS), and other services rendered by the PPV&FR Authority; as well as for legal proceedings related to infringement or other causes in courts, tribunal, etc. Right 9: Farmer protection from innocent infringement- If a farmer can prove before court that he or she was not aware of the existence of any rights at the time of an infringement on any such rights, as detailed in the PPV&FR Act, he or she will not be charged. This provision is made in consideration of the centuries- old unrestrained rights that the farmers had over the seed of all varieties, the novel nature of the PPV&FR Act and the poor legal literacy of farmers. 23. 5G Network 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It will take a much larger role than previous generations. 5G will elevate the mobile network to not only interconnect people, but also interconnect and control machines, objects, and devices. It will

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deliver new levels of performance and efficiency that will empower new user experiences and connect new industries. Mobile network generations:

 1G delivered analog voice.

 2G introduced digital voice (e.g., CDMA).

 3G brought mobile data (e.g., CDMA2000).

 4G LTE ushered in the era of mobile Internet.

Per IMT-2020 requirements, 5G is expected to deliver peak data rates up to 20 Gbps.5G is bringing a wide range of technology inventions in both the 5G NR (New Radio) air interface design as well as the 5G NextGen core network.Like 4G LTE, 5G is also OFDM-based and will operate based on the same mobile networking principles. However, the new 5G NR (New Radio) air interface will further enhance OFDM to deliver a much higher degree of flexibility and scalability. For more details on 5G waveform and multiple access techniques, please refer to this this 5G waveform whitepaper.

5G will not only deliver faster, better mobile broadband services compared to 4G LTE, but it will also expand into new service areas, such as mission-critical communications and connecting the massive IoT. This is enabled by many new 5G NR air interface design techniques, such as a new self-contained TDD subframe design; for more detailed information on 5G and to understand the specific 5G NR design components, please refer to this 5G NR whitepaper.

Union Ministry of Communications announced that the government will be holding auction for spectrum, which includes airwaves that will be used to offer 5G or fifth-generation services, in the current calendar year.

In November 2019, China’s three major state-run telecom operators have unveiled their superfast 5G network across the country, as the country aims at becoming the global leader in next generation telecom technology surpassing the US and other western nations.

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China and the U.S. have been fighting for leadership in the technology sector in recent months, with Chinese tech giant Huawei at the centre of their power struggle.The Trump administration has blacklisted Huawei, arguing that it poses a national security risk. The U.S. has also lobbied allies to shun the Chinese company from their 5G networks. 24. New Definition of Kilogram Context:India adopted a global resolution to redefine four of the seven base units - kilogramme, kelvin, mole and ampere.

Kilogram:Kilogram (kg), basic unit of mass in the metric system. A kilogram is very nearly equal (it was originally intended to be exactly equal) to the mass of 1,000 cubic cm of water. The kilogram derived its provenance from the weight of a block of a platinum-iridium alloy housed at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France. All other prototypes that served as national reference standards, including the one at New Delhi’s CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), were calibrated to it. The measures are all now defined on the basis of unchanging universal, physics constants. The kilogram now hinges on the definition of the Planck Constant, a constant of nature that relates to how matter releases energy. The CSIR-NPL, which is India’s official reference keeper of units of measurements, released a set of recommendations requiring that school textbooks, engineering- education books, and course curriculum update the definition of the kilogram.The institute is also in the process of making its own ‘Kibble Balance’, a device that was used to measure the Planck Constant and thereby reboot the kilogram. A Kibble balance is an electromechanical measuring instrument that measures the weight of a test object very precisely by the electric current and voltage needed to produce a compensating force. It is a metrological instrument that can realize the definition of the kilogram unit of mass based on fundamental constants.A Kibble Balance capable of measuring at least a kilogram takes about ₹50 crore to manufacture. In daily life:An updated kilogram doesn’t mean that weights everywhere will be thrown off balance. For everyday measurements, consumers wanting to calibrate their instruments — whether it’s for high-precision drug manufacturing or retail weighing machines — will continue doing it the same way. The NPL itself will be

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relying on the kilogram maintained in the U.S.-based National Institutes of Standards and Technology to calibrate its one-kilogram weight.

SI Units:International System of Units (SI), international decimal system of weights and measures derived from and extending the metric system of units. Adopted by the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1960, it is abbreviated SI in all languages. Quantity Unit Time Second Length Metre Mass Kilogram Electric Current Ampere Thermodynamic Temperature Kelvin Amount of Substance Mole Luminous Intensity Candela

25. MANAV MANAV is India’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot. Manav’s in-built processor and pre-programmed sensors allow it to perform tasks such as walking, talking and dancing “without the help of a laptop, just in response to human voice commands. Manav’s outer frame is made of plastic, and it was 3D-printed from Buildkart Retail Pvt. Ltd, A-SET’s own 3D printing venture. Manavuses an open-source code so that it can also be taught to learn and respond like a human child. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and has a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can work for an hour with a single full charge. Primarily meant for research purposes, Manav will be made available to some of India’s top engineering colleges like all the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Rajasthan. 3D Printing:The 3D printing process builds a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design (CAD) model, usually by successively adding material layer by layer, which is why it is also called additive manufacturing,[1] unlike conventional machining, casting and forging processes, where material is

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removed from a stock item (subtractive manufacturing) or poured into a mold and shaped by means of dies, presses and hammers. 26. Golden Rise

Context:The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its national research partners have developed Golden Rice to complement existing interventions to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD). VAD is a serious public health problem affecting millions of children and pregnant women globally. Golden Rise:Golden rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) produced through genetic engineering to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice. In the south and Southeast Asian countries, where two-thirds or more of daily caloric intake is obtained from rice, Golden Rice can help in the fight against VAD, particularly among the people who depend mostly on rice for nourishment. Golden Rice regulatory applications are currently under review in the Philippines and Bangladesh, and Golden Rice will only be made available to the public once all necessary permits have been received. Golden Rice is intended to be used in combination with existing approaches to overcome VAD, including eating foods that are naturally high in vitamin A or beta- carotene, eating foods fortified with vitamin A, taking vitamin A supplements, and optimal breastfeeding practices. The Golden Rice Project was first introduced in 1999, when two professors Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer, proposed their project to Rockefeller Foundation to genetically engineer rice to increase its nutrients. Rockefeller Foundation supported their goal to provide a sustainable biofortification approach to combat vitamin A deficiencies in developing countries. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is prevalent in developing countries whose diets are dependent on rice or other micronutrient-poor carbohydrate foods, which do not contain vitamin A. The World Health Organization estimates that about 250 million preschool children are affected by VAD and about 2.7 million children die because of the deficiency. VAD can have numerous negative health effects such as dryness of the eye that can lead to blindness if untreated; reduced immune system response, and an increase in the severity and mortality risk of infections. VAD is one of the main causes of preventable blindness of young children from developing countries. 238 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Objections:When the Golden Rice Project was first announced, it was advertised as an exciting solution to the prevalence VAD in developing countries. However, opposition to the GMO formed, blocking the expansion of the project. Countless people and organizations made arguments trying to halt Golden Rice Project, such as Friends of the Earth, MASIPAG (a farmer-led network of organizations based in the Phillipines), and Greenpeace, the At the same time, supporters of The Golden Rice Project continued flouting its benefits, including the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the Humanitarian Board for Golden Rice. It is clear that the golden rice debate is about not only golden rice but also genetically modified organisms in general.

Friends of the Earth and MASIPAG agree that merely planting Golden Rice will not solve the VAD crisis. They point out that there are multiple recourses for malnutrition planned and currently in place, that are cheaper and do not require GMOs, that should make golden rice unnecessary. In addition, golden rice may specifically target the deficiency of vitamin A but it could not address the countless additional social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to vitamin A deficiencies.

Then there are concerns about the employment of the Golden Rice Project such as the cost to set up, technology transfer, the accessibility of the project, the sustainability and credibility of the rice, and stable support from governments (MASIPAG). Also there are eating preferences deeply rooted in longstanding tradition. The yellow color of the rice may not be accepted because of different countries’ social and cultural history. 27. The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 and Data Localisation.

Context:The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology. The Bill seeks to provide for protection of personal data of individuals, and establishes a Data Protection Authority for the same.

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The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019:The Bill governs the processing of personal data by: 1) Government, 2) Companies incorporated in India, 3) Foreign companies dealing with personal data of individuals in India.  Personal data: Personal data is data which pertains to characteristics, traits or attributes of identity, which can be used to identify an individual. The Bill categorises certain personal data as sensitive personal data. This includes financial data, biometric data, caste, religious or political beliefs, or any other category of data specified by the government, in consultation with the Authority and the concerned sectorial regulator.  Obligations of data fiduciary: A data fiduciary is an entity or individual who decides the means and purpose of processing personal data. For instance, personal data can be processed only for specific, clear and lawful purpose. Additionally, all data fiduciaries must undertake certain transparency and accountability measures such as: 1) Implementing security safeguards (such as data encryption and preventing misuse of data). 2) Instituting grievance redressal mechanisms to address complaints of individuals.

They must also institute mechanisms for age verification and parental consent when processing sensitive personal data of children.  Rights of the individual: The Bill sets out certain rights of the individual (or data principal).

These include the right to: 1) Obtain confirmation from the fiduciary on whether their personal data has been processed. 2) Seek correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date personal data. 240 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

3) Have personal data transferred to any other data fiduciary in certain circumstances. 4) Restrict continuing disclosure of their personal data by a fiduciary, if it is no longer necessary or consent is withdrawn.  Grounds for processing personal data: The Bill allows processing of data by fiduciaries only if consent is provided by the individual.

However, in certain circumstances, personal data can be processed without consent. These include: 1) If required by the State for providing benefits to the individual. 2) Legal proceedings. 3) To respond to a medical emergency.  Social media intermediaries: The Bill defines these to include intermediaries which enable online interaction between users and allow for sharing of information.  Data Protection Authority: The Bill sets up a Data Protection Authority which may: 1) Take steps to protect interests of individuals. 2) Prevent misuse of personal data. 3) Ensure compliance with the Bill.

It will consist of a chairperson and six members, with at least 10 years’ expertise in the field of data protection and information technology. Orders of the Authority can be appealed to an Appellate Tribunal. Appeals from the Tribunal will go to the Supreme Court.  Transfer of data outside India:Sensitive personal data may be transferred outside India for processing if explicitly consented to by the individual, and subject to certain additional conditions. Such sensitive personal data should continue to be stored in India. Certain personal data notified as critical personal data by the government can only be processed in India. 241 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Exemptions: The central government can exempt any of its agencies from the provisions of the Act: 1) In interest of security of state, public order, sovereignty and integrity of India and friendly relations with foreign states, and 2) For preventing incitement to commission of any cognisable offence (i.e. arrest without warrant) relating to the above matters.

Processing of personal data is also exempted from provisions of the Bill for certain other purposes such as: prevention, investigation, or prosecution of any offence, or personal, domestic, or journalistic purposes. However, such processing must be for a specific, clear and lawful purpose, with certain security safeguards.  Offences: Offences under the Bill include: 1) Processing or transferring personal data in violation of the Bill, punishable with a fine of Rs 15 crore or 4% of the annual turnover of the fiduciary, whichever is higher. 2) Failure to conduct a data audit, punishable with a fine of five crore rupees or 2% of the annual turnover of the fiduciary, whichever is higher.

Re-identification and processing of de-identified personal data without consent is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, or fine, or both.  Sharing of non-personal data with government: The central government may direct data fiduciaries to provide it with any: 1) Non-personal data. 2) Anonymised personal data (where it is not possible to identify data principal) for better targeting of services.  Amendments to other laws: The Bill amends the Information Technology Act, 2000 to delete the provisions related to compensation payable by companies for failure to protect personal data.

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What is Data Localisation?:Data localisation is the act of storing data on any device physically present within the borders of a country. As of now, most of these data are stored, in a cloud, outside India.Localisation mandates that companies collecting critical data about consumers must store and process them within the borders of the country. The RBI had issued a circular mandating that payments-related data collected by payments providers must be stored only in India, setting an 15 October, 2019 deadline for compliance. This covered not only card payment services by Visa and MasterCard but also of companies such as Paytm, WhatsApp and Google which offer electronic or digital payment services.  Reason: The main intent behind data localisation is to protect the personal and financial information of the country’s citizens and residents from foreign surveillance and give local governments and regulators the jurisdiction to call for the data when required.This aspect has gained importance after a spate of lynchings across States was linked to WhatsApp rumour. Revelations of social media giant Facebook sharing user data with Cambridge Analytica, which is alleged to have influenced voting outcomes, have led to a global clamour by governments for data localisation. Where data is not localised, the agencies need to rely on mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) to obtain access, delaying investigations. On- shoring global data could also create domestic jobs and skills in data storage and analytics too, as the Srikrishna report had pointed out. Criticisms: Various criticisms were raised against PDP Bill such as,  State Surveillance: The limited checks imposed on state surveillance, and regarding various deficiencies in the structures and processes of the proposed Data Protection Authority.  Fundamental Rights: In the 2017 Puttaswamy case, where the Court had made it clear that interference in the fundamental right to privacy would only be permissible if inter alia deemed necessary and proportionate. 243 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Data Localisations:The phrase, which can refer to any restrictions on cross- border transfer of data (for instance, requirements to seek permission for transfer, the imposition of taxes for foreign transfers of data, etc.), has largely come to refer to the need to physically locate data within the country. The PDP Bill enables the transfer of personal data outside India, with the sub- category of sensitive personal data having to be mirrored in the country (i.e. a copy will have to be kept in the country). Data processing/collecting entities will however be barred from transferring critical personal data (a category that the government can notify at a subsequent stage) outside the country. These provisions have been changed from the earlier version of the draft Bill, released by the Justice Srikrishna Committee in 2018. The 2018 draft imposed more stringent measures that required both personal and sensitive personal data to be mirrored in the country (subject to different conditions). 28. Food Fortification

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. What is Fortification of Food?:Fortification is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may not have been originally present in the food before processing. Why do we need Fortification of Food?:70% of people in India do not consume enough micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. About 70 percentages of pre-school children suffer from anaemia caused by Iron Deficiency and 57 percentages of preschool children have sub–clinical Vitamin A deficiency. Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital malformation with an incidence that varies between 0.5-8/1000 births. It is estimated that 50-70% of these birth defects are preventable. One of the major causes is deficiency of Folic Acid. Those who are economically disadvantaged do not have access to safe and nutritious food. Others either do not consume a balanced diet or lack variety in the diet because of which they do not get adequate micronutrients.

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 Hidden Hunger: Deficiency of micronutrients or micronutrient malnutrition, also known as “hidden hunger”, is a serious health risk.

Benefits:Fortification is a safe method of improving nutrition among people. The addition of micronutrients to food does not pose a health risk to people. The quantity added is so small and so well regulated as per prescribed standards that likelihood of an overdose of nutrients is unlikely.It does not require any changes in food habits and patterns of people. It is a socio-culturally acceptable way to deliver nutrients to people.This method is cost-effective especially if advantage is

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taken of the existing technology and delivery platforms.It can be implemented quickly as well as show results in improvement of health in a relatively short period of time. Criticisms:Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing mandatory fortification of foods on the ground that some micronutrients are sourced from animals and are against the cultural beliefs and practices of vegetarians and may lead to “law and order issues.” The group has also claimed that the import of technology and raw material for fortifying foods with micronutrients could have an adverse impact on the national economy. FFRC:The Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) is a Resource and Support Centre to promote large-scale fortification of food across India. FFRC was set up by FSSAI with the help of Tata Trust. The primary goal of FFRC is to address the deficiency of vitamins and minerals for a healthy nation. For the same, a two- pronged strategy has been adopted by scaling up fortification both in the safety net programmes and making it available in the open market for all. For this aligning the demand and supply of fortified food in the country is being worked towards at the earliest. Objectives of FFRC: 1. To educate people about the benefits of fortified foods. 2. Sensitise states about fortification of food and promote them in the Safety Net Programmes to curb the incidence of micronutrient deficiencies. 3. Provide technical support especially to small scale food manufacturers to enable them to produce fortified foods. 4. To train and build capacity for large-scale fortification of foods and provide tools for To provide communication material, technical, scientific and financial support to promote large-scale fortification of food.

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29. Proton Therapy

Syllabus topics: Human body, Public Health and Community Medicine, Food and Nutrition, Health Care. Context:As informed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it is aware of advances in proton therapy, a type of Radiation therapy, which is also called proton beam therapy. It uses protons rather than x-rays to treat cancer. At high energy, protons can destroy cancer cells. It can also be combined with x-ray radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy. Like x-ray radiation, proton therapy is a type of external-beam radiation therapy. Proton Therapy:Proton therapy, also called proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy. It uses protons rather than x-rays to treat cancer.A proton is a positively charged particle. At high energy, protons can destroy cancer cells. Doctors may use proton therapy alone. They may also combine it with x-ray radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy. Like x-ray radiation, proton therapy is a type of external-beam radiation therapy. It painlessly delivers radiation through the skin from a machine outside the body. A machine called a synchrotron or cyclotron speeds up protons. The high speed of the protons creates high energy. This energy makes the protons travel to the desired depth in the body. The protons then give the targeted radiation dose in the tumour.With proton therapy, there is less radiation dose outside of the tumour. In regular radiation therapy, x-rays continue to give radiation doses as they leave the person's body. This means that radiation damages nearby healthy tissues, possibly causing side effects. Side effects:The treatment itself is painless. Afterwards, you may experience fatigue. You may also have skin problems, including redness, irritation, swelling, dryness, or blistering and peeling. You may have other side effects, especially if you are also receiving chemotherapy. The side effects of proton therapy depend on the part of the body

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being treated, the size of the tumour, and the types of healthy tissue near the tumour. Proton Therapy in India: In the Government sector, research activities for detection and treatment of cancer are mostly carried out by Institutions/Departments such as Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy. National Cancer Institute (Jhajjar) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi has also collaborated with National Cancer Institute of USA. As informed by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), a grant-in-aid Institution under Department of Atomic Energy, it has initiated collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), C-CAD, RRCAT, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), KEK university Japan etc. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has issued licence to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai to operate the proton therapy facility for treating cancer patients.The AERB ‘License for Operation’ was issued after approval at each stage i.e. designs, layout, construction and commissioning of the facility. 30. Optoelectronics

Context:IIT Madras developed material with properties suitable for quantum optoelectronics. Why it is important?:Researchers from IIT Madras have found a way of enhancing photoluminescence property about 30 times in tungsten diselenide, by drop- casting gold nanoparticles on to a two-dimensional film. Materials such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2) and molybdenum diselenide are being studied keenly for their opto-electronic properties – a combination of optics and electronics. A key property of these materials is photoluminescence, in which the material absorbs light and re-emits it as a spectrum. Consisting of practically one layer of atoms, these materials are two-dimensional in structure. Applications: Photoluminescence properties can be used in various devices such as quantum LEDs which can be used in communication and computation.

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Excitons:When an electron jumps from the valence to the conduction band, it leaves behind a shadow called a “hole.” The electron in the conduction band and the hole in the valence band can bind together and form a composite object (or pseudoparticle) known as an exciton. Photoluminescence in tungsten selenide is a result of such excitons. There can be two ways in which an exciton can form:

 When the spins of the component electron and hole are opposite to each other.  When they are aligned in the same direction.

The former is called a bright exciton and the latter, a dark exciton. Because their spins are opposite, the electron and hole forming the bright exciton can recombine, giving out a quantum of light in the process. Such a simple way of recombining does not exist for the dark excitons. Since there, the spin of the electron and the hole are parallel, their recombination is discouraged by the rule of conservation of angular momentum. Hence the dark excitons are longer lived than the bright excitons. The dark excitons need an external influence to help them recombine. In their work, the IIT Madras researchers find exactly such an external influence. They drop-cast gold nanoparticles on the surface of the monolayer tungsten diselenide, they find that the dark excitons couple to the surface fields generated and recombine to give off light quanta. Thus, the dark excitons are “brightened” with the help of the gold nanoparticles. Optoelectronics:A field of technology that combines the physics of light with electricity. Optoelectronics encompasses the study, design and manufacture of hardware devices that convert electrical signals into photon signals and vice versa. 31. Gaganyaan

Gaganyaan: It is a human space flight Programme green-flagged and set for 2022 by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 249 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The Gaganyaan Programme with demonstration of Indian Human Spaceflight capability to low earth orbit for a mission duration ranging from one orbital period to a maximum of seven days. A human rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the orbital module which will have necessary provisions for sustaining a 3- member crew for the duration of the mission. The total fund requirement for the Gaganyaan Programme is within Rs.10,000 crore and includes cost of technology development, flight hardware realization and essential infrastructure elements. Two unmanned flights and one manned flight will be undertaken as part of Gaganyaan Programme. Gaganyaan Programme will be a national effort in collaboration with Industry, Academia and other scientific agencies and laboratories as stake holders along with ISRO. ISRO will be responsible for realizing the flight hardware through Industry. National agencies, laboratories and Academia will participate in crew training, human life science technology development initiatives as well as design reviews.

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Benefits:  Gaganyaan Programme will establish a broader framework for collaboration between ISRO, academia, industry, national agencies and other scientific organizations.  It This will allow pooling in of diverse technological and industrial capabilities and enable broader participation in research opportunities and technology development benefitting large number of students and researchers.  The flight system realization will be through Industry.  It is expected to generate employment and train human resources in advanced technologies.  It will inspire large number of young students to take up science and technology careers for national development. 251 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 Gaganyaan Programme is a national effort and will involve the participation of the Industry, Academia and National Agencies spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Impact:  The programme is expected to spur research and development within the country in niche science and technology domains.  Huge potential for technology spinoffs in areas such as medicine, agriculture, industrial safety, pollution, waste management, water and food resource management etc.  Human spaceflight programme will provide a unique micro-gravity platform in space for conducting experiments and test bed for future technologies.  The programme is expected to give impetus to economic activities within the country in terms of employment generation, human resource development and enhanced industrial capabilities.  Human Spaceflight capability will enable India to participate as a collaborating partner in future Global space exploration initiatives with long term national benefits.

Background:ISRO revealed the first germ of an HSP in November 2004 and got incremental funds for supporting projects over the next few years. It could not go ahead mainly because the GSLV MarkIII vehicle was not ready until last year. The most critical elements of the human mission are the Environment Control and Life Support Systems that make the crew capsule liveable and the flight safe for the astronauts. Food and hygiene are other aspects. These technologies are getting ready while space suits are being developed at ISRO, he said. The aerodynamic characterization of crew module has b3een completed as part of GSLV Mk-lll X mission flight. Elements of life support system and Space suit also have been realized and tested. In addition, the orbital & re-entry mission and recovery operations have been flight demonstrated in Space Capsule Re-entry

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experiment (SRE) mission. ISRO has developed and demonstrated most of the baseline technologies essential for undertaking human spaceflight mission. Globally also, there is a renewed interest in undertaking manned exploration initiatives. Selection of astronauts: Tthe Indian Air Force has shortlisted 12 persons as astronauts for the Gaganyaan This is a screening process. Of these, four will be finally selected. At the time of the launch of the project, one or two Gagan Yatris will be selected for the Mission. International Collaborations:Four Indians will be trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Centre as per a contract signed between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Russian space agency Glavkosmos, part of Roscosmos.Glavkosmos will help ISRO to select, test, train and qualify Indian astronauts and involve the Yuri Gagarin centre and the state-run Institute of Medical and Biological Problems. France has offered exchanges and training at its MEDES space clinic and CADMOS (Centre for the Development of Microgravity Applications and Space operation.) The training will cover astronauts’ life support systems, health monitoring, medicine, radiation protection, protection from space debris and personal hygiene systems. Vyommitra: Vyommitra is a half-humanoid robot developed by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) which will fly aboard test missions ahead of the crewed Gaganyaan mission. During the mission, the humanoid is expected to provide ISRO information on the actual conditions inside the crew module. 32. The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019

Bill: The bill is for the regulation of use and application of DNA technology for the purpose of establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.

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The primary intended purpose of "The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019" is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well recognized across the world. By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed expanded use of this technology in this country, there is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable, and furthermore that the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. The proposed Bill will give fillip to the development of uniform code of practices in all laboratories involved in DNA testing throughout the country .This will aid in scientific up gradation and streamlining of the DNA testing activities in the country with appropriate inputs from the DNA Regulatory Board which would be set up for the purpose. It is expected that the expanded use of this scientifically driven technology would empower the existing justice delivery system. DNA Data Bank: The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two or more states. DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks. Every Data Bank will be required to maintain indices for the following categories of data:  A crime scene index,  A suspects’ or undertrials’ index,  An offenders’ index,  A missing persons’ index, and  An unknown deceased persons’ index.

DNA Regulatory Board: The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories.

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The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, will be the ex officio Chairperson of the Board. The Board will comprise additional members including:  Experts in the field of biological sciences, and  Director General of the National Investigation Agency and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The functions of the Board include:  Advising governments on all issues related to establishing DNA laboratories or Data Banks,  Granting accreditation to DNA laboratories. Further, the Board is required to ensure that all information relating to DNA profiles with the Data Banks, laboratories, and other persons are kept confidential.

Offences: The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, including:  For disclosure of DNA information,  Using DNA sample without authorization. For instance, disclosure of DNA information will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and fine of up to one lakh rupees. 33. Gravitational Lensing

Context: Using NASA’s Jame’s Webb Space Telescope, researchers plan to investigate how new stars are born with the help of a natural phenomenon called ‘gravitational lensing’. Gravitational Lensing:The phenomenon of gravitational lensing occurs when a huge amount of matter, such as a massive galaxy or cluster of galaxies, creates a gravitational field that distorts and magnifies the light from objects behind it, but in the same line of sight. The effect allows researchers to study the details of early galaxies too far away to be seen otherwise with even the most powerful space telescopes. 255 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Programme:The program is called Targeting Extremely Magnified Panchromatic Lensed Arcs and Their Extended Star Formation (TEMPLATES). In effect, these are natural, cosmic telescopes; they are called gravitational lenses. These large celestial objects will magnify the light from distant galaxies that are at or near the peak of star formation. The Milky Way today forms the equivalent of one Sun every year, but in the past, that rate was up to 100 times greater. NASA now plans to look billions of years into the past in order to understand how our Sun formed. Objectives:The TEMPLATES team has four main goals 1) Measure how many new stars are forming, to determine how rapidly galaxies form stars. By making different kinds of measurements of star- formation rates for the four galaxies, the team plans to see how well they agree or disagree. Through cross-checks, the team will determine whether or not these galaxies are in the midst of vigorous star formation, or if they are just forming a star occasionally. 2) Map the star-formation rate in these galaxies. Scientists don’t know much about where stars form in galaxies over most of cosmic time. Mapping star formation in galaxies in the nearby universe is relatively easy, but it’s much more difficult for distant galaxies. 3) Compare the young and old stellar populations. Scientists will measure the older stars - stars that live for billions of years, like the Sun. They’ll determine where those stars reside within a galaxy, which will inform them about the past history of star formation. Then they can compare that data to where the new stars are forming. That will reveal how star formation has changed in galaxies over time, and answer some basic questions about how galaxies grow. 4) Measure the conditions of the gas within these galaxies. Scientists will determine how much of the periodic table these galaxies have built up - for example, how much carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen they contain. They will also measure other physical conditions such as how dense the gas is.

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34. Hydro Thermal Carbonization (HTC)

Context: A research team from IIT Kharagpur has adapted a process called Hydro ThermalCarbonization for the Indian conditions which can effectively manage mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) with high moisture content. Through the process most of the mixed MSW can be converted into biofuel, soil amendment and absorbents, the premier institute said in a press statement. Importance:The current waste burningprocesses adopted from the developed nations are primarily focused on treating drier waste content. These processes require high energy input to combust municipal solid waste generated in India which has high moisture content due to tropical weather, open collection systems and mixed waste.Using the existing processes, only 20-30% of organic fraction of municipal solid waste is being recycled to biofuel. The technology converts organic fraction of MSW into hydrochar by using a batch reactor. The moisture in the waste is used to the advantage of the process which uses water for the reaction. The process has increased the resource recovery yield to 50-65% of urban organic waste.The key to the success of the technology lies in designing proper industrial scale HTC reactor with improved heat integration system. The process novelty lies in the use of water for the reaction thus the moisture in the MSW gets used during the recycling process without requiring any removal of moisture from segregated wet waste or high energy intake. Another novelty of this technology is the zero waste scale is reached through this process. Once the organic waste is entered into the process, the output generated are all usable including the water which can either be reused in the process or can be converted to biogas or methane through anaerobic digestion. The biofuel generated as the recovered output is comparable to lignite coal thus significantly addressing the fossil fuel depletion issue and helping curb air pollution issues. 35. Scientific Social Responsibility Policy Context:India is going to be possibly the first country in the world to implement a Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy on the lines of Corporate Social 257 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Responsibility (CSR) to encourage S&T institutions and individual scientists in the country to proactively engage in science outreach activities to connect science with the society.

SSR:The policy defines SSR as the ethical obligation of knowledge workers in fields of science and technology to voluntarily share their knowledge and resources with the larger community. It defines knowledge worker as anyone involved in 258 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

areas of human, social, medical, mathematical, computer/data sciences or associated technologies. SSR will include activities such as teaching, mentoring, skill development training and workshops, setting up exhibitions, demonstrating scientific and technological solutions to local problems. This draft policy builds upon traditions of earlier policies (Scientific Policy Resolution 1958, Technology Policy Statement 1983, Science and Technology Policy 2003 and Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2013) while proposing more pragmatic provisions to make institutions and individual scientists socially responsible. Under the proposed policy, individual scientists or knowledge workers will be required to devote at least 10 person-days of SSR per year for exchanging scientific knowledge to society. It also recognizes the need to provide incentives for outreach activities with necessary budgetary support. It has also been proposed to give credit to knowledge workers/scientists for individual SSR activities in their annual performance appraisal and evaluation. No institution would be allowed to outsource or sub-contract their SSR activities and projects. Objectives: The objective of the policy is to harness the voluntary potential in the scientific community to strengthen the link between society and science. The policy directs that all central and state government ministries should plan and strategies their SSR as per their mandate. 36. Vaccine Hesitancy

Context:With a 30% increase in measles cases worldwide in 2018, the World Health Organization, in January 2019, included ‘vaccine hesitancy’ as one of the 10 threats to global health. What is Vaccine Hesitancy?: The reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines - threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine- preventable diseases.Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of

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avoiding disease, it currently prevents 2-3 million deaths a year, and a further 1.5 million could be avoided if global coverage of vaccinations improved. Measleshas seen a 30% increase in cases globally. The reasons for this rise are complex, and not all of these cases are due to vaccine hesitancy.

Scenario:After a surge in measles cases in 2018, there have been around 3,65,000 measles cases reported from 182 countries in the first six months of 2019. The biggest increase, of 900% in the first six months this year compared with the same period last year, has been from the WHO African region. There has been a sharp increase in the WHO European region too. A 2018 report on vaccine confidence among the European Union member states shows why vaccine coverage has not been increasing in the European region to reach over 90% to offer protection even to those not vaccinated. A 2018 study found low awareness to be the main reason why 45% of children missed different vaccinations in 121 Indian districts that have higher rates of unimmunised children. While 24% did not get vaccinated due to apprehension

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about adverse effects, 11% were reluctant to get immunised for reasons other than fear of adverse effects. Thus, much work remains to be done to address misinformation. With social media playing a crucial role in spreading vaccine disinformation, the commitment by Facebook to “reduce distribution” of vaccine misinformation will be helpful in winning the war against vaccine deniers. Measles vaccine not only provides lifelong protection against the virus but also reduces mortality from other childhood infections. This is because measles viruses kill immune cells, leaving the child vulnerable to infectious diseases for two to three years. Reasons:The reasons why people choose not to vaccinate are complex; a vaccines advisory group to WHO identified complacency, inconvenience in accessing vaccines, and lack of confidence are key reasons underlying hesitancy. Health workers, especially those in communities, remain the most trusted advisor and influencer of vaccination decisions, and they must be supported to provide trusted, credible information on vaccines. Additional info – Ten threats to global health in 2019:

 Air pollution and climate change. Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day. In 2019, air pollution is considered by WHO as the greatest environmental risk to health. Microscopic pollutants in the air can penetrate respiratory and circulatory systems, damaging the lungs, heart and brain, killing 7 million people prematurely every year from diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart and lung disease. Around 90% of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, with high volumes of emissions from industry, transport and agriculture, as well as dirty cookstoves and fuels in homes. The primary cause of air pollution (burning fossil fuels) is also a major contributor to climate change, which impacts people’s health in different ways. In October 2018, WHO held its first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Geneva.  Noncommunicable diseases. 261 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, are collectively responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide, or 41 million people. This includes 15 million people dying prematurely, aged between 30 and 69. Over 85% of these premature deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. The rise of these diseases has been driven by five major risk factors: a. Tobacco use, b. Physical inactivity, c. Harmful use of alcohol, d. Unhealthy diets, e. Air pollution.  Global influenza pandemic

WHO predicts another influenza pandemic – the only thing we don’t know is when it will hit and how severe it will be. Global defences are only as effective as the weakest link in any country’s health emergency preparedness and response system. WHO recommends which strains should be included in the flu vaccine to protect people from seasonal flu.

 Fragile and vulnerable settings More than 1.6 billion people (22% of the global population) live in places where protracted crises (through a combination of challenges such as drought, famine, conflict, and population displacement) and weak health services leave them without access to basic care.  Antimicrobial resistance The development of antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials are some of modern medicine’s greatest successes. Now, time with these drugs is running out. Antimicrobial resistance – the ability of bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi to resist these medicines – threatens to send us back to a time when we were unable to easily treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis. The inability to prevent

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infections could seriously compromise surgery and procedures such as chemotherapy. Resistance to tuberculosis drugs is a formidable obstacle to fighting a disease that causes around 10 million people to fall ill, and 1.6 million to die, every year. Drug resistance is driven by the overuse of antimicrobials in people, but also in animals, especially those used for food production, as well as in the environment.  Ebola and other high-threat pathogens In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw two separate Ebola outbreaks, both of which spread to cities of more than 1 million people. WHO’s R&D Blueprint identifies diseases and pathogens that have potential to cause a public health emergency but lack effective treatments and vaccines. This watchlist for priority research and development includes Ebola, several other haemorrhagic fevers, Zika, Nipah, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and disease X, which represents the need to prepare for an unknown pathogen that could cause a serious epidemic  Weak primary health care Primary health care is usually the first point of contact people have with their health care system, and ideally should provide comprehensive, affordable, community-based care throughout life. Yet many countries do not have adequate primary health care facilities. In October 2018, WHO co-hosted a major global conference in Astana, Kazakhstan at which all countries committed to renew the commitment to primary health care made in the Alma-Ata declaration in 1978. (Please refer Mission Aardram, a flagship scheme of GoK under NKKP).  Vaccine hesitancy The reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.  Dengue

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Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms and can be lethal and kill up to 20% of those with severe dengue, has been a growing threat for decades. A high number of cases occur in the rainy seasons of countries such as Bangladesh and India. Now, its season in these countries is lengthening significantly (in 2018, Bangladesh saw the highest number of deaths in almost two decades), and the disease is spreading to less tropical and more temperate countries such as Nepal, that have not traditionally seen the disease. An estimated 40% of the world is at risk of dengue fever, and there are around 390 million infections a year. WHO’s Dengue control strategy aims to reduce deaths by 50% by 2020.  HIV The epidemic continues to rage with nearly a million people every year dying of HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have acquired the infection, and about 35 million people have died. Today, around 37 million worldwide live with HIV. Reaching people like sex workers, people in prison, men who have sex with men, or transgender people is hugely challenging. Often these groups are excluded from health services.(Please refer topic no.18) 37. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

NavIC: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) also known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)is an independent regional navigation satellite system being developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area. IRNSS will provide two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is provided to all the users and Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service provided only to the authorised users. The IRNSS System is expected to provide a position accuracy of better than 20 m in the primary service area.

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Applications:

 Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation  Disaster Management  Vehicle tracking and fleet management  Integration with mobile phones  Precise Timing  Mapping and Geodetic data capture  Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers  Visual and voice navigation for drivers

Technical details:

The IRNSS system comprises a space segment and a support ground segment.

The constellation consists of 7 satellites. Three of the seven satellites are located in geostationary orbit (GEO). Remaining four satellites are in inclined geosynchronous orbit (GSO).

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Ground Segment is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the IRNSS constellation. The Ground segment comprises:

 IRNSS Spacecraft Control Facility (IRSCF)  ISRO Navigation Centre (INC) 266 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 IRNSS Range and Integrity Monitoring Stations (IRIMS)  IRNSS Network Timing Centre (IRNWT)  IRNSS CDMA Ranging Stations (IRCDR)  Laser Ranging Stations  IRNSS Data Communication Network(IRDCN)

Commercialisation:The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its older commercial arm Antrix Corporation Ltd. are poised to commercialise NavIC. In mid-October, ISRO announced that Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a leading producer of semiconductor chips, had developed and tested NavIC-friendly chipsets across its user bases and that it would add NavIC to them.Apart from GPS, its chips can work with the global navigation satellite systems of Europe (Galileo), Russia (GLONASS) and China (Beidou.) It expects the indigenous system to ‘enhance’ the use of NavIC on mobile, automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Another positive development was the certification of the Indian system by the 3GPP (The 3rd Generation Partnership Project), a global body for coordinating mobile telephony standards. The specifications will be available in March 2020 and the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) has said it would adopt them as a national standard. According to Broadband India Forum, the potential market for NavIC-based products and integrated circuits can be very large and Indian companies and start-ups can now design them. NavIC systems in INCOIS:Department of Space (DoS) has reported that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has designed NavIC messaging system and developed a NavIC receiver and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS) is using this messaging system to broadcast emergency warning messages like cyclone, tsunami and high waves as and when it occurs and also for broadcasting of information of Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ). GAGAN: GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) implemented jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI). The main objectives of GAGAN are to provide Satellite-based Navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to

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provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. The system will be interoperable with other international SBAS systems and provide seamless navigation across regional boundaries. IRNSS is expected to meet the Civil Aviation requirements. 38. Quantum Computing

Context:Google had claimed to have achieved ‘quantum supremacy’. In a line, it means that researchers at Google had solved a really difficult problem in seconds with the help of quantum computers which a supercomputer could not. Sycamore:Google developed a microprocessor, named Sycamore that packs a total of 54 qubits. Measuring about 10 mm across, it is made using aluminium and indium parts sandwiched between two silicon wafers.In their experiment, the researchers were able to get 53 of the qubits connected to each other in a lattice pattern to interact in a so-called quantum state.They then set the quantum computer a complex task to detect patterns in a series of seemingly random numbers. It solved the problem in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. They estimated that the same problem would take 10,000 years for a Summit supercomputer (the most powerful in the world today) to solve. Quantum Computing:All computing systems rely on a fundamental ability to store and manipulate information. Current computers manipulate individual bits, which store information as binary 0 and 1 states. Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanical phenomena to manipulate information. To do this, they rely on quantum bits, or qubits. Quantum Mechanical properties: (1. Superposition:Superposition refers to a combination of states we would ordinarily describe independently. To make a classical analogy, if you play two musical notes at once, what you will hear is a superposition of the two notes. (2. Entanglement: Entanglement is a famously counter-intuitive quantum phenomenon describing behavior we never see in the classical world.

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Entangled particles behave together as a system in ways that cannot be explained using classical logic. (3. Interference: Quantum states can undergo interference due to a phenomenon known as phase. Quantum interference can be understood similarly to wave interference; when two waves are in phase, their amplitudes add, and when they are out of phase, their amplitudes cancel.

Quantum Computer:Quantum computers work differently from the classical computers we work on today. Exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics, they can easily tackle computational problems that may be tough for the classical computer as the size of the numbers and number of inputs involved grows bigger. Quantum computers do not look like desktops or laptops that we associate the word ‘computer’ with. Instead (and there are only a handful of them) they resemble the air-conditioned server rooms of many offices or the stacks of central processing units from desktops of yore that are connected by ungainly tangled wires and heaped in freezing rooms. Conventional computers process information in ‘bits’ or 1s and 0s, following classical physics under which our computers can process a ‘1’ or a ‘0’ at a time. The world’s most powerful super computer today can juggle 148,000 trillion operations in a second and requires about 9000 IBM CPUs connected in a particular combination to achieve this feat. Quantum computers compute in ‘qubits’ (or quantum bits). They exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, the science that governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale. In this scheme of things, processors can be a 1 and a 0 simultaneously, a state called quantum superposition. While this accelerates the speed of computation, a machine with less than a 100 qubits can solve problems with a lot of data that are even theoretically beyond the capabilities of the most powerful supercomputers. Benefits:The speed and capability of classical supercomputers are limited by energy requirements. Along with these they also need more physical space. Looking for really useful information by processing huge amounts of data quickly is a real-world problem and one that can be tackled faster by quantum

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computers.or example, if we have a database of a million social media profiles and had to look for a particular individual, a classical computer would have to scan each one of those profiles which would amount to a million steps. In 1996, Lov K. Grover from Bell Labs discovered that a quantum computer would be able to do the same task with one thousand steps instead of a million. That translates into reduced processors and reduced energy. The basic advantage is speed as it is able to simulate several classical computers working in parallel. Several encryption systems used in banking and security applications are premised on computers being unable to handle mathematical problems that are computationally demanding beyond a limit. Quantum computers, in theory, can surpass those limits. 39. Nobel Prize [Need clarity - I doubt if it is belong to S&T Topic] Nobel Prize: It is an annual international award bestowed in several categories by in recognition of academic, cultural or scientific advances. Nobel prizes are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed for that purpose by the Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel. The Nobel Prizes are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards given for intellectual achievement in the world.These prizes as established by his will are the Nobel Prize for Physics, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Prize for Literature, and the Nobel Prize for Peace. The first distribution of the prizes took place on December 10, 1901, the fifth anniversary of Nobel’s death. An additional award, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968 by the Bank of Sweden and was first awarded in 1969. Although not technically a Nobel Prize, it is identified with the award; its winners are announced with the Nobel Prize recipients, and the Prize in Economic Sciences is presented at the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony.

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Four institutions confer the prize:After Nobel’s death, the Nobel Foundation was set up to carry out the provisions of his will and to administer his funds. In his will, he had stipulated that four different institutions (three Swedish and one Norwegian) should award the prizes.  From Stockholm, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences confers the prizes for physics, chemistry, and economics.  The Karolinska Institute confers the prize for physiology or medicine.  The Swedish Academy confers the prize for literature.  The Norwegian Nobel Committee based in Oslo confers the prize for peace. The Nobel Foundation is the legal owner and functional administrator of the funds and serves as the joint administrative body of the prize-awarding institutions, but it is not concerned with the prize deliberations or decisions, which rest exclusively with the four institutions Nobel Prizes 2019 : Field Name Rationale Physics James Peebles “for theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology” Michel Mayor “for the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star” Didier Queloz “for the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star” Chemistry John B. “for the development of Goodenough lithium-ion batteries” M. Stanley “for the development of Whittingham lithium-ion batteries” Akira Yoshino “for the development of lithium-ion batteries” Physiology or William G. Kaelin Jr “for their discoveries of Medicine how cells sense and

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adapt to oxygen availability” Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe “for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability” Gregg L. Semenza “for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability” Literature Peter Handke ”for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience” Peace Abiy Ahmed Ali ”for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea”

EconomicSciences Abhijit Banerjee “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty” Esther Duflo “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty” Michael Kremer “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty”

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Indian Nobel laureates: Year Laureate (Indian Field Rationale Citizens) 1913 Rabindranath Literature "Because of his Tagore profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West." 1930 C. V. Raman Physics "For his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the effect named after him." 1979 Mother Teresa Peace "In recognition of [her] work in bringing help to suffering humanity" 1998 Amartya Sen Economic "For his Sciences contributions to welfare economics." 2014 Kailash Satyarthi Peace "For their struggle against 273 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education."

Year Laureate Nationality Field Rationale (born asIndian citizens) 1968 Har Gobind U.S Physiology "For their Khorana or interpretation of Medicine the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis." 1983 Subrahmanyan U.S Physics "For his Chandrasekhar theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars." 2009 Venki U.K/U.S Chemistry "For studies of Ramakrishnan the structure and function of the ribosome." 2019 Abhijit U.S Economic "For their Banerjee Sciences experimental approach to alleviating global poverty"

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40. National Digital Health Blueprint

Context:National Digital Health Blueprint report submitted to Health Ministry by J.Satyanarayana Committee. NHS: The National Health Stack (NHS) built with the aim of making the health insurance system more transparent and robust, while factoring in the uniqueness of India’s health sector, and the political realities of federalism. There are five components of NHS:  An electronic national health registry that would serve as a single source of health data for the nation,  A coverage and claims platform that would serve as the building blocks for large health protection schemes, allow for the horizontal and vertical expansion of schemes like Ayushman Bharat by states, and enable a robust system of fraud detection,  A federated personal health records (PHR) framework that would serve the twin purposes of access to their own health data by patients, and the availability of health data for medical research, which is critical for advancing the understanding of human health,  A national health analytics platform that would provide a holistic view combining information on multiple health initiatives, and feed into smart policymaking, for instance, through improved predictive analytics,  Other horizontal components including a unique digital health ID, health data dictionaries and supply chain management for drugs, payment gateways, etc., shared across all health programmes.

NDHB:The NDHB is the architectural document for the implementation of the NHS. Its vision is “to create a national digital health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage in an efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, timely and safe manner, through provision of a wide range of data, information, and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based

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digital systems, and ensuring the security, confidentiality and privacy of health- related personal information”. The key features of the blueprint include a federated architecture, a set of architectural principles, a five-layered system of architectural building blocks, a unique health ID (UHID), privacy and consent management, national portability, electronic health records, applicable standards and regulations, health analytics and, above all, multiple access channels like call centres, Digital Health India portal, and the MyHealth app. NDHB recognises the need to establish a specialised organisation, called the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) that can drive the implementation of the blueprint, and promote and facilitate the evolution of a national digital health ecosystem. Importance: With the launch of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest state- funded health insurance programme, and the slow but certain progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the challenge of making quality and affordable healthcare accessible to every one of India’s 135 crore citizens has acquired an altogether new dimension.Effective use of technology is critical to this project, this is where the National Health Stack and its rulebook of sorts, the National Digital Health Blueprint, drawn up by J Satyanarayana committee. Currently, apart from Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, there are many secondary and tertiary care schemes running in the states — such as Swasthya Sathi in West Bengal, Aardram by Kerala, Aarogyasri in Telangana, Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana in Maharashtra, etc. Also, there is an urgent need for integration of the two arms of Ayushman Bharat — health and wellness centres which constitute the primary care arm, and PMJAY, which is the secondary and tertiary care arm under which the target is to provide 10.74 crore families with an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh each. Without integration, the goal of continuum of care cannot be met — and that would mean PMJAY might end up becoming a perpetual drain on resources.

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Hence. the need for a common digital language for the operationalization and inter-operability of various health schemes, which the NHS seeks to provide. 41. Edge Computing

Context: According to the global research and advisory firm Gartner, by 2025, companies will generate and process more than 75% of their data outside of traditional centralised data centres, that is, at the “edge” of the cloud. Edge Computing:Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings enterprise applications closer to data sources, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices or local edge servers. This proximity to data at its source can deliver real business benefits: faster insights, improved response times and better bandwidth availability. Edge computing enables data to be analysed, processed, and transferred at the edge of a network. The idea is to analyse data locally, closer to where it is stored, in real-time without latency, rather than send it far away to a centralised data centre. Cloud computing:Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centres and servers, we can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider. Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet, the parent company of Google — the technology giants that provide cloud computing infrastructure to major corporates and governments — want to leverage 5G wireless technology and artificial intelligence to enable faster response times, lower latency (ability to process very high volumes of data with minimal delay), and simplified maintenance in computing. Many see edge computing as an extension to the cloud, but which is, in fact, different in several basic ways. By 2025, says the global research and advisory firm Gartner, companies will generate and process more than 75% of their data

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outside of traditional centralised data centres — that is, at the “edge” of the cloud. Difference between cloud computing and edge computing:The basic difference between edge computing and cloud computing lies in where the data processing takes place. At the moment, the existing Internet of Things (IoT) systems perform all of their computations in the cloud using data centres. Edge computing, on the other hand, essentially manages the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices by storing and processing data locally. That data doesn’t need to be sent over a network as soon as it processed; only important data is sent, therefore, an edge computing network reduces the amount of data that travels over the network. Importance:The explosive growth of internet of things (IoT) devices, and the increasing computing power of these devices, have resulted in unprecedented volumes of data. And data volumes will continue to grow as 5G networks increase the number of connected mobile devices. Sending all that device-generated data to a centralized data center or to the cloud causes bandwidth and latency issues. Edge computing offers a more efficient alternative: data is processed and analysed closer to the point where it is created. Because data does not traverse over a network to a cloud or data centre in order to be processed, latency is significantly reduced. Edge computing — and mobile edge computing on 5G networks — enables faster and more comprehensive data analysis, creating the opportunity for deeper insights, faster response times and improved customer experiences. Experts believe the true potential of edge computing will become apparent when 5G networks go mainstream in a year from now. Users will be able to enjoy consistent connectivity without even realising it. 42. Geotail Context: An instrument on Chandrayaan-2, CLASS, designed to detect signatures of elements in the Moon’s soil, had detected charged particles during the mission. This happened in September, during the orbiter’s passage through the “geotail”. 278 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

What is Geotail?:The geotail is a region in space that allows the best observations. The region exists as a result of the interactions between the Sun and Earth. Sun emits a continuous outflowing stream of electrons and protons into the solar system, called the solar wind. The solar wind plasma which has charged particles embedded in the extended magnetic field of the Sun, moves at speeds of a few hundred km per second. It interacts with solar system bodies including Earth and its moon. Since the Earth has a global magnetic field, it obstructs the solar wind plasma and this interaction results in the formation of a magnetic envelope around Earth, called the magnetosphere.

The Earth’s magnetosphere is compressed into a region approximately three to four times the Earth radius (~22000 km above the surface) on the side facing the

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Sun, but is stretched into a long tail (geotail) on the opposite side that goes beyond the orbit of Moon. Approximately, once every 29 days, Moon traverses the geotail for about 6 days centred around full moon. Thus Chandrayaan-2 also crosses this geotail and its instruments can study properties of geotail at a few hundred thousand kilometres from Earth. CLASS:CLASS (Chandrayaan-2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer) is designed to detect direct signatures of elements present in the lunar soil. This is best observed when a solar flare on the Sun provides a rich source of x-rays to illuminate the lunar surface; secondary x-ray emission resulting from this can be detected by CLASS to directly detect the presence of key elements like Na, Ca, Al, Si, Ti and Fe. While this kind of “flash photography” requires one to await an opportune time for Sun to be active, CLASS in its first few days of observation, could detect charged particles and its intensity variations during its first passage through the geotail during Sept. 43. GEMINI Device. Context:The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), launched two marine information dissemination products on October 9, 2019, to enhance the livelihood of fishermen and increase their security from extreme weather conditions. Importance:Though the advisories and forecasts are disseminated through multiple communication modes, none of them could provide such information, including the disaster warnings when the fishermen move away from the coast beyond 10-12 km (typical ranges of mobile phones and VHF). That remained as a major limitation in disseminating the information to fishermen who go in the sea beyond 50 nautical miles; sometimes up to 300 nautical miles and beyond to conduct multiday fishing. This lacuna was severely felt during the Ockhi cyclone in 2017, when fishermen went out, for deep sea fishing before the onset of the cyclone

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and could not be informed about the developing cyclone. This communication gap resulted in loss of life, serious injuries to those rescued and severe damages to fishing boats and fishing gear. INCOIS regularly provides information, advisories, ocean data, weather forecasts, potential fishing zones (PFZ) data to beneficiaries like fishermen, Indian Navy, marine industries, shipping etc.But due to the limited range of mobile networks and VHFs, the erstwhile information system was not able to communicate disaster warnings to the fishermen if and when they moved away from the coast beyond 10-12 km. The new system called GEMINI (GAGAN Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information) has developed on this limitation by utilising GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) satellite systems of the AAI to transmit PFZ and disaster warnings to the fishermen. Satellite-based advisory service:The satellite based communication is the only suitable solution for the dissemination of such emergency information and affordable satellite based communication system should be made part of the dissemination chain to deal with cyclones, high waves and tsunamis. The data coverage of GEMINI covers the entire India Ocean full-time, which will help in information transmission to the fishermen far away from coastal areas. Operation:GEMINI is a portable device which receives data from the GAGAN satellites and sends it to the user’s cellphone. The GEMINI app on the cellphone decodes the signals from GEMINI device and alerts the user on imminent threats like cyclones, high waves, strong winds along with PFZ and search and rescue mission. Additional info:  INCOIS also launched a new PFZ forecast model which would help the fishermen in forecasting potential fishing zones.  It will provide advisories on PFZ to fishermen 3 days in advance.  The PFZ forecasts are generated using numerical models operationalized by INCOIS and helps overcome the operational

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difficulties in providing the PFZ advisories during overcast skies based on satellite data. 44. Global Tuberculosis Report-2019

Context:The tuberculosis incidence rate in India has decreased by almost 50,000 patients over the past one year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)-2019 edition of the Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report.

Main observations:  India accounts for 27% of the global TB burden  The report notes that in 2017, India had 27.4 lakh TB patients which came down to 26.9 lakh in 2018.

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 Incidence per 1,00,000 population has decreased from 204 in 2017 to 199 in 2018.  The number of patients being tested for rifampicin resistance has increased from 32% in 2017 to 46% in 2018.  The treatment success rate has increased to 81% for new and relapse cases (drug sensitive) in 2017, which was 69% in 2016.

According to experts, TB remains the top infectious killer in the world claiming over 4,000 lives a day. This report presents progress towards targets set at the first-ever United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on TB in 2018, that brought together heads of state, as well as the targets of the WHO End TB Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals. Tuberculosis:Tuberculosis (TB) is contagious and airborne.It is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread when people who are sick with TB expel bacteria into the air; for example, by coughing.It typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other sites (extrapulmonary TB). Current scenario:  TB was one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2018.  It is also the leading killer of people with HIV and a major cause of deaths related to antimicrobial resistance.  Eight countries accounted for 66% of the new cases: India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa.  In 2018, 1.5 million people died from TB, including 2,51,000 people with HIV.  Among cases of multi drug resistant TB in 2018, 6.2% were estimated to have extensively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB).

TB in India:

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 The three countries with the largest share of the global burden were India (27%), China (14%) and the Russian Federation (9%).  India accounted for 35% of global TB deaths among HIV-negative people, and for 30% of the combined total number of TB deaths in HIV-negative and HIV-positive people.  In India, notifications increased from 1.2 million in 2013 to 2 million in 2018 (+60%), including a 12% increase of 207 000 between 2017 and 2018.

Revised National Tuberculosis Programme (RNTBP): The National TB Control Programme was started in 1962 with the aim to detect cases earliest and treat them. In the district, the programme is implemented through the district Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) and the Primary Health Institutions. The District Tuberculosis Programme (DTP) is supported by the state level organization for the coordination and supervision of the programme. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), based on the Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS) strategy, began as a pilot project in 1993 and was launched as a national programme in 1997 but rapid RNTCP expansion began in late 1998. The nation-wide coverage was achieved in 2006. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme has initiated early and firm steps to its declared objective of Universal access to early quality diagnosis and quality TB care for all TB patients'. RNTCP is being implemented with decentralised services of TB diagnosis through 13,000+ designated microscopy centres and free treatment across the nation through 4 lakh DOT centres. RNTCP's National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2012-17 was part of the country’s 12th Five year Plan. The theme of the NSP 2012-17 was "Universal Access for quality diagnosis and treatment for all TB patients in the community" with a target of "reaching the unreached".

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The National Strategic Plan 2017 - 2025 builds on the success and learnings of the last NSP and encapsulates the bold an d innovative steps required to eliminate TB in India by 2030. Global Tuberculosis Report: Global TB is published by WHO every year since 1997. The main aim of the report is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic, and of progress in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, at global, regional and country levels. This is done in the context of recommended global TB strategies and targets endorsed by WHO’s Member States, broader development goals set by the United Nations (UN) and targets set in the political declaration at the first UN high-level meeting on TB (held in September 2018) . NIKSHAY:NI-KSHAY-(Ni=End, Kshay=TB) is the web enabled patient management system for TB control under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). It is developed and maintained by the Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the World Health Organization Country office for India. 45. Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine

.Context:Pakistan on Friday became the first country in the world to introduce a new typhoid vaccine in an effort to combat a drug-resistant strain of the potentially fatal disease in the Sindh province. Scenario:Pakistani health officials have reported an on-going outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever that began in the country in November 2016. The strain of Salmonella Typhi bacteria, which has become a so-called “superbug”, has so far infected around 11,000 people in the country, with Sindh province the worst-hit. Pakistan has become the first country in the world to introduce TCV into its routine immunisation programme through a campaign mode in Sindh.

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GAVI vaccine alliance is backed by several global organisations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the WHO, the World Bank and the UNICEF, which arranges bulk buys to lower vaccine costs for poor countries.With funding support from the Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI), the vaccine introduction will begin with a two-week vaccination campaign targeting one crore children. It will be introduced nationally in 2021. TCV is a one-dose vaccine, injected intramuscularly, that is lower in cost and has higher efficacy. It is expected to provide long lasting immunity in adults, children and infants older than 9 months of age. Indian role:In this big move, an India-made vaccine Typbar TCV, will play a significant role. About 1.2 crore doses of the vaccine have been supplied by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech for this initiative. In February 2019, the Pakistan government approached the Indian vaccine manufacturer through the GAVI Alliance to supply TCV. The CMD of Bharat Biotech, Krishna Ella, had told media that the company had received a request from Aga Khan University, Karachi, to immediately despatch the vaccine. The company will also ship two lakh doses to Pakistan, he had said. Typhoid:Typhoid is caused by the salmonella typhi bacteria, and is spread through contaminated food and water. Typhoid is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly when people live in crowded neighbourhoods with weak water and sanitation infrastructure.According to WHO, every year nearly 1.2 crore cases of typhoid are reported globally. Death from typhoid is put at more than 1.28 lakh globally each year. And this is mostly reported among children and young adults in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. A typhoid conjugate vaccine offers a good solution to protect children from falling ill and from drug-resistant typhoid. 46. CARTOSAT-3

News: ISRO successfully launches CARTOSAT-3, 13 nano-satellites from Sriharikota.

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Cartosat-3: Cartosat-3 satellite is a third generation agile advanced satellite having high resolution imaging capability. Cartosat-3, a third-generation advanced high-resolution imaging satellite, is the most advanced imaging spacecraft India has flown so far. It packs several capabilities in imaging of the Earth, including the panchromatic mode (with a ground resolution of 0.25 m with 16-km swath), four-band multispectral mode (resolution of 1.13 m with 16-km swath), and hyperspectral mode (resolution of 12 m with 5-km swath), and can also capture images in the infrared spectrum with a resolution of 5.7 m. The satellite will replace the IRS series, according to Isro. The CARTOSAT-3 has a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres, which helps it conduct satellite imaging with the highest resolution. The space research organisation said this mission is a huge leap from the previous payloads in the CARTOSAT series. Importance:Cartosat-3 will address the increased user’s demands for large scale urban planning, rural resource and infrastructure development, coastal land use and land cover etc. CARTOSAT-3, India's most complex and advanced earth imaging satellite built so far. The mission life of CARTOSAT-3 would be for five years. 47. ARROKOTH

Context:NASA gave Ultima Thule a new official name. 2014 MU69/Arrokoth:The small Kuiper Belt object officially known as Arrokoth — or by its original designation (486958) 2014 MU69 — is the most distant and most primitive object ever explored by a spacecraft. It was discovered in 2014 by NASA’s New Horizons science team, using the Hubble Space Telescope. Arrokoth is in a region of space beyond Neptune called the Kuiper Belt that is swarming with small, icy and ancient objects. Because they are so far from the Sun, Kuiper Belt objects have only been slightly heated since forming, and are thought to be well-preserved, frozen samples of what the outer solar system was like after its birth more than 4.5 billion years ago.Arrokoth is one of the 287 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

thousands of known small icy worlds in the Kuiper Belt, the vast “third zone” of the solar system beyond the inner terrestrial planets and the outer gas giant planets. Etymology: The word ‘Arrokoth’ means “sky” in the Powhatan/Algonquian language.New Horizons launched in January 2006; it then zipped past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February 2007 and conducted an historic first flight through the Pluto system on July 14, 2015. The spacecraft continued its unparalleled voyage on New Year’s 2019 with the exploration of Arrokoth – which the team had nicknamed “Ultima Thule” ­-- a billion miles beyond Pluto, and the farthest flyby ever conducted. In accordance with IAU naming conventions, the discovery team earned the privilege of selecting a permanent name for the celestial body. The team used this convention to associate the culture of the native peoples who lived in the region where the object was discovered; in this case, both the Hubble Space Telescope (at the Space Telescope Science Institute) and the New Horizons mission (at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) are operated out of Maryland — a tie to the significance of the Chesapeake Bay region to the Powhatan people. New Horizons:New Horizons is a NASA mission to study the dwarf planet Pluto, its moons, and other objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system that extends from about 30 AU, near the orbit of Neptune, to about 50 AU from the Sun. New Horizons was the first spacecraft to encounter Pluto, a relic from the formation of the solar system. By the time it reached the Pluto system, the spacecraft had traveled farther away and for a longer time period (more than nine years) than any previous deep space spacecraft ever launched. During the flyby, New Horizons carried out a detailed set of observations over a period of four months in early 2007. These observations were designed to gather new data on Jupiter’s atmosphere, ring system and moons (building on research from Galileo) and to test out New Horizon’s instruments.

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Although observing the moons from distances much farther than Galileo, New Horizons was still able to return impressive pictures of Io (including eruptions on its surface), Europa and Ganymede. Hubble Space Telescope:The Hubble Space Telescope (often referred to as HST or Hubble) is a space telescope that was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990. It was not the first space telescope but it is one of the largest and most versatile, well known both as a vital research tool and as a public relations boon for astronomy. The Hubble telescope is named after astronomer Edwin Hubble and is one of NASA's Great Observatories, along with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. 48. Space Based Internet (Starlink). Context:American company SpaceX launched 60 mini satellites (second batch of starlink satellites) for global internet. Starlink:Starlink is a satellite constellation being constructed by American company SpaceX to provide global satellite Internet access. Starlink satellites are designed to form the initial phase a planned constellation capable of beaming signals for high-speed internet service from space to paying customers around the globe.At least 12 launches carrying similar payloads are needed to achieve constant internet coverage of most of the world. The constellation will consist of thousands of mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), working in combination with ground transceivers. SpaceX is planning to launch 2000 satellites per year with the ultimate objective of placing up to 12000 into orbit. SpaceX:Space Exploration Technologies Corp, is a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company headquartered in California. Additional info:

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Hongyun project- In December 2018, China launched its first communication satellite to provide broadband internet services worldwide in an apparent bid to rival Google and other international firms. The Hongyun project, started in September 2016, aims to build a space- based communications network to provide broadband internet connectivity to users around the world, especially those in the underserved regions. 49. National Guidelines for Gene Therapy

Context:ICMR released draft guidelines to treat rare genetic diseases. News:In a bid to attract the pharmaceutical industry for pooling investments in drugs for treating rare diseases, country’s apex research body Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has come up with national guidelines for gene therapy related clinical trials. Gene therapy:Gene Therapy refers to the process of introduction, removal or change in content of an individual’s genetic material with the goal of treating the disease and a possibility of achieving long term cure. Aims:With the document called as the “National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials", the government aims to ensure that the gene therapies can be introduced in India and their clinical trials can be performed in an ethical, scientific and safe manner. Also, spur innovation and accelerate research for rare diseases. Importance:Inherited genetic diseases or rare diseases refer to medical conditions that affect a small percentage of the population but has vast, debilitating and often life threatening effects of the patients, many of whom are in the paediatric age group. Treatments for such diseases have long been neglected by the traditional pharmaceutical industry because of the notion that it will have uncertain or poor commercial outcomes given the smaller affected population size. Genetic research experts claim that for a variety of debilitating diseases caused by genetic mutations, gene therapy offers a treatment modality that cannot be

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provided by conventional therapy including small molecule drugs or alternative medicines. While the western world has made considerable strides with regards to gene therapy over the past 30 years, ICMR stated that drugs like Luxuturna for Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition which leads to breakdown of retinal cells in the eye, and leads to low vision, or Yescarta which is a cell therapy for cancer, are currently in clinical trial phase. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 (NDCTR), has defined a rare disease drug or “orphan drug" as “a drug intended to treat a condition which affects not more than five lakh (5,00,000) persons in India". In the past three years, several gene and cell therapy products have received approval for patient use from US and EU regulators, paving the way for development of therapies for a variety of previously untreatable disorders. The worldwide market for such treatments for rare diseases is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from 2018 to 2024 and predicted to reach revenues of more than $250 billion. In most countries, such policies for development of gene and cell therapy products is also accompanied by R&D support avenues, clinical trial pathways and education and awareness amongst the clinical community. Task force:Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is setting up a task force on gene therapy research to encourage research in the emerging field.The research body among other things has proposed forming the task force to explore gene editing based therapeutic approaches to treat illnesses. 50. Annular Solar Eclipse[-Geography topic-]

Eclipses:Traditionally, eclipses are divided into two major types: solar and lunar. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, leaving a moving region of shadow on Earth’s surface. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

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Solar Eclipse Solar eclipses may be classified as either total, in which the Moon completely covers the Sun, or annular, in which the Moon obscures all but an outer ring of the Sun. Difference:Whether an eclipse is total or annular depends on the distance between these three objects. Earth travels in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, and the Moon travels in an elliptical orbit around Earth, so the distance between these celestial bodies changes.

Annular Solar Eclipse:When the Sun is nearest to Earth and the Moon is at or near its greatest distance, the Moon appears smaller than the Sun in the sky. When an eclipse of the Sun happens in this situation, the Moon will not appear large enough to cover the disk of the Sun completely, and a rim or ring of light will remain visible in the sky. This is an annular eclipse. Total Solar Eclipse:There are no annular lunar eclipses because Earth is much bigger than the Moon, and its shadow will never be small enough to leave a ring. However, the Moon does experience total eclipses. Partial Eclipses:Both solar and lunar eclipses may also occur as partial eclipses. For a solar eclipse this often depends upon where the viewer observes the event. 292 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

A partialeclipse may be seen by viewers who stand outside of the region of shadow created by the umbra—the path of totality—but who remain within the large region of shadow covered by the penumbra, a region of lesser shadow where some light still penetrates. A partial eclipse of the Sun also results when the Moon’s penumbra falls on Earth but its umbra does not. A partial eclipse of the Moon occurs when the Moon passes through only part of Earth’s umbra or only its penumbra. 26, December 2019 Eclipse: The eclipse started in Qatar, the UAE, Oman and due to its geological positioning, Cheruvathur (Kerala) was the first place in India where it was very visible. Safety:It is not advisable to look at the Sun during a solar eclipse with naked eyes. Only eclipse glasses that have a certification with "ISO 12312-2 international standard" are safe for use, according to NASA. Other options are the number 14 welder's glass, or a pinhole projector that allows a user to project the image of the sun on paper or cardboard. Mythologies:All around the globe, ancient cultures and religions attempted to explain solar and lunar eclipses. Many of those stories involved gods, demons, dragons and other creatures that prowled through the sky and threatened to devour the sun or the moon. Eclipses or grahan are considered to be inauspicious according to the Hindu mythology. The sun, which is worshipped as a major life force in the universe, disappears during the solar eclipse, making it an omen of all things evil. Naturally then, a number of rituals are conducted to minimise the negative effects of this natural phenomenon. Superstitions: Many people in India believe in superstitions related to the solar eclipse and observe unscientific methods to prevent the ‘evil force’. These local beliefs and customs may result in serious social and health problems. The rules dictate that no food should be cooked during the eclipse. Leftovers are finished off before the period of the eclipse. Some people in India leave tulsi or Indian basil leaves on cooked food items, and cover them to keep them safe.Sleeping,

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urination, defecation, sexual intercourse and makeup are also prohibited during the eclipse. Pregnant women are considered to be especially susceptible to the evil forces during eclipses. Not only are they supposed to abstain from activities like cutting vegetables and stitching clothes, but in some parts of India, they're not even supposed to sit with their legs crossed. Scientific explanations on myths: It‘s just a play of shadows, the sun, moon and earth don’t change their basic nature. There is no change in the rays of suns; it is the same thing if a person stood in the shadow of a building. Myths and superstitions related to pregnant women have no basis in medical science. Doctors advise pregnant women to drink and eat normally in order to avoid weakness that could harm the unborn child. There is no scientific reason to restrict travel during the celestial event. AAA recommends keeping a little extra distance from other cars and driving with the headlights on due to insufficient light. But it is not advisable to look at the Sun during a solar eclipse with naked eyes. NOVEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 Background A novel coronavirus (nCoV-2019) commonly known as “silent killer” has groped the world’s population with respiratory illness and deaths in severe cases.

Naming of a disease Following World Health Organisation best practices for naming of new human infectious diseases, which were developed in consultation and collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), WHO has named the disease COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”

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About novel coronavirus Normally, coronavirus is a large family of viruses that are often the source of respiratory infections, including the common cold.

It is due to their crown-like projections on the surfaces coronaviruses got their name. The virus resembles a crown when viewed under an electron microscope. "Corona” in Latin means "halo" or "crown"

Four of the 7 coronaviruses most frequently cause symptoms of the common cold. Rarely, severe lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, can occur, primarily in infants, older people, and the immunocompromised.

3 of the 7 coronaviruses cause much more severe, and sometimes fatal: SARS-CoV2or nCoV: is a novel coronavirus identified as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that began in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and spread worldwide. MERS-CoV: was identified in 2012 as the cause of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). SARS-CoV :was identified in 2002 as the cause of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Is coronavirus a zoonotic disease and the route of transmission The route of transmission to humans at the start of this event remains unclear. However, Increasing evidencesdemonstrate the link between the 2019-nCoV and other similar known coronaviruses (CoV) circulating in bats, and more specifically those of the Rhinolophus bat sub-species, showing that the coronavirus was initially transmitted from animals to human.

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These sub-species are abundant and widely present in Southern China, and across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Recent studies indicate that more than 500 CoVs have been identified in bats in China.

According to the World Health Organization, during previous outbreaks due to other coronaviruses, human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets or objects making contact, suggesting that the transmission mode of the 2019-nCoV can be identical.

Symptoms and Signs People with COVID-19 may have few to no symptoms, although some become severely ill and die. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Those with more severe disease may have lymphopenia and chest imaging findings consistent with pneumonia. The exact incubation time is not certain; estimates range from 1 to 14 days.

The virus is contagious even during incubation that is even before a patient exhibits any symptoms. This characteristic amplifies transmissibility.

Coronavirus a global emergency The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (global emergency).

Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC) A PHEIC is defined in the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) as, “an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response”. This definition implies a situation that is:  Serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;  Carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and  May require immediate international action. The declaration of PHEIC would lead to boosting public health measures, funding and resources to prevent and reduce global spread.

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The WHO has declared five global emergencies in the past decade, being Swine Flu, Polio, Ebola, Zika Virus, Corona virus.

Coronavirus a pandemic The coronavirus outbreak has been labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). A pandemic describes an infectious disease where we see significant and ongoing person-to-person spread in multiple countries around the world at the same time. Pandemics are more likely if a virus is brand new, able to infect people easily and can spread from person-to- person in an efficient and sustained way. With no vaccine or treatment that can prevent it yet, containing its spread is vital. WHO recommendations and advice for the public to contain the spread of the virus  Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.  Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment  Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.  People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).  Within health care facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency

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departments Kerala’s fight against coronavirus  Contact tracing: Asha workers and Kudumbashree workers aid support at the panchayat levels to the state health officials.  Route Maps: Preparing route maps of the infected people, which involves tracking every point from when the patient landed in India or came in contact with an infected person, up to when they were admitted to a hospital. The information gathered includes place and time.  Quarantine Comfort: Patients have talked about receiving their choice of meals, being provided wi-fi as well as counselling.  Focus on Mental Health: Opened multiple call centres to keep check on the mental health of those who are home quarantined.  Visit from govt.officials: Keeping a tab on them through GPS tracking, A team consisting of a health worker, police official and health volunteer will visit every home where persons are quarantined and verify their status.  App to combat fake news: Kerala government launched its app GOKDirect to disseminate information and updates on the outbreak.  Mid-day meal delivery: Government would home-deliver the mid- day meals provided at anganwadi centres across the state.  Awareness among migrant workers  Break the Chain Initiative: Encourage hand sanitising among people in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 Kerala is set to be the 1st state to begin plasma therapy, which uses antibodies from the blood of cured patients, to treat critically ill COVID-19 cases on a trial basis as approved by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Statistics as per WHO as on 11th April 2020

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NATIONAL DRONE POLICY The National Drone Policy by the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been in effect from 1st December 2008. Overview of the Policy . The new policy called “Drone Regulations 1.0” clarifies where, when and how drones can operate within India. . This policy has made flying drones or remotely-piloted aircraft have become legal in India.

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. Ministry of Civil Aviation has kick-started the digital registration (instead of simply digitizing a paper based process) of drones through its Digital Sky portal. Need for the policy in the Indian context . The preparation of these drone regulations through a Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) was necessary because: (1) drone technologies have been evolving very rapidly; (2) many countries are still experimenting with their drone regulations and no ICAO stands have been developed; and (3) India’s security environment necessitates extra precautions. . A few businesses have managed to manufacture or operate drones in India, without attracting hostile government attention. . They provided products and services primarily for the cinematography, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. However, there were no regulations in place that guarantee the legality of their products and services. . So it has been difficult for these businesses to attract investors, limiting their ability to grow. . It is also to be noted that India has no indigenous drone manufacturer capable of competing on the global stage. . So the national policy on drone would go a long way in addressing these concerns. Highlights of the Policy . Categories - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designed five different categories of drones as Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. Under the new policy, Nano drones which weigh less than 250 grams or equal does NOTneed a registration or license.

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However, drones that belong to remaining categories will need to be

registered on the Digital Sky portal. 301 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. Digital Sky portal - It is an online platform as part of an enforcement system designated as “No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT)”. Here, a drone operator can obtain all the necessary paperwork required. It includes procedures to conduct a drone operation, including final flight permission immediately before the operation. . Permission - Following registration, DGCA will issue a Unique Identification Number (UIN) or Unmanned Aircraft Operator’s Permit (UAOP). The fee for a fresh UIN is Rs 1,000. The fee for a fresh UAOP is Rs 25,000 and is valid for 5 years. To get permissions to fly, RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) operators or remote pilots will have to file a flight plan. . Zones - Flying in the ‘green zones’ will require only intimation of the time and location of the flights via the portal or the app. But permissions will be required for flying in ‘yellow zones’, and flights will not be allowed in the ‘red zones’. The location of these zones will be announced soon. Permission, if granted, will be available digitally on the portal. DGCA has also designated a set of test sites for drone manufacturers and operators to innovate in a safe and secure environment. . Drone Policy 2.0 - The ministry has constituted a task-force on the recommendation of Drone Policy 2.0. Drone 2.0 framework for RPAS include:  Certification of safe and controlled operation of drone hardware and software,  Air space management through automated operations linked into overall airspace management framework,  Beyond visual-line-of-sight operations, Contribution to establishing global standards,  Suggestions for modifications of existing CARs and/or new CARs

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Concerns associated with the policy . The current regulations make it legal for non-governmental agencies, organisations and individuals to use UAVs. . But the high costs put them beyond the reach of NGOs and rural communities. . The processes and fees render it difficult for them to conduct drone operations without hiring companies, which again would increase the costs. . Some activities with the potential for market transformation are not currently permitted. E.g. functional drone-based delivery is not allowed. It's because it requires the operator to conduct BVLOS operations and for the drone itself to release payloads while in flight. NASA’s InSIGHT MISSION About InSight Mission . NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) lander touched down on Mars at the end of 2018. . InSight is part of NASA’s Discovery Program, managed by the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. . It will be the first mission to peer deep beneath the Martian surface, studying the planet’s interior by measuring its heat output and listening for marsquakes, which are seismic events similar to earthquakes on Earth. . It will use the seismic waves generated by marsquakes to develop a map of the planet’s deep interior. . It is being supported by a number of European partners, which include France’s Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), the

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German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA). Special focus on Mars! Previous missions to Mars have investigated the surface history of the Red Planet by examining features like canyons, volcanoes, rocks and soil. However, signatures of the planet’s formation can only be found by sensing and studying its “vital signs” far below the surface.

In comparison to the other terrestrial planets, Mars is neither too big nor too small. This means that it preserves the record of its formation and can give us insight into how the terrestrial planets formed. It is the perfect laboratory from which to study the formation and evolution of rocky planets. Scientists know that Mars has low levels of geological activity. But a lander like InSight can also reveal just how active Mars really is.

Key findings of the Mission

Underground: Rumbles

. Mars trembles more often than expected, but also more mildly. . This emerged from readings of the ultra-sensitive seismometer, called the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS). . The instrument enables scientists to “hear” multiple trembling events from hundreds to thousands of miles away. . Mars doesn’t have tectonic plates like Earth, but it does have volcanically active regions that can cause rumbles. The surface: Magnetism . Billions of years ago, Mars had a magnetic field.

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. Although it is no longer present, it left behind what NASA describes as “ghosts” – magnetized rocks that are now between 61 m to several km below ground. . InSight is equipped with a magnetometer, which has detected magnetic signals. . At a Martian site called Homestead hollow, the magnetic signals are 10 times stronger than what was predicted earlier (based on data from orbiting spacecraft). In the wind: dust devils . InSight measures wind speed, direction and air pressure nearly continuously. . Weather sensors have detected thousands of passing whirlwinds, which are called dust devils when they pick up grit and become visible. . The site has more whirlwinds than any other place where a landing has been made on Mars while carrying weather sensors. . Despite all that activity in the wind and frequent imaging, InSight’s cameras have yet to see dust devils. But SEIS can feel these whirlwinds pulling on the surface. The core: still to come . InSight has two radios. One is for regularly sending and receiving data. The other radio, which is more powerful, is designed to measure the “wobble” of Mars as it spins. . This X-band radio, also known as the Rotation and Interior Structure Experiment (RISE), can eventually reveal whether the planet’s core is solid or liquid. . A solid core would cause Mars to wobble less than a liquid one would.

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INTERNATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) INDEX Published by The International IP Index 2020 titled “Art of the Possible” has been released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). 306 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property rights as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges. About the Index . The Index evaluates the IP framework in each economy across 50 unique indicators which industry believes represent economies with the most effective IP systems. . The indicators create a snapshot of an economy overall IP ecosystem and span nine categories of protection: patents, copyrights, trademarks, design rights, trade secrets, commercialization of IP assets, enforcement, systemic efficiency, and membership and ratification of international treaties. . The Index maps the IP ecosystem in 53 global economies, representing over 90% of global GDP Performance of India: 1. Ranked 40 out of 53 global economies. 2. Last year India was ranked at 36th position out of 50 countries. India has slipped to 40 position on the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, 2020 from the 36 position in 2019 3. India also continues to score well in the Systemic Efficiency indicator, scoring ahead of 28 other economies in these indicators. Observations made on India  Since the release of the 2016 National IPR Policy, the Government of India has made a focused effort to support investments in innovation and creativity through increasingly robust IP protection and enforcement. National IPR Policy 307 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. It encompasses and brings to a single platform all IPRs, taking into account all inter-linkages and thus aims to create and exploit synergies between all forms of intellectual property (IP), concerned statutes and agencies. . Its implementation has improved the speed of processing for patent and trademark applications and increased awareness of IP rights among Indian innovators and creators.  Implementation of the policy has improved the speed of processing for patent and trademark applications, increased awareness of IP rights among Indian innovators and creators.  India has made significant progress towards establishing stronger IP protections— but the “job is not yet done”.  In 2019, the Delhi High Court used dynamic injunctions to disable access to copyright-infringing content online, resulting in an increase in India’s score on two of the copyright-related indicators. As a result, India scores ahead of 24 other economies in the copyright indicators. NATIONAL MISSION ON QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES & APPLICATIONS (NMQTA) About Quantum Technology . Quantum Technology is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy and matter on the atomic and subatomic level, including quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.  Quantum entanglement is when two atoms are connected, or entangled, despite being separated.  Quantum superposition is the theory that sub-atomic particles exist in multiple states simultaneously. . It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum systems, with the goal of achieving information processing beyond the limits of the classical world. . Quantum principles will be used for engineering solutions to extremely 308 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

complex problems in computing, communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography, imaging, and mechanics. . Quantum technology promises improvements to a vast range of everyday gadgets, including:  more reliable navigation and timing systems  more secure communications  more accurate healthcare imaging  more powerful computing

Applications of Quantum Technology Secure Communication: China recently demonstrated secure quantum communication links between terrestrial stations and satellites. This area is significant to satellites, military and cyber security among others as it promises unimaginably fast computing and safe, unhackable satellite communication to its users. Research: It can help in solving some of the fundamental questions in physics related to gravity, black hole etc.Similarly, the quantum initiative could give a big boost to the Genome India project, a collaborative effort of 20 institutions to enable new efficiencies in life sciences, agriculture and medicine. Disaster Management: Tsunamis, drought, earthquakes and floods may become more predictable with quantum applications.The collection of data regarding climate change can be streamlined in a better way through quantum technology. This in turn will have a profound impact on agriculture, food technology chains and the limiting of farmland wastage. Pharmaceutical: India’s interest in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry is huge. Quantum computing could reduce the time frame of the discovery of new molecules and related processes to a few days from the present 10-year slog that scientists put in. Tackling chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart ailments is a big possibility of the technology.

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Augmenting Industrial revolution 4.0: Industrial revolution 4.0 technologies like the Internet-of-Things, machine learning, robotics, and artificial intelligence across sectors will further help in laying the foundation of the Knowledge economy.

Need for the Mission . Quantum technologies are rapidly developing globally with a huge disruptive potential. . The range of quantum technologies is expected to be one of the major technology disruptions that will change entire paradigm of computation, communication and encryption. . It is perceived that the countries who achieve an edge in this emerging field will have a greater advantage in garnering multifold economic growth and dominant leadership role. . It has become imperative both for government and industries to be prepared to develop these emerging and disruptive changes. . It will establish standards to be applied to all research and help stimulate a pipeline to support research and applications well into the future.

Contents of the NMQTA . The mission will function under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

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. The next-generation transformative technologies that will receive a push under this mission include quantum computers and computing, quantum communication, quantum key distribution, encryption, cryptanalysis, quantum devices, quantum sensing, quantum materials, quantum clock and so on. o Mission draws upon the existing deep strengths within academic institutes across India to support interdisciplinary research projects in key verticals involving quantum technology, while simultaneously developing key foundational strengths in important core areas. o The Mission will be able to address the ever-increasing technological requirements of the society and take into account the international technology trends and road maps of leading countries for the development of next-generation technologies. NATIONAL POLICY ON RARE DISEASES (DRAFT) A draft National Policy for Rare Diseases has been finalized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Background Paradoxically, though rare diseases are of low prevalence and individually rare, collectively they affect a considerable portion of the population in any country, which according to the generally accepted international research is between 6%-8%.

In the Indian scenario, like many other developing countries, currently has no standard definition and no data on prevalence. Since there is no

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epidemiological data, there are no figures on the burden of rare diseases and morbidity and mortality associated on them.

The draft policy provides for lowering the incidence, prevention of rare diseases based on an integrated preventive strategy encompassing awareness generation and screening programs and, within the constraints on resources and competing health care priorities, enable access to affordable health care to patients of rare diseases which are amenable to one-time treatment.

About rare diseases A rare disease also referred to an orphan disease, is a health condition of a particularly low prevalence that affects a smallnumber of people compared with other prevalent diseases in the general population. Most rare diseases are genetic, and are present throughout a person’s entire life, even if symptoms do not immediately appear.

Characteristics: . Rare diseases are characterised by a wide diversity of symptoms and signs that vary not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease. Relatively common symptoms can hide underlying rare diseases, leading to misdiagnosis. . The most common rare diseases recorded in India are Haemophilia, Thalassemia, sickle-cell anaemia and primary immuno deficiency in children, auto-immune diseases, Lysosomal storage disorders such as Pompe disease, Hirschsprung disease, Gaucher’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemangiomas and certain forms of muscular dystrophies.

Definition While there is no universally accepted definition of rare diseases, countries typically arrive at their own descriptions, taking into consideration disease prevalence, its severity and the existence of alternative therapeutic options. In the US, for instance, a rare disease is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people.

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The same definition is used by the National Organisation for Rare Disorders (NORD).

Ov erv ie w of the pol icy . A m ong other measures, the policy intends to kickstart a registry of rare diseases, which will be maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). . Rare diseases include genetic diseases, rare cancers, infectious tropical diseases, and degenerative diseases. . There are three categories of rare diseases — requiring one-time curative treatment, diseases that require long-term treatment but where the cost is low, and those needing long-term treatments with high cost. Some of the diseases in the first category include osteopetrosis and immune deficiency disorders, among others. . As per the policy, the assistance of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to patients suffering from rare diseases that require a one-time curative treatment under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi scheme. The treatment will be limited to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Need for the policy . State has responsibility for providing affordable, accessible and reliable health-care services to every citizen. In fact constitution also mentions importance of health-care services under articles like 21,

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38 and 47 and thus state cannot evade this responsibility under the pretext of non-justifiability of articles. . Given the low volumes at which the drugs needed to treat such diseases would be consumed, pharmaceutical companies have little commercial incentive to produce them. Thus, a nationwide policy on orphan drugs could incentivize these players. . Even if pharmaceutical companies are incentivized to develop drugs to treat rare diseases, pharmaceutical companies remain beholden to the laws of economics and, given the low demand for orphan drugs, price these drugs as high as they choose to. Hence there has to be regulation of the government in restricting the exorbitant prices of the drugs. . Although proportion of rare diseases is much less than the other diseases, it does not reduce the importance of the life of person affected by rare diseases. Thus national policy would remove this adverse distinction and would make government committed equally to all people.

NASA’s VOYAGER 2 MISSION Context of Voyager 2 NASA’s Voyager 2 has exited heliosphere and has entered interstellar space. It is now at 11 billion miles from the earth. Information from the spacecraft takes 16.5 hours to reach earth at the speed of light. The spacecraft joined its twin voyager 1 on December 10, 2018.

The Voyagers were launched to study the outer solar system up close. Voyager 2 will target Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus.

The mission objective of the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) is to extend the NASA exploration of the solar system beyond the neighborhood of the outer planets to the outer limits of the Sun’s sphere of influence, and possibly beyond.

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About Voyager 2 . Voyager 2 was launched in 1977, 16 days before Voyager 1, and both have travelled well beyond their original destinations.Voyager 1 departed Earth on 5 September 1977, a few days after Voyager 2 and left our solar system in 2013. . The spacecraft were built to last five years and conduct close-up studies of Jupiter and Saturn. . As the spacecraft flew across the solar system, remote-control reprogramming was used to endow the Voyagers with greater capabilities than they possessed when they left Earth. . It carries a working instrument that will provide first-of-its-kind observations of the nature of this gateway into interstellar space. . It is slightly more than 18 billion kilometres from Earth. Its twin, Voyager 1, crossed this boundary in 2012. . Their five-year lifespans have stretched to 41 years, making Voyager 2 NASA’s longest running mission.

Accomplishments of VOYAGER 2 Voyager 2 is the only probe ever to study Neptune and Uranus during planetary flybys.

It is the second man-made object to leave our planet.

Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited all four gas giant planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

It is the first spacecraft that discovered 14th moon of Jupiter.

Voyager 2 also discovered 5 moons of Neptune. It identified a “Great Dark Spot” at Neptune. Also the spacecraft discovered that there are four rings around Neptune.

Understanding the Heliosphere. . The heliosphere is the vast, bubble-like region of space which surrounds and is created by the Sun. . In plasma physics terms, this is the cavity formed by the Sun in the surrounding interstellar medium. 315 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. The “bubble” of the heliosphere is continuously “inflated” by plasma originating from the Sun, known as the solar wind. . Outside the heliosphere, this solar plasma gives way to the interstellar plasma permeating our galaxy. . The boundary, called the heliopause, is where the tenuous, hot solar wind meets the cold, dense interstellar medium.

U n d e r s t a n d

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ing the Interstellar Space. . Scientists use the heliopause to mark where interstellar space begins, although depending on how you define our solar system it can stretch all the way to the Oort Cloud, which begins 1,000 times farther away from the sun than Earth’s orbit.

Future missions of NASA NASA also is preparing an additional mission — the upcoming Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), due to launch in 2024 — to capitalise on the Voyagers’ observations. 2. BREAK THE CHAIN CAMPAIGN

Why in News? In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 virus across the state, the Kerala government has launched a mass hand washing campaign named ''break the chain''. Aim of the Campaign

The campaign aims to educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene.

Under this campaign, the Kerala government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with hand wash bottles. It is also urging people to use hand sanitizers when they are outdoors. Sanitisers have also been made available in all offices.

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in various species of animals, such as cattle, camels, bats, and cats. In some cases, animal coronaviruses can infect humans, which can then spread from person to person. Coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans which are generally mild, but sometimes, can be fatal.

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The coronavirus spreads through both direct and indirect contact.Direct contact happens through a physical transfer of the microorganism through close contact with oral secretions. Indirect contact happens when a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, which spreads the virus droplets on surfaces.

Other steps taken by Kerala Government against COVID 19 . To minimise the spread of the deadly virus with early surveillance and people's support. . To follow personal hygiene as a healthy habit and wash our hands and face whenever we are in public contact. . To recruit and train health volunteers in the state. . To keep surveillance on home quarantined persons through mobile tracking. . To monitor them through house visits and brief them about the risks of breaking the home quarantine instructions. A team consisting of a health worker, police official and health volunteer to visit every home where persons are quarantined and verify their status . To screen passengers travelling through trains and by road . An SMS alert facility for creating awareness about COVID 19 was launched by the Kerala Government. People can register their mobile numbers and receive relevant information and updates on the outbreak.

10. DISHA HELPLINE Why in News? Aiding the Kerala State in its war against COVID-19, the team at DISHA helpline works round the clock in fight against the pandemic. About DISHA Helpline DISHA Helpline is a joint venture undertaken by National Health Mission and Department of Health and Family Welfare. It was launched in 2013 to provide guidance, counseling and information on physical and mental health issues. It also has a ‘Dial a doctor’ service that helps people seeking advice over phone from 318 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

doctors. It acts as a helpline number in cases of outbreak of an epidemic or a calamity. DISHA Helpline number is 1056. DISHA Helpline during COVID-19 . DISHA comprises of trained social workers and counselors who answer the questions about COVID-19 from across Kerala, other Indian states and abroad. . DISHA call-in-facility is the team of social work volunteers assisting callers to get information on the care to be taken or whether to be referred to treatment. . Their job entails giving guidelines about the viral outbreak and precautions to be taken regarding travel, home quarantine and isolation . The network works on the Oricon software developed by the OrisysIndia Consultancy Services, a Technopark-based start-up. . The callers are advised to get back to the DISHA number if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19. Instead of rushing to hospital, those who dial in are provided the contact number of the superintendent of the isolation ward in the district concerned so that arrangements could be made about their transportation and check-up.

Other Services by Govt. of Kerala . GoK Direct is the app that would give information on everything from Chief Minister’s announcements to the latest figures of COVID-19 . Another major digital venture is the COVID Tracker. The web application does contact list tracking and health and test status of the suspects, and provides reports that form part of the State’s database. This is purely for internal use.

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11. VAYOMITHRAM PROJECT

Why in news? Medicines for the elderly, under the Vayomithram project of the Social Justice Department, Kerala, will be provided at their doorstep against the backdrop of the rise in COVID-19 cases. About Vayomitram Project Kerala Social Security Mission has implemented the Vayomithram project which provides health care and support to elderly people above the age of 65 years residing at Corporation/Municipal Areas in the state of Kerala. The Vayomithram project mainly provides free medicines through mobile clinics, palliative care, counseling service, help desk to the old age. The project was implemented as a joint initiative to LSGD in the area. The main objective of the scheme is to provide free health care to the old age people. Advantages of Vayomitram project . There is a sense of higher self-esteem among the patients especially those living a dependent life, because they do not have to depend on their relatives for medicines. . There is no discrimination between rich or poor, everyone is eligible for attention, so even the well to do who live a lonely life find it a welcome relief to be catered to. . Most patients have formed lasting friendships among themselves. . House visit are conducted by staff when there is need to visit bedridden patients. . Junior Public Health Nurse (JPHN) spend time talking to the patients when there is need to pacify or show sympathy. . Generally patients are very satisfied with attention and care given. . The “Vayomithram” OP book is a good reference document when the patient visits Medical College, they get preference for OP ticket.

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Other Services under Vayomitram Project

. Special Medical Camps are conducted in project area for aged groups. . Special entertainment programmes like Sallapam, Snehayathra were conducted mainly for the destitute in old age home and Vayomithram beneficiaries. . Sponsorship programmes were conducted with the help of NGO's, Institutions in the area. . Conducted special day programmes (related to health and welfare) in the area. . Counseling service has been providing by vayomithram co-ordinators with reference of doctors from mobile clinics. . Active involvement of Vayomithram in Social issues related to old age in the area like rehabilitation etc.

12. WHO SOLIDARITY TRIAL

Why in News? India is all set to join World Health Organisation’s “Solidarity trial” aimed at rapid global search for drugs to treat COVID-19 infection. About WHO Solidarity Trial The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a large global trial, called SOLIDARITY, to find out whether any can treat infections with the new coronavirus for the dangerous respiratory disease. The Solidarity Trial will test four different drugs or combinations and will compare their effectiveness to what is called standard of care, the regular support hospitals treating COVID-19 patients use now. Scientists have suggested dozens of existing compounds for testing, but WHO is focusing on what it says are the four most promising therapies: an experimental antiviral compound called remdesivir; the malaria medications chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine; a combination of two HIV drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir; and that same combination plus interferon-beta, an immune system messenger that can help cripple viruses. 321 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

About WHO . The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. . It is part of the U.N. Sustainable Development Group. . Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland. . The WHO was established in 7 April 1948, which is commemorated as World Health Day. . The WHO's broad mandate includes advocating for universal healthcare, monitoring public health risks, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and promoting human health and well being. . It provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards and guidelines, and collects data on global health issues through the World Health Survey.

Way Forward With about 15% of COVID-19 patients suffering from severe disease and hospitals being overwhelmed, treatments are desperately needed. So rather than coming up with compounds from scratch that may take years to develop and test, researchers and public health agencies are looking to repurpose drugs already approved for other diseases and known to be largely safe. 13. SWAYAM PLATFORM

Why in News? The Ministry of HRD through its Online/Digital Education Initiatives is trying to ensure that students can continue their learning sitting at their home, during this lockdown period. Union HRD Minister has appealed to the students to take advantage of these learning platforms and put their valuable time to good and optimum use. The response to this has been overwhelming. About Swayam Platform SWAYAM or Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds is a programme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of 322 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

India, that enables professors and faculties of centrally funded institutions like IITs, IIMs, Central University Of Haryana to offer online courses. Previously, the courses were only for the citizens of India,[1] but now they are offered to anyone in the world having an internet connection. . SWAYAM-MOOCs project is intended to address the needs of school level 9-12 to Under Graduate and Post Graduate students, covering all disciplines. . The courses hosted on SWAYAM is in 4 quadrants: 1) Video lecture. 2) Specially prepared reading material that can be downloaded/printed. 3) Self-assessment tests through tests and quizzes. 4) An online discussion forum for clearing the doubts. . Courses delivered through SWAYAM are available free of cost to the learners. . Students wanting certifications shall be offered a certificate on successful completion of the course.

Way Forward The access to the National Online Education Platform SWAYAM and other Digital Initiatives has tripled during the lockdown period. The growth has been seen after provision of free access to best teaching learning resources at SWAYAM. 1. CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC

Why in News Recently, WHO changed the risk index of the coronavirus epidemic from high to very high. What is Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).The current

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coronavirus, first identified in China, is a novel strain (nCoV) not detected anywhere else before. Transmission It is believed that the current nCoV strain infected humans from wild game (Zoonotic Transmission) which was sold in a market in Hubei Province in China. From then, intensified human-human transmission has been confirmed resulting in uncontrolled infection of the virus across China & to other countries. Human-Human transmission dynamics is not fully understood yet. But current knowledge confirms infection through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. Transmission is confirmed to occur when a person has started showing visible symptoms of infection and not during the incubation period of 14 days. Prevention & Treatment Vaccination & antiviral medications to treat nCoV are not developed yet and current treatment protocols are confined to treating the symptoms of the disease. This scenario makes prevention through avoiding exposure important. Personal care to avoid exposure(from authorised guidelines) is the best preventive action. Govt.s across the world have taken actions ranging from closing the border to non-citizens who have China travel history to intensifying surveillance. In India Integrated Disease Surveillance System under MoHFW is such a tool to ensure prevention and treatment of affected persons.

. COVID-19 TRACKER Why in news? As the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) spreads like wildfire across countries, Microsoft's Bing team has launched a web portal to track its progress worldwide.

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About COVID-19 Tracker The website provides up-to-date infection statistics for each country. An interactive map allows users to click on the country to see the specific number of cases and related articles from a variety of publishers. The data is being aggregated from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The data are drawn directly from official coronavirus situation reports released regularly by the WHO. The WHO reported case numbers are conservative, and likely represent an undercount of the true number of coronavirus cases, especially in China. Application The tool will triage people who are concerned about their COVID-19 risk into testing sites based on guidance from public health officials and test availability.This tracker provides the number of cases and deaths from novel coronavirus by country, the trend in case and death counts by country and a global map showing which countries have cases and deaths. 14. BANDICOOT – THE MANHOLE CLEANING ROBOT

Why in News? An updated version of ‘Bandicoot’, the manhole cleaning robot will be introduced by Kerala Government in the State capital very soon. About Bandicoot

Bandicoot is a robotic system for manhole and sewer line cleaning aimed at the complete elimination of manual scavenging from the face of earth. The main reason behind all accidents happened in manholes is due to the lack of awareness of the actual scenario inside the manhole. From this point starts to immense the new technology from the mechatronics and robotics.

A Semiautomatic robotic system for manhole and sewer line cleaning aimed at the complete elimination of manual scavenging for cleaning the manhole and

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positioning the pressurized jet in an accurate manner in water jet cleaning. Bandicoot can perform the work of five human beings within minutes, and it is available in automatic and semi-automatic modes.

Specialty of New Version of Bandicoot

Bandicoot’s initial model, which weighed around 160 kg, had failed to click with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), which manages the sewers. The new version is lighter which only weighs 80 kg and more compact compared to the initial version that was tested in Thiruvananthapuram in 2018.

Manual Scavenging

The earliest form of sewer cleaning was hand excavation whereby labourers loaded sediment into barrows which were moved down the sewer and then lifted out at manholes by bucket. The work is not only dirty, unpleasant and dangerous.

In extreme situations, silt and debris may have to be removed by open excavation to the sewer and removal of a section of the pipe or brick to gain access to the interior of the sewer.

Challenges in Manual Scavenging

. The major problem in manual scavenging is the health issues faced by the workers and more over the cleaning is done by human beings because of earning. . Asphyxia occurs when the foreman does not get enough oxygen to sustain life. It may be due to low oxygen level in the atmosphere or high hazardous gas concentration. . Difficult to work in any climate. . More than 3 workers for one manhole.

Way forward After the traits in Kerala, it had quickly found takers in a number of States including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and

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Assam. The company had also received enquiries from countries like Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait 15. INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM

Why in News? On the wake of COVID-19 scenario, the Thiruvananthapuram District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday activated the Incident Response System (IRS) at the district and taluk level. About Incident Response Team An incident response team or emergency response team is a group of people who prepare for and respond to any emergency incident, such as a natural disaster or an interruption of business operations. Incident response teams are common in public service organizations as well as in organizations. In incident response, types of emergencies are usually categorized in two ways: . Public incidents: These incidents affect an entire community. This could include natural disasters, terrorist attacks and widespread epidemics. . Corporate/organizational incidents. These incidents are typically organization-specific and happen on a smaller scale. This could include data breaches, cyber-security attacks and physical location threats.

Incident response teams are trained to be prepared for both types. Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an example of IRT. This is a team of professionals in charge of handling cyber threats and vulnerabilities within an organization. In addition, CERTs tend to release their findings to the public in order to help others strengthen their security infrastructure. The District IRS for COVID-19 The Incident Commanders are responsible for the overall implementation of COVID-19 control activities and ensuring the maintenance of essential services and supplies, including health infrastructure. The IRS guidelines are issued by the

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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under Section 6 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for effective, efficient and comprehensive management of disasters. Way Forward The secretaries of local bodies have been directed to ensure proper surveillance of people in home quarantine, establish community kitchens and door-step delivery of food and medicines and provide packed food to people admitted at quarantine centres. With the combined effort of all these groups, the State is effectively fighting against the pandemic.

16. INDIAN SCIENTISTS’ RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Why in news? Several Indian scientists have come together to form a Google group to address some of the concerns that the COVID-19 outbreak has thrown up. About Indian Scientists’ Response to CoViD-19 Indian Scientists’ Response to CoViD-19 (ISRC) is a voluntary group of scientists who regularly discuss the rapidly evolving situation with its dire need for science communication. With nearly 200 members, the group has scientists from institutions such as the NCBS, the IISc, the TIFR, the IITs, the IISERs and many others. The group aims to study existing and available data to bring out analyses that will support the Central, State and local governments in carrying out their tasks. Several working groups have been formed by the scientists. They include one on hoax busting to address disinformation spreading with respect to the coronavirus and one on science popularisation to develop material that explains concepts such as home quarantine. Other groups work on resources in Indian languages, mathematical models and apps. This platform works through two channels — phone and WhatsApp to connect people in need with those who can provide help. In the context of the COVID-19

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outbreak, it can connect patients or people with symptoms to doctors. It may also connect elderly people with volunteers from NGOs to assist in chores such as grocery shopping. Currently, the group is in talks with King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai towards developing this service for them. Other Efforts during COVID-19 . Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have announced a Covid-19 research consortium for vaccines, diagnostics and repurposing of existing drugs. . DBT has also put out draft guidelines on storing and sharing biological data for research purposes. . The guidelines recommend making large banks of biological data accessible in a reasonable period of time to facilitate research. . The guidelines will allow for easy sharing of biological data with public research facilities, private labs and international collaborations.

Way Forward Research organisations do not have access to the virus yet. They have applied for approvals. More than 20 research institutes are working on developing a vaccine for Covid-19, according to the department of biotechnology (DBT). 14. INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH (ICMR)

Why in News? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated that a mixture of three quasi-subspecies of SARS-CoV-2 is in circulation in India. These imported variants showed no differences from how they behaved in the place of origin. Scientists are yet to classify a SARS-Cov-2 variant as an Indian strain. About ICMR The Indian Council of Medical Research, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. The ICMR is

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funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Functions and Responsibilities of ICMR . ICMR’s 26 national institutes address themselves to research on specific health topics like tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera, viral diseases etc. . Its 6 regional medical research centres address themselves to regional health problems, and also aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country. . The Council's research priorities coincide with the National health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders etc. . These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population. . The Council promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Over the decades, the base of extramural research and also its strategies have been expanded by the Council.

Way Forward Indian Council of Medical Research informed that in India total 42,788 coronavirus tests have been conducted so far. Currently 129 government laboratories are functional with a capacity of 13,000 tests per day, along with 49 private laboratories accredited to the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

15. NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY

Why in news? National Testing Agency has postponed all the scheduled exams due to COVID-19 pandemic issues prevailing in the country.

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About National Testing Agency National Testing Agency (NTA) was established as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is an autonomous and self-sustained testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions. NTA is responsible for conducting the Joint Entrance Examination – Main (JEE Main), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET UG), National Eligibility Test (NET), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT). NTA is chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the Director- General to be appointed by the Government. There will be a Board of Governors comprising members from user institutions. Functions of NTA . To identify partner institutions with adequate infrastructure from the existing schools and higher education institutions. . To establish a strong R&D culture as well as a pool of experts in different aspects of testing. . To provide training and advisory services to the institutions in India. . To collaborate with international organizations like ETS (Educational Testing Services). . To undertake any other examination that is entrusted to it by the Ministries/Departments of Government of India/State Governments. . To undertake the reforms and training of school boards as well as other bodies where the testing standards should be comparable with the entrance examinations.

Significance of NTA To conduct efficient, transparent and international standards tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admission and recruitment purposes is 331 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

the main objective of NTA. Examinations are conducted by NTA in the online mode at least twice a year, to give enough opportunities to candidates and to bring out the best in them. In order to increase the accessibility and meet the requirements of the rural students, it will also locate centers at sub-district and district level. 16. BREAK THE CHAIN MAKE THE WORLD

Why in News? After the ‘Break the Chain’ campaign to slow the spread of COVID-19, the lockdown in place has prompted the Kerala State government’s Social Justice and the Women and Child Development departments to launch another initiative aimed at the mental health of those who are home-bound for another two weeks. About the Campaign The new campaign ‘Break the Chain Make the World’ aims at improving the mental health of people who are isolated in their homes. Confined to their houses, people experience anxiety and stress in the absence of connections with family and friends. They may fear contact and refuse to step out, worry about supply of household commodities and medicines, stress about their jobs, or have financial concerns. Children, used to being active, may chafe at the isolation, causing stress within the family. Spreading positivity by sharing one’s creativity and talents with the community to create solidarity, thereby benefiting not only one but others too, is the message that the campaign gives out. Painting, gardening, stitching, exercise, story-telling, poetry, calligraphy, music, dance or anything else that one takes up to keep engaged while spending time at home can be shared with the world as part of the campaign. The campaign has as its brand ambassador magician Gopinath Muthukad. About Break the Chain Campaign The campaign aims to educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene.

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Under this campaign, the Kerala government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with hand wash bottles. It is also urging people to use hand sanitizers when they are outdoors. Sanitisers have also been made available in all offices. Other steps taken by Kerala Government against COVID 19 . To minimise the spread of the deadly virus with early surveillance and people's support. . To follow personal hygiene as a healthy habit and wash our hands and face whenever we are in public contact. . To recruit and train health volunteers in the state. . To keep surveillance on home quarantined persons through mobile tracking. . To monitor them through house visits and brief them about the risks of breaking the home quarantine instructions. . The Kerala government has launched a new mobile app, GoK Direct, which is developed to check fake information on coronavirus being spread. The information regarding COVID-19 and the virus outbreak can be obtained through this.

Kudumbashree in convergence with Local self governments is running Community Kitchen in all local bodies where food will be prepared and home delivered to those under home quarantine and for needy people.

17. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Why in news? Consumption of child pornography after the lockdown in the country has gone up by 95% with online data monitoring websites showing an increase in demand for searches.

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About Child Pornography Child pornography is pornography that exploits children for sexual stimulation. It may be produced with the direct involvement or sexual assault of a child or the use of child sexual abuse images. Abuse of the child occurs during the sexual acts or lascivious exhibitions of body parts which are recorded in the production of child pornography. Child pornography may use a variety of media including writings, magazines, photos, film, videos etc. Laws related to the issue . Protection of children by the state is guaranteed to Indian citizens by an expansive reading of Article 21 of the Indian constitution, and also mandated given India's status as signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. . Under Section 15 of the POCSO Act, a person who stores child porn for commercial purposes shall face imprisonment for up to 3 years or will have to pay a fine or face both punishments.

About POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, while safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial process. The Act provides for a variety of offences under which an accused can be punished. . Penetrative Sexual Assault . Sexual Assault . Sexual Harassment . Child Pornography . Aggravated (Penetrative) Sexual Assault . Abetment of child for sexual abuse

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With respect to pornography, the Act criminalises even watching or collection of pornographic content involving children. Way Forward This issue demands an urgent crackdown on child pornography through a pan- India tracker. It can be done through the use of artificial intelligence which can monitor hosting, sharing, viewing and downloading of child sexual abuse material and provide the information to the government agencies. 18. NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT

Why in News? Over 10 crore people have been excluded from the Public Distribution System because outdated 2011 census data is being used to calculate State-wise National Food Security Act (NFSA) coverage. About NFSA The National Food Security Act, 2013, which is also called as Right to Food Act, is an Act of the Parliament of India which aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of Indian population. National Food Security Act mandates that the Central government supply 5 kg of foodgrains at subsidised prices to 75% of the population in rural areas and 50% of the population in urban areas. This comes to 67% of the country’s population. The National Food Security Act, 2013 converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the Government of India. It includes the Midday Meal Scheme (MDM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and the Public Distribution System(PDS). Further, the NFSA 2013 recognizes maternity entitlements. Entitlements under NFSA . Highly subsidized food grains under PDS . Nutritious meal, free of charge to pregnant women & lactating mothers and children up to 6 years of age under ICDS.

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. Nutritious meal, free of charge to children in the 6-14 years of age group under MDM. . Maternity benefits of Rs. 6000 to Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers

Key Features . PDS is governed by provisions of NFSA. 75% Rural and 50% Urban population is covered under this. State-wise coverage is determined by NITI Ayaog . Coverage of two-thirds of the total population at the all India level, under two categories of beneficiaries – Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH). 5 kg per person for PHH category and 35 kg per household for AAY households. . Prices of the commodities are Rs. 3 per kg for rice, Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Re.1 per kg for coarse grains. . Identification of Households are done by States/UTs, which are required to frame their own criteria. . Eldest woman (18 years or above) to be the head of the household for the purpose of issuing of ration cards.

Current Issue According to the 2011 census, India’s population was 1.22 billion. This means 67% – or 814 million people – are eligible for subsidised foodgrains under the NFSA. But over the last decade, the country’s population is estimated to have risen by 161.4 millions to touch 1.37 billion. Using the 67% benchmark, this translates into 922 million people. This means 100 million-plus people who are entitled to food rations under Indian law are not getting them. Way Forward The updating of 2011 census data now stands delayed because of the epidemic. The public health crisis, which already created overstretched government machinery, does not have the capacity to update the numbers or expand the public distribution system lists not in the short term. States can choose how to 336 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

use the grain to universalise the PDS, run community kitchens or any other way to ensure that those without ration cards are not worried about their daily meals. 19. NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (NALSA)

Why in News? The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has pointed out that around 11,077 undertrials have been released from prisons nationwide as part of the mission to decongest jails following the COVID-19 pandemic. About NALSA National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA) was formed under the authority of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 on 9 November 1995. Its purpose is to provide free legal services to eligible candidates, and to organize Lok Adalats for speedy resolution of cases. The prime objective of NALSA is speedy disposal of cases and reducing the burden of judiciary. Article 39 A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity. Article 14 and Article 22 (1), obligates State to ensure equality before law. Objectives of Legal Services Authorities . Provide free legal aid and advice. . Spread legal awareness. . Organise lok adalats. . Promote settlements of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms. . Provide compensation to victims of crime.

Persons Eligible for Free Legal Services . Women and Children . Persons with disability . Member of Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribes

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. Industrial Workmen . Persons in custody . Victims of natural disasters, ethnic/caste violence, industrial disaster . Victims of Human Trafficking . Persons with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000/- or as notified by the Central/State Governments.

20. JOURNALISM RELIEF FUND

Why in news? Google has launched a global Journalism Emergency Relief Fund through the Google News Initiative to support small and medium-sized news organizations producing original news for local communities. About Journalism Relief Fund The Fund’s aim is to support the production of original journalism for local communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating globally, it will provide an easily-accessible route to financial assistance at the critical time of COVID-19 pandemic. Local news is a vital resource for keeping people and communities connected in the best of times. It plays a greater function in reporting on local lockdowns or shelter at home orders, school and park closures, and data about how COVID-19 is affecting daily life. The fund will be open to outlets producing original news for local communities during this time of crisis. This fund is launched because the media sector has primarily faced a huge setback due to the lockdowns imposed by governments across the globe to contain the spread of the virus. Due to the crisis, a lot of small-scaled news publishers were forced to close operations and had to furlough employees.

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21. ADDITIONAL SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMME (ASAP)

Why in news? Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) has commenced webinars for undergraduate and postgraduate students in view of the difficulty in conducting classes during the COVID-19 lockdown. About ASAP Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) , a joint initiative of General and Higher Education Departments of state of Kerala, was launched with an objective to impart quality skill education to the higher secondary and undergraduate students alongside their regular curriculum. Owing to the success of the program, attained over the years, the target group has widened to professional colleges and is set to kick off community skilling through the Community Skill Parks. ASAP’s inclusive skilling approach has paved way to innovative initiatives in the skilling arena. Funded by ADB, ASAP has now spread out its contour to 1210 educational institutions across the state. ASAP is to accentuate the employability of the youth. ASAP gives special edge to those students who are in need of immediate employment. Areas focused by ASAP . Train and develop a highly competent pool of expert personnel and skill trainers. . Design and develop NSQF aligned skill courses. . Standardize the Assessment and Certification protocols for skill training programmes. . Offer consultancy services for skill training and course development. . Establish a highly potential Quality Assurance mechanism for skill training.

Initiatives under ASAP 5) Community Skill Parks: The Community Skill Parks (CSP) are the flagship initiative under Additional Skill Acquisition Programme by Govt. of Kerala. 339 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

The aim of this project is to set up international level multiskilling center to empower the people of state as well as strengthen the community to secure better livelihood which lead to a stronger economy. 6) Additional Skill Acquisition Academy (ASAA): Additional Skill Acquisition Academy was envisioned as a holistic solution to the training goals perceived by ASAP. The administration of ASAP skill courses into the regular educational curriculum will be fulfilled through ASAA, where the main curriculum integration and training pool development will take place. 7) Skill Mentorship for Innovative Life Experience (SMILE): SMILE is designed for 10th standard completed students across the state to inculcate confidence, to develop communication, technical and vocational skills and to make them aware of opportunities to earn a living. As a career orientation program, it lays emphasis on gaining experiences through skill training from the most relevant industry partners, experience sharing sessions by practitioners as well as getting opportunities to earn meaningful confidence in facing the society. 8) Career Facilitation: The promise of quality and standard skill education in Kerala is met out by ASAP by offering sensibly constructed industry relevant skill modules which imparts the youth with empoyability skills. . The trainees are allotted to real industrial environments after the completion of the training in order to gain valuable industry exposure and experience in their concerned trade. This includes placement strategies also.

22. COVID INDIA SEVA

Why in News? The Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched an interactive platform, ‘COVID India Seva’ aimed at providing real time solutions to Covid-19 related queries. About COVID India Seva

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People can post their queries to the COVID INDIA SEVA twitter handle for getting swift replies from the team of trained experts. It is an interactive platform for establishing a direct channel of communication with millions of Indians during the pandemic. The COVID India Seva works off a dashboard at the backend that helps process large volumes of tweets, converts them into resolvable tickets, and assigns them to the relevant authority for real-time resolution This initiative is aimed at enabling transparent e-governance delivery at large scales especially in crisis situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The responses by the experts will be available for everyone and users will not be required to share any personal details or health records on this account. Other Measures related to COVID-19 Several portals have been launched by the GoI to help India fight against COVID- 19. . iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) portal. The portal provides training course to doctors and other medical staffs. . National Monitoring Dashboard was launched under Department of Adminstrative Reforms and Public Grievances. . A Dashboard to provide details about dhabas and Repair Shops in highway to help trucks during the extended lock down. . An Integrated Geospatial platform to support Arogya Setu. . YUKTI Portal to complete youths combating COVID-19 with knowledge.

23. PITCH BLACK 2020

Why in News? Australia has informed India that the exercise Pitch Black 2020, scheduled to be held from 27th July to 14th August has been cancelled due to the COVID-19. About Pitch Black 2020 Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It ensures that the training and integration of forces that occur 341 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

during this exercise directly supports the Air Force's ability to conduct operations. The exercise began in 1990 starting with training between Australia and Singapore, and it then expanded to other international air forces with defence ties to Australia being invited The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air and Defensive Counter Air combat in a simulated war environment. It provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of knowledge and experience with the nations in a dynamic warfare environment. In the last edition of Pitch Black in 2018, The Indian Air Force took part in the exercise for the first time with its Su-30MKI fighters, one C-130 and one C-17 transport aircraft. The next edition of Pitch Black is scheduled in 2022. India’s defence relation with Australia The defence and strategic engagement with Australia have steadily gone up in recent years especially on the bilateral front with naval cooperation at the forefront. . The bilateral naval exercise AUSINDEX saw the participation of the largest Australian contingent ever to India. . The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) has been long pending and is expected to be concluded soon. . A broader maritime cooperation agreement including the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to elevate the existing strategic partnership. . Australia recently made a pitch for trilateral cooperation among India, Australia and Indonesia to identify new ways that three countries can collaborate to be the best possible custodians of the Indian Ocean. 24. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Why in News? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $1.5 billion loan to India to help fund its fight against coronavirus pandemic. The loan has been sanctioned with a view to support immediate priorities such as disease containment and 342 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

prevention, as well as social protection for the poor and economically vulnerable sections. About Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. The ADB envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. The ADB was modeled closely on the World Bank, and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members' capital subscriptions. ADB is an official United Nations Observer. Functions of ADB . To make loans and equity investments for economic and social development of its developing members countries. . To provide for technical assistance for the preparation and implementation of development projects and advisory services. . To respond to the request for assistance in coordinating developmental policies and plans in developing member countries. . ADB has constituted Asian Development Fund in 1974, which provides loans to Asian countries on concessional interest rates. . ADB borrows from international capital markets with its capital as guarantee. It is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. . It provides finance to both sovereign countries as well as to the private parties. . It provides hard loans to middle-income countries and soft loans to poorer countries

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Way Forward Apart from the loan, ADB is also constantly consulting the government on further assistance to provide a stimulus for economic growth. The Asian Development Bank had started the 'CARES Programme' to provide immediate requirements to governments in the face of this global crisis. Strengthening of the public delivery system (PDS) will also be an important part of the agenda, including the extension of comprehensive primary healthcare services in urban areas, and of secondary and tertiary healthcare systems through PPP modalities.

25. PETERSBERG CLIMATE DIALOGUE

Why in news? The eleventh and first ever virtual Petersberg Climate Dialogue was held on April 28th 2020. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change represented the dialogue. More in News The dialogue was hosted by Germany. It was co-chaired by United Kingdom. India, along with 30 countries, deliberated over ways and means to tackle the challenge of reinvigorating economies and societies after COVID-19, while enhancing collective resilience and catalysing climate action while also supporting in particular those most vulnerable. About Petersberg Climate Dialogue Petersberg Climate Dialogue has been hosted by Germany since 2010. The aim of the dialogue is to provide a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action. The Climate Dialogue was originally an initiative of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is hosted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. Key Highlights of 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue

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. Discussed about the suffering of people and destabilization of the global economy due to COVID-19. . Strengthening the measures that will limit the global temperature rise. . Asked the countries from all over the world to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. . Support for those countries that are least responsible for clime change but have been facing its impacts. . To help developing countries in protecting their populations from climate change, there has been a need for financing. . It begins with a promised mobilization of $100 billion US dollars a year for adaptation efforts in developing countries. . Proposed six climate-related actions for climate-resilient growth. . Mentioned the common framework for action i.e. 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. . Asked countries to come up with strategies to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. . G20 countries were also mentioned for their contribution to global emissions. 26. PLASMA THERAPY

Why in News? Kerala is set to become the first state in the country to commence convalescent plasma therapy, which uses antibodies from the blood of cured patients, to treat critically ill COVID-19 cases on a trial basis. The state has won Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) approval for the clinical protocol exploring the feasibility of an experimental therapy which may be administered to severe COVID-19 patients. About Plasma Therapy Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is a classic adaptive immunotherapy which has been applied to the prevention and treatment of many infectious diseases for

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more than one century. CP therapy was successfully used in the treatment of SARS, MERS, and H1N1 pandemic with satisfactory efficacy and safety. The treatment includes injecting patients with plasma from people who have recovered from the infection, and whose bodies have therefore generated the antibodies required to fight the virus. It works on the principle that the antibodies of a recovered person can help the recovery of a sick patient. Plasma Therapy in COVID-19 Treatment At present there are no specific antiviral agents which have been found to be effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Since the effective vaccine and specific antiviral medicines are unavailable, it is an urgent need to look for an alternative strategy for COVID-19 treatment, especially among severe patients. The pilot study on CP therapy shows a potential therapeutic effect and low risk in the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients. CP, obtained from recovered COVID-19 patients who had established humoral immunity against the virus, contains a large quantity of neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and eradicating the pathogen from blood circulation and pulmonary tissues. One dose of CP with a high concentration of neutralizing antibodies can rapidly reduce the viral load and tends to improve clinical outcomes. Way Forward Since the virological and clinical characteristics share similarity among SARS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19, Convalescent plasma therapy might be a promising treatment option for COVID-19 rescue. 27. OPERATION SHIELD

Why in News? The Delhi government will carry out ‘Operation SHIELD’ at those locations identified as containment zones of COVID-19 in the capital city of Delhi. The operation involves sealing, identifying and quarantining people, doorstep delivery of essential items and door-to-door checking of people 346 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

About Operation SHIELD The name ‘Operation SHIELD’ indicates: . S for Sealing: Sealing the contaminated areas based on risk factors and spread of the disease. . H for Home quarantine: After sealing the area, the next step is to home quarantine all the people living in the contaminated areas. . I for Isolation and tracing: The third stage refers to tracing the first and second contacts of the COVID-19 hit patients and later on isolating them to contain its spread. . E for Essential supply: Delhi Government has ensured that all the essential items will be delivered in the areas declared as hotspots. . L for Local sanitisation: After tracing and isolating the positive COVID-19 cases, the Delhi Government will sanitise the areas. . D for Door-to-door health checks: In the last stage of this Operation, the Delhi Government will conduct door-to-door checkups to ensure that no one has developed symptoms over this period.

The areas have been identified as hotspots and have been sealed by the Delhi Government. In addition to this, the Delhi Government has advised all the people of Delhi to stay at home and made it compulsory for people to step out with masks on. As no economic activities are taking place, tax collection has stopped. Except for the expenses to contain the spread of the virus and provide free ration and food, no other expenses are incurred by the government. 28. RAFALE FIGHTER JETS

Why in News? The arrival of the first batch of Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force is likely to be delayed by around three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as France battles rising infections and deaths, and continuing lockdown restrictions, which have also impacted the training schedule.

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More in News In October 2019 Defence Minister took formal delivery of the first Rafale jet built for the IAF at the Dassault Aviation’s facility. The jets were scheduled to arrive in India by May 2020. France has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and has been under lockdown. The Indian standard Rafale with all ISE is operationally expected to be ready latest by September 2021. About Rafale Fighter Jets Rafale is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft designed and built by French company Dassault Aviation. It was introduced in the year 2001. The aircraft is considered one of the most potent combat jets globally. . The fighter jet is equipped with a wide range of weapons. . It is intended to perform air supremacy, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions. . It is capable of carrying out a wide range of missions including air- defence/air-superiority, close air support dynamic targeting, air-to-ground precision strike/interdiction and buddy-buddy refuelling. . The aircraft is available in three main variants: Rafale C single-seat land- based version, Rafale B twin-seat land-based version and Rafale M single- seat carrier-based version. . The Rafale fighter jets are being produced for both the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations in the French Navy. . It has been marketed for export to several countries and was selected for purchase by the Indian Air Force, the Egyptian Air Force, the Qatar Air Force etc.

India- France Rafale Deal The Rafale was one of the six aircraft competing in the Indian MRCA competition for 126 multirole fighters. The initial Request for Information (RFI) for the Multi- Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) was put out in 2001.

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The Rafale deal controversy is a political controversy in India related to the purchase of 36 multirole fighter aircraft for a price estimated at €7.8 billion by the Defence Ministry of India from France's Dassault Aviation. Way Forward The induction of Rafale aircraft in the IAF will increase its combat capability. Rafale makes India one of the four countries, besides France, Egypt and Qatar, to possess the next-gen fighter jet. Rafale enhances the air strike capabilities of the IAF and will be used as a deterrent against any country.

29. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHOLERA AND ENTERIC DISEASES (NICED)

Why in news? The West Bengal government has alleged that the COVID-19 testing kits supplied by the NICED, are defective as they show inconclusive results leading to repeated confirmatory tests and delaying diagnosis of the disease. About National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) is one of the research centers under ICMR to perform research and develop strategies for treatment, prevention and control of enteric infections and HIV/AIDS threatening the Nation’s health. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) decided to establish "Cholera Research Centre" in Calcutta in 1962 to research on the prevention and control of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. With the advancement in biotechnology, improved diagnostic procedures and discovery of a large number of pathogenic enteric micro-organisms during 1970s, this Centre also expanded its activities which motivated ICMR to elevate this Centre into a full-fledged research establishment with the status of a "National Institute" and renamed it as “National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases" (NICED) in 1979. The WHO recognized this Institute as "WHO Collaborative Centre for Research and Training on Diarrhoeal Diseases" in 1980.

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ICMR is India’s apex scientific body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It was established in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) making it one of oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world. . The ICMR functions under Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. . It is headquartered in New Delhi. . Its Governing Body is presided over by Health Minister. . It is assisted in scientific and technical matters by Scientific Advisory Board comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines. . ICMR’s research priorities coincide with national health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, research on major non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and mental health research and drug research and developing alternative strategies for health care delivery. 30. NATIONAL BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NBRI)

Why in News? In the wake of growing demand for sanitizers amid COVID-19 outbreak, the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has created an alcohol-based herbal sanitizer. It has been developed under the CSIR-Aroma Mission following the guidelines of WHO. About NBRI The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) is amongst one of the constituent research institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. Initially NBRI engaged in research in the classical botanical disciplines, and then laid an increasing emphasis in keeping with the national

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needs and priorities in the field of plant sciences and on its applied and developmental research activities. The transformation of National Botanic Gardens (NBG) into a present day hi-tech research institute with state-of-the-art facilities makes it capable of undertaking advanced research at globally competitive levels Objectives of NBRI . Basic and applied research on plant diversity and prospection, plant- environment interaction and biotechnological approches for plant improvement. . Development of technologies for new plant and microbial sources of commercial importance. . Building up germplasm repository of plants of indigenous and exotic origin, including rare, endangered and threatened species. . Providing expertise and assistance for identification, supply and exchange of plants and propagules, garden layout and landscaping. . Dissemination of scientific knowledge and technologies on plants and microbial resources through publications, training, capacity building and extension activities.

31. MOBILE BSL3 VRDL LAB

Why in News? Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated the first COVID-19 sample collection mobile Lab of the country namely "Mobile BSL3 VRDL Lab" to the nation through video conference from New Delhi. bout ‘Mobile BSL3 VRDL Lab’ Mobile BSL3 VRDL Lab is India’s first COVID-19 sample collection mobile lab. It is jointly developed by the DRDO and ESIC Medical College Hospital, Hyderabad.

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This mobile lab has the capability of processing more than 1000 samples in a day and can enhance India’s capabilities in fighting COVID-19. About DRDO DRDO works under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, Government of India. DRDO was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). DRDO is working to establish world class science and technology base for India and provides our Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions. Several major projects for the development of missiles, armaments, light combat aircrafts, radars, electronic warfare systems etc are on hand and significant achievements have already been made in several technologies. Mission of DRDO includes: . Design, develop and lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms and allied equipment for our Defence Services. . Provide technological solutions to the Services to optimise combat effectiveness and to promote well-being of the troops. . Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong indigenous technology base.

Other measures taken by ESIC and DRDO to fight COVID-19includes development of COVSACK unit for sample collection, aerosol boxes and aerosolized sanitizer dispenser, snorkel face masks and face shields as reusable PPE N-95 equivalent, UV-C disinfection chamber for use by the hospital. Also 13 ESIC Hospitals with 1861 Isolation Beds across India have been converted into Dedicated COVID-19 Hospitals.

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32. CERT-IN

Why in News? In the wake of the controversy surrounding the Sprinklr deal, the State government of Kerala has decided to carry out a security audit by CERT-In, of the various data collected by the government departments and agencies related to COVID-19. About CERT-In The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing. It strengthens security- related defence of the Indian Internet domain. CERT-IN is an office within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It was created by the Indian Department of Information Technology in 2004 and operates under the auspices of that department. According to the provisions of the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008, CERT-In is responsible for overseeing administration of the Act. Objectives of CERT-In . Preventing cyber attacks against the country’s cyber space. . Responding to cyber attacks and minimizing damage and recovery time . Reducing national vulnerability to cyber attacks . Enhancing security awareness among common citizens.

Functions of CERT-In . Collection, analysis and dissemination of information on cyber incidents. . Forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents . Emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents . Coordination of cyber incident response activities. . Issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes and whitepapers relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents. 353 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. Other functions relating to cyber security as may be prescribed. 33. KARMI-BOT

Why in news? A government hospital in Ernakulam has deployed a robot to serve food and medicines to coronavirus (COVID-19) patients with an aim to reduce risk of infections for doctors and health workers. More in News The autonomous robot has been developed by Asimov Robotics with an aim to reduce the direct contact between COVID-19-affected patients and healthcare workers. It is donated by Malayalam actor Mohanlal’s Viswasanthi Foundation About KARMI-Bot Developed under the Make In India initiative, the first prototype of KARMI-Bot was developed in just 15 days. The robot was turned into a COVID-specific machinery then. . The KARMI-Bot is not a standalone product. It is connected via distributed sensor network and uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) to come to a decision, based on which it responds and operates. . The robot needs to be manually configured wherein the route, its destination, map of the area, and other details need to be entered. . Once configured, the robot will be able to perform all of its COVID-specific functionalities autonomously. . The robot can carry a payload of up to 25 kg and is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 1m per sec. . It is able to use UV-based disinfection and targeted detergent spray to incorporate contactless routine cleaning. . It also facilitates contactless temperature checking and automated charger docking.

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34. HUBBLE TELESCOPE

Why in News? NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope's launch into space on April 24. Hubble Telescope was launched on 24 April, 1990. About Hubble Space Telescope Hubble space Telescope is the world's first large, space-based optical telescope, named in honor of astronomer Edwin Hubble. It is a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency. It has recorded some of the most detailed visible light images, allowing a deep view into space. Hubble is the only telescope designed to be maintained in space by astronauts. Features . Creating a 3-D map of mysterious dark matter. . Discovering Nix and Hydra, two moons of Pluto. . Helping determine the rate of the universe's expansion. . Discovering that nearly every major galaxy is anchored by a black hole. . Helping refine the age of the universe.

Recent Hubble discoveries . Spotted evidence for a mysterious star-eating black hole at the edge of another galaxy. . Took a close-up of a spiral galaxy that may help demystify black holes. . Captured incredible images of Comet Borisov. . Caught the first look at the leftovers of a supernova explosion. . Discovered a new moon around Neptune. Revealed details about the Milky Way's history based on images of 400 galaxies in various stages of evolution.

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Environment 1. National Clean Air Program

NCAP:The National Clean Air Programme is a pollution control initiative that was launched by the Ministry of Environment with the intention to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or PM2.5) by at least 20% in the next five years, with 2017 as the base year for comparison. The NCAP will be a mid-term, five-year action plan with 2019 as the first year. However, the international experiences and national studies indicate that significant outcome in terms of air pollution initiatives are visible only in the long- term, and hence the programme may be further extended to a longer time horizon after a mid-term review of the outcomes. The approach for NCAP includes collaborative, multi-scale and cross-sectoral coordination between the relevant central ministries, state governments and local bodies. Dovetailing of the existing policies and programmes including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other initiatives of Government of India in reference to climate change will be done while execution of NCAP. Background:Air pollution is one of the biggest global environmental challenges of today. A time bound national level strategy for pan India implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner is needed. India is committed to clean environment and pollution free air and water. In fact, it is mandated in our constitution. India's commitments and obligations to conservation and protection of environment within the ambit of targeted goals on environmental sustainability under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is manifested in the fact that several administrative and regulatory measures including a separate statute on air and water pollution are under implementation since long.

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The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, was enacted under Art. 253 of the Constitution to implement the decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on Human Environment held at Stockholm in June 1972, in which India participated. Sustainable development, in terms of enhancement of human well- being, is an integral part of India's development philosophy. Participation:Apart from experts from the industry and academia, the programme is expected to be a collaboration between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, and Central Pollution Control Board.

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Objectives:

1. To augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across the country for ensuring comprehensive and reliable database 2. To have efficient data dissemination and public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution and for inclusive public participation in both planning and implementation of the programmes and policies of government on air pollution 3. To have feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

Initiatives under NCAP:  Augmenting Air Quality Monitoring Network  Air Quality Management Plan for 100 Non-Attainment Cities  Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring & Management  National Emission Inventory  Network of Technical Institutions  Technology Assessment Cell  Extending source apportionment studies to all non-attainment cities  Institutional Framework

Criticisms:Critics have pointed out that the absence of clarity on funding provisions and lack of legal framework might dilute the effectiveness of the programme. That only a paltry amount of Rs. 300 crore has been set aside for this too has been roundly criticised. It was also expected to be much stronger in providing sector wise targets, specific targets for cities. Similarly, the lack of strong legal backing to take action against non-implementation is also absent. 2. Waste-to-energy plants

Context: An analysis of Centre for Science and Environment’s reported that nearly half of India’s waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, meant to convert non-biodegradable

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waste, are defunct. Further, the country’s inability to segregate waste has resulted in even the existing plants working below capacity. Reasons:Since 1987, 15 WTE plants have been set up across the country. However, seven of these plants have since shut down.Apart from Delhi, these include plants at Kanpur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Vijayawada and Karimnagar. The key reasons for closure are the plants’ inability to handle mixed solid waste and the high cost of electricity generated by them that renders it unattractive to power companies. The plants are expensive because they produce power at nearly ₹7 per unit, which is more than the ₹3-5 offered by thermal as well as solar sources. The NITI Aayog, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, envisages 800 megawatt from WTE plants by 2018-19, which is 10 times the capacity of all the existing WTE plants put together.It also proposes setting up a Waste-to-Energy Corporation of India, which would construct incineration plants through PPP models. Currently, there are 40-odd WTE plants at various stages of construction. The fundamental reason (for the inefficiency of these plants) is the quality and composition of waste. MSW (municipal solid waste) in India has low calorific value and high moisture content. As most wastes sent to the WTE plants are unsegregated, they also have high inert content. These wastes are just not suitable for burning in these plants. To burn them, additional fuel is required which makes these plants expensive to run. The WTEs have also triggered widespread opprobrium among citizens. For instance, there has been a continuous protest against the Okhla WTE plant for polluting the environment.In 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped environmental compensation fine of ₹25 lakh on the plant. Amount of waste generated in India:About 1.43 lakh tonnes per day of (TPD) municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated across the country. Of this, 1.11 lakh TPD (77.6%) is collected and 35,602 TPD (24.8%) processed.In addition India

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generates close to 25,940 TPD of plastic waste of which 15,342 remains uncollected, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. As per the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, MSW generation will reach 4.5 lakh TPD by 2031 and 11.9 lakh TPD by 2050. WTE plants: WTE plants are type of power plants as well as a waste management facility, that combusts wastes to produce electricity. Modern waste-to-energy plants are very different from the trash incinerators that were commonly used until a few decades ago. Unlike modern ones, those plants usually did not remove hazardous or recyclable materials before burning. These incinerators endangered the health of the plant workers and the nearby residents, and most of them did not generate electricity. Waste-to-energy plants are similar in their design and equipment with other steam-electric power plants, particularly biomass plants. First, the waste is brought to the facility. Then, the waste is sorted to remove recyclable and hazardous materials. The waste is then stored until it is time for burning. A few plants use gasification (converts organic- or fossil fuel-based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide), but most combust the waste directly because it is a mature, efficient technology. The waste can be added to the boiler continuously or in batches, depending on the design of the plant. 3. Access and Benefit Sharing

Context:Uttarakhand High Court dismissed a case filed by yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Divya Pharmacy, which pleaded against sharing revenues from indigenous biological resources with local communities. Details:The court said Divya must pay the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board as it uses biological resources for commercial purposes. This is crucial as several biological resources are rare, or grow only in the wild and cannot be cultivated. The judgment makes a special mention of yarsa goomba: “The local and the indigenous communities in Uttarakhand, who reside in the high Himalayas and

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are mainly tribals, are the traditional ‘pickers’ of this biological resource. Through the ages, this knowledge is preserved and passed on to the next generation. The knowledge as to when, and in which season to find the herb, its character, the distinct qualities, the smell, the colour, are all part of this traditional knowledge. This knowledge, may not strictly qualify as an intellectual property right of these communities, but nevertheless is a ‘property right’, now recognised for the first time by the 2002 Act (India’s Biological Diversity Act), as FEBS *Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing+.” India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002 is in line with India’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, which call for both the sustainable use of biological resources, and also for access and benefit sharing.Under the biodiversity Act, benefit sharing does not cover ‘normally traded commodities’ such as wheat, rice and cotton. But it does cover other biological resources used commercially. Access and Benefit Sharing: The concept of Access and benefit Sharing (ABS) stems from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, Nagoya protocol, 2010) which, among other objectives, seeks to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Nagoya Protocol: the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted in Nagoya, Japan. Being a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity it is one of the most important multilateral environmental treaties recently adopted. The Protocol entered into force on 12 October 2014 thus marking an important step towards the Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The objective of the Nagoya Protocol is to set an international, legally binding framework to promote a transparent and effective implementation of the ABS concept at the regional, national and local level in the future. IUCN considers ABS, the third objective of the Convention, to be a concrete example for valuing biodiversity and its ecosystem services, and for taking proper account of this value as a prerequisite for conservation and sustainable use. The 361 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

adoption of the Protocol marks an important step towards the Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. IUCN developed an explanatory guide to the Nagoya Protocol to facilitate the understanding of the legal obligations of the Parties under the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002: On June 5, 1992, India signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at Rio de Janeiro which provides a framework for the sustainable management and conservation of our country’s natural resources. Ten years later, the Biological Diversity Act was enacted in 2002 in order to conserve biodiversity, manage its sustainable use and enable fair and equitable sharing benefits arising out of the use of biological resources with the local communities. Most of the local bodies of 23 states have not prepared the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), which are considered to be the basic records of a region’s biological resources such as plants, animals and the traditional knowledge of the local people.In the absence of the PBRs, when the Act is not implemented, whatever environmental clearances are given for various projects without recording the real state of biodiversity, results in the environment impact assessment reports becoming illogical and invalid. In April 2004, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) notified the Biological Diversity Rules 2004 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Act has a unique system of governing access and benefit sharing (ABS) through the NBA, SBBs and BMCs formed at different levels. *Kerala was the first state to form BMCs in 978 village panchayats, 60 municipalities and five corporations and the preparation of PBRs have also been completed. National Biodiversity Authority:Under the Act, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has been formed and is headquartered at Chennai. State 362 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) also have been formed in all Indian states. But the constitution of the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local levels — in panchayats, municipalities and corporations in many states — is pending, causing delay in the preparation of PBRs of bio-resources (both wild and cultivated). 4. Land Degradation Neutrality

Context:The Conference of the Parties (COP-14) oversees the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held at New Delhi. India will take over the COP presidency from China for two years until the next COP in 2021. LDN:Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) has been defined by the Parties to the Convention as, ‘A state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems.’ To date, over 120 countries have engaged with the LDN Target Setting Programme and considerable progress has been made since the 2030 Agenda was adopted in 2015. LDN represents a paradigm shift in land management policies and practices. It is a unique approach that counterbalances the expected loss of productive land with the recovery of degraded areas. It strategically places the measures to conserve, sustainably manage and restore land in the context of land use planning. Issues:Because land is fixed in quantity, there is ever-increasing competition to control land resources and capitalize on the flows of goods and services from the land. This has the potential to cause social and political instability, fueling poverty, conflict and migration. For that reason, the implementation of LDN requires multi-stakeholder engagement and planning across scales and sectors, supported by national-scale coordination that utilizes existing local and regional governance structures. 363 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

UNCCD:Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a Convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements. The convention was formed by the recommendation of the Rio Conference’s (1992) ‘Agenda 21 action plan’. The new ‘UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework’ is the most comprehensive global commitment to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in order to restore the productivity of vast expanses of degraded land, improve the livelihoods of more than 1.3 billion people, and reduce the impacts of drought on vulnerable populations to build As the dynamics of land, climate and biodiversity are intimately connected, the UNCCD collaborates closely with the other two Rio Conventions; the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to meet these complex challenges with an integrated approach and the best possible use of natural resources. The United Nations has three major Conventions:  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),  The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),  The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

The UNCCD is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development issues to the land agenda.

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UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework:Desertification/land degradation and drought (DLDD) are challenges of a globaldimension. They contribute to and aggravate economic, social and environmental problemssuch as poverty, poor health, lack of food security, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, reducedresilience to climate change and forced migration. Addressing DLDD will involve long-term integrated strategies that simultaneouslyfocus on the improved productivity of land and the rehabilitation, conservation andsustainable management of land and water resources. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is considering the need for a specific indicator for the strategic objective on drought, which is contained in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 2018– 2030 Strategic Framework adopted by Parties at the thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13). The strategy will contribute to:  Achieving the objectives of the Convention and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular regarding Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 and target 15.3 “by 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world” and other interrelated SDGs, within the scope of the Convention;  Improving the living conditions of affected populations; and  Enhancing ecosystems services.

The Strategy will be implemented primarily through actions at national orsub regional levels, with the support of UNCCD institutions, partners and other relevantstakeholders. This section defines the roles and responsibilities of the various Parties,UNCCD institutions, partners and stakeholders in meeting the above-mentioned strategicobjectives.

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Indian Scenario: COP-14 and New Delhi Declaration: India faces a severe problem of land degradation, or soil becoming unfit for cultivation. A 2016 report by the Indian Space Research Organisation found that about 29% of India’s land (in 2011- 13) was degraded, this being a 0.57% increase from 2003-05. At the previous edition of the COP, India had committed to restore 13 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by the year 2020, and an additional 8 million hectares by 2030. The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land under restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. Prior to COP-14 India has announced that it would raise its target for restoring degraded land from 21 million hectare to 26 million hectare by 2030. It was also announced that India will setup a global technical support institute for the member countries of the UNCCD for their capacity building and support regarding the Land Degradation Neutrality. COP-14 and The Delhi Declaration: UNCCDCOP-14 ended with a commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. Such neutrality is defined by the U.N. as ensuring that enough land is available across the world to ensure a sustainable future. The Delhi Declaration, a consensus document, agreed upon by more than 100 countries “welcomed” the proposed adoption of a “voluntary” land degradation neutrality target by India, which has committed to restoring at least 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. The Declaration doesn’t detail commitments by other countries. Almost 122 nations, including India, have made voluntary commitments in previous years to ensure that a certain percentage of their degraded land was restored. Through the Delhi Declaration, ministers expressed support for new initiatives or coalitions aiming to improve human health and well-being, the health of ecosystems, and to advance peace and security.COP 14 also adopted a

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landmark decision to buttress global efforts to better mitigate and manage the risks of drought and to build resilience. The Convention recognizes the importance of women in the implementation of the Convention, and identifies critical areas for their engagement:

 Awareness-raising, and participation in the design and implementation of programmes;  Decision-making processes that men and women adopt at the local level in the governance of development, implementation and review of regional and national action programmes (RAPs and NAPs); and  Capacity-building, education and public awareness, particularly at local level through the support of local organizations. 5. Forest conservation

Issue: Global warming, largely caused by industrial development and consumer demands, has been causing havoc across the world. Temperatures are shooting up, floods have been ravaging South China and Northeast India, unseasonal rains and, ironically, delayed and poor monsoon rains are experienced. Deforestation has been going on decade after decade across the world, affecting the weather as well as the lives of plants, animals, microbes and the livelihood of human tribes that live in forests. The total surface area of our Earth is 52 billion hectares (Ha), and 31% of this has been forest cover. But the huge Amazon forests of South America are being chopped off for commercial reasons. Peru and Bolivia in the western Amazon region are the worst affected by such deforestation; so are Mexico and its neighbours in Mesoamerica. Russia, with forests occupying 45% of its land area, is chopping off trees. Large scale deforestation this kind has contributed to global warming over the years. Also forest fires especially in amazon biome destroyed lakhs of hectares of forest (around 9.7 lakhs of hectares) were destroyed. Forest:The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines a “forest” as a land area of at least 0.5 hectares, covered by at least 10% tree cover, without any agricultural activity or human settlement. Using this definition, a group of Swiss 367 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

and French ecologists have analysed these 4.4 billion hectares of tree canopy that can exist under the current climate. And, excluding existing trees and agricultural and urban areas, there is room for an extra 0.9 billion hectares. Solutions: A major solution to mitigate climate changes is to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, which cause this warming. In an effort to try and limit this warming, many countries across the world are gathering together and agreeing to make efforts to limit the rise in temperature to no higher than 1.5 degrees by the year 2050. The major way to do so is to increase the number of plants, trees and forests across the world. They all absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and with the help of sunlight and water, produce food (staple for us) and oxygen (which we breathe). There is the potential climate change mitigation through global tree restoration. More than 50% of this restoration potential can be found in six countries (Russia, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil and China). Happily enough, several group (and governments) in countries, notably Philippines and State government in India have moved towards more tree plantations. In India with its 7,08,273 sq km land area, 21.54% has tree cover. And between 2015 and 2018, we have added 6,778 sq km. Private groups, notably The Guru Nanak Sacred Forest in Ludhiana, Punjab, the middle-of-the-town forest in the heart of Raipur, the “Afforest” group of Shubhendu Sharma are some notable non-government initiatives. State of Forest Report (SFR):The biennial assessment of forest cover of the country by FSI using mid-resolution Satellite data is based on interpretation of LISS-III data from Indian Remote Sensing satellite data (Resourcesat-II) with a spatial resolution of 23.5 meters with the scale of interpretation 1:50,000 to monitor forest cover and forest cover changes at District, State and National level. This information provides inputs for various global level inventories, reports such as GHG Inventory, Growing Stock, Carbon Stock, Forest Reference Level (FRL) and international reporting to UNFCCC, targets under CCD, Global Forest Resource

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Assessment (GFRA) done by FAO for planning and scientific management of forests. SFR (2017) shows a 0.94% increase in India’s total forest cover since its last assessment in 2015. State of Forest Report-2017 shows that India’s total forest cover increased by 0.94 per cent, from 7,01,673 square kilometers to 7,08,273 square kilometers since its last assessment in 2015. The biannual report is prepared by The Forest Survey of India (FSI), a body under MoEFCC, which conducts surveys and assessment of forest resources in the country. According to SFR-2019, The Total Forest Cover(TFC) of India in 2019 is 21.67 per cent of the total geographical area (TGA) of the country as against 21.54 per cent (of TGA) in 2017. In 2011, the TFC in India was 6,92,027 sq km. Hence, even though the TFC increased by 20,222 sq km or three per cent since 2011, there are some concerns over the growth pattern of our forests this decade.

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Area-wise Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra. In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, the top five States are Mizoram (85.41%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.63%), Meghalaya (76.33%), Manipur (75.46%) and Nagaland (75.31%).

The Mangrove ecosystems are unique & rich in biodiversity and they provide numerous ecological services. Mangrove cover has been separately reported in the ISFR 2019 and the total mangrove cover in the country is 4,975 sq km. An increase of 54 sq Km in mangrove cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2017. Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Gujarat (37 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (16 sq km) and Odisha (8 sq km).

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Forest Survey of India:Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the country. It started as an organization called Pre- Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) in 1965 as FAO/UNDP/GOI Project. The changing information needs resulted in enlarging the scope of activities of PISFR and it was re-organized as Forest Survey of India in 1981. 6. Cheetah Reintroduction

Context:The Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted its seven-year stay on a proposal to introduce African cheetahs from Namibia into the Indian habitat on an experimental basis. Cheetah Reintroduction programme:The Asiatic Cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. According to reports, the last Indian cheetah died around 1948. In India, over the years, cheetahs brought in from abroad have been kept in zoos. Cheetahs became extinct due to various reasons like hunting, destruction of habitat and human intervention. Wildlife experts say that for cheetahs to survive, a large area of grassland and a prey base are required. The Supreme Court has directed the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to introduce African cheetahs into the Indian habitats.The top court has set up a three-member committee to guide the NTCA in this experimental project to revive the cheetah population. In 2012, the SC had stalled the introduction of foreign cheetahs into Palpur Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh fearing their conflict with another project to reintroduce lions into the same sanctuary. The Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) had even initiated a project to clone Indian cheetah. But this is yet to bear fruit. Criticisms:Around 7,000 cheetahs are now left in the wild, most of them in Africa. Being the mildest of the wild cats, cheetahs need special attention and care.

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Conservationists now fear the lack of enough area and prey base for the African cheetahs in Indian habitats. Low survival rates of cubs, animal-human conflict, are some of the other challenges ahead. Best possible habitat:The Supreme Court made it clear that a proper survey should be done to identify the best possible habitat for the cheetahs. Every effort should be taken to ensure that they adapt to the Indian conditions. The committee would help, advice and monitor the NTCA on these issues. The action of the introduction of the animal would be left to the NTCA’s discretion. 7. SGP India

What is SPG India?:The GEF Small Grants Programme is a corporate programme of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). GEF has over 22,000 projects in 127 countries. As an aftermath of the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, GEF Small Grant Programme was launched.

SGP India has been recognized as one of the upgraded country programmes. As an upgraded country programme, SGP India supports vulnerable communities through people-led approaches towards environmental conservation and livelihood enhancement with special focus on thematic areas such as Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation, International Waters and Persistent Organic Pollutants. SGP India is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Centre for Environment Education

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acts as the National Host Institution (NHI) and has been coordinating and facilitating SGP in India since 2000. 443 community based action projects have been supported by SGP. The grants are given to Community Based Organizations and NGO’s for promoting innovation led rural programme that are connected to environment and energy conservation, poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihood, gender mainstreaming and inclusive community empowerment. Till date SGP benefits have reached to more than 600,000 people across India. Areas:

 Bio Diversity Conservation: 2011-2020 has been declared by the UN General Assembly as the 'International Decade for Biodiversity'. Biodiversity provides us with food, fuel, medicine, shelter and a cultural and spiritual connection to nature. Since its launch in 1992, the SGP has funded practical, hands-on, demonstration projects and grass-roots initiatives by NGOs, CBOs and indigenous peoples which promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in target ecosystems and landscapes.  Climate change: The effects of climate change undermine development efforts and most severely impact the poor, who are relying on natural resources for their livelihoods. In order to actively cope with these challenges, the GEF SGP helps countries to mitigate the negative effects of the Climate Change and to contribute to the overall objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Land degradation:Land degradation focal area of the GEF SGP is informed by the previous activities of the millennium ecosystems assessments and specifically targets directly the realization of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Indirectly, this focal area also helps in the realization of the Non legal binding instrument of the convention on all forests types of the United Nations forum on forests (UNFF). Desertification and deforestation remains the main priority of the GEF SGP in this focal area and it aims at improving agro-ecosystems and forest landscapes where

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deterioration of ecosystems services and goods undermines the livelihoods of many people. The key strategic priorities of the focal area are three of which the GEF SGP aims at supporting the realization of the two. These are: i) Maintaining and improving services coming out of ecosystems that help in sustaining local communities livelihoods, and ii) Support in the reduction of pressures on natural resources that are contributed by natural or manmade actors in the areas where degradation impacts their daily needs.

The third strategic priority, which by default is also addressed, although much more specifically in the drylands zones, includes sustaining the livelihoods of forest dependent peoples who eke their living from goods and services provided by the forests themselves and other animals therein.

 Sustainable Forest Management:The focal area will endeavor to pursue SFM in the context of increasing forest and non-timber forest resources, climate change mitigation within productive landscapes where communities reside, while pursuing multiple benefits to all actors and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Efforts will be made to link the activities with other SGP GEF focal areas to benefit from the synergies from the existing biodiversity and climate change focal areas.  International Waters:The GEF International Waters (IW) focal area addresses sustainable development challenges faced by countries sharing transboundary surface, groundwater, and marine systems.  Chemicals: The GEF-5 strategy for chemicals sets to consolidate the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone layer depletion focal areas, as well as to broaden the scope of GEF's engagement with the sound management of chemicals and to initiate work on mercury.

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The goal of the GEF's chemicals focal area is to promote the sound management of chemicals throughout their life-cycle in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the global environment. COMDEKS:The Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative or COMDEKS are projects which are unique global programmes that are implemented by the UNDP as a flagship for international partnership with the Satoyama Initiative. Working with the GEF Small Grants Programme, COMDEKS provides small grants to local community organizations to promote and develop the sustainable use and management of natural resources with the aim of maintaining, rebuilding and revitalization of these said resources Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS). SATIYAMA Initiative:The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) is a partnership made up of 258 member organizations dedicated to working together to realize societies in harmony with nature. In many parts of the world, people have developed ways to utilize and manage their surrounding natural environment to sustain and improve their daily lives and production activities such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The local communities have been increasingly threatened by rapid socio- economic changes in recent years. Many have been converted into more uniform, efficient and large-scale production systems that often cause environmental degradation and loss of cultures and traditions.To tackle this critical issue, the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOEJ) and the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS: formerly the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies) jointly initiated the Satoyama Initiative. The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) was established on 19 October 2010, during the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 10) held in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.This international effort promotes activities consistent with existing fundamental principles

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including the Ecosystem Approach. It’s core vision is to realize societies in harmony with nature, that is, built on positive human-nature relationships. The IPSI secretariat is hosted by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. GEF: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems.

The GEF is a unique partnership of 18 agencies — including United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, national entities and international NGOs — working with 183 countries to address the world’s most challenging environmental issues. It is a financial mechanism for five major international environmental conventions: the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). GEF is also an innovator and catalyst that supports multi-stakeholder alliances to preserve threatened ecosystems on land and in the

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oceans, build greener cities, boost food security and promote clean energy for a more prosperous, climate-resilient world. The GEF Trust Fund was established to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. Funds are available to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to meet the objectives of the international environmental conventions and agreements. 8. PM KUSUM

Context:Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers for installation of solar pumps and grid connected solar and other renewable power plants in the country. PM KUSUM:PM KUSUM is a Central Government Scheme for farmers for installation of grid connected solar power plants. This Scheme aims at promoting the solar power production and enables the farmers to earn extra income.KUSUM was envisaged to replace nearly 2 crore electric and 75 lakh diesel pumps over 10 years. Three components:

 The first component proposes 10,000 MW of de-centralised ground- mounted grid-connected renewable power plants.  The second envisages installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar powered agricultural pumps and  The third is for solarisation of 10 lakh grid-connected solar-powered agricultural pumps.

Scheme implementation: State Nodal Agencies(SNAs) of MNRE will coordinate with States/UTs, Discoms and farmers for implementation of the scheme. Eligibility Criteria:Land should be Barren/Uncultivated/Cultivated Agriculture land.The Minimum and maximum capacity of solar power plants to be installed is 500 kW and 2 MW respectively. Thus Individual farmers/group of farmers/

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Cooperatives/ Panchayaths/ Farmer Producer organizations (FPO)/ Water User Associations (WUA) with minimum 2 Acre land is eligible for this Scheme. Available models in Kerala: 1. Farmers Investment Model Farmers invest the full amount for the project and KSEBL purchase the entire solar energy from the farmer at a fixed rate. 2. Lease Model KSEBL takes over the land of the farmers for lease or on right to use agreement for 25 years at a lease rent rate of H 0.10/unit of solar generation. Benefits:The scheme will open a stable and continuous source of income to the rural land owners for a period of 25 years by utilisation of their dry/uncultivable land. Further, in case cultivated fields are chosen for setting up solar power project, the farmers could continue to grow crops as the solar panels are to be set up above a minimum height. The proposed scheme would ensure that sufficient local solar/ other renewable energy based power is available for feeding rural load centres and agriculture pump-set loads, which require power mostly during the day time. As these power plants will be located closer to the agriculture loads or to electrical substations in a decentralized manner, it will result in reduced Transmission losses for STUs and Discoms. Moreover, the scheme will also help the Discoms to achieve the RPO target. The solar pumps will save the expenditure incurred on diesel for running diesel pump and provide the farmers a reliable source of irrigation through solar pump apart from preventing harmful pollution from running diesel pump. In light of the long waiting list for electric grid connection, this scheme will benefit 17.5 lakh farmers over a period of four years, without adding to the grid load. Budget 2020: In 2020-Budget the GoI expanded PM KUSUM scheme to cover 20 lakh farmers. Itwill also help another 15 lakh farmers solarise their grid connected pump sets. In addition, a scheme to enable farmers to set up solar 378 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

power generation capacity on their barren land and to sell it to the grid will be operationalized. 9. Global Environment Outlook

Context: Sixth edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) was released by UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The UN report, GEO-6, on the theme “Healthy Planet, Healthy People,” has some sharp pointers for India. Key observations:

 The world is unsustainably extracting resources and producing unmanageable quantities of waste.  The linear model of economic growth depends on the extraction of ever- higher quantities of materials, leading to chemicals flowing into air, water and land.  This causes ill-health and premature mortality, and affects the quality of life, particularly for those unable to insulate themselves from these effects.  East and South Asia have the highest number of deaths due to air pollution; by one estimate, it killed about 1.24 million in India in 2017.  As India’s population grows, it must worry that agricultural yields are coming under stress due to increase in average temperature and erratic monsoons.  India could save at least $3 trillion (₹210 trillion approx.) in healthcare costs if it implemented policy initiatives consistent with ensuring that the globe didn’t heat up beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by the turn of the century  The implications of these forecasts for food security and health are all too evident, more so for the 148 million people living in severe weather ‘hotspots’.  East and South Asia have the highest number of deaths due to air pollution; by one estimate, it killed about 1.24 million in India in 2017.  As India’s population grows, it must worry that agricultural yields are coming under stress due to increase in average temperature and erratic monsoons.

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 The implications of these forecasts for food security and health are all too evident, more so for the 148 million people living in severe weather ‘hotspots’.

GEO-6 suggests thataggressive monitoring of air quality in cities through scaled- up facilities would bring about a consensus on cutting emissions of greenhouse gases, and provide the impetus to shift to cleaner sources of energy. Transport emissions are a growing source of urban pollution, and a quick transition to green mobility is needed. In the case of water, the imperative is to stop the contamination of surface supplies by chemicals, sewage and municipal waste. As the leading extractor of groundwater, India needs to make water part of a circular economy in which it is treated as a resource that is recovered, treated and reused. 10. World water crisis

Context: World Water Day was observed on March 22. World water day was instituted in the year 1993 to build public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world.Today, billions of people are still living without safe water - their households, schools, workplaces, farms and factories struggling to survive and thrive. Safe water: 'Safe water' is shorthand for a 'safely managed drinking water service': water that is accessible on the premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. World Water Day 2020:The theme of World Water Day 2020 is 'Water and Climate Change' which explores how the two aspects are deeply linked.The theme for World Water Day 2019 was 'Leaving no one behind'. This is an adaptation of the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. Global scenario:Around 4 billion people in the world live in physically water- scarce areas and 844 million don’t have access to clean water close to home,

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according to the latest report by WaterAid. The report, Beneath the Surface: ‘The State of the World’s Water 2019’, launched by WaterAid. The world’s water crisis is getting worse, yet globally we use six times as much water today as we did 100 years ago, driven by population growth and changes in diets and consumer habits.Industrial and agricultural use of water cannot be at the cost of people getting water to meet their basic needs. Two-third of the world’s population lives in water-scarce areas, where for at least one part of the year demand exceeds supply. The WaterAid report warned that food and clothing imported by wealthy Western countries are making it harder for many poor and marginalised communities to get a daily clean water supply as high-income countries buy products with considerable 'water footprints' - the amount of water used in production -- from water-scarce countries. India and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are among the extremely water stressed regions as per the Water Rist Atlas released by the World Resources Institute (WRI). climate change may complicate the crisis, the document warned.‘Extremely high’ levels of water stress means an average 80 per cent of the available water in a country is used by irrigated agriculture, industries and municipalities every year. Apart from the 17 countries, 44 others faced ‘high’ levels of stress. In these countries, led by Chile, an average 40 per cent available water was withdrawn every year. The gap between supply and demand will likely widen due to climate change and drought-like situations, coupled with uncontrolled groundwater extraction. According to the World Bank, 71 per cent of the wastewater collected in Arab states is supposedly being safely treated, of which 21 per cent is being used, mostly for irrigation and groundwater recharge. Indian Scenario:As many as one billion people in India live in areas of physical water scarcity, of which 600 million are in areas of high to extreme water stress. India is currently ranked 120 among 122 countries in the water quality index.

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Wheat and rice were the two most important and highest water-guzzling crops that India produced.

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 Rice is the least water-efficient grain and wheat has been the main driver in increasing irrigation stress. Replacing rice and wheat with other crops like maize, millets, sorghum mapped to suitable geographies could reduce irrigation water demand by one-third. Though replacement of rice and wheat crops is challenging, in an ideal scenario, the choice of crop needs to be matched with ecology and the amount of water available in the area it is being produced in. Noting that one kg of wheat required an average 1,654 litres of water, the report said one kg of rice requires an average 2,800 litres of water. In 2014-15, India exported 37.2 lakh tonnes of basmati. To export this rice, the country used

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around 10 trillion litres of water, meaning India virtually exported 10 trillion litres of water.  At 24 per cent, India uses the most groundwater drawn out globally — more than that of China and US combined. The rate of groundwater depletion has increased by 23 per cent between 2000 and 2010. Also, India is the third largest exporter of groundwater — 12 per cent of the global total.  India placed thirteenth among the world's 17 ‘extremely water-stressed’ countries, according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas released by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The country, followed by neighbouring Pakistan, was under ‘extremely high’ levels of baseline water stress.  According to the analysis of the Sankat Mochan Foundation (SMF), a Varanasi-based NGO, it has been revealed that coliform bacteria and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) have increased significantly in the Ganga River in the last three years.  On 28 July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realisation of all human rights. The Resolution calls upon States and international organisations to provide financial resources, help capacity- building and technology transfer to help countries, in particular developing countries, to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all. Right to life includes creating an environment for people which is safe and where people can grow and live a fulfilling life. This means that they should holistically develop and should be provided with nutrition, clean air, clean water, education, etc. for their survival as well as sustenance. Article 21 of the Constitution of India states that ‘no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law’. This was interpreted by the court to include the entitlement of citizens to

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receive safe drinking water (potable water) in Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs. Union of India Case. As Indian government committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 — which promises that by 2030 everyone will have access to clean water — decent sanitation and good hygiene.The newly reconstituted Union Jal Shakti Ministry too raised concern in the Lok Sabha about the grim situation. Groundwater resources were over-exploited in 1,186 of 6,881 ‘assessment units’ (blocks, talukas, watersheds and others) in India, it said.

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At the government and institutional levels, promotion of better agriculture practices, regulation of groundwater use and promotion of groundwater recharge will help integrate the shortfalls. WWDR: World Water Development Report (WWDR) is a comprehensive and authoritative assessment of world’s fresh water resources. It is produced by World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) and released annually by UN- Water.

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The 2020 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2020) entitled ‘Water and Climate Change’ aims at helping the water community to tackle the challenges of climate change and informing the climate change community about the opportunities that improved water management offers in terms of adaptation and mitigation. The 2019 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2019) entitled ‘Leaving No One Behind’ seeks to inform policy and decision-makers, inside and outside the water community, how improvements in water resources management and access to water supply and sanitation services are essential to overcoming poverty and addressing various other social and economic inequities. It was during the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). UN-Water:United Nations Water (UN-Water) is an interagency mechanism that coordinates the efforts of United Nations entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues.UN-Water members and partners inform about water and sanitation policies, monitor and report on progress, and coordinate two annual global campaigns on World Water Day and World Toilet Day. WWAP:The UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (UNESCO WWAP) coordinates the work of 31 UN-Water members and partners in the World Water Development Report (WWDR).This key UN-Water report is an annual review providing an authoritative picture of the state, use and management of the world’s freshwater resources. In addition to coordinating this significant UN report, UNESCO WWAP monitors freshwater issues in order to provide recommendations, develop case studies, enhance assessment capacity at a national level and inform the decision-making process. 11. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

ISA: It is a treaty based intergovernmental organisation, initiated by India in 2015. Most of the countries of the alliance are partly or completely belong to Torrid

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Zone. Countries that do not fall within the alliance can also join the alliance with the exception of voting right. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India. Vision and Mission:Vision and mission of the International Solar Alliance is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of prospective ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner. ISA’s vision and mission is to take solar from the lab (or rich world markets) to (developing country) streets. It is being designed as a platform to bring together countries with rich solar potential (along with solar innovators, developers, and financiers) to aggregate demand for solar across member countries, creating a global buyers’ market for solar energy, and thereby reducing prices, facilitating the deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity. Background:The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande on November 30, 2015 at the UN Paris Climate Change Conference. Since then the International Steering Committee has met thrice (in Paris, Abu Dhabi and New York); an Interim Administrative Cell (formed in January 2016) meets regularly; and an ISA ministerial-level meeting was held at the UN Headquarters in April 2016. Two multi-country work programmes have been launched; India has committed financial support worth Rs.400 crore; the foundation stone for the ISA headquarters was laid in Gurugram; and joint declarations were signed with the UN Development Programme and the World Bank. In January 2016, Narendra Modi, and the then French President François Hollande jointly laid the foundation stone of the ISA Headquarters and inaugurated the interim Secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, India.

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Challenges: One of the main challenges is whether it devolves into a bloated bureaucracy. Although conceived as an intergovernmental institution, ISA is not intended to be a typical international bureaucracy. Its extremely lean Secretariat (possibly smaller than any other international agency) could leverage networks and create tangible opportunities for manufacturers, developers, financiers and innovators. A tight budget and a direct link to the private sector would hold ISA accountable to real action on the ground. The more proximate danger is that 121 potential member countries get caught up in a battle over legal form, membership rights, and giving precedence to procedure over pragmatism. This would violate the very ethic of a dynamic international organisation for the 21st century, where action is rewarded and initiatives judged by the effectiveness of their execution. It is important that the key backers of ISA start speaking loudly, clearly and frequently about ISA’s vision, activities and their added value. India’s role:Apart from being a founding-member, India plays a significant role in the alliance in terms of being a host as well as a major contributor to the achievement of the target. The ISA is the first international body that will have a secretariat in India. India, with a target to produce 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, would account for a tenth of ISA’s goal. “India will produce 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and 100 GW will be from solar energy,” Mr. Modi said, addressing the ISA. 12. Renewable energy certificates

Context: Renewable power companies have moved the Delhi High Court, seeking to exempt the renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the goods and services tax (GST). REC:The tradable RECs are awarded for every 1 mega-watt hour (MWh) of electricity generated. Together with Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO), RECs act as market-pull incentives that create demand for renewable energy installations.

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RPO, instituted in 2011, is a mandate that requires large power procurers to source a pre-determined fraction of their electricity from renewable sources.The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced incremental annual RPO targets amounting to 21 per cent in 2022. However, these were neither thought through nor in-line with national installation goals. Impact of GST:The impact of the goods and services tax (GST) on the RE industry has been discussed widely. Confusion remained as to how the RECs would be impacted. A circular issued in June 2018, was issued to clarify the applicability of GST on RECs. The circular distinctly stated that a GST of 12 per cent will be levied on RECs.By adding to the cost of electricity, the fear was that the GST on “green certificates” could disincentivise the power procurers from participating in the market. Significance: The primary motive of the writ petition, demanding that GST on RECs be scrapped is discriminatory. RECs are being charged GST, while bundled power (RECs plus electricity, irrespective of source) or even just electricity are devoid of the same. According to RE Companies, cost of electricity generation from renewable energy sources is classified as cost of electricity generation (equivalent to conventional energy sources) and the cost of environmental attributes; RECs is the environmental attribute of the electricity derived from RE. As per regulations, RPO compliance through REC is at par with sourcing electricity directly from RE. The preferential tariff (or feed in tariff) and competitive bidding applicable on renewable electricity are exempt of GST. 13. Bio Jet Fuel

Context: In a significant move, the fleet of AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force was certified to fly on blended aviation fuel containing up to 10 per cent bio-jet fuel. Significance: The approval for use of bio-fuel to fly the Russian made fleet was given by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). It

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use blended aviation fuel containing up to 10 per cent of indigenous bio-jet fuel. The indigenous bio-jet fuel was first produced by the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun in 2013, but it could not be tested or certified for commercial use on aircraft due to lack of test facilities in the civil aviation sector.On 27 July, 2018, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had formally announced IAF's intention to permit the use of all its resources for testing and certifying the indigenous fuel.Since then, IAF's flight test crew and engineers have been evaluating the performance of this fuel against international standards. The bio-fuel, to be used by AN-32 fleet, would be produced from tree borne oils (TBOs) sourced from tribal areas. Spice jet’s initiative:A blend of oil from jatropha seeds and aviation turbine fuel propelled the country’s first ever bio-jet fuel powered flight in 2018 by SpiceJet. SpiceJet’s Bombardier Q-400 aircraft with 20 officials and five crew members on-board travelled Dehradun to Delhi. A blend of 25% of bio jet fuel and 75% of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was carried in one of the two engines of the plane, while the other engine carried only ATF. International standards permit a blend rate of upto50% bio fuel with ATF. Bio fuel:It is made from any plant or animal material and thus becomes an alternate energy source. While CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) is using jatropha seed oil for its biofuel, other tree-borne oils — Nahor Oil from the North-east, Sapium Oil from the Himalayan region; waste cooking oil, mustard family non-edible rotation crops are also promising feed stocks. Green Aviation biojet-fuels contribute around 80% reduction in the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and are a potential offset for CO2 emissions in the aviation industry. To meet the goals of ICAO’s (International Civil Aviation Organisation) CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), and the demand for green fuels by international airlines, adequate availability and mechanisms for distribution of these fuels

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need to be made by Indian International Airports. This would make Indian airports a more attractive hub for international airlines, who have signed the global aviation biofuels CORSIA agreement. National Biofuel Policy:The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister has approved National Policy on Biofuels – 2018.

In order to promote biofuels in the country, a National Policy on Biofuels was made by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy during the year 2009. Globally, biofuels have caught the attention in last decade and it is imperative 392 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

to keep up with the pace of developments in the field of biofuels. Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development and offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of doubling of Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation, Waste to Wealth Creation. Biofuels programme in India has been largely impacted due to the sustained and quantum non-availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production which needs to be addressed.

Salient Features:

 The Policy categorises biofuels as "Basic Biofuels" viz. First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and "Advanced Biofuels" - Second Generation

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(2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category.  The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.  Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Taking this into account, the Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.  With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels, the Policy indicates a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs.5000 crore in 6 years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.  The Policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.  Roles and responsibilities of all the concerned Ministries/Departments with respect to biofuels has been captured in the Policy document to synergise efforts.

Expected Benefits:

 Reduce Import Dependency,  Cleaner Environment,  Health benefits,  MSW Management,  Infrastructural Investment in Rural Areas,  Employment Generation,  Additional Income to Farmers.

Future:Shell, a major oil and gas multinational, is also a distributor of biofuel. A recent press release issued by them states: The number of cars on the road is

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expected to rise to around 2 billion by 2050, with the amount of freight carried by trucks doubling. Shell believes low-carbon biofuels, together with gains in energy efficiency, are among the quickest and most practical ways to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport in the next 20 years. It is expected that 10 crore passengers will fly on biofuel-propelled planes by 2030. 14. GM Cotton

Context: The world’s first farmer movement in favour of geneticallymodified (GM) crops, Shetkari Sanghtana a farmers’ union in Maharashtra planted the banned herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBt) Cotton, an act that can invite a Rs 1 lakh fine and five years’ jail term.

Issue:Bt cotton remains the only GM crop allowed to be cultivated in the country. Developed by US giant Bayer-Monsanto, it involves insertion of two genes viz ‘Cry1Ab’ and ‘Cry2Bc’ from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into cotton seeds. This modification codes the plant to produce protein toxic to Heliothis bollworm (pink bollworm) thus making it resistant to their attack. The commercial release of this hybrid was sanctioned by the government in 2002.

The farmers in Akola planted a herbicide-tolerant variety of Bt cotton. This variety (HtBt) involves the addition of another gene, ‘Cp4-Epsps’ from another soil bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It is not cleared by GEAC.

A number of scientists and agricultural researchers have backed GM crops, and the farmers’ protest in Maharashtra.

Reason:The farmers claim that the HtBt variety can withstand the spray of glyphosate, a herbicide that is used to remove weeds, and thus it substantially saves them de-weeding costs. Farmers spend around Rs 3,000-5,000 per acre for de-weeding. Along with the uncertainty in finding labour, de-weeding threatens economic viability of their crops, they say.

Importance:Genetic changes made in a plant can make it unsafe for consumption, have adverse impacts on human or animal health, or introduce problems in the soil or neighbouring crops. There is an elaborate process of tests and field trials to 395 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

be followed. Critics of GM technology argue that some traits of genes start expressing themselves only after several generations, and thus one can never be sure about their safety.

Bt Cotton:Bt cotton was created by adding genes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces over 200 different toxins, each harmful to different insects.When certain insects attack the Bt cotton plant, they get killed. Such pest-resistant crops do away with the need for broad-spectrum insecticides, which harm natural insect predators in the farm.

Reducing the use of pesticides also prevents the agricultural run-off from polluting rivers and the food chain.

Bt cotton was first approved for commercial use in the United States in 1995. In 2002, a joint venture between US-based Monsanto and the Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co Ltd (Mahyco) introduced Bt cotton to India.

In India, it is the responsibility of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry to assess the safety of a genetically modified plant, and decide whether it is fit for cultivation. The GEAC comprises experts and government representatives, and a decision it takes has to be approved by the Environment Minister before any crop is allowed for cultivation.

Besides Bt cotton, the GEAC has cleared two other genetically modified crops — brinjal and mustard — but these have not received the consent of the Environment Minister.

Bt in India:In 2011, India grew the largest GM cotton crop at 10.6 million hectares. As of 2014, 95 per cent of cotton grown in India was genetically- modified.

Legally, sale, storage, transportation and usage of unapproved GM seeds is a punishable offence under the Rules of Environmental Protection Act 1989. Also, sale of unapproved seeds can attract action under the Seed Act of 1966 and the Cotton Act of 1957. The Environmental Protection Act provides for a jail term of

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five years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for violation of its provisions, and cases can be filed under the other two Acts.

Ban on HTBt cotton:The herbicide-tolerance can easily spread through pollination, and eventually give rise to a variety of ‘super-weeds’ that are resistant to existing herbicides, Waghmare explains.This could create a situation akin to what the world is witnessing today with antibiotic resistance; misuse of over-the- counter antibiotics has caused several strains of disease-causing bacteria to become immune to existing medications.

A 2013 study, which used data from several countries, including the US, China, and Australia, showed that pests evolved resistance to Bt crops after a few generations.

GEAC:Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the enviornment including experimental field trials.

GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above. 15. Ozone Pollution

Context: According to an analysis done by Centre for Science and Environment, Ozone pollution has increased in Delhi-NCR during summer compared to previous year.

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Scenario:People in Delhi faced more days with average ozone levels spiking over the national air quality limits in 2019 than last year, according to an analysis by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). It is due to intense heat waves in this summer.

The national capital witnessed 122 microgram per cubic metre (ug/cu m), of ozone pollution which is 1.22 times higher than the eight-hour average standard. During 2018, it had gone up to 106 ug/cu m which is 1.1 times higher than the standard, the analysis showed.

According to the air quality index (AQI), released every day by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), ozone is emerging as a dominant pollutant along with particulate matter (PM), especially in Delhi and NCR areas. Ozone is a unique problem that is dependent on emissions of gases from different sources as well as 398 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

on the atmospheric conditions, adding the combination of high gaseous emissions and intense summer conditions with severe heat waves can aggravate this problem.

Ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It gets formed when emissions from vehicles, industry or power plants — nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds — react in the air under the influence of sunlight and temperature.

Problems: Long-term exposures to higher concentrations of ozone may also be linked to permanent lung damage, such as abnormal lung development in children.

 Ozone makes it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously  It causes shortness of breath, and pain when taking a deep breath  Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat  Inflame and damage the airways  Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis  Increase the frequency of asthma attacks  Make the lungs more susceptible to infection  Continue to damage the lungs even when the symptoms have disappeared  Cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Solutions: This is a matter of serious concern as ozone is a highly reactive gas and can have an immediate adverse effect on those suffering from asthma and respiratory conditions.

 Keep real world emissions from vehicles low and phase in electric mobility  Scale up massively convenient, affordable and reliable public transport systems  Initiate more pedestrian- and cycling-friendly, compact and accessible development

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 Introduce city-wide parking management and pricing and low emissions zones to restrain use of personal vehicles  Aggressively control industrial emissions

16. Payment for Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem Services:Ecosystems support plant and animal life by maintaining the overall balance in nature. When functioning well, ecosystems also bring multiple benefits to people. These benefits range from provision of basic commodities, such as food and fuel, to spiritual benefits – for example, the aesthetically pleasing landscapes that we all enjoy.

The benefits that people get from nature are known as ecosystem services.

Ecosystem services can be roughly divided into:

 Supporting services – those services creating conditions necessary for the provision of all other ecosystem services, for example photosynthesis or soil formation  Provisioning services – all products coming from ecosystems, for example food, fiber, fuel, herbs and medicinal plants, genetic resources, drinking water  Regulating services – the capacity of ecosystems to regulate important natural processes, for example regulation of climate, quality and quantity of water, etc.  Cultural services – non-material benefits from ecosystems, for example the aesthetic and recreational value of landscapes

Globally, the services an ecosystem provides are getting increasing policy attention. In October 2010, the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Nagoya witnessed acceptance of environmental goods part of the national accounts.

In India: Himalayan states provide critical and huge ecosystem services to the country. They have forest in around 41.5 per cent of their geographical area. This

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means a third of the country’s forest cover, according to the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems, under the National Action Plan for Climate Change.

Estimates of forest carbon pool in Indian Himalaya is about 5.4 billion tonnes (forest biomass + forest soil), which is about equal to the annual carbon emission from fossil fuels in Asia

This demand has been the country’s longest ever bid for PES at this scale that involves formalised distribution of incentive fund between the Union and state governments. The 12th Finance Commission (2005-10), for the first time, recognised the need to invest in resources and earmarked Rs 1,000 crores for five years to be given to states for preserving forests.

The 13th Finance Commission allocated Rs 5,000 crore, based on the area under forest cover with an added parameter of Canopy density.The 14th commission reformed the revenue-sharing formula between the Union and the states. It brought the landmark change of including forest cover as a determining factor in a state’s share.

In 2006 a study by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) put the value of Himachal Pradesh’s forest and services provided at Rs 1 3.23 lakh crore. The state government in a few presentations put its watershed services at Rs 1.06 lakh crore annually.

Present scenario:At present, ecological services payment schemes cover carbon sequestration and storage, watershed development and protection, non-domestic biodiversity protection and forest protection. In the climate change regime, carbon emission reduction and other mitigation activities make huge businesses.

But agriculture and farmers have been kept out of the formal carbon market that is worth more than $100 billion. Farmers, particularly those practicing traditional farming including in Himalayan states, have been rarely considered eligible for payment for their ecological services.

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17. 2019 Indian floods

Context:Assam is in the grip of yet another flood, with 57 lakh people affected across all 33 districts, and 36 people killed besides hundreds of animals. Natural factors:Apart from incessant rainfall during the monsoon, there are many contributory factors, natural and man-made. At the crux is the very nature of the river Brahmaputra dynamic and unstable. Its 580,000 sq km basin spreads over four countries: China, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan, with diverse environments. The Brahmaputra features among the world’s top five rivers in terms of discharge as well as the sediment it brings. It is naturally dynamic and unstable. The vast amount of sediment comes from Tibet, where the river originates. That region is cold, arid and lacks plantation. Glaciers melt, soil erodes and all of it results in a highly sedimented river. By the time the river enters Assam a state comprising primarily floodplains surrounded by hills on all sides it deposits vast amounts of this silt, leading to erosion and floods. Again, because of the earthquake-prone nature of the region, the river has not been able to acquire a stable character. Following the devastating earthquake of 1950, the level of the Brahmaputra rose by two metres in Dibrugarh area in eastern Assam. Manmade factors: Besides these natural factors are the man-made ones habitation, deforestation, population growth in catchment areas (including in China) which lead to higher sedimentation. For example, the sediment deposition itself creates temporary sandbars or river islands. It is common for people to settle in such places, which restricts the space the river has to flow. When rainfall is heavy, it combines with all these factors and leads to destructive floods. This happens very frequently. Preventive measures:In its master plan on the river in 1982, the Brahmaputra Board had suggested that dams and reservoirs be built to mitigate floods. The idea of dams, however, has traditionally been a double-edged sword. While one of their objectives is to regulate the release of flood waters, the release when it 402 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

comes can sometimes be beyond the capacity of the channels downstream. In the Brahmaputra basin, locals and environmentalists protested against dam-building plans on grounds of displacement and destruction of ecology, preventing the plans from moving forward. The government also considered dredging, basically digging up the riverbed and making the river “deeper”. However, experts have strongly advised against this simply because the Brahmaputra sediment yield is among the highest in the world.Experts believe that even if we take out all the silt this year, more silt will be deposited the following year, making the very expensive effort futile. 18. Earth Overshoot Day

Context: Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) was observed on July 29, 2019. EOD:Humanity is currently using nature 1.75 times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate. This is akin to using 1.75 Earths. Overshoot is possible because we are depleting our natural capital – which compromises humanity’s future resource security. The costs of this global ecological overspending are becoming increasingly evident in the forms of deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Humanity will eventually have to operate within the means of Earth’s ecological resources, whether that balance is restored by disaster or by design. Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. We maintain this deficit by liquidating stocks of ecological resources and accumulating waste, primarily carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Earth Overshoot Day is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network, an international research organization that provides decision-makers with a menu of tools to help the human economy operate within Earth’s ecological limits. History:The concept of Earth Overshoot Day was first conceived by Andrew Simms of the UK think tank New Economics Foundation, which partnered with Global Footprint Network in 2006 to launch the first global Earth Overshoot Day campaign. At that time, Earth Overshoot Day fell in October. WWF, the world’s 403 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

largest conservation organization, has participated in Earth Overshoot Day since 2007. Calculation:To determine the date of Earth Overshoot Day for each year, Global Footprint Network calculates the number of days of that year that Earth’s biocapacity suffices to provide for humanity’s Ecological Footprint. The remainder of the year corresponds to global overshoot. Earth Overshoot Day is computed by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (the amount of ecological resources Earth is able to generate that year), by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that year), and multiplying by 365, the number of days in a year: (Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 365 = Earth Overshoot Day

Economic wealth: Just as a bank statement tracks income against expenditures, Global Footprint Network measures a population’s demand for and ecosystems’ supply of resources and services. These calculations then serve as the foundation for calculating Earth Overshoot Day.

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 Just as a bank statement tracks income against expenditures, Global Footprint Network measures a population’s demand for and ecosystems’ supply of resources and services. These calculations then serve as the foundation for calculating Earth Overshoot Day.  EOD 2019: According to the Global Footprint Network, Earth Overshoot Day has moved up the calendar by two months over the past 20 years to 29 July this year, the earliest date ever.

EOD 2019: According to Global Footprint Network, on 29, July 2019, humanity had used nature’s resource budget for the entire year. The Ecological Footprint adds up all of people’s competing demands for biologically productive areas, food, timber, fibres, carbon sequestration, and accommodation of infrastructure. Currently, carbon emissions from burning fossil fuel comprise 60% of humanity’s Ecological Footprint. Global Footprint Network and its partners invite the public to explore “Steps to #MoveTheDate” supporting the global movement towards one-planet compatibility, connected to energy, food, cities, population, and planet. Opportunities for action include starting a population conversation, launching workplace programs like food waste reduction, and petitioning governments to manage natural resources responsibly. 19. Ocean Energy

Context:The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has declared Ocean Energy as renewable energy. In a decision that would give further boost to the ocean energy in India, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy (IC) and Skill Development & Entrepreneurshipapproved a proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy today. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has clarified to all the stakeholders that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave, ocean thermal energy conversion among others shall be considered as renewable 405 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

energy and shall be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). Ocean energy: Ocean energy is the energy carried by ocean waves, tides, salinity, and ocean temperature differences. The movement of water in the world’s oceans creates a vast store of kinetic energy, or energy in motion.This energy can be utilized to generate electricity. There are three basic types that allow us to use ocean for its energy. We can use the waves (wave energy, wave power), ocean tidal power (ocean high and low tides), and we can even use temperature differences in the water to create an energy (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, OTEC). Types:Tides, waves and currents can be used to produce electricity. Although still at the research and development stage and not yet commercially available, promising ocean technologies include:  Wave energy, whereby converters capture the energy contained in ocean waves and use it to generate electricity. Converters include oscillating water columns that trap air pockets to drive a turbine; oscillating body converters that use wave motion; and overtopping converters that make use of height differences.  Tidal energy, produced either by tidal-range technologies using a barrage (a dam or other barrier) to harvest power between high and low tide; tidal-current or tidal-stream technologies; or hybrid applications.  Salinity gradient energy, arising from differing salt concentrations, as occurs where a river empties into an ocean. Demonstration projects use "pressure retarded osmosis", with freshwater flowing through a membrane to increase the pressure in a tank of saltwater; and "reverse electro dialysis" with ions of salt passing through alternating tanks of salt- and freshwater.  Ocean thermal energy conversion, which generates power from the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold seawater at 800–1,000 metres depth. Common environmental concerns associated with marine energy developments include: 406 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

 The risk of marine mammals and fish being struck by tidal turbine blades.  The effects of EMF and underwater noise emitted from operating marine energy devices.  The physical presence of marine energy projects and their potential to alter the behaviour of marine mammals, fish, and seabirds with attraction or avoidance.  The potential effect on near field and far field marine environment and processes such as sediment transport and water quality.

In India: As of date, there is not any installed Ocean Energy capacity in India. Some applications were received by MNRE for projects in this field. They wanted clarity on the status of Ocean Energy as Renewable Energy. According to MNRE, the total identified potential of tidal energy is about 12,455 MW, with potential locations identified at Khambat & Kutch regions, and large backwaters, where barrage technology could be used. The total theoretical potential of wave energy in India along the country’s coast is estimated to be about 40,000 MW – these are preliminary estimates. This energy is however less intensive than what is available in more northern and southern latitudes. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW in India subject to suitable technological evolution. 20. Legal Rights to Rivers

Context:Bangladesh became the first country to grant all of its rivers the same legal status as humans. In early July, 2019, Bangladesh became the first country to grant all of its rivers the same legal status as humans. From now on, its rivers will be treated as living entities in a court of law. The landmark ruling by the Bangladeshi Supreme Court is meant to protect the world's largest delta from further degradation from pollution, illegal dredging and human intrusion.

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As Bangladesh sits where three major rivers converge and empty into the Bay of Bengal, nearly 100% of its land is delta land. Following the ruling, anyone accused of harming the rivers can be taken to court by the new, government-appointed National River Conservation Commission. They may be tried and delivered a verdict as if they had harmed their own mother. Legal rights to Rivers:Through this a river is considered by law, by code, a living entity, so people have to face the consequence by law if they do anything that kills the river. Bangladesh follows a handful of countries that have subscribed to an idea known as environmental personhood.In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to enshrine the legal rights of nature in its constitution. Bolivia passed a similar law in 2011. Meanwhile, New Zealand (Whanganui river) in 2017 became the first country to grant specific river legal rights, followed by the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This year, the city of Toledo, Ohio, passed what is known as the Lake Erie Bill of Rights to protect its shores, making it one of several U.S. communities to have passed legislation recognizing the rights of nature. Culture and preservation: Many indigenous communities recognize nature as a subject with personhood deserving of protection and respect, rather than looking at it as a merchandise or commodity over which are property rights should be exercised. Indian scenario:The order of the Uttarakhand High Court granting the legal status to rivers Ganga and Yamuna was subsequently stayed by the Supreme Court.The Director NAMAMI Gange, the Chief Secretary of the State of Uttarakhand and the Advocate General of the State of Uttarakhand are hereby declared persons in loco parentis as the human face to protect, conserve and preserve Rivers Ganga and Yamuna and their tributaries. These Officers are bound to uphold the status of Rivers Ganges and Yamuna and also to promote the health and well-being of these rivers. Reason:The core issue is pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) brings out reports on water quality in our rivers. Strictly speaking, these are measures of water quality along stretches of rivers. There is actually a hierarchy 408 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

of pollution, based on levels of BOD (biochemical oxygen demand). However, one can legitimately argue that BOD is, at best, a partial indicator. There are other measures of a river’s well-being. If BOD values exceed eight milligrammes per litre, the river will be regarded as severely polluted. Between Wazirabad and Okhla, Yamuna has a BOD level of 32, 55 and 70, at three different places. Between Kala Amb and Narayan Garh, the Markanda river in Haryana has a BOD value of 590. Namami Gange Programme: ‘Namami Gange Programme’, is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. It is under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) was registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.It acted as implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986. 21. Soil Organic carbon

Context:The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)’s Committee on Science and Technology (CST) on September 3, 2019, released its report on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) in New Delhi. SOC Report:Titled Realising the Carbon Benefits of Sustainable Land Management Practices: Guidelines for Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon in the Context of Land Degradation Neutrality Planning and Monitoring, the report emphasises the importance of SOC in preventing land degradation and desertification. The report was part of a decision taken at the CoP 13 of UNCCD, which asked CST to provide refined guidance for the implementation of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Importance:SOC is pivotal in providing multifaceted benefits. It combats droughts, reduces soil diseases and soil compacting and helps in organic

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production. Because of its multifunctional roles and its sensitivity to land management, SOC is one of the three global indicators of LDN. Hence, predicting and monitoring change in SOC is vital to achieving LDN targets. 22. Bioremediation and Biomining

Context: The Green Tribunal has directed to biomine infamous garbage hills of Delhi at Okhla, Bhalswa and Ghazipur. The exercise of biomining and bioremediating the landfills was ordered by the National Green Tribunal in July, 2019. Based on the reported success of similar work carried out by the Indore Municipal Corporation at its landfill site, the tribunal instructed the three municipal corporations of Delhi to begin the project on their landfills by October 1. And finish clearing them within a year.

While passing the order, the NGT cited multiple reports of groundwater pollution, fire breakouts, festering of unhygienic conditions and an increase in air pollution caused by such landfills across the country. According to the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, presented to the NGT, capping of dump sites was not advisable as it would lead to generation of more leachate and methane gas which would further contaminate the already heavily contaminated groundwater.Such capping could only be allowed in the 410 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

complete absence of potential of biomining and bioremediation, the NGT observed. Through multiple mined samples from three landfills in different parts of India, including the one at Okhla, the study determines the presence of dangerous levels of toxicity in the leachate (dark-coloured liquid produced when water seeps through garbage) produced from such excavated and processed landfill material. Biomediation and Biomining:Bioremediation is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil and subsurface material, by altering environmental conditions to stimulate growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutants. Most bioremediation processes involve oxidation-reduction reactions where either an electron acceptor (commonly oxygen) is added to stimulate oxidation of a reduced pollutant (e.g. hydrocarbons) or an electron donor (commonly an organic substrate) is added to reduce oxidized pollutants (nitrate, perchlorate, oxidized metals, chlorinated solvents, explosives and propellants). Biomining is a technique of extracting metals from ores and other solid materials typically using prokaryotes or fungi. These organisms secrete different organic compounds that chelate metals from the environment and bring it back to the cell where they are typically used to coordinate electrons. Issue:The landfills are proposed to be dug up and the garbage, after processing, would either be recycled, or sent to fill up the abandoned Bhatti Mines on the border of south Delhi, or be used as road construction material. But without clarity on the toxicity levels of what will be dug up and sent to the mines, there remains a risk of contaminating a whole new area, especially if done without adequate safeguards. The Indore example:The case of the Indore Municipal Corporation, which had reportedly cleared 15 lakh metric tonnes of a landfill site within one year through biomining, was cited to recommend the same. The material after being excavated and aerated for decomposition was put through trommels (a large sieve tube) to segregate it. Construction and

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demolition material thus separated was sent to cement plants, while others like cloth and plastic were used as refuse-derived fuel. The remaining soil-like material was spread out over the area of the landfill. Safeguards needed:A lot of unchecked hazardous material not supposed to be dumped at landfills may have found its way here. This would affect the toxicity of the soil-like material which would be derived from the landfills. But to make sure it doesn’t contaminate the mine it is shifted to, safeguards such as sandwiching the material between layers of soil and geosynthetic clay liners would be undertaken. However, the quality of these liners, the difficulty of laying them inside a mine and the risk of leachate collecting at the bottom of the pit over time would have to be kept in mind. After Delhi:The NGT in its order has also directed all municipal corporations in the country to carry out similar projects, starting November 1, 2019, one month after the work commences in Delhi. 23. Carbon pricing

Context:The International Carbon Action Plan(ICAP) Annual Meeting took place 21-22 October as part of a week of events in Berlin focused on carbon pricing and carbon markets. Importance:Putting a price on carbon can be an effective policy to spur innovation, create lasting economic growth, and help India foster a low carbon economy. As per the report ‘Fiscal Monitor, October 2019 : How to Mitigate Climate Change’ by International Monetary Fund (IMF), At the international level, the report calls for a carbon price floor arrangement among large emitters, designed flexibly to accommodate equity considerations and constraints on national policies. The report estimates the consequences of carbon pricing and redistribution of its revenues for inequality across households. Strategies for enhancing the political

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acceptability of carbon pricing are discussed, along with supporting measures to promote clean technology investments.  Pricing carbon can provide an economically efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the disruptive risks of climate change.  A carbon price provides a relatively simple and direct way to ensure that more of the costs of climate change are brought into the economic calculus behind investments and consumption, including resource and fuel use.  It sends a price signal that could influence widely dispersed economic decisions, help guide future economic growth toward a lower carbon economy, and reduce the impacts of climate change over time.  Companies employing an internal carbon price are able to better manoeuver in regulatory environments where GHG emissions reductions are mandatory - such as EU, Canada, and are more responsive to external carbon prices.  Many companies find that after setting absolute emission reduction and intensity goals, internal carbon price helps them evaluate returns on related investments and incentivize employees to meet established corporate targets.  Internal carbon pricing encourages innovation and sustained economic competitiveness. It also helps companies identify organizational inefficiency that are adding to overall costs.  It helps prepare for the forecasted low carbon economy and to increase their own efficiency and market profitability.

An effective tool to mitigate emissions:  Expressing carbon emissions in monetary terms makes it easy for businesses to incorporate the data into their financial and planning

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strategies. Internal carbon pricing thus becomes an effective gauge to measure possible returns on future investments.  Carbon price as a planning tool helps identify revenue opportunities and risks to reduce costs, emissions and guide capital investment decisions.  If used effectively and in an unrestricted manner, it can become as much of a tool in decision making as ROI or profitability are.

ICAP:The International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) is an international forum for governments and public authorities that have implemented or are planning to implement emissions trading systems (ETS). It was founded in 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal, by leaders of more than 15 governments. India is not a member of ICAP. ICAP facilitates cooperation between countries, sub-national jurisdictions and supranational institutions that have established or are actively pursuing carbon markets through mandatory cap and trade systems.

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ICAP’s objectives are:  Share best practices and learning from each other’s experience of ETS  Help policymakers recognize ETS design compatibility issues and opportunities for the establishment of an ETS at an early stage  Facilitate future linking of trading programs  Highlight the key role of emissions trading as an effective climate policy response  Build and strengthen partnerships amongst governments  The partnership currently counts 31 full members and 5 observers.

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24. Disability inclusive disaster risk

Context:Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Launched New Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (iDRR) Application. Marking the International Day of Persons (December 3) with Disability, CBM launches a new Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (iDRR) application and releases a new version of its Humanitarian Hands-On Tool (HHoT). iDRR:The CBM Humanitarian Hands-On Tool (HHoT), providing step-by-step practical guidance on inclusive humanitarian field work, first went live at the end of 2017. Since then, it has been used in emergency responses run by CBM and partners in several countries, including Kenya, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Zimbabwe. It has also been translated to Spanish and content has increased now to over 80 cards. In 2019, the app has been improved, taking advantage of Progressive Web App (PWA) technology, and has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia. Now, a second application focusing on disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (iDRR) is being launched for the first time. The new CBM iDRR Hands-on Tool uses the same methodology as HHoT to ensure accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction programs of government and NGOs worldwide. The application is fully usable as a standard website, plus it can be automatically downloaded to smartphones and other devices, without visiting an app store. Just one click stores the application on your phone. It will then be available for offline use any time, and it will be updated automatically whenever you have an Internet connection. Facilities:The information contained in HHoT now includes cash transfer, education and mainstreaming of mental health and psychosocial disabilities in a humanitarian context. This, plus the already-existing content, has been translated into Spanish and Bahasa. Plans for 2020 include further expansion and

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improvement of the tips and advice, and translation into more languages, with French, Arabic and Bangla at the top of the queue. International Day of Persons with Disability:December 3rd marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which brings attention to the inequalities persons who experience a disability face. This year the theme is ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’. CBM:CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world.CBM was founded in 1908 by the German pastor Ernst Jakob Christoffel. CBM advocates for disability inclusion at important international meetings. For example, CBM participated in the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations in September, which saw the adoption of the political declaration on universal health coverage. Today CBM is co-sponsoring an event at the United Nations headquarters, organised by UN Women, on empowering women and girls with disabilities. It will address how to better facilitate cross movement building and synergies to ensure meaningful participation of women and girls with disabilities.CBM has also been instrumental in raising the profile of mental health in Africa though media and advocacy. 25. Emission gap report

Context: Emission Gap Report was released by United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP). The report was released prior to United Nations Climate Conference (COP-25) in Chile. Significance:Each year, the Emissions Gap Report assesses the gap between anticipated emissions in 2030 and levels consistent with the 1.5°C and 2°C targets of the Paris Agreement. Emissions gap represents the difference between current actions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and what is needed to meet the target. In quantitative

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terms, the UN report estimates that there would have to be a 2.7% average annual cut in emissions from 2020 to 2030 for temperature rise to be contained at 2°C, while the more ambitious 1.5° C target would require a 7.6% reduction. But countries with large emissions, such as the U.S., China, the European Union (EU) nations and India, will face more challenging demands if corrective measures to decarbonise are not implemented now. Observations:Report says that even if all current unconditional commitments under the Paris Agreement are implemented, temperatures are expected to rise by 3.2°C, bringing even wider-ranging and more destructive climate impacts. Collective ambition must increase more than fivefold over current levels to deliver the cuts needed over the next decade for the 1.5°C goal. 2020 is a critical year for climate action, with the UN climate change conference in Glasgow aiming to determine the future course of efforts to avert crisis, and countries expected to significantly step up their climate commitments. G20 nations collectively account for 78 per cent of all emissions, but only five G20 members have committed to a long-term zero emissions target. The UN report points out, India could do much more. It needs to provide more consistent support for renewable energy, have a long-term plan to retire coal power plants, enhance ambition on air quality, adopt an economy-wide green industrialisation strategy, and expand mass transport. In the key area of buildings, the energy conservation code of 2018 needs to be implemented under close scrutiny. With a clear vision, India could use green technologies to galvanise its faltering economy, create new jobs and become a climate leader. 26. UNFCC COP-25

Context:The UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 took place under the Presidency of the Government of Chile and was held with logistical support from the Government of Spain. What is the COP?:The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other 418 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

legal instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements. A key task for the COP is to review the national communications and emission inventories submitted by Parties. Based on this information, the COP assesses the effects of the measures taken by Parties and the progress made in achieving the ultimate objective of the Convention. The COP meets every year, unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995. The COP meets in Bonn, the seat of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session. Just as the COP Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions that is, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others there is a tendency for the venue of the COP to also shift among these groups. India in COP 25:India's approach is guided by principles and provisions of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement particularly the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capability (CBDR-RC). India has emphasised that developed countries should take a lead in undertaking ambitious actions and fulfil their climate finance commitments of mobilising $100 billion per annum by 2020 and progressively and substantially scale up their financial support to inform parties for future action through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India will further stress upon the need for fulfilling pre-2020 commitments by developed countries and that pre-2020 implementation gaps should not present an additional burden to developing countries in the post-2020 period India proposed that developed countries make good commitments on providing finance to developing countries by 2023, instead of 2020.Developed countries were to have given a trillion dollars, but barely 2% of it had materialised. “The world that benefited from carbon emissions that made them developed, must repay”, said Union Environment Minister.

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According to Union Environment Ministry, India is on its way to achieving voluntary targets it has set for itself to curb emissions. It has reduced emissions intensity of GDP by 21% and is “on track” to achieve the goal of 35% emissions reduction as promised in Paris, he said. Among India’s key demands is that the UN COP agree on a framework whereby carbon credits accumulated as part of provisions of the Kyoto Protocol be carried over after 2020, and that the loss and damage suffered by developing countries including India due to the vagaries of climate change be made good by Western developed countries by finance. The Kyoto Protocol was an agreement in 1997 that allowed industries in developing countries to gain carbon credits by investing in emission-reduction technologies. These credits could be traded in specialised markets in Western exchanges. India has accumulated millions of such credits but their value has crashed. Several countries who had committed to the Kyoto Protocol had opted out and there were controversies about whether the credits truly reflected emission reductions. Paris Agreement:The 2015 Paris Agreement commits countries to strive to keep emissions to prevent a greater than a degree rise by the end of this century from present levels. This would require countries to commit to new targets by 2020, take stock and announce to the world their progress every five years. Developed countries have proposed new targets but India, Brazil, China, who have accumulated credits, are insistent that credits accumulated be honoured. 27. Climate change performance index

Germanwatch, a German environmental and development organisation and the Climate Action Network publish the index annually. Published annually since 2005, the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) tracks countries’ efforts to combat climate change. As an independent monitoring tool it aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.

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Importance:The implementation phase of the Paris Agreement enters a crucial phase in 2020, where countries are due to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In light of this, the CCPI aims to inform the process of raising climate ambition. As a long-standing and reliable tool for identifying leaders and laggards in climate protection, the CCPI can be a powerful instrument to hold governments accountable for their responsibility to act on the climate crisis and of stimulating a race to the top in climate action. Main observations:  The ranking results are defined by a country’s aggregated performance in 14 indicators within the four categories “GHG Emissions”, “Renewable Energy” and “Energy Use”, as well as on “Climate Policy”, in a globally unique policy section of the index.  The CCPI 2020 results illustrate the main regional differences in climate protection and performance within the 57 evaluated countries and the EU. Still no country performs well enough in all index categories to achieve an overall very high rating in the index. Therefore, once again the first three ranks remain empty.  In this year’s index, Sweden leads the ranking on rank 4, followed by Denmark (5) and Morocco (6). The bottom five in this year’s CCPI are Islamic Republic of Iran (57), Republic of Korea (58), Chinese Taipei (59), Saudi Arabia (60) and the United States (61), rated low or very low across almost all categories.

CCPI-2020 and India:India, for the first time, ranks among the top 10 in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). The current levels of per capita emissions and energy use in India, ranked 9th in the "high category", are still comparatively low and, along with ambitious 2030 targets, result in high ratings for the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use categories, the report released here in the Spanish capital. Despite an overall high rating for its Climate Policy performance, experts point out that the Indian government has yet to develop a roadmap for the phase- 421 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

out of fossil fuel subsidies that would consequently reduce the country's high dependence on coal. Despite an overall high rating for its Climate Policy performance, experts point out that the Indian government has yet to develop a roadmap for the phase- out of fossil fuel subsidies that would consequently reduce the country's high dependence on coal. The authors of the report noted that while the country receives an overall medium rating in the renewable energy category, India's 2030 renewable energy target is rated very high for its well-below 2 degrees Celsius compatibility. 28. Environment migration

Context:Climate-fuelled disasters such as floods and storms were the number one drivers of internal displacement over the last decade, forcing more than 20 million people a year, one person every two seconds, to leave their homes, said a report launched by Oxfam at the COP25. Environment migration issue at COP25:25th Conference of Parties (CoP25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held at Madrid in Spain. “Climate emergency” was the key phrase emerging from the narratives, highlighting the need for immediate, effective action to deal with changing climate across the world. The message that’s emerged at the conference is that the climate is changing in bursts of extreme weather events, not gradually, and that is leading to a global emergency-like situation. Significance:The report by Oxfam states that 80 percent of those displaced in the last decade live in Asia – home to more than a third of the world’s poorest people. “Cyclone Fani triggered the displacement of nearly 3.5 million people in Bangladesh and India in May 2019, most of who were pre-emptively evacuated,” the report noted. While people from the developed countries are now at risk too, the report by the international nongovernmental organisation concluded that people in low and

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lower-middle income countries such as India, Nigeria and Bolivia are over four times more likely to be displaced by extreme weather disasters than people in richer countries. An analysis by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), also released this month, found that by the end of the century, up to 50 million people risk being displaced by floods yearly. IOM: International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM acts with its partners in the international community to:  Assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management.  Advance understanding of migration issues.  Encourage social and economic development through migration.  Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

IOM's Role at COP25:IOM’s presence at COP25 will built upon IOM contributions to the Secretary General New York Climate Summit (September 2019). Areas of focus include support to the action of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), provide evidence and extract knowledge from IOM’s activities with a migration and climate change focus, and showcase IOM’s capacity to convene collaborative initiatives with states, agencies, private sector, civil society as well as with the wider public.  Provide technical support to states parties to the UN Climate Convention (UNFCCC) and other actors  Play a convening role within the United Nations (UN) system on climate migration (One UN)

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 Strengthen IOM’s institutional engagement with the UNFCCC Secretariat globally and regionally  Present IOM’s expertise through speaking roles in high-level events and media interventions  Engage with operational partners  Connect the policy work under the UNFCCC with the Global Compact for Migration (GCM)

GREEN ECONOMY About Green Economy As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Green Economy is the one that “improves human well-being and builds social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.” • It has emerged as an alternative to today's dominant economic model, which exacerbates inequalities, encourages waste, triggers resource scarcities, and generates widespread threats to the environment and human health.  It aims to transition to an economy that is low-carbon, resource efficient, and socially inclusive.  It is based on the idea of qualitative growth, where low-carbon and environmentally friendly technologies, as well as international cooperation play a key role.

• Pavan Sukhdev’s ground-breaking 2008 report on The Economics of Environment and Biodiversity (TEEB), was hosted by UNEP and became the foundation for the Green Economy movement. • In 2008, UNEP launched the Green Economy Initiative (GEI), a programme of global research and country-level assistance designed to motivate policymakers to support environmental investments.

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• Transition towards green economy has global importance, but it’s more significant for developing countries like India with its associated benefits and costs. Need of Green Economy • Existing economy is premised on some serious flawed assumptions such as-  That humans have a right to exploit nature and extract what they need, writing off any losses to nature as ‘externalities’ that do not show up on the books.  That ‘wealth’ and ‘growth’ can be measured as GDP alone, whereas most people seek many kinds of wealth, and balance one against another in the decisions they make.

• Economic growth has come at the expense of environment- The industrial revolution has helped in the rise of GDP and provided the livelihood for many people. However, global warming and environmental degradation has an impact on almost everyone.  The poor people are more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change in terms of violent weather and floods.

• Green economy can bring resilience to climate change- as it is basically an amalgamation of all the processes and services which helps towards minimizing environmental degradation. • Green economy will place a value on Nature- through taxation and other means of regulation.  It will seek to maximize natural capital, social capital and intellectual capital, as well as financial capital.

Challenges to Green Economy • Might slow down economic development during first few years and negatively impact poverty reduction programmes and industrial growth.

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 Such a shift requires necessary infrastructure and adequate time to be implemented.

• Changing market focus of country’s main industries may lead to job losses in industries seen as not environmentally friendly such as coal mining. • Huge cost to government in form of subsidies to promote production and use of energy efficient green products. • Lack of know-how regarding green technology and availability of related skills. • Developed countries may exploit green economy model using their technological advantage and environment to gain market access.  Developed countries have resources to provide their firms with subsidies for R&D on low carbon technologies. This results in an uneven balance between developed and developing countries.  Developing countries may be unable to meet required environmental standards on their product export, affecting their economic development.

Pathways to a green economy To make the transition to a green economy, specific enabling conditions will be required. These enabling conditions consist of national regulations, policies, subsidies and incentives, as well as international market and legal infrastructure, trade and technical assistance. • Employing strong environmental policies can drive inefficiencies out of the economy by removing those firms and industries that only exist because of implicit subsidies in under-priced resources. • Resource pricing is important not just for the pricing of natural capital and services, but also for pricing of all the other inputs within an economy. An economy allocates its efforts and expenditures according to relative prices, and under-priced resources result in unbalanced economies.

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• Employing resource pricing drives investments into R&D and innovation. It does so because avoiding costly resources can be accomplished by researching and finding new production methods. This will include investment in all of the factors (human capital and knowledge) and all of the activities (R&D and innovation). The Economics of Environment and Biodiversity (TEEB) • In 2007, G8+5 countries proposed to initiate the process of analyzing the global economic benefit of biological diversity, the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the failure to take protective measures versus the costs of effective conservation. • In response to this, a global study was conducted by Germany and the European Commission under Pavan Sukhdev which led to the establishment of TEEB. • Based in Geneva, Switzerland, at the International Environment House, the TEEB office is hosted by the UNEP. • TEEB is a global initiative focused on “making nature’s values visible”. Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels. • In October 2010 it released its report " Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature: A Synthesis of the Approach, Conclusions and Recommendations of TEEB " and launched the Bank of Natural Capital to communicate its findings to the general public. • It is guided by three core principles-  Recognizing value in ecosystems can sometimes ensure conservation and sustainable use. e.g. the existence of sacred groves in some cultures has helped to protect natural areas and the biodiversity they contain.  Demonstrating value in economic terms is often useful for policy makers and others such as business in reaching decisions that consider the full costs and benefits of an ecosystem. E.g. By including the costs and benefits of conserving the ecosystem services provided by wetlands in controlling floods compared to building flood defences.  Capturing value involves the introduction of mechanisms that incorporate the values of ecosystems into decision-making through incentives and price 427 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

signals. This can include payments for ecosystem services, reforming environmentally harmful subsidies or introducing tax breaks for conservation.

10 NEW RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA

This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 37 from 27. The details of newly included wetlands are as follows- Nandur Madhameshwar o It is the first Ramsar site in Maharashtra. o It is a mosaic of lakes, marshes and riparian forest on the Deccan Plateau. Construction of the Nandur Madhameshwar Weir at the confluence of the Godavari and Kadwa Rivers helped create a thriving wetland. o Its diverse habitats contrast with the surrounding semi-arid conditions caused by the rain shadow of the Western Ghats mountain range. o It provides sanctuary to critically endangered species including Deolali minnow (a fish), Indian vulture and white-rumped vulture. Saman Bird Sanctuary (Mainpuri, UP) o It is a seasonal oxbow lake on the Ganges floodplain.

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o The Sanctuary is particularly important as a wintering site for many migrants including the greylag goose, with over 1% of the South Asian population present during winter. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Unnao, UP) o It is a shallow marshland. Monsoon rains feed this diverse wetland while the Sarda Canal supplies additional water. The Sanctuary supports recreation and tourism activities as well as local biodiversity. o The highly invasive common water hyacinth poses a threat, as does the removal of timber from the forests. o It is known to host Siberian cranes among migratory bird species that rest here during the winter months. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary (Raebareli, UP) o It is a perennial lowland marsh typical of the Indo-Gangetic Plains in Uttar Pradesh. o Its six connected lakes are heavily dependent on monsoon rains. o The Sanctuary harbours threatened species such as the endangered Egyptian vulture and Pallas’s fish eagle and more than 1% of the South Asian population of the vulnerable common pochard. o A tall grass called “Sarpat” is also found in bunches at every spot. Sandi Bird Sanctuary (Hardoi, UP) o It is a freshwater marsh, also designated as Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. o The Sandi Bird sanctuary is also known by its ancient name as “Dahar Jheel” (Jheel = Lake). o River Garra, formerly known as Garun Ganga, passes near the sanctuary.

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o It is home to over 1% of the South Asian populations of common teal, red- crested pochard and ferruginous duck while vulnerable sarus crane has a population of 200 individuals within the Sanctuary. o The Sanctuary dried out leading to a subsequent collapse in waterbird populations from 2014 to 2015. Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary (UP) o It is a permanent freshwater environment consisting of two oxbow lakes. o They are rain-fed lakes in a deep natural depression in the Gangetic plains of the terai region of Uttar Pradesh. o The Sanctuary is a refuge for some of India’s threatened vulture species: the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture and the endangered Egyptian vulture have all been recorded. o Invasive species such as the common water hyacinth along with the development of roads and railways present significant threats. Sarsai Nawar Jheel (Etawah, UP) o This typical wetland of the Indo-Gangetic floodplain in Uttar Pradesh is fed by precipitation run-off from the South West monsoon rains. o It is an example of co-habitation of humans and wildlife: farming practices across most of the Site play important roles in sustaining the waterbird habitats. o A particular beneficiary is the vulnerable sarus crane, with a population of 400 individuals making up the largest flock in the region. Other threatened species present include the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and endangered woolly-necked stork. o It is recognized by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area. Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab)

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 It is a 185-kilometre stretch of the Beas River majorly in Punjab. The River is dotted with islands, sand bars and braided channels creating a complex environment supporting substantial biodiversity.  The Reserve hosts the only known population in India of the endangered Indus river dolphin. Further threatened species include the endangered masheer and hog deer as well as the vulnerable smooth-coated otter.  A programme was initiated to re-introduce the critically endangered gharial. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary (Punjab)  It is Located in the Shiwalik foothills of Punjab which is highly eco-sensitive.  It occupies a human-made reservoir constructed as part of the Bhakra- Nangal Project on Sutlej River in 1961.  The site is of historic importance as the Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers formalized the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” there in 1954. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve (Punjab)  It is a mosaic of natural marshes, aquaculture ponds and agricultural wetlands maintained by the annual rainfall runoff.  It is heavily human influenced and includes a series of managed fishponds and cultivated crops such as lotus and chestnut.  The Site is an example of wise use of a community-managed wetland, which provides food for people and supports local biodiversity.  Threatened species present include the vulnerable common pochard and the endangered spotted pond turtle. GREEN CREDIT SCHEME

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has recently proposed to overhaul the compensatory afforestation process by introducing the Green Credit Scheme. Proposed Green Credit Scheme

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• It will allow agencies to identify appropriate non-forest land and begin growing plantations.  These agencies could be private companies, village forest communities or NGOs.

• After three years, the land would be eligible to be considered as compensatory forest land if it meets the criteria set by the Forest Department. • An industry that is in a need of forest land could then approach the agency and pay it for parcels of such forested land and this would then be transferred to the Forest Department and be recorded as forest land. • FAC believes that this will encourage plantations outside the traditional forest area. It will help in contributing towards meeting the international commitments of the country such as Sustainable Development Goals and Nationally Determined Contributions. • However various concerns have been raised against this scheme:  It will allow the Forest Department to outsource one of its responsibilities of reforesting to non-government agencies.  This could allow for “forests” to be traded as a commodity. It could lead to the privatisation of multi-use forests into monoculture plantations, and even their destruction, along with loss of biodiversity and violation of land rights.  If the economic value of these plantations becomes lucrative, it can pose a serious threat to agricultural land, by diverting the latter for plantations.  If the company raising the plantation does not wish to trade, it can retain and harvest the plantation for timber, once ready. This goes against the rehabilitative principle of compensatory afforestation which seeks to restore the ecological imbalance.  The crisis of fragmentation of forests and the spike in man-animal conflict will augment.

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Compensatory Afforestation (CA) process in India • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 provide that whenever a forest land is to be diverted for non-forestry purposes like mining or infrastructure development, the equivalent non forest land has to be identified for compensatory afforestation and funds for raising compensatory afforestation are to be imposed. • The government enacted Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016 to provide a proper institutional mechanism for compensatory afforestation matters. • The project proponent identifies land for CA and also pays the current economic value of the diverted forest land- ‘Net Present Value’. This money which is transferred to the forest department gets collected in the Compensatory Afforestation Fund. • The forest department then undertakes appropriate plantation work on that land, which grows into forests over time. • The act further requires that:  the non-forest land for CA are to be identified contiguous to or in the proximity of Reserved Forest or Protected Forest, as far as possible.  in case, non-forest land for CA is not available in the same district, non- forest land for CA is to be identified anywhere else in the State/Union Territory.  If non forest land is unavailable in the entire State/ UT, funds for raising CA in double the area in extent of the forest land diverted need to be provided by the user agency on the basis of the rates fixed by the State Forest Department.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH FIRE

 In total, more than 7.3 million hectares (17.9 million acres) have been burned across Australia.

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• Total area under fire is almost 7 times greater than the 2019 Amazon fires and three times than California fires. Concept of Bushfires • Forest fires, or bushfires, routinely occur across the world in hot and dry seasons. • Dry leaves, grass, shrubs, deadwood etc are easily combustible. Ignition happens naturally, from lightning strikes for example, or accidentally, from human induced sources such as arson etc. • Suitable speed and direction of wind helps spread a forest fire faster. • It usually comes to an end due to rain or because there is no further contiguous vegetation to spread to. • In Indian Context, During the summer months, fires are common in the forests of India as well. Cause The start of the fires has been attributed to natural causes like lightening or human induced like arson. But climate change is the reason why these fires have become so deadly. Some other major cause are: • Prolonged drought: Australia has seen prolonged drought (the three years between 2017 and 2019 were the driest 36-month period ever in the New South Wales) and 2019 was the hottest year on record with 1.5°C above average. The more extreme weather patterns and higher temperatures increase the risk of bushfires and allow them to spread faster and wider. • Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): In 2019, the problem has been compounded by the presence of one of the strongest-ever positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events. Positive IOD events are often associated with a more severe fire season for South-east Australia. • Rare stratospheric warming over Antarctica: Temperatures were 30°C to 40°C higher than normal in the region 10 to 50 km from Earth’s surface — another 434 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

extraordinary weather event that could have contributed to the unusual heat and dryness in Australia. Impact • Economic: In states like New South Wales, Entire towns have been engulfed in flames and heavy structural damages have occurred. Also, in countryside farmers have occurred immense losses because of burning of their crop fields and animals. • Health: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have been under a thick blanket of smoke with air quality dropping by 20 times below the healthy limits. • Environment: o Experts warn that these fires will release another 350 million tones of CO2 into atmosphere. The emitted CO2 will stay in the atmosphere for almost a century. o The rising heat from the intense bushfires creates massive, powerful clouds called pyrocumulonimbus, or pyroCb. These “fire clouds” are created “when fires loft enough heat and moisture into the atmosphere” to produce smoke-infused thunderstorms

• Wildlife and Biodiversity: More than one billion mammals, birds, and reptiles across eastern Australia are estimated to have been affected by the current fire catastrophe. Many animals and plants have been incinerated or suffocated by smoke and ash. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) • The IOD refers to the difference in sea-surface temperatures in the eastern and western Indian Ocean. This either aids or cuts off moisture supply to Australia, depending on whether the western Indian Ocean is cooler or the eastern. • This year, the eastern Indian Ocean has been unusually cold (i.e. positive IOD), and that contributed to the rainfall deficiency over Australia.

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ULTRA MEGA RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PARKS

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to set up Ultra Mega Renewable Energy (RE) Parks with a capacity of a total of 50 GW in Gujarat and Rajasthan. More on News • The initiative could be the one of the largest renewable energy investment programmes in the world. • Khavada in Gujarat and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan have been identified for RE parks of 25,000 megawatt (25GW) each. • Land would be made available for setting up solar, wind and wind hybrid plants and the proposed parks would have received necessary clearances of the respective state governments and the Ministry of Defence. • Ministry of Power has also been requested to strengthen transmission to these locations within 24 months for evacuation of power from these parks. About Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) • MNRE has undertaken a scheme to develop UMREPPs under the existing Solar Park Scheme. • The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing RE based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required.

• The implementing agency of the UMREPPs may be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in form of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be set up between Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) and any State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSU) or State Utility or Agency of the State Government or a SPV fully owned by any CPSU or a SPV fully owned by any State PSU / State Utility / Agency of the State Government.

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• Various companies such as NTPC, SECI have proposed to set up UMREPPs of around 42,000 MW in various states. Advantages of UMREPPs • Provide Common Development Zones: It offer developers location that is well characterized with proper infrastructure and access to amenities and where the risk of the projects can be minimized. • Increased Investments: It increases the investment potential of already preferred renewable energy sector. For instance, the RE sector witnessed significant FDI inflows of $3.22 billion over the last four years. • Enabling the Plug and Play Model: Government has proposed the parks will already have necessary clearances and hence the developers can start production without delay. • Provision of related Services: Services like secure financing and weather monitoring could be provided in large scale parks. CMS COP-13 Recently, the 13th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the United Nation Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals’ (CMS) was held in Gandhinagar, India. More on the news • India has officially taken over its Presidency for the next three years, till 2023. • CMS COP13 was the largest ever in the history of the Convention.  The Conference of Parties is the decision making organ of the Convention (CMS).

• CMS COP13 was the first of a series of international nature-related meetings in 2020, which will culminate with the UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China, in October, which is expected to adopt a new global biodiversity framework - the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

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Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) or Bonn Convention • It aims to protect terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their ranges. • CMS was signed in Bonn, Germany, in 1979 as an intergovernmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). • CMS brings together the governments of the countries through which migratory species pass - the Range States; it lays the legal foundation to conduct conservation measures on a global scale. • The legal instruments under CMS may range from legally binding Agreements to less formal Memoranda of Understanding and can be adapted to fit the requirements of each region. • CMS is the only world wide convention that was founded exclusively for the preservation of migrant animals. • CMS has two Appendices listing migratory species to which the Convention applies.  Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I and Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might endanger them.

 Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in Appendix II of the Convention.

Key highlights of CMS COP 13 • Adoption of Gandhinagar Declaration- which calls for migratory species and the concept of ‘ecological connectivity’ to be integrated and prioritized in the Post-

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2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which is expected to be adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference in October this year. • Decisions on new species- Ten new species were added to CMS Appendices at COP13.  Seven species were added to Appendix I, which provides the strictest protection: the Asian Elephant, Jaguar, Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican, Little Bustard, Antipodean Albatross and the Oceanic White-tip Shark.  The Urial, Smooth Hammerhead Shark and the Tope Shark were listed for protection under Appendix II, which covers migratory species that have an unfavourable conservation status and would benefit from enhanced international cooperation and conservation actions.  New and extended Concerted Actions with targeted conservation plans were agreed for 14 species.

• Resolutions on various measures- The first ever report on the Status of Migratory Species, presented to CMS COP13, shows that despite some success stories, the populations of most migratory species covered by CMS are declining. • Relaunch of the CMS Ambassadors Programme- where three CMS Ambassadors - for terrestrial, avian, and aquatic species were named to help raise awareness about the important work of CMS and the plight of migratory species. • Recognition of Seven Migratory Species Champions- including Germany, India, Italy, Monaco, Norway, the European 17. THE GRAND ECOLOGICAL TREASURE; '457 MIGRATORY FAUNA'

Context The zoological Survey of India for first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under the CMS before the Conference Of Parties (COP 13) held in Gujarat. Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

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The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, also known as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the Bonn Convention (Signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany), is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species within their migratory ranges. The Agreement was signed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme and is concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. The Convention entered into force in 1983. There were 129 Member States to the Convention, including India. CMS brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory range. Zoological Survey of India The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), founded on 1 July 1916 by Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as premier Indian organisation in zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration and research of the fauna in the country.ZSI is one of the 1o key national survey organisations of India. CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (COP 13) THEME: "Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home HELD IN: GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT The Thirteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP13) concluded in Gandhinagar. CMS COP13 was the first of a series of international nature-related meetings in 2020, which will culminate in the UN Biodiversity Conference at the end of this year, when a new global biodiversity strategy for the next decade will be adopted - the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

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CMS COP13 was the first of a series of international nature-related meetings in 2020, which will culminate in the UN Biodiversity Conference at the end of this year, when a new global biodiversity strategy for the next decade will be adopted - the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. New Additions to the Wildlife . The number of Migratory species is raised to 457 from 451. . Six species recently added were; Asian Elephant, Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican, Oceanic White-Tip Shark, Urial and Smooth Hammered Shark. . The Asian elephants was added to appendix I and URIAL to Appendix II. . Bird comprises a Lion share of 83% (380 species). . The zoological Survey of India had for first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under CMS before COP-13. . Before COP-13 number of migratory bird species stood at 378, now it has reached 380. . Bird family Muscicapidae has the highest number of migratory species. . The next highest group of migratory birds is Raptors or birds of prey, such as eagles, owls, vultures and kites which are from family Accipitridae. . Another group of birds that migrate in large number are waders or shore birds. Their migratory species number 41, followed by ducks belonging to the family Anatidae. . 44 migratory mammal species in India has risen to 46 after COP-13. . Largest group of mammals is definitely Bats belonging to the family Vespertilionidae. . Dolphins are the second highest group of mammals with migratory species listed. . Fish make up another migratory group of species. The number raised from 22 (12 sharks, 10 Ray fish) to 24. Oceanic white tip shark and Smooth hammered shark where later added.

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. There was no addition to the reptiles list. In reptiles' list presently it includes, five species of Turtles and the Indian Gharial and salt water crocodile are among CMS species found in India. 18. BHARAT STAGE VI EMISSION NORMS

Why in News? In a bid to bring down pollution levels, the Central government has announced that from April 1, 2020, all vehicles sold in India should comply with Bharat Stage- VI, or BS-VI emission standards. What is Bharat Stage VI Emission Norms? The Bharat Stage emission standards are the legal limits on the amount of air pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter that a vehicle in India can emit. These standards are targeted at making improvements in three areas - emission control, fuel efficiency and engine design. Why Bharat Stage VI Emission norms? India is currently operating on the BS-IV emission norms. In India, vehicular emissions are a major source of pollution and green house gases which brings climate change. Sulphur content in fuel is a major cause for concern. Sulphur dioxide released by fuel burning is a major pollutant that affects health as well. Given this scenario, BS-VI fuel's sulphur content is much lower than BS-IV fuel. It is reduced to 10 mg/kg max in BS-VI from 50 mg/kg under BS-IV. This reduction makes it possible to equip vehicles with better catalytic converters that capture pollutants. BS VI is said to be the world’s cleanest fuel. Challenges in Implementing BS VI Norms . BS-VI fuel is expected to be costlier that BS-IV fuel. Vehicles that are compliant with BS-VI will also be more expensive. . Many Automobile companies say that April 1,2020 is too earlier to implement BS VI as they still have large inventories of vehicle which comply with BS IV norms.

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. Implementing BS VI vehicles will be a challenge due to the current crisis in Automobile sector resulted from a demand squeeze.The added cost of BS VI vehicles will further reduce demand for vehicles.

Way Forward Cleaner fuel norms are important to reduce pollution load and also tackling climate change. But govt must undertake wider stakeholder consultations to ensure smooth adoption of new norms. Electric vehicles are good alternatives for internal combustion engines. Strengthening charging infrastructure will increase demand for this sector. Currently Vehicular fuels are not included in GST, resulting in huge costs. They must be included in the ambit of GST. 19. CLIMATE CHANGE

Why in News? Recently, climate activist Ms. Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur lamented that Leaders do not believe climate change is real. What is Climate Change? Climate change is long term shift in weather patter which is largely caused by anthropogenic actions. Alternatively it is also termed as global warming as the current climate change is caused by a long term rise in average temperature of the earth’s climate system which is caused by emission of greenhouse gases such as Carbon dioxide and methane. Why is it a concern? The effects of climate change are visible across the world in form of increased negative weather events such as cyclones, drought and floods. Climate change has drastic impacts on vital economic activities such as agriculture which can affect food security of the world. Other social impacts such as climate migration, increase in world’s ocean level might result in flooding of human settlements in small islands of world’s oceans.

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Also agricultural communities across the world will be forced to migrate to other locations for alternate livelihood options. Climate Mitigation Measures Paris Climate deal is one of the major initiatives with large participation of nations across the globe. Through this pact, nations make voluntary commitments to employ strategies such as reducing emission, shifting to renewable sources and increasing green cover to fight climate change. Faster shift to renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. Conventional sources of energy are major causes of GHG emissions. Increasing green cover will create carbon sinks which can reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Challenges to Climate Change Mitigation . Climate sceptics such as political leaders.US president Donald trump has backed out of the Paris climate pact recently and has increased the capacity of coal-based power plants. . Forest fires across the globe. Major fire events such as Amazon fires and Australian bush fires. They contribute to faster carbon emission as well as reducing green cover. . Climate financing is a huge challenge as developed countries are reluctant to extend financial help to rest of the world to fight climate change.

Way Forward . Increased climate awareness which will help in popular support on climate change policies. . Participation of local governments to carry out activities such as green cover increase. . Faster adoption of renewable energy sources.

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20. HIMALAYAN IBEX

Why in News? A recent study by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has proved that Himalayan Ibex, distributed in the trans-Himalayan ranges of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, is a distinct species from the Siberian Ibex. More in news The study was funded through the National Mission on Himalayan Studies. It targets to provide much needed focus in addressing the key issues relating to conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The study was based on genetic analysis conducted with the inclusion of the sequences available from all across the distribution ranges of Siberian Ibex. The study also reveals that Siberian ibex is a polytypic species, plausibly formed by lumping of at least 2 species and or 3 to 4 sub-species. Polytypic species are species that contain two or more subspecies. About Siberian Ibex . Siberian Ibex is a species of wild goat. . It is distributed in diverse habitats, ranging from cold deserts, rocky outcrops, steep terrain, high-land flats and mountain ridges to low mountains and foothills. . In Asia, Ibex is distributed in the Montane habitats in countries like India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Southern Siberia and China. Its IUCN status is least concerned. . Earlier the Himalayan Ibex was regarded as a subspecies of the Siberian Ibex.

Way Forward The scientists behind the discovery are now working to understand how the mountain oscillations might have led to this allopatric speciation with the 445 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

inclusion of sophisticated tools of genomics and GIS. Identification of Indian Tajikistan Ibek as a distinct species will prioritize the conservation of the species at global level. 21. NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Why in News? Around 90000 individuals and 3700 organisations have so far registered with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for the fight against COVID-19. Volunteers have been sought for contributions in the areas of health, communication, entrepreneurship and essential services. About NDMA National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a Statutory Body of Government of India, with a mandate to lay down policies for disaster management. NDMA is responsible for framing policies, laying down guidelines and best-practices for coordinating with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to ensure a holistic and distributed approach to disaster management. Key Features of NDMA . NDMA was established through the Disaster Management Act enacted by the Government of India on 23 December 2005. . It is headed by the Prime Minister of India and can have up to nine other members. . It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Functions and Responsibilities of NDMA . Approve the National Disaster Plan. . Lay down policies on disaster management. . Lay down guidelines to be followed by State Authorities in drawing up State Plan.

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. Coordinate enforcement and implementation of disaster management policy and plan. . Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation. . Provide support to other countries affected by major disasters as determined by Central Government. . Take other measures for prevention of disasters or mitigation or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary. . Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of National Institute of Disaster Management.

Way Forward Volunteers are required by the NDMA for creating public awareness on hygiene practices, promoting social distancing measures and carrying out awareness campaigns in the community, and among resident welfare associations, social groups and religious places, besides manning help-lines. 35. PITCH BLACK 2020

Why in News? Australia has informed India that the exercise Pitch Black 2020, scheduled to be held from 27th July to 14th August has been cancelled due to the COVID-19. About Pitch Black 2020 Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It ensures that the training and integration of forces that occur during this exercise directly supports the Air Force's ability to conduct operations. The exercise began in 1990 starting with training between Australia and Singapore, and it then expanded to other international air forces with defence ties to Australia being invited The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air and Defensive Counter Air combat in a simulated war environment. It provided a unique opportunity for

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an exchange of knowledge and experience with the nations in a dynamic warfare environment. In the last edition of Pitch Black in 2018, The Indian Air Force took part in the exercise for the first time with its Su-30MKI fighters, one C-130 and one C-17 transport aircraft. The next edition of Pitch Black is scheduled in 2022. India’s defence relation with Australia The defence and strategic engagement with Australia have steadily gone up in recent years especially on the bilateral front with naval cooperation at the forefront. . The bilateral naval exercise AUSINDEX saw the participation of the largest Australian contingent ever to India. . The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) has been long pending and is expected to be concluded soon. . A broader maritime cooperation agreement including the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to elevate the existing strategic partnership. . Australia recently made a pitch for trilateral cooperation among India, Australia and Indonesia to identify new ways that three countries can collaborate to be the best possible custodians of the Indian Ocean.

36. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Why in News? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $1.5 billion loan to India to help fund its fight against coronavirus pandemic. The loan has been sanctioned with a view to support immediate priorities such as disease containment and prevention, as well as social protection for the poor and economically vulnerable sections. About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. The ADB envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. The ADB was modeled closely on the World Bank, and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members' capital subscriptions. ADB is an official United Nations Observer. Functions of ADB . To make loans and equity investments for economic and social development of its developing members countries. . To provide for technical assistance for the preparation and implementation of development projects and advisory services. . To respond to the request for assistance in coordinating developmental policies and plans in developing member countries. . ADB has constituted Asian Development Fund in 1974, which provides loans to Asian countries on concessional interest rates. . ADB borrows from international capital markets with its capital as guarantee. It is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. . It provides finance to both sovereign countries as well as to the private parties. . It provides hard loans to middle-income countries and soft loans to poorer countries

Way Forward Apart from the loan, ADB is also constantly consulting the government on further assistance to provide a stimulus for economic growth. The Asian Development Bank had started the 'CARES Programme' to provide immediate requirements to governments in the face of this global crisis. Strengthening of the public delivery system (PDS) will also be an important part of the agenda, including the extension 449 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

of comprehensive primary healthcare services in urban areas, and of secondary and tertiary healthcare systems through PPP modalities.

37. PETERSBERG CLIMATE DIALOGUE

Why in news? The eleventh and first ever virtual Petersberg Climate Dialogue was held on April 28th 2020. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change represented the dialogue. More in News The dialogue was hosted by Germany. It was co-chaired by United Kingdom. India, along with 30 countries, deliberated over ways and means to tackle the challenge of reinvigorating economies and societies after COVID-19, while enhancing collective resilience and catalysing climate action while also supporting in particular those most vulnerable. About Petersberg Climate Dialogue Petersberg Climate Dialogue has been hosted by Germany since 2010. The aim of the dialogue is to provide a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action. The Climate Dialogue was originally an initiative of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is hosted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. Key Highlights of 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue . Discussed about the suffering of people and destabilization of the global economy due to COVID-19. . Strengthening the measures that will limit the global temperature rise. . Asked the countries from all over the world to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. . Support for those countries that are least responsible for clime change but have been facing its impacts. 450 facebook.com/kasmentor www.kasmentor.com 9061474766/9061484877

. To help developing countries in protecting their populations from climate change, there has been a need for financing. . It begins with a promised mobilization of $100 billion US dollars a year for adaptation efforts in developing countries. . Proposed six climate-related actions for climate-resilient growth. . Mentioned the common framework for action i.e. 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. . Asked countries to come up with strategies to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. . G20 countries were also mentioned for their contribution to global emissions. 38. NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE (NBWL)

Why in News? The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife had its first ever video- conferencing meeting where infrastructure projects in 11 States were cleared. Important decisions include infrastructure proposals related to setting up power transmissions line and constructing a highway in Goa. More in News Other projects included the Nagpur-Mumbai superhighway, a small-scale stone mining project in Kota, Rajasthan; an underground pumped storage facility for generating hydroelectricity; an Indian railways project to make a railway bridge in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana; irrigation projects in Uttarakhand and Telangana and defence projects in Uttarakhand. About National Board for Wildlife National Board for Wild Life is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The board is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country. The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister.

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Functions of NBWL . Primary function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests. . It serves as apex body to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries. . No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL. . The environment ministry has delegated all powers of the NBWL to a compliant Standing Committee which regularly meets and clears projects in Protected Areas. . The National Board may constitute a Standing Committee to be chaired by Union Minister in charge of Forests and Wildlife.

Way Forward Projects that encroach into forests or protected reserves require NBWL nod as part of the government’s environmental clearance process. Projects are appraised at a State level and then subsequently presented to a large committee of wildlife experts, the Chief Wildlife Wardens of States, top officials in the Union Environment Ministry and Forest Ministry and the Environment Minister. 39. WAYANAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Why in News? A female tiger, aged around five years was found dead in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS), Kerala. A monitoring programme of the Forest Department had recently found that the WWS, a biodiversity hotspot in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, had the largest tiger population in the State of Kerala. About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad district of Kerala. WWS is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush

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green forests and rich wildlife. This wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. . The sanctuary is established in 1973 and is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. . Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the tiger reserves of Nagerhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. . Kabini River (a tributary of Cauvery River) flows through the sanctuary. . The forest types include South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia. . Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the major mammals.

Another important feature regarding WWS is that the sanctuary is one of the safest havens for different species of vultures like the White-rumped Vultures and the Red-headed Vultures. The collective population of these vultures dropped and reduced over years. The banned drug Diclofenac is believed to be the reason for this fall in the vulture count. 40. NILGIRI TAHR

Why in News? The calving season of the Nilgiri tahr is coming to a close. There is an expectation of increased number of calves owing to the peaceful and undisturbed environs in its habitats, spread across Munnar, in the wake of the lockdown. About Nilgiri Tahr The Nilgiri tahr is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western & Eastern Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India. Its scientific name is Nilgiritragus hylocrius. Nilgiri Tahr is also known as Nilgiri Ibex. Other Facts about Nilgiri Tahr

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. It has been listed as “Endangered” by IUCN. . It has been listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which provides absolute protection and offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. . It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. . It is found in open montane grassland habitat of rain forests eco region. . It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. . The Adult males of Nilgiri Tahr species develop a light grey area or “saddle” on their backs and are hence called “Saddlebacks”.

Threats faced by Nilgiri Tahr . Habitat loss, mainly from domestic livestock and spread of invasive plants. . Populations of these animals are small and isolated, making them vulnerable to local extinction . Poaching . Climate Change

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