Current Affair

APRIL 2021

4C 17, OPPOSITE BIKANER SWEETS, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI- 110060 [email protected] 8470940655, 9643777673 CONTENTS

DAILY MAINS ARTICLE

1. Article 32: ……………………………………………………………………………………………..Mains 1

2. Factors responsible for anti-microbial resistance…………………………………..Mains 3

3. Issue of women in judiciary………………………………………………………………….. Mains 5

4. What happened to Armenians in 1915?...... Mains 8 5. Challenges facing judiciary in India…………………………………………………………Mains 12

6. National Digital Currency in India…………………………………………………………..Mains 16

7. India’s new vaccination policy(IE)………………………………………………………….Mains 20

8. Importance of Afghanistan in regional strategic matrix…………………………Mains 24 9. Issue of Medical Oxygen in India……………………………………………………………Mains 27 10. Model Code of Conduct and issues………………………………………………………Mains 30

11. Iran starts enriching uranium……………………………………………………………….Mains 33

12. IBC Amendment Ordinance 2021…………………………………………………………Mains 36

13. Peace Between India and Pakistan……………………………………………………….Mains 39

14. Net Zero and India’s Objections to it……………………………………………………Mains 43

15. Draft Migrant Labour Policy…………………………………………………………………Mains 46

16. Maritime zones under UNCLOS……………………………………………………………Mains 49

17. India-Russia relations…………………………………………………………………………..Mains 53 18. SARTHAQ……………………………………………………………………………………………..Mains 57

19. E-commerce sector for India………………………………………………………………..Mains 62

20. Inclusive growth in India………………………………………………………………………Mains 66 21. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2020 – Associated Issues………..Mains 70 22. Forest fires and their prevention………………………………………………………….Mains 74

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23. Joint Commands of the tri-services…………………………………………………….Mains 77 24. India-Pakistan Trade…………………………………………………………………………..Mains 80 PRELIMS SPECIAL FACTS

1. TRIFED joins hands with The LINK Fund………………………………………………….PRE 1

2. Van Dhan Scheme………………………………………………………………………………….PRE 2

3. Universal social protection scheme……………………………………………………….PRE 4

4. Article 239AA :………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 5

5. Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) ………………………………………………PRE 6

6. Welfare state………………………………………………………………………………………..PRE 7 7. Himalayan Frontal Thrust……………………………………………………………………..PRE 8

8. Strait of Hormuz……………………………………………………………………………………PRE 10

9. Herd immunity :…………………………………………………………………………………….PRE 11

10. Anatolia region……………………………………………………………………………………PRE 12

11. Article 139A…………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 13

12. Green hydroge:……………………………………………………………………………………PRE 14

13. Vaccine inequality……………………………………………………………………………….PRE 16 14. Exercise VARUNA-2021……………………………………………………………………….PRE 17 15. Pandit Rajan Mishra……………………………………………………………………………PRE 19 16. Russia planning to launch its own space station………………………………….PRE 20

17. Unused vaccine stockpile in US…………………………………………………………..PRE 21

18. Sumna Glacier Burst ……………………………………………………………………………PRE 22

19. Urban Fires in India……………………………………………………………………………..PRE 25

20. Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF) …………………………………………………………PRE 27

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21. Type 1 interferons………………………………………………………………………………PRE 29

22. National Panchayati Raj Day……………………………………………………………….PRE 30

23. India-US relations……………………………………………………………………………….PRE 33

24. Article 311……………………….…………………………………………………………………PRE 34

25. Vulnerability Index……………………………………………………………………………..PRE 34

26. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods………………………………………………………………PRE 36

27. PMO and Cabinet Secretariat…………………………………………………………….PRE 38

28. Reforming health insurance and pension schemes…………………………….PRE 40

29. Banning cryptocurrency…………………………………………………………………….PRE 41

30. Currency watchlist……………………………………………………………………………..PRE 44 31. India again placed at 142nd rank in press freedom……………………………PRE 44 32. Covaxin phase 3 trial shows vaccine has 78 ………………………………………PRE 46

33. Article 217 of Indian Constitution ……………………………………………………..PRE 47

34. World Press Freedom Index……………………………………………………………….PRE 48 35. Article 224A……………………………………………………………………………………….PRE 49 36. Agri exports……………………………………………………………………………………….PRE 51 37. ESIS and EPF………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 52 38. Green hydroge…………………………………………………………………………………..PRE 53

39. FDI restrictions on e-commerce…………………………………………………………PRE 57

40. Vaccines for all above 18 from May 1 ………………………………………………PRE 59

41. Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project ………………………………………………..PRE 60

42. Article 123, Article 213 of the Indian Constitution……………………………..PRE 64

43. Green Contracts…………………………………………………………………………………PRE 66 44. NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity” …………………………………………………..PRE 67

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45. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme” launched………………………………………PRE 68 46. RBI Sets Up RRA: ………………………………………………………………………………PRE 70 47. World Hemophilia Day 2021………………………………………………………………PRE 72 48. GAVI "EMPOWER IAS"……………………………………………………………………….PRE 73 49. Currency Manipulation………………………………………………………………………PRE 75

50. Whitest paint and its composition………………………………………………………PRE 76

51. Finance Commission:………………………………………………………………………….PRE 78

52. UNFPA’s population report…………………………………………………………………PRE 80 53. RBI Sets Up RRA………………………………………………………………………………….PRE 81 54. National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) …………………………………………PRE 82 55. Indian Rhino Vision 2020…………………………………………………………………….PRE 83 56. National Pension System (NPS)…………………………………………………………..PRE 84

57. State of World Population Report 2021………………………………………………PRE 85

58. National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill 2020……………..PRE 87

59. Muon g–2……………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 90

60. Centre fast-tracks approval for more vaccine candidates……………………PRE 92

61. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar ………………………………………………………………….PRE 93

62. Jallianwala Bagh massacre…………………………………………………………………PRE 94

63. Sushil Chandra appointed next Chief Election Commissioner…………….PRE 96

64. Shaphari Scheme:………………………………………………………………………………PRE 99 65. IT Act 2000…………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 101

66. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)………………………………………………….PRE 103

67. Article 25…………………………………………………………………………………………..PRE 104

68. 1951 Refugee Convention………………………………………………………………….PRE 105 69. Seechewal Model : ……………………………………………………………………………PRE 106

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70. Inflation : …………………………………………………………………………………………PRE 107 71. 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act……………………………………………..PRE 109 72. Gender Gap Report…………………………………………………………………………..PRE 112 73. Right To Education Act……………………………………………………………………..PRE 113 74. THE KERALA MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT…………………………………………..PRE 115 75. Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991………………………………PRE 117

76. Chenab Arch Bridge………………………………………………………………………….PRE 119

77. Prakash Singh Judgment on Police Reforms, 2006…………………………….PRE 121

78. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin……………………………………………….PRE 123 79. Article 244(A), Sixth Schedule……………………………………………………………PRE 125

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Article 32: "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the role the Supreme Court can play in universal vaccination in India.

What is Article 32?

 Article 32 deals with the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’, or affirms the right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of the rights conferred in Part III of the Constitution.  It is one of the fundamental rights listed in the Constitution that each citizen is entitled.  It states that the Supreme Court “shall have the power to issue directions or orders or writs for the enforcement of any of the rights conferred by this Part”.  The right guaranteed by this Article “shall not be suspended except as otherwise provided for by this Constitution”.  Dr B R Ambedkar has called it the very soul and heart of the Constitution. It cannot be suspended except during the period of Emergency.

Types of Writs under it Both the High Courts and the Supreme Court can be approached for violation or enactment of fundamental rights through five kinds of writs:

1. Habeas corpus (related to personal liberty in cases of illegal detentions and wrongful arrests) 2. Mandamus — directing public officials, governments, courts to perform a statutory duty; 3. Quo Warranto — to show by what warrant is a person holding public office; 4. Prohibition — directing judicial or quasi-judicial authorities to stop proceedings which it has no jurisdiction for; and 5. Certiorari — re-examination of an order given by judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative authorities.

Why Supreme Court needs to step in

 Amid raging debate over the vaccination strategy, the role the Supreme Court of India can play to safeguard the right to life guaranteed under Article 21, for which it is duty- bound to exercise jurisdiction under Article 32 needs consideration.  In this regard, universal vaccination is a glimmer of hope. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 1 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 The Supreme Court of India can facilitate speed and deeper penetration of universal vaccination, which is now commonly accepted as the only possible solution to the pandemic in the long run.

Issue of patent of vaccine

 It is time to question patents claimed by vaccines that have been developed with aid from the state in research and development.  These patents, if established, must be immediately acquired with just and adequate compensation and made accessible to all manufacturers.  This was done for medicines for AIDS and it can be done again under the Patents Act.  The Court can also issue mandamus to undertake this exercise on an emergency basis.  Thereafter, all pharmaceutical companies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act must be allowed to manufacture vaccines at a pre- approved price of cost + 6 per cent return on investment.  States can also be directed to incentivise the setting up of new manufacturing facilities as a possible third wave, periodic booster doses and the need for ancillary vaccines make it a long-term phenomenon.  All this has to be ensured in addition to the free import of vaccines approved by advanced nations.

Vaccine administration

 The vaccine administration needs to be ramped up both in state and private facilities.  For vaccine hesitancy, we need to incentivise the vaccination through a direct deposit of Rs 500 in Jan Dhan accounts for each vaccinated member of BPL families.  This vaccination can be made compulsory for identifiable categories of persons from MGNREGA beneficiaries to Aadhaar Card holders to income-tax payers to bank account holders to driving-licence holders.  There must be a strict penalty to be recovered from those who do not get vaccinated without medical reasons.  Private efforts can be made eligible for reimbursement of cost.

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Factors responsible for anti-microbial resistance "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The article highlights the challenges posed by anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and suggests ways to deal with it.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

 Anti microbial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.  As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.  Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.  Antimicrobial resistance is now regarded as a major threat to public health across the globe.

Understanding the severity of challenges posed by AMRl

 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the phenomenon by which bacteria and fungi evolve and become resistant to presently available medical treatment.  AMR represents an existential threat to modern medicine.  Without functional antimicrobials to treat bacterial and fungal infections, even the most common surgical procedures, as well as cancer chemotherapy, will become fraught with risk from untreatable infections.  Neonatal and maternal mortality will increase.

How AMR will affect low and middle-income countries

 All these effects will be felt globally, but the scenario in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of Asia and Africa is even more serious.  LMICs have significantly driven down mortality using cheap and easily available antimicrobials.  In the absence of new therapies, health systems in these countries are at severe risk of being overrun by untreatable infectious diseases.

Factors contributing to AMR

 Drug resistance in microbes emerges for several reasons.  These include the misuse of antimicrobials in medicine, inappropriate use in agriculture, and contamination around pharmaceutical manufacturing sites where untreated waste releases large amounts of active antimicrobials into the environment.

Stagnant antibiotics discovery

 The Challenge of AMR is compounded by fact that no new classes of antibiotics have made it to the market in the last three decades.  This has happened on account of inadequate incentives for their development and production.  A recent report from the non-profit PEW Trusts found that over 95% of antibiotics in development today are from small companies, 75% of which have no products currently in the market.  Major pharmaceutical companies have largely abandoned innovation in this space.

Measures to deal with the challenge of AMR

 In addition to developing new antimicrobials, infection-control measures can reduce antibiotic use.  A mix of incentives and sanctions would encourage appropriate clinical use.  To track the spread of resistance in microbes, surveillance measures to identify these organisms need to expand beyond hospitals and encompass livestock, wastewater and farm run-offs.  Finally, since microbes will inevitably continue to evolve and become resistant even to new antimicrobials, we need sustained investments and global coordination to detect and combat new resistant strains on an ongoing basis.

Way forward

 A multi-sectoral $1 billion AMR Action Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of new antibiotics.  The U.K. is trialling a subscription-based model for paying for new antimicrobials towards ensuring their commercial viability.  Other initiatives focused on the appropriate use of antibiotics include Peru’s efforts on patient education to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

 Australian regulatory reforms to influence prescriber behaviour, and initiatives to increase the use of point-of-care diagnostics, such as the EU-supported VALUE-Dx programme.  Denmark’s reforms to prevent the use of antibiotics in livestock have led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of resistant microbes in animals and improved the efficiency of farming.  Finally, given the critical role of manufacturing and environmental contamination in spreading AMR there is a need to curb the amount of active antibiotics released in pharmaceutical waste.  Regulating clinician prescription of antimicrobials alone would do little in settings where patient demand is high and antimicrobials are freely available over-the-counter in practice, as is the case in many LMICs.  Efforts to control prescription through provider incentives should be accompanied by efforts to educate consumers to reduce inappropriate demand, issue standard treatment guidelines.  Solutions in clinical medicine must be integrated with improved surveillance of AMR in agriculture, animal health and the environment.  AMR must no longer be the remit solely of the health sector, but needs engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, representing agriculture, trade and the environment with solutions that balance their often-competing interests.  International alignment and coordination are paramount in both policymaking and its implementation.

Issue of women in judiciary "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the issue of women representation and its implications for the role of the judiciary.

Women in Judiciary: A dismal figure

 The Supreme Court has only two women judges as against a sanctioned strength of 34 judges.  There has never been a female Chief Justice. This figure is consistently low across the higher judiciary.  There are only 80 women judges out of the sanctioned strength of 1,113 judges in the High Courts and the Supreme Court.

 Only two of these 80 women judges are in the Supreme Court and the other 78 are in various High Courts, comprising only 7.2% of the number of judges.  There are six High Courts — Manipur, Meghalaya, Patna, Tripura, Telangana, and Uttarakhand — where there are no sitting women judges.

Importance of Women in Judiciary:

 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5 and SDG 16 in particular), address the global responsibility of having gender equality and women’s representation in public institutions such as the judiciary.  Achieving equality for women judges is important not only because it is a right for women, but also because it is right for the achievement of a more just rule of law. Women judges strengthen the judiciary and help to gain the public's trust.  The entry of women judges is a positive step in the direction of judiciaries being perceived as being more transparent, inclusive, and representative of the people whose lives they affect.  Women judges enhance the legitimacy of courts, sending a powerful signal that they are open and accessible to those who seek recourse to justice.  Women judges bring those lived experiences to their judicial actions, experiences that tend toward a more comprehensive and empathetic perspective.  Adjudication is enhanced by the presence of women who bring to the fore considerations that would not have been taken into account in their absence and the scope of the discussion is hence enlarged, possibly preventing ill-considered or improper decisions.  By elucidating how laws and rulings can be based on gender stereotypes, or how they might have a different impact on women and men, a gender perspective enhances the fairness of adjudication, which ultimately benefits both men and women.

Suggestions:

 Courts should declare that such remarks (MP HC issue) are unacceptable which can potentially cause harm to the victim and to society at large.  Judicial orders should conform to certain judicial standards and necessary steps have to be taken to ensure that this does not happen in the future.  The SC must direct the collection of data to determine the number of women judges in the lower judiciary and tribunals and also to determine the year-wise number of senior designates by all HCs.  Greater representation of women should be ensured at all levels of the judiciary, including the SC and this initiative must come from the SC itself, considering that the power of appointment rests almost exclusively with the SC Collegium. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 6 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 The judges of the SC are appointed by the President. The CJI is appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the SC and HCs as (s)he deems necessary.  The other judges are appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and such other judges of the SC and the HCs as (s)he deems necessary. The consultation with the CJI is obligatory in the case of appointment of a judge other than CJI.

 The goal must be to achieve at least 50% representation of women in all leadership positions and there should be a mandatory training of all lawyers on gender sensitisation.  Judges, who might belong to the “old school” and are maybe “patriarchal” in outlook, should be sensitised to deal with cases of sexual violence so that they do not pass orders objectifying women in such cases.

Improving representation of women

 Presently, the Supreme Court is left with only one woman judge, who is also going to retire next year, after which, the SC will be left without a woman judge.  The collegium failed to take timely steps to elevate more women judges in the SC.  In the 71 years of history of the SC, there have been only eight women judges — the first was Justice Fathima Beevi, who was elevated to the bench after a long gap of 39 years from the date of establishment of the SC.  In the submissions filed by the AG on the issue states that improving the representation of women in the judiciary could go a long way towards attaining a more balanced and empathetic approach in cases involving sexual violence.  The AG also brought up the fact that there has never been a woman Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Women representation in developed countries

 The situation is not any different in developed countries such as the US, UK, Ireland, France and China.  According to the data collected by Smashboard, a New Delhi and Paris-based NGO, not only has no woman ever been appointed as the CJI, the representation of women across different courts and judicial bodies is also abysmally low.

Way forward

 In the last few meetings of the collegium, there has been some talk of promoting women to the apex court. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 7 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 In this regard, if Justice B V Nagaratha of the Karnataka High Court is elevated to the Supreme Court, she could become the first woman CJI in February 2027.  But her elevation will lead to the supersession of 32 senior judges.  Supersession itself is perceived as a threat to an independent judiciary  Seniority combined with merit is the sacrosanct criteria for promotion in the judiciary.  New CJI should secure the trust of members of his collegium to fill the backlog of 411 vacancies across high courts and six vacancies in the SC.

What happened to Armenians in 1915? "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday officially recognised the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915-16 as “an act of genocide”.

Background:

 On the eve of World War I, there were two million Armenians in the declining Ottoman Empire.  Some 1.5 million were killed.  The roots of the genocide lie in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.  The empire’s ruler was also the caliph, or leader of the Islamic community.  Minority religious communities, like the Christian Armenians, were allowed to maintain their religious, social and legal structures, but were often subject to extra taxes or other measures.

The Young Turks Movement

 The Ottoman Empire comprised many different ethnic and religious groups but was largely controlled by Muslims.  In 1908, a group called the Young Turks seized control, first of a society called the Committee of Union and Progress, and then of the government.  The CUP promised modernization, prosperity and secular, constitutional reforms.  However, as the political ideology of the Young Turks changed, the group became less tolerant of Armenians asking for liberties and freedoms.  The Russo-Turkish wars and the conflict in the Balkans and Russia further increased hostilities against the Armenians.

Russo-Turkish war of 1877-78

 The Turks lost territories in this war.  In the Treaty of Berlin, big powers dictated terms to the Ottomans, including putting pressure on Sultan Abdülhamid II to initiate reforms “in the provinces inhabited by Armenians, and to guarantee their security against the Circassians and Kurds.”  Post the treaty, there were a series of attacks on Armenians by Turkish and Kurdish militias.

First World War

 In October 1914, Turkey joined the First World War on the side of Germany. In the Caucasus, they fought the Russians, their primary geopolitical rival.  But the Ottomans suffered a catastrophic defeat in the Battle of Sarikamish by the Russians in January 1915.  The Turks blamed the defeat on Armenian “treachery”. First, Armenians in the Ottoman Army were executed. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 9 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 After the fall of the empire, many Ottoman officials, including a governor in Anatolia, were tried and executed for the atrocities committed against Armenians. But the Three Pashas fled the country and took refuge in Germany.

What and where was the Ottoman Empire?

 This empire was created by Turkish tribes in Anatolia (Asia Minor).  It was one of the most powerful states in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries.  The Ottomans were leaders of the Turkish warriors for the faith of Islam. Gradually the Ottoman Empire weakened.  The Ottoman Empire participated in World War I as one of the Central Powers.  The Central Powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. Ottoman forces fought the Entente.  The Ottoman Empire's defeat in the war in 1918 resulted in its partitioning.  Later on, the successful Turkish War of Independence against the occupying Allies led to the emergence of the Republic of Turkey in the Anatolian heartland and the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy.

History of Sino-Indian Border Dispute:

 China advanced its border claim line steadily towards the west more than three times since 1956. However, post-1962, India and China loosely controlled the border with a fairly sparse deployment of troops.

Sino-Indian border face-off 1962:

 The war started on 20 October 1962, People's Liberation Army (PLA) started bombarding and attacking the valley with 36 killed and several wounded, taking the commander as prisoner.  By the end of the war, China reached its 1960 claim line, eliminating the Indian post in the Galwan Valley taking up the control of their claim line. However, the Indian post at the confluence of Galwan and the Shyok River was intact throughout the war.

Sino-Indian stand-off 2020:

 China, earlier in September 2019 initiated the construction of dams, bridges, camping grounds and power lines, etc in the Galwan Valley and also started extending the highway further towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

 India, in April 2020, started its own construction building a feeder road, along the Galwan Valley on its side of the LAC.  5 May 2020, China deployed its troops all along the Galwan Valley initiating the face-off. India responded by deploying its own troops to the area at equal measure. The Chinese set up a post at a bend of 90 degree in the river, close to the official LAC, which the Indians regarded as Indian territory and a patrol point.

 Consequently, this standoff led to a violent clash on 15 June 2020 in Galwan Valley killing 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers.  Both the sides resumed their construction activity after this clash. India completed the contested bridge on the Galwan River by 19 June 2020. China extended its road by 26 June 2020, in addition to erecting a full-blown post at the location. The Indians made no attempt to dismantle it this time.

 The final de-escalation started 6 July 2020 with Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley shifting by about one kilometre in China's favour.

Challenges facing judiciary in India "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The article highlights the issues facing the judiciary in India and emphasises the need for addressing these issues.

Separating judiciary from the executive

 Today, the judiciary, especially the SC, is called upon to decide a large number of cases in which the government has a direct interest.  These can be politically sensitive cases too.  The framers of the Constitution understood the importance of the oath of office of judges of the Supreme Court of India (SC) and carefully designed its language.

 The words, “without fear or favour” to “uphold the constitution and the laws” are extremely significant and stress the need for a fiercely independent court.  Article 50 of the Constitution provides: “The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.”

Master of roaster issue

 The Chief Justice of India is the first amongst the equals but by the virtue of his office assumes significant powers as the Master of the Roster to constitute benches and allocate matters.  The SC has re-affirmed this position in a rather disappointing decision in Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms v. Union of India, (2018).  The result has been catastrophic.  Many matters were either treated casually or deflected for no reason from serious hearing.

Accountability from legislature and executive

 The SC is expected to seek strict accountability from the legislature and executive and any infraction of the Constitution and laws must be corrected.  Yet, this is not happening.  A country of billion-plus needs its highest court to stand for the people, not seemingly for the executive of the day.

Inherent and fundamental challenges

 The judiciary is besieged by inherent and fundamental challenges.  Millions of pending cases, quality of judges and their decisions, organisational issues and its integrity and impartiality, need urgent attention.  Yet, in the last two decades precious little has been done.  Justice is eluding the common man, including the vulnerable sections of society.

Role and challenges judiciary faces

 In recent years the Supreme Court has done little to stop or stem the degradation of democracy.  Some examples: Court’s refusal to strike down laws like UAPA that should have no place in a constitutional democracy.  Its unconscionable delay in hearing major cases.

 The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated trend towards authoritarianism and the centralisation of power.  But the hearings and orders of the past few months show, the Supreme Court seems unable or unwilling to check these ominous trends.  The failure of the SC is in part a failure of leadership.  One chief justice has accepted a Governorship immediately on retirement, and another has accepted a Rajya Sabha seat.  Powers of the Master of the Roster are imperfectly defined, and can lead themselves to widespread misuse by the incumbent.

Suggestions to improve the Judiciary:

1. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with ““We, the people of India”. So the powers of the Judiciary is also come from the people, like the executive and the legislature. The Judiciary has to accept this. 2. Revitalising the administration of justice: This is feasible if the CJI take concrete steps such as o Freeing himself from the bias in constituting benches and allocating cases o He can seriously introspect and review the actions of his immediate predecessors, 3. All this will restore the “rule of law” and the proper fulfilment of the provisions of the Constitution.

Government Initiatives:

1. National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms 2. The mission has been set up to ensure better access to justice by:

 Reducing delays and arrears  enhancing accountability through structural change.

2. E-Courts Project:

 Computerization of district and subordinate courts  ICT infrastructure of the Supreme Court and the High Court  At present, Case Information System (CIS) 2.0 is being implemented across the country.

3. Gram Nyalays:

 The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 was enacted to provide for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas  These are mobile village courts; aimed at providing inexpensive justice to people in rural areas

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanism:

 Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation and negotiation and  Lok Adalats: Community based dispute resolution mechanism

5. National Court Management System:

 To address issues of case management, court management, setting standards for measuring performance of the courts and a national system of judicial statistics.

6. National Litigation Policy

 Government regarded to be the biggest contributor (46%) to litigation in India  NLP introduced to reduce government litigations  Government also launched Legal Information Management and Briefing System as a database of all the ongoing cases with the government as a party

7. Fast Track Courts: for quick disposal of cases pending in the lower courts 8. Nyaya Mitra Scheme: Aims at reducing pendency of cases with special focus on those pending for more than 10 years. 9. Scrapping off redundant laws

Way forward

 The new Chief Justice must seriously introspect and free himself of the bias in constituting benches and allocating cases and take concrete steps to revitalise the administration of justice.

 Only then will the rule of law be restored and the Constitution served.

National Digital Currency in India "EMPOWER IAS"

Introduction

 There is uncertainty over the legal status of digital currencies i n India. An unofficial estimate mentions that Indian investors holding around $1.5 billion (Rs 10,000 crore) in digital currencies. The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) suggested a ban on private digital currencies, but it favors RBI-backed National Digital Currency or central bank digital currency (CBDC).  The draft Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 aims to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies. The Bill also aims to lay down the regulatory framework for the launch of an “official digital currency”.

What is the CBDC or National Digital currency?

 A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or national digital currency, is simply the digital form of a country’s fiat currency. Instead of printing paper currency or minting coins, the central bank issues electronic tokens. This token value is backed by the full faith and credit of the government.  The growth of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum etc raised challenges to fiat currencies. Along with their other vulnerabilities made the central bank of each country explore the possibility of introducing their own digital currencies.  According to the Bank for International Settlements, more than 60 countries are currently experimenting with the CBDC. There are few Countries that already rolled out their national digital currency. Such as,  Sweden is conducting real-world trials of their digital currency (krona)  The Bahamas already issued their digital currency “Sand Dollar” to all citizens  China started a trial run of their digital currency e- RMB amid pandemic. They plan to implement pan-china in 2022. This is the first national digital currency operated by a major economy.

Need For CBDC in India

 Addressing the Malpractices: The need for a sovereign digital currency arises from the anarchic design of existing cryptocurrencies, wherein their creation, as well as maintenance, are in the hands of the public. o With no government supervision and ease of cross-border payments, renders them vulnerable to malpractices like tax evasion, terror funding, money laundering, etc. o By regulating digital currency, the central bank can put a check on their malpractices.  Addressing Volatility: As the cryptocurrencies are not pegged to any asset or currency, its value is solely determined by speculation (demand and supply). It is due to this, there has been huge volatility in the value of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. o As CBDCs will be pegged to any assets (like gold or fiat currency) and hence will not witness the volatility being seen in cryptocurrencies. o Next Big Thing: In a survey conducted by Bank for International Settlements, around 80 per cent of the 66 responding central banks said they have begun working on central bank-issued digital currency (CBDC) in some form. o Moreover, China is quietly bringing about a revolutionary change to the currency and payment system by launching its Digital Renminbi.  Digital Currency Proxy War: India runs the risk of being caught up in the whirlwind of a proxy digital currency war as the US and China battle it out to gain supremacy across other markets by introducing new-age financial products. o Today, a sovereign Digital Rupee isn’t just a matter of financial innovation but a need to push back against the inevitable proxy war which threatens our national and financial security.  Reducing Dependency on Dollar: Digital Rupee provides an opportunity for India to establish the dominance of Digital Rupee as a superior currency for trade with its strategic partners, thereby reducing dependency on the dollar.

Challenges with non-state digital currency

1. Safety and security of cryptocurrencies: This is one of the key issues with cryptocurrency. Mt Gox bankruptcy case is a highlight of this. Mt gox is a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange. After the cyberattack, several thousands of bitcoin went lost and the company is yet to settle the claim. 2. No investor protection: Since the cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous in nature, there is no investor/consumer protection in cryptocurrencies. 3. Conflict of interest: Globally, crypto-currency exchanges act as both custodian and a regulator. So, their own interest and consumer protection get into conflict. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 17 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

4. Non-regulation: There are some cryptocurrency regulators who often indulge in money laundering and terrorism financing. Further, they are immune to the Central Bank regulation of various countries. 5. The volatility of cryptocurrency: Many cryptocurrencies have only a limited amount of coins. For example, Bitcoins fixed the maximum possible number as 21 million. This creates an increase in demand with each passing day and creates instability in exchange rates. This made the cryptocurrency more volatile in nature.

Advantages of rolling out National Digital Currency

 Improving efficiency in the financial system: As the currency in digital form, it can provide an efficient way for financial transaction. Further, digital currency also solves the challenges with Cash and coins. Cash and coins require expenses in storage and have inherent security risks like the recent heist in the RBI currency chest.  Reducing systemic risk: There are about 3,000 privately issued cryptocurrencies in the world. According to IMF, the key reason for considering national digital currency is to counter the growth of private forms of digital money. There is a possibility of these companies going bankrupt without any protection. This will create a loss for both investor and creditor. But the National Digital currency has government backing in case of any financial crisis.  Opportunity to private players: As the state-backed digital currency can provide investor/consumer protection, the private can confidently invest in the associated infrastructure without any doubts over its regulation. This will improve the services to people.  Reduce volatility: The national digital currency will be regulated by the RBI. So, there will be less volatility compared to other digital currencies.  Helps in better macroeconomic management: Current RBI’s work on inflation targeting can be extended to national digital currency also. Since India is planning to ban other cryptocurrencies, the RBI can better regulate digital and fiat currency. Thus upgrading to digital currency and balancing the macroeconomic stability.

Challenges in rolling out National Digital Currency

 Potential cybersecurity threat: India is already facing many cyber security threats. With the advent of digital currency, cyberattacks might increase and threaten digital theft like Mt Gox bankruptcy case.  Lack of digital literacy of population: Introduction of digital currency is technological advancement. But as per Digital Empowerment Foundation in 2018 report, around 90%

of India’s population is digitally illiterate. So, without creating enough literary awareness introduction of digital currency will create a host of new challenges to the Indian economy.  Challenge in regulation and taxation: Introduction of digital currency also creates various associated challenges in regulation, tracking investment and purchase, taxing individuals, etc.  Threat to Privacy: The digital currency must collect certain basic information of an individual so that the person can prove that he’s the holder of that digital currency. This basic information can be sensitive ones such as the person’s identity, fingerprints etc.

Suggestions

 The government can follow the western concept of treating digital currency as property and imposing capital gains tax.  Enhance digital literacy: The government has to create enough awareness campaigns and inform people about identifying fraudulent methods. This will reduce India’s digital divide.  Creation of adequate cybersecurity methods: Before the introduction of National Digital currency the government has to create certain important things, such as, o Training of law enforcement agencies on handling any threats o Creating a policy of basic information assessed while issuing, verifying someone’s digital currency.

Advantages of Digital Rupee

 Complete Transmission of Monetary Policy: Digital Rupee will empower the RBI by providing it direct tools to control monetary policy. o Directly influenced creation and supply flow using a Digital Rupee will immediately reflect the effects of policy changes instead of relying on commercial banks to make those changes when they deem fit. o Safeguarding the Interest of Deposit Holders: The recent NBFC crisis resulting in the current downturn in the economy and the PMC Bank scandal which has locked out depositors from withdrawing their funds due to high NPAs are a testament to the fragility of our current banking model. o Officially backed Digital Rupee will empower the regulators to monitor transactions and credit flow across the economy helping them weed out scams and fraud instantly and secure depositors’ money. o Moreover, it will help distract investors from the current bunch of crypto assets that are highly risky.

 New Paradigm For Banking: Digital Rupee will turn every large technology company into a fintech company without the need for permission or partnership with a bank. o This will create new incentives for companies to bank the unbanked, while also providing financial services to those who have been at the mercy of banks till date.  Enabler of Cashless Society: Official digital currencies can play an important role in weaning users away from using cash, which will help control tax evasion. o Digital Rupee will also make cashback, remittances, loans, insurance, stocks and other financial products a natural extension using programmable smart contracts.

India’s new vaccination policy(IE) "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 India will dramatically expand its vaccination coverage from May 1, including everyone aged 18 and older. The fourth phase of the mass inoculation programme incorporates several changes in vaccine policy.

Background:

 In the first three phases, when healthcare workers, frontline workers, and those above the age of 45 were vaccinated.  The Centre procured the entire quantity of vaccines from the manufacturers, Serum Institute of India (Covishield) and Bharat Biotech (Covaxin), and distributed it to states.  The states distributed the stock to government vaccination centres, which administered the vaccine free of cost, and to private hospitals that charged recipients Rs 250 per dose.  In the first three phases, out of the Rs 250 charged for vaccination, private hospitals received Rs 100 for administering the jab.

New policy

 From May 1, the supply will be divided into two baskets: 50 per cent for the Centre, and 50 per cent for the open market.

 Priority: The Centre said that the second dose of all existing priority groups, “wherever it has become due, would be given priority, for which a specific and focused strategy would be communicated to all stakeholders”.  Pricing: The Centre has only said that private vaccination providers shall transparently declare self-set vaccination prices.  Free vaccinationwould be available at all vaccination centres that receive doses from the Government of India — with those doses, healthcare workers, frontline workers, and those above 45 will be vaccinated.  Plan vaccination sessions: The states will know in advance that for the next 15 days, they will receive a specific number of doses.  Imported vaccines: The Centre will allow the imported, fully ready-to-use vaccines to be entirely utilised in the other-than-Government of India channel.  A foreign pharma giant will be free to directly sell the entire stock in the open market at a competitive price.

How do Covishield and Covaxin work?

 Covishield is the Indian variant of AZD1222, the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and University of Oxford. Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) developed and manufactured Covishield through a licence from AstraZeneca and Oxford.  It is a “non-replicating viral vector” vaccine, which means it makes use of another weakened and genetically modified virus, in this case a common cold chimpanzee virus to help the body develop immunity against the coronavirus.  The vaccine carries just the code to make the spike protein (the spike on the virus’s surface). The body’s immune system is supposed to recognise this protein as a threat, and work on building antibodies against it.

 Covaxin, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the National Institute of Virology, uses a different platform.  It is an “inactivated” vaccine, which means it uses the killed SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has no potential to infect or replicate once injected and just serves to boost an immune response.  Covaxin is expected to target more than just the spike protein — it also aims to develop an immune response to the nucleocapsid protein (the shell of the virus that encloses its genetic material).

Criteria for number of doses

 The Centre will allocate its 50 per cent share to states based on  the extent of infection (active cases) and  performance (speed of administration).

Concerns:

 Commercial interests: There is little clarity on the mechanism that manufacturers will employ to decide among states that place orders.  And in the absence of a formula or guidelines there will be no social basis for allotting vaccines to states.  Private companies would prioritise selling at Rs 600 per dose and not Rs 400 per dose.  No other country is doing open market sale as yet, because all these vaccines are still under restricted or emergency use permissions and have not yet been fully licensed in their countries of origin.  Richer states, which have the ability to procure large amounts, and states with large networks of private hospitals, are expected to receive a higher proportion of doses from the open market.  Shortage of vaccines: Given the country’s current production capacity and the delay in bringing in foreign vaccines, supply will almost certainly fall short of demand.

Importance of Afghanistan in regional strategic matrix "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights how players at 3 levels: global, regional and local level influence Afghan dynamics.

Strategic significance of Afghanistan for India:

1. Natural resources: Afghanistan is known for its geo-strategic importance and abundance of natural resources. Afghanistan has an estimated 1 trillion USD of untapped resources according to a joint report of The Pentagon and US Geological Survey. Stable Afghanistan with better relations means more economic development in the region and of India. 2. Security: A stable Afghanistan is crucial for regional and domestic security and stability for India. With Afghanistan becoming a centre of radical ideology and violence again, such a development would affect Pakistan and would inevitably reach India. Further, there is threat of drug trafficking through the Afghanistan route. Peaceful Afghanistan is thus a necessity to reduce the threat to internal security of india. 3. Connectivity: Afghanistan is always considered as India’s gateway to Central Asia. It implies continental outreach. For instance, connectivity with Afghanistan and further with Central Asia have been primarily the reasons for India’s engagement with Iran to develop Chabahar port. Similarly, Delaram-Zaranj highway is an important route to connect Indian economy via Afghanistan. 4. Strengthening regional foothold: Increasing strategic engagements with Afghanistan combination is beneficial for India in strengthening a foothold in the region. For example, India’s relations with Iran at present are dominated by oil. Diversification of engagements would strengthen India’s relations with Iran and other countries. 5. Energy ambitions: To address its energy needs to sustain its economic growth, pipelines from Iran and Central Asia would be extremely important. India sees Afghanistan as an essential component of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline. An unstable Afghanistan would hurt the construction of this pipeline and the subsequent flow of gas. 6. Trade: In case of trade, Afghanistan can help India export its products to Europe, gaining foreign exchange. The railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan in Afghanistan envisages to connect New Delhi with Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe.

Role of global powers in Afghanistan 1) What the US exit from Afghanistan mean

 The exit of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan underlines the end of the unipolar moment in international affairs.  Ending US military involvement, however, does not necessarily make Washington marginal to the future evolution of Afghanistan.  The US remains the most significant global power even after the end of the unipolar moment.  Its ability to weigh in on multiple issues is considerable.  President Joe Biden is under some pressure at home not to be seen as abandoning Afghanistan.  Nor can the US President ignore the dangers of Afghanistan re-emerging as a breeding ground for international terrorism.  The US will figure prominently in any Taliban strategy to win international diplomatic recognition and political legitimacy.

 It will also need Western economic assistance for stabilising the war-torn country.

2) Russia’s role in Afghanistan

 Russia is determined to play an important role in the future of Afghanistan.  As a member of the UNSC, the joint leader of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation with China, and a major source of weapons, Russian clout is real.  Above all, Putin brings plenty of political will to compensate for Moscow’s loss of superpower status as we have seen across the world, from Venezuela to Myanmar and Mozambique to Syria.

3) How China will benefit from the US withdrawal

 If the US is a distant power, China is Afghanistan’s neighbour.  Unlike Russia, China can deliver massive economic resources to Afghanistan under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative.  China’s expanding relations with the different nations of the Gulf and Central Asia and a deep partnership with Pakistan lends much potential depth to Beijing’s role in Afghanistan.

 Both Kabul and the Taliban have seen China as a valuable partner in the pursuit of their divergent interests.

 Beijing has often talked of extending the China Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan.  However, China is vulnerable to the extremist politics of the region that fan the flames of religious and ethnic separatism in its Xinjiang province.

Regional powers influencing Afghan dynamics

 One of the biggest concern about the Afghan future is the kind of influence Islamic radicals might regain in the country under Taliban rule and its consequences for the subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Middle East.  Pakistan and Iran, which share long physical borders, have had the greatest natural influence on land-locked Afghanistan.  When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the only countries other than Pakistan to recognise the government-run by its leader, Mullah Omar.  They have taken a back seat in the current round of Afghan diplomacy, but would certainly return to the centre stage sooner than later.  Meanwhile, bold Qatar and ambitious Turkey have injected themselves into the Afghan jousting.

Various implications of recent Afghanistan deal for India:

1. Jeopardize India’s present stake: For India, the signing of the US-Taliban deal may jeopardize its present stake in Afghanistan if the Afghan government is side-lined moving forward. Since 2002, India has developed significant influence with the Afghan government through trade, cultural and diplomatic links, and foreign aid. 2. Legitimise model of terrorism: Afghan government may cede a degree of legitimacy and power to the Taliban which would legitimise model of terrorism and have serious danger for peace and spread of terrorism. 3. Reduce strategic capabilities: India has maintained that any peace process in Afghanistan must be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, and that the democratically elected government in Kabul must be given priority. A Taliban led deal would reduce India’s strategic capabilities especially in Afghanistan region. 4. Fresh fuel for anti-India terrorist groups: An Afghanistan ruled by Islamic extremists like the Taliban, might provide fresh fuel for anti-India terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir, which would take cues from the Taliban in increasing their activities. 5. Risk to India’s security: Post-peace deal, India’s security intelligence would be impacted. Afghan intelligence, for instance, reportedly provided India with intelligence for the targets of the India Air Force’s Balakot airstrikes against a reported JeM terrorist camp linked to the Pulwama attack.

Issue of Medical Oxygen in India "EMPOWER IAS"

Introduction

 A number of states are reporting shortage of medical oxygen after an increase in the number of Covid-19 patients. So, India is planning to import at least 50,000 metric tonnes of medical oxygen to cater to the rising demand. With the Covid-19 cases increasing day by day, the demand for medical oxygen is going to increase in near future.

About Medical Oxygen:

 Medical oxygen is high purity oxygen suitable for use in the human body. So, it is used for medical treatments.  No other types of gases are present in the medical oxygen cylinder. This is to prevent contamination.

Why is there a need for Medical Oxygen?

 During diseases such as Covid-19, oxygen levels are low. It results in low oxygen levels in the cells in the body, not sufficient to do their normal function.  If the oxygen levels are low for a long time without any treatment then the cells themselves stop working completely and can actually die.  This may impact the organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and kidney which may start malfunctioning, Hence, it is useful as a life-saving treatment in these extreme cases.

How medical oxygen is different from others? There is a big difference between regular oxygen, medical oxygen and industrial oxygen.

 Atmospheric oxygen: In the atmosphere, dry air contains 78.09% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.04% carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases. So in atmosphere Oxygen content is approximately 21% only.  Industrial oxygen: It is used in industrial plants especially in combustion, oxidation, cutting and chemical reactions. The industrial oxygen purity levels are not appropriate for human use. It contains impurities from dirty equipment or industrial storage that could make people ill. Industrial oxygen is used in the iron and steel industry, the manufacture of vials, the glass industry, etc  4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 27 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

Applications in the medical field:

 Provide a basis for virtually all modern anesthetic techniques.  Restore tissue oxygen tension by improving oxygen availability in a wide range of conditions such as shock, severe hemorrhage, carbon monoxide poisoning, major trauma, cardiac/respiratory arrest  Aid resuscitation (action or process of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death)  Provide life support for artificially ventilated patients, etc.

Side effects of medical oxygen

 If it is used above the prescribed amount, the medical oxygen creates certain side effects. This is why the doctor prescription of oxygen is essential. The side effects include,  Convulsions or seizure will appear in patients after a few hours of exposure to oxygen at pressures above 3bar(g).  It can cause Retrolenticular fibroplasia in premature infants if they exposed to oxygen concentrations greater than 40%. In short, it is a condition of abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye. Retrolenticular fibroplasia is the leading cause of child blindness today in the world.  Some patients will also develop coughing and breathing difficulties after they put under medical oxygen.  The issue of Oxygen toxicity: Excessive or inappropriate supplemental oxygen can cause severe damage to the lungs and other organ systems.

Why there is a shortage of medical oxygen in India?

1. Lack of cylinder and cryogenic tankers: India does not have enough cryogenic tankers to ensure 24×7 road transport of oxygen. Similarly, smaller suppliers do not have enough jumbo and dura cylinders to supply medical oxygen to remote locations. This results in higher prices for an oxygen cylinder. Thus raising the cost of oxygen. 2. Setting up a medical oxygen plant is a time-consuming process: It is not feasible to set up new oxygen manufacturing plants or expanding existing plants within a month. For example, A private company that starts to install a new oxygen-producing facility in the past took almost 24 months to properly installing one manufacturing plant. 3. Oxygen wastage and unnecessary use in hospitals: In the past, the Health Ministry repeatedly demanded hospitals to reduce wastage and unnecessary oxygen use in Hospitals. But the hospitals not yet take any decision on this. Industrial experts also raised concerns over possible leakages in hospital pipelines that supply oxygen. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 28 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

4. Heavy reliance on private players: Of the total medical oxygen supply nearly 60% is manufactured by only one private firm.

Government initiatives to increase the availability of medical oxygen During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government initiated various steps to increase the production of oxygen and also maintaining the prices. This includes,

1. Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare(MOHFW) delegated its powers to the NPPA. Especially to take all necessary steps to regulate the availability and pricing of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) and oxygen cylinders. 2. Further, to ensure the availability of oxygen at a reasonable price the NPPA capped the price of medical oxygen cylinders and LMO for six months(in September). 3. Recently, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute(CMERI) develops an oxygen enrichment unit(OEU) that could provide crucial support to COVID-19 patients. An oxygen enrichment unit is a device that concentrates the oxygen from the surrounding air. 4. Mapping of oxygen sources for 12 high burden state: The Centre-appointed Empowered Group-2 mapped the medical oxygen capability in 12 States having high disease burden. Such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi, etc. 5. Identification of hospitals for installing PSA plants: Recently the MOHFW sanctioned the installation of 162 Pressure Swing Adsorption plants at hospitals to augment oxygen capacity by over 154 Metric Tonnes. 6. During the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, industrial oxygen producers were allowed to produce LMO.

Suggestions to improve medical oxygen

1. Fixing the PSA Plants in remote locations: This will make hospitals manufacture their own oxygen and make the hospitals self-reliant. Further, it will reduce transportation costs and delays in oxygen supply. 2. Exploring alternate mode of oxygen transportation: At present, oxygen transportation relies primarily on road transport. Industry experts suggest using trains to transport oxygen faster. 3. Converting surplus industrial oxygen into medical oxygen: Empowered Group-2 suggested using argon and nitrogen tankers in oxygen transport to fulfil the demand. It also suggested using industrial cylinders for refilling. The government can implement the suggestions.

4. Curbing oxygen wastage and unnecessary use in hospitals: The MOHFW repeatedly warned against this. The health ministry even appointed an expert committee to fix medical oxygen for patients. The committee suggested the following, o fixing the oxygen supply to 40 liters in intensive care units and 15 litres in normal wards per patient per minute. o providing oxygen only to patients having oxygen saturation levels below 94%. (Oxygen saturation in the blood below the level of 94 is considered as a matter of concern for people suffering from Covid-19). The hospitals have to follow this limit as it will reduce wastage.

Model Code of Conduct and issues related to it "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the issue of lack of clarity on the extent of the power of the Election Commission of India.

Where ECI derives its power from?

 Supreme Court held in Mohinder Singh Gill vs Chief Election Commissioner that Article 324 contains plenary powers to ensure free and fair elections.  These plenary powers are vested in the ECI which can take all necessary steps to achieve this constitutional object.  Thus, the model code of conduct has been issued in exercise of its powers under Article 324.  Besides the code, the ECI issues from time to time directions, instructions and clarifications on a host of issues which crop up in the course of an election.

Model Code of Conduct

 It is a set of guidelines issued by ECI to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections.  The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct, so that free and fair elections are conducted.

When does it come into effect?

 According to the PIB, a version of the MCC was first introduced in the state assembly elections in Kerala in 1960.  It was largely followed by all parties in the 1962 elections and continued to be followed in subsequent general elections.  In October 1979, the EC added a section to regulate the ‘party in power’ and prevent it from gaining an unfair advantage at the time of elections.  The MCC comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out.

Evolution:

 The origins of the MCC lie in the Assembly elections of Kerala in 1960, when the State administration prepared a ‘Code of Conduct’ for political actors.  Subsequently, in the Lok Sabha elections in 1962, the ECI circulated the code to all recognised political parties and State governments and it was wholeheartedly followed.  It was in 1991 after repeated flouting of the election norms and continued corruption, the EC decided to enforce the MCC more strictly.

Issues with model code of conduct 1) Issue of enforceability

 As the code of conduct is framed on the basis of a consensus among political parties, it has not been given any legal backing.  A committee of Parliament recommended that the code should be made a part of the Representation of the People Act 1951.  However, the ECI did not agree to it on the ground that once it becomes a part of the law, all matters connected with the enforcement of the code will be taken to court, which would delay elections.  But then the question about the enforceability of the code remains unresolved.

 Paragraph 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 says that the commission may suspend or withdraw recognition of a recognised political party if it refuses to observe the model code of conduct.  But it is doubtful whether this provision is legally sustainable.  When the code is legally not enforceable, how can the ECI resort to a punitive action such as withdrawal of recognition?

2) Transfer of officials

 Observers of ECI report to it about the conduct of certain officials of the States where elections are to be held.  Transfer of an official is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the government.  It is actually not clear whether the ECI can transfer a State government official in exercise of the general powers under Article 324 or under the model code.  Transfer of an official is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the government.  It is actually not clear whether the ECI can transfer a State government official in exercise of the general powers under Article 324 or under the model code.  Further, to assume that a police officer or a civil servant will be able to swing the election in favour of the ruling party is extremely unrealistic and naive.

3) ECI’s intervention in administrative decisions

 According to the model code, Ministers cannot announce any financial grants in any form, make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities, etc or make any ad hoc appointments in the government. departments or public undertakings.  These are the core guidelines relating to the government.  But in reality, no government is allowed by the ECI to take any action, administrative or otherwise, if the ECI believes that such actions or decisions will affect free and fair elections.  A recent decision of the ECI to stop the Government of Kerala from continuing to supply kits containing rice, pulses, cooking oil, etc is a case in point.  The Supreme Court had in S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Govt. of T. Nadu & Ors (2013) held that the distribution of colour TVs, computers, cycles, goats, cows, etc, done or promised by the government is in the nature of welfare measures and is in accordance with the directive principles of state policy, and therefore it is permissible during an election.

What if violated?

 The ECI can issue a notice to a politician or a party for alleged breach of the MCC either on its own or on the basis of a complaint by another party or individual.  Once a notice is issued, the person or party must reply in writing either accepting fault and tendering an unconditional apology or rebutting the allegation.  In the latter case, if the person or party is found guilty subsequently, he/it can attract a written censure from the ECI — something that many see as a mere slap on the wrist. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 32 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 However, in extreme cases, like a candidate using money/liquor to influence votes or trying to divide voters in the name of religion or caste, the ECI can also order registration of a criminal case under IPC or IT Act.  In case of a hate speech, a complaint can be filed under the IPC and CrPC; there are laws against the misuse of a religious place for seeking votes, etc.

Using powers under Art. 324

 The Commission rarely resorts to punitive action to enforce MCC, there is one recent example when unabated violations forced EC’s hand.  During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the EC had banned a leader and now party president from campaigning in order to prevent them from further vitiating the poll atmosphere with their speeches.  The Commission resorted to its extraordinary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to impose the ban.  It was only lifted once the leaders apologised and promised to operate within the Code.

Iran starts enriching uranium "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 Iran began enriching uranium to its highest level ever to pressure talks in Vienna.

 The talks are aimed at restoring its nuclear deal with world powers after an attack on its main atomic site.  International inspectors said Iran planned to do so above-ground at its Natanz nuclear site.  Recently a suspected Israel attack damaged centrifuges at Natanz.

Uranium enrichment

 When uranium is mined, it consists of approximately99.3% uranium-238 (U238),0.7% uranium-235 (U235), and < 0.01% uranium-234 (U234).  These are the different uranium isotopes.  Low-enriched uranium, which has a 3%-4% concentration ofU-235, can be used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants.  "Weapons-grade" uranium is 90% enriched.

 Separation processes available to “enrich” Uranium, or extract 235 from its U238:  This includesgas diffusion, centrifugal diffusion, and mass separation via magnetic field.

Enrichment limit for Iran

 The Iran Nuclear deal limited Iran's enrichment to 3.67 %.  While 60 % is higher than any level Iran previously enriched uranium, it is still lower than weapons-grade levels of 90 %.  Iran had been enriching up to 20 %.

Issue of Iran’s return to JCPOA

 There is uncertainty between the U.S. and Iran on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as to whether Iranian compliance comes first or the lifting of sanctions by the U.S.  In this context, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is back on the stage to rescue the JCPOA.  The U.S. tried to pressurise Iran by proposing a resolution in the IAEA Board of Governors meeting criticising Iranian non-compliance with the JCPOA and its alleged IAEA safeguards violations.  This comes amidst rumours that Iran might withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

About the Iran Nuclear Deal:

 Also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).  The JCPOA was the result of prolonged negotiations from 2013 and 2015 between Iran and P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, or the EU).  Under the deal, Tehran agreed to significantly cut its stores of centrifuges, enriched uranium and heavy-water, all key components for nuclear weapons.

Significance of the deal for India:

 Removing sanctions may revive India’s interest in the Chabahar port, Bandar Abbas port, and other plans for regional connectivity.  This would further help India to neutralize the Chinese presence in Gwadar port, Pakistan.

 Restoration of ties between the US and Iran will help India to procure cheap Iranian oil and aid in energy security.

About JCPOA

 Commonly as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015, between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany) together with the European Union.  Under JCPOA, Iran agreed to eliminate its stockpile of medium-enriched uranium, cut its stockpile of low-enriched uranium by 98%, and reduce by about two-thirds the number of its gas centrifuges for 13 years.  For the next 15 years Iran will only enrich uranium up to 3.67%. Iran also agreed not to build any new heavy-water facilities for the same period of time.  Uranium-enrichment activities will be limited to a single facility using first-generation centrifuges for 10 years. Other facilities will be converted to avoid proliferation risks.  To monitor and verify Iran’s compliance with the agreement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will have regular access to all Iranian nuclear facilities.  The agreement provides that in return for verifiably abiding by its commitments, Iran will receive relief from U.S., European Union, and UNSC nuclear-related sanctions.

Salients features of JCPOA:

 Uranium enrichment capacity: Iran’s current capacity of 19,000 gas centrifuges would be reduced by more than two-thirds to 6,104, out of which just over 5,000 would actually be enriching uranium.  Fordow underground enrichment plant: This cavern under a mountain near the city of Qom would be used only for non-military research.  The enriched uranium stockpile: Iran’s stockpile of LEU would be reduced from its current level of about 7,500kg to 300kg, a reduction of 96%.

About: Uranium

 Uranium is composed mainly of two isotopes – U-235 and U-238. 1. Uranium-235 and U-238 are chemically identical, but differ in their physical properties, notably their mass. 2. The nucleus of the U-235 atom contains 92 protons and 143 neutrons, giving an atomic mass of 235 units. 3. The U-238 nucleus also has 92 protons but has 146 neutrons – three more than U-235 – and therefore has a mass of 238 units. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 35 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 Natural uranium contains 99.3% U-238 isotope and 0.7% U-235 isotope.  U-238 isotope is not fissile i.e. it cannot start a nuclear reaction and sustain it.  On the other hand, the U-235 isotope is useful for nuclear power reactors, as well as for nuclear weapons. 1. A nuclear power plant requires uranium with 3-4% U-235, known as Low- enriched uranium (LEU) or reactor-grade uranium 2. A nuclear weapon needs uranium with 90% U-235, known as Highly-enriched uranium (HEU).

IBC Amendment Ordinance 2021 "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code amendment ordinance 2021 shows a shift from a creditor-centric approach towards a more balanced approach. Under the new approach, both promoters and creditors are incentivized to reach a more acceptable solution.

Background:

 The President has promulgated the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.  It marks a shift from earlier approaches against the promoter and focussed on the creditor. Under this, the creditor was given the main control over the insolvency process while the promoter hardly had any say.

About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2021

 The Amendment allows the use of Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution as an alternative resolution mechanism for MSMEs. The threshold limit to trigger the Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution is between Rs 10 lakh to 1 Crore.  Section 54A: It allows the use of Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution(PPIR). o PPIR is a form of restructuring that allows creditors and debtors to work on an informal plan and then submit it for approval. o Under this system, financial creditors will agree to the terms of a potential investor. Further, they will seek approval of the resolution plan from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). o However, the submission of the resolution plan cannot happen directly to NCLT. It requires approval of a minimum of 66% of financial creditors that are unrelated to the corporate debtor before submission of a resolution plan. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 36 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 The threshold limit to trigger the PPIR is between Rs 10 lakh to 1 Crore.  The NCLTs must consider a pre-pack insolvency proceeding before allowing a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process(CIRP). o CIRP is the process of resolving corporate insolvency according to the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Benefits of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code ordinance

 Quicker Resolution: Over 86% of the ongoing insolvency resolution proceedings crossed the 270-day threshold as of December 2020.  Greater Autonomy to Debtor: As the existing management retains control in the case of pre-packs. On the other hand, A resolution professional takes control of the debtor as a representative of financial creditors. This results in a cost-effective and value maximising outcome for the debtor.  Prevents misuse by errant promoters: The PPIR gives significant consent rights to the financial creditors. For instance, it requires approval of a minimum of 66% of financial creditors before submission of a resolution plan. This prevents any misuse from financial creditors.  Amicable settlement: The amendment has made sure that both debtors and creditors have a say in the resolution process. This is a deviation from the earlier approach. As the IBC 2016 gives excessive focus on creditors in resolution.  Prevents job losses: Under PPIR, there is less probability of liquidation. Thereby ensuring continuity of business and resulting in fewer layoffs for workers.

Challenges in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

 Poor Approval rate: As per the IBBI’s data, (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India) a mere 15% approval rate has been shown by NCLT in corporate insolvency cases from 2016-19.

 Greater Focus on liquidation: The objective of IBC was to promote entrepreneurship and promote resolution. But ironically IBC put more focus on liquidation. This hinders the economic potential of the country.  In 2019, almost 1/3rd of all corporate cases filed for resolution ended up towards liquidation.  Supreme Court Judgement: The Government had placed a compulsory deadline of 330 days if 270 days mark got breached. However, the SC in the Essar Steel insolvency case relaxed the criteria of “mandatorily” resolving the CIRP within 330 days. This judgement can be used to breach the deadline of the PPIR process also.

 Resource Deficit: The government had proposed to set up 25 additional single and division benches of NCLT in July 2019. They were established at various places including Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, etc. However, most of these remain non-operational or partly operational on account of lack of proper infrastructure or adequate support staff.

Difference from earlier approach:

 The amendment has made the process less promoter averse. Now PPIR will ensure promoters are able to retain their control over their business.  Earlier, the control was given to a resolution professional. He/she was appointed to manage the affairs of the company during the insolvency process.  The promoters did not have control due to cases of corruption, crony capitalism, and other fraudulent activities tagged with them. This undermined the creditor’s interest and sanctity of the resolution process.

Suggestions to reform IBC process

 There is a need to increase the number of NCLT benches and appoint more competent professionals. This will ensure that the IBC platform is not used as a recovery but more as a resolution tool.  Further masses should be aware of alternate dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalat, Arbitration etc. This can reduce the workload on insolvency tribunals.  The government can place companies such as construction, electricity (that do not have hard assets) outside the NCLT. This would save resources and time in pursuing IBC for these companies.

Way Forward:

 The PPIR process should be gradually made available to all corporate debtors.  The government can also relax the terms of Section 29A of IBC in order to widen the list of possible buyers.  The section disqualifies those who had contributed to the downfall of the corporate debtor or were unsuitable to run the company.

Peace Between India and Pakistan "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 Peace Between India and Pakistan is essential for the transformation of South Asia.

Introduction

 The Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan agreed to strictly observe ceasefire agreements between the two countries. This matched with the Pakistani PM’s statement that Pakistan’s only issue is Kashmir, and it can only be fixed through dialogue.

 This statement was strongly supported by General Qamar Bajwa, Pakistan’s Army Chief.  There is a growing realization that both the countries cannot take parts of Kashmir that the other country controls.  Thus, the focus should be on resolving issues that scar the whole subcontinent instead. These issues include poverty, malnutrition and an unacceptable disregard of the young.

How will peace with Pakistan help in transforming South Asia?

 The India-Pakistan hostility hurts regionalism and South Asian growth. Peace between India and Pakistan will be beneficial for all the nations constituting the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).  Firstly, many reports proved that a good economic value can be derived from South Asian economic integration. The World Bank publication titled ‘A Glass Half Full’ is one of those reports.  Secondly, SAARC has remained a victim of India-Pakistan enmity. Even though it has formed partial alliances among its members.

How can India make a difference to the SAARC? Professor Selim Raihan of the University of Dhaka highlighted India’s vast ‘size imbalance’ in South Asia.

1. Professor Selim Raihan shared that India’s total land area is 62%, the population is 75%, and the GDP of South Asia in 2016 was 83%. o Pakistan and Bangladesh have a share of only 7.6% and 5.6%, respectively in regional GDP.

2. This indicates that only India can take the lead in changing a grossly under-performing region like South Asia. South Asia has a GDP (PPP) of $12 trillion with a population of a tad over 1.9 billion. o On the other hand, the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a GDP (PPP) of around $9 trillion. Member states like Vietnam are growing enormously.

What are the territorial disputes between India and Pakistan? Kashmir:

 Due to political differences between the two countries, the territorial claim of Kashmir has been the subject of wars in 1947, 1965 and a limited conflict in 1999 and frequent ceasefire violations and promotion of rebellion within the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir.  The then princely state remains an area of contention and is divided between the two countries by the Line of Control (LoC), which demarcates the ceasefire line agreed post- 1947 conflict.

Siachen Glacier:

 Siachen Glacier is located in Northern Ladakh in the Karakoram Range.  It is the 5th largest glacier in Karakoram Range and the 2nd largest glacier in the world.  Most of the Siachen Glacier is disputed between India and Pakistan.  Before 1984, neither of the two countries had any permanent presence on the glacier.  Under the Shimla Agreement of 1972, the Siachen was called a barren and useless.  This Agreement also did not specify the boundary between India and Pakistan.  When India got intelligence that Pakistan was going occupy Siachen Glacier, it launched Operation Meghdoot to reach the glacier first.  Following the success of Operation Meghdoot, the Indian Army obtained the area at a higher altitude and Pakistan army getting a much lower altitude.  Thus, India has a strategic advantage in this region.  Following the 2003 armistice treaty between the two countries, firing and bombardment have ceased in this area, though both the sides have stationed their armies in the region.

Sir Creek Dispute:

 Sir Creek is a 96 km estuary in the Rann of Kutch.  Rann of Kutch lies between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan).

 The dispute lies in the interpretation of the maritime boundary line between the two countries.  Pakistan claims the entire Sir Creek in accordance with a 1914 agreement that was signed between the Government of Sindh and Rulers of Kutch.  India, on the other hand, claims that the boundary lies mid-channel as per a 1925 map.  If one country agrees to the other’s position, the former will lose a vast amount of Exclusive Economic Zone that is rich with gas and mineral deposits.

Water disputes:

 The waters of the Indus Rivers begin mainly in Tibet and the Himalayan Mountains in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir (Indian side).  They flow through the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Sindh etc., before draining into the Arabian Sea through the Pakistani side.  The partition led to conflict over waters of the Indus basin as it was in such a way that the source rivers of the Indus Basin were in India.  Both sides were at odds over how to manage and share these rivers  Until the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, the arrangement to share east and west-flowing rivers were ad hoc.  The Indus Waters Treaty is the water distribution treaty signed between India and Pakistan, brokered by World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development).  According to the treaty, three rivers, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas were given to India for exclusive use and the other three rivers, Sindh, Jhelum and Chenab were given to Pakistan.  This treaty failed to address the dispute since source rivers of Indus Basin were in India, having the potential to create drought and famines in Pakistan.  Last year, Modi Government had stated that India would no longer allow its share of river waters to flow into Pakistan in response to the Pulwama terror attack.  According to the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India can exploit rivers under its control without disturbing the flow or quantum.  India plans to divert its three rivers to the Yamuna.

What are the other areas of contentions? Cross-Border terrorism and ceasefire violations:

 Cross-border terrorism has been an issue since independence.

 Despite the 2003 Ceasefire Agreement post-Kargil Conflict, there have been regular ceasefire violations from the Pakistan side of the border since 2009, leading to the death and injury of security forces and civilians on both sides.  The Modi Government’s massive armed retaliation to Pakistan’s ceasefire violations led to a rise in the number of infiltrations of terrorists from across the LoC.  Subsequent incidents of 2016 Pathankot attack and Uri attack resulted in the ceasing of any effort to undertake bilateral talks between the two countries, with Indian Prime Minister declaring that “talks and terrorism cannot go hand in hand”.  This was followed by surgical strikes by Indian Army across the LoC to target the terror infrastructure in PoK.  India’s current stand is that it will not undertake talks until Pakistan tackle cross-border terrorism.  Pakistan, in contrast, is ready for talks but with the inclusion of Kashmir issue.

Kulbushan Jadhav case:

 Kulbushan Jadhav, a retired Naval Officer was arrested near the Iran-Pakistan border in Baluchistan region by Pakistan.  Pakistan accused him of espionage and spying. He was sentenced to death by Pakistan’s military court.  India states that Jadhav was a retired Naval Officer who was in Iran on a business trip and was falsely framed by Pakistan.  India, for many times, demanded consular access of Jadhav, which was rejected by Pakistan, citing national security.  This led to India approaching International Court of Justice (ICJ) and stating that Pakistan was violating Vienna Convention by denying Consular Access.  The ICJ asked Pakistan to review Jadhav’s death sentence and allow consular access.

Way forward

 Firstly, India needs to think big and act big by determinedly aiming to plan a South Asian economic miracle. China did the same and even rose in 1972.  Secondly, India needs to view peace with Pakistan as essential and urgent and not just a bilateral matter. It is a chance of a lifetime to drastically makeover South Asia for the better.

Net Zero and India’s Objections to it "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The US President’s Special Envoy on Climate, is on a visit to India with purpose to exchange notes ahead of the virtual Climate Leaders’ Summit in which one point of discussion could be the net zero goal for 2050.

Background

 In its bid to reclaim the global climate leadership, the US is widely expected to commit itself to a net-zero emission target for 2050 at the summit.  Several other countries, including the UK and France, have already enacted laws promising to achieve a net-zero emission scenario by the middle of the century.  The European Union is working a similar Europe-wide law, while many other countries including Canada, South Korea, Japan and Germany have expressed their intention to commit themselves to a net-zero future.  China has promised to go net-zero by 2060.  A very active campaign has been going on for the last two years to get every country to sign on to a net-zero goal for 2050. It is being argued that global carbon neutrality by 2050 is the only way to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the planet’s temperature from rising beyond 2°C compared to pre-industrial times.  Current policies and actions being taken to reduce emissions would not even be able to prevent a 3–4°C rise by the turn of the century.  India, the world’s third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, after the US and China, is the only major player holding out.

Net-Zero Goal

 Net-zero, which is also referred to as carbon-neutrality, does not mean that a country would bring down its emissions to zero.  Rather, net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.  Absorption of the emissions can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests, while the removal of gases from the atmosphere requires futuristic technologies such as carbon capture and storage.  This way, it is even possible for a country to have negative emissions, if the absorption and removal exceed the actual emissions.  A good example is Bhutan which is often described as carbon-negative because it absorbs more than it emits. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 43 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

The global target

 The goal of carbon neutrality is only the latest formulation of a discussion going on for decades, on having a long-term goal.  A very active campaign has been going on for the last two years to get every country to sign on to a net-zero goal for 2050.  It is being argued that global carbon neutrality by 2050 is the only way to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the planet’s temperature from rising beyond 2°C compared to pre-industrial times.  Current policies and actions being taken to reduce emissions would not even be able to prevent a 3–4°C rise by the turn of the century.  Long-term targets ensure predictability, and continuity, in the policies and actions of the countries. But there has never been a consensus on what this goal should be.

How is it different from earlier reduction goals?

 Earlier, the discussions used to be on emission-reduction targets, for 2050 or 2070, for rich and developed countries, whose unregulated emissions over several decades are mainly responsible for global warming and consequent climate change.

 The net-zero formulation does not assign any emission reduction targets on any country.  Theoretically, a country can become carbon-neutral at its current level of emissions, or even by increasing its emissions, if it is able to absorb or remove more.  From the perspective of the developed world, it is a big relief because now the burden is shared by everyone, and does not fall only on them.

India’s objections to Net-Zero

 India is the only one opposing this target because it is likely to be the most impacted by it because of its unique position.  Over the next two to three decades, India’s emissions are likely to grow at the fastest pace in the world, as it presses for higher growth to pull hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.  No amount of afforestation or reforestation would be able to compensate for the increased emissions.  Most of the carbon removal technologies right now are either unreliable or very expensive.  On principle as well as practice, India’s arguments are not easy to dismiss. The net-zero goal does not figure in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the new global architecture to fight climate change.  The Paris Agreement only requires every signatory to take the best climate action it can. Countries need to set five- or ten-year climate targets for themselves, and demonstrably show they have achieved them.  The other requirement is that targets for every subsequent time-frame should be more ambitious than the previous one.  Implementation of the Paris Agreement has begun only this year. Most of the countries have submitted targets for the 2025 or 2030 period. India has been arguing that instead of opening up a parallel discussion on net-zero targets outside of the Paris Agreement framework, countries must focus on delivering on what they have already promised. India is hoping to lead by example. It is well on its way to achieving its three targets under the Paris Agreement, and looks likely to overachieve them.  Several studies have shown that India is the only G-20 country whose climate actions are compliant to the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global temperatures from rising beyond 2°C. Even the actions of the EU, which is seen as the most progressive on climate change, and the US are assessed as “insufficient”. In other words, India is already doing more, relatively speaking, on climate than many other countries.  India also repeatedly points to the fact that the developed nations have never delivered on their past promises and commitments. No major country achieved the emission-cut targets assigned to them under the Kyoto Protocol, the climate regime preceding the 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 45 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

Paris Agreement. Some openly walked out of the Kyoto Protocol, without any consequences. None of the countries has delivered on the promises they made for 2020. Even worse is their track record on their commitment to provide money, and technology, to developing and poor countries to help them deal with the impacts of climate change.  India has been arguing that the 2050 carbon-neutrality promise might meet a similar fate, although some countries are now binding themselves in law. It has been insisting that the developed countries should, instead, take more ambitious climate actions now, to compensate for the unfulfilled earlier promises.  At the same time, it has been saying that it does not rule out the possibility of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050 or 2060. Just that, it does not want to make an international commitment so much in advance.

Way Forward:

 India should launch a major campaign to mobilise climate finance and should focus on energy efficiency, use of biofuels, carbon sequestration, and carbon pricing.  In upcoming climate change negotiations, India needs to reaffirm the long-standing principle of “common but differentiated responsibility” (CBDR) that requires richer countries to lead and argue against any pledge that risks prematurely limiting Indian energy use for development.

Draft Migrant Labour Policy "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 NITI Aayog, along with a working subgroup of officials and members of civil society, has prepared a draft National Migrant Labour policy.  Draft policy puts forward several radical ideas including the adoption of a rights-based approach and creating an additional layer of institutions to create a more enabling policy environment for migrants.

Key Features of Draft Policy

 Rights Based Approach: The policy rejects a handout approach, opting instead for a rights-based framework The draft describes two approaches to policy design: one focussed on cash transfers, special quotas, and reservations and the other which

enhances the agency and capability of the community and thereby remove aspects that come in the way of an individual’s own natural ability to thrive  Acknowledgement: Migration should be acknowledged as an integral part of development and government policies should not hinder but seek to facilitate internal migration.  Policy should have Long Term Goal: The goal according to draft policy should not be to provide temporary or permanent economic or social aids that is rather limited approach, but goal should be on a more permanent basis  Legislation: The NITI Aayog’s policy draft mentions that the Ministry of Labour and Employment should amend The Inter State Migrant Workers Act, 1979 for “effective utilisation to protect migrants”.  Need for Effective Coordination: It identifies the Ministry of Labour and Employment as the nodal Ministry for coordination between various agencies/ department and implementation of policies related to Migrants.  Institutional Mechanism through Special Unit: The draft suggests to create a special unit under Labour Ministry to help converge the activities of other Ministries. This unit would manage migration resource centres in high migration zones, a national labour Helpline, links of worker households to government schemes, and inter-state migration management bodies.  Inter-State Coordination: On the inter-state migration management bodies, it says that labour departments of source and destination states along major migration corridors, should work together through the migrant worker cells. Labour officers from source states can be deputed to destinations – e.g., Bihar’s experiment to have a joint labour commissioner at Bihar Bhavan in New Delhi.  Enhanced Role of Local Bodies: Policies should “promote the role of panchayats to aid migrant workers” and integrate urban and rural policies to improve the conditions of migration. Panchayats should maintain a database of migrant workers, issue identity cards and pass books, and provide “migration management and governance” through training, placement, and social-security benefit assurance  Ways to stem migration: Even as it underlines the key role of migration in development, the draft recommends steps to stem migration. The draft asks source states to raise minimum wages to “bring major shift in local livelihood of tribal that may result in stemming migration to some extent”.  Importance of Data: The draft calls for a central database to help employers “fill the gap between demand and supply” and ensure “maximum benefit of social welfare schemes”. It asks the Ministries and the Census office to be consistent with the definitions of migrants and subpopulations, capture seasonal and circular migrants, and incorporate migrant-specific variables in existing surveys.

 Education for Migrant Children: The Ministry of Education should take measures under the Right to Education Act to mainstream migrant children’s education, to map migrant children, and to provide local-language teachers in migrant destinations.  Grievance Redressal: The National Legal Services authority (NALSA) and Ministry of Labour should set up grievance handling cells and fast track legal responses for trafficking, minimum wage violations, and workplace abuses and accidents for migrant workers

What are the issues missed by the draft policy? The draft misses recognising and addressing many critical issues.

 First, gaps in development and inequalities have grown constantly in the last 3 decades. It requires corrections in the development strategy without which migration is bound to grow unchecked. The report did not acknowledge this.  Second, the report fails to recognize the root cause of the uneven urban development strategy. The urban strategy has marginalised the poor and the migrants.  Third, the report has denied approaches that rely on cash transfers and special allowances. The denial of the first approach has resulted in ignoring the migrants’ and informal workers’ right to social security.  Fourth, the biggest weakness of the report is its approach towards labour rights and labour policy. It puts grievance and legal redressal above regulation and enforcement.  Lastly, the labour codes which are promoting ease of business, have shifted the balance firmly in favour of capital. This weakens the bargaining power of labour and further weakens an already drained enforcement system.

What is Migration and its cause?

 Movement of people from their hometown to another city, state or country for a job, living or some other reasons is called migration.  Both Push factors and Pull factors are involved in the migration process.  Employment opportunities are the most common cause of migration.  Apart from this, lack of opportunities, better education, construction of dams, globalization, natural disasters like floods and droughts and sometimes crop failure are among miscellaneous reasons.

Concerned Issues

 The policy needs to delve deeper into the causes underlying the poor implementation of labour laws that are linked to the political economy of recruitment and placement

 There is a reference to unfair recruitment practices in the document, but virtually no analysis of why the system persists and how it is enabled by the employment structure of businesses and enterprises.  Another area where the draft needs to be strengthened is addressing gender differences in employment. Domestic work is one of the most important occupations for migrant women from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds. Although the new policy aims to be inclusive of all kinds of marginalised migrants, it could do more to explicitly mention the challenges faced by the workers in such circumstances.  Yet another miss is the apparent ambivalence about the ability of tribal migrants to think for themselves and decide how they access the opportunities offered by migration.

The way forward

 The draft policy identifies the problems but fails to address the policy distortions. However, if the draft will be opened up for further discussions and feedback, it will enrich and complete what is already a significant beginning.

Maritime zones under UNCLOS "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The explains the implications of a recent incident in which the US 7th fleet asserted navigation freedom and rights inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Freedom of navigation operation in India’s EEZ

 The US 7th fleet recently declared that on 7th April, 2021 USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedom inside India’s EEZ, without requesting India’s prior consent.  The statement also said that “India requires prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its EEZ, a claim inconsistent with international law.

Maritime Zones:

Baseline:

 It is the low-water line along the coast as officially recognized by the coastal state.

Internal Waters:

 Internal waters are waters on the landward side of the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.  Each coastal state has full sovereignty over its internal waters as like its land territory. Examples of internal waters include bays, ports, inlets, rivers and even lakes that are connected to the sea.  There is no right of innocent passage through internal waters.  The innocent passage refers to the passing through the waters which are not prejudicial to peace and security. However, the nations have the right to suspend the same.

Territorial Sea:

 The territorial sea extends seaward up to 12 nautical miles (nm) from its baselines.

 A nautical mile is based on the circumference of the earth and is equal to one minute of latitude. It is slightly more than a land measured mile (1 nautical mile = 1.1508 land miles or 1.85 km).  The coastal states have sovereignty and jurisdiction over the territorial sea. These rights extend not only on the surface but also to the seabed, subsoil, and even airspace.  But the coastal states’ rights are limited by the innocent passage through the territorial sea.

Contiguous Zone:

 The contiguous zone extends seaward up to 24 nm from its baselines.  It is an intermediary zone between the territorial sea and the high seas.  The coastal state has the right to both prevent and punish infringement of fiscal, immigration, sanitary, and customs laws within its territory and territorial sea.  Unlike the territorial sea, the contiguous zone only gives jurisdiction to a state on the ocean’s surface and floor. It does not provide air and space rights.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):

 o Each coastal State may claim an EEZ beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea that extends seaward up to 200 nm from its baselines. o Within its EEZ, a coastal state has: . Sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving and managing natural resources, whether living or nonliving, of the seabed and subsoil. . Rights to carry out activities like the production of energy from the water, currents and wind. o Unlike the territorial sea and the contiguous zone, the EEZ only allows for the above-mentioned resource rights. It does not give a coastal state the right to prohibit or limit freedom of navigation or overflight, subject to very limited exceptions.

High Seas:

 The ocean surface and the water column beyond the EEZ are referred to as the high seas.  It is considered as “the common heritage of all mankind” and is beyond any national jurisdiction.

 States can conduct activities in these areas as long as they are for peaceful purposes, such as transit, marine science, and undersea exploration.

Contiguous zone:

 The area of the 12 Nautical miles beyond the territorial waters baseline is called Contiguous zone. According to the convention, beyond the 12-nautical-mile (22 km) limit, there is a further 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the territorial sea baseline limit, the contiguous zone. The countries that coming within the ambit of this zone can enforce laws only in four areas, i.e. Pollution, taxation, customs and immigration.

Which international law the statement referred to?

 The “international law” being cited by Commander 7th Fleet is a UN Convention which resulted from the third UN Conference on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS 1982).  India has ratified the Convention, which came into force in 1994.  However, amongst the 168 nations who have either acceded to or ratified UNCLOS 1982, the US is conspicuous by its absence.

Issues with the UNCLOS 1982

 The signatories UNCLOS 1982 have chosen to remain silent on controversial issues with military or security implications and mandated no process for resolution of ambiguities.  Resort to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or a Court of Arbitration are amongst the options available.  However, many states have expressed a preference for “negotiating in good faith”.  The time has, perhaps, come for signatories of UNCLOS 1982 to convene another conference to review laws and resolve issues of contention.

Why US refused to ratify UNCLOS

 It was accepted that the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction was not subject to national sovereignty but would be “the common heritage of mankind” .  This seems to have been at the root of the US opposition to UNCLOS.  It was felt in the US that this concept favoured the under-developed countries thereby denying America the fruits of its technological superiority.  The US Senate, therefore, refused to ratify UNCLOS.  Amongst the areas of major contention or sharp divergence in the interpretation of rules are: 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 52 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 Applicability of the EEZ concept to rocks and islets.  The right of innocent passage for foreign warships through territorial seas.  Conduct of naval activities in the EEZ and the pursuit of marine scientific research in territorial waters and EEZ.

Containing China

 China has insulated itself against US intervention, through the progressive development of its “anti-access, area-denial” or A2AD capability.  China has accelerated its campaign to achieve control of the South China Sea (SCS).  In 2013, China commenced on an intense campaign to build artificial islands in the SCS on top of reefs in the Spratly and Paracel groups.  In 2016, China disdainfully rejected the verdict of the UN Court of Arbitration in its dispute with the Philippines.  So far, none of the US initiatives including Obama’s abortive US Pivot/Re-balance to Asia, Trump’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, seem to have had the slightest impact on China’s aggressive intent  Therefore, it seems pointless for the US Navy to frighten the Maldives or friendly India and it needs to focus on China instead.

India-Russia relations "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 Russian Foreign Minister’s visit to Delhi this week showed that India-Russia ties are under strain.

Background:

 To build on the common “resilient” ground Indian and Russian Foreign Ministers addressed each other’s concerns on a wide range of issues  The issues range from defence supplies to the S-400 air defence system, India’s role in Afghanistan and Taliban’s involvement in power-sharing to cooperation on Covid vaccines and Delhi’s participation in the Quad grouping.

Key points:

 On the bilateral front, both sides discussed progress on

o strategic cooperation, cooperation in energy, nuclear and space sectors o a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). o military-technical cooperation for the joint production of India-made Russian weapons. o more investment in connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. o Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor: This sea route covers a distance of approximately 5,600 nautical miles, or about 10,300 km. A large container ship travelling at the normal cruising speed of 20-25 knots, or 37-46 km/hour, should be able to cover the distance in 10-12 days. o International North-South Transport Corridor envisions a 7,200-km-long multi- mode network of ship, rail and road route for transporting freight, aimed at reducing the carriage cost between India and Russia by about 30% and bringing down the transit time from 40 days by more than half.  There was no mention of the upcoming delivery of the $5 billion S-400 missile defence system. o The S-400 Triumph is an air defence missile system developed by Almaz Central Design Bureau of Russia.  Russia-China ties: Russian Foreign Minister praised Russia-China ties but these said that aren’t aimed at a “military alliance.”  India’s “Indo-Pacific” strategy: He preferred the more continental reference to the “Asia-Pacific” region instead of Indo-Pacific.  He also referred to the Quad grouping and called it an “Asian NATO”, a term sometimes used by China. o He said both sides agreed that military alliances in Asia were inadvisable and counterproductive. o Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an 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.  Afghan peace: In Afghanistan as well, the Russian is pushing for bringing the Taliban into a power-sharing arrangement in Kabul is against India’s consistent push for a “democratic Afghanistan”.  Russia-Pakistan ties: Russia was ready to strengthen Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts with the supply of “relevant equipment”.

India and Russia Ties

 Russia has been a long-time friend of India; it not only provided India arms to maintain a formidable military profile but also gave invaluable diplomatic support on a variety of regional issues. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 54 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 Although India has consciously diversified its new defence purchases from other countries, the bulk of its defence equipment (60 to 70%) is still from Russia.  Also, India needs a regular and reliable supply of spare parts from the Russian defence industry.  However, apart from growing Russia-China quasi-alliance, in recent times there has been a divergence in India-Russia relationship.  Russia is reaching out to Pakistan for defence equipment sales, despite Indian reservations.  Further, more differences may crop up, as is evident in Russia’s support to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Importance of Russia for India

 Balancing China: The Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an inflection point, but also demonstrated that Russia is capable of contributing to defusing tensions with China. o Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh.  Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement: Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge — mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech. o India’s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is set to expand. Connectivity projects may get a boost too.  Combating Terrorism: India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.  Support At Multilateral Forums: Additionally, Russia supports India’s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Importance of India For Russia

 Balancing China: Russia and China are currently in a quasi-alliance setup. However, Russia repeatedly reiterates that it does not see itself as anybody’s junior partner. That’s why Russia wants India to act as a balancer. o For Instance, Russia’s Far East is a huge landmass that is rich in resources but is sparsely populated and underdeveloped.

o Till now, its development has primarily revolved around Chinese dominance and so Russia wants to diversify with the help of India to lessen Russia’s growing dependence on China.  Reviving Eurasian Economic Union: Russia seeks to leverage India’s soft power to gain legitimacy in the success of the Eurasian Economic Union, and re-establishing its hegemony, as it existed during the cold war era.

Main Challenge

 India Going West: China’s expansionist foreign policy forced India to shed past hesitations and actively pursue closer ties with the West, particularly the US. o This can be reflected in a determined restart of the Quad process and a clearer enunciation of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.  Russia Going East: The Western countries have imposed harsh economic sanctions towards Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. o Russia responded to these efforts to isolate it, by revving up its own “Pivot to the East”. o The most distinct results of which are markedly improved relations with China, and better ties with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. o Russia’s Pivot to the East policy is not in synergy with that of the US and subsequently, the relationship between India and Russia suffers.

Way Forward

 Given strategic convergence between Russia and China, it is important that India draw up strategies that protect its national interests, which may include the following:

1. Deepening Ties With Russia: Deepening its relationship with Russia, because Russia is an important balancer for India vis-à-vis China. 2. Also, India should seek to reset its relationship with Russia, especially as the defence element is starting to fade as India has started diversifying its defence procurements.

 Energy and strategic minerals can be other areas of cooperation.  Using Diplomacy to Tackle China: Within the framework of the excellent military relationship with Russia, India needs to pursue Russia that it should not transfer technology to China that could prove to be detrimental to India's security in the long run.  Leveraging Multilateral Institutions: Promote mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China and India that could contribute towards the reduction of mistrust and suspicion between India and China. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 56 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 In this context, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and RIC trilateral forum must be leveraged.  Pursuing US-Russia-India Triangle: Finally, there is a need to develop closer ties not only with Russia but also with the United States, this could balance any moves towards a strategic partnership between China and Russia.

SARTHAQ "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 Union Education Minister has launched ‘Students’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement through Quality Education (SARTHAQ), the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation plan for school education.

SARTHAQ What is ‘Students’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement through Quality Education or SARTHAQ?

 Launched in pursuance of the goals of NEP2020 and to assist States/UTs in this task.  The programme aims at providing an all-around development for the students at the primary and secondary level.  It will also establish a safe, secure, inclusive and conducive learning environment for students as well as teachers.  The major focus is to define activities in such a manner which clearly delineate goals, outcomes and timeframe i.e., it links recommendation of NEP with 297 Tasks along with responsible agencies, timelines and 304 outputs of these tasks.”

The plan is being implemented to meet the following aims of NEP 2020:

 It will pave way for curriculum reforms including new national and state curriculum frameworks for school education as well as early childhood care and education.  The programme will focus on the improvement of the enrollment ratio of children at all levels and a reduction in dropouts and out of school children.  It will provide access to quality ECCE and Universal Acquisition of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by Grade 3.  It will implement vocational education, sports, arts, knowledge of India, 21st-century skills, values of citizenship, awareness of environment conservation in the curriculum.  It will focus on experimental learning. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 57 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 It will also improve the quality of Teacher Education Programmes.

Envisaged outcomes

 Increase in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), Net Enrolment Ratio (NER), transition rate and retention rate at all levels and reduction in dropouts and out of school children.  Access to quality ECCE and Universal Acquisition of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by Grade 3.  Improvement in Learning Outcomes at all stages with an emphasis on teaching and learning through mother tongue/local/regional languages in the early years.  Integration of vocational education, sports, arts, knowledge of India, 21st-century skills, values of citizenship, awareness of environment conservation, etc. in the curriculum at all stages.  Introduction of Experiential learning at all stages and adoption of innovative pedagogies by teachers in classroom transaction.  Integration of technology in educational planning and governance and availability of ICT and quality e-content in classrooms.

Highlights of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Key Points

 School Education: o Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030. o To bring 2 crore out of school children back into the mainstream through an open schooling system. o The current 10+2 system to be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. . It will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child. . It will also have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi/ pre schooling. o Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be made easier, to test core competencies rather than memorised facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice. o School governance is set to change, with a new accreditation framework and an independent authority to regulate both public and private schools.

o Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular, vocational streams in schools. o Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with Internships. o Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed on any student. o Assessment reforms with 360 degree Holistic Progress Card, tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning Outcomes o A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will be formulated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). . By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.

Higher Education:



 Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to be raised to 50% by 2035. Also, 3.5 crore seats to be added in higher education.  The current Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education is 26.3%.  Holistic Undergraduate education with a flexible curriculum can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period.  M.Phil courses will be discontinued and all the courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD level will now be interdisciplinary.  Academic Bank of Credits to be established to facilitate Transfer of Credits.  Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), at par with IITs, IIMs, to be set up as models of best multidisciplinary education of global standards in the country.  The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education.  Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will be set up as a single umbrella body for the entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education. Public and private higher education institutions will be governed by the same set of norms for

regulation, accreditation and academic standards. Also, HECI will be having four independent verticals namely, o . National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) for regulation, . General Education Council (GEC) for standard setting, . Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) for funding, . National Accreditation Council (NAC) for accreditation. o Affiliation of colleges is to be phased out in 15 years and a stage-wise mechanism to be established for granting graded autonomy to colleges. . Over a period of time, every college is expected to develop into either an autonomous degree-granting College, or a constituent college of a university.

Other Changes:



o An autonomous body, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), will be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration. o National Assessment Centre- 'PARAKH' has been created to assess the students. o It also paves the way for foreign universities to set up campuses in India. o It emphasizes setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund, Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups. o National Institute for Pali, Persian and Prakrit, Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation to be set up. o It also aims to increase the public investment in the Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest. o Currently, India spends around 4.6 % of its total GDP on education.

E-commerce sector for India "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the untapped potential of the e-commerce sector in the transformation of the Indian economy and suggests factors to take into account in the new e-commerce policy.

How pandemic contributed to the growth of e-commerce

 A celebrated McKinsey study has revealed that we have covered a ‘decade in days’ in the adoption of digital during the pandemic.  Behavioural changes have been witnessed in most areas like work, learning, health, travel, entertainment, etc.  But the biggest surge has been in e-commerce, both in goods and services.

Issues faced by the sector

 E-commerce is one of India’s fastest-growing sectors, for attracting FDI and creating jobs, and providing a pan-India market for lakhs of SMEs, and facilitating exports  India has a vibrant retail sector, bubbling with energy and a bright future.  E-commerce can rope in lakhs of MSMEs in cross-border trade and multiply turnover and revenues enormously.  Its role in facilitation of exports with linkages and access to overseas markets can also help inject competitiveness in our products and creating a lot of jobs and market opportunities, adding to inclusive growth.

Issues faced by the sector

 The digital interface during e-commerce processes with multiple agencies has resulted in a plethora of compliances.  These compliances include Income Tax Act 1961, Information Technology Act 2000, Consumer Protection Act 2019, FEMA Act 2000, Competition Act 2002, Companies Act 2013, Anti-Piracy Law, GSTN, DGFT, etc.  In addition, handling, generation and protection of humongous data is a major issue under data protection laws.  At times, there are requirements of compliances with various local and state laws, and during exports, adherence to foreign laws, many of which could be quite complex and rigorous.

Advantages of e-Commerce

 The process of e-commerce enables sellers to come closer to customers that lead to increased productivity and perfect competition. The customer can also choose between different sellers and buy the most relevant products as per requirements, preferences, and budget. Moreover, customers now have access to virtual stores 24/7.  e-Commerce also leads to significant transaction cost reduction for consumers.

 e-commerce has emerged as one of the fast-growing trade channels available for the cross-border trade of goods and services.  It provides a wider reach and reception across the global market, with minimum investments. It enables sellers to sell to a global audience and also customers to make a global choice. Geographical boundaries and challenges are eradicated/drastically reduced.  Through direct interaction with final customers, this e-commerce process cuts the product distribution chain to a significant extent. A direct and transparent channel between the producer or service provider and the final customer is made. This way products and services that are created to cater to the individual preferences of the target audience.  Customers can easily locate products since e-commerce can be one store set up for all the customers’ business needs  Ease of doing business: It makes starting, managing business easy and simple.  The growth in the e-commerce sector can boost employment, increase revenues from export, increase tax collection by ex-chequers, and provide better products and services to customers in the long-term.  The e-commerce industry has been directly impacting the micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME) in India by providing means of financing, technology and training and has a favourable cascading effect on other industries as well.

Disadvantages of e-Commerce

 There is lesser accountability on part of e-commerce companies and the product quality may or may not meet the expectations of the customers.  It depends strongly on network connectivity and information technology. Mechanical failures can cause unpredictable effects on total processes.  Definite legislations both domestically and internationally to regulate e-commerce transactions are still to be framed leading to lack of regulation of the sector.  At times, there is a loss of privacy, culture or economic identity of the customer.  There is a chance of fraudulent financial transactions and loss of sensitive financial information.  The Internet is borderless with minimum regulation, and therefore protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) on the Internet is a growing concern. There are currently several significant IPR issues including misuse of trademark rights.

E-commerce policy to aid Inclusive growth

 Inclusive growth being an important objective of the proposed e-commerce/FDI policy, it should recognise and support new business models in both product and service segments.  The policy should be aimed at improving consumer experience and providing gainful employment to regular and gig workers with improved earnings.  India, in fact, is the first country to extend protections to workers including the new-age gig and platform workers, which is being viewed with interest globally.  With the passage of the Code on Social Security 2020, policymakers have focused on financial and social security associated with employment to contemporary socio- economic realities.  The role of platform workers amidst the pandemic has presented a strong case to attribute a more robust responsibility to platform aggregator companies and the State.  This has cemented their role as public infrastructures who also sustain demand-driven aggregators and e-commerce platforms.  This role of the platform workers may help in higher productivity and more sustainable employment, when many of them could potentially become mini-entrepreneurs.  This, however, would need to be facilitated by concerned public and private institutions as also the multiple regulators in the e-commerce ecosystem.  In an online services market place and to provide full support to regular and gig professionals rendering services on the platform, it must be imperative on the service platform to build their capacity through training, technology and access to high-quality consumables and tools.

Government Initiatives Regarding e-Commerce in India

 In February 2019, a draft National e-Commerce policy has been prepared and placed in the public domain, which addresses six broad issues of the e-commerce ecosystem viz. e-commerce marketplaces; regulatory issues; infrastructure development; data; stimulating domestic digital economy and export promotion through e-commerce.  The Department of Commerce initiated an exercise and established a Think Tank on ‘Framework for National Policy on e-Commerce’ and a Task Force under it to deliberate on the challenges confronting India in the arena of the digital economy and electronic commerce (e-commerce).  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to allow "interoperability" among Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) such as digital wallets, prepaid cash coupons and prepaid telephone top-up cards. RBI has also instructed banks and companies to make all know- your-customer (KYC)-compliant prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), like mobile wallets, interoperable amongst themselves via Unified Payments Interface (UPI).  FDI guidelines for e-commerce by DIPP: In order to increase the participation of foreign players in the e-commerce field, the Government has increased the limit of foreign 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 65 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

direct investment (FDI) in the e-commerce marketplace model for up to 100% (in B2B models).  Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Bank of India to facilitate a cashless, paperless and transparent payment system for an array of services in October 2019.  The heavy investment of Government of India in rolling out the fibre network for 5G will help boost e-commerce in India  In the Union Budget of 2018-19, the government has allocated Rs 8,000 crore (US$ 1.24 billion) to BharatNet Project, to provide broadband services to 150,000-gram panchayats.

Inclusive growth in India "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 India lags behind many Human development indicators. India’s economic growth is not benefitting the poor. There is a need to create a new framework for measuring the inclusiveness of growth.

Why India’s Economic growth is not inclusive?

 One, Rising hunger, according to the Global Hunger Index 2020 India ranks 94th amongst 107 countries.  Two, Indian citizens are amongst the least happy in the world. According to the World Happiness Report of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, India ranks 144th amongst 153 countries.  Three, the Pandemic has increased the inequality gap further by pushing many poor people into poverty. According to a World Bank report, during the pandemic the very rich became even richer. Whereas the number of poor people in India (with incomes of $2 or less a day) is estimated to have increased by 75 million.  Four, unsustainable economic growth. According to global assessments, India ranks 120 out of 122 countries in water quality, and 179 out of 180 in air quality.

Suggestions for more inclusive growth

1. India needs a new strategy for growth, founded on new pillars. Because the older economic growth strategy of relying on Foreign capital has made “ease of living” difficult, while the “ease of doing business” improved. The new economic strategy should be based on the following two pillars, 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 66 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

2. One, Economic growth must no longer be at the cost of the environment. 3. Two, the benefits of Economic growth should be made equitable. Thus creating more incomes for its billion-plus citizens 4. There is a need for local solutions to measure the wellbeing of people, rather than relying on universal, standard progress measure frameworks.

 While GDP does not account for vital environmental and social conditions that contribute to human well-being.  Many countries are developing universally acceptable frameworks.  They are trying to incorporate the health of the environment, public services, equal access to opportunities, etc. to make it universal, more scientific, and objective.  However, experiences have shown that this ‘scientific’ approach does enable objective rankings of countries. For example, World Happiness Report misses the point that happiness and well-being are always ‘subjective’.  Standard global solutions will neither make their conditions better nor make them happier. So, local communities need to find their own solutions within their countries, and in their villages and towns to measure their well-being.  We need to start recognizing the role of societal conditions that are responsible for the difficulties of the poor. For example, Caste system, Patriarchy, indifferent attitude towards the disabled, transgender, etc

1. This way of looking at things also equally contributes to the increasing Inequality. 2. move away from centralised Governance model towards decentralized form of governance. Because Governance of the many by a few politically and economically powerful persons may work for a few 3. Whereas, decentralized system of governance will allow communities to find their own solutions to complex problems.

Elements of Inclusive Growth Skill Development

 Harnessing the demographic dividend will depend upon the employability of the working age population, their health, education, vocational training and skills. Skill development plays a key role here.  India is facing a dual challenge in skill development:

o First, there is a paucity of highly trained workforce o Second, there is non-employment of conventionally trained youths 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 67 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 According to the Economic Survey 2017, over 30% of youth in India are NEET (Not in education, employment or training).  Similarly, UNICEF 2019 reports stats that at least 47% of Indian youth are not on track to have the education and skills necessary for employment in 2030.

Financial Inclusion

 Financial Inclusion is the process of ensuring access to financial services to vulnerable groups at affordable costs.  Financial inclusion is necessary for inclusive growth as it leads to the culture of saving, which initiates a virtuous cycle of economic development.

Technological Advancement

 The world is moving towards an era of Industrial Revolution 4.0. These technological advancements have capabilities to both decrease or increase the inequality depending on the way these are being used.  Several initiatives have been taken by the government, eg. Digital India Mission, so that a digitally literate population can leverage technology for endless possibilities.  Technology can help to combat other challenges too, eg: o Agriculture- Modern technology can help in making an agro-value chain from farmer to consumer more efficient and competitive. o Manufacturing- Technology can resolve the problems of finance, procuring raw materials, land, and linkages with the user market. GST was made possible only with the help of sound technology. o Education- Innovative digital technologies can create new forms of adaptive and peer learning, increasing access to trainers and mentors, providing useful data in real-time. o Health- Technologies could transform the delivery of public health services - extend care through remote health services o Governance- Technology can cut down delays, corruption, and inefficiency in the delivery of a public service

Economic Growth

 India is among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. However, currently Indian economy is facing slowdown due to both cyclic and structural challenges.  However, the target of becoming a $ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 can allow India to reduce inequality, increase social expenditure and provide employment to all.

Social Development

 It means the empowerment of all marginalised sections of the population like SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, women and transgenders.  Empowerment can be done by improving institutions of the social structure i.e. hospitals especially primary care in the rural areas, schools, universities, etc.  Investment in social structures will not only boost growth (by fiscal stimulus) but will also create a healthy and capable generation to handle future work.

Challenges in Achieving Inclusive Growth Poverty:

 As per the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2018, India lifted 271 million people between 2005-06 and 2015-16, with the poorest regions, groups, and children, reducing poverty fastest.  India demonstrates the clearest pro-poor pattern at the subnational level. Still, despite the massive gains, 373 million Indians continue to experience acute deprivations.

Unemployment:

 As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) of NSSO, the unemployment rate among the urban workforce was 7.8%, while the unemployment rate for the rural workforce was 5.3% totaling the total unemployment rate at 6.1%.  The quality and quantity of employment in India are low due to illiteracy and due to over-dependence on agriculture.  The quality of employment is a problem as more than 80% of people work in the informal sector without any social security. Low job growth is due to the following factors: Low investment Low capital utilization in industry Low agriculture growth

Agriculture Backwardness :

 Around 44% of people in India have agriculture-related employment but its contribution to the Indian GDP is only 16.5% which lead to widespread poverty Issues in agriculture are as follows:  Declining per capita land availability  A slow reduction in the share of employment  Low labour productivity  Decline in agriculture yield due to climate change

 land degradation and unavailability of water Disparities in growth across regions and crops

Issues with Social Development

 Social development is one of the key concerns for inclusive growth. But it is facing some problems such as: Significant regional, social and gender disparities Low level and slow growth in public expenditure particularly in health and education .  The poor quality delivery system Social indicators are much lower for OBC, SC, ST, and Muslims Malnutrition among the children - India ranks 102 in Global Hunger Index

Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2020 – Associated Issues "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The Medical Termination of Pregnancy MTP (Amendment) Bill 2020 Continues to ignore Pregnant person’s rights.

Introduction-

 Recently, The Medical Termination of Pregnancy MTP (Amendment) Bill 2020 passed in the upper house by voice vote.  The bill seeks to amend the MTP Act, 1971. It provides for enhancing the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women but does not specify the category.  Although the MTP Amendment Bill does expand the gestational cap in some cases, it falls well short of becoming rights-based legislation.  Objections raised in the Upper House  Lack of consultation with stakeholders.  Lack of inclusion of transgender people within the MTP framework.  Moreover, there is a lack of emphasis on women’s autonomy in pregnancy.  Medical boards would be a breach of privacy. It would cause excessive delays in access to abortion due to a shortage of specialists.  The time limit for decision-making by the medical board is missing. Moreover, the women’s representation is unclear.  Issues in the proposed Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020

 Lack of consultation with civil society and grassroots organizations. This is an example of drafting and enacting laws without consultation with the people who are most affected. The Recent Farm Bill, 2020 is a prime example of this.  The provision still restricts abortion to a heteronormative framework. Only cisgender women are considered in it, and not persons with other gender identities.  Under the heteronormative framework, it is a belief that there are only 2 two sexual orientations and genders i.e. male and female.  Cisgender is the person, who identifies herself with the sex at the time of birth. The person who undergoes gender change is not a cisgender.  Issues with setting up of Medical Boards – The MPT bill mandates the setup of a Medical Board in every state. The Medical Boards require giving opinions based on the facts regarding the termination of pregnancies.  This could cause severe delays in the abortion process.  Pregnant women living in rural areas in large parts of the country could find these Medical Boards inaccessible.  The bill retains the hetero-patriarchal population control legacy. The bill continues with the lack of control to the women, of their reproductive and sexual rights. Abortion will be subject to doctor approval. This is in direct contrast with the Supreme Court’s precedent on reproductive autonomy and bodily integrity.  The Bill’s provisions continue to criminalize abortion. It will promote negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding reproduction, sexuality, and motherhood.

What is the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 1971?

 The Act defines the conditions on which the termination of pregnancy can be made, and the qualified persons to perform the same. The Act aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio due to unsafe abortions in India.  The act allows a woman to terminate her pregnancy within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After consulting an RMP (registered medical practitioner) woman can terminate her pregnancy.  If the women want to terminate her pregnancy between 12-20 weeks, she needs to get an opinion from 2 RMPs. The Medical practitioners have to ascertain that continuance of the pregnancy would risk the life of the pregnant woman or substantial risk (Physical or mental abnormalities) to the child if it is born.

Need for the Amendment:

 First, the present abortion law is five decades old. The law permits abortion up to a maximum foetal gestation period of 20 weeks only. This denies reproductive rights to women. (Abortion is one of the important aspects of women’s reproductive health).  Second, currently, if a woman wants to terminate the pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, she has to follow legal procedure. The slow judicial process in India force woman to take illegal means to terminate the pregnancy. India Journal of Medical Ethics report in 2015 mentioned unsafe abortions were leading to 10-13% of maternal deaths in India. This makes unsafe abortions as the third-highest cause of maternal death.  Third, the advancement of science. After the 20th week, many foetal abnormalities can be detected using techniques like Ultrasonography. As the current law limit the time to 20 weeks, it can cause trouble to the mother as well as children in the near future. Hence, its extension is much needed.  Fourth, International practice: 52 % of global countries including the UK, Ethiopia, Austria, Spain, Italy, France allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks if there are any foetal abnormalities. 23 countries including Germany, Canada, Vietnam allow termination of pregnancy at any time based on the request of the mother.

Salient provisions of MTP Amendment Bill 2020:

 First, the Bill extends the upper limit for permitting abortions from the current 20 weeks to 24 under special circumstances. This is applicable to a “special category of women”. Victims of abuse, rape survivors, the differently-abled, and minors fall under this category.  Second, the Bill proposes the requirement of the opinion of one registered medical practitioner (RMP) for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation.  Third, the Bill provides for two RMPs opinions for termination of pregnancy between 20 and 24 weeks.  Fourth, Bill constitutes a Medical Board. Every state government has to constitute a medical board. These medical boards will diagnose pregnant women for substantial foetal abnormalities. If any such substantial foetal abnormalities get detected then the termination of pregnancy can be done even after 24 weeks of gestation (no upper limit for the termination of pregnency in this case).

The Medical Boards will consist of the following members:

 a gynecologist,  a pediatrician,  a radiologist or sonologist,  any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.

 Fifth, Bill protects the privacy of a woman. No RMP can reveal the name and other particulars of a woman who performs the abortion. However, RMP can reveal the identity to a person authorised by law. The violation of this provision is punishable with imprisonment up to one year, or a fine, or both.

Advantages of the proposed Bill:

 First, the Bill raises the foetal gestation period for termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks. The MTP Bill also includes a special category of women. In short, the bill enables access to safe abortion and curb illegal abortion practices.  Second, the 1971 MTP Act states that, if a minor wants to terminate her pregnancy, the guardian has to provide written consent. The proposed bill has excluded this provision.  Third, the Bill will strengthen the reproductive rights of women. The Supreme Court in Mrs X v. Union of India, 2017 case has recognised women’s right to make reproductive choices and their decision to abort as a dimension of their personal liberty. The court also mentioned abortion primarily fall within the Right to Privacy.  Fourth, the Bill will reduce the burden on the Judiciary. At present, there are many cases registered in court seeking permission for abortion beyond 20 weeks. Meanwhile, with the establishment of the Medical Board, the burden on the judiciary will reduce.

What are the challenges associated with the present Bill?

 First, the constitution of the Medical board. The constitution of the medical board presents a variety of challenges such as  The present healthcare budgetary allocation (1.5% of GDP) makes setting up a board across the country, both financially and practically impossible.  Apart from that, even if it is set up, access to the board by pregnant women in remote areas of the state is a matter of concern.  No time limit is set for the board to respond to the requests.  The board subject women to multiple examinations before allowing her to terminate her pregnancy. This is a violation of rights to privacy and dignity.  Personal beliefs could impact the medical board’s opinion. For example, Madhya Pradesh High Court denied terminating the pregnancy of 13-year-old rape survivor only because a psychiatrist on the medical board had not supported her abortion.  Second, the amendments continue the patriarchal population control legacy. The bill does not give women control over their own bodies. It requires the medical practitioner’s opinion and not the request or will of pregnant women alone.  Third, the current bill does not consider a few important things in the termination of pregnancy. Such as personal choice, a sudden change in circumstances (due to separation from or death of a partner), and domestic violence. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 73 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 Fourth, the amendment also fails to consider the abortion rights of intersex, transgender, and gender diverse persons.

Forest fires and their prevention "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 Uttarakhand has witnessed over 1,000 incidents of a forest fire over the last six months, including 45 in the last 24 hours alone.

Forest fires this year

 Since the start of 2021, there has been a series of forest fires in the Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland-Manipur border, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, including in wildlife sanctuaries.  April-May is the season when forest fires take place in various parts of the country.  But forest fires have been more frequent than usual in Uttarakhand and have also taken place during winter; dry soil caused by a weak monsoon is being seen as one of the causes.

How vulnerable are forests in Uttarakhand?

 Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the two states that witness the most frequent forest fires annually.  In Uttarakhand, 24,303 sq km (over 45 per cent of the geographical area) is under forest cover.

Forest Fires:

 Fire can play a vital role in keeping the forests healthy, recycling nutrients, helping tree species regenerate, removing invasive weeds and pathogens, and maintaining habitat for some wildlife.  As populations and demands on forest resources have grown, the cycle of fire has spun out of balance.  Forest fires have become an issue of global concern. In many countries, wildfires are burning larger areas, and fire seasons are growing longer due to global warming.  Globally, forest fires release billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, while hundreds of thousands of people are believed to die due to illnesses caused by exposure to smoke from forest fires and other landscape fires. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 74 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

Reasons for Forest Fires:

 Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires.  The dry deciduous forests in central and southern India face 5 to 6 months of dry period and are vulnerable to fires.  The reasons are mainly manmade, particularly in cases where people visit forests and leave burning bidis, cigarette stubs or other inflammable materials.  A major reason for forest fires in north-east India is slash-and-burn cultivation, commonly called jhum cultivation.  The north-east has tropical evergreen forests which are not likely to catch fire easily on their own like the dry deciduous forests of central and southern India.

India’s Initiative to Tackle Forest Fire: National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF):

 It was launched in 2018 to minimise forest fires by informing, enabling and empowering forest fringe communities and incentivising them to work with the State Forest Departments.  The plan also intends to substantially reduce the vulnerability of forests across diverse forest ecosystems in the country against fire hazards.  It also aims to enhance capabilities of forest personnel and institutions in fighting fires and swift recovery subsequent to fire incidents.

Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme:

 The Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM) is the only centrally funded program specifically dedicated to assist the states in dealing with forest fires.  The FPM replaced the Intensification of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS) in 2017.  Funds allocated under the FPM are according to a center-state cost-sharing formula, with a 90:10 ratio of central to state funding in the Northeast and Western Himalayan regions and a 60:40 ratio for all other states.  It also provides the states to have the flexibility to direct a portion of the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Mission for Green India (GIM) funding toward forest fire work.  India has set ambitious policy goals for improving the sustainability of its forests.  As part of the National Mission for Green India under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, the government has committed to increase forest and tree cover.

 Under its Nationally Determined Contribution, India has committed to bringing 33% of its geographical area under forest cover and to create additional sinks of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tons worth of CO2 stored in its forests by 2030.

Why Uttarakhand?

 In Uttarakhand, the lack of soil moisture too is being seen as a key factor. In two consecutive monsoon seasons (2019 and 2020), rainfall has been deficient by 18% and 20% of the seasonal average, respectively.  But, forest officials say most fires are man-made, sometimes even deliberately caused.  Even a small spark from a cigarette butt, or a carelessly discarded lit matchstick can set the fire going.

Why are forest fires difficult to control?

 The locality of the forest and access to it pose hurdles in initiating firefighting efforts.  During peak season, shortage of staff is another challenge in dispatching firefighting teams.  Timely mobilization of forest staff, fuel and equipment, depending on the type of fire, through the thick forests, remain challenges.  As it is impossible to transport heavy vehicles loaded with water into the thick forests, a majority of fire dousing is initiated manually, using blowers and similar devices.  But there have been incidents when forest fires were brought under control using helicopter services.  Wind speed and direction play a critical role in bringing a forest fire under control. The fire often spreads in the direction of the winds and towards higher elevations.

What factors make forest fires a concern? Forests play an important role in mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

 Carbon emission: They act as a sink, reservoir and source of carbon.  Livelihood loss: In India, with 1.70 lakh villages in close proximity to forests (Census 2011), the livelihood of several crores of people is dependent on fuelwood, bamboo, fodder, and small timber.  Destruction of animals’ habitat: Heat generated during the fire destroys animal habitats. Soil quality decreases with the alteration in their compositions.  Soil degradation: Soil moisture and fertility, too, is affected. Thus forests can shrink in size. The trees that survive fire often remain stunted and growth is severely affected. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 76 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

Joint Commands of the tri-services "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Rawat said his office is working on a tentative timeline for the establishment of joint commands among the three defence services.  With the creation of the CDS post on December 31, the government has set the ball rolling for bringing jointness and integration among the services.

What are joint commands?

 It is a unified command in which the resources of all the services are unified under a single commander looking at a geographical theatre.  Meaning, a single military commander, as per the requirements, will have the resources of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force to manage a security threat.

Functions of joint command:

 The commander of a joint command will have the freedom to train and equip his command.  He will have logistics of all the services at his beckoning.  However, the three services will retain their independent identities as well.

Joint command at present:

 There are two tri-services commands at the moment.  The joint command at the moment, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), is a theatre command, which is headed by the chiefs of the three services in rotation. It was created in 2001 after a Group of Ministers had given a report on national security following the Kargil War.  The Strategic Forces Command was established in 2006 and is a functional tri-services command.

What is the structure right now?

 There are 17 commands, divided among the three services.  The Army and the Air Force have seven commands each, while the Navy has three commands.

 These commands report to their respective services, and are headed by three-star officers.  Though these commands are in the same regions, but they are no located together.

Need for joint commands?

 The leader of a unified command has control over more varied resources, compared to the heads of the commands under the services now. And the officer commanding will have access to the Air Force’s fighter jets and can use them if needed. Through such integration and jointness the three forces will be able to avoid duplication of resources. The resources available under each service will be available to other services too. The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defence establishment.

Advantages of joint commands

 One of the main advantages is that the leader of unified command has control over more varied resources, compared to the heads of the commands under the services now.  For instance, the head of one of the proposed commands, Air Defence Command, will have under him naval and Army resources, too, which can be used as per the threat perception.  And the officer commanding the Pakistan or China border will have access to the Air Force’s fighter jets and can use them if needed.  However, that not all naval resources will be given to the Air Defence Command, nor will all resources of the Air Force come under another proposed command, Peninsula Command, for the coasts.  The Peninsula Command would give the Navy Chief freedom to look at the larger perspective in the entire Indian Ocean Region in which China’s presence is steadily increasing.  The other key advantage is that through such integration and jointness the three forces will be able to avoid duplication of resources.  The resources available under each service will be available to other services too. The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defence establishment.

How many such commands are expected to roll out?

 While the number of commands India needs is still being studied, the CDS has envisaged that there could be between six to nine commands. It is not certain how many land- based theatre commands on the borders will come up.  The CDS said it will be studied, and the study group will be given the options for creating two to five theatre commands.  One possibility is to have single commands looking at the China and Pakistan borders respectively, as they are the two major threats.  The other option is to have a separate command for the border in the J&K region, and another command looking at the rest of the western border.  There could be independent commands looking at the border with China which is divided by Nepal.  A proposed Logistics Command will bring the logistics of all the service under one person, and the CDS is also looking at a Training and Doctrine Command so that all services work under a common doctrine and have some basic common training.

Do militaries of other countries have such commands?

 Several major militaries are divided into integrated theatre commands.  China’s People’s Liberation Army has five theatre commands: Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern and Central. Its Western Theatre Command is responsible for India.  The US Armed Forces have 11 unified commands, of which seven are geographic and four functional commands. Its geographic commands are Africa, Central, European, Indo-Pacific, Northern, Southern and Space.  Cyber, Special Operations, Transportation and Strategic are its functional commands.

Recent reforms in the Defense: Chief of Defense Staff

 The CDS is a high military office that oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services. It offers seamless tri-service views and single-point advice to the Executive.  The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to be created within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and function as its Secretary.  He will be a four-star General office and would not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS.  The CDS would come in the ambit of ‘Right to Information Act, in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.

Roles and responsibilities 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 79 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 CDS will give single-point military advice to the government, bringing about jointness in “operations, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance of the three Services and will act as the Principal Military Adviser to Defence Minister on all tri-Services matters.  The CDS would not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership.  The CDS would administer tri-Services organisations, agencies and commands related to Cyber and Space.  The CDS will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Defence Minister and Defence Planning Committee chaired by the NSA and will also function as the ‘Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority’.

Department of Military Affairs:

 It is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and work exclusively pertaining to military matters will fall within the purview of the DMA. Earlier, these functions were the mandate of the Department of Defence (DoD).

India-Pakistan Trade "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 Pakistan recently announced that it would allow the import of cotton and sugar from across the border.

India-Pakistan trade, in the beginning

 In 1948-49, about 56% of Pakistan’s exports were to India, and 32% of its imports came from India.  From 1948-65, India and Pakistan used a number of land routes for bilateral trade; there were eight customs stations in Pakistan’s Punjab province and three customs checkpoints in Sindh.  India remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner until 1955-56. Between 1947 and 1965, the countries signed 14 bilateral agreements on trade, covering avoidance of double taxation, air services, and banking, etc.  In 1965, nine branches of six Indian banks were operating in Pakistan.

What is the status of India-Pak trade ties?

 Pakistan’s annual trade deficit, which was $20.435 billion in 2013, has been rising steadily.  The deficit has been driven by the rising import bill of capital goods, petroleum products, and food products, and a steep fall in exports.  The external balance of payments position is expected to be one of the top concerns for the Pak government.  Trade between Indo-Pak jumped nearly three-and-a-half times between 2000-01 and 2005-06 (from $251 million to $869 million per annum).  But progress was slower in the decade that followed, with volumes rising a little over three times.  In 2016-17, “new exports” accounted for only 12% of India’s total exports to Pakistan.

India-Pakistan trade relations

 Trade between the subcontinental neighbours has always been linked to their political interactions, given their tumultuous relationship.  For instance, India’s exports to Pakistan dropped by around 16 per cent to $1.82 billion in the 2016-17 financial years from $2.17 billion in 2015-16.  This coincided with the rise in tensions between the two countries following the terrorist attacks in Uri in 2016 and the surgical strikes by India against Pakistan-based militants.

How much is the volume of trade?

 Trade between the two countries grew marginally in subsequent years despite continuing tensions.  India’s exports to Pakistan increased to nearly 6 per cent to $1.92 billion in 2017-18, and by around 7 per cent to $2.07 billion in 2018-19.  Imports from Pakistan, though much lower than India’s exports to the country, also increased by 7.5 per cent to $488.56 million in 2017-18 from $454.49 million in 2016-17.  Growth of imports from Pakistan slowed to around $494.87 million in 2018-19 — an increase of around 1 per cent — before political relations between the two countries took a turn for the worse in 2019.

Why did Pakistan ban trade with India?

 Pakistan’s decision to suspend bilateral trade with India in August 2019 was primarily a fallout of India’s decision to scrap Article 370.  Pakistan called the move “illegal”, and took this trade measure as a way of showing its dissatisfaction. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] Mains 81 EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead DAILY MAINS ARTICLES

 However, an underlying reason for suspending trade between the two countries was also the 200 per cent tariff imposed by New Delhi on Pakistani imports.  This was a move that India implemented earlier that year after revoking its status as a Most Favoured Nation following the suicide bomb attack on the CRPF in Pulwama.  Pakistan’s announcement, coupled with India’s decision to revoke its MFN status and hike duties on its goods, was considered by some experts to be one of the most drastic measures ever taken in diplomatic tensions.

Why is Pakistan allowing cotton and sugar import now?

 Textiles from Pakistan are its value-added export.  The proposal to lift the ban on cotton imports came in the backdrop of a shortfall in raw material for Pakistan’s textile sector, which has reportedly been facing issues due to a low domestic yield of cotton in the country.  On top of this, imports from other countries like the US and Brazil have reportedly been more expensive and takes longer to arrive in the country.

What are the existing Policy bottlenecks in Indo-Pak trade?

 Most Favoured Nation - Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1994, requires every WTO member country to accord Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to all other member countries.  India accorded Pakistan MFN status in 1996; a Pakistani cabinet decision of November 2, 2011 to reciprocate this, however, remains unimplemented.  Classifying Imports - In 2012, Pakistan substituted a “Positive List” of a more than 1,950 tariff lines permitted for import from India, by a “Negative List” of 1,209 lines that could not be imported.  India announced a 30% reduction in its SAFTA Sensitive list for Non-Least Developed Countries (NLDCs), including Pakistan, allowing for peak tariff on 264 items to be cut to 5% within three years.  Land route trade - Through the Wagah - Attari land route near Punjab only 137 items are allowed currently, and the roadmap to address this has remained unimplemented.  In 2014, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expedite normal trading relations, and to provide Non-Discriminatory Market Access (NDMA) on a reciprocal basis.  While both governments have facilitated a degree of industry outreach in recent years, progress on the ground has been subdued.

TRIFED joins hands with The LINK Fund : "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 TRIFED has now entered into a collaborative project titled “Sustainable Livelihoods For Tribal Households in India” with The LINK Fund.

About TRIFED:

 It is the national level cooperative body mandated to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalising the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them.  It was established in 1987.  It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Important Functions:

 It plays the dual role of both a market developer and a service provider, empowering the tribals with knowledge and tools to better their operations in a systematic, scientific manner and also assist them in developing their marketing approach.  It is involved actively in capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization and the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs).  The organisation also assists them in exploring and creating opportunities to market the developed products in national and international markets on a sustainable basis.

Recent initiatives by TRIFED:

 Launched Van Dhan Samajik Doori Jagrookta Abhiyaan, which is aimed at educating Tribals engaged in gathering NTFPs in forest areas, on covid-19 response, key preventive behaviour like social distancing, home quarantine, hygiene tips.  Initiated steps to provide the Van Dhan Self Help Groups (SHGs) with protective masks and hygiene products (Soaps, Disinfectants, etc.) that are necessary for carrying out their operations in a safe manner.  Focus on revamping the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for MFP to enhance tribal livelihood in these testing times and to ensure that they get the benefit of an equitable market price for their produce.  TRIFOOD Scheme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.

4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 1

EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead PRELIMS SPECIAL FACTS

 Tech for Tribals, an initiative of TRIFED supported by Ministry of MSME, aims at capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship skills to tribal forest produce gatherers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri VanDhan Yojana(PMVDY).

About the project

 TRIFED and The LINK Fund will work together towards Tribal Development and employment generation .  providing support to tribals for increasing value addition in their produce and products;  Sustainable livelihoods and value addition for increase in income and employment generation through technological intervention for efficiency in value addition for MFPs,  produce and crafts diversification, skill training and enhancement of value additions in minor forest produce.  The Van Dhan Vikas Kendras/ tribal start-ups, also a component of the same scheme has emerged as a source of employment generation for tribal gatherers and forest dwellers and the home-bound tribal artisans.  Tt ensures that the proceeds from the sales of these value-added products go to the tribals directly.

Van Dhan Scheme "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India )

Aims

 Economic development of tribals involved in the collection of Minor Food Produces (MFPs) by helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources and providing them a sustainable livelihood.  It also aims at building upon traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT for value addition.

4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 2

EMPOWER IAS Stay Ahead PRELIMS SPECIAL FACTS

Key points :

 10 Self Help Groups of 30 Tribal gatherers will be trained and provided with working capital to add value to the products collected from the forests.  Setting-up of a tribal community owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in predominantly forested tribal districts.  The SHGs can supply their stock after primary processing to State Implementing Agencies or can directly tie-up with a corporate secondary processor.  Involvement of Corporates under the PPP model for creating secondary level value addition facility at the district level and tertiary level value addition facility at the state level.  The PPP model will be based on utilising Private entrepreneur skills in processing and marketing of the produce.

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Universal social protection scheme "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The article highlights the need for universal social protection scheme in India and suggests a way to achieve it.

Need for universal social security

 The pandemic has revealed that leveraging our existing schemes and providing universal social security is of utmost importance.  This will help absorb the impact of external shocks on our vulnerable populations.  The country has over 500 direct benefit transfer schemes for which various Central, State, and Line departments are responsible.  However, these schemes have not reached those in need.

Lessons from Poor Law System in Ireland

 An example of a universal social protection scheme is the Poor Law System in Ireland.  In the 19th century, to deal with poverty and famine, Ireland introduced the Poor Law System to provide relief that was financed by local property taxes.  These laws were notable for not only providing timely assistance but maintaining the dignity and respectability of the poor while doing so.  They were not designed as hand-outs but as necessary responses to a time of economic crisis.  Today, the social welfare system in Ireland has evolved into a four-fold apparatus that promises social insurance, social assistance, universal schemes, and extra benefits/supplements.

How universal system would help

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 Generally, social assistance schemes are provided on the basis of an assessment of needs.  Having a universal scheme would take away this access/exclusion barrier.  For example, PDS can be linked to a universal identification card such as the Aadhaar or voter card, in the absence of a ration card.  This would allow anyone who is in need of foodgrains to access these schemes.  It would be especially useful for migrant populations.  Making other schemes/welfare provisions like education, maternity benefits, disability benefits etc. also universal would ensure a better standard of living for the people.  To ensure some of these issues are addressed, we need to map the State and Central schemes in a consolidated manner.  This is to avoid duplication, inclusion and exclusion errors in welfare delivery.  The implementation of any of these ideas is only possible through a focus on data digitisation, data-driven decision-making and collaboration across government departments.

Article 239AA : "EMPOWER IAS"

GNCT Act comes into effect:

 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a gazette notification stating that the provisions of the Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, would be deemed to have come into effect from April 27.  The Act defines the responsibilities of the elected government and the L-G along with the “constitutional scheme of governance of the NCT” interpreted by the Supreme Court in recent judgements regarding the division of powers between the two entities.

What is Article 239AA?

 Delhi, although a union territory, is not administered by the president acting through the LG under Article 239.  It is administered under Article 239 AA.  Article 239 AA was incorporated in the Constitution in 1992.  It creates a “special” constitutional set up for Delhi.  It has provisions for popularly elected assembly, a council of ministers responsible to the assembly and a certain demarcation of responsibilities between the LG and the council of ministers. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 5

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 As per Article 239 AA (3) (a), the Delhi assembly can legislate on all those matters listed in the State List and Concurrent List as are applicable to union territories.  The public order, police and land are reserved for the LG.

What the Amendment seeks to achieve

 The Act will clarify the expression Government and address ambiguities in legislative provisions.  It will also seek to ensure that the L-G is “necessarily granted an opportunity” to exercise powers entrusted to him under proviso to clause (4) of Article 239AA of the Constitution.  Clause (4) of Article 239AA provides for a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister for the NCT to “aid and advise the Lieutenant Governor” in the exercise of his functions for matters in which the Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws.  Now Act will also provide for rules made by the Legislative Assembly of Delhi to be “consistent with the rules of the House of the People” or the Lok Sabha.

Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) "EMPOWER IAS"

Tackling the supply chain disruption through SCRI:

 The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) was formally launched on Tuesday by the Trade Ministers of India, Japan and Australia.  The three sides agreed that the pandemic revealed supply chain vulnerabilities globally and in the region and noted the importance of risk management and continuity plans in order to avoid supply chain disruptions.  Some of the joint measures they are considering include supporting the enhanced utilisation of digital technology and trade and investment diversification, which is seen as being aimed at reducing their reliance on China.

How China reacted

 China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday described the move as ‘unrealistic’.  The formation and development of global industrial and supply chains are determined by market forces and companies choices, it said.

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 It also said that the artificial industrial ‘transfer’ is an unrealistic approach that goes against the economic laws and can neither solve domestic problems nor do anything good to the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, or to the stable recovery of the world economy.

Welfare state "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the need for universal social protection scheme in India and suggests a way to achieve it.

Need for universal social security

Lessons from Poor Law System in Ireland

Issues with the existing social protection schemes in India

 Existing schemes in India cover a wide variety of social protections.

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 However, they are fractionalised across various departments and sub-schemes.  This causes problems beginning with data collection to last-mile delivery.

How universal system would help

 Having a universal system would improve the ease of application by consolidating the data of all eligible beneficiaries under one database.  It can also reduce exclusion errors.  The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) is one scheme that can be strengthened into universal social security.  It already consolidates the public distribution system (PDS), the provision of gas cylinders, and wages for the MGNREGS.  Generally, social assistance schemes are provided on the basis of an assessment of needs.  Having a universal scheme would take away this access/exclusion barrier.  For example, PDS can be linked to a universal identification card such as the Aadhaar or voter card, in the absence of a ration card.  This would allow anyone who is in need of foodgrains to access these schemes.  It would be especially useful for migrant populations.  Making other schemes/welfare provisions like education, maternity benefits, disability benefits etc. also universal would ensure a better standard of living for the people.  To ensure some of these issues are addressed, we need to map the State and Central schemes in a consolidated manner.  This is to avoid duplication, inclusion and exclusion errors in welfare delivery.  The implementation of any of these ideas is only possible through a focus on data digitisation, data-driven decision-making and collaboration across government departments.

Himalayan Frontal Thrust "EMPOWER IAS"

Location of epicentre:

 An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on the Richter scale hit Assam around 8 am on Wednesday.  The primary earthquake had its epicentre at latitude 26.690 N and longitude 92.360 E, about 80 km northeast of Guwahati, and a focal depth of 17 km, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.

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The faultline

 The preliminary analysis shows that the events are located near to Kopili Fault closer to Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT).  The Kopili Fault is a 300-km northwest-southeast trending fault from the Bhutan Himalaya to the Burmese arc.  The fault is a fracture along which the blocks of crust on either side have moved relative to one another parallel to the fracture.  The area is seismically very active falling in the highest Seismic Hazard zone V associated with collisional tectonics where Indian plate sub-ducts beneath the Eurasian Plate the NCS report said.  HFT, also known as the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), is a geological fault along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Need for earthquake preparedness

 The Northeast is located in the highest seismological zone, so we must have constant earthquake preparedness at all levels.  Continuous tectonic stress keeps building up particularly along the faultlines.  Today’s earthquake was an instance of accumulated stress release — probably, stress was constrained for a fairly long time at this epicentre, and hence the release was of relatively higher intensity. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 9

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Strait of Hormuz "EMPOWER IAS"

What happened

 An American warship fired warning shots when vessels of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard came too close to a patrol in the Persian Gulf.  Footage released on April 27 by the Navy showed a ship commanded by the Guard cut in front of the USCGC Monomoy.  The incidents at sea almost always involve the Revolutionary Guard, which reports only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Context of the nuclear deal

 Some analysts believe the incidents are meant in part to squeeze President Hassan Rouhani’s administration after the 2015 nuclear deal.  The incident comes as Iran negotiates with world powers in Vienna over Tehran and Washington returning to the 2015 nuclear deal.  It also follows a series of incidents across the Mideast attributed to a shadow war between Iran and Israel, which includes attacks on regional shipping and sabotage at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

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Herd immunity : "EMPOWER IAS"

Herd Immunity

 Herd immunity is when a large number of people are vaccinated against a disease, lowering the chances of others being infected by it.  When a sufficient percentage of a population is vaccinated, it slows the spread of disease.  It is also referred to as community immunity or herd protection.  The decline of disease incidence is greater than the proportion of individuals immunized because vaccination reduces the spread of an infectious agent by reducing the amount and/or duration of pathogen shedding by vaccines, retarding transmission.  The approach requires those exposed to the virus to build natural immunity and stop the human-to-human transmission. This will subsequently halt its spread.

Does herd immunity really protect from subsequent waves?

 The number of daily cases depends on three factors: The number of infectious people in the population, the number of susceptible individuals, and the rate of transmission of the virus.  The rate of transmission is dependent on the nature of the virus and the extent of contact between individuals.  So, if the rate of transmission increases due to change in social behaviour and increased contact then even with a large percentage of the immune population, a significant number of daily cases can result.

Estimating exposures in metro cities

 Serosurveys indicated that Covid had touched 56% of population in Delhi by January; 75% in some slums Mumbai in November, and about 30% in Bengaluru in November.  The population touched by Covid can also be estimated by the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR).  This is the total number of deaths divided by the total people infected. In India, the estimate is 0.08%.  So this number can be used to back-calculate the number of infections based on the number of deaths in the different cities.  The table given below shows the number of people exposed to Covid in some metros until January 31 using the method above.

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Anatolia region "EMPOWER IAS"

What is genocide

 According to Article II of the UN Convention on Genocide of December 1948, genocide has been described as carrying out acts intended “to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group”.

Why Armenians were targeted

 In a way, the Armenians were victims of the great power contests of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  The resentment started building up after the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-78 in which the Turks lost territories.  In the Treaty of Berlin, big powers dictated terms to the Ottomans, including putting pressure on Sultan Abdülhamid II to initiate reforms “in the provinces inhabited by Armenians, and to guarantee their security against the Circassians and Kurds.”  The Sultan saw this as a sign of strengthening ties between the Armenians and other rival countries, especially Russia.  Post the treaty, there were a series of attacks on Armenians by Turkish and Kurdish militias.  In 1908, the Young Turks wrested control from the Sultan and promised to restore imperial glory.  Under the Turks, the empire became more and “Turkik” and persecution against the ethnic minorities picked up.  In October 1914, Turkey joined the First World War on the side of Germany.  In the Caucasus, they fought the Russians, their primary geopolitical rival.  But the Ottomans suffered a catastrophic defeat in the Battle of Sarikamish by the Russians in January 1915.  The Turks blamed the defeat on Armenian “treachery”.

How the killings took place

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 Then they moved Armenians, including children, en masse to the Syrian Desert. That was a march of death.  Before the First World War broke out in 1914, there were 2 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.  According to a study by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, in 1922, four years after the War, the Armenian population in the region was about 387,800.  This has led historians to believe that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed during the course of the War.

What is Turkey’s response

 Turkey has acknowledged that atrocities were committed against Armenians, but denies it was a genocide which comes with legal implications.  Turkey also challenges the estimates that 1.5 million were killed.  The Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued a strong statement to Mr. Biden’s announcement saying it doesn’t not have “a scholarly and legal basis, nor is it supported by any evidence”.  Turkey has called on the U.S. President to correct the mistake of recognition as genocide.

Article 139A "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The article discusses the idea of judicial federalism and autonomy of the High Courts.

Issue of transfer of cases from High Courts to Supreme Court

 Under Article 139A of the Constitution, the Supreme Court does have the power to transfer cases from the High Courts to itself if cases involve the same questions of law.  In Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (1989), the Supreme Court underlined that the right to emergency medical treatment is part of the citizen’s fundamental rights.  As such, constitutional courts owe a duty to protect this right.  In the face of a de facto COVID-19 health emergency, the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat, Madras and Bombay, among others, have done exactly that.  These High Courts among others have directed the state governments on various issues related to COVID-19 health emergency. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 13

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 However, Supreme Court issued an order asking the State governments and the Union Territories to “show cause why uniform orders” should not be passed by the Supreme Court.  Therefore, the Supreme Court indicated the possibility of the transfer of cases to itself.

Issues with the SC’s move

 According to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, public health and hospitals come under the State List as Item No. 6.  There could be related subjects coming under the Union List or Concurrent List.  Also, there may be areas of inter-State conflicts.  But as of now, the respective High Courts have been dealing with specific challenges at the regional level, the resolution of which does not warrant the top court’s interference.  In addition to the geographical reasons, the constitutional scheme of the Indian judiciary is pertinent.  In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court itself said that the High Courts are “institutions endowed with glorious judicial traditions” since they “had been in existence since the 19th century”.  Even otherwise, in a way, the power of the High Court under Article 226 is wider than the Supreme Court’s under Article 32.  This position was reiterated by the court soon after its inception in State of Orissa v. Madan Gopal Rungta (1951).  Judicial federalism has intrinsic and instrumental benefits which are essentially political.  The United States is an illustrative case.  The U.S. Supreme Court reviews “only a relative handful of cases from state courts” which ensures “a large measure of autonomy in the application of federal law” for the State courts.  The need for a uniform judicial order across India is warranted only when it is unavoidable — for example, in cases of an apparent conflict of laws or judgments on legal interpretation.  Otherwise, autonomy, not uniformity, is the rule.  Decentralisation, not centrism, is the principle.

Green hydroge: "EMPOWER IAS"

What is genocide

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Why Armenians were targeted

How the killings took place

 As the War was still waging, the Ottomans feared that Armenians in eastern Anatolia would join the Russians if they advanced into Ottoman territories.  First, Armenians in the Ottoman Army were executed.  On April 24, the Ottoman government arrested about 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders. Most of them were later executed.  The Ottoman government passed legislation to deport anyone who is a security risk.  Then they moved Armenians, including children, en masse to the Syrian Desert. That was a march of death.  Before the First World War broke out in 1914, there were 2 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.

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 According to a study by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, in 1922, four years after the War, the Armenian population in the region was about 387,800.  This has led historians to believe that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed during the course of the War.

What is Turkey’s response

Vaccine inequality "EMPOWER IAS"

Issue of diverting the vaccine stock to India:

 Epidemiologists to industry leaders are urging the Biden administration to release the reserve to countries like India and Brazil, given the assertion that the doses won’t be used in the US.  According to Brown University School of Public Health Ashish Jha, the US is “sitting on 35-40 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine Americans will never use”.  In early April, US chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said the US will likely not need the AstraZeneca shot.  The AstraZeneca vaccine has not been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA).  With documented cases of blood clots in younger women in Europe correlated with the vaccine, FDA authorisation may be further delayed.

US Response:

 Co-ordinator of the US Covid-19 taskforce that the Quad partnership and team is providing assistance across government to the country. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 16

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 He also stated that as their confidence around our supply increases, we will explore the option of exporting the vaccines.

Vaccine inequality

 According to Bloomberg’s Vaccine Tracker, highest-income countries are vaccinating at a pace 25 times faster than the lowest ones.  The US has 22.9% of the world’s vaccines but only 4.3% of the world’s population.  China has 21.9% and 18.2% respectively, and India 13.8% and 17.7%, according to the tracker.  Almost half of all vaccines have gone to 16% of the world’s population.  The Washington Post reported that the world’s poorest 92 countries may not be able to vaccinate even 60% of their population for another three years.  India has vaccinated 8% per cent of the population with one dose and 1% with two. Brazil has vaccinated less than 12% with one.

Exercise VARUNA-2021 "EMPOWER IAS" Details of the exercise:

 The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ is scheduled to be conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25th to 27th April 2021.  The exercise will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment and other maritime security operations.  Units of both navies will endeavour to enhance and hone their war-fighting skills to demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.  On completion of exercise VARUNA-21, to consolidate accrued best practices and enhance interoperability, Indian Navy’s guided-missile frigate INS Tarkash will continue to exercise with the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) from 28th April to 1st May 2021.  During this period, the ship will take part in advanced surface, anti-submarine and air- defence operations with the French CSG.

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Significance of exercise

 VARUNA-21 highlights growing bonhomie and showcases increased levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the two friendly navies.  These interactions further underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.

Objective

 The units of the two navies in the Varuna bilateral naval exercise will attempt to boost their warfighting skills in order to exhibit their ability as an integrated force to promote security, peace and stability in the maritime territory.

Main Features

 The Indian navy will be guided by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar. While, the French navy will be led by the Commander Task Force 473, Rear Admiral Marc Aussedat.  India’s guided-missile frigates INS Talwar and INS Tarkarsh, guided-missile stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, Fleet Support Ship INS Deepak, with Chetak Integral Helicopters, P81 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a Kalvari Class Submarine will be participating in the exercise.  France’s, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Dauphin and Caiman M embarked, aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale M Fighter, Aquitaine-class multi missions frigate FNS Provence with Caiman M Helicopter embarked, Horizon-class air defence destroyer Chevalier Paul, and command and supply ship war are part of this exercise.  After the finishing of the Varuna exercise, the guided-missile frigate INS Tarkash of the Indian Navy will carry on with the exercise with the Carrier Strike Group of the French Navy from April 28 to May 1, 2021, for best practices and augment interoperability.  In the course of time, the ship will also be participating in the advanced anti-submarine, surface, and air-defence operations with the French Navy.  The ‘Varuna’ joint exercise is part of the French carrier strike group’s ‘CLEMENCEAU 21’ deployment that is being conducted by French Navy from February to June 2021 in the eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf and the Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea). Its goal is to serve to the stabilization of these strategic zones and bolstering cooperation with the navies of partner countries, in particular India for the Indian Ocean component. As part of this deployment, the carrier strike group is also participating in anti-ISIS operations.

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Pandit Rajan Mishra "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 Padma Bhushan Pandit Rajan Mishra of Pandit Rajan Sajan musical group passed away.

 Rajan Mishra was a famous classical singer from ''Banaras Gharana''. o A gharana system is a system of social organisation linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherene to a particular style. o Some of the gharanas well known for singing hindustani classical music are: Agra, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kirana and Patiala.  He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the field of art in 2007.  Both Rajan and Sajan Mishra were brothers and vocalists in the ''khyal style'' of Indian classical music.  Their proclaimed works include ''Bhairav Se Bhairavi Tak'', ''Bhaktimala'', ''Durgati Nashini Durga'', ''Aarti kijai hanuman lala ki'', and more.

Khayal

 Origin of this style was attributed to Amir Khusrau.  Texts mainly include Praise of kings, Description of seasons, Pranks of Lord Krishna, Divine love & Sorrow of separation.  Major gharanas in khayal: Gwalior, Kirana, Patiala, Agra, and Bhendibazaar Gharana.

Hindustani Music

 It is one of the two distinct schools of Indian Classical Music practiced mainly in North India. The other school of Indian Classical Music is Carnatic music which is practiced mainly in Southern India.  While the historical roots of both the music types belong to the Bharata’s Natyasastra, they diverged in the 14th century.  The Hindustani music has elements of ancient Hindu tradition, Vedic philosophy and Persian tradition as well.

Major Styles of Hindustani Music

 Dhrupad  Khayal  Tarana Style  Thumri

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 Tappa

Russia planning to launch its own space station "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 Recently, Russia announced plans to launch its own space station by 2030 after departing from the International Space Station (ISS).

More on the News

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 The glacial outburst took place in Sumna, Niti Valley.  On the alleged site workers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were engaged in a roads construction.  11 dead bodies have been recovered and 384 people are rescued as per the local administration.  Heavy snowfall in the region is considered as one of the reasons for this glacier burst.  Earlier, in the month of February, a glacier burst occurred near Raini village in the same Niti Valley which destroyed the power projects on the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers.

What is Glacial burst?

 Retreating glaciers, usually result in the formation of lakes at their tips. These lakes are called proglacial lakes. These proglacial lakes are often bound by sediments, boulders, and moraines.

 If the boundaries of these lakes are breached, then flooding will take place downstream of that glacial lake. This is called a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood or GLOF.  The occurrence of GLOF will release a significant amount of water retained in a glacial lake. A large amount of water rush down to nearby streams and rivers (like the recent glacial burst that flooded the Rishiganga river). This further gathers momentum by picking up sediments, rocks, and other materials on the way.  In conclusion, GLOF will result in large scale flooding downstream.  These GLOFs have three major characteristics. They are,

1. There will be a sudden release of water and sometimes this might be cyclic in nature. 2. GLOFs are generally rapid events. They can range from a few hours to days.

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3. GLOFs result in large downstream discharges in the river. (This often depend on the amount of glacial lake size, level of the breach in the boundary of the glacial lake, etc).

What are the possible reasons behind the Glacial burst?

 Due to multiple reasons, there occurs breach of boundaries of the glacial lake. Like,  A build-up of water pressure or structural weakness of the boundary due to an increase in the flow of water.  An earthquake (Tectonic) or cryoseism (non-tectonic seismic event of the glacial cryosphere) can cause GLOF. During this, the boundary of the glacial lake will collapse suddenly and release the water of the glacial lake.  An avalanche of rock or heavy snow: During this, the water in the glacial lake might be displaced by the avalanche.  Volcanic eruptions under the ice can lead to GLOF. These volcanic eruptions might displace the boundary or increase the pressure on the glacial lake or both.  Heavy rainfall/melting of snow: This can lead to massive displacement of water in a glacial lake.  Long-term dam degradation can also cause GLOF.  Other reasons include the collapse of an adjacent glacial lake, etc.

About Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

 These are floods occurred due to an insecure natural dam formed from a glacial retreat.  After retreating, glaciers leave behind a large impression in the ground that fills with water and turns into a lake, also known as Moraines.  Moraines are enclosed with an unstable pile of debris and buried ice.  Due to climate warming or generally in summer seasons the lakes swell, moraine dam weakens which results into a GLOF.

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Some issues and Concerns

 Uttarakhand Himalayan region has hundreds of dams and many more are under construction.  The area is ecologically sensitive and young fragile Himalaya made it more prone to such incidents.  The decade’s old felling issue (tree cutting problem), which led to Chipko Andolan, is also responsible for this.  In India, there are no uniform codes for excavation, construction and grading codes, which mean there is no land use planning in the GLOF prone areas.  Glacial Lake Outburst Flood early warning system is not that much operational in Indian Himalayan region.

Urban Fires in India "EMPOWER IAS"

Current Scenario of urban fires

 It was suspected that the fire at the Virar Hospital Fire begun from the compressor unit of the AC. It took the lives of 15 patients.  The CM has announced a grant of 5 lakh to the family members of the deceased and 1 lakh for injured persons.  The current tragedy comes within a month of the Bhandup Hospital Fire in Mumbai that led to the death of nine COVID-19 patients. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 25

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Data on Urban Fire incidents

 India has witnessed many tragic fire incidents. Eg – Uphar cinema, New Delhi (1997); Kamala Mills, Mumbai (2017) and Taxila Coaching Centre, Surat (2019).  According to National Crime Records Bureau figures, 17,700 Indians died due to fire accidents in 2015.  Maharashtra and Gujarat, our two most highly urbanised states, account for about 30% of the country’s fire accident deaths.  The India Risk Surveys 2018 has placed India at 3rd position in fire incidents. This signifies the grave risks of fire incidents to urban habitats.

Causes for urban fire accidents

 Faulty Electrics: These are the biggest cause of workplace fires. Loose wires, overloaded plugs, old equipment etc. can all result in a fire accident.  Flammable and Combustible Materials: Urban premises that hold any number of materials that are flammable or combustible represent a dangerous hazard.  Human Error: When staff are not trained properly, they are at risk of making catastrophic mistakes. Accidents such as placing liquid near electrical equipment, burning food in the kitchen or spilling flammable liquids have occurred due to human error.  Lack of awareness among people: In many accidents, it was observed that firefighting equipment was installed. But there is no knowledge training for the persons to handle the equipment.

Fire Safety Management in India

 Fire service is a state subject and also has been included as a municipal function in the XII schedule of the Constitution.  Many states have established Fire & Emergency Services through a statutory Act. These acts were based on the Model Fire Service Bill circulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. o Similarly, in some states, municipal corporations and local bodies are responsible for providing fire services.  Currently, the National Building Code -2016 is the basis for fire safety norms in India.  Apart from that, India is also taking certain proactive institutional mechanisms to address fire risk. This includes, o At the Central level, the Director-General of Civil Defense, Home Guards, & Fire Services under the Ministry of Home Affairs is assisted by the Fire Adviser. He will deliberate upon the management of fire services. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 26

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o In addition, the Standing Fire Advisory Committee provides inputs for improving fire management in the country. o The National Fire Service College, Nagpur provides training and education.

Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF) "EMPOWER IAS" About Ways and Means credit

 Simply put, it is a facility for both the Centre and states to borrow from the RBI.  WMAs are temporary advances given by the RBI to the government to tide over any mismatch in receipts and payments.  Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934 authorises the central bank to lend to the Centre and state governments subject to their being repayable “not later than three months from the date of the making of the advance”.

Extension of the scheme

 The RBI decided to continue with the existing interim Ways and Means Advances (WMA) scheme limit of ₹51,560 crore for all States/ UTs shall for six months given the prevalence of COVID-19.  Based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on WMA to State Governments, 2021 — chaired by Sudhir Shrivastava — the RBI had revised the WMA Scheme of States and Union Territories (UTs).  The WMA limit arrived at by the Committee based on total expenditure of States/ UTs, works out to ₹47,010 crore.

What RBI said about SDR

 The RBI further said Special Drawing Facility (SDF) availed by state governments and UTs will continue to be linked to the quantum of their investments in marketable securities issued by the Government of India.  The net annual incremental investments in Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF) and Guarantee Redemption Fund (GRF) will continue to be eligible for availing of SDF, without any upper limit.  CSF and GRF are reserve funds maintained by some State Governments with the Reserve Bank of India.

Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF)

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 CSF was set up in 1999-2000 by the RBI to meet redemption of market loans of the States.  Initially, 11 States — Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttaranchal and West Bengal — set up sinking funds.  Later, the 12th Finance Commission (2005-10) recommended that all States should have sinking funds for amortisation of all loans, including loans from banks, liabilities on account of NSSF National Small Saving Fund), etc.  The fund should be maintained outside the consolidated fund of the States and the public account.  It should not be used for any other purpose, except for redemption of loans.  As per the scheme, State governments could contribute 1-3% of the outstanding market loans each year to the Fund.  The Fund is administered by the Central Accounts Section of RBI Nagpur.

BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING A SINKING FUND

 Lower Default Risk  Creditworthiness- Lower interest rates on the bonds  Financial Impact  SIMILARLY STATE GOVERNMENTS BORROW TO MEET ITS FISCAL DEFICIT

Salient features and Benefits of CSF

1. Lower default risk: Since there will be reserves put aside to take care of the securities at development, there’s less probability of default on target owed at development. As such, the sum owed at development is significantly less if CSF is built up. 2. Lower interest rates on the bonds, that is, creditworthiness: Since CSF includes a component of security and brings down default hazard, the financing costs on the bonds are typically lower. 3. Help state governments to meet their fiscal deficit: State Governments which are strong fiscally can take initiative to get rated under government performance from approved rating agencies which may help them to get better rates in auctions of their bonds. 4. Improve financial impact: Maintaining CSF gives States and investors comfort that State Development Loans payments will be made under all circumstances.

HISTORY

 CSF was set up in 1999-2000 by the RBI to meet redemption of market loans of the States. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 28

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 Initially, 11 States — Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttaranchal and West Bengal — set up sinking funds.  Later, the 12th Finance Commission (2005-10) recommended that all States should have sinking funds.  The fund should be maintained outside the consolidated fund of the States and the public account.  Also it should not be used for any other purpose, except for redemption of loans.  As per the scheme,  State governments could contribute 1-3% of the outstanding market loans each year to the Fund.  The CSF has accumulated reserves worth

 Rs 1.3 lakh crore for 23 states as on 31-03-2020.

Type 1 interferons "EMPOWER IAS"

About the drug:

 It is used in treating people with chronic hepatitis B and C.  The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use approval for pharma major Zydus Cadila’s antiviral drug ‘Virafin’, to treat moderate COVID-19 disease in adults.  When administered early on during COVID, Virafin will help patients recover faster and avoid much of the complications.  It significantly reduces viral load when given early on and can help in better disease management.

Findings of the clinical trials

 A single dose subcutaneous regimen of the antiviral Virafin [a pegylated interferon alpha-2b (PegIFN)] will make the treatment more convenient for the patients.  When administered early on during COVID, Virafin will help patients recover faster and avoid much of the complications.  In the phase-3 trials, the drug was able to achieve “better clinical improvement in the patients suffering from COVID-19”.

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 A “higher proportion (91.15%) of patients administered the drug were RT-PCR negative by day seven as it ensures faster viral clearance”.  The drug reduced the duration for supplemental oxygen to 56 hours from 84 hours in moderate COVID-19 patients.  How the drug works  Type I interferons are the body’s first line of defence against many viral infections.  In old people, the ability to produce interferon alpha in response to viral infections gets reduced, which might be the reason for higher mortality.  The drug when administered early during the disease can replace this deficiency and help in the recovery process.

Interferons

 They are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cellsin response to the presence of several viruses.  In a typical scenario, a virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses.  IFNs belong to the large class of proteins known as cytokines, molecules used for communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that help eradicate pathogens.  They are typically divided among three classes: Type I IFN, Type II IFN, and Type III IFN.  IFNs belonging to all three classes are important for fighting viral infections and for the regulation of the immune system.

National Panchayati Raj Day "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 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.

 Prime Minister will dedicate the Scheme of SVAMITVA to the entire nation on 24th April 2021.

“Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas’ (SVAMITVA)

 A Central Sector Scheme, “Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas’ (SVAMITVA) was launched by the Prime Minister on 24th April 2020. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 30

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 The pilot phase of the Scheme was implemented during 2020–2021 in States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh and few border villages of Punjab & Rajasthan.  Ministry: SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.  Objective: The scheme aims to provide the ‘record of rights’ to village household owners in rural abadi areas and issuance of Property cards.  Duration: The Scheme has been approved for implementation at an outlay of Rs 566.23 cr across the country in phased manner over a period of five years (2020-2025) and would eventually cover approx. 6.62 lakh villages of the entire country.

Significance:

 The Scheme has the potential to transform rural India.  It will pave the way for using property as a financial asset by villagers for taking loans and other financial benefits, as in the case in towns and cities.

Evolution of Panchayati Raj System

 , during the Ancient period, the Cholas pioneered the formation of local bodies to oversee the implementation of State plans.  during the British period, in 1884, the Madras Local Boards Act was passed. After that, unions in both small towns and big cities were formed to ensure better administration.  gram panchayat laws were enacted in 1920. It allowed people over 25 years of age the right to vote and choose their panchayat members.  Gandhiji was one of the pioneers to emphasise the importance of local bodies. He stressed the importance of autonomously ruled villages. o He quoted that, “The voice of the people is the voice of god; The voice of the Panchayat is the voice of the people,”  only in 1992, after the 73rd and 74th Amendments, local bodies were given constitutional recognition. This provided many positive changes such as, o . Powers to grama Sabha, . Reservation for the downtrodden and women, . Consistency in economic development, . Mandatory local body elections once in five years, . Formation of the State Election Commission, Finance Commission,  However, the Panchayati raj is not being given due importance by the state administration which is affecting the participation of the people in governance. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 31

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About:

  Background: The first National Panchayati Raj Day was celebrated in 2010. Since then, the National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated on 24th April every year in India.

Awards Presented on the Day:

 The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been awarding the best performing Panchayats/States/UTs across the country in recognition of their good work.  Awards are given under various categories namely,

1. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar, 2. Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar, 3. Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award, 4. Gram Panchayat Development Plan Award and 5. e-Panchayat Puraskar (given to States/UTs only).

 For the first time, the Prime Minister will transfer the award money (as Grants-in-Aid) directly to the bank account of the Panchayats concerned in real time.

Panchayati Raj:

o After the Constitution came into force, Article 40 made a mention of panchayats and Article 246 empowered the state legislature to legislate with respect to any subject relating to local self-government. o Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 to build democracy at the grass roots level and was entrusted with the task of rural development in the country. o PRI is a system of rural local self-government in India. . Local Self Government is the management of local affairs by such local bodies who have been elected by the local people. o To strengthen e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched eGramSwaraj, a user friendly web-based portal. . It unifies the planning, accounting and monitoring functions of Gram Panchayats. It’s combination with the Area Profiler application, Local Government Directory (LGD) and the Public Financial Management

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System (PFMS) renders easier reporting and tracking of Gram Panchayat’s activities.

India-US relations "EMPOWER IAS" About USCIRF

 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent bi- partisan commission.  USCIRF recommendations are non-binding.  The Trump administration had rejected the USCIRF recommendation to designate India a CPC last year.

What are the key concerns of the report

 The key concerns of the 2021 report include the Citizenship Amendment Act.  On the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the report says, “The consequences of exclusion – as exemplified by a large detention camp being built in Assam – are potentially devastating…”  Efforts to prohibit interfaith marriage – such as those in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh – are also highlighted as a concern.  In an apparent reference to the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz in March 2020, the USCIRF says that at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, disinformation and hateful rhetoric often targeted religious minorities.

Recommendations of the report to the US Congress

 The USCISRF recommended that the administration impose targeted sanctions on Indian individuals and entities for ‘severe violations of religious freedom’.  A second recommendation was for the administration to promote inter-faith dialogue and the rights of all communities at bilateral and multilateral forums “such as the ministerial of the Quad].  Another recommendation – to the U.S. Congress – was to raise issues in the U.S. – India bilateral space, such as by hosting hearings, writing letters and constituting Congressional delegations.

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Article 311 "EMPOWER IAS"

Why the task force

 The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up a Special Task Force (STF) to initiate action against government employees suspected of activities against security of the State.  The order has been passed under provisions of Article 311(2) (C) of the Constitution.  The STF would be headed by the J&K Additional Director General of Police, CID, and include Inspectors General of Police, Kashmir and Jammu, a representative of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and a representative of the department the employee belongs to.

What are the provisions under Article 311 (2) C

 Article 311(2) says no government employee shall be dismissed or removed or “reduced in rank” except after an inquiry.  However, its sub-section C says this clause will not apply “where the President or the Governor, as the case may be, is satisfied that in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold such inquiry”.

Vulnerability Index "EMPOWER IAS"

Why in News

 The Department of Science and Technology has released a report titled ‘The Report Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Adaptation Planning in India Using a Common Framework’.

About the Report:

 It identifies the most vulnerable states and districts in India with respect to current climate risk and key drivers of vulnerability.  It aids in prioritizing adaptation investment, developing and implementing adaptation programs.

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 The assessment is unique as it uses a common framework across the states & union territory to make them comparable thereby empowering the decision-making capabilities at the policy and administrative levels.  Some key indicators for the assessment include percentage of population living below the poverty line; income share from natural resources; the proportion of marginal and small landholdings, women’s participation in the workforce; density of healthcare workers etc.  It is part of the capacity building programme under the two missions of National Action Plan on Climate Change (total 8 missions).  National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)  National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC).

Major findings

 Along with Chhattisgarh in central India, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal are the eight most vulnerable States.  These eight most vulnerable States require prioritisation of adaptation interventions.  Jharkhand, with the highest vulnerability indices VI of 0.674, topped the list of States most vulnerable to climate change.  The major drivers for the vulnerability of all the States included lack of forest area per 1,000 rural population, lack of crop insurance, marginal and small operational land holding, low density of health workers, low participation of women in the workforce, yield variability of food grains, and a high proportion of the population below the poverty line.  Tamil Nadu and Kerala are among seven States that are the least vulnerable but there’s more to it meets the eye.  However, the vulnerability indices (VIs) for these seven States range from the lowest of 0.419 for Maharashtra to 0.468 for Uttarakhand, which is on the higher side.

Significance of the Findings:

 The assessments can be used for India’s reporting on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.  NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.  These assessments will help support India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.  It will contribute to the development of more targeted climate change projects and will support the implementation of the State Action Plans on Climate Change.  It will help in developing adaptation projects for the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund and funds from multilateral and bilateral agencies. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 35

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 It will also benefit climate-vulnerable communities across India through development of better-designed climate change adaptation projects.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods "EMPOWER IAS" Melting of glaciers in Himalaya and GLOFs

 The Himalayan region is home to the largest ice mass outside of the planet’s Polar Regions.  The glaciers in the Himalayas are melting at a faster rate creating new lakes and expanding the existing ones.  The rising temperatures and extreme precipitation events make the region increasingly prone to a variety of natural hazards, including devastating glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).  GLOFs occur when either a natural dam containing a glacial lake bursts or when the lake’s level suddenly increases and overflows its banks, leading to catastrophic downstream destruction.  However, the remote, challenging Himalayan terrain and the overall lack of cellular connectivity throughout the region have made the development of early flood warning systems virtually impossible.  In their recent work the Scientists point out that the surge of meltwater in mountain streams is most commonly caused by cloud-burst events during the monsoon season (June–July–August) time frame.

Satelitte-based real-time monitoring

 Satellite-based real-time monitoring of Himalayan glacial catchments would improve understanding of flood risk in the region and help inform an early flood warning system that could help curb disaster and save human lives, says a recent study.  This should be the future strategy to reduce loss of human lives during glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), said a study carried out by scientists from IIT Kanpur.  The IIT Kanpur team suggests that efforts to help mitigate GLOF events in the future should include the creation of a network of satellite-based monitoring stations that could provide in situ and real-time data on GLOF risk.  The integration of monitoring devices with satellite networks will not only provide telemetry support in remote locations that lack complete cellular connectivity but will also provide greater connectivity in coverage in the cellular dead zones in extreme topographies such as valleys, cliffs, and steep slopes.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): Meaning:

 A GLOF refers to the flooding that occurs when the water dammed by a glacier or a moraine (accumulations of dirt and rocks fallen onto the glacier surface) is released suddenly.  When glaciers melt, the water in glacial lakes accumulates behind loose, natural “glacial/moraine dams” made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.  Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam leads to the abrupt breach of the dam on top of the glacial lake which could cause flash floods in the downstream areas.

Causes:

 According to NDMA, glacial retreat due to climate change occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya has given rise to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes, which are the major cause of GLOFs.

Glacial Lakes:

About:

 Glacial lakes are typically formed at the foot of a glacier.  As glaciers move and flow, they erode the soil and sediment around them, leaving depressions and grooves on the land. Meltwater from the glacier fills up the hole, making a lake.

Types:

 Lakes form when meltwater ponds, and this can happen on the ice surface (supraglacial lakes), in front of the ice (proglacial lakes), or even underneath the ice (subglacial lakes).

Impact:

 Glacier lakes can affect ice flow by reducing friction at the ice-bed interface, encouraging basal sliding.  They can change the albedo of the ice surface, encouraging more surface melt.  Proglacial lakes cause calving, which affects mass balance and can decouple mountain glaciers from climate. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 37

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 Glacier lakes can be hazardous; moraine and ice dams can fail, causing catastrophic glacier lake outburst floods or jokulhlaups.

Increase in Number of Glacial Lakes:

 According to recent studies, there has been a rapid increase in the number of glacial lakes due to a retreat in the glaciers caused by warming temperatures (due to global warming), and their potential to cause large scale flooding and destruction.  The Kedarnath tragedy in 2013, for example, had involved a breach in a large glacial lake.  According to a study sponsored by the Central Water Commission (CWC), conducted during 2011-15, there are 352, 283 and 1,393 glacial lakes and water bodies in the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins respectly.

What are Glaciers?

 Glaciers are made up of fallen snow. It compresses into large, thickened ice masses over a period of time. They are formed when snow remains in one location long enough to transform into ice.  Where are Glaciers found? Glaciers are found on every continent except Australia. Some are hundreds of thousands of years old. A large cluster of glaciers are in the Himalayas, which are part of India’s long northern border.

PMO and Cabinet Secretariat "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The Parliamentary form of government of India is provided with a Cabinet as the real executive authority, responsible for the central administration. The Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister and assisted by the Cabinet Secretariat. The Cabinet Secretariat replaced the Secretariat of the Governor-General’s Executive Council in 1947.

Structure: The Cabinet Secretariat has 3 wings:

 Civil wing: It is the main wing providing assistance to the Cabinet.

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 Military wing: It provides assistance to the Defence Committee, Military Affairs Committee and other committees which deals with defence matters.  Intelligence wing: It deals with the matters related to the Joint intelligence Committee of the Cabinet.

Functions:

 Preparation of agendas for the Cabinet meetings.  Keeping record of discussions and decisions of the Cabinet and its committees and communicating them to all the ministers concerned.  Preparation and finalising the rules of business of the government and alloting it among ministries with the President’s approval.  Keeping the track of implementation of Cabinet decisions by ministries and other agencies.  Manages the appointments and resignations of ministers, allotment of portfolios to the ministries, organisation and re-organisation of ministries.

Who is Cabinet Secretary?

 The Cabinet Secretary is the top-most executive official and senior-most civil servant of the Government of India.  She/he is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board, the Cabinet Secretariat, the IAS, and all civil services under the rules of business of the government.  She/he is the senior-most cadre post of the Indian Administrative Service,[6] ranking eleventh on the Indian order of precedence.  She/he is under the direct charge of the PM and is appointed for a fixed tenure of two years.  The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Transaction of Business and the Allocation of Business Rules 1961.

Functions

 She/he facilitates smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government.  This Secretariat provides:

1. Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its Committees 2. Assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination , 3. Ironing out differences amongst Ministries/ Departments

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4. Evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/ adhoc Committees of Secretaries.

Powers & Functions of the Cabinet Secretary:

 Functions as a chief coordinator of the central administration but without any supervisory authority over ministries.  Acts as the chairman of the Senior Selection Board for selection of the officers for the post of Joint Secretary of the Central Secretariat.  He is the presiding officer of the conference of Chief Secretaries (held annually).  Chief Advisor of the Prime Minister on all the aspects related to administration and policies.  He is also an advisor and conscience-keeper to all the civil servants.  He is the link between the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) and other administrative agencies.

Reforming health insurance and pension schemes "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 Covid reminds us that a modern state is a welfare state — governments worldwide launched 1,600 plus new social protection programmes in 2020.  Sustainable social security lies in raising India’s 138th ranking in country per-capita GDP.  There is the case for to our biggest health insurance and pension schemes:  The Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) and Employee Provident Fund (EPF).  Both have failed their clients since birthing and in COVID.

Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)

 ESIS is India’s richest and biggest health insurance scheme with 13 crore people covered and Rs 80,000 crore in cash.  Employers with more than 10 employees make a mandatory 4 per cent payroll deduction for employees earning up to Rs 21,000 per month.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

 EPF is India’s biggest pension scheme with a Rs 12 lakh crore corpus and 6.5 crore contributors. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 40

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 Employers with more than 20 employees make mandatory 24 per cent payroll deductions for employees earning up to Rs 15,000 per month.  It only covers 10 per cent of India’s labour force and 60 percent of accounts and 50 per cent of registered employers are inactive.

Concerns:

The problems of EPF and ESIS are

1. poor coverage, high costs, unsatisfied customers, 2. metrics confused with goals, jail provisions, 3. excessive corruption, low expertise, rude and unaccountable staff with no fear of falling or hope of rising, and 4. no competition.

 ESIC’s unspent reserves are larger than the Central government’s healthcare budgetary allocation. Its annual profits of Rs 10,000 crore persist.  Despite covering roughly 10 per cent of India’s population, a recent working paper from Dvara Research suggests high dissatisfaction.  EPF offers poor service and pathetic technology despite employer-funded administrative costs that make it the world’s most expensive government securities mutual fund.  Low EPF interest rate: At 8.5%, the EPF interest rate is at a seven-year low. The All India Trade Union Congress, which is a part of the Board, was opposed to reduction in interest on PF.Small savings rates range from 4.0-7.6%.  Falling ETF returns: The EPFO invests 85% of its annual accruals in the debt market and 15% in equities through ETFs.

Banning cryptocurrency "EMPOWER IAS"

What are Cryptocurrencies?

 A cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange wherein individual coin ownership records are stored in a ledger existing in a form of a computerized database.  It uses strong cryptography to secure transaction records, to control the creation of additional coins, and to verify the transfer of coin ownership.  It typically does not exist in physical form (like paper money) and is typically not issued by a central authority.

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 Cryptocurrencies typically use decentralized control as opposed to centralized digital currency and central banking systems.

Law to ban private cryptocurrencies

 The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 aims to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies.  It lays the regulatory framework for the launch of an “official digital currency” was set to be introduced in Parliament during the Budget session, but was not taken up.  A high-powered inter-ministerial committee has also previously recommended the banning of all private cryptocurrencies.  In April 2018, the RBI banned banks and other regulated entities from supporting crypto transactions after digital currencies were used for frauds.  In March 2020, the Supreme Court struck down the RBI’s ban on crypto, terming its circular unconstitutional.  One of the SC’s reasons for overturning the ban is that cryptocurrencies are unregulated but not illegal in India.

Central bank-issued digital currency

 The RBI had said central banks are not only exploring DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) for its application in improving financial market infrastructure but also considering it as a potential technological solution in implementing central bank digital currency (CBDC).  DLT and blockchain have been explored extensively by the People’s Bank of China as a possible technology for launching CBDC.  Apart from CBDC, PBoC is supporting research on using blockchain for trade finance, especially after the support from the President of China for the blockchain technology, as an important breakthrough for innovations.

Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 Definition of cryptocurrencies:

 The 2019 Bill defined cryptocurrency as any information, code, number or token, generated through cryptographic means or otherwise, which has a digital representation of value and has utility in business activity, or acts as a store of value or a unit of account.

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Ban:

 The 2019 Bill bans the use of cryptocurrency as legal tender or currency.  It also prohibits mining, buying, holding, selling, dealing in, issuance, disposal or use of cryptocurrency.  Mining is an activity aimed at creating a cryptocurrency and/or validating cryptocurrency transactions between a buyer and a seller.

In particular, the use of cryptocurrency was prohibited for:

1. use as a medium of exchange, store of value or unit of account, 2. use as a payment system, 3. providing services such as registering, trading, selling or clearing of cryptocurrency to individuals, 4. trading it with other currencies, 5. issuing financial products related to it, 6. using it as a basis of credit, 7. issuing it as a means of raising funds, and 8. issuing it as a means for investment.

Why the govt wants to ban cryptocurrencies?

 Sovereign guarantee:Cryptocurrencies pose risks to consumers. They do not have any sovereign guarantee and hence are not legal tender.  Market volatility: Their speculative nature also makes them highly volatile. For instance, the value of Bitcoin fell from USD 20,000 in December 2017 to USD 3,800 in November 2018.  Risk in security: A user loses access to their cryptocurrency if they lose their private key (unlike traditional digital banking accounts, this password cannot be reset).  Malware threats:In some cases, these private keys are stored by technical service providers (cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets), which are prone to malware or hacking.  Money laundering: Cryptocurrencies are more vulnerable to criminal activity and money laundering. They provide greater anonymity than other payment methods since the public keys engaging in a transaction cannot be directly linked to an individual.  Regulatory bypass: A central bank cannot regulate the supply of cryptocurrencies in the economy. This could pose a risk to the financial stability of the country if their use becomes widespread.

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 Power consumption: Since validating transactions is energy-intensive, it may have adverse consequences for the country’s energy security (the total electricity use of bitcoin mining, in 2018, was equivalent to that of mid-sized economies such as Switzerland).

Currency watchlist "EMPOWER IAS" Why was India put on the currency watchlist by the US

 The U.S. Treasury Department had recently retained India in a watchlist for currency manipulators submitted to the U.S. Congress.  It cited higher dollar purchases (close to 5% of the gross domestic product) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).  Another trigger for the inclusion in the currency watchlist is a trade surplus of $20 billion or more.

What is India’s position

 India had a steady holding pattern of forex reserves ‘with ups and downs’ based on market-based transactions that central banks may undertake.  The central bank’s activity in the foreign exchange market has been perfectly balanced and completely legitimate within the accepted monetary policy mandate of central banks across the world.  It is a mandate of the central bank to provide stability in the currency as a result of which central banks buy and sell foreign currency.  Our overall reserves have been fairly steady at $500 bn to $600 bn.  We are not accumulating reserves like China.

India again placed at 142nd rank in press freedom "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 The 2021 World Press Freedom Indexhas again placed India at 142nd rank out of 180 countries.  It is produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a French NGO, In 2016, India’s rank was 133 which has steadily climbed down to 142 in 2020.

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Key points:

 India is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists trying to do their job properly.  They are exposed to every kind of attack, including police violence against reporters, ambushes by political activists, and reprisals instigated by criminal groups or corrupt local officials.  Indicators: The openness of the government to be criticised and questioned with respect to subjects like economy, international affairs and defence deals like Rafale are indicators of press freedom.  Internet ban: It questioned the extended Internet ban in Jammu and Kashmir from August 5, 2019 which went on to nearly a year.

Significance:

 On the directions of the Cabinet Secretary, an Index Monitoring Cell was set up in 18 Ministries to find ways to improve the position on 32 international indices.  Information and Broadcasting Ministry was delegated to look at the freedom of press index.

India’s response:

 Many incidents reported as attacks on journalists are often a consequence of the law and order situation in some areas of India.  This is often misrepresented as targeted attacks on journalists by the State in western media.

World Press Freedom Index

 It has been published every year since 2002 by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders.  Based in Paris, RSF is an independent NGO with consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).  OIF is a 54 french speaking nations collective.  The Index ranks 180 countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists.  The parameters include pluralism, media independence, media environment and self- censorship, legislative framework, transparency, and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 45

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Covaxin phase 3 trial shows vaccine has 78 "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 Bharat Biotech announced results from an interim analysis of its phase 3 clinical trial.

Key points

 The efficacy against severe COVID-19 disease was 100%, but that against protecting from asymptomatic COVID-19 infection was 70%.  The analysis was on a data set of 127 Covid positive volunteers.  COVAXIN has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in usage under emergency use.  The efficacy data against severe COVID-19 and asymptomatic infections is highly significant, as this helps reduce hospitalizations and disease transmission, respectively.

Covaxin

 Covaxin is a fully indigenous product with the viral strain isolated at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology.  It is developed by Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology, Pune.  Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine.  An inactivated vaccine is one which is developed by inactivating (killing) the live microorganisms that cause the disease.  This destroys the pathogen’s ability to replicate, but keeps it intact so that the immune system can still recognise it and produce an immune response.  There are many inactivated vaccines against Hepatitis A, Influenza, Polio, Rabies, which offer “excellent protection”.  It also aims to develop an immune response to the nucleocapsid protein (the shell of the virus that encloses its genetic material).

Significance:

 COVAXIN is more likely to work against newer variants like N501Y Variant (UK variant) & any other that may arise due to antigenic drift as it contains immunogens (epitopes) from other genes in addition to those from Spike protein.  Immunogen and Antigen Immunogen is a stimulus that produces a humoral or cell- mediated immune response, whereas antigens are any substance that binds specifically to an antibody or a T-cell receptor. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 46

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Article 217 of Indian Constitution "EMPOWER IAS"

Why the timeline:

 The Supreme Court laid down a timeline for the Centre to clear names recommended by the High Court Collegiums.  The Bench noted that there are almost 40% vacancies in the High Courts, with many of the larger High Courts working under 50% of their sanctioned strength.  Against the sanctioned strength of 1,080 High Court Judges, 664 have been appointed but 416 vacancies remain.  The Bench rejected the contention that laying down a timeline “would be contrary to” certain “observations made in the Third Judges case”, saying the “observations” referred to “deal with the judicial review of a particular appointment and not such aspects of the appointment process like delay”.

The timeline

 The Intelligence Bureau (IB) should submit its report/ inputs within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of recommendation of the High Court Collegium, to the Central Government.  It would be desirable that the Central Government forward the file(s)/ recommendations to the Supreme Court within 8 to 12 weeks from the date of receipt of views from the State Government and the report/ input from the IB.  It would be for the Government to thereafter proceed to make the appointment immediately on the aforesaid consideration and undoubtedly, if Government has any reservations on suitability or in public interest, within the same period of time it may be sent back to the Supreme Court Collegium with the specific reasons for reservation recorded.  If the Supreme Court Collegium, after consideration of the aforesaid inputs, still reiterates the recommendation(s) unanimously…, such appointment should be processed and appointment should be made within 3 to 4 weeks.

Article 217 (1)

 Every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and, in the case of appointment of a Judge other than the chief Justice, the chief Justice of the High court.

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 Every Judge of a High Court shall hold office, in the case of an additional or acting Judge, as provided in Article 224, and in any other case, until he attains the age of sixty two years Provided that o a Judge may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office; o a Judge may be removed from his office by the President in the manner provided in clause ( 4 ) of Article 124 for the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court; o the office of a Judge shall be vacated by his being appointed by the President to be a Judge of the Supreme Court or by his being transferred by the President to any other High Court within the territory of India.

World Press Freedom Index "EMPOWER IAS" In news;

 India retains 142 of 180 spot in World Press Freedom index

About the World Press Freedom Index:

 o The Index ranks countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists. However it is not an indicator on the quality of journalism. o The parameters include pluralism, media independence, media environment and self-censorship, legislative framework, transparency, and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information.

Where India stands on freedom of press

 India is ranked at 142 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index 2021.  India at142th position is same as last year, after it had consistently slid down from 133 in 2016.

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 In the South Asian neighbourhood, Nepal is at 106, Sri Lanka at 127, Myanmar (before the coup) at 140, Pakistan at 145 and Bangladesh at 152.  The index is published by the international journalism not-for profit body, Reporters Without Borders (RSF).  China is ranked 177, and is only above North Korea at 179 and Turkmenistan at 178.

What the report said about India?

 The report released on Tuesday stated that India shares the “bad” classification with Brazil, Mexico and Russia.  RSF has highlighted that the “campaigns are particularly violent when the targets are women”.  Further, it said that criminal prosecutions are meanwhile “often used to gag journalists critical of the authorities” with sections for sedition also used.  Speaking about the larger Asia-Pacific region, the report mentioned that “instead of drafting new repressive laws in order to impose censorship, several of the region’s countries have contented themselves with strictly applying existing legislation that was already very draconian – laws on ‘sedition,’ ‘state secrets’ and ‘national security’.”  The report has also highlighted throttling of freedom of expression on social media, and specifically mentioned that in India the “arbitrary nature of Twitter’s algorithms also resulted in brutal censorship”

Article 224A "EMPOWER IAS" Appointment of retired judges under Article 224A:

 The Supreme Court cleared the way for appointment of retired judges as ad-hoc judges in High Courts under Article 224A of the Constitution.  The court ruled that the Chief Justice of a High Court may initiate the process of recommending a name if the number of judges’ vacancies is more than 20 per cent of the sanctioned strength.  The court said the appointments can follow the procedure laid down in the Memorandum of Procedure for appointment of judges.  The move will help to deal with mounting backlog of cases.  Since the nominees have been judges before, the need to refer the matter to the IB or other agencies would not arise, shortening the time period.

About Article 224A

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 It allows the Chief Justice of a High Court to allow a retired judge of any High Court to sit and act as the judge of the High Court for that State.  Previous consent of the President is necessary.  The acting retired judge would be entitled to such allowances as the President may by order determine and have all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges of, but shall not otherwise be deemed to be, a Judge of that High Court.  This Article was not part of the Constitution of India, 1950. It was inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 1963.

Appointment of ad-hoc Judges:

The Chief Justice of a High Court may initiate the process of recommending an ad-hodge judge if:

1. The number of judges’ vacancies is more than 20% of the sanctioned strength 2. Cases in a particular category are pending for over five years. 3. More than 10% of pending cases are over five years old or 4. The percentage of the rate of disposal is lower than the institution of the cases either in a particular subject matter or generally in the court.

Appointment Procedure:

 The appointments can follow the procedure laid down in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for the appointment of judges.  Since the nominees have been judges before, the need to refer the matter to the IB or other agencies would not arise, shortening the time period.  The Court observed that a period of three months would be sufficient to complete the appointment process.

Role of Ad-hoc Judges:

 Since the objective was to clear the backlog, the ad-hoc judges can be assigned more than five-year-old cases. This would also not affect the High Court Chief Justice’s discretion to allot any other cases.  A division bench only of ad-hoc judges can also be constituted to hear old cases.  Further, the SC barred ad-hoc appointees from performing any other legal work – advisory, arbitration, or appearing in court for clients.  SC also stated that ad-hoc appointments cannot be a substitute for regular vacancies. Thus, article 224A can only be used when recommendations for at least 20% of regular vacancies have been made. And now their appointments are awaited. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 50

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Agri exports "EMPOWER IAS" Agri Export Policy

 Keeping in mind the significant Indian agriculture holds, Government of India introduced Agri Export Policy in 2018.

Objectives:

 Double Exports: To double agricultural exports from the present $30 billion to $60 billion by 2022 and reach $100 billion in the next few years thereafter, with a stable trade policy regime.  Diversification: To diversify the export basket, and boost high value and value-added agricultural exports including focus on perishables.  Non-Traditional Agri Products Promotion: To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.  Market Access: To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phytosanitary issues.  Global Integration: To strive to double India’s share in world agri-exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.  Benefit Farmers: Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in the overseas market.

Consistent trade surplus in agricultural products

 India has consistently maintained trade surplus in the agricultural products over the years.  The export of Agri and allied commodities during Apr, 2020 – Feb,2021 were Rs. 2.74 lakh Crore as compared to Rs. 2.31 Crore in the same period last year indicating an increase of 18.49%.  The imports of Agri and allied commodities during April, 2020 – Feb, 2021 were Rs. 1.41lakh Crore as compared to Rs. 1.37 lakh Crore in the same period last year witnessing a slight increase of 2.93%.

Commodities that posted positive growth

 India has witnessed tremendous growth of 727 % for Wheat export.  On specific demand from countries, NAFED has exported 50,000 MT wheat to Afghanistan and 40,000 MT wheat to Lebanon under G2G arrangement.  Country has witnessed significant growth of 132% in export of (Non-Basmati) Rice.

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 Export of Non-Basmati Rice has gone up from Rs 13,030 crores in 2019-20 to Rs 30,277 crores in 2020-21.  This increase in exports is on account of multiple factors, mainly being India capturing new markets namely, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Chile, and Puerto Rico.  Exports were also made to Togo, Senegal, Malaysia, Madagascar, Iraq, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Vietnam, Tanzania Rep and Madagascar.  India also enhanced export of Soya meals by 132%. Soya meal has gone up from Rs 3087 crores in 2019-20 to Rs 7224 crores in 2020-21.

ESIS and EPF "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The article highlights the issues in the Employee State Insurance Scheme and Employee Provident Fund and suggests possible solution to their problems.

The idea of welfare state

 Covid reminds us that a modern state is a welfare state as governments worldwide launched 1,600 plus new social protection programmes in 2020.  Sustainable social security lies in raising India’s 138th ranking in country per-capita GDP.  However, on the social security schemes, there is a case for three reforms to our biggest health insurance and pension schemes:  These schemes are the Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) and Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

Issues with ESIS

 The Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) is India’s richest and biggest health insurance scheme with 13 crore people covered and Rs 80,000 crore in cash.  Employers with more than 10 employees make a mandatory 4 per cent payroll deduction for employees earning up to Rs 21,000 per month.  Despite covering roughly 10 per cent of India’s population, a recent working paper from Dvara Research suggests high dissatisfaction.  The constraint is hardly resources: ESIC’s unspent reserves are larger than the Central government’s healthcare budgetary allocation.

About the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme: 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 52

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 The Employee Provident Fund is open for employees of both the Public and Private Sectors. Additionally, any organisation that employs at least 20 individuals is mandatorily liable to extend benefits of EPF to its employees.  Both employer and employee contribute 12% of an employee's monthly salary (basic wages plus dearness allowance) to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme.  Of the employer's share of 12%, 8.33% is diverted towards the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS).  EPF scheme is mandatory for employees who draw a basic wage of Rs. 15,000 per month.  The EPF interest rate is declared every year by the EPFO.  EPFO implements the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.  The EPF Act, 1952 provides for the institution of provident funds for employees in factories and other establishments.  This savings scheme offers tax exemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Issues with EPF

 EPF is India’s biggest pension scheme with a Rs 12 lakh crore corpus and 6.5 crore contributors.  Employers with more than 20 employees make mandatory 24 per cent payroll deductions for employees earning up to Rs 15,000 per month.  It only covers 10 per cent of India’s labour force and 60 per cent of accounts and 50 per cent of registered employers are inactive.  EPF offers poor service and pathetic technology despite employer-funded administrative costs that make it the world’s most expensive government securities mutual fund.

Green hydroge "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 Green hydrogen could help significantly in India’s transition to low carbon future. However, there are several challenges in ramping up its manufacturing. The article suggests measures to deal with these challenges.

Increasing the production of green hydrogen

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 India will soon join 15 other countries in the hydrogen club as it prepares to launch the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM).  India will soon join 15 other countries in the hydrogen club as it prepares to launch the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM).  In 2030, according to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), green hydrogen demand could be up to 1 million tonnes in India across application in sectors such as ammonia, steel, methanol, transport and energy storage.

Dealing with challenges Several challenges in scaling up to commercial-scale operations persist. Following are five recommendations. 1) Decentralise green hydrogen production

 Decentralised hydrogen production must be promoted through open access of renewable power to an electrolyser (which splits water to form H2 and O2 using electricity).  Currently, most renewable energy resources that can produce low-cost electricity are situated far from potential demand centres.  Producing oxygen at such locations and then shipped, it would significantly erode the economics of it.  A more viable option would be wheeling electricity directly from the solar plant.  However, the electricity tariffs could double when supplying open-access power across State boundaries.  Therefore, operationalising open access in letter and spirit, as envisioned in the Electricity Act, 2003, must be an early focus.

2) Ensure access to round-the-clock renewable power

 To minimise intermittency associated with renewable energy, for a given level of hydrogen production capacity, a green hydrogen facility will store hydrogen to ensure continuous hydrogen supply.  Therefore, as we scale up to the target of having 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030, aligning hydrogen production needs with broader electricity demand in the economy would be critical.

3) Blending green hydrogen in industrial sector

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 We must take steps to blend green hydrogen in existing processes, especially the industrial sector.  Improving the reliability of hydrogen supply by augmenting green hydrogen with conventionally produced hydrogen will significantly improve the economics of the fuel.  This will also help build a technical understanding of the processes involved in handling hydrogen on a large scale.

4) Facilitate investment

 Policymakers must facilitate investments in early-stage piloting and the research and development needed to advance the technology for use in India.  The growing interest in hydrogen is triggered by the anticipated steep decline in electrolyser costs.  Public funding will have to lead the way, but the private sector, too, has significant gains to be made by securing its energy future.

5) Focus on domestic manufacturing

 India must learn from the experience of the National Solar Mission and focus on domestic manufacturing.  Establishing an end-to-end electrolyser manufacturing facility would require measures extending beyond the existing performance-linked incentive programme.  India needs to secure supplies of raw materials that are needed for this technology.  Further, major institutions like the DRDO, BARC and CSIR laboratories have been developing electrolyser and fuel-cell technologies.

About the National Hydrogen Energy Mission:

 Focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources.  To link India’s growing renewable capacity with the hydrogen economy.

 India's ambitious goal of 175 GW by 2022 got an impetus in the 2021-22 budget which allocated Rs. 1500 crore for renewable energy development and NHM.  The usage of hydrogen will not only help India in achieving its emission goals under the Paris Agreement, but will also reduce import dependency on fossil fuels.

Hydrogen:

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 Hydrogen is the lightest and first element on the periodic table. Since the weight of hydrogen is less than air, it rises in the atmosphere and is therefore rarely found in its pure form, H2.  At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a nontoxic, nonmetallic, odorless, tasteless, colorless, and highly combustible diatomic gas.  Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel burned with oxygen. It can be used in fuel cells or internal combustion engines. It is also used as a fuel for spacecraft propulsion.

Type of Hydrogen:

 Grey Hydrogen:  Constitutes India’s bulk Production.  Extracted from hydrocarbons (fossil fuels, natural gas).  By product: CO2  Blue Hydrogen:  Sourced from fossil fuels.  By product: CO, CO2  By products are Captured and Stored, so better than gey hydrogen.  Green Hydrogen:  Generated from renewable energy (like Solar, Wind).  Electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.  By Products : Water, Water Vapor

HOW IS HYDROGEN GENERATED?

 There are no natural hydrogen deposits on earth, it has to be extracted from other compounds by a chemical process.  The vast majority of industrial hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas.  This process is known as steam methane reforming or SMR.  Producing hydrogen in this way is sometimes referred to as brown or grey or even blue hydrogen!

GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

 Hydrogen can also be produced by the electrolysis of water.  This is by using an electric current to break water, H2O, into its component elements of hydrogen and oxygen.

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FDI restrictions on e-commerce "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The article highlights the issues faced by the e-commerce sector in relation to the FDI policy.

E-commerce business in India:

1. E-commerce can be carried out for both wholesale trade or for retail trade (sale towards final consumption). 2. It can be either Business to Business (B2B) trading or Business to Consumers (B2C) trading. 3. There is no restriction on conducting e-commerce per se in India. However, certain restrictions exist, if e-commerce is being done by companies receiving FDI. 4. In India, 100% FDI under automatic route is allowed in Business to Business e-commerce since 2000. 5. A distinction is made between single brand retail (selling products of a single brand) and multi-brand retail with respect to permission for FDI and e-commerce.

Need for new e-commerce policy:

1. There is no commonly accepted definition of e-commerce. Further, there is inadequate data on the trade of digital products. Both these shortcomings require effective policy making in the country. 2. The e-commerce market is expected to reach US$ 64 billion by 2020 and US$ 200 billion by 2026 from US$ 38.5 billion as of 2017. Thus there is a need for clearly laid-down rules for electronic commerce in the country. 3. E- commerce is currently regulated by multiplicity of government departments such as IT Department, industrial policy, revenue, and RBI. Hence, a national e-commerce policy would consolidate the various norms and regulations to cover all online retailers. 4. With the increasing online frauds, there is a need to strengthen the regulatory regime for protecting the consumer in the context of e-commerce

E-commerce as an enabler

 With their efficient, quick and reliable logistics network, e-commerce platforms have nudged consumer behaviour patterns from an offline to an online shopping mode.

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 During the pandemic, e-commerce emerged as an enabler in ensuring the availability of essentials to the masses.  E-commerce is going to be increasingly important in the future of retail shopping in India and the world over.  It is estimated to become a $100 billion industry by 2024, which was at $38.5 billion until 2017.  The trend will continue to grow with the government’s impetus on digital literacy, also supported by the increasing penetration of internet and smartphone users.  However, what the sector lacks is the bandwidth of operation.

Issues with FDI policy for e-commerce

 In addition to the FDI Policy/FEMA, other laws such as IT Act, Consumer Protection Act, and those pertaining to IP and copyright, regulate the e-commerce sector in India.  Of these, the FDI policy plays an important role as massive investments are needed to build and strengthen the entire ecosystem of the e-commerce sector in the country.  FDI policies on trade have evolved over time as policy-making was done from time to time mostly responding to the needs of the market coupled with political feasibility.  Thus, FDI policy in cash and carry or wholesale B2B operations is different (100 per cent FDI allowed under automatic route) compared to highly restrictive FDI policy on retail B2C trade.  Similarly, an artificial distinction was created between single-brand retail and multi- brand retail as opposition to multi-brand retail was strong: 100 per cent FDI is allowed under automatic route in single-brand retail whereas FDI regime in multi-brand retail is quite restricted.  E-commerce is not allowed under FDI policy in multi-brand retail.  The FDI policy on e-commerce is quite different as e-commerce platforms are allowed to work only as a marketplace with permission to provide certain specified services to sellers and buyers.  However, FDI is allowed in the inventory model when these platforms sell fresh farm produce made in India.  There is no specific policy on FDI in e-commerce for exports.

Need for comprehensive FDI policy for trade

 The rapid expansion of the retail, organised retail as well e-commerce sector in India in the coming years will create huge opportunities for all.  The policies that have evolved over time need a relook to balance the interests of all in a win-win policy.

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 Today, our small businesses employing an exceptionally large number of workers need to use e-commerce more and more to augment their sales.  E-commerce provides them with the means to access a much bigger market without having to overly invest in marketing. This should include more and more foreign markets.  Consumers have benefited enormously from e-commerce.  Also, the harmonious working of online and offline retailers is essential.  With GST and the drive towards digitisation, more small traders need to be enabled to make the transition and take advantage of the expanding opportunities.

Vaccines for all above 18 from May 1 "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 Amid a virulent second wave of COVID-19 infections, the government has allowed vaccination of all persons above the age of 18 from May 1.

 Serum Institute of India is supposed to have supplied 100 million doses of Covishield every month from May but has said it would not be able to do so before July.  Bharat Biotech, manufaturer of Covaxin, whose current capacity is around 20 crore doses annually, is supplying around 1 crore vaccines a month.

Background

 India began the "World's Largest Vaccination Program" on January 16, 2021. India has approved the Covid-19 vaccines developed by Astra-Zeneca (Covishield) and Bharat Biotech (Covaxin).  Out of the two vaccines, Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine whereas Covishield is a live vaccine.  In the first phase of vaccination, the first 3 crore people to be vaccinated include the healthcare workers and frontline workers.  The cost of vaccination of these people will be borne by the government.  The two vaccines have been distributed to different states and Union territories.  At present, beneficiaries have not been given the option to choose the vaccine they will be administered.  To monitor the inoculation drive and track the listed beneficiaries for vaccination on a real-time basis, the central government has developed Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network or Co-WIN application. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 59

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 Several States have complained of shortages and having to close down vaccination centres.  The Centre subsequently allowed imported vaccines to apply for supply without first conducting mandatory local trials.

Key points: Immunisation Phase 3

 It will also enable vaccine manufacturers to sell half their vaccines to State governments and the open market. o The rest will mandatorily be sold to the Centre.  Manufacturers would make an advance declaration of the price for 50% supply that would be available to State governments and in the open market, before May 1. o States, private hospitals, industrial establishments etc. would be able to procure vaccine doses from the manufacturers. o Private hospitals would have to procure their supplies of vaccines exclusively from the 50% supplied to the States and open market.  Criteria: The Centre, from its share, would allocate vaccines to States/UTs based on the criteria of extent of infection (number of active Covid cases) & performance (speed of administration). o Wastage of vaccines will also be considered and will affect the criteria negatively. o Based on the above, state-wise quota would be decided. o The ongoing vaccination programme for healthcare workers, frontline workers and those above 45 would continue.  All vaccination would be part of the National Vaccination Programme and be obliged to follow all protocol such as being captured on CoWIN platform and report adverse events.  The stocks and price per vaccination applicable in all vaccination centres will also have to be reported real-time.  Imported fully-ready-to-use vaccines can be entirely sold to the States and the open market.

Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project "EMPOWER IAS"

In News:

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 The Centre nudging Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh on Ken-Betwa river interlinking project which has been mired in several hurdles. The government has been pushing the concerned states to make progress on the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.  The ₹18,000-crore river interlinking project has been mired in several hurdles. The most recent one is a disagreement between the States on the share of water.  The central government is pursuing the interlinking programme in a consultative manner for generating consensus between the concerned states.

Background

 The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the River interlinking project that aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river in MP to Betwa in UP to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region spread across the districts of two states mainly Jhansi, Banda,Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.  Ken-Betwa is one of the 30 river inter linking projects conceived across the country.  The project has been delayed due to political and environmental issues

Constitutional Provisions Involved

 Article 262(1) of the constitution deals with the adjudication of interstate water disputes.  Article 262(2) holds that neither Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of interstate water disputes.  Water being a state subject requires a mutual water sharing arrangement between two riparian states.

Need for Interlinking of RiverS

 80% of the water India receives through its annual rains and surface water flow happens over a 4 month period June through September.  This spatial and time variance in availability of natural water versus year round demand for irrigation, drinking and industrial water creates demand supply gap, which can be balanced by interlinking of rivers.  Interlinking of rivers involves joining rivers by the network of canals and reservoirs that solves twin problems of drought and flood by maintaining a water balance between the water deficit and surplus areas.  Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, has already interlinked the Godavari river and the Krishna river in Andhra's West Godavari district.

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Advantages

 River linking will be a solution to recurring droughts in Bundelkhand region.  It will curb the rate of farmers suicide and will ensure them stable livelihood by providing sustainable means of irrigation (6 lakh hec of land) and reducing excessive dependence on groundwater.  It will not only accelerate the water conservation by construction of multipurpose dam but will also produce 75MW of electricity and will supply drinking water to 13 lakh people.  Few are of the view that the introduction of dam inside the water scarce regions of panna tiger reserve, will rejuvenate the forests of Panna Tiger reserve that in turn will pave the way for Rich Biodiversity in the region.  It will provide employment during the execution of the project.  The afforestation programme could be implemented on canal banks resulting in environmental improvement.  The communication system will improve because of canal roads and CD works raising marketing opportunities.  The formation of the reservoirs will help tourism development, fish and aquaculture, bird sanctuaries etc.

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Why the Ken-Betwa Linking?

 Scarcity of water: The region of Betwa experience acute scarcity of water for agricultural industrial and domestic use.  Varied Water Sources: Water sources are varied and often seasonal, ranging from ponds, tanks, lakes and streams to open wells, bore wells and irrigation canal radiating out from large-small dams.  Dependency on Monsoon Recharge: Farmers are highly dependent on the monsoon to recharge these wells.  Irrigation: The Ken-Betwa interlinking project aims to diverge the surplus waters of Ken basin to water deficit Betwa basin.

Regions benefitting from KBLP

 The project lies in Bundelkhand, a drought-prone region, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.  It will be of immense benefit to the water-starved region of Bundelkhand, especially in the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri

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and Raisen of Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur of Uttar Pradesh.  It will pave the way for more interlinking of river projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor to development in the country.

Major Concerns:

 More about 20000 people in 38 villages will be affected due to the submergence by Daudhan reservoir and Makodia reservoir.  The project will submerge 6,221 hectares of land— 4,141 hectares of it is core forest inside the reserve.  It will submerge about 10% of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh which has been feted as a model tiger-conservation reserve.  The tiger habitat, vulture nests, and the gharial - the iconic fish-eating crocodile - all of which are in danger of extinction in the region will be endangered by the construction of Daudhan dam.  Some experts have even questioned the definition of the Ken as water surplus and Betwa as deficit in comparison.

Article 123, Article 213 of the Indian Constitution "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 Repromulgation of ordinances raises several questions and it also goes against the Supreme Court judgement. The article explains the issues involved.

Ordinance route and issues with it

 The central government has repromulgated the ordinance that establishes a commission for air quality management in the National Capital Region.  This raises questions about the practice of issuing ordinances to make law, and that of re-issuing ordinances without getting them ratified by Parliament.  Law making is a legislative function, this power is provided for urgent requirements, and the law thus made has an automatic expiry at the end of six weeks from the time Legislature next meets.

What the Supreme Court said

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 The issue was brought up in the Supreme Court through a writ petition by D.C. Wadhwa.  He found out that Bihar had issued 256 ordinances between 1967 and 1981, of which 69 were repromulgated several times, including 11 which were kept alive for more than 10 years.  A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in 1986, ruled that repromulgation of ordinances was contrary to the Constitutional scheme.  The judgment did not stop the practice.  Instead, the Centre also started to follow the lead of Bihar.  For example, in 2013 and 2014, the Securities Laws (Amendment) ordinance was promulgated three times.  Similarly, an ordinance to amend the Land Acquisition Act was issued in December 2014, and repromulgated twice – in April and May 2015.  The matter came up again in the Supreme Court in 2017, a seven-judge Constitution Bench declared this practice to be unconstitutional and declared it to be a fraud on the Constitution.  Even this judgment has been ignored.  The Indian Medical Council Amendment Ordinance was issued in September 2018, and reissued in January 2019.

What does Article 213 say?

 Governor of an Indian state draws ordinance making power from Article 21.  This Article empowers the Governor to promulgate Ordinance, during the recess of the legislature, if circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action.  To issue an Ordinance, the Governor must be satisfied with the circumstances that make it necessary for him to take immediate action.  All Ordinances promulgated by the Governor in the State have the same effect and force as an Act of Legislature of the State.  The Ordinance must be laid before the State Legislature when it reassembles and it must be upheld by the State legislature, failure to which the Ordinance would be invalid.

Ordinance

 Article 123 of the Constitution of India gives the power and authority to the President of India to issue an ordinance only when both the Houses of Parliament are not in session.  In addition, it states that any ordinance can have the same force and effect as a statute of Parliament only if it is laid before both the houses of the Parliament.  Further, Ordinance so made will hold good only for the duration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 65

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 Article 213 mandates near-identical terms with respect to the ordinances on the subject of State authority.  It is understood that the authority to issue ordinances shall be used only to meet the emergent demands arising out of extraordinary situations.

Green Contracts "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The increasing concerns about climate change once again point to the need for enhanced efforts towards achieving sustainable growth goals in India.

Need for sustainable growth:

 As both consumers and corporations reap the benefits of large-scale manufacturing and services.  They must equally share the responsibilities relating to the loss of resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  They can contribute to cutting down emissions through the process of green contracting.

Green contracts

 ‘Green contracts’ are commercial contracts which mandate that contracting parties cut down greenhouse gas emissions at different stages of delivery of goods/services, including design, manufacturing, transportation, operations and waste disposal, as applicable to the industry.  A ‘green tender’ defines necessary ‘green qualifications’, which can be considered when awarding the contract to a bidder.  These green qualifications can range from o using a pre-defined percentage of ‘green energy’ in service delivery to adequate on-site waste management, o reducing carbon emissions by a certain level over period of time, etc.  The ‘green obligations’ : It is this obligatory nature of green contracts which sets the tone for the parties to cut down emissions. o This can be achieved by contractual clauses providing for the o use of good quality and energy-efficient infrastructure for production of goods/services,

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o efforts in day-to-day operations such as reducing noise, air and water pollution and o ensuring eco-friendly means of transportation like bicycles on site, o establishing and maintaining a sustainable waste management system, and so on.

NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity” "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity successfully flies on Mars. It is the first powered flight on another planet.

About NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity

 Ingenuity is the first helicopter to fly on Mars. NASA’s rover called Perseverance carried it to the Red Planet.  Purpose: The helicopter’s main task is to carry out a technology demonstration to test the first powered flight on Mars. Further, it also aims to collect samples from the locations on Mars where the rover cannot reach.  Features: NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity is able to fly using counter-rotating blades that spin at about 2,400 rpm. It also has a wireless communication system and is equipped with computers, navigation sensors, and two cameras. Moreover, it is also solar-powered and is able to charge on its own.

Significance of the mission:

 A helicopter was placed on the surface of Mars for the first time ever.  Hence, it’s performance during this mission will help in considering small helicopters for future Mars missions — where they can perform a support role as robotic scouts, surveying terrain from above or as full standalone science craft.

Perseverance Rover

 The Perseverance rover is an astrobiology mission. The mission aims to search signs of ancient microbial life in mars.  The mission will characterize the geology and past climate of the planet.

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 Perseverance is the first mission to collect Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).  Curiosity is the predecessor of Perseverance rover.  The rover carries seven payload instruments, two micro phones and nineteen cameras.  It will drill the Martian soil and collect core samples of martian rocks.

Purpose:

 The rover is designed to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life.  It will also collect and store a set of rock and soil samples that could be returned to Earth in the future.  Further, it will also test new technology to benefit future robotic and human exploration of Mars.

Mars 2020 Mission

 Mars 2020 mission was launched in July 2020. It is a part of Mars Exploration Programme of NASA. Mars 2020 mission was launched from Atlas V Launch vehicle.  It is one of the three missions launched to Mars in 2020. The other two Mars missions were as follows:  Tianwen-1 mission launched by China  Hope Orbiter by UAE

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme” launched "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 Union Minister of Commerce & Industry launches the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).

What is Seed Funding?

 Seed funding or seed-stage funding is a very early investment which aims at helping a business grow and generating its own capital.  Also referred to as seed money or seed capital, investors often get an equity stake in exchange for the capital invested.  The investors can themselves be the founders and use their savings as seed money for their new company — also known as bootstrapping. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 68

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Why Seed Funding matters?

 It is a fact that starting a new business and lifting it up off the ground is a huge ask for most entrepreneurs and it only gets tougher with capital constraints.  Seed funding helps get things started before the business earns any revenue.  It is an effective solution for startups and growing businesses as it provides the much- needed early monetary support.  It can cover everything from infrastructure costs, marketing and development costs as well as the cost of initial hiring. Investment is the fuel of any business and seed funding is the first drop of this fuel.  As seed money becomes much-needed cash reserve or working capital, not having it is one of the main reasons for failure.

Various options for Seed Funding

 Crowdfunding  Corporate seed funds  Incubators Accelerators  Angel investors  Personal Savings  VC Funding  Angel Funds or Angel Networks

About Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):

 The scheme was announced during the Prarambh: the ‘Startup India International Summit’. Which marks the 5-year anniversary of the Startup India initiative.

Objective:

 Startup India Seed Fund Scheme(SISFS) aims to provide financial assistance to startups. Assistance is provided for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.  Thus, it would help to grow startups to a beginner’s level. After that, startups will be able to raise investments from angel investors or venture capitalists or seek loans from commercial banks or financial institutions.

Implementation:

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 The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) constituted An Experts Advisory Committee(EAC). Which will be responsible for the overall execution and monitoring of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

Funding:

 Eligible incubators throughout India will hand out funding to eligible startups across India.  Grants of up to Rs 5 Crores shall be provided to the eligible incubators selected by the EAC.  The selected incubators shall provide grants of up to Rs 20 lakhs for validation of Proof of Concept, or prototype development, or product trials to startups.  After that, Startups will further receive investments of up to Rs 50 lakhs for market entry, commercialization, or scaling up through convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments.

Duration:

 The scheme will have a corpus of Rs. 945 Crore. This will be divided over the next 4 years.

Significance of the scheme:

 The SISFS scheme will help startups in: o Secure seed funding o Inspire innovation o Support transformative ideas o Facilitate implementation and o Start startup revolution.  The Scheme will also create a robust startup ecosystem particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns of India. These towns lack adequate funding facilities for startups.

RBI Sets Up RRA: "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The Reserve Bank set up the second Regulatory Review Authority (RRA 2.0) for streamlining regulations and reducing compliance burden of regulated entities.

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 Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao has been appointed as the Regulations Review Authority.

About Regulations Review Authority(RRA):

 RBI earlier set up the first RRA for a period of one year from April 1, 1999. This is for reviewing the regulations, circulars, reporting systems, based on the feedback from the public, banks and financial institutions.

About Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0):

 RRA 2.0 will streamline the regulatory instructions, reduce the compliance burden of the entities under regulations.  The RRA 2.0 will achieve this by simplifying procedures and reduce reporting requirements wherever possible.  It will be haded by M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor of RBI.  The authority will be set up for a period of one year from May 1. But, RBI can extend its tenure.

The terms of reference of RRA 2.0 include:

 Making regulatory and supervisory instructions more effective by removing redundancies and duplications.  To obtain feedback from regulated entities on simplification of procedures and enhancement of ease of compliance.  RRA will reduce the compliance burden on regulated entities by streamlining the reporting mechanism; revoking obsolete instructions if necessary.  To examine and suggest the changes required in the dissemination process of RBI circulars/ instructions.  To engage internally as well as externally with all regulated entities and other stakeholders to facilitate the process.

Background:

 The RBI had set up a Regulations Review Authority (RRA) initially for a period of one year from April 1, 1999, for reviewing regulations, circulars, reporting systems.  The recommendations of the RRA enabled o streamlining and increasing the effectiveness of several procedures, o simplifying regulatory prescriptions, o issuance of master circular and 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 71

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o reduced reporting burden on regulated entities.

Key points:

 Duration: The RRA would be set up for a period of one year from May 1, 2021.  Objectives: o Streamlining regulatory instructions o To reduce the compliance burden on regulated entities by streamlining the reporting mechanism; o Revoking obsolete instructions if necessary and o Obviating paper-based submission of returns wherever possible

World Hemophilia Day 2021 "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 Every year, April 17 is observed as World Hemophilia Day.

 World Hemophilia Day is about bringing the global bleeding disorders community together.  This year’s theme is ‘Adapting to Change’.

Hemophilia

 It is a rare disorder of the blood, in which it doesn’t clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins.  Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.  This change or mutation can prevent the clotting protein from working properly or to be missing altogether.  These genes are located on the X chromosome.  Hemophilia is caused by deficiency of factor VIII called Hemophilia A or factor IX called Hemophilia B.

Signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include:

 Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery or dental work

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 Many large or deep bruises  Unusual bleeding after vaccinations  Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints

GAVI "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 Amid the second wave of covid pandemic, India’s decision to supply vaccine to foreign countries has been questioned from various quarters. The article deals with this issue.

GAVI Board:

 The GAVI Board is responsible for strategic direction and policymaking, oversees the operations of the Vaccine Alliance and monitors programme implementation.  With membership drawn from a range of partner organisations, as well as experts from the private sector, the Board provides a forum for balanced strategic decision making, innovation and partner collaboration.

What is GAVI?

 Created in 2000, Gavi is an international organisation – a global Vaccine Alliance, bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries.

Members:

 Gavi brings together developing country and donor governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry in both industrialised and developing countries, research and technical agencies, civil society, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other private philanthropists.

Main activities:

 GAVI’s strategy supports its mission to save children’s lives and protect people’s health by increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.  It contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals by focusing on performance, outcomes and results. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 73

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 Its partners provide funding for vaccines and intellectual resources for care advancement.  They contribute, also, to strengthening the capacity of the health system to deliver immunisation and other health services in a sustainable manner.

Steps taken by India to vaccinate

 Prime Minister said that one of the first programmes launched by his government was Mission Indradhanush, which aims to ensure full vaccination of the country’s children and pregnant women, including those in the remote parts of the vast nation.  He said in order to expand protection, India has added six new vaccines to its National Immunization Programme.  Prime Minister elaborated that India had digitized its entire vaccine supply line and developed an electronic vaccine intelligence network to monitor the integrity of its cold chain.  These innovations are ensuring the availability of safe and potent vaccines in the right quantities at the right time till the last mile.  India is also the World’s foremost producer of vaccines and that it is fortunate to contribute to the immunization of about 60 percent of the World’s children.  Prime Minister said India’s support to GAVI is not only financial but that India’s huge demand also brings down the Global price of vaccines for all, saving almost 400 Million Dollars for GAVI over the past five years.

Issue of vaccine supply to foreign countries

 While responding to a question Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs noted that India was sending these vaccines abroad in the form of grant, commercial sales of manufacturers GAVI’s COVAX facility.  The supply to GAVI’s COVAX facility is an obligation since India is a member of this multilateral body and also a recipient of vaccines from this body.  By doing this, India wishes to signal that it is a responsible global power which does not self-obsessively think of itself alone.  This desire to be a good global citizen can be traced to the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946.  The premise of the ideal ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is no different to that of the Objective Resolution.

Factors to consider

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 The government made estimates of the vaccines that could be sent abroad on the interplay of three factors: domestic production, the demands of the national vaccine programme and requests for vaccines manufactured in India.  What is not known is how these factors were collectively addressed in the decision- making process.  It is also argued that it was obligatory to send vaccines contracted under GAVI’s COVAX facility.  However, sovereign states can always invoke supreme national interest to over-ride obligations.  Certainly, the vaccines sent as grants were voluntary and the commercial contracts of the company concerned could always be disregarded under existing laws.

Currency Manipulation "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 India is one of the 11 countries on the US Treasury’s ‘Monitoring List’ with regard to their currency practices for the first time in the Biden administration.

Currency Manipulation

 Currency manipulation happens when governments try to artificially tweak the exchange rate to gain an “unfair” advantage in trade.  The US Treasury department defines currency manipulation as when countries deliberately influence the exchange rate between their currency and the US dollar to gain "unfair competitive advantage in international trade".  Once a country is designated as a currency manipulator by the U.S., the next step taken by the US government is to seek negotiations with the government accused of manipulation.  But officials in Beijing and Washington have already been engaged in trade talks for more than a year.  If there is no progress a year after the designation, China could face possible sanctions including its firms being prohibited from competition for US government contracts and excluded from getting financing from an American government agency for development projects.

Why do countries manipulate their currencies?

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 In general, countries prefer their currency to be weak because it makes them more competitive on the international trade front.  A lower currency makes a country’s exports more attractive because they are cheaper on the international market.  For example, a weak Rupee makes Indian exports less expensive for offshore buyers.  Secondly, by boosting exports, a country can use a lower currency to shrink its trade deficit.  Finally, a weaker currency alleviates pressure on a country’s sovereign debt obligations.  After issuing offshore debt, a country will make payments, and as these payments are denominated in the offshore currency, a weak local currency effectively decreases these debt payments.

Implications for India

 India has traditionally tried to balance between preventing excess currency appreciation on the one hand and protecting domestic financial stability on the other.  India being on the watch list could restrict the RBI in the foreign exchange operations it needs to pursue to protect financial stability.  This comes when global capital flows threaten to overwhelm domestic monetary policy.  The two most obvious consequences could be an appreciating rupee as well as excess liquidity that messes with the interest rate policy of the RBI.  Indian policymakers have to be sensitive to the unpredictable nature of policy-making in the US under Trump, especially concerning global trade.

Whitest paint and its composition "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 Engineers in the US have created what they are calling the whitest paint yet.

What is the Whitest Paint?

 The team of researchers at the university created an ultra-white paint in October pushing the limits of how white paint can be.  The older formulation was made of calcium carbonate, while the new one is made up of barium sulphate, which makes it whiter.  The newer paint is whiter and keeps the surface areas it is painted on cooler than the formulation before this could.

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 The researchers have said that if this new paint was used to cover a roof area of 1,000 square feet, it may be able to get a cooling power of 10 kilowatts.  The team has also claimed that this paint may be the closest equivalent to the blackest black paint called “Vantablack” that is able to absorb up to 99.9 per cent of visible light.

Absorption of light by different colours

 It is necessary to note that whenever an object is seen by the eye, it is either because of sunlight or the artificial light in the room.  The light is made up of seven different colours (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red or VIBGYOR).  If an individual is looking at a sofa that is green, this is because the fabric or material it is made up of is able to absorb all the colours except green  It implies that the molecules of the fabric reflect the green coloured wavelengths, which is what the eye sees.  The colour of any object or thing is determined by the wavelength the molecules are not able to absorb.

Determination of wavelengths of light reflected or absorbed

 It is dependent on how electrons are arranged in an atom (the building block of life, an atom is made up of electrons, protons and neutrons).  If an object is black, it is because it has absorbed all the wavelengths and therefore no light is reflected from them.  It is the reason that darker objects, as a result absorbing all wavelengths tend to heat up faster (during absorption the light energy is converted into heat energy).

Reasons for Whitest Paint

 It is the paint’s high concentration of a chemical compound called barium sulfate, which is also used to make photo paper and cosmetics white.  The team has used different sized particles of this chemical compound, which means different sizes scatter different amounts of light.  It implies that a varying size of particles of the compound make sure that the paint can scatter more of the light spectrum from the sun.

What determines if a colour absorbs or reflects light?

 To understand how this works one needs to note that whenever an object is seen by the eye, it is either because of sunlight or the artificial light in the room. 4C/17, NEAR BIKANER SWEETS, BEHIND KAROBAR RESTAURANT, OLD RAJINDER NAGAR, NEW DELHI :110060 01149409261, 9643777673, 8470940655 WWW.EMPOWERIAS.COM, [email protected] PRE 77

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 This light is made up of seven different colours (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red or VIBGYOR).  Specifically, light is made up of wavelengths of different colours.  If an individual is looking at a sofa that is green, this is because the fabric or material it is made up of is able to absorb all the colours except green.  This means that the molecules of the fabric reflect the green coloured wavelengths, which is what the eye sees.  Therefore, the colour of any object or thing is determined by the wavelength the molecules are not able to absorb.

Finance Commission: "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 The Finance Commission is a constitutionally mandated body that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states

What is the Finance Commission?

 The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves.  Two distinctive features of the Commission’s work involve redressing the vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the centre and the States respectively and equalization of all public services across the States.

What are the functions of the Finance Commission? It is the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to:

1. the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds; 2. the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India; 3. the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State; 4. any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance.

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How has Finance Commission recommendations changed over the years?

 The first commission was appointed in 1952.  Each of them faced its own unique set of challenges.  So far, 15 Finance Commissions have been appointed at intervals of every five years.  Since the 1st Finance Commission, the nature of India's economy and macro-economic policy has changed dramatically.

Implementation of the Recommendation:

 Implemented by an order of the President  Traditionally, the Centre accepts the recommendations.  But 3rd FC-recommendations about “how to share five-year Plan resources”, was not accepted by the government.  The crucial recommendations relating to sharing of revenues from taxes, duties and grants-in-aid are implemented by an order of the President.

Present FC & its Recommendations:

 o Constituted on 27 November, 2017. o 15th FC: Chairman is NK Singh, o As per the terms of reference (ToR), the Commission was mandated to give its recommendations for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

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Terms of Reference (TOR)

 Population data from 2011census should be used to make the recommendations.  The ToR of the Finance Commission requires it to recommend grants-in-aid to the States. These grants include: (i) revenue deficit grants, (ii) grants to local bodies, and (iii) disaster management grants.

UNFPA’s population report "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) flagship State of World Population Report 2021 titled ‘My Body is My Own’ was launched.

Key points:

 Bodily autonomy: Nearly half the women from 57 developing countries do not have the right to make decisions regarding their bodies, including using contraception, seeking healthcare or even on their sexuality.  This is the first time a United Nations report has focused on bodily autonomy.

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 Women’s access to bodily autonomy is measured in the report through their power to make their own decisions about their reproductive health care, contraceptive use and sexual relations and the extent to which the laws of the countries support or interfere with a woman’s right to make these decisions.

Situation in India

 In India, according to NFHS-4 (2015-2016), only about 12% of currently married women (15-49 years of age) independently make decisions about their own healthcare, while 63% decide in consultation with their spouse.  For a quarter of women (23%), it is the spouse that mainly takes decisions about healthcare.  Only 8% of currently married women (15-49 years) take decisions on the use of contraception independently, while 83% decide jointly with their spouse.  Information provided to women about use of contraception is also limited — only 47% women using a contraceptive were informed about the side effects of the method, and 54% women were provided information about other contraceptives

Significance

 Bodily autonomy is essential to achieving the UNFPA’s goals of ending the global unmet need for contraception, preventable maternal deaths, gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030.

United Nations Population Fund

 It is a subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly and works as a sexual and reproductive health agency.  It was established as a trust fund in 1967 and began operations in 1969.  In 1987, it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund but the original abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities was retained.  The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) establishes its mandate.  UNFPA is not supported by the UN budget, instead, it is entirely supported by voluntary contributions of donor governments, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, foundations and individuals.

 UNFPA works directly to tackle Sustainable Development Goals on health (SDG3), education (SDG4) and gender equality (SDG5).

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RBI Sets Up RRA "EMPOWER IAS" Context:

 The Reserve Bank set up the second Regulatory Review Authority (RRA 2.0) for streamlining regulations and reducing compliance burden of regulated entities.

 Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao has been appointed as the Regulations Review Authority.

Background:

Objectives:

o Streamlining regulatory instructions o To reduce the compliance burden on regulated entities by streamlining the reporting mechanism; o Revoking obsolete instructions if necessary and o Obviating paper-based submission of returns wherever possible

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has inaugurated three path-breaking initiatives for the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).

About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

 It is a not for profit Organization under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.

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 It was set up for peering of ISPs among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the country.  It is working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India through the following activities:

1. Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISPs and between ISPs and CDNs 2. IN Registry, managing and operation of IN country code domain and IDN domain for India. 3. IRINN, managing and operating Internet protocol (IPv4/IPv6).

 The Main Objects to be pursued by the Company on its incorporation are: o To Promote Internet. o To set up, when needed, in select location(s)/parts/regions of India Internet Exchanges/Peering Points. o To enable effective and efficient routing, peering, transit and exchange of the Internet traffic within India. o To continuously work for enhancing and improving the quality of Internet and Broadband services. o Set up Internet Domain Name Operations and related activities.

Indian Rhino Vision 2020 "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The ambitious Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) came to a close with the release of two rhinos — an adult male and a female — in Assam’s Manas National Park transported from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary about 185 km east.

About Indian Rhino Vision 2020:

 Launched in 2005, Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.  Seven protected areas are Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary and Dibru Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary.

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 Wild-to-wild translocations were an essential part of IRV2020 – moving rhinos from densely populated parks like Kaziranga NP, to ones in need of more rhinos, like Manas NP.  It is a collaborative effort between various organisations, including the International Rhino Foundation, Assam’s Forest Department, Bodoland Territorial Council, World Wide Fund - India, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Success of the IRV

 Designed in 2005, the IRV2020 is believed to have achieved its target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos in Assam.  But the plan to spread the Rhinoceros unicornis across four protected areas beyond Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park and Pobitora could not materialise.  Assam had at least five rhino-bearing areas till the 1980s.  Manas, in focus for the near-extinction of the pygmy hog, lost the World Heritage Site tag it received in 1985 along with Kaziranga from the UNESCO.  The translocated rhinos helped Manas National Park get back its World Heritage Site status in 2011.

Performance of the Program:

 Target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos almost achieved but the animal could be reintroduced in only one of the four protected areas planned.  The plan to spread the Greater one-horned rhino across four protected areas beyond Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park and Pobitora could not materialise.  The translocated rhinos helped Manas National Park get back its World Heritage Site status in 2011.  2018 and 2019 saw significant decreases in poaching, the results of forestry, local and national government officials coordinating efforts to combat wildlife crime across Assam.

National Pension System (NPS) "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The National Pension System (NPS) will no longer compel investors to convert 40% of their accumulated retirement corpus into an annuity.

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Why such a move?

 Poor yields on annuities and high inflation are translating into negative returns.  Since annuities are taxable, deducting the tax and factoring in inflation means annuities are yielding negative returns.

National Pension System

 The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 01, 2004 (except for armed forces).  NPS is being implemented and regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in the country.  National Pension System Trust (NPST) established by PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS.  NPS is structured into two tiers:  Tier-I account: This is the non-withdrawable permanent retirement account into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.

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 Tier-II account: This is a voluntary withdrawable account which is allowed only when there is an active Tier I account in the name of the subscriber. The withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.  NPS was made available to all Citizens of India from May 01, 2009.  Any individual citizen of India (both resident and Non-resident) in the age group of 18- 65 years (as on the date of submission of NPS application) can join NPS.  However, OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card holders and Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs) are not eligible for opening of NPS account.

Who can join NPS?

 Any Indian citizen between 18 and 60 years can join NPS.  The only condition is that the person must comply with know your customer (KYC) norms.  An NRI can join NPS. However, the account will be closed if there is a change in the citizenship status of the NRI.  Now, any Indian citizen, resident or non-resident and OCIs are eligible to join NPS till the age of 65 years.

State of World Population Report 2021 "EMPOWER IAS" In news:

 The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) flagship State of World Population Report 2021 titled ‘My Body is My Own’ was recently launched.

State of World Population Report 2021

 The State of World Population report is UNFPA’s annual flagship publication.  It has been published yearly since 1978.  It highlights emerging issues in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, bringing them into the mainstream and exploring the challenges and opportunities they present for international development.

Key findings of the 2021 report

 This is the first time a UN report has focused on bodily autonomy, defined as the power and agency to make choices about your body without fear of violence or having someone else decide for you.

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 The report measures both women’s power to make their own decisions about their bodies and the extent to which countries’ laws support or interfere with a woman’s right to make these decisions.  The data show a strong link between decision-making power and higher levels of education.

The report shows that in countries where data are available:

 Only 55 per cent of women are fully empowered to make choices over health care, contraception and the ability to say yes or no to sex.  Only 71 per cent of countries guarantee access to overall maternity care.  Only 75 per cent of countries legally ensure full, equal access to contraception.  Only about 80 per cent of countries have laws supporting sexual health and well-being.  Only about 56 per cent of countries have laws and policies supporting comprehensive sexuality education.

Indian scenario

 In India, according to NFHS-4 (2015-2016), only about 12% of currently married women (15-49 years of age) independently make decisions about their own healthcare, while 63% decide in consultation with their spouse.  For a quarter of women (23%), it is the spouse that mainly takes decisions about healthcare.  Only 8% of currently married women (15-49 years) take decisions on the use of contraception independently, while 83% decide jointly with their spouse.  Information provided to women about the use of contraception is also limited — only 47% of women using a contraceptive were informed about the side effects of the method, and 54% of women were provided information about other contraceptives.

About UNFPA

 The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN organization.  It is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  Their work involves the improvement of reproductive health; including the creation of national strategies and protocols, and birth control by providing supplies and services.  The organization has recently been known for its worldwide campaign against child marriage, obstetric fistula and female genital mutilation.

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National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill 2020 "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

 The article highlights the key aspects of NCAHP Bill 2020 which recognises the allied healthcare professionals and seeks to regulate and set the standards of education.

Key Points Allied Health Professional:

 The Bill defines an ‘allied health professional’ as an associate, technician, or technologist trained to support the diagnosis and treatment of any illness, disease, injury, or impairment.  Such a professional should have obtained a diploma or degree.  The duration of the degree/diploma should be at least 2,000 hours (over a period of two to four years).

Healthcare Professional:

 A ‘healthcare professional’ includes a scientist, therapist, or any other professional who studies, advises, researches, supervises, or provides preventive, curative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, or promotional health services.  Such a professional should have obtained a degree.  The duration of the degree should be at least 3,600 hours (over a period of three to six years).

Allied and Healthcare Professions:

 The Bill specifies certain categories of allied and healthcare professions as recognised categories.  These are mentioned in the Schedule to the Bill and include life science professionals, trauma and burn care professionals, surgical and anaesthesia related technology professionals, physiotherapists, and nutrition science professionals.  The central government may amend this Schedule after consultation with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession.

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 National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions: The Bill sets up the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.

Structure:

 It will consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, five members representing various Departments/Ministries of the central government, one representative from the Directorate General of Health Services, three Deputy Directors or Medical Superintendents appointed on a rotational basis from amongst medical institutions and 12 part-time members representing State Councils, among others.

Functions:

 The Commission will perform the following functions with regard to Allied and Healthcare Professionals:  Creating and maintaining an online Central Register of all registered professionals.  Providing basic standards of education, courses, curriculum, staff qualifications, examination, training, maximum fee payable for various categories.

Professional Councils:

 The Commission will constitute a Professional Council for every recognised category of allied and healthcare professions.  The Professional Council will consist of a president and four to 24 members, representing each profession in the recognised category.  The Commission may delegate any of its functions to this Council.

State Councils:

 Within six months from the passage of the Bill, state governments will constitute State Allied and Healthcare Councils.  It will complement the functioning of the National Commission and maintain a State Register.

Permission for Establishment of Institutions:

 Prior permission of the State Council will be required to:  Establish a new institution.

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 Open new courses, increase the admission capacity, or admit a new batch of students to existing institutions.  If such permission is not sought, then any qualification granted to a student from such an institution will not be recognised under the Bill.

Offences and Penalties:

 No person is allowed to practice as a qualified allied and healthcare practitioner other than those enrolled in a State Register or the National Register.  Any person who contravenes this provision will be punished with a fine of Rs. 50,000.

Regulating allied health professions

 The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 (NCAHP) was passed by Parliament in March.  Global evidence demonstrates the vital role of allied professionals in the delivery of healthcare services.  They are the first to recognise the problems of the patients and serve as safety nets.  Their awareness of patient care accountability adds tremendous value to the healthcare team in both the public and private sectors.  The passage of this Bill has the potential to overhaul the entire allied health workforce by establishing institutes of excellence and regulating the scope of practice by focusing on task shifting and task-re distribution.

What the Bill provides for?

 This legislation provides for regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals and the maintenance of a central register of such professionals.  It recognises over 50 professions such as physiotherapists, optometrists, nutritionists, medical laboratory professionals, radiotherapy technology professionals, which had hitherto lacked a comprehensive regulatory mechanism.  This Bill classifies allied professionals using the International System of Classification of Occupations (ISCO code).  This facilitates global mobility and enables better opportunities for such professionals.  The Act aims to establish a central statutory body as a National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.  The Bill has the provision for state councils to execute major functions through autonomous boards.

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Muon g–2 "EMPOWER IAS"

Context:

 For the first time in over 8 decades physicists are on the verge of discovering a new fundamental force of nature which might help unravel the yet unknown parts of the Universe such as dark matter and dark energy.