PERFECT 7 : AN INTRODUCTION

October 2019 Issue: 02 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

SEVEN IMPORTANT ISSUES

1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VS ENVIRONMENT DEBATE : REIGNITED THROUGH AAREY FOREST

Why in News? government and civic bodies do not till the Western Express Highway in believe in sustainable development. Goregaon. In a relief for green crusaders in India’s commercial capital, Mumbai, the Cutting down these trees is not The Maharashtra government has Supreme Court, on October 7, ordered just an issue of the present, it will cast argued that in the current plan for a status quo in the Aarey tree-felling its shadow on the future of Mumbai. construction of metro rail car shed, only case and directed the Maharashtra With the rate of pollution increasing 30 hectares of about 1,300 hectares government not to cut down any more throughout the country, trees and that make up the Aarey forest would be cleaned up. The only verdant green trees for a metro car shed project till plants serve as a safety blanket for the spaces left in the city of Mumbai, are the next hearing on October 21. people. A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggested that Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey. Introduction air pollution is capable of affecting the health of people. While air purifiers Definition of Forest Green crusaders and residents have cannot reach every household, the The word 'forest' has not been defined been protesting against deforestation oxygen given by trees does. Aarey in the Indian Forest Act, 1927 nor the across Mumbai. Even as their voices forests are known as the 'lungs' of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. are rising with every passing day, the Mumbai. Hence, supporters are saying government seems to have turned a The FAO (Food and Agriculture that cutting down these trees only deaf ear towards them. More protests Organization) has defined forest means depriving Mumbai of a vital as land with tree crown cover (or followed after Devendra Fadnavis, the organ that has been shielding it from equivalent stocking level) of more than Chief Minister of Maharashtra tried increasing air pollution. 10% and area of more than 0.5 hectare. to justify the move. The approval for The trees should be able to reach a cutting down the trees was given by the Background minimum height of 5 m at maturity in Tree Authority. The Mumbai Metro Rail According to data released by IQAir situ. Corporation (MMRC) had approached AirVisual and Greenpeace in March the Tree Authority to seek permission The term 'Forest Cover' as used in this year, Mumbai was the most for felling the trees to make way for a India State of Forest Report 2017 refers polluted city in Maharashtra and 27th to all lands more than one hectare in car shed which is a part of the Mumbai in India. Aarey forest, called the last area with a tree canopy of more than Metro project. lung of Mumbai, was developed as a 10%, irrespective of land use, ownership As soon as the move was milk colony for dairy development. In and legal status. It may include even announced, it caught the attention of 1977, Film City was built on a part of orchards, bamboo, palm etc and is aware citizens and environmentalists Aarey forest. A zoo has also come up on assessed through remote sensing. On who decided to stand together another part of the Aarey forest. The the other hand, the term 'Recorded against it. The decision was taken at Aarey forest is very close to the Sanjay Forest Area' or 'Forest Area' refers a time when efforts are being made Gandhi National Park. The activists to all the geographic areas recorded by governments of many countries to argue that the Aarey forest is part of as 'Forests' in government records. battle climate change. This move shows the same vegetation cover. But having Recorded forest area mainly consists clear apathy towards the environment a separate identity, the Aarey forest of Reserved Forests (RF) and Protected and is evidence of the fact that the begins from Powai and continues Forests (PF), which have been notified

October 2019 A Issue-2 1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 under the provisions of Indian Forest come at the cost of forest cover in whose land claims under FRA had been Act, 1927 or its counterpart State Acts. India. Without a watertight definition rejected – a move that could displace Besides RFs and PFs, the recorded to protect forests, more than 15,000 sq more than 1.89 million forest dwelling forest area may also include all such km of forest land has been diverted for families across India. Several state areas, which have been recorded as industrial projects over the past three governments are now re-examining forests in the revenue records or have decades. many of these claims, but forest been constituted so under any state officials in Madhya Pradesh used pellet Act or local laws. Impact of Deforestation guns against Adivasi farmers in July, The impact of forest abuse on wildlife while trying to evict them from their Is Aarey a 'Forest'? has been obvious. In July, a report on farms. One of the reasons why the Bombay the status of tigers in India found that High Court dismissed the petitions the highest decline in tiger population Can Economic Development is because the petitioners wanted has occurred in Chhattisgarh, Andhra and Environment Co-exist? Aarey to be recognised as a forest and Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Today, the main focus of the debate therefore a no-construction zone. The Jharkhand. These also happen to be is on the link between economic court pointed out that Maharashtra the states with the highest amount of development, protecting the does not have a policy that clearly forest land diverted for mining since environment, reducing poverty and defines a “forest” to begin with –a 2015. social progress. In recent years there problem faced by states across the It cannot be ignored that the has been a growing conviction that country. Aarey forest is a habitat of its own. it is possible, as well as necessary, Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog It is home to many animals and in a to address social and environmental authored the judgement and refrained way is a vital part of the ecosystem. concerns in economic development from ruling on the aspect of Aarey being Felling down these trees will deprive policies. Amartya Sen outlined a 'forest' under the Forest Conservation many animals of their shelter. Another his point of view, which perfectly Act and said that it is to be decided by repercussion of the cutting of these summarised his economic theory: it is the Supreme Court or the National trees is a probable increase in man- possible to improve the environment green Tribunal as proceedings on the animal conflict. If the animals living and reduce poverty at the same time, same issue are pending. However, In in Aarey forest are deprived of their reconciling these two goals with 2015, Stalin D of the NGO Vanshakti homes, they will eventually enter the economic development, if we also filed a petition in the National Green areas that are inhabited by humans, consider development to be freedom, Tribunal (NGT) asking that Aarey be which will put the lives of locals in fatal culture, human rights, democracy and declared a “forest”. The petition was danger. participation. dismissed in September 2018. The Adivasi and forest-dwelling Also in Amartya Sen’s opinion, Supreme Court also issued a direction communities, of course, have always economic wealth should be analysed to the State Governments to constitute borne the brunt of such encroachment together with other dimensions within one month an Expert Committee and commercial exploitation of forests. such as public health, medical to identify areas which are forests India has a long and brutal history of assistance, the presence of economic irrespective of whether they were using violence to oust traditional forest- and social inequalities, the quality so notified, recognized or classified dwellers from their homes. Despite of teaching, crime, and the quality under any law and irrespective of the the large-scale diversion of forest land of the environment. It is therefore ownership of the land. for industry, state governments tend necessary to flank the measurement of In 1996, a landmark Supreme to label Adivasis as “encroachers” on economic wealth with the evaluation Court judgement had stated that a forest land. of these other aspects of wellbeing. forest had to be understood as per The Forest Rights Act of 2006 (FRA) Environmental and development its dictionary meaning (a large tract recognises the rights of traditional policies must be combined and of land with trees) and would include forest dwellers to live and cultivate strengthened in turn. It is important all areas classified as forests in Indian on forest lands, but lakhs of Adivasi that we clearly understand the two government records. But the central claims over forest land have been major challenges that we are currently government has not yet formulated unfairly rejected in the past decade. In faced with: sustainability and poverty. a clear legal definition of forests in February, the Supreme Court ordered Modern growth theory shows not various laws – an omission that has the eviction of all forest dwellers only that environmental sustainability

2 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 is potentially compatible with positive economic growth theory integrates the plans to stop it. However, declaring economic growth but also, and effects of environmental degradation Aarey as forest may have some perhaps more importantly, that failure on social welfare and utility, medium- repercussions too. It will not only to achieve environmental sustainability run economic growth, and the risk of jeopardise the proposed metro-shed, may become an obstacle to sustained approaching environmental thresholds zoo and the real estate projects but economic growth. That is, a lack of within an optimal dynamic framework also the government's Hollywood style environmental sustainability may by fully accounting for the trade-offs makeover plan for the film city in Aarey. entail non-monetary costs to society— between them and the speed of long- this is effect above. It may also make run, or ‘balanced,’ economic growth. growth infeasible in countries where the economy is highly dependent Way Forward on natural resources—this is effect. Imbalance between built and natural General Studies Paper- II Moreover, even in countries that are spaces is deteriorating the thermal not resource-dependent, a lack of environment of Indian cities. Lack of Topic: Government policies and environmental sustainability may, technical data and scientific awareness interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out according to effect, prevent further amongst city dwellers has resulted in of their design and implementation. growth once the economies approach devaluation of green cover. In view of critical environmental thresholds. This increasing forest, and future demand General Studies Paper- III means that, even for policymakers who of infrastructure, the loss of forest Topic: Conservation, environmental only focus on GDP growth as a measure will be stretched further beyond the pollution and degradation, environ- of economic success, environmental exist limit of the town and will become mental impact assessment. sustainability is a relevant goal, at least even more critical in larger areas. over the long run. In addition, there Like other important environmental is mounting empirical evidence that, studies, urban deforestation should the negative-social-equity effect, is be evaluated periodically to determine a feature of a lack of environmental if it still causing impacts upon forest sustainability. Modern (sustainable) resources, and whether there are mmm

2. NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS : JOURNEY SO FAR

Why in News? country. As per orders of the Supreme government has earlier said those left Court, the final draft of Assam's NRC out of the NRC will not be detained The much-awaited updated Final was published on July 30, 2018. The under any circumstances until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in final list excluded the names of around Foreigners Tribunals declare them as Assam was released on last month, 40 lakh people. foreigners. If no appeal is filed in 120 excluding names of over 19 lakh days, the Deputy Commissioner of that applicants. When the National Register of Citizens (NRC) authorities in Assam district will make a “reference” to the Introduction published a consolidated family- Tribunal. More than 19 lakh people in Assam wise list of applicants recently, they In case someone is unhappy with have been excluded from the final appended a note that those included the decision of the FTs, he/she can also version of the NRC in Assam. A total of may also be excluded later, and that no approach the Guwahati High Court and 3.29 crore people had applied for the position in the list is permanent. As of even the Supreme Court. Therefore, NRC, of which 3.11 crore made it to the now, the NRC has included 3.11 crore the state government has announced final list. It is till date the biggest drive applicants as citizens, and excluded 19 that those excluded will get legal aid to verify citizenship in India. It is aimed lakh. through the District Legal Services at identifying illegal immigrants who Any person who is not satisfied Authorities. entered and settled in Assam, primarily with the outcome of the NRC can file Meanwhile, those who are from Bangladesh, after March 25, appeal before the Foreigners' Tribunals declared as illegal migrants by the FTs, 1971 and deport them to their native (FTs) within 120 days. The Assam will be taken to detention camps and

October 2019 A Issue-2 3 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 locked therein until their deportation ¡ People who came from Bangladesh D-Voter (Declared Foreigner) to their native country. between January 1, 1966, and D-Voter is a category introduced in Assam March 24, 1971, registered in 1997 to mark people unable to prove NRC and Assam themselves with the Foreigner their citizenship during verification. A The demands to update the NRC Regional Registration Office and Declared Foreigner is one identified as such by one of the 100 Foreigners of 1951 were first raised by the All were declared by the Foreigner Tribunals (FTs), which are quasi-judicial Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Tribunal (FT) as Indian citizens. bodies that opine whether or not a person is a foreigner within the meaning of the Assam Gana Parishad more than ¡ Indian citizens, including their Foreigners Act, 1946. three decades ago. The organisations descendants, who moved to Assam Under Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, had submitted a memorandum to after March 24, 1971 (they need 1955, people who entered Assam between the Centre on January 18, 1980, two to furnish proof of residence in January 1, 1966 and March 25, 1971 need months after launching the anti-illegal another part of the country as on to register with an FRRO. They would have all rights of a citizen except the right to foreigners Assam Movement. March 24, 1971). vote, which would be granted after 10 The publication of the initial NRC The NRC is now being updated to years. In the NRC note, those who entered list is the outcome of a long standing include the names of those persons Assam within this 1966-71 window but did not register themselves, too, are liable to demand of the Assamese people to (or their descendants) who appear be excluded. detect and deport illegal Bangladeshi in the NRC, 1951, or in any of the migrants from their state. Census data Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of Wrongful Exclusion and th shows sharp contrast in the percentage 24 March, 1971 or in any one of the Inclusion of Assamese and Bengali speakers in other admissible documents issued up There have been allegations of recent times. to midnight of 24th March, 1971, which would prove their presence in Assam wrongful exclusion and inclusion on ¡ In 1991 there were 57.8 per cent grounds of deficiencies in the NRC or in any part of India on or before 24th Assamese speakers and 21.6 methodology. FTs, set up to adjudicate March, 1971. per cent Bengali speakers. The citizenship disputes in Assam, need 2011 Census puts the number of All the names appearing in the strict judicial supervision and must Assamese speakers at 1.5 crore or NRC, 1951, or any of the Electoral Rolls be freed from government control. th 48.3 per cent and that of Bengali up to the midnight of 24 March 1971 Unfortunately, FT in Assam have been speakers at 90 lakh or 28.9 per together are called Legacy Data. Thus, working in the most partisan manner. cent. there will be two requirements for Gauhati High Court, in the latest order inclusion in updated NRC – of its suo motu proceedings — in ¡ The rise in Bengalis speakers response to an email dated April 23, is understood to reflect 1. Existence of a person’s name in the 2018, by the member-in-charge of corresponding increase in the pre-1971 period & Morigaon FT to Assam Government population of Muslims, who 2. Proving linkage with that person. — has quashed FT’s proceedings of migrated from Bangladesh in 1971 Under what circumstances can an Morigaon in 57 cases, and, ordered and after. included person’s name be deleted? these cases to be heard afresh due ¡ Any fact of misrepresentation of to several irregularities was found in National Register of Citizens particulars/documents discovered cases dealt with by the FTs. The court The National Register of Citizens (NRC) by the authorities; was shocked at some of the details of is the register containing names of the 282 cases dealt with by the FT: 17 ¡ Discovery of a person being a genuine Indian Citizens. The first NRC Declared Foreigner (or a migrant of persons on a note sheet were declared was based on the Census of 1951. Indian citizens, but the order declared 1966-71 who is unregistered with them foreigner; in 11 cases, judgment The eligibility of NRC to be if, a Foreigners Regional Registration was not found on record; in 32 cases, ¡ People whose names appear on Office [FRRO]); a person with a people were earlier ex-parte declared the 1951 NRC. case pending at a FTs, or a person foreigners but were eventually found being a D (Doubtful) voter or a ¡ People and descendants of those to be Indians, though the earlier court whose names appear on any voter descendant of such a person; orders were not vacated; in five cases, list prepared in Assam before the ¡ Receipt of an opinion by any FTs dual judgments were discovered and, midnight of March 24, 1971. declaring a person as a foreigner. in two cases, proceedings were to be

4 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 initiated against Rabindra Chandra Foreigners’ Tribunals end up targeting minorities in the country. and Pachar Ali, but a different pair — Foreigners’ Tribunals were established Rahima Khatun and Anwara Khatun, under The Foreigners’ Act,1946, that is, a ¡ There are also concerns the NRC who were not in any way related to pre-Constitution and colonial legislation for Assam may end up incorrectly the proceedings — was declared as that was meant to deal with foreigners including or excluding people from foreigners. rather than citizens. Foreigners’ Tribunals the list - the concerns came into technically quasi-judicial bodies. The To ensure that genuine Indian working of these tribunals has been focus after the publication of the citizens are not deprived of their approved by the Supreme Court. The Indian draft NRC list that excluded more citizenship, the Illegal Migrants Constitution was amended in 1976 to insert than 40 lakh people. the provision about tribunals under Article Determination by Tribunals (IMDT) Act ¡ Till March 2019, as many as 1.17 323 A & 323 B. It talks of administrative and 1983 had provided that the prosecution other specialised tribunals. However, the lakh people had been declared shall prove that the accused is not Constitution doesn’t mention any tribunal foreigners, of which 63,959 were an Indian citizen. Abandoning all to pronounce on the citizenship of people. declared as such ex-parte. known principles of determining By 1979, we had 10 such tribunals, which Pushing lakhs of individuals into constitutionality of the law, the apex rose to 64 in 2015. Today, we have some 100, with another 200 being established the drudgery of appeals to FTs and court, just on the basis of the burden of now. courts, putting them in detention proof being on the prosecution, struck centres notorious for degrading down as unconstitutional. Issues and Challenges with conditions, and relegating them to Due to this judgment of the SC, the NRC secondary citizenship or statelessness heavy burden of proving citizenship are bound to bring extreme suffering to Several flaws have been identified in is now on the citizens — they have the people, the majority of whom are this process, from the lack of legal aid to prove it on the basis of pre-1971 already living a marginalised existence. to ex parte orders declaring people legacy and linkage documents. The law The issue was raised in both the Lok foreigners without even a trial. Tribunal completely ignores the illiterate and Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the members are pressured to declare the destitute’s daily struggle for livelihood monsoon session, with Opposition maximum number of foreigners rather — they cannot possibly be meticulously leaders protesting against the move. than clear people of the charge. In keeping documents, particularly when An exercise like the NRC, with its anticipation of a fresh rush of cases most of them have had their homes fundamental premises rooted in the after the final list, 1,000 more tribunals binary of outsiders/insiders, cut-off ravaged by floods five to seven times dates, and primordial claims over land, on an average. are being set up across the state. Neither the state nor the Centre has threatens to aggravate the already The burden of proof under our clarified what happens to those who existing social tensions. legal system is on the person who lose their cases in the FTs, whether makes an assertion. Since criminal law they will be detained, deported or International Convention is a state instrument, it is always on allowed to stay on without the rights and Indian Law the prosecution: It is the prosecution’s and privileges of citizenship. The Convention on the Reduction duty to prove its allegations beyond any of Statelessness, 1961, creates doubt. If there is the slightest doubt in The real challenge is before FTs an obligation on States to reduce the prosecution story, the benefit is where extensive documentation is required. Getting certified copies statelessness. To this end, amongst always given to the accused. Section 9 other matters, the Convention provides of Foreigners’ Act has put the burden of documents from appropriate authorities is the first big hurdle. that States “shall not deprive a person of proof on the alleged foreigner. of his nationality if such deprivation However, NRC excluded, including army The Supreme Court has yet to make would render him stateless”; requires veterans, government employees, its observation and issue a directive on that States “shall grant its nationality to families of former Presidents and the final NRC list as well as the Standard a person born in its territory who would Assam’s only woman Chief Minister. All Operating Procedure to be followed otherwise be stateless” and that “If those left out of the draft were told to for legal remedies of the excluded the law of a Contracting State provides applicants. The Foreigners (Tribunals) make fresh claims to citizenship. for loss of its nationality by a person’s Amendment Order, 2019, notified by ¡ The Assam National Register spouse or children as a consequence the Union government, describes the Citizens is being seen as a stepping of that person losing or being deprived procedure to be followed in respect of stone to more general NRC for the of that nationality, such loss shall be appeals to be filed by those excluded entire country. There are concerns conditional upon their possession or from the NRC list. and fears that such an NRC could acquisition of another nationality.”

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However the steps which are being of citizenship, that potentially have their being made “stateless”, thus taken by Indian government seem implications for lives and livelihoods of depriving them of the basic human against not only the convention but also vast masses of people, can we afford right to a nationality, Government from the constitutional point of view, to privilege primordial identity over of India must, where extradition of the Expulsion Act and the NRC process constitutionality, and the procedural “non-citizens” is not possible, declare under it violate the right to equality understanding of constitutionality over a pathway to citizenship for those under Article 14 and the right to Life its substantive-universal understanding excluded. Long-pending problems call and personal liberty under Article 21 which has humanity at its core? for innovative solutions. These require (both of which are guaranteed to all Considering that migration has been the cooperation of all stakeholders in persons, not just to citizens) because a historical fact of human civilisation the democracy that is India, in a spirit they vest vast arbitrary and unguided as such and its prevalence has been of compassion, trust and respect for power and discretion in the executive increasing manifold in our times for the dignity of the individual. to expel, deport and banish from Assam various reasons, the idea of citizenship or from India anyone who has ever and the corresponding rights needs to been at any point of time “ordinarily” be human-centric rather than state- General Studies Paper- I resident in any place outside India and centric. Declaring a section of humanity Topic: Role of women and women's has at any time ever “come to Assam”. to be bereft of the rights by invoking organizations, Population and Even those who are protected by a primordial conception of identity associated issues, Poverty and the basic principle of international law would reduce India to being an ethnic developmental issues, Urbanization, (‘non-refoulement’) that refugees or democracy at best and a theocracy at their problems and their remedies. asylum seekers should not be sent to worst. What is required is the fostering General Studies Paper- II countries where they face persecution of the civic identity consistent with the Topic: Welfare schemes for based on "race, religion, nationality, republican ideal of the Constitution. vulnerable sections of the population membership of a particular social Though the NRC is very important by the Centre and States and the group or political opinion" are required for the country and it cannot be performance of these schemes; to be expelled by the Expulsion Act if ignored but the Government of India mechanisms, laws, institutions and they are "immigrants". should, at the earliest, clarify, so as Bodies constituted for the protection to clear the air, its position on the and betterment of these vulnerable Way Forward legal status of those who will stand sections. At a fundamental level, while dealing excluded from the final NRC, and what with issues, such as the question the future holds for them. To prevent mmm

3. URBAN PLANNING : LEARNING FROM GLOBAL LIVEABILITY INDEX, 2019

Why in news? Introduction 1.50 billion by 2030 residing in urban areas, only end up pushing more In India, New Delhi and Mumbai India’s leading megapolises face and more people into increasingly rank 118th and 119th out of 140 cities numerous challenges in providing unliveable slum-like environs? Will according to the Global Liveability their beleaguered citizens a better cities, as engines of economic growth, Index 2019 released By Economist quality of life. If this is the scenario continue to drive India’s march into Intelligence Unit (EIU). Two of the with two of our most vibrant global the 21st century or will they turn out most popular metro cities in India, cities, the challenges for the rest of to be our biggest impediments? Are and maybe even the world, New Delhi urban — and fast urbanising — India these questions really a cause of worry and Mumbai don't have the most indeed seem daunting. Such poor for the government? It seems that the impressive living conditions which global recognition poses a few difficult answer is in the negative, especially place them at the far end of the list of questions. Will India, slated to have considering that Mumbai, a city that is the world's most liveable cities. half of its projected population of deservedly placed at a poor 119th in the

6 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 global liveability index, is considered Notwithstanding such indices Global Liveability Index 2019 by the Union Ministry of Housing and or the methodologies adopted for The EIU is the research and analysis division Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to be one of their preparation, it is true that the of the Economist Group and conducts a India’s top-three cities providing the governance of Indian cities is besotted global liveability survey every year, ranking ideal “ease of living” conditions to its with basic and deeply entrenched around 140 cities all over the world. The citizens. flaws. So much so, that no particular city categories being: i) stability, ii) healthcare, stands a chance of coming anywhere iii) culture and environment, iv) education Indian Cities and Liveability and v) infrastructure. While stability and close to the global benchmarks in most culture and environment in a city are In August 2018, MoHUA released India’s of the above-mentioned parameters. given a weightage of 25 percent each, first Ease of Living Index featuring Failed attempts made by successive healthcare and infrastructure are each 111 cities. Unlike the five specific governments in the past provide ample given 20 percent, and education getting categories encompassing a diverse proof of the urban mess that India has the remaining 10 percent weightage. All created for itself. these factors are rated as acceptable, set of quantitative and qualitative tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable, factors in the EIU index, MoHUA Further, deterioration in culture and intolerable. These separate scores are measured the performances of these and environment is of concern including then combined to rate the cities on a scale cities on 78 physical, institutional, the quality of air in cities like New Delhi. of 1- 100, moving from least tolerable to social and economic indicators. These The 2018 update to the World Health liveable. indicators were spread across 15 Organisation (WHO) Global Ambient Vienna in Austria, Melbourne and Sydney Air Quality Database showed that in Australia make the top three cities while parameters: governance, identity Damascus in Syria, Lagos in Nigeria and and culture, education, health, safety New Delhi currently boasts the sixth Dhaka in Bangladesh rank in the bottom. and security, economy, affordable highest annual mean concentration of Of the 37 Asian and Australasian cities housing, land use planning, public fine particulate matter among cities included in the index, five are among the open spaces, transportation and around the world. New Delhi, which ten most liveable and six are among the 20 least liveable. mobility, assured water supply, waste- has dropped six ranks since last year’s water management, solid waste Global Livability Index has also seen In recent years liveability has generally an increase in cases of petty crimes. been rising, thanks to improvements management, power, and quality of in stability and better education and environment. Significantly, despite Mumbai’s rank also fell in this year’s healthcare provision in cities within the well-known daily struggle that 23 index by two places, as a result of a emerging markets. million people in Mumbai have to face, downgrade in its culture category. enhancing interaction and promoting the city was ranked as the third-easiest Overall, several cities, such as New productivity in a sustainable way. It city to live in. Perhaps the government Delhi received substantial downgrades addresses the values and preferences must have considered positives such on their scores owing to problems of its community for amenity, as the general sense of safety and linked to climate change, such as wellbeing and sense of place, while uninterrupted power supply — a rarity poor air quality, undesirable average acknowledging that these may vary for in the rest of the urban centres in the temperatures and inadequate water different people in different places. So, country — to rate Mumbai so highly. provision. the liveability of a city is influenced by: On the contrary, Delhi, despite its ¡ Access to drinking water and What is Liveability? acclaimed people-friendly mass transit sanitation; infrastructure was rated at a relatively Liveability can be defined as, “the ¡ The availability of clean waterways; poor 65th position, far below Chennai potential of a city to offer favorable (14), Ahmedabad (23) and Hyderabad conditions to its residents and others ¡ Good transport networks; (27). Looking at the disconcertingly low on the parameters of social, natural, ¡ Business and career opportunities; ranks given to both Delhi and Mumbai economic and physical environment”. ¡ Affordable housing and living; in the Global Liveability Index, the In other words, it is an array of different ¡ Appealing surroundings; methodology adopted by the MoHUA is functions that are directly or indirectly ¡ Strong social and cultural networks indeed worth examination. Otherwise, related to livelihood of a resident. It and instead of giving any concrete direction is supported by an integrated theme to government efforts towards containing equity, dignity, accessibility, ¡ A sense of place and belonging. sustainable and equitable urban conviviality, participation and Making Indian Cities development, such national rankings, empowerment. far from providing ‘ease of living’, will Liveability is all of the things that Affordable: Imperatives only create more difficulties for the make a city enjoyable to live in. A India’s Urban Reality: Based India’s urban population. liveable city brings people together, on broad reforms that were to be

October 2019 A Issue-2 7 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 undertaken by local bodies in provision including public land, capital subsidies Pro-women Measures: While of infrastructure and civic services, and infrastructure facilitation. making strategies and policies for some the MoHUA committed INR 662.53 Transportation: Affordable of the areas of improvement discussed billion to states for upgrading urban transport is another critical need above, gender issues must be addressed infrastructure. The payment of the for the urban poor. For the longest and integrated into the solutions. A grants was contingent on local bodies time, the Central government, state globally recognised phenomenon, the undertaking mandatory reforms and governments and city authorities ‘feminisation of urban poverty’ refers establishing benchmarks in the critical have disregarded the needs of the to the fact that women have to bear a sectors of: poor in their planning and policies. disproportionate share of the burden i) Urban renewal, i.e. redevelopment The National Urban Transport Policy of poverty. of inner (old) city areas including (NUTP), first formulated in 2006 and Cities must implement strategies to widening of narrow streets, revised in 2014, is now shifting the enable women to earn better incomes shifting of industrial and emphasis towards public transport, and find space in informal markets, commercial establishments from focusing on people mobility instead of as well as establish affordable care non-conforming (inner city) areas vehicle mobility. centres to look after the children while to conforming (outer city) areas to Food and Nutrition: Poor mothers are at work. reduce congestion, replacement of households in urban India currently face Education and Health: Education old and worn out pipes by new and the issue of food insecurity. Fortunately, and health are the two most significant higher capacity ones, renewal of a food-security network exists in the social infrastructure to which every the sewerage, drainage, and solid country, run by the government under family must have access. There is a waste disposal system etc.; the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food strong relationship between education ii) Water supply and sanitation; and Public Distribution. The public and health. Increased education leads iii) Sewerage and solid waste distribution system distributes ration to positive health consequences, and management; at subsidised rates, such as food items in turn, better health leads to better (wheat, rice, sugar etc.) and essential levels of schooling. Therefore in 2018, iv) Construction and improvement of fuels (kerosene). The network of the government has launched a new drains and storm water drains; ration shops is fairly large; the shops health scheme, 'Ayushman Bharat', v) Transportation including roads, are run with reasonable efficiency with plans to involve the private-sector highways, expressways, mass rapid and are easily accessible. However, hospitals into the service of the poor. transport services, and metro several challenges remain, including The scheme targets the poor, including projects; complaints of adulteration, poor the urban poor, and hopes to cover vi) Provision of designated parking quality, and shortages. around 500 million people. lots and spaces on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis; vii) Development of heritage areas; viii) Prevention and rehabilitation of soil erosion and landslide and ix) Preservation of water bodies. Universal Housing: Adequate housing is crucial to good health, education, safety, privacy, human dignity, access to basic services, credit and opportunities for mobility. In urban India, only a part of this universal need can be converted into demand for formal housing. Approximately 20 million Indian households live in slums. As India urbanises, housing will continue to be in great demand in cities. To achieve the steep targets needed to ensure universal housing, all available instruments must be used,

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Conclusion productive and replete with social General Studies Paper- I tensions. A final point needs to be It is possible to make modern cities made in regard to the size and density Topic: Role of women and women's affordable if policymakers make of cities. As certain metropolitan cities organizations, Population and a concerted effort. In addition to transform themselves into mega cities, associated issues, Poverty and formulating measures to address they increase in both population developmental issues, Urbanization, the existing issues, it is important to density and building density. This their problems and their remedies. implement them in a holistic manner. exacerbates spatial scarcity. In isolation, their intent may fall by General Studies Paper- II Therefore, an overall strategy the wayside, but together, they can Topic: Important aspects of for crafting affordable cities must successfully create pro-poor cities. governance, transparency and To retain their shape and deliver a disincentivise the growth of mega cities accountability, e-governance- decent quality of life, cities must plan and adopt a decentralised approach applications, models, successes, to provide for the economically less to urbanisation. Unless India takes up privileged. Indeed, given the numbers urban planning with the seriousness limitations and potential; citizens of the poor that are likely to continue it deserves, the future of some of charters, transparency & accoun- to move into cities over the next 50 the mega projects of the incumbent tability and institutional and other years, ‘affordability’ must rank as a government such as the 'Smart Cities measures. top objective for any Indian city. If Mission', 'Swachh Bharat Mission', affordability is not thought out and 'HRIDAY' for heritage cities, 'Housing integrated into city systems, cities for All by 2022' and 'AMRUT' are bound will find themselves divided, less to suffer from the same consequences. mmm

4. INDIA - BANGLADESH TIES : A MODEL OF GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS

Why in News? terror cooperation and are also working The seven pacts signed included on a regional trilateral energy sharing one on the terms for the use of the Recently, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh has made arrangement with Bhutan. Chattogram and Mongla ports in a four-day official visit to India. Further, both countries has Bangladesh for movement of goods Besides discussions with her Indian hailed bilateral ties as “model good to and from India. The agreement to counterpart, she also addressed the neighbourliness" as the two sides enable this was signed in October last India Economic Summit of the World signed seven agreements and the year. A second pact signed was for India Economic Forum. Prime Ministers of the two countries to draw 1.82 cusecs (cubic seconds) of inaugurated three projects to deepen water from Bangladesh’s Feni river for Introduction their partnership. One of the three use by India in Tripura state. In India, the growing and deepening projects jointly inaugurated by India Apart from above developments, ties between New Delhi and Dhaka and Bangladesh allowed India to buy both leaders also discussed agreements are widely touted as an unmitigated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from on energy, water, coastal surveillance diplomatic success. Bangladesh Prime Bangladesh for consumption in India’s and a series of measures to improve Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit North-eastern state of Tripura. The trade infrastructure. Further, PM Sheikh to India, the first full bilateral meeting LPG will be transported by Bangladeshi Hasina suggested special economic since both countries went to polls, then, assumes great significance. trucks to the Indian state cutting zones where Indian companies could During this visit, the two countries down transport times and costs. The invest, use Bangladeshi land and labour have committed to upgrading port second was the inauguration of a skill to produce for the Indian market and facilities, implementation of India’s development centre that will provide export it back duty-free. The two under-utilised Linesof Credit, a coastal basic as well as advanced training sides are also talking about regional surveillance system, and agreements some 200-300 Bangladeshi youth on Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal road on education, culture and youth. Both an annual basis for employment in connectivity and a Bhutan-India- countries will also coordinate better the small and medium scale industry Bangladesh regional energy supply border management and counter- sectors. arrangement.

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Bangladesh and India’s bilateral ties Bilateral trade was a little over $9 Rivers Sharing Agreements have rarely been a linear affair. There billion in FY 2017-18 and Bangladeshi Out of river-water sharing is little doubt that when India assisted exports increased by 42.91%, agreements, Teesta river agreement Bangladesh to attain independence in reaching $1.25 billion in FY 2018- 1971, many believed that Bangabandhu is the chief among them. In 2011, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mrs Indira 2019. Removal of non-tariff barriers a framework agreement was inked, Gandhi would forge a partnership rooted will help Bangladeshi exports such as but which has not moved forward in progressive ideals and a common vision harmonising the standards for goods since, chiefly because of tensions for their nations in South Asia and the accepted by India. In 2018, in addition between the Central and West Bengal world, one that would last for generations. to the 660 MW of power imported by The assassination of Mujib and most of his governments. The long-pending family members in 1975, which resurrected Bangladesh, Indian export of electricity upgrading of the Ganga-Padma the political, Islamic and military leaders increased by another 500 MW. A 1,600 barrage project, the draft framework from the political right between 1975 MW power station with a dedicated of interim sharing agreements for and 1996, meant that Bangladesh could transmission system is being developed six rivers — Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, not structure any lasting partnership with to boost power trade. India. Its relationship with India reached Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar — as an all-time low when the Bangladesh Land routes have gained popularity well as the draft framework of interim Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e- over air travel, and are preferred by sharing agreement of the Feni river are Islami coalition government between 2001 85.6% of Bangladeshis visiting India. also pending. This task must not be and 2006 allowed Bangladeshi territory Train services on the Dhaka-Kolkata and taken lightly between two countries to host insurgent activities against the that share 54 transboundary rivers, North-eastern states of India. This Kolkata-Khulna are doing well, while a unfortunate nosedive in the Bangladesh- third, on the Agartala-Akhaura route, is and where water management is key India relationship was decisively reversed under construction. Five additional bus to prosperity, and often a source of after the electoral victory of the Awami services were introduced in 2018; this tensions and humanitarian disasters. League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in December 2008, with an improvement March, the first ever Dhaka-Kolkata Credit Lines in the strategic sphere, and alignment on cruise ship was launched. Bangladeshi regional and global issues, connectivity and tourists accounted for 21.6% of the Dhaka is also likely to seek New trade. total percentage of tourists visiting Delhi’s cooperation in upgrading Since 2009, Bangladesh and India have India in 2018 (83.7% tourists and its railways, roads and shipping infrastructure and might ask for peacefully navigated many contested issues 10.28% medical patients). Today, that had remained unresolved since 1947. the export of more electricity to Bangladesh contributes 50% of India’s In 2015, the Indian government ratified the Bangladesh. As of 2017, India had health tourism revenue. 1974 Land Boundary Treaty which executed extended three lines of credit worth a land swap of enclaves, settling historical Border killings have decreased. approximately $7.4 billion; however, anomalies dating back to the Partition of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) the subcontinent. Bangladesh and India the execution of projects under these also peacefully obtained an international claims that most of the firing is in self- credit pipelines has been very slow. court ruling that allowed the two nations defence in tackling cattle trafficking. Less than 10% of the cumulative to explore resources in the Bay of Bengal However, since the ban by India on commitments have been disbursed without stepping on each other’s toes. cattle export, cattle trade has fallen These milestones show that a partnership so far, while almost no money from from 23 lakh in 2013 to 75,000 till the based on trust and a willingness to engage the third line of credit promising $4.5 on equal terms can help sovereign nations end of May this year — which makes billion has been utilised. Dhaka might resolve historical disagreements. the argument unconvincing. seek both prompt disbursements of the existing commitments and, perhaps, Areas of Concerns Journey So Far an additional line of credit to finance The current Bangladesh government India and Bangladesh share a great infrastructure projects in the pipeline. has uprooted security threats and acts relationship, but areas of concern of insurgency against India and today, remain. Where both countries have NRC Issue the India-Bangladesh border is one of failed to make headway yet, despite It remains unclear how the NRC India’s most secured. The signing of the many forward-looking steps, are saga will ultimately play out in Indian Land Boundary Agreement in 2015 was on river-water sharing agreements, politics, and the implications it might a milestone, where the two neighbours National Registration for Citizens (NRC) have for Bangladesh. For now, it has amicably resolved a long-outstanding issue, Rohingya issue, among others. definitely added an extreme level of issue. Here we will discuss all the issues: suspicion about India among ordinary

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Bangladeshis. And while Prime Rohingya refugee crisis. Given India’s such as India. Compare this to India’s Minister Modi has assured Prime historical friendship with Bangladesh, anaemic performance wherein exports Minister Hasina during a meeting New Delhi bears the responsibility of have grown by just about 1.5 per cent at the United Nations (UN) that the going a few steps further than Beijing per annum on an average since the NRC will have no implications for on the Rohingya crisis. To what extent financial year 2012-2013. Bangladesh, this commitment needs Dhaka can convince New Delhi to In India, by contrast, the bulk continuous reiteration, because an make the maximum effort to push for a of the population is still stuck in the element of noise has been added to peaceful repatriation of the Rohingya, agriculture sector, which contributes the partnership after the statements however, remains to be seen. the least to the gross domestic product given by the Home Minister of India (GDP). The industrial sector, which India and Bangladesh on Amit Shah. Earlier he has said that has the maximum potential to absorb India will deport all non-citizens and Economic Growth surplus labour from agriculture, is has taken credit for the NRC as a policy The latest economic outlook update struggling to grow fast enough and the government will pursue across the released by the Asian Development create employment. It is the strength country, rather than a court-mandated Bank (ADB) has shown how Bangladesh, of Bangladesh’s domestic industries process. The divergence in the two sets and not India, is the standout economy that, despite the trade war between of statements proffered by New Delhi in terms of growth momentum in global superpowers the US and will ensure the issue gets raised again South Asia. Bangladesh is experiencing China intensifying over the past year, and again by Dhaka, and could cast a high and consistently rising economic Bangladesh’s exports have grown from shadow over what one Bangladesh growth rate while maintaining a stable 6.7 per cent in 2018 to 10.1 per cent official otherwise described as the level of inflation. For instance, since in 2019. “best of the best” of ties between two 2016, Bangladesh has been growing at neighbours. over 7 per cent and this financial year Way Forward will see it cross the 8 per cent threshold India-Bangladesh relations have Rohingya Issue as well – a mark it is expected to hit matured in the last decade with The other issue that came up again next financial year. development in many areas of during the talks was the plight of nearly India has seen a secular decline cooperation. In a neighbourhood where a million Rohingya refugees who are from the highs of 2016. The constant distrust and cynicism prevail over currently staying in camps in Cox Bazaar. flow of falling sales and declining friendship and hope, the relationship PM Hasina reportedly requested PM industrial productivity data suggests between the two countries has given Modi to use his “good relations” with that the current financial year is hope for optimism. But the sooner the Myanmar government to facilitate unlikely to see a big enough change for existing challenges are resolved, the the return of all the refugees, while India to get anywhere close to the 7 better it is. Further, Prime Ministers appreciating the aid India has given to per cent mark. However, ADB expects Hasina and Modi have demonstrated refugees in Bangladesh as well as 250 the Indian economy to turn around in that forward-looking partnerships on homes built for them in Myanmar. the next financial year when India is equal terms are possible when bilateral Further, many in India are also expected to grow by 7.2 per cent. ties are rooted in trust, and a common concerned about Bangladesh’s The structure of Bangladesh’s vision of peace and economic progress. growing partnership with China. economy is quite different from Besides, PM Sheikh Hasina’s This, by any standards, is a misplaced India’s. Unlike India, where the services recent trip to India will hopefully fear. Prime Minister Hasina’s China sector contributes overwhelmingly help relations graduate to the next diplomacy is focused to structure a while industry’s contribution is much level of strengthening the three win-win economic cooperation to lower than desired, Bangladesh has a Cs: cooperation, coordination, and address Bangladesh’s developmental booming industrial sector. This allows consolidation. aspirations — and so far, there is no its economy to create jobs. Even at indication that this relationship has a time when the global demand is General Studies Paper- II any possibility of adding a military declining, and despite having a limited Topic: India and its neighborhood- dimension to it. This balancing act by bouquet of export commodities, relations. Bangladesh is especially important Bangladesh was able to push more because it needs the support of both exports by finding newer markets and China and India to mitigate the ongoing edging out other garment exporters mmm

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5. RBI'S REPORT ON STATE FINANCES : A STUDY OF BUDGETS OF 2019-20

Why in News? reforms such as the Goods and Services zoomed to $5.36 trillion, or just a little Tax (GST), without sacrificing the hard- over 100% of the fiscal deficit of the The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earned gains of fiscal consolidation so central government during that fiscal. has released a report titled “State that their finances remain sustainable Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2019- Since 2016-17, the fiscal deficit of over the medium-term. Given that 20”. It analysed the fiscal position of state governments has come down a annual budgetary outcomes of states state governments. The report has little. In the 2018-19, the fiscal deficit are essentially a time-varying process been prepared in the Division of State expected to be $4.9 trillion, or around of accumulation of debt, it is the Finances (DSF) of the Department of 77.3% of the fiscal deficit of the central sustainability of debt that holds the Economic and Policy Research (DEPR). government. The interesting thing is key. that, on the whole, the situation seems Introduction With the introduction of GST, to have improved. In 2016-17, the total States primarily depend on two many indirect taxes levied by the fiscal deficit (central government plus sources for their revenue – their own states have been replaced. While state governments) was at a very high revenue and central transfers. The these taxes were completely under 6.97% of gross domestic product (GDP). the control of each state, GST rates are former indicates revenue generated During 2018-19 also, fiscal deficit now decided by the GST Council. GST by states on their own, while the latter of states continued to remain below revenue of a state can be categorized consists of receipts from devolution 3.0 per cent of GDP. Debt has risen into three components: (i) state’s own of union taxes and grants-in-aid from persistently since 2015-16, led by GST revenue, (ii) devolution of centre’s the centre. In 2018-19, 52% of the restructuring of power sector through revenue receipts of states is estimated GST revenue, and (iii) compensation, if schemes like UDAY. As per budget to come from their own revenue, and any. While the first component comes estimates for 2019-20, states’ fiscal the remaining 48% of the revenue in under state’s own revenue, the other deficit is projected at 2.6 per cent of the form of transfers from the centre. two components form a part of central GDP. Effective use of expenditure along Since central transfers are outside the transfers. This implies that states have with enhancing tax generation capacity jurisdiction of the states, they do not limited flexibility in making decisions are key to support economic growth at have the authority to make decisions regarding tax rates on goods and this juncture. In addition to the debt- regarding a significant part of their services. Therefore, higher reliance to-GDP across states, the RBI also revenue. on GST receipts for revenue reduces flagged off the increase in guarantees States have to balance aspirational states’ autonomy, as these receipts given by the state. Data obtained from policy choices against two major depend on tax rates decided by the the Comptroller and Auditor General operating constraints: generating GST Council. and from state finance departments adequate revenue within the Fiscal Position of State shows that the quantum of guarantees legislative framework and adhering given jumped sharply by 37.7 percent to Fiscal Responsibility Legislations Governments in 2017- 18 to 2.5 percent of GDP. (FRLs). Prudent fiscal housekeeping Fiscal deficit is the difference between has to be, therefore, balanced with what a government earns and what In terms of the sectoral distribution developmental and sustainability it spends. In 2011-12, the total fiscal of exposure, the power sector remains perspectives. Key to an optimal mix deficit of state governments was dominant - accounting for over 60 per is states’ own revenue generation $1.71 trillion. This amounted to just cent of total outstanding guarantees, on capacity coupled with adequate 33.3% of the fiscal deficit of the central average. For a few states, it accounted support from federal transfers so that government during that fiscal. In the for over 80 per cent - followed by the the states can absorb exogenous fiscal next few years, state governments transport sector. shocks in the form of schemes like ramped up their spending. In 2013-14, Key Features of the Report farm loan waivers, the Ujjwal DISCOM the fiscal deficit of state governments Assurance Yojana (UDAY), farmer was around 50.2% that of the central States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) has income support schemes and structural government. In 2016-17, the figure remained within the FRBM threshold

12 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 of 3 per cent of gross domestic product however, some important features Debt: States’ Medium-Term (GDP) during 2017-18 and 2018-19. of these budget outcomes which are Fiscal Challenge This has, however, been achieved by noteworthy. The slowdown in the economy poses sharp retrenchment in expenditures, ¡ First, fiscal improvement has hinged a challenging fiscal environment in particular, capital expenditure. on expenditure curtailment, and for states as lower revenue raising ¡ For 2019-20, states have budgeted in particular, capital expenditure, capacity and downward rigidities in for a consolidated GFD of 2.6 per which has negative output effects various expenditure heads can force an cent of GDP with a marginal revenue in the medium term. increase in borrowing/future liabilities. surplus (as against revenue deficits ¡ Second, committed expenditures ¡ The weak performance of State in the previous three years). are on a rising trend, driven by Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs), ¡ Outstanding debt of states have interest and pension payments. particularly in power distribution, risen over the last five years to 25 ¡ Third, financing via market continues to be a source of fiscal per cent of GDP, posing medium- borrowings is slated to rise. risk going forward if the off-budget term challenges to its sustainability. liabilities get crystallised. ¡ Fourth, debt liabilities have been ¡ Incipient risks to debt sustainability rising during 2016- 19 and are ¡ The increased orientation of emanate from losses of DISCOMs likely to remain around 25 per cent state government borrowings as well as potential invocation of of GDP in 2019-20, clearly making towards markets brings attendant guarantees. the sustainability of debt the main challenges of pricing, liquidity, ¡ Data included in the RBI report medium-term fiscal challenge for management of redemption cycle shows that the debt performance states. and diversification of investor base. across large states varies widely. ¡ The debt position of state The Ghost Of UDAY ¡ Among larger states, Punjab has governments has started showing The lingering impact of the 2015 UDAY the worst debt-to-GDP ratio of 39.9 incipient signs of unsustainability, scheme continues to play out on state percent, followed by Uttar Pradesh, finances and could even worsen over particularly post UDAY. Recognising where debt levels have hit 38.1 the next two years if the performance that debt sustainability is closely percent of GDP. Himachal Pradesh, of distribution companies does not linked to revenue generation of Rajasthan and West Bengal also improve, the RBI cautioned. The scheme states, they will have to improve is continuing to impact state finances in a have debt-to-GDP ratios far higher number of ways. their revenue raising capacity by than the threshold. In contrast, capitalising on the efficiency gains ¾ First, states which were part of the Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, programme have seen an increase under the GST and digitisation Maharashtra and Telangana have in interest payouts since the coupon and improving compliance. Also, the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios rates on UDAY securities were higher turnaround of power distribution than state government bonds. among larger states. sector is crucial to avoid fiscal ¾ Second, states had signed an surprises going forward. ¡ Revenue generation holds the agreement to take on a larger share of key to prudent debt management DISCOM losses with each passing year. ¡ In the Indian fiscal landscape, and can act as a circuit breaker in As per the agreement, states would take states are entrusted with higher perverse debt spirals, highlighting on: responsibilities but less than the need to raise tax buoyancy and ¾ 10 percent of DISCOM losses of the commensurate resources. previous year in 2018-19. capitalise on technology enabled ¡ On the revenue front, states efficiency gains, while exploiting ¾ 25 percent of DISCOM losses of the previous year in 2019-20. might see a crunch because of the scope for raising user charges the economic slowdown, though ¾ 50 percent of DISCOM losses of the wherever possible, with reduced previous year in 2020-21. they remain protected against any reliance on borrowings. As such, the health of DISCOMs will remain own shortfall in GST collection by The GFD-GDP for states recorded critical to state debt in the coming years. compensation cess. improvement in 2017-18 (Accounts) Another potential impact from UDAY could ¡ On the expenditure front, schemes materialise from takeover of incremental vis-à-vis 2016-17 and remained well like farm loan waivers and UDAY, losses of DISCOMs as mandated in UDAY within the threshold of 3 per cent agreements, particularly as the benefit of which are essentially in the nature during 2018-19. A similar outcome is grants to supplement revenues will not be of fiscal shocks, have kept spending budgeted for 2019-20 (BE). There are, available for some states. pressures high.

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¡ The debt position of state governments has deteriorated post-UDAY though still remains sustainable, but vulnerable to potential risks with invocation of states’ guarantees. Addressing these issues give states the wherewithal to support growth by not curtailing desired expenditure and hence, maintaining sustainability in the long-run.

Importance of State Finance expenditure to meet the fiscal targets capacity to support their expenditure. may become inevitable. This can feed In the ultimate analysis, borrowed The states borrowing more and more an ever-tightening vicious spiral of resources that are used wisely on should raise concerns especially when austerity deepening the economic projects/programmes with revenue they borrow to meet unexpected downturn which, in turn, cramps and employment-generating potential policy goals such as farm loan waivers. fiscal revenues and forces further will free up fiscal space and secure an Each year’s borrowing (or deficit) expenditure reductions and so on. In optimal balance between growth and adds to the total debt. Paying back the case of states, there can be large sustainability. this debt depends on a state’s ability macroeconomic spillovers from the A combination of consolidation, to raise revenues. If a state, or all the spending retrenchments with states’ reissuances and maturity elongation states in aggregate, find it difficult capital and developmental expenditure can help in improving liquidity, and to raise revenues, a rising mountain accounting for close to two-thirds of the in developing a secondary market of debt captured in the debt-to-GDP combined expenditure. The negative with a diversified investor base with ratio — could start a vicious cycle output effects could exacerbate the differential pricing operating as wherein states end up paying more medium-term challenge of debt market discipline among states. In the and more towards interest payments sustainability. spirit of cooperative and competitive instead of spending their revenues on federalism, this report has tried to creating new assets that provide better Conclusion assimilate state-wise facts on fiscal education, health and welfare for their States’ role in promoting growth and parameters that can perform the role residents. Revenue generation holds overall social welfare is critical as public of metrics of competition and mutual the key to prudent debt management policy responsibilities devolving on learning. Above all else states must not improving tax buoyancy by capitalising them are large. Yet, fiscal consolidation compromise on their social and capital on technology enabled efficiency gains and pressures to increase current expenditures; they have profound under the GST architecture, and raising spending have led to an overall decline macroeconomic and social implications user charges, wherever possible, in capital spending to the tune of about as evident in the slowdown in economic should bolster revenue raising capacity. 0.3 to 0.5 per cent of GDP during 2017- activity in India which is leading and States have budgeted prudently 19. Arresting this trend is crucial to coincident with the cutback in spending for 2019-20, but macroeconomic risks avoid adverse effects on long-term by states. to their combined budget estimates growth and welfare. Going forward, appear to be slanted to the downside. it is important for states to pursue The loss of momentum in economic their capital expenditure plans as General Studies Paper- III activity needs to be reversed soon, budgeted in 2019-20 by front-loading Topic: Indian Economy and issues otherwise it can have revenue them. This is particularly important relating to planning, mobilization of implications for state budgets, if as it has strong multiplier and welfare resources, growth, development and not complemented by extra efforts enhancing effects. The states will have employment. towards revenue mobilisation. If to simultaneously make efforts towards they do not materialise, cuts in improving their revenue raising mmm

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6. INDIA'S COOPERATIVE BANKING SECTOR : NEEDS REFORM

Why in News? claimed it has enough assets to cover Evolution of the Urban Bank The trouble at Punjab and Maharashtra the liabilities. Sector Cooperative Bank (PMC) highlighted About Cooperative banks The evolution of UCBs may be broadly a governance deficit in the country's divided into three phases - the growth financial sector. Governance and Cooperative movement in India was phase, crisis phase and consolidation transparency in India's financial started primarily for dealing with the phase. institutions lag its larger international problem of rural credit. The history of peers, according to global rating agency Indian cooperative banking started with Growth Phase (1966-2003) Standard and Poor’s (S&P). the passing of Cooperative Societies In 1966, there were about 1100 Act in 1904. The objective of this Act UCBs with deposits and advances of Introduction was to establish cooperative credit Rs. 1.67 billion and Rs. 1.53 billion In late September, the Reserve Bank societies “to encourage thrift, self-help respectively. The Reserve Bank pursued of India (RBI) imposed restrictions and cooperation among agriculturists, a liberal licensing policy, especially on withdrawals from the Punjab and artisans and persons of limited means. pursuant to the recommendations Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank, The Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks of the Marathe Committee, which one of the largest urban cooperative popularly known as Urban Cooperative suggested dispensing the ‘one-district, lenders, throwing the lives of Banks (UCBs) were brought under the one-bank’ approach. This shifted the thousands of traders, self-employed regulatory ambit of RBI by extending stance of the policy to assess the ‘need and daily wage earners into disarray. certain provisions of the Banking and potential’ in an area for mobilising The RBI has appointed an administrator Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) effective deposits and purveying of credit for a and superseded the board of directors from March 1, 1966. UCBs are at the new UCB. at PMC, after the discovery of major base level of the banking system in financial irregularities, failures of Crisis Phase (2003-2008) India providing basic banking facilities internal control and systems, and to people of small means particularly However, it was observed that wrong/under-reporting of exposure. urban poor. The UCB sector is unique nearly one-third of the newly licensed PMC appears to have exceeded UCBs became financially unsound in the sense that there is a significant prudential norms in extending loans within a short period. The RBI degree of heterogeneity among the to a single customer, a distressed real introduced the Graded Supervisory banks in this sector in terms of size, estate company. Action (GSA) framework in 2003 in geographical distribution, performance Cooperative banks generally have lieu of classification of UCBs into Weak and financial strength. The sector less onerous regulations. Cooperative and Sick UCBs. Accordingly, UCBs were has unit banks, multi-branch UCBs bank failures in the past haven't spilled classified into four grades - Grade operating within a state and multi- over to the broader banking sector. I, II, III and IV depending on their state UCBs with the area of operation Between 2004 and 2018, the RBI financial conditions. GSA envisaged in more than one state. has merged 72 cooperative banks in supervisory measures to be taken with Maharashtra alone. Across the country, There has been a phenomenal respect to UCBs classified in Grade III the number of urban co-operative growth in the UCB sector since 1966 and IV when certain levels of CRAR, banks has fallen from 1,926 to 1,551 in in terms of the number of banks, net NPA, profitability or default in the last 15 years. branches, size of business (deposits+ CRR/SLR were breached. UCBs were If the bank is liquidated, which is loans and advances) and geographical subjected to supervisory action such less likely, depositors will get Rs 1 lakh outreach. The Reserve Bank has been as prohibition from expansion of area irrespective of the amount they had reviewing the performance of the of operation, opening new branches, deposited. Small depositors need not UCB sector from time to time and also prescribing lower exposure limits and panic as the bank has Deposit Insurance constituted certain committees and restrictions on dividend based on this and Credit Guarantee Corporation working groups to look into regulatory classification. With the introduction cover under which deposits up to Rs issues concerning UCBs, including the of Rating Model, GSA was replaced by 1 lakh are covered. The bank has also licensing policy. Supervisory Action Framework (SAF)

October 2019 A Issue-2 15 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 in 2012 wherein supervisory action was initiated based on various trigger points such as CRAR, gross NPA, CD ratio, profitability and concentration of deposits. SAF was reviewed and modified in 2014 by advancing the trigger points for imposing directions and cancellation of licence. Consolidation Phase (2008 onwards) As a result of the new initiatives ¡ Second, the RBI has given the and sustained efforts by RBI, the Reforms in Urban Co- choice to urban cooperative banks number of financially weak banks in the operative Banks to convert to small finance banks. UCB sector declined. Further, due to One needs to go back to history. That option is there for those consolidation in the sector on account Cooperative banks came directly of closure and merger. Incidentally, under the RBI’s radar in 1966 but players with more than Rs. 50 crore mergers of as many as 119 UCBs have faced the problem of dual regulation. capital and 15% capital adequacy. been effected till date after 2005. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies This is an incentive as they will then (RCS) is in control of management be able to grow their capital by Cooperative Banks vs issuing shares at a premium. Commercial Banks elections and many administrative issues as well as auditing. And the Cooperative banks, which are distinct from ¡ Third, RBI has also said that for commercial banks, were born out of the RBI brought them under the Banking urban cooperative banks there concept of cooperative credit societies Regulation Act as applicable to could be an umbrella organisation where members from a community band cooperative societies, which included promoted by the banks themselves together to extend loans to each other, at all the regulatory aspects, namely, the favourable terms. Credit cooperatives (or to raise capital as a joint stock cooperative banks) are broadly classified granting of the licence, maintaining company can from the markets. into urban or rural cooperative banks cash reserve, statutory liquidity and This incident poses a challenge based on their region of operation. Urban capital adequacy ratios, and inspection cooperative banks (UCBs) are classified for supervision. It comes back to of these banks. Since 2004, a number into scheduled and non-scheduled banks. how exposures can be hidden, of banks have been brought under all- There are three key points of difference which can be done in any bank inclusive directions where there have between scheduled commercial banks and or non-banking finance company co-operative banks. been significant weaknesses. So, the (NBFC), not just a cooperative. One, unlike commercial banks, UCBs are RBI has been taking action when it is The supervision system should only partly regulated by the RBI. While clear that a bank is not able to carry on their banking operations are regulated its operations in a manner that protects be able to catch much more by the RBI, which lays down their capital underreporting or false reporting adequacy, risk control and lending norms, the interests of the depositors. their management and resolution in the and ensure accountability of the ¡ First, there was a committee under case of distress is regulated by the Registrar Board and the auditors. of Co-operative Societies either under the H. Malegam which recommended State or Central government. a board of management of fit and Issues and Challenges Two, unlike commercial banks which are proper persons, other than the structured as joint stock companies, UCBs board of directors. Directors are In the case of PMC Bank, as per RBI, are structured as cooperatives, with their elected by members and very often there are three problems — major members carrying unlimited liability. the borrowers get to nominate financial irregularities, failure of Three, while there is a clear distinction internal control and systems, and between a commercial bank’s shareholders their own persons, while depositors and its borrowers, in a UCB borrowers can are not really represented as these underreporting of exposures. It is well double up as shareholders. banks accept deposits from non- known that PMC Bank has extended In the event UCBs fail, deposits with them members. So, the idea was to have 73% of its assets to HDIL, which are covered by the Deposit Insurance and has created a panicky situation for Credit Guarantee Corporation of India up a board of management in actual to a sum of Rs. 1 lakh per depositor, the control of operations as opposed depositors. The RBI has had to clarify same as for a commercial bank. to elected directors. that Indian banking is safe.

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The problem is, of course, dual control by the RBI and the Registrar Cooperative Societies (RCS), with the state government also playing a role and politics sometimes entering the space. The management, board and auditors are responsible. It’s a governance and transparency issue that also affects public sector banks, private banks, and NBFCs. The governance structure in banks or in other financial institutions is that it should be professionally banks are unique in terms of their among the agriculturists. Instead of managed. And, the frequency and structure, clientele and credit delivery. hoarding money the rural people intensity of supervision has to be clearly The resilience shown by these banks tend to deposit their savings in based on the size of the bank and the during their long existence can be the cooperative or other banking assessment made of the governance leveraged. Despite their inherent institutions. standards in the banks. All banks weaknesses in terms of low capital, ¡ Cooperative societies have also — small finance banks, cooperative poor management and intrusive greatly helped in the introduction banks and leveraged institutions like policies of state, co-operative banks of better agricultural methods. NBFCs — are open to the risk of poor in India have successfully weathered Cooperative credit is available governance. There is no option but to several challenges during their century for purchasing improved seeds, look at the fit and proper character of old existence and continued to grow the directors. chemical fertilizers, modern in the competitive environment which implements, etc. Cooperative institutions play a emerged following the Economic and significant role in credit delivery to Financial Sector Reforms initiated in Conclusion unbanked segments and financial 1991. RBI has been continuously taking inclusion. But their role has declined ¡ The main objective of cooperative policy measures to strengthen the co- with the expansion of scheduled credit movement is to provide operative banking sector. It is heartening commercial banks and adoption of an effective alternative to the to see that supportive regulatory technology. Even urban cooperative traditional defective credit system environment, adoption of technology lenders are facing competition from of the village money lender. The and re-orientation of business strategy payment banks, small finance banks, cooperative banks tend to protect can act as enablers for co-operative and NBFCs. We have about 1,500 urban the rural population from the banks to contribute more meaningfully. cooperatives, but there are nearly clutches of money lenders. Yet, looking into the future, some hard 96,000 rural banks, including primary ¡ Cooperative credit system has questions relating to maintaining the agriculture credit societies. Long-term cheapened the rural credit both credit extended by them is declining, cooperativeness in co-operatives need directly as well as indirectly. but there is still a role in agriculture for to be answered. Further, RBI must rural cooperative societies. ¡ An important benefit of ensure that cooperative banks adopt cooperative credit system is to more professionalism in order to retain Importance of Cooperative bring a change in the nature of people's confidence in the cooperative Banks loans. Previously the cultivators banking sector. Considering the great importance used to borrow for consumption of cooperative banks, particularly in and other unproductive purposes. the rural areas, it is not surprising But, now, they mostly borrow for General Studies Paper- III that every committee or commission, productive purposes. Cooperative Topic: Indian Economy and issues that has examined the working of the societies discourage unproductive relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and cooperative banking system in India, borrowing. employment. has expressed the common view ¡ Cooperative credit movement has that “cooperation remains the best encouraged saving and investment hope of rural India.” Co-operative by developing the habits of thrift mmm

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7. OPEN DEFECATION FREE STATUS : AN ANALYSIS

Why in News? districts are marching ahead towards ODF under 'Swachh Bharat Mission' the goal of Swachh Bharat. define as: "ODF is the termination of On the occasion of the 150th birth faecal-oral transmission, defined by anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, According to the Ministry of Water Prime Minister Narendra Modi has and Sanitation(MWS), in the past a) no visible faeces found in the declared the country open defecation- four years India has built more toilets environment/village; and free (ODF), claiming success for the than it had done since independence. b) every household as well as public/ government’s initiative under which Over 100 millions toilets in six lakh community institutions using safe every household now apparently has villages and 6.3 million toilets have technology option for disposal of access to a toilet. been constructed. In 60 months, 600 faeces. million people have been given access Awareness campaigns, media Introduction to toilets, more than 110 million toilets exposure, and pressure from have been built. But access to toilets 'Swachh Bharat Mission' (SBM) was school-age children, are some of nd is still an issue in many parts of the launched on 2 October, 2014 by the the drivers of increased awareness country. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to towards behaviour change. Further, achieve the vision of "Swachh Bharat" Rural India is home to more than with a growing population and nd th by 2 October 2019, the 150 Birthday half of the world’s open defecation. increasing agricultural cultivation and of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Because the persistence of open urbanization, the number of spaces Nation. defecation threatens gains in child available for open defecation continues The Ministry of Drinking Water health, the Sustainable Development to reduce. and Sanitation provides financial and Goals (SDGs) call for its elimination by technical assistance to the states to 2030. India’s most recent Demographic Moving beyond ODF – SBM help achieving the vision of 'Swachh and Health Survey (DHS), conducted ODF+ and SBM ODF++ Bharat'. Since then, many states and between January 2015 and December The SBM ODF+ and SBM ODF++ 2016, estimates that 54 per cent of protocols build upon the ODF protocol What is the Clean India Mission? households in rural India defecated in while keeping true to its provisions, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM, or “Clean the open, down from 75 per cent in so as to provide a platform for cities India Mission”) is a national cleanliness the 2005 to 2006 DHS. This measure is and towns to improve sanitation campaign launched on October 2, 2014 based on a household-level question sustainability. The protocols are by the government of India to achieve that asks about the behaviour of its vision of a ‘Clean India’ by 2019. The incremental in nature, and reflect on- objectives of the SBM are to promote a everyone in the household in the same ground realities present in India. clean India through several initiatives that question. ¡ ODF Status: An area can be have been divided into urban and rural work-streams. Open Defecation-Free notified/declared as ODF if, at any point of the day, not a single person ¾ Swachh Bharat (Gramin), strives Open defecation refers to the practice to achieve Open Defecation Free is found defecating in the open. (ODF) status through emphasis upon whereby people go out in fields, ¡ ODF+ Status: An area can be behavior change and flexible delivery bushes, forests, open bodies of water, mechanisms that take into account or other open spaces rather than using notified/declared as ODF+ work local cultures, practices, sensibilities the toilet to defecate. Open defecation circle if, at any point of the day, not and demands. It also seeks to address poses a serious threat to the health a single person is found defecating solid and liquid waste management. and/or urinating in the open, AND Swachh Bharat (Gramin) is of children in India. Open defecation administered by the Ministry of exposes women to the danger of all community and public toilets Drinking Water and Sanitation. physical attacks and encounters are functional and well maintained. ¾ Swachh Bharat (Urban), is focused such as snake bites. Poor sanitation ¡ ODF++ Status: An area can be on building individual toilets, also cripples national development: notified/declared as ODF++ if, community toilets and solid waste management. Swachh Bharat (Urban) workers produce less, live shorter lives, at any point of the day, not a is administered through the Ministry save and invest less, and are less able single person is found defecating of Urban Development. to send their children to school. and/ or urinating in the open, all

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community and public toilets are due to lack of toilets, especially in machines in use. These machines, functional and well maintained, impoverished colonies. In addition, which suck faecal sludge from AND faecal sludge/septage and last month, two Dalit children, aged septic tanks, should ideally take sewage is safely managed and 10 and 12, were beaten to death when them to a faecal sludge treatment treated, with no discharging and/ they were defecating next to a road plant (FSTP) or a sewage treatment or dumping of untreated faecal in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Their plant (STP). Often that does not sludge/septage and sewage in village has been declared and verified happen. India, for now, has only 20 drains, water bodies or open areas. ‘open defecation free’ (ODF) as far as FSTPs in operation. The number is the Swachh Bharat Mission’s database too small to treat the huge quantity Is India Really Open is concerned, but their family had no of sewage being produced and Defecation Free? access to a toilet. Ten days before that, taken out. a woman had gone, along with other In the past four years, India has built ¡ As per study, 66 cities in Uttar 100 million toilets in about 0.6 million women, to relieve herself in the fields Pradesh shows 94 per cent of villages, and another 6.3 million in its of Icchwapur in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae faecal sludge remains untreated, Bareli. Her body was later found with cities. By all accounts, it is an incredible while 53 per cent of wastewater her head smashed in. This was a case feat. As per a 2019 report of the Joint is not treated. And 80 per cent of of ‘honour’ killing. But she or the other Monitoring Programme (JMP) for the tanks were connected to open women with her either did not have water supply and sanitation, of UNICEF drains. and the World Health Organization access to a toilet or had chosen not to ¡ The national convenor of the Safai (WHO), between 2000 and 2014, use it. All villages in Rae Bareli too have Karmachari Andolan also raised the open defecation decreased by some been declared and verified ODF, as per issue of sanitation workers, which 3 percentage points a year, while the SBM database. These two instances he claimed has been ignored in the between 2015 and 2019 it reduced at raise question marks over the process over 12 percentage points a year. of declaration and verification of ODF Swachh Bharat Mission. Claiming that Swachh Bharat Mission had a According to government status. caste burden, i.e who were killed in estimates, by February 2019, over Currant Issues and gutters were majorly Dalits. 93 per cent of the country’s rural Challenges households had access to toilets; Government Initiatives to over 96 per cent of them also used ¡ A majority of the toilets do not Address Challenges the toilets, suggesting an important have water facilities, it seems as The Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s change in behaviour. Ninety-nine per if he has gifted crores of Indians Department of Drinking Water and cent of the toilets were found to be toilets to clean rather than to use. Sanitation (DDWS), launched a 10- well maintained, hygienic and in 100 ¡ As India has been declared ODF, year national rural sanitation strategy per cent of these toilets, excreta was the government has shifted to sustain India’s 100 per cent Open “safely” disposed. attention to sustaining the status Defecation Free (ODF) status. According to Centre for Science by managing waste – solid and The framework, to be in place from and Environment (CSE), five years ago, liquid. Faecal sludge and septage 2019 to 2029, will ensure that people India was home to 60 per cent of the management (FSSM) is currently world’s people who defecated in the poor in India. sustain their usage of toilets. It will also focus on proper implementation open – if the nation now achieves ODF ¡ For rural India, SBM guidelines status, it means a huge leap forward stated that all new toilets being of solid and liquid waste management not only for it, but for the world as a made should have a twin-pit (SLWM) — plastic waste, organic waste, whole. It will take the world a long way system, where dried sludge can grey water, and faecal sludge — in rural on its sustainable development goal of be taken out after a few years and areas. universal coverage to toilets and safe used as compost. While most rural A district-level training disposal of excreta.” India now depends on pit toilets, management unit (TMU) will be set But is India really open defecation many have a single pit, where up to provide oversight and support free? Several ground report found sludge needs emptying out, while to gram panchayats (GPs) so that they that several people in villages across some twin pits have faulty designs. ensure the operation nda maintenance India, including the national capital, ¡ According to study, the country of sanitation infrastructure. The GPs were still forced to defecate in open currently has 10,000 honey sucker are also supposed to conduct rapid

October 2019 A Issue-2 19 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 assessment of water and sanitation may be supported under the ODF plus reducing open defecation and sustain gaps. strategy. the ODF tag and also ensure that the While government funding is pollution is checked. Further, most the primary source of financing in Way Forward importantly, it should follow Gandhi’s the sanitation sector, the strategy Swachh Bharat revolution has been path of ahimsa and compassion. mentioned in the framework also able to bring 550 million people out suggests alternative self-financing of open defecation habits. The use of General Studies Paper- III by gradual leveraging of community toilets has gone up by 90 per cent, but Topic: Conservation, environmental resources in the form of tariffs for ODF it is a dynamic process. The spirit of pollution and degradation, environ- plus activities. bidding farewell to open defecation as mental impact assessment. The framework also talks about a gift to Gandhi deserves accolades. But state-specific strategies on menstrual we must not forget that there are still hygiene management, including miles to go. India needs to have a pack menstrual waste management, which of sustainable actions that focuses on mmm

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SEVEN SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS

Economic Development vs ‹ This means that, even for policymakers who only focus on GDP growth as a measure of economic success, Environment Debate : Reignited environmental sustainability is a relevant goal, at least through Aarey Forest over the long run.

‹ In addition, there is mounting empirical evidence that, Q 1. Can economic development and environment co- the negative-social-equity effect, is a feature of a lack exist? Discuss. of environmental sustainability. Hints: ‹ Today, the main focus of the debate is on the link National Register of Citizens : between economic development, protecting the environment, reducing poverty and social progress. Journey So Far ‹ In recent years there has been a growing conviction Q 2. Critically discuss the issues and challenges related to that it is possible, as well as necessary, to address social NRC in Assam. and environmental concerns in economic development Hints: policies. ‹ The much-awaited updated Final National Register of ‹ Amartya Sen outlined his point of view, which perfectly Citizens (NRC) in Assam was released on last month, summarised his economic theory: it is possible to excluding names of over 19 lakh applicants. improve the environment and reduce poverty at the same time, reconciling these two goals with economic ‹ Several flaws have been identified in this process, from development, if we also consider development to the lack of legal aid to ex parte orders declaring people be freedom, culture, human rights, democracy and foreigners without even a trial. Tribunal members participation. are pressured to declare the maximum number of foreigners rather than clear people of the charge. In ‹ Environmental and development policies must be anticipation of a fresh rush of cases after the final combined and strengthened in turn. It is important list, 1,000 more tribunals are being set up across the that we clearly understand the two major challenges state. Neither the state nor the Centre has clarified that we are currently faced with: sustainability and what happens to those who lose their cases in the FTs, poverty. whether they will be detained, deported or allowed to ‹ Modern growth theory shows not only that stay on without the rights and privileges of citizenship. environmental sustainability is potentially compatible ‹ The Assam National Register Citizens is being seen as with positive economic growth but also, and perhaps a stepping stone to more general NRC for the entire more importantly, that failure to achieve environmental country. There are concerns and fears that such an NRC sustainability may become an obstacle to sustained could end up targeting minorities in the country. economic growth. ‹ Pushing lakhs of individuals into the drudgery of appeals ‹ It may also make growth infeasible in countries where to FTs and courts, putting them in detention centres the economy is highly dependent on natural resources. notorious for degrading conditions, and relegating ‹ Moreover, even in countries that are not resource- them to secondary citizenship or statelessness are dependent, a lack of environmental sustainability may, bound to bring extreme suffering to the people, the according to effect, prevent further growth once the majority of whom are already living a marginalised economies approach critical environmental thresholds. existence.

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cooperation. In a neighbourhood where distrust Urban Planning : Learning from and cynicism prevail over friendship and hope, the Global Liveability Index, 2019 relationship between the two countries has given hope for optimism. Q 3. Cities, as engines of economic growth, continue to ‹ The current Bangladesh government has uprooted drive India’s march into the 21st century. Will they security threats and acts of insurgency against India turn out to be our biggest impediments because of and today, the India-Bangladesh border is one of ineffcint planning? Critically discuss. India’s most secured. The signing of the Land Boundary Hints: Agreement in 2015 was a milestone, where the two ‹ India’s leading megapolises face numerous challenges neighbours amicably resolved a long-outstanding in providing their beleaguered citizens a better quality issue. of life. If this is the scenario with two of our most vibrant ‹ Since 2009, Bangladesh and India have peacefully global cities, the challenges for the rest of urban — and navigated many contested issues that had remained fast urbanising — India indeed seem daunting. unresolved since 1947. In 2015, the Indian government ‹ Notwithstanding such indices or the methodologies ratified the 1974 Land Boundary Treaty which executed adopted for their preparation, it is true that the a land swap of enclaves, settling historical anomalies governance of Indian cities is besotted with basic and dating back to the Partition of the subcontinent. deeply entrenched flaws. So much so, that no particular Bangladesh and India also peacefully obtained an city stands a chance of coming anywhere close to the international court ruling that allowed the two nations global benchmarks in most of the above-mentioned to explore resources in the Bay of Bengal without parameters. Failed attempts made by successive stepping on each other’s toes. These milestones show governments in the past provide ample proof of the that a partnership based on trust and a willingness urban mess that India has created for itself. to engage on equal terms can help sovereign nations ‹ It is possible to make modern cities affordable if resolve historical disagreements. policymakers make a concerted effort. In addition to ‹ India and Bangladesh share a great relationship, but formulating measures to address the existing issues, it areas of concern remain. Where both countries have is important to implement them in a holistic manner. failed to make headway yet, despite many forward- In isolation, their intent may fall by the wayside, but together, they can successfully create pro-poor cities. looking steps, are on river-water sharing agreements, National Registration for Citizens (NRC) issue, Rohingya ‹ Therefore, an overall strategy for crafting affordable issue, among others. Here we will discuss all the issues. cities must disincentivise the growth of mega cities and adopt a decentralised approach to urbanisation. Unless India takes up urban planning with the seriousness RBI's Report on State Finances : A it deserves, the future of some of the mega projects Study of Budgets of 2019-20 of the incumbent government such as the 'Smart Cities Mission', 'Swachh Bharat Mission', 'HRIDAY' for Q 5. Discuss the key highlights of the RBI's report on state heritage cities, 'Housing for All by 2022' and 'AMRUT' finances. are bound to suffer from the same consequences. Hints:

‹ In 2018-19, 52% of the revenue receipts of states is India - Bangladesh Ties : A Model of estimated to come from their own revenue, and the Good Neighbourliness remaining 48% of the revenue in the form of transfers from the centre.

Q 4. "India and Bangladesh have demonstrated that ‹ For 2019-20, states have budgeted for a consolidated forward looking partnership on equal terms are GFD of 2.6 per cent of GDP with a marginal revenue possible when bilateral ties are rooted in trust surplus (as against revenue deficits in the previous common mission of peace and economic progress." three years). Elaborate. ‹ Among larger states, Punjab has the worst debt-to- Hints: GDP ratio of 39.9 percent, followed by Uttar Pradesh, ‹ India-Bangladesh relations have matured in the where debt levels have hit 38.1 percent of GDP. last decade with development in many areas of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal also

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have debt-to-GDP ratios far higher than the threshold. ‹ Further, RBI must ensure that cooperative banks In contrast, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra adopt more professionalism in order to retain people's and Telangana have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios confidence in the cooperative banking sector. among larger states. ‹ Revenue generation holds the key to prudent debt Open Defecation Free Status : management and can act as a circuit breaker in An Analysis perverse debt spirals, highlighting the need to raise tax buoyancy and capitalise on technology enabled Q 7. Though, India declared itself ODF on 2nd October efficiency gains, while exploiting the scope for raising 2019, but there are still miles to go to sustain the ODF user charges wherever possible, with reduced reliance status. Discuss. on borrowings. Hints: ‹ A combination of consolidation, reissuances and ‹ On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of maturity elongation can help in improving liquidity, and Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in developing a secondary market with a diversified has declared the country open defecation-free (ODF), investor base with differential pricing operating as claiming success for the government’s initiative under market discipline among states. which every household now apparently has access to a toilet.

India's Cooperative Banking Sector : ‹ In the past four years, India has built 100 million toilets Needs Reform in about 0.6 million villages, and another 6.3 million in its cities. By all accounts, it is an incredible feat. As Q 6. Discuss the importance and challenges related to the per a 2019 report of the Joint Monitoring Programme cooperative banking sector in India? (JMP) for water supply and sanitation, of UNICEF Hints: and the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2000 and 2014, open defecation decreased by some ‹ The trouble at Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative 3 percentage points a year, while between 2015 and Bank (PMC) highlighted a governance deficit in the 2019 it reduced at over 12 percentage points a year. country's financial sector. ‹ But is India really open defecation free? Several ground ‹ Cooperative institutions play a significant role in credit report found that several people in villages across delivery to unbanked segments and financial inclusion. India, including the national capital, were still forced But their role has declined with the expansion to defecate in open due to lack of toilets, especially in of scheduled commercial banks and adoption of impoverished colonies. technology. Even urban cooperative lenders are facing ‹ The Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s Department of Drinking competition from payment banks, small finance banks, Water and Sanitation (DDWS), launched a 10-year and NBFCs. national rural sanitation strategy to sustain India’s 100 ‹ The problem is, of course, dual control by the RBI per cent Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. and the Registrar Cooperative Societies (RCS), with ‹ The spirit of bidding farewell to open defecation as a the state government also playing a role and politics gift to Gandhi deserves accolades. But we must not sometimes entering the space. The management, forget that there are still miles to go. India needs to board and auditors are responsible. It’s a governance have a pack of sustainable actions that focuses on and transparency issue that also affects public sector reducing open defecation and sustain the ODF tag and banks, private banks, and NBFCs. The governance also ensure that the pollution is checked. Further, most structure in banks or in other financial institutions is importantly, it should follow Gandhi’s path of ahimsa that it should be professionally managed. and compassion.

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SEVEN BRAIN BOOSTERS

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30 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

SEVEN MCQ's WITH EXPLANATORY ANSWERS (Based on Brain Boosters)

School Education Quality Index 2019 (SEQI 2019) to evaluate National Nutrition Survey the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. Q1. Consider the following statements in respect of ‘national nutrition survey’: In the large states category, the top five performing states are Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam. 1. It has been conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and World Bank. Statement 3 is correct. Chandigarh has bagged the first rank among the seven UTs by scoring 82.9% followed 2. Rural India has higher percentage of children by Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Delhi which scored 58.99% suffering from stunting, underweight and wasting and 48.96% respectively. and lower consumption of milk products. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Misuse of Social Media a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q3. Consider the following statements: Answer: (b) 1. Social media companies are facing increased Explanation: Statement 1 is not correct. The first ever scrutiny for failing to do enough to protect users comprehensive National Nutrition Survey has been conducted from online harassment and safeguard their by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNICEF personal information. Statement 2 is correct. Malnutrition among children 2. To curb this menace, the government of India had in urban India is characterised by relatively poor levels proposed changes to Section 79 of the Information of breastfeeding, higher prevalence of iron and Vitamin Technology Act, 2000. D deficiency as well as obesity due to long commute by Which of the statements given above is/are correct? working mothers, prosperity and lifestyle patterns. while a) 1 only b) 2 only rural parts of the country see higher percentage of children c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 suffering from stunting, underweight and wasting and lower consumption of milk products. Answer: (c) Explanation: Both statements are correct. Social School Education Quality Index 2019 media companies are facing increased scrutiny for failing to do enough to protect users from online harassment and Q2. Consider the following statements in respect of safeguard their online data and personal information. ‘School Education Quality Index 2019’: The SC asked the government to devise guidelines that 1. Along with Ministry of Human Resource address both social media misuse and user's privacy. On its Development, NITI Aayog has released this index. part, the central government’s Ministry of Electronics and 2. Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Information Technology had proposed changes to Section Maharashtra are top performing states. 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. 3. Chandigarh has bagged the first rank among the seven UTs. New Process of Strategic Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Disinvestment a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only Q4. Consider the following statements in respect of c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 ‘strategic disinvestment’: Answer: (c) 1. Currently, the Department of Investment and Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect. Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and NITI Aayog, Recently, NITI Aayog has released the first edition of the jointly identify PSUs for strategic disinvestment.

October 2019 A Issue-2 31 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

2. Strategic disinvestment would imply the sale a significant transaction with the Russian defence and of substantial portion of the government intelligence sectors. shareholding of a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) of upto 50%, or such higher percentage, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill along with transfer of management control. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q6. Consider the following statements in respect of ‘Citizenship (Amendment) Bill’: a) 1 only b) 2 only 1. It will amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Answer: (c) Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Explanation: Both statements are correct. Under the Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship. new policy, the Department of Investment and Public Asset 2. It also relaxed the 11 year requirement to get Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance has citizenship by naturalization to six years. been made the nodal department for the strategic stake sale. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Strategic disinvestment would imply the sale of a) 1 only b) 2 only substantial portion of the government shareholding of c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) of upto 50%, or such higher percentage as the competent authority may Answer: (c) determine, along with transfer of management control. Explanation: Both statements are correct. The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal migrants CAATSA and India-Russia S-400 Deal who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for Q5. With reference to the ‘Countering America’s citizenship. Under the Act, one of the requirements for Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and citizenship by naturalisation is that the applicant must have India-Russia S-400 deal’, consider the following resided in India during the last 12 months, and for 11 of the statements: previous 14 years. The Bill relaxed this 11 year requirement to six years. 1. In 2018, India and Russia have signed a contract to buy the Russian S-400 Triumf missile system. MOSAiC Expedition 2. In response to this deal, the US government has imposed sanctions under the CAATSA on India. Q7. Consider the following statements in respect of 3. CAATSA empowered the US President to impose ‘Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study sanctions on persons engaged in a significant of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) mission’: transaction with the Russian defence and 1. It is a yearlong Arctic expedition mission of NASA intelligence sectors. and Arctic Council. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It aims at a breakthrough in understanding the a) 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 3 only Arctic climate system and in its representation in c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 global climate models. Answer: (b) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. In 2018, India a) 1 only b) 2 only and Russia have signed a contract to buy the Russian S-400 c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Triumf missile system. Answer: (b) Statement 2 is not correct. In July, the US Explanation: Statement 1 is not correct. In order communicated that it was ready to grant India (along with to explore and study the impact of climate change on the Indonesia and Vietnam) a waiver on the CAATSA sanctions. Earth’s frigid far North - Arctic, the German icebreaker RV The waiver also conveyed the acceptance by the US that Polarstern has finally embarked in the Arctic for a yearlong India could not be dictated on its strategic interests by a third mission - Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the country. Further, none of sanction is expected to go into Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC). process until India takes delivery of the five S-400 systems. Statement 2 is correct. MOSAiC will provide a more Statement 3 is correct. Section 231 empowers the robust scientific basis for policy decisions on climate change US President to impose at least five of 12 listed sanctions mitigation and adaptation and for setting up a framework — enumerated in Section 235 — on persons engaged in for managing Arctic development sustainably. mmm 32 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT FACTS FOR PRELIMS

1. Which state has hosted Indian Army's first mountain combat exercise ‘Him Vijay’? – Arunachal Pradesh

2. Which state government has launched ‘Mo Sarkar’ initiative to provide service with dignity to its people? –Odisha

3. Which state government has launched an awareness campaign 'Urjagiri' to stop power theft and promote saving? –Uttarakhand

4. Who has been conferred to 'Most Effective Swachhata Ambassador award' at Safaigiri 2019? –Sachin Tendulkar

5. Which Union Ministry has instituted 'Vayoshreshtha Samman-2019'? –Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

6. Who has been awarded with the ' United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Asia Environmental Enforcement Award 2019'? –Ramesh Pandey

7. Who has been appointed as 26th chief of the Indian Air Force? –Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria

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33 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR MAINS EXAM

Q1. What do you understand by 'Right to Disconnect Bill'? Discuss the rationale behind the Bill.

Q2. Discuss the concept of 'geotail'.

Q3. Discuss the rationale behind the Telangana’s idea of supplying medicines to remote areas by drones and explain the regulatory provisions of drones in India.

Q4. What do you understand by the ‘right to be forgotten’ on the Internet? Discuss it in Indian context.

Q5. "India will have to accept China’s role in Bangladesh while shaping its ties with Dhaka." Explain.

Q6. "Gandhi’s vision of a liberal, non-violent society can save humanity from ecological and other disasters." Discuss.

Q7. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

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34 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

SEVEN IMPORTANT NEWS

1. Global Competitiveness Index 2019

Recently, World Economic Forum India's Performance delinquency rate. India's rank was as high as 15th in terms of corporate (WEF) has released its Global India has slipped 10 spots to rank 68th governance and ranks second in the Competitiveness Report 2019. out of 141 surveyed countries in the world for shareholder governance. index as several other economies in India also ranked third in terms of Key Highlights the world climbed up on the list due market size and renewable energy Singapore has become the world's to improvements in economic and regulation. most competitive economy in 2019, business activities. However, this year In terms of healthy life expectancy, pushing the US to the second place. it is among the worst-performing India has been ranked 109 out of a Hong Kong is ranked 3rd, Netherlands is BRICS nations along with Brazil, which total of 141 countries surveyed for the 4th and Switzerland is ranked 5th. has ranked 71 this time but ahead of its neighbours Sri Lanka at 84th place, index. 10 years on from the global Bangladesh at 105th place, Nepal at India's ratio of female workers to financial crisis, the global economy 108th place and Pakistan at 110th place. male workers of 0.26 has fetched it remains locked in a cycle of low or India's rank is high in terms of a rank of 128 while the country was flat productivity growth despite the macroeconomic stability and market positioned at 118th place in terms of injection of more than USD 10 trillion size but added that the banking meritocracy and incentivisation. by central banks. system has been affected by a high ¢

2. Stations’ Cleanliness Survey Report 2019

Union Railway Minister has released Key Highlights an average score of 848.764 out of the ‘Stations’ Cleanliness Survey 1000 while North Central Railways ‹ Three railway stations in Rajasthan, scored the least with an average Report’ (Cleanliness assessment of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Durgapura, score of 631.431. Non-suburban and Suburban Stations begged the top three ranking 2019). Railways have been conducting railway stations among 720 ‹ In the suburban group of stations, third party audit and cleanliness stations, in the non-suburban Maharashtra’s Andheri station has ranking of 407 major stations annually group of stations. The total score is topped the list and followed by since 2016. This year the survey was out of 1000 and each component Virar and Naigaon. expanded to include 720 stations and (Process Evaluation, Direct Other Efforts suburban stations were also included Observation, Citizen Feedback) for the first time. weighs 33.33% of the total score. Today, cleanliness programme is being Jaipur scored 931.75, Jodhpur conducted over 6500 stations across scored 927.19 and Durgapura Indian Railways to showcase the efforts 922.50 respectively. putting in by Indian Railways to keep trains, stations and railway premises ‹ North Western Railway followed clean. by South East Central Railway and East Central Railway are the top Indian Railways has also banned three railway zones. North Western single use plastic across its premises. Railways scored the highest with ¢

October 2019 A Issue-2 35 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

3. Ecuador to withdraw from OPEC

Ecuador will withdraw from with the output quota fixed by OPEC. the 14-nation Organization of the Further, Ecuador had also asked OPEC Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for permission to produce oil above its from January 1, 2020 because of quota but the OPEC has not responded fiscal problems. However, Ecuador to the request. will continue to support efforts to This measure is in line with the stabilize the world oil market. Ecuador Ecuador government's plan to reduce rejoined the organization in 2007, after public spending and generate new Currently, OPEC has a total of 14 withdrawing in 1992. income. member countries. These are - Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Reasons behind the Move About OPEC Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, The Andean nation is attempting to OPEC was founded at the Baghdad Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, increase its production of crude oil in Conference in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates a bid to raise more income and has Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. It and Venezuela. on multiple occasions not compiled has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. ¢

4. India Economic Summit

Recently, the World Economic Forum’s ‹ The New Technological System – adaptability of the electric cars, 33rd edition of India Economic Summit The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the World Economic Forum has was held in Delhi, in collaboration science, innovation and released a report stating that with Cofederation of Indian Industry entrepreneurship. Indian has the potential to become (CII). The theme of the summit was the largest EV market in the world. Key Highlights ‘Innovating for India: Strengthening ‹ There are 50,000 registered South Asia, Impacting the World’. ‹ The government of Telangana in startups in India and there will collaboration with Apollo Hospitals be 50K more by 2024 at this Agenda and the World Economic Forum has pace. Further, the government formalised the plan for a six-month ‹ The New Geopolitical Reality is committed to spreading its – Geopolitical shifts and the pilot called ‘Medicines from the startup mission to Tier 2 and Tier Sky’, starting in 2020. The project complexity of our global system. 3 cities in the next five years. The aims to explore the use of drones government is also working on ‹ The New Social System – Inequality, to increase access to healthcare for providing technology startups with inclusive growth, health and communities across the Telangana room to experiment and develop nutrition. state. without setting tight regulatory ‹ The New Ecological System – ‹ Giving a breather to the electric boundaries, as it did with the IT Environment, pollution and climate vehicle (EV) industry players sector and the aviation sector change. and their concerns of market earlier. ¢

5. Street Lighting National Programme

The number of LED street lights in the conventional street lights with energy result in energy savings of 9 billion country has doubled from 49 lakh in efficient LED lights by March 2019. kilowatt hour per year, reduction in March 2018 to 1 crore on October 1, Now the target for replacing these installed load 1500 megawatt and 2019. These lights are being installed street lights has been fixed for March reduction in carbon footprint of 6.2 2020. under the 'Street Lighting National million tonnes of CO2 per year. The total Programme (SLNP)'. The target was It was estimated that replacing 3.5 cost savings of municipalities every later scaled down to replace 1.34 crore crore conventional street lights would year was pegged at Rs 5,500 crore.

36 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

Energy efficiency and conservation are kilometers, not only illuminate the by March 2019. The programme is important pillars of India’s efforts in lives of the citizens and enable more voluntary in nature and runs without moving towards a sustainable future. savings but also empower people with any budgetary allocation from the These streetlights, covering 2.7 lakh better and safe mobility. centre. The cost of using efficient lighting is repaid by municipalities from About SLNP savings in energy and maintenance SLNP was launched on January 5, 2015 expenditure over a period of time. with the objective to replace 3.5 crore conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights ¢

6. Deep Carbon Observatory

The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) atmosphere, for the most part, appears human actives contribute between 40 has released a report on Carbon, it’s to be disturbed by human activity. and 100 times the amount of CO2 into emissions and availability. Just two-tenths of one percent the atmosphere. Key Findings of Earth’s overall carbon content – About DCO about 43,500 gigatonnes – is above The study has concluded that humans the planet’s surface. The rest of the The DCO is a global community of more release more CO2 than all of the carbon – about 1.85 billion gigatonnes than 1000 scientists on a ten-year world’s volcanoes combined that and – is trapped in the planet’s crust and quest to understand the quantities, contribute about 10 gigatonnes of CO2 mantle. movements, forms, and origins of into the atmosphere each year. carbon in Earth. DCO brings together Carbon dioxide emissions into a multidisciplinary group of scientists, The DCO have found less than the atmosphere and oceans from including geologists, chemists, one percent of the planet’s carbon is volcanoes account for about 280 to physicists, and biologists. found above surface. The carbon that 360 million tonnes. The burning of is found in the oceans, the land and the fossil fuels, deforestation and other ¢

7. Village Secretariat Programme

The Andhra Pradesh government the doorstep of beneficiaries. Under according to the state government, is has launched 'Village Secretariat the new system, one Village Secretariat to ensure that its services reach people programme'. has been set up for every population on the ground and also to strengthen of 2,000, with each one comprising the existing Panchayat Raj system. Key Highlights close to a dozen village officials (from The Village Secretariat system is aimed different departments like police, Criticism at delivering government schemes at revenue, etc). The idea behind it, This new system is in contrary to what previous government had brought about. In July last year, then government had launched the 'e-Pragati' platform, bringing many of the state government’s services online, in partnership with EY Consultancy. The 'e-Pragati' programme enabled citizens to avail over 745 services from 34 departments and 336 autonomous organizations of the Andhra Pradesh government online.

¢

October 2019 A Issue-2 37 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS FROM PIB

1. Green Crackers

In a bid to resolve the crisis of air pollution, the governnment contain harmful chemicals that would cause air pollution. of India has launched green firecrackers. The Council of Components in firecrackers are replaced with others that Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs have been are less dangerous and less harmful to the atmosphere. successful in developing various environment-friendly fireworks such as sound emitting crackers, flowerpots, Significance pencils, chakkar and sparklers. These fireworks will be Green crackers will check the menace of pollution and available in the Indian market for consumers and sellers. would help the fireworks industry which was facing closure The government also launched green logo as well as a after the Supreme Court in 2018 banned conventional Quick Response (QR) coding system. It has been developed firecrackers that have high emission levels and allowed only for differentiation of green crackers from conventional those that conform to permissible smoke and noise levels. crackers. QR codes is a novel feature incorporated on the fire crackers to avoid manufacture and sale of counterfeit Background products. This will also help the consumers to track the In 2018, just before Diwali, the Supreme Court had banned cracker using smart phones and other devices. conventional firecrackers and ruled that only green crackers with reduced emission will be allowed to be manufactured What are Green Crackers? and sold in the country in order to control the pollution level. Green crackers are so named because they “do not It also fixed a two-hour window for bursting of crackers.

2. PRAKASH Portal

The government of India has launched Power Rail Koyla stations while power stations can plan future schedule by Availability through Supply Harmony (PRAKASH) portal. The knowing rakes in pipe line and expected time to reach. Portal aims at bringing better coordination for coal supplies Ministry of Power /Ministry of Coal can review overall among all stakeholders viz - Ministry of Power, Ministry of availability of coal at thermal power plants in different Coal, Coal India, Railways and power utilities. The Portal regions. is designed to help in mapping and monitoring entire coal supply chain for power plants, viz – coal stock at supply Background end (mines), coal quantities/ rakes planned, coal quantity The present mechanism to review coal supply situation in transit and coal availability at power generating station. consists of an inter-ministerial group which has officials from PRAKASH Portal is developed by NTPC and sources data from ministries of Power, Coal, Railways, CEA, power utilities and different stakeholders such as Central Electricity Authority coal companies. This group holds weekly meetings to review (CEA), Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) and coal coal supply situation as well as railway logistics. companies. It was observed that this mechanism faced several Benefits issues such as scattered information, correctness of data Coal company will be able to track stocks and the coal from different organizations, timely availability of data etc. requirement at power stations for effective production This often led to difficulties in decision making. Hence, it planning. Indian Railways will plan to place the rakes as per is an important step in ensuring adequate availability and actual coal available at siding and stock available at power optimum utilization of coal at thermal power plants.

38 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

3. Consumer App

In order to fast-track consumer grievance redressal process Consumers will now be able to lodge complaints / and provide an effective forum for consumers to give their grievances directly through this app which then will be valuable suggestions to the Department on consumer taken up with companies for quick redressal. related issues, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food The registered consumer will be informed about their and Public Distribution has launched the ‘Consumer App’. complaint via SMS/E-mail with a unique number which It is another bold step towards achieving the objective can be tracked by the consumer. There will be time bound resolution of all grievances and those that are simple in of ‘Digital India’, the app aims to provide a one stop solution nature will be resolved within 20 days while those that elicit for consumer grievance redressal at the palm of every a feedback from companies or further enquiries will be consumer across the nation via mobile phones. resolved within 2 months/60 days. Key Highlights If after 60 days the grievance is not resolved, the consumer will be advised to proceed to consumer fora. The knowledgebase available in the app is a very useful Also, now the consumer will be informed before closure feature that will help consumers get information pertaining of a complaint and if the consumer is not satisfied then to 42 Sectors including consumer durables, electronic the complaint will be referred further to the concerned products, e-commerce, banking, insurance, etc. department.

4. 'Youth Co: Lab' Initiative

In a latest initiative to recognize young people as critical and Mumbai to promote entrepreneurship across India. The drivers of sustainable development, Atal Innovation first phase of 'Youth Co: Lab' will focus on six SDGs: SDG 5 Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and United Nations Development (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG Programme (UNDP) India have launched 'Youth Co: Lab' 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and which aims at accelerating social entrepreneurship and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and innovation in young India. Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Targeted at supporting young people overcome Key Highlights challenges, UNDP and AIM will empower young people Through 'Youth Co: Lab', young entrepreneurs and innovators through innovative development ideas. In this regard, will get a chance to connect with governments, mentors, 'Youth Co: Lab' will convene social innovation challenges at incubators and investors, who will help equip them with the national and sub-national level, which will invite young entrepreneurial skills. people in the age group of 18-29 years and start-ups to The initiative will also convene a series of youth dialogues showcase their proposed ideas and solutions to tackle some across several cities such as New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore of the region’s biggest social challenges.

5. WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023

Recently, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare has health of its population and bringing in transformative launched ‘The World Health Organisation (WHO) India changes in the health sector. Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023: A Time of The four areas identified for strategic cooperation of Transition’. WHO with the country encompass: to accelerate progress Key Highlights on Universal Health Coverage (UHC); to promote health and The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) provides a strategic wellness by addressing determinants of health; to protect roadmap for WHO to work with the government of India the population better against health emergencies; and to towards achieving its health sector goals, in improving the enhance India’s global leadership in health.

39 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

The India CCS is one of the first that fully aligns itself programme' and promotion of digital health amongst with the newly adopted WHO 13th General Programme others. of Work and its 'triple billion' targets, the SDGs and WHO South-East Asia Region’s eight Flagship Priorities. Significance It captures the work of the United Nations Sustainable The implementation of this CCS will build on the remarkable Development Framework for 2018–2022. successes in public health that India has demonstrated to The strategy document builds on other key strategic the world. It’s a great opportunity to showcase India as a policy documents including India’s National Health Policy model to the world in initiatives such as digital health, access 2017, the many pathbreaking initiatives India has introduced to quality medicines and medical products, comprehensive — from 'Ayushman Bharat' to its 'National Viral Hepatitis hepatitis control program and 'Ayushman Bharat'.

6. Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme- ‘DHRUV’

Union Human Resource Development Minister has launched ¡ The students the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme- will be broadly ‘DHRUV’ from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from classes 9 Headquarters at Bengaluru. The programme will be called to 12, from all DHRUV (after the Pole Star) and every student to be called schools including ‘DHRUV TARA’. The students will thus both shine through government and their achievements and light a path for others to follow. private.

¡ This is only the Key Highlights first phase of the ¡ The objective of the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning programme which will be expanded gradually to other Programme would be to allow talented students to fields like creative writing etc. realize their full potential and contribute to society.

¡ In the first batch, 60 outstandingly talented students Significance will be selected. It will cover two areas i.e. Science and This kind of programmes will make India a better place Performing Arts. There will be 60 students in all, 30 for innovation. The new innovators will be helpful for the from each area. The 60 students come from across the nation to achieve the target of 5 trillion dollar economy in country. stipulated time.

7. Indo-Mongolian Joint Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2019

The 14th edition of India-Mongolia joint military training, experiences & best practices and gain mutually during the 'Exercise Nomadic Elephant-XIV', is being conducted from joint training. th th 5 to 18 October at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The joint training aims at evolving various tactical drills Key Highlights in counter-terror environment like Convoy Protection Drill, Room Intervention Drills, Ambush/ Counter Ambush Drills, The Mongolian Army is being represented by officers while jointly conducting counter terrorist operations under and troops of the elite 084 Air Borne Special Task Battalion UN mandate. while Indian Army is being represented by a contingent of a battalion of Rajputana Rifles. The joint training will also lay emphasis on conducting Nomadic Elephant-XIV is aimed at training troops in operations by a cohesive subunit, comprising of troops from counter insurgency & counter terrorism operations under both the armies, in an adverse operational conditions thus United Nations mandate. enhancing the interoperability between the two armies. The joint exercise will enhance defence co-operation The training planned by both the contingents will go a and military relations between the two nations. It is an ideal long way in capacity building for conducting joint operations platform for the armies of both the nations to share their by the two armies. mmm 40 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT CONCEPTS THROUGH GRAPHICS

1. Large States : Overall Performance and Rank, 2015-16 and 2016-17

41 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

2. Small States and UTs : Overall Performance and Rank, 2015-16 and 2016-17

3. Large States, Small States and UTs : Overall and Category-wise Performance, 2016-17

42 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

4. Large States : Outcomes Category and Domain-specific Performance, 2016-17

5. Small States and UTs : Outcomes Category and Domain-specific Performance, 2016-17

43 October 2019 A Issue-2 Current Affairs : Perfect 7

6. Large States : Change in Performance on the Governance Processes Aiding Outcomes Category

7. Small States and UTs : Change in Performance on the Governance Processes Aiding Outcomes Category

Note : For the detailed study of all these seven graphics refer brain booster (School Education Quality Index 2019) of this Issue.

44 October 2019 A Issue-2

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