PERFECT 7 : AN INTRODUCTION
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Current Affairs : Perfect 7
SEVEN IMPORTANT ISSUES
1. TELECOM SECTOR IN INDIA : NEEDS REVIVAL
Why in News? seen whether the industry, which is But despite this, the sector is reeling under a daunting debt of about currently facing its worst phase ever The government has constituted `4 lakh crore and is in dire financial and needs the government to step a Committee of Secretaries (CoS), straits, will be able to recover from this in. The sector is currently finding it headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv setback. The bench made it clear that increasingly difficult to manage its Gauba, to work out a relief package for there would no further litigation on the cumulative debt of almost `4 lakh the telecom sector, a move that may issue and it would fix a time frame for crore, with revenues of less than ` help mitigate the impact of the more calculation and payment of dues by the 1.8 lakh crore, and steadily falling, than `1.4 lakh crore that the telcos may telecom companies. due to intense competition. Currently, need to pay the exchequer following a the price of data for the customer at recent Supreme Court (SC) order. The Current Status of the Sector an average of `8 per GB is almost the CoS will also review various demands India is currently the world’s second- lowest in the world. Also, the average made by the industry, including largest telecommunications market revenue per user per month has deferment of spectrum auction with a subscriber base of 1.20 billion declined from `174 in 2014-15 to `113 payment due for the next two years, and has registered strong growth in in 2018-19. reduction in spectrum usage charges the past decade and half. With 604.21 and the Universal Service Obligation million internet subscribers, as of Challenges before Telecom Fund levy. December 2018, India ranks as the Sector A Brief Background world’s second largest market in terms ¡ Financial Health of the Sector: of total internet users. Moreover, in Gross revenue has dropped by In a setback to telecom service 2017, India surpassed USA to become 15% to 20% for the year 2017-18 providers, the SC recently allowed the the second largest market in terms over the preceding year for the Centre's plea to recover adjusted gross of number of app downloads. revenue of about Rs 92,000 crore from The country remained as the them. A three-judge bench, headed world’s fastest growing market by Justice Arun Mishra, upheld the for Google Play downloads in definition of adjusted gross revenue the -second and third quarter of formulated by the Department of 2018. Telecom. In July, the Centre had told the The Indian mobile economy apex court that leading private telecom is growing rapidly and will firms like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and contribute substantially to state-owned MTNL and BSNL have India’s Gross Domestic Product pending licence fee outstanding of (GDP), according to report over Rs 92,000 crore till date. prepared by GSM Association Industry body Cellular Operators (GSMA) in collaboration with the Association of India (COAI) has Boston Consulting Group (BCG). expressed deep disappointment over As of January 2019, India has the SC ruling and termed it the last straw witnessed a 165 per cent growth in contributing to the sector's financial in app downloads in the past two distress. It added that it remains to be years.
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incumbents and overall sector ¡ High Right-of-Way (ROW) Cost: quantities of spectrum. Operators revenue has dropped. Also, there Sometimes, states governments have received in-principal approval is drop in voice and data revenue charge a huge amount for from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) per user. permitting the laying of fibre etc. for Payments Bank license, which is expected to aide in customer ¡ Limited Spectrum Availability: ¡ License Fee: The license fee of eight Available spectrum is less thanper cent of the Adjusted Gross retention and enables them to build 40% as compared to EuropeanRevenue including five per cent as on their M-Payment services. Similarly Universal Service Levy (USL) is one nations and 50% as compared to introduction of the concept of mobile of the highest in the world. China. Hence, it is imperative that virtual network operators (MVNOs) by the regulator are expected to open up spectrum auctioning at sustainableGovernment Initiatives new opportunities for operators such prices is the need of the hour. Also, The liberal and reformist policies as wholesale revenue stream. government auction spectrumof at the Government of India have Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) an exorbitant cost which makesbeen instrumental along with strong cap in the telecom sector has been it difficult for mobileconsumer operators demand in the rapid growth increased to 100 % from 74 %; out to provide services at reasonablein the Indian telecom sector. The of 100 %, 49 % will be done through speeds. government has enabled easy market automatic route and the rest will be ¡ High Competition and Tariff War: access to telecom equipment and a fair done through the FIPB approval route. Competition heating up post entry and proactive regulatory framework Also FDI of up to 100 % is permitted for of Reliance Jio. Other telecom that has ensured availability of telecom services to consumer at affordable infrastructure providers offering dark players have to drop in tariff rates fibre, electronic mail and voice mail. both for voice and data. prices. Some of the important measures are: ¡ Lack of Telecom Infrastructure How to Revive the Ailing in Semi-rural and Rural Areas: National Digital Communications Sector? Service providers have to incur Policy-2018 For the first time, the National Digital huge initial fixed cost to enter semi- The new telecom policy has been Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 rural and rural areas. Key reasons formulated in place of the existing accorded telecom the status of “critical behind these costs are lack of National Telecom Policy-2012. It comes and essential infrastructure”. There basic infrastructure like power and with a view to cater to the modern have been many action items in the roads, resulting in delays in rolling needs of the digital communications policy including 'Fibre First Initiative', out the infrastructure. sector of India. The key objectives establishment of 'National Digital Grid' of the policy are: Broadband for all; ¡ Lack of Fixed Line Penetration: and so on. creating four million additional jobs in India has very little penetration of However, what this means for the Digital Communications sector. fixed line in its network whereas; telcos is far from clear. The telecom most of the developed countries The policy also aims to provide networks that support voice telephony have a very high penetration of universal broadband connectivity at and broadband data services are 50 Mbps to every citizen. It has kept a fixed lines (telephone line that critical infrastructure for the country target of providing 1 Gbps connectivity travelled through a metal wire or much like electricity, water, sewage to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and optical fibre as part of a nationwide and road networks. However unlike 10 Gbps by 2022 (right now, average telephone network). Though India the other infrastructure sectors where broadband speeds in the country are government or state-owned enterprises has almost 1.2 billion connections 5-6 Mbps). the fixed line is around 18 million. provide services in a monopoly market Only around 25% of towers in India Other Initiatives environment, a major portion of the are connected with fibre networks, Ease in Merger & Acquisition telecom infrastructure in India is built whereas in developed nations, it guidelines helps the sector by private firms using their capital in a is in excess of 70%. 5G Network to consolidate. Today there is relatively competitive market. requires towers to be connected consolidation in the sector leading to Hence the policies, directives to with very high-speed systems. 4-5 operators in each of the service and support of the government for Those high speeds are not possible area, similar to the global average. improving the telecom infrastructure on the present radio systems, but There is also spectrum consolidation are quite different from that of other are possible on fibre system. with each operator holding reasonable utility infrastructure. One step the
2 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 government can do for enabling the the Capex is utilized for setting up and the financial health of the telecom private sector that has invested heavily managing the telecom infrastructure. industry has to be safeguarded. There in the sector is to reduce the burden By sharing infrastructure, operators is an urgent need for a regulatory of regulatory fees. For example, the can optimize their capex, and focus on environment which facilitates license fee of eight per cent of the providing new and innovative services innovation and investment, and Adjusted Gross Revenue including to their subscribers. addresses the financial woes of the five per cent as Universal Service Levy Availability of affordable smart sector. (USL) is one of the highest in the world. phones and lower tariff rates would After having slipped very badly in Telecom Regulatory Authority of India increase tele-penetration in rural building and maintaining good civic (TRAI) in 2015 proposed reduction areas. Also government should fix a infrastructure in the country including of the USL to three per cent, thus minimum price to save the industry roads, water, and electricity, let us not bringing down the license fee to six per from predatory pricing. slip in telecom and broadband infra as well. The telecom industry in India is cent. This reduction if enacted by the Way Ahead government will provide some relief to bestowed with opposing camps: GSM the ailing telcos. All the digital initiatives of the vs. CDMA; incumbents vs. new entrant. government including digital Let the telcos collaborate and compete Further, both the regulator and identification and authentication, for providing better citizen-centric the government need to revisit the e-Know Your Customer, digital finance services. reserve prices for the forthcoming depend heavily on the telecom and Key Terms spectrum auction. In the past, some of broadband infrastructure. For their the operators participated recklessly in part, the telcos should realise the ¾ Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR): It these auctions leading to exaggerated is the usage and licensing fee that importance of their infrastructure telecom operators are charged by the prices — much above their true for the nation’s economy and make it Department of Telecommunications valuations. Reasonable reserve prices robust and resilient. (DoT). It is divided into spectrum usage charges and licensing fees for the market mechanisms induce The need of the hour is for the “truthful bidding”, and not leading to that are fixed between 3-5% and 8% government to see the sector as an respectively. “winners’ curse” as witnessed in some essential service and not a revenue¾ Spectrum Usage Charge: It is the of the previous auctions. generator. Deloitte, in a report on the charge that is required to be paid by Recent Cabinet’s approval for a economic impact of mobile phones, the licensees providing mobile access services, as a percentage of their plan to revive the loss-making public estimates that for a given level of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The sector telecommunications providers mobile penetration, a 10 per cent spectrum slabs/rates for the same are Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) substitution from 2G to 3G increases notified by the Government from time and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam GDP per capita growth by 0.15 to time. Ltd. (MTNL) by merging both entities percentage points. Similarly, doubling ¾ Universal Service Obligation Fund of data use leads to an increase in (USOF): USOF ensures that there is is a step in the right direction. The universal non-discriminatory access combined entity can leverage its pan GDP per capita growth rate of 0.5 to quality ICT services at economically India presence much like the private percentage points. And further, a 10 efficient prices to people in rural and remote areas. Currently, it is charged incumbents. per cent increase in penetration of increases total factor productivity in at the rate of 5%, while the telecom The state firm is essential for service providers demand it to be the long run by 4.2percentage points. improving broadband services across reduced to 3%. The sector is expected to contribute rural and remote areas of the country. as much as 90 per cent of the The government would do well to government’s non-tax revenue. 'Digital General Studies Paper- III initiate actions to better utilise the India' programme is also almost Topic: Indian Economy and issues human resources, capital assets completely dependent on the telecom relating to planning, mobilization of including land, and the nationwide sector. The roll-out of broadband and resources, growth, development and infrastructure of the state-owned Internet services requires enormous employment. firms to beat the private sector, both in investments to the tune of`2.5 lakh terms of quality and prices of services. Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, crore over the next 3-5 years for Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Since telecom business is heavy on spectrum, technology, equipment capex and as much as 40%– 60% of and fibre-optics backbone. Therefore, mmm
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2. A CHARTER FOR PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF PATIENTS' RIGHTS
Why in News? e.g. Article 21 of the Constitution Earlier, National Human Rights of India, Indian Medical Council Commission (NHRC) formulated On Gandhi Jayanti, nearly 100 people (Professional Conduct, Etiquette a comprehensive Patients’ Rights gathered at the Rajghat to conduct and Ethics) Regulations, 2002; The Charter, delineating 17 rights which a “Patients’ Satyagraha”. Mobilised Consumer Protection Act, 1986; should be honoured by all public and by the 'Jan Swasthya Abhiyan' and Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940, Clinical private healthcare establishments. other patients’ rights groups, many Establishment Act, 2010 and rules and These pertain to the rights of patients of the protestors were from families standards framed therein; various over information about their illness, of patients who had been subjected judgments given by Hon’ble Supreme treatment and costs; their right to to malpractice and negligence in Court of India and decisions of the access records and reports; the right private hospitals. To remove current National Consumer Disputes Redressal to seek second opinion; the right to asymmetry in the healthcare sector Commission. Although some States emergency medical care irrespective Ministry of Health and Family welfare have adopted the national Clinical of paying capacity; the right to notified the first 'Charter of Patient Establishments Act, 2010 and certain transparency in rates; right to choose a Rights' (the 'Draft Charter') in the others have enacted their own State- pharmacy or pathology laboratory; the country which lays down the 17 basic level legislation to regulate hospitals, right to discharge a patient or receive rights of Patients. there is no consolidated document on a dead body, without detention by patients’ rights that can be followed by the hospital; the right to grievance Introduction all States uniformly. redressal. The commercialisation of India’s Patients’ Rights Charter health sector in the last two decades Union Ministry of Health and has exacerbated the traditional power One of the big health debates that Family Welfare (MoHFW), issued a asymmetry between healthcare continue in 2019 is the the protection letter to all state governments outlining providers and patients. Health activists of patients in India’s poorly regulated a smaller set of rights and some and doctors have pointed out that the medical sector. One move that can additional responsibilities for patients. existing codes of medical ethics are help strengthen such protections is Some key patients’ rights enunciated insufficient to protect patients from the adoption and implementation in the NHRC charter were dropped in excessive misuse of medical power. of the Charter for Patient’s Rights. this communication. Nevertheless, Based on the concept of fundamental There are several cases of violations this set of do’s and don’ts must be dignity and equality of all human being, of Patients Rights by doctors and publicised and implemented by all Human Rights (1948) emphasizes the hospitals authority. “Right to non- state governments. discrimination" is an important right. notion of 'Patient Rights' has been To begin with, all public hospitals, Every patient has the right to receive developed across the globe in the charitable hospitals with public treatment without any discrimination last few decades. There is a growing obligations, and private hospitals based on his or her illnesses or consensus at international level that involved in health insurance schemes conditions, including HIV status or all patients must enjoy certain basic (like Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY) must other health condition, religion, rights. display the charter in their premises. caste, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. This will set the stage for all private In other words, the patient is According to the Supreme Court, all hospitals to implement this charter. entitled to certain amount of protection hospitals, both in the government and to be ensured by physicians, healthcare in the private sector, are duty-bound to The Ministry of Health and Family providers and the State, which have provide basic emergency medical care Welfare should include the entire set been codified in various societies and to injured persons. Such care must be patients’ rights in the standards related countries in the form of Charters of initiated without demanding payment to Central Clinical Establishments Patient’s Rights. In India, there are or advance, and it should be provided Act (CEA); this would ensure that all various legal provisions related to irrespective of the patient’s paying healthcare facilities in 11 states, which Patient’s Rights which are scattered capacity. However, this right is violated have adopted this Act, will observe across different legal documents most of the time by hospitals. patients’ rights. Citizens groups,
4 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 consumer organisations and health to participate in decision making specific doctor, and to seek redressal rights networks across India should related to treatment. from consumer forums at various demand the implementation of the 3. Patients should follow all levels for financial compensation, or Patients’ Rights Charter in all hospitals. instructions regarding appointment approach Civil/Criminal Courts keeping Gross overcharging on medicines time, cooperate with hospital staff in view the nature of the complaint. and fellow patients, avoid creating and consumables — on which some An Ethical Perspective private hospitals are known to make disturbance to other patients, whopping profits — must be restricted and maintain cleanliness in the Patient autonomy is affected by a by capping margins at reasonable levels, hospital. number of factors, including severity say 35 per cent of the cost price. Rates 4. Patients should respect the of illness, socio-economic status and of medical procedures and treatments dignity of the doctor and other dependence. Many patients find must be available to users of services hospital staff as human beings that they are not treated with due in all private hospitals, and attempts and as professionals. Whatever consideration and compassion, and should be made to standardise such the grievance may be, patient / also have no control over their own care. The low doctor-population ratio rates — as recommended in the Central caregivers should not resort to in India puts a tremendous strain on CEA Rules. All state governments must violence in any form and damage the available medical facilities and either adopt the central CEA, or enact or destroy any property of the restricts the time available for doctors their own CEA. hospital or the service provider. to interact with patients. There are 5. Patients should take responsibility However, bodies like the Indian thus valid reasons why doctors do for their actions based on choices Medical Association and the Federation not explain in detail to the patient, made regarding treatment options, of Indian Chambers of Commerce the diagnosis, the treatment planned, and in case they refuse treatment. and Industry have suggested changes or expected prognosis. However, not to the health ministry to reflect Functional Grievance providing such information to patients their view that doctors and medical is a clear violation of their rights. establishments also need to be given Redressal Mechanism The Universal Declaration of protection. Till date, At least 19 states According to NHRC, the Government Human Rights recognises “the inherent have enacted laws prohibiting violence of India, all state governments and dignity” and the “equal and unalienable against medical practitioners and administration of Union Territories, rights of all members of the human damage of medical establishments but as a component of their existing or family”. In general terms, this implies the doctors claim that these are poorly emerging regulatory frameworks for that all humans, irrespective of gender, implemented. The doctors’ bodies clinical establishments, should have age, education, state of health or want a longer, more comprehensive list a Patients' rights grievance redressal economic condition enjoy these rights. mechanism for patients. Further, the of responsibilities. It is on the basis of these undeniable grievance redressal mechanism should human rights that the rights of patients Responsibilities of Patients have these three levels of hierarchy: are based. and Caretakers 1. Internal grievance redressal An analysis from the University The Draft Charter, along with promoting mechanism; of Toronto in 2012 of patients rights patient's rights, also explains the 2. District level registering authority; charters in 39 countries showed that responsibilities of patients and and such documents have been largely caretakers so that hospitals and doctors 3. State Council of Clinical ineffective in ensuring protections can perform their work satisfactorily - Establishments under Clinical unless patients have a cheap, 1. Patients should provide all required Establishment (Registration and accessible and independent complaints health related information to their Regulation) Act, 2010 for managing process. Many countries have doctor, so that diagnosis and relevant complaints. appointed independent ombudsmen treatment can be facilitated. Apart from the above-mentioned or commissioners to look into patient 2. Patients should cooperate with grievance redressal mechanisms, complaints. the doctor during examination, patients/representatives would always diagnostic tests and treatment, be free to approach the State Medical Way Forward and should follow doctor's advice, Council to seek disciplinary action The current asymmetry of power in the while keeping in view their right against unethical conduct of any healthcare sector should be corrected
November 2019 A Issue-1 5 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 urgently. There is an expectation that the national Clinical Establishments from the formal codification of patients this document will act as a guidance Act, 2010, certain other States responsibilities. document for the Union Government have enacted their own State level General Studies Paper- II and State Governments to formulate legislations like the Nursing Homes Act Topic: Issues relating to development concrete mechanisms so that Patient’s to regulate hospitals, while a few other and management of Social Sector/ Rights are given adequate protection States are in the process of adopting / Services relating to Health, and operational mechanisms are set developing such regulation. Education, Human Resources. up to make these rights functional and The Charter of Patient’s Rights has Topic: Important aspects of enforceable by law. been drafted with the hope that it shall governance, transparency and This is especially important be incorporated by policy makers in accountability, e-governance- and an urgent need at the present all existing and emerging regulatory applications, models, successes, juncture because India does not legislations concerning the health limitations and potential; have a dedicated regulator like other care sector. This charter would also citizens charters, transparency & countries and the existing regulations enable various kinds of health care accountability and institutional and in the interest of patients, governing providers to actively engage with this other measures. the healthcare delivery system is on framework of patients’ rights to ensure the anvil, some States have adopted their observance, while also benefiting mmm
3. CRIME IN INDIA REPORT, 2017 : AN OVERVIEW
Why in News? terrorists, Left Wing Extremism and ¡ Uttar Pradesh (UP) recorded North East insurgents.” the highest numbers in highest Recently, National Crime Records number of dowry deaths and Bureau (NCRB) has released '2017 The NCRB, under the Union Ministry of murders categories and Bihar in Crime in India Report'. Home Affairs, is responsible for collecting and analysing crime data as defined by the the second place in both categories Introduction Indian Penal Code and special and local in the country after UP. Madhya laws in the country. The IPC is the official Pradesh, which has come third in The NCRB’s annual crime reports give criminal code of the country and covers all valuable information about the state substantive aspects of criminal law. dowry deaths. In murder cases, of crime in the country. They give a Maharashtra holds the third picture of the law and order situation Key Highlights of Report position. by tracking the levels of various ¡ According to the latest NCRB ¡ In a grim reminder of how unsafe crimes across states and helping in the report, there has been a 30 per cent Indian cities are for women and assessment of criminal investigation rise in incidents of offences against children, the NCRB ranks Uttar and justice delivery systems. the state as compared to 2016. This Pradesh as most unsafe for women, The recent NCRB report, category includes offences such while listing Madhya Pradesh as published after a delay of two years, as sedition, waging war against the rape capital. included 88 new categories including the country and damage to public ¡ Among the cities, however, Delhi sexual harassment of women at the property among others. ranked the highest in crimes workplace/public transport, offences ¡ Assam recorded the highest crime against children in 2017, followed relating to elections, obscene acts at rate of 143 in the country in 2017. by Mumbai. public places, circulation of fake news, Odisha and Telangana came in ¡ The number of crimes against chit funds, cases under the Prevention second, followed by Haryana and Scheduled Castes also registered of Corruption Act and Mental Health Rajasthan. a marginal increase from 40,801 Act, noise pollution and defacement of ¡ The total number of crimes in 2016 to 4,3203 in 2017 with public property. committed against women country- Uttar Pradesh (11,444) recording A new category called “anti- wide increased by 6% since 2016, maximum number of cases. NCRB national elements” has been added while those against Scheduled data shows, for example, that of which includes details of “jihadi Castes went up by 13%. the 9,588 cases that went to trial in
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Karnataka, there were convictions Perpetuation of violence against To eliminate caste related crime, only in 25 cases, a conviction rate women in India continues as a result of Indian constitution that abolished of only 0.26%. The highest number many systems of sexism and patriarchy untouchability and upholds the of caste-based crimes have been in place within Indian culture. ideal of equality among all citizens. reported in Uttar Pradesh, followed Beginning in early childhood, young Government made several laws such by Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya girls are given less access to education as, Domestic Violence Act, Section 375 Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. than their male counterparts. Girls (IPC) dealing with Rape and SC/ST Act are the major law dealing with fighting ¡ Cybercrimes in India almost are vulnerable to being forced into doubled in 2017. marriage at young ages, suffering from crime against atrocities. Government a double vulnerability: both for being a need to strengthen the judicial ¡ The number of environmental child and for being female. response to caste-based atrocities so offences committed in India as to serve as an effective deterrent for increased of 790 per cent. Caste-based Atrocities perpetrators and to attempt to establish ¡ The new category of offences Crimes against the historically a broader anti-discriminatory climate committed by various categories of marginalized Scheduled Castes and in the country. While the Prevention of “Anti-National Elements” showed Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs) by Atrocities Act, 1989 mandates special that the maximum offences were the upper castes in India represent legal provisions such as special public committed by Left Wing Extremist an extreme form of prejudice and prosecutors to ensure speedy trial of (LWE) operatives (652), followed discrimination. In India, former cases, setting up of special courts in by North East insurgents (421) untouchable castes and several tribal every district, no bail for perpetrators, and Terrorists (Jihadi and other groups continue to be subjected to and socio-economic rehabilitation and elements) (371). discrimination, economic and social protection of victims and witnesses, in practice, the implementation is Analysis of Major Crimes exclusion and a stigmatized identity. Additionally, similar to hate crimes severely deficient. The crime records data provides key in other parts of the world, these inputs for policymaking and are needed groups have been victims of crimes Economic Offences by the police, other departments and and atrocities at the hands of the Economic crime remains an intractable by civil society. As per the NCRB report, upper castes – largely on account of problem for companies globally and in this section we are discussing major their low caste identity – in the form India is no exception. As India Inc. goes issue and concern related to crimes of rape of women, abuse by police global, economic crime is emerging against women and children, atrocities personnel, harassment of lower caste as a bigger threat than before. When against Dalits, cases of corruption, village council heads, illegal land companies in India expand their reach cybercrime and environmental crime, encroachments, forced evictions and to other countries, they are exposed And government law dealing with so on. to not just ‘home-grown’ frauds, but challengers an way to address them. Conversely, there could be an also frauds prevalent in other markets. increase in the incidence of caste- The NCRB has also recorded cases of Women and Child Crime based crimes as firstly, SC/STs could disproportionate assets against public Violence against women in India refer be perceived as more attractive servants besides introducing new to physical or sexual as a result of targets for violence especially where crime heads such as abetment, criminal the long-standing gender inequalities the motivation is to extract some intimidation, simple hurt, credit/debit present in the country. Common forms form of economic surplus. Secondly, card and online frauds, Internet crimes of violence against women in India they may be perceived as a threat to through online gaming and kidnapping include acts such as domestic abuse, the established social, economic and for begging among others. sexual assault, and murder. Violence political position of the upper castes. Economic offences may be either against women in India is actually Thirdly, if an improvement in the cognizable or non-cognizable in nature. more present than it may appear at expenditure ratio is on account of a Local police deal with a considerable first glance, as many expressions of worsening of the upper caste economic number of economic offences falling violence are not considered crimes, position, crimes could be used as a under the broad category of `Cheating', or may otherwise go unreported or means of asserting their superiority `Counterfeiting' and `Criminal Breach undocumented due to certain Indian and expressing their frustration at their of Trust'. Indian laws have attempted cultural values and beliefs. worsened relative economic position. to provide for economic offences;
November 2019 A Issue-1 7 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals operations amid growing warnings and involve comparatively low with basic offences such as cheating, of malware attacks on personal and risks for criminals. There are many counterfeiting, breach of trust and organizational devices, intelligence drivers of environmental crimes, fraud. and cyber law experts have said much most notably economic benefits, In the wake of the Nirav Modi- like crimes against women, India substantial demand, and institutional Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud suffers from dismal under-reporting of and regulatory failures that results in impunity. Among their many negative case, the President gave his assent cybercrimes. A majority of the attacks impacts, environmental crimes to the Fugitive Economic Offenders originate from China, Singapore, undermine sustainable development (FEO) Ordinance, 2018, on April 21. Russia and the Commonwealth of and contribute to the acceleration The earlier legislation that empowered Independent States countries. of climate change, mainly through government to deal with economic With the Centre setting up the accelerated tropical deforestation. No offenders is largely an amalgamation NIC-CERT--National Informatics Centre- less significant, such crimes undermine Computer Emergency Response Team- of various laws, and is, therefore, the rule of law, good governance, and - to combat cybercrimes and the Home riddled with procedural delays and fuel geopolitical conflicts. In many Ministry proposing to set up the Indian loopholes. Moreover, laws such as cases, environmental crimes deprive the Securitisation and Reconstruction Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), governments of vast revenues that of Financial Assets and Enforcement the government is hoping to beef up could have been used to support of Security Interest (Sarfaesi) Act, India’s cyber security network. The development and undercut legitimate 2002, the Recovery of Debts Due to Indian Computer Emergency Response businesses and markets. Environmental Banks and Financial Institutions Act, Team (CERT-In) coordinates efforts crimes can be perpetrated by a range 1993, and the Prevention of Money on cybersecurity issues and is tasked of actors, from individuals, small Laundering Act, 2002, conceptualise with responding to cyberattacks, groups, companies and corporations, the attaching of assets as a punitive the National Technical Research corrupt government individuals, measure, rather than as a deterrent. Organisation is the elite technical organized criminal networks, and often The law dealing with the bribery of intelligence agency. a combination of all these. Currently, illegal poaching and trade of protected government officials is contained Cybercrimes against Women in the Prevention of Corruption and Child animals have reached alarming levels. Act, 1988. The Act also provides for It not only affects wildlife, but also The number of cybercrimes increased disrupts local ecosystems and deprives punishment for abetment by a public dramatically in 2017 as compared to servant, whether or not the offence 2016, and nearly every fifth cybercrime communities of their livelihoods. The has been committed. Other acts, such in 2017 was committed against a woman, significant statutes dealing with the as the Indian Penal Code, the Benami official data for that year released by the subject are: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Transactions (Prohibition) Act and the show. The cybercrimes against women ¡ Indian Forest Act, 1927: Attempts Prevention of Money Laundering Act, were related to cyber blackmail or threats, to consolidate and reserve the areas are also used for penalising acts such cyber pornography or hosting or publishing having forest cover, or significant as the bribery of Government officials. obscene sexual materials, cyber stalking wildlife, to regulate movement and or cyber bullying of women, defamation, or morphing and indecent representation transit of forest produce. Cybercrime of women, etc. Crimes against children ¡ Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: The National Democratic Alliance included Internet crimes committed Provides for the protection of wild through online games, etc. This is the first animals, birds and plants. government has set a goal of making time that NCRB has compiled data on the India a $5 trillion economy by 2024. nature of cybercrimes against women and ¡ Environment (Protection) Act, The data comes in the backdrop of children. 1986: Provides for the protection India aspiring to become a trillion- and improvement of environment dollar digital economy. With a growing Environmental Crime and prevention of hazards to economy, the number of cyber-attacks Environmental crimes are widely human beings, other living have also gone up. A case in point recognised as among some of the creatures, plants and property. being India’s power sector that is most proftable forms ofvtransnational ¡ Air (Prevention and Control of facing cyberattacks, with at least 30 criminal activity. Illegal activities that Pollution) Act, 1981: Last amended events reported daily. With the Centre involve the environment, biodiversity, in 1987, the Act attempts to contain scrambling to fortify India’s cyber or natural resources are often lucrative air pollution levels in the country.
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¡ Water (Prevention & Control information and useful for the also provide thinking platform to of Pollution) Act, 1974: It was parliamentarians, policy makers, social scientists, criminologists and enacted to prevent the pollution of States/UTs, researchers, academicians officials of criminal justice system in water by industrial, agricultural and and other various stakeholders. The the country. Governments should base household wastewater that can scope and coverage of the report has their policies, decisions and actions on contaminate our water sources. significantly improved as NCRB has such data. Despite several efforts, the fight attempted to capture the emerging against environmental crime still lacks trends and patterns of crime. General Studies Paper- II sufficient resources and especially The information on the newly a stronger more coordinatedr emerging crimes in the country Topic: Important aspects of esponse. Indeed, a way of preventing is of paramount importance as it governance, transparency and environmental crime may involve would enable policy makers and accountability, e-governance- governments engaging with civil law enforcement authorities to applications, models, successes, societies, communities, NGOs, and plan crime prevention strategies limitations and potential; companies and raising their awareness and appropriate interventions and citizens charters, transparency & of particular offences. measures for the future. Being the accountability and institutional and principal reference document for other measures. Conclusion crime statistics in India, it will facilitate NCRB report provides much relevant, evidence based policy making and mmm
4. INDIA - SAUDI ARABIA TIES : SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
Why in News? The fact that PM Modi’s recent being India’s second-biggest supplier visit happened against the backdrop of of oil after Iraq. Prime Minister Narendra Modi India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 delivered the keynote address at the in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s Current Developments and third edition of the Future Investment desperate attempt to internationalise Riyadh Summit Initiative (FII). The FII, first organised the issue, makes it even more in 2017, also dubbed as “Davos in the Saudi Arabia is now India’s fourth- significant. Desert”, is the brainchild of Crown largest trading partner with bilateral Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. In a In Riyadh, PM made a strong pitch trade at $27.48 billion in 2017-18 sign of how dramatically India’s ties seeking investment in India’s energy and Saudi investment to the tune of with the largest nation in the Gulf have sector by underlying that India will be around $100 billion is in the pipeline evolved in the last few years, Prime investing around $100 billion in oil and in areas ranging from energy, refining, Minister Narendra Modi recently paid gas infrastructure by 2024 in creating petrochemicals and infrastructure to his second official visit in three years. additional oil refining capacity, laying agriculture, minerals and mining. Thus, new pipelines and building gas import this is a partnership which is becoming Introduction terminals to meet energy needs of truly strategic. PM Modi’s second visit to Saudi Arabia an economy that is being targeted to During PM’s visit two important within three years marks the growing nearly double in five years. He assured pacts were signed: the first was a strategic convergence of interests investors that due to political stability, preliminary agreement between Indian between India and Saudi Arabia, in predictable policy, and big diverse Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd the context of the changes that have market, their investment in India would and Saudi Aramco that will result in a marked the international order in the be most profitable. greater Saudi role in setting up a second last decade and a half. If during his first India’s trade ties with Saudi Arabia fuel reserve facility in Karnataka. The visit in 2016, King Salman conferred have been growing and the relationship second was between the West Asia Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award on is no longer merely a buyer-seller one unit of India’s Indian Oil Corp. Ltd and him, his second visit saw him participate though energy remains the driver of Saudi Arabia’s’ Al Jeri company for in the high-profile FII Summit. the engagement with Saudi Arabia downstream sector cooperation.
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12 bilateral documents were and technology, strategic oil reserves, sector, raising the prospect for further signed in Riyadh Summit across a vast investments, tourism, and so on. cooperation. Remote sensing, satellite eco-space, from energy to agriculture Alongside the growing politico- communication, and satellite-based and from fintech to skilling. At the economic ties, cooperation in navigation are some of the areas where FII forum in Riyadh, Prime Minister the security realm is significantly both countries could jointly work and Narendra Modi listed five “trends” progressing. The agreement mutually benefit. in India with global investors’ reached during the visit of Crown Analysis of Relationship remit: technology and innovation, Prince Mohammed bin Salman to infrastructure development, human India in February to constitute a Even by its volatile standards, our resource development, environment “Comprehensive Security Dialogue” Southwest Asian sub-region has and business-friendly governance. at the national security adviser (NSA) lately been unusually turbulent, as Setting up of a bilateral Strategic level and set up a Joint Working Group reflected in issues ranging from India- Partnership Council (SPC) to be co- on Counter-Terrorism was timely. Pakistan tensions to the approaching chaired by the Indian Prime Minister Both countries face multidimensional denouements of crises in Yemen, Syria and the Saudi Crown Prince is a security threats, not only on land, air, and Afghanistan. defining development. Given the and sea, but also in cyberspace. Against this disorderly context, centralised nature of executive at both Saudi Arabia, despite being one it is no small wonder that India- ends, it would, hopefully, expedite of the military powers in the Middle Saudi Arabia relations have not only the decision-making process. The East and spending billions of dollars remained steady, but kept their SPC would be a permanent bilateral annually on arms purchases, appears to positive trajectory. Indeed, following platform with two verticals jointly have limited experience in countering their third summit in as many years serviced by the two Foreign and Trade threats from groups like Houthi militias, the respective leaderships should be and Industry Ministries. who have mastered guerrilla warfare complimented for their sagacity in The RuPay card has been launched, tactics for several years. This is an focusing on leveraging their intrinsic making Saudi Arabia the third country area where India’s expertise in fighting bilateral synergy instead of chasing the in the region, after Bahrain and the such threats could be imparted to the various wild geese. It demonstrates UAE, to join this digital platform that Saudi side, by enhancing joint military their maturity and strategic construct. will help financial transactions by training programs and exercises as This is not to claim perfect bilateral individuals, particularly expatriate agreed in the MoU signed in February harmony: the joint statement was Indian citizens. 2014. significant not only for covering areas India is the source of the largest Simultaneously, as Saudi Arabia of agreement of the two parties, expatriate community in Saudi Arabia has interests to play a role in the Indian but circumscribing their well-known with a 2.6 million-strong Indian Ocean region, uplifting cooperation in differences. Nevertheless, both diaspora. Unlike in the past, New Delhi the maritime security domain from the sides believe that what joins them is no longer diffident about leveraging current status would be in the interest bilaterally is far more significant. They its diaspora in its bilateral engagements. of both countries. Going a step further also realise that this entente cordiale PM Modi pointedly referred to the in this domain, navies of both countries does not only help them attain their "hard work and commitment" of the will hold their first joint naval exercises bilateral potential, it also widens their Indian community in Saudi Arabia either toward the end of 2019 or at respective geostrategic options. in strengthening the bilateral ties the beginning of next year. This is a Politically, New Delhi and between the two nations. significant move, which is important Riyadh acknowledged each other’s from the prism of maritime security core interests and accommodated The Growing Convergence cooperation as well as to safeguard them. Saudi Arabia showed an Today’s Indo-Saudi cooperation is no international trade via sea routes. “understanding” of recent Indian longer restricted to the traditional Meanwhile, space is an important actions in Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike sphere of oil-energy trade. Instead, the domain where bilateral engagements Turkey and Malaysia, it has cautioned relationship has become multifaceted could be strengthened. The Pakistan against escalating the crisis. thanks to the impetus given by the burgeoning space-related programs Despite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran leaderships of both countries to other currently pursued by countries like Khan making a personal visit to Riyadh areas, including defense, maritime Saudi Arabia and the UAE coincide and traditionally close Saudi Arabia- security, counterterrorism, science with India’s upward trajectory in this Pakistan ties, Riyadh has signalled that
10 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 it understood New Delhi’s concerns and West Asian region is underscored by policy by seeking greater trade, oil sensitivities on the issue. Similarly India successful strategic partnerships with markets and investment opportunities has “strongly condemned” the various all countries regardless of regional in Asia. attacks on Saudi civilian facilities. Their rivalries and conflicts. With age old ties with India it was a bilateral defence, security and anti- Strategic partnerships with Saudi natural choice for Saudi Arabia to seek terror cooperation has intensified and Arabia and the UAE have also ensured closer economic engagement with the the first naval exercise is to be held that overlapping national interests growing Indian economy. Moreover, soon. override the Islamic card that Pakistan India’s energy requirement has However despite vigorous efforts, invokes, in pursuit of its hostile policy increased manifold and Saudi Arabia the bilateral commercial and economic towards India, particularly on Jammu has sought to fill the void left by the ties have still remained range-bound. and Kashmir. Pakistan’s use of state- loss of Iran as a supplier of oil, owing Trade has drifted downwards largely sponsored terrorism is like putting to sanctions imposed by the USA. due to lower crude prices. According a deposit in a bank on the verge of to the latest Indian data, the bilateral bankruptcy. Way Forward trade in the first nine months of 2019 Pragmatism is dictating Saudi Both India and Saudi Arabia are re- stood at $22,416 million, having fallen posture as the future of its economic defining their foreign policy priorities by 9.2% over the corresponding figure model is at stake. It needs new at a time of global and regional turmoil. in 2018. It was 5:1 in kingdom’s favour partners such as India. It is not without For New Delhi, Saudi Arabia and the and was dominated by the traditional significance that within a week of Arab Gulf states are becoming key commodities, revealing the need India’s move in Kashmir, one of the interlocutors in the Middle East. For for greater Indian export promotion biggest ever foreign investments in Riyadh, India is one of the eight major efforts. India was announced by New Delhi. powers with which it wants to forge The Saudi investment in India, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) decision strategic partnerships as part of its too, remains far below potential. The to sell a 20 per cent stake in its oil-to- 'Vision 2030'. kingdom’s cumulative investments in chemicals business to Saudi Aramco at The World Bank’s recently India are only $229 million, or 0.05% an enterprise value of $75 billion made published “Ease of Doing Business” of the total inbound FDI. Though the it one of the biggest FDI deals in the rankings included both India and kingdom’s Indian community has country. Saudi Arabia in its ten “most improved come down marginally to 2.6 million, economies”. Indian ecstasy at a they, nevertheless, are still the largest The US Factor in India-Saudi 14-place jump to the 63rd rank this year foreign community and their annual Relations would have to be tempered by the homeward remittances remain steady The oil-rich Kingdom’s historic strategic knowledge that Saudi Arabia was at the at $11 billion. alliance with the USA was sealed during top of the “most improved” economies But there is growing room for the reign of the Kingdom’s founder having leapfrogged 34 places to stand nd optimism. Saudi Aramco is to be one Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. The basic compact at 62 rank, one ahead of India. of the two strategic partners in the between Saudi Arabia and the USA When the sub-region’s two largest, proposed $44 billion, 1.2 mbpd PSU was predicated on the USA providing top-performing and complementary refinery at Raigarh on India’s west security to the Saudi Royal family in economies join hands, shouldn’t the coast. It is also to acquire a fifth of return for steady supply of oil at cheap sum be greater than the total of the the Reliance refinery at Jamnagar prices. parts? It is not therefore, surprising, that Riyadh Summit has brought a new and to participate in India’s Strategic The USA, net importer oil till a few energy in India-Saudi Arabia bilateral Petroleum Reserves. If realised, these years ago has turned a net exporter, partnership. investments could total nearly $30 following the shale oil revolution that billion, catapulting the kingdom to has made the USA self-sufficient in oil. fourth position among countries This compact has now frayed since the General Studies Paper- II investing in India. USA’s strategic interest is no longer Topic: Bilateral, regional and global India’s strategic collaboration with underpinned by the supply of oil. This groupings and agreements involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE has been decaying strategic compact and the rise India and/or affecting India's possible because of convergence of of regional rivalry with Iran, has forced interests. interests across a wide template. The Saudi Arabia to diversify its strategic success of India’s foreign policy in the interests by its version of “Look East” mmm
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5. 15 POINT REFORM FOR BETTER FUNCTIONING OF PARLIAMENT
Why in News? likely to cause conflicts between them, number of legislatures with criminal which our infant democracy could ill- record, high degree of absenteeism, The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah afford to risk. inadequate representation of women, Naidu has expressed concern over rising money and muscle power in the functioning of parliamentary Role of Parliament elections, lack of inner democracy in institutions in the country and There is a huge confusion among functioning of the political parties. A erosion of public trust in them. The the people and the Members of broad framework of reforms for further Vice President unveiled a 15 point Parliament (MPs) themselves about strengthening our parliamentary reform charter as the basis for a new the role and functions of the MPs institutions is necessary, so as to political normal to enable effective so is the case with Members of the enhance the trust of the people in functioning of the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and them. Legislatures. Members of the Legislative Council Poor knowledge, low argu- (MLCs). Legislatures are increasingly Introduction mentative power of the masses, being drawn into micro-management India adopted the Parliamentary form negative influences of poverty and of developmental works in their economic disparities, faulty ‘First Past of democracy in the year 1947 since constituencies leading to an overlap The Post (FPTP)’ election system and India has been familiar with its working with the domain of the Executive. MPs society’s perpetual habit of accepting during the times of British Rule. The should only be concerned with the all permeable State to control public type of government that functioned in issues in respect of which Parliament and private affairs are the sources of India before independence in 1947 was has larger responsibility. They need to some concerns about the efficacy of very much similar to the British model focus on aggregating the felt needs of our democracy. of parliament. The framers of the the people they represent and seek constitution were greatly influenced legislative remedies to resolve them Some of the major issues are by the English system. Therefore, instead of associating with sanctioning discussed below: the members of the Constituent of projects and their execution. They First Past The Post: On account Assembly decided to adopt this form of should avoid taking up individual of FPTP system by which people’s government for the independent India. grievances and instead seek to focus representatives are being elected with The Parliamentary system of on larger community needs. much less than 50% vote share, some government refers to “a system of MPs can certainly use their good questions are being raised about the government having the real executive offices to make the Executive address adequacy of representative nature power vested in a cabinet composed the pressing needs and problems of of our parliamentary government of members of the legislature who the people rather than being actors reflecting majority will or the consent are individually and collectively themselves. There is a need for of the electorate. But at the moment, responsible to the legislature.” That reorientation on the part of the MPs there seem to be no alternative means it is a kind of democracy where and more so, a pressing need for since the principle of proportional the executive and legislature are inter- parliamentary reforms to restore the representation will lead to much more connected and the former obtains its trust of the people in the parliamentary social cleavages, multiplicity of political democratic legitimacy from, and is institutions. parties besides the practical difficulties held accountable to, the legislature in implementing such a system. and therefore, the opposition always Reform for Better Functioning However, in the elections to the 17th keeps it alert for it “always lives in the of Parliament LokSabha, a large number of Members shadow of a coming defeat.” After seven decades of parliamentary were elected with more than 50% voter The Constitution of India rejected democracies, the present pitfalls of our support which would further increase the Presidential system as in the parliamentary democracy are too well with the changing preference of voters U.S.A. on the grounds that under known to be elaborated. Briefly, these based on developmental concerns. such a system, the Executive and the include the declining number of sittings Pre and Post Legislative Impact Legislatures are separate from and of legislatures, persistent disruptions, Assessment: Emphasising the need independent of each other, which is declining quality of debates, growing for well thought out and focused
12 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 legislation with the participation may be disqualified on groundsInter ofest Group further suggested that, of stakeholders. There is need for defection by the Presiding Officerwith of respect a to elected representatives both pre and post legislative impact legislature based on a petition byto theany House of Parliament and the assessment to be ensured for other member of the House. The Legislatureanti- of State facing criminal quality and informed law making for defection law seeks to provide a stablecharges, a new sub-section (5) creating wider awareness about the government by ensuring the legislatorsbe inserted to Section 8 of the targeted outcomes by bringing out do not switch sides. However, this Representationlaw of the people Act (RPA) social, economic, environmental and also restricts a legislator from votingfor establishing special fast-track courts administrative impacts besides the in line with his conscience, judgementfor time bound disposal of the cases. involvement of all stakeholders in law and interests of his electorate. SuchThis sub-section could act as a deterrent making and subsequent assessment of a situation impedes the oversightto those with cases of criminal offence, the effect of legislation on ground. function of the legislaturepending over against them in the court from Department Related Standing the government, by ensuring thatcontesting elections in order to avoid Committees: The functioning of members vote based on the decisionsa speedy and time bound adjudication the Department Related Standing taken by the party leadership, of and the case by a special fast-track court Committees that came into being not what their constituents wouldresulting like in their possible conviction in 1993 for detailed examination of them to vote for. The need of hourand imprisonmentis legislative proposals, demands for to review the functioning of the Anti-Simultaneous Elections: With grants and other select subjects on Defection Law to address greysome areas election or the other throughout behalf of the Parliament is haphazard. like incentivising members to resortthe year, normal activities of the The recent concerns are over declining to activities that invite expulsiongovernment from come to a stand-still attendance, lack of specialisation, the parties besides stipulating specificbecause of code of conduct. This limited tenure of one year, frequent time frame for deciding on defectionis an idea the political leadership hopping of Committees etc. To ensure matters by the Presiding Officersshould of think of. If political parties effective functioning of the Department Legislatures. Also the decision makingcollectively think, we can change it. Related Standing Committees of authority of speaker need to The be Election Commission can also put Parliament longer tenures can be given relooked as the perception of biasnessin their idea and efforts on holding the instead of its reconstitution every year over decision is always there. polls together and that will be highly as at present. Promoting specialisation Whip System: There is concerns beneficial. Consensus to be built on the by nomination on the committees over stifling of the freedomproposal of for simultaneous elections based on academic backgrounds can expression of the legislature due toso that governance is not adversely be some other measures. issuance of ‘Whip’, and its neededimpacted on account of staggered and Reservation of Women in to review of the same so as tocontinuous polls across the country Legislatures: Taking forward the enable reasonable degree of dissentand also to address the problem of legislation in the Parliament for without impacting the stability of therising money power in elections. reservation of women in legislatures government. However, political parties Some Other Major Issues whose representation is at present only issue a direction to MPs on howand to Reforms in Functioning of about 13%. The Women's Reservation vote on most issues, irrespective of theLegislatures: The four fundamentals Bill or The Constitution (108th nature of the issue. Several experts haveon which any democracy thrives are; Amendment) Bill, 2008, is a pending suggested that the law should be validmajority rule, recognition of minority bill in the Parliament of India which only for those votes that determine therights, constitutional government propose to amend the Constitution of stability of the government (passage ofand governance by discussion. While India to reserve 33% of all seats in the the annual budget or no-confidencedemocracy has taken deep roots in Lower house of Parliament of India, the motions). our country, there is still a large set of Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative Adjudication on Criminal concerns that need to be addressed. assemblies for women. Complaints: There is also need ofTrust of the people in Parliament Anti-Defection Law: The Tenth setting up special courts/tribunals and for other legislatures based on the Schedule was inserted in thetime bound adjudication on criminalresponsiveness of law making bodies Constitution of India in 1985. complaints It lays against legislators and to the concerns of the people is critical down the process by which legislatorselection related matters. The Publicfor democracy and the conduct of
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legislators. There are certainly some extent of their participation in theIndia. Addressing these challenges concerns about this much desired form of questions raised, debatesunderscore the need to address certain trust. participated in etc. issues that are denting the functioning The some reforms measured are: 5. Legislature parties to ensureof our parliamentary institutions. 1. A minimum number of sittings that the new entrants and back At last, Parliamentary democracy for both the Parliament and benchers are given adequatethrives only when the electorate is State Legislatures per year to opportunities to participate in themature, informed, intelligent and vigilant, and that can be done only by be appropriately prescribed and debates instead of fielding only a intensive and continuous education compliance ensured. select and established few. 6. To evolve a new politicalof the public of their obligations and 2. Law makers should abide by the rights as citizens of a democratic Rules of the House and political consciousness under which tickets to contest elections will not republic. be Media has an important role parties to take responsibility in this to play in this regard. Based on the regard by evolving and enforcing a given merely on the criteria of winnability by political partiesexperience of the last seven decade code of conduct. of our parliamentary democracy, we to address the problem of rising 3. Making rules that automatically need to evolve a new normal for our number of legislators with criminal parliamentary institutions so that our take effect against erring members backgrounds. in case of interruptions and nation can make up for the lost time disruptions; Political parties to Way Forward and opportunities. evolve roster system for ensuring Since 1952, the Parliament of India attendance of at least 50% of their has played a significant role in the General Studies Paper- II members in the legislatures all socio-economic transformation of the through the proceedings of the Topic: Parliament and State country by enacting several far reaching Legislatures - structure, functioning, House everyday to address the legislations. With the passage of time conduct of business, powers & issue of lack of quorum. and with the growing inter-connected privileges and issues arising out of 4. Secretariats of legislatures to nature of the comity of nations and these. publish regular reports on the technological advancements, several attendance of members inside new and complex challenges are during the proceedings and the staring at the young and aspiring mmm
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6. GREEN BONDS : KEY TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
Why in News? industries and incubating further The Scope of Green Bonds in expansion. This will be pivotal for Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) India the overall economic growth of the has announced that its subsidiaries, country. Renewable Energy Adani Renewable Energy Limited, Wardha Solar (Maharashtra), and The Indian transport sector, too, India’s renewable energy sector Kodangal Solar Parks Private Limited, is soon set to undergo an overhaul, requires significant financing, have approved the issuance of dollar- as the recent Budget indicates the which presents one of the biggest denominated 20-year senior secured government’s intent to move towards opportunities for green bonds. The green bonds amounting to $362.5 electronic vehicles. The required R&D country needs US$4.5 trillion within million. In this article we will explore and infrastructure for the vehicles, the next 10 years to meet its targets the scope of green bonds in India. We the charging facilities and urban water of renewable energy and urban will also focus on measures to improve management will need financing to sustainability, and green bonds can attract sizeable investment to fulfil this the green bond market in India. fast-track growth. For all of this green bonds offer a viable and lucrative requirement. Introduction financing option. In recent years, there has been a The impacts of climate change, policy push by the Government of India What are Green Bonds? combined with natural-resource towards electric vehicles (EV). The scarcity, pose significant challenges According to the accepted global latest Union Budget reduced the goods to the world that requires immediate definition, green bonds are “fixed- and services (GST) slab for EV from attention. In developing nations, income financial instruments, where 12 percent to five percent. To further particularly, the high rates of the proceeds are earmarked for boost its demand, the government has urbanisation have exacerbated the financing green projects.” They have allowed an income tax deduction, with effects of climate change. To address the potential to attract capital that can a ceiling of INR 1.5 lakh, on loans taken these issues, it is crucial to ensure the generate a positive investment cycle for the purchase of EVs. Additionally, the government think tank, NITI Aayog funding of mitigation and adaptation for green projects. has proposed that only EVs should be measures along with the efficient In the Indian market, the Securities sold in the category of three-wheelers management of natural resources. and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and two-wheelers below 150 cc, from has introduced certain guidelines In India, there is an urgent need to 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2025, finance green projects such as clean for green bonds. It has allocated respectively. In light of these policy energy, clean transportation and water eight high-level categories as “green changes, the demand for charging management. In recent years, India projects”—renewable energy, clean infrastructure and technology is set has been facing acute water scarcity in transportation, sustainable water to increase in the coming years. Car urban areas like Chennai. Indian cities management, climate-change manufacturers and charging facility require a cost-efficient system for the adaptation, energy efficiency, providers can use green bonds to raise delivery of safe drinking water as part sustainable waste management, capital from the retail and corporate of its water-management strategy, and sustainable land use, and biodiversity markets. The financiers in the sector the maintenance of such a system will conservation. can use asset-backed securities to have great fiscal implications in the Various studies have indicated ease their balance sheets for further coming years. As the manufacturing a need for innovative solutions to lending, and large original equipment and service industries of India’s boost domestic and international manufacturers can issue green bonds urban centres drive the economy, the investment through green bonds. A based on their creditworthiness. These availability of water (or lack of it) will sound policy framework for green measures can create a healthy financial have an impact on the performance bonds can be a viable alternative for ecosystem to facilitate climate change of these growth centres. Water financing of green projects in India. In mitigation efforts. management and infrastructure will this context, India can learn from the In recent years, climate resilience play a crucial role in sustaining the global experience. and adaptation have become a primary
November 2019 A Issue-1 15 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 concern. Changes in rainfall pattern and and management, due to the urgent rising sea levels, the frequency of increased intensity of sudden-onset measures needed to tackle the ever- floods will increase significantly along weather events such as tropical storms growing problem of water scarcity in with the cost to the economy. The have changed the overall risk portfolio the country. 2005 flood, for instance, cost Mumbai of most businesses and settlements. The RBI has recognised the need for US$1.7 billion in damages in a single This creates a lot of demand for funds in this sector, at both household day. climate finance which green bonds can and enterprise levels. WASH (water, There are two ways of preventing augment. sanitation and hygiene) has been seawater inundation, and both require Disaster Management included in “priority-sector lending,” substantial financing. The cities can and SHGs are linked with toilet either build hard infrastructure, such as Disaster management is another construction through the National sea walls and levees, or aim for beach significant area where green bond Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and nourishment. For example, the US has investments can be utilised, especially State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLMs). utilised over US$787 million from 1995 by coastal states that are becoming to 2002 for beach nourishment. Long- increasingly more vulnerable to tropical A framework for green bonds can storms and cyclones. In the aftermath therefore be built with a strategy of term green bonds will provide one of of 'Cyclone Fani', for instance, it is aggregation and securitisation, linking the solutions in terms of raising capital estimated that the state of Odisha will the SHGs with programmes such as to implement such projects in high-risk need some US$14 billion to rebuild the National Rural Drinking Water areas. Programme (NRDWP). its infrastructure. Climate change, Measures to Improve Green which results in the warming of the Forestry Bonds Market in India oceans, has further intensified such extreme weather events. Therefore, The Indian forestry sector is yet India has the potential to become a the rebuilding strategy must include to sufficiently explore green bonds leader in the green bonds market. the creation of more storm-resilient in fund-raising. Both corporate However, it must first formulate infrastructures to handle similar future and government funding can be a comprehensive national policy events. streamlined into the forestry sector framework, which can identify areas through the issuance of green bonds. to promote issuance and investment Agriculture The agroforestry industry can benefit of green bonds as well as minimise Primary sectors such as agriculture from green bonds through planned the possibilities of “greenwashing.” play a crucial role in developing forestry and help India achieve its Greenwashing is the intersection of the Indian economy and creating target of 33 percent forest cover, of “poor environmental performance in-situ employment. However, the the total land area of the country. and positive communication about contribution of the agriculture sector Green bonds can be used to raise environmental performance.” funds to protect and conserve the in the Indian economy has steadily Listed below are measures that will existing forest ecosystems. This will be decreased at a rate of 14.4 percent help promote the overall ecosystem of in gross value added since 2015–16. relevant especially in the Biodiversity green bonds in India. Under the SEBI guidelines, organic Reserves and National Parks where farming, zero-budget natural farming tourism is proving to be successful. 1. External verification of green bonds and sustainable irrigation practices The government can issue green bonds can increase investor confidence come under sustainable land use and in this sector and enable securitisation and avoid greenwashing. External sustainable water management. Some through a common corpus such as verification can be done in two capital-intensive technologies, such as the National CSR Fund or the Green ways: second-party review, as drip irrigation and farm-level anaerobic Climate Fund. done by companies such as digestion of manure and crop waste, KPMG, Sustainalytics and Viego; can be linked with green bonds to fast Coastal Preservation and third-party certification, track fund-raising. The rise in sea levels is a significant provided exclusively by the CBI. threat to coastal cities and ecologically While extremely useful, external Water Infrastructure and sensitive areas of India. According verification is a high-cost process. Management to the government, the sea level has Therefore, the government Another sector with high capital risen 1.3 mm/per year along the Indian must provide subsidies and tax requirements is water infrastructure coasts in the last 40 to 50 years. With incentives to first-time issuers.
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2. Securitisation, on a case by case 87 lakh SHGs with a total depositand economic capital, mitigation and basis, can increase the credit of more than INR 19,500 crore adaptationand measures require urgent ratings of green bonds. Public- an annual total credit off-takefinancing. of This can be achieved by sector banks, non-bank financial INR 47,000 crore, as of 2017–18.channelling corporate, government companies (NBFCs), the National Here, aggregation can be usedand toretail funding to the green sector. Bank for Agriculture and Rural accumulate the fund and invest it This article explored the scope Development (NABARD), and in green bonds issued by variousof green bonds in India. It proposes corpuses such as the National CSR public- and private-sector bodies.possible measures to create a Fund, National Disaster Response 6. The retail bond market can be comprehensive policy structure to Fund and State Disaster Response tapped by making it mandatory promotefor the use of green bonds, which Fund can provide securitisation institutional investors to purchasehave the potential to become a vital for the issuance of industry-grade green bonds. For instance, financing a vehicle for green projects. green bonds. policy mandate can be issuedTo this end, the RBI must establish a 3. Public infrastructure in cities, such for companies to invest one nationally to accepted standard definition as water and waste management, two percent of the total annualof green bonds as well as guidelines can be linked with municipality portfolio in green bonds. The moveon the management of its proceeds, bonds. will be a step towards ensuringto avoid ambiguity and increase 4. The issuance of sovereign green ESG compliance in the retail bondtransparency. Further, the Indian bonds and rupee-dominated market. Parliament must provide legislative sovereign green ‘Masala’ 7. The RBI can put guidelines in supportplace by enacting a green bond law bonds can attract international detailing the eligibility of greenthrough its Upper and Lower houses. investment. Currently, bonds worth projects, reporting methods and approximately US$13 trillion, i.e. management of proceeds. This General Studies Paper- III one-fourth of all global bonds, will reduce ambiguity and increase Topic: Indian Economy and issues show negative yield. India can investor confidence, fuelling the relating to planning, mobilization of leverage this situation to increase overall growth of investment in the resources, growth, development and investment in its bonds, including green sector. green bonds, and use third-party employment. certification to further facilitate Conclusion Topic: Conservation, environmental such investment. The impact of climate change poses a pollution and degradation, environ- 5. The rural sector has immense significant threat to the everyday lives mental impact assessment. untapped potential when it comesof people, at both local and global to funding green projects. India levels.has To prevent the loss of human mmm
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7. THE ANALYSIS OF CAPITALISM
Context There is an increase in world-wide protest against Capitalism. The list of countries where there is unrest spans the globe. It is this growing crisis within capitalism that is currently motivating rock star billionaires (such as Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates, Marc Benioff of Salesforce and Tom Steyer of Farallon), organizations like the Business Roundtable and the lower- class of just millionaires (Patriotic Millionaires) to save capitalism. What is Capitalism? Capitalism is an economic system based ¡ Freedom of capitalists to act in of the nineteenth century a series of on the private ownership of the means their self-interest in managing their loosely connected market systems had of production and their operation business and investments. come together as a relatively integrated for profit. In general, capitalism as global system, in turn intensifying an economic system and mode of In a capitalist market economy, processes of economic and other production can be summarized by the decision-making and investments are globalization. Later in the 20th century, following: determined by every owner of wealth, property or production ability in capitalism overcame a challenge by ¡ Capital accumulation: Production financial and capital markets, whereas centrally-planned economies and for profit and accumulation as prices and the distribution of goods is now the encompassing system the implicit purpose of all or most worldwide, with the mixed economy of production, constriction or and services are mainly determined being its dominant form in the elimination of production formerly by competition in goods and services industrialized Western world. carried out on a common social or markets. private household basis. Economists, political economists, Some scholars portray socialism as sociologists and historians have adopted an alternative to capitalism. But it has ¡ Commodity production: Production for exchange on a market; to different perspectives in their analyses also its own demerits. of capitalism and have recognized maximize exchange-value instead Problems of Capitalism: An of use-value. various forms of it in practice. These include laissez-faire or free-market Analysis ¡ Private ownership of the means of capitalism, welfare capitalism and Critics of capitalism associate production. state capitalism. Different forms of the economic system with social ¡ High levels of wage labour. capitalism feature varying degrees inequality; unfair distribution of ¡ The investment of money to make of free markets, public ownership, wealth and power; materialism; a profit. obstacles to free competition and repression of workers and trade ¡ The use of the price mechanism state-sanctioned social policies. The unionists; social alienation; economic to allocate resources between degree of competition in markets, the inequality; unemployment; and competing uses. role of intervention and regulation, economic instability. Many socialists
¡ Economically efficient use of the and the scope of state ownership vary consider capitalism to be irrational in factors of production and raw across different models of capitalism. that production and the direction of materials due to maximization Capitalism was carried across the economy are unplanned, creating of value added in the production the world by broader processes of many inconsistencies and internal process. globalization and by the beginning contradictions.
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Capitalism doesn't provide for Capitalism ignores external costs, 14.5% in the 1990s and, then, soared those who lack competitive skills. such as pollution and climate change. to an average of 21.1% in the first This includes the elderly, children, This makes goods cheaper and more decade of this century, before peaking the developmentally disabled, and accessible in the short run. But over at 24.7% in 2011-12. The above surge caretakers. To keep society functioning, time, it depletes natural resources, was largely due to globalisation and capitalism requires government lowers the quality of life in the liberalisation. In short, the 20 years policies that value the family unit. affected areas, and increases costs after 1991 can be called the golden age for everyone. The government should of Indian capitalism. Despite the idea of a “level playing impose Pigovian taxes to monetize field,” capitalism does not promote This fairy-tale story, sadly, ended these external costs and improve the equality of opportunity. Those without after 2011-12. Gross fixed capital general welfare. good nutrition, support, and education formation in the private sector, as may never make it to the playing field. Monopsony is market power in already alluded to, peaked at 24.7% in employing factors of production. For 2011-12. Subsequently, however, it fell Society will never benefit from their example, firms can have monopsony steadily to touch 21.1-21.4% in 2015- valuable skills. power in employing workers and 16 and 2016-17. And most strikingly, In the short term, inequality may paying lower wages. This enables firms there has been no recovery even with seem to be in the best interest of to be more profitable but can mean a supposedly pro-business “minimum capitalism's winners. They have fewer workers don’t share from the same government, maximum governance” competitive threats. They may also level of proceeds as the owners of regime of Prime Minister Narendra use their power to "rig the system" by capital. It explains why with increasing Modi. creating barriers to entry. For example, monopsony power we have seen But the current decade’s story isn’t they will donate to elected officials periods of stagnant real wage growth just of an investment slowdown. It is who sponsor laws that benefit their while firms profitability has increased also about a drying up of the supply industry. They could send their children (2007-17 in UK and US) and growth of new entrepreneurs. to private schools while supporting The nature of capitalism is to The first two decades after reforms lower taxes for public schools. reward profit. The capitalist system unleashed entrepreneurial energies, In the long term, inequality limits can create incentives for managers both through new and old players, on diversity and the innovation it creates. to pursue profit over decisions which an unprecedented scale. By contrast, For example, a diverse business team is would maximise social welfare. For the number of new big names— more able to identify market niches. It example, firms are using theories of whose growth is a phenomenon of not can understand the needs of society's price discrimination to charge higher beyond 10 years—can be counted on minorities, and target products to meet prices to consumers who want to jump the fingers of, maybe, two hands. those needs. the queue. This makes sense from The drying-up of new enterprise the perspective of maximising profit. Capitalism relies on financial is, moreover, only a part of the story. However, if we have a society, where Equally significant is the destruction markets – shares, bonds and money the rich can pay to jump a queue at a of capital that has taken place. This markets but financial markets have Fairground – or pay to see Celebrities capital was basically created during a tendency to cause booms and quicker – it erodes social norms and a the previous boom period, on the back busts. In a boom period, lending sense of ‘fair-play’ of excessive risk taking and piling up of and confidence rise, but frequently debts by corporates. markets get carried away by ‘irrational India’s Journey towards Indian capitalism is today exuberance’ causing assets to the spike Capitalism faced with a crisis of credibility and in value. But, this boom can quickly The first two decades after the legitimacy last seen in the 1950s. RBI turn to a crash when market sentiment economic reforms of 1991 marked data shows large borrowers—those changes. These market crashes can the high noon of Indian capitalist with outstandings of Rs 5 crore and cause economic downturns, recession enterprise. above—to account for 54.8% of the and unemployment. At various times, From the 1950s through the 1980s, gross advances and 85.6% of the Non- capitalism has suffered prolonged gross fixed capital formation in the performing asset (NPAs) of scheduled recessions (the 1930s), periods of mass private sector averaged between 6.4% commercial banks as on March 2018, unemployment and decline in living and 9.6% of India’s Gross Domestic with the corresponding shares of the standards. Product (GDP). That ratio climbed to top 100 alone at 15.2% and 26%.
November 2019 A Issue-1 19 Current Affairs : Perfect 7
Without a clean-up of corporate longer leads to prosperity and financial mental and physical care for those who and bank balance sheets—made worse security — as the promise of democracy become addicted. By considering the by the liquidity problems enveloping has been so far — democracy is perspectives of all the stakeholders non-banking financial companies ultimately in danger everywhere. This involved, we can avoid cases like these (NBFC) after September 2018—it is why there are such loud calls for a re- where everyone involved ends up would be unrealistic to expect any nationalization of the economy, even suffering. resumption of the investment cycle. in the US, a once hopeful, forward- The Business Roundtable’s looking country. As long as the root Is the Crisis of Capitalism a statement is only meaningful if its cause of the problem is not tackled, we signatories follow it up with real Crisis of Democracy? will see more protests and unrest in the commitments and actions. Now Globalization has many winners, but future, not less. that these businesses have declared there are losers too, and they are What can be done? their values, it’s time for them—and taking to the streets around the world. everyone else, from new business- The list of countries where there is Today, a growing number of leaders school graduates to longtime CEOs, unrest spans the globe: Hong Kong, in the business and social sectors are from advisory nonprofits to lobbies for Lebanon, France, Chile and Ecuador. finding ways to make our capitalist corporate governance—to turn those These protests all have similar roots: system fairer. They recognize that if we values into action. To reach goals like create the context and conditions for an In Lebanon a tax was supposed to be these, companies need to start keeping inclusive and just economy, the more levied on the use of social networks. track of them. After all, the best way to we can use capitalism’s undeniable Housing is too expensive in Hong Kong. ensure that promises come paired with productive power to unlock better In Chile, the price of bus tickets was progress is to measure and monitor. set to rise. In France, it was the price ideas and outcomes for humankind. of gasoline. Early positive signs of that Conclusion For those who have emerged as recognition came in late summer, Capitalism only works if it works globalization's winners over the past when a group of 181 CEOs from the for everyone, which makes it our three decades, it is incomprehensible Business Roundtable announced that obligation to push it to be better. The that increasing a ticket price by a few they had redefined the purpose of a present issues of capitalism need to be cents could cause a million people corporation. These CEOs committed reimagined. For this leaders, thinkers to revolt. This is not due to a lack of to “leading their companies for the and workers from around the world empathy. Rather, the worlds in which benefit of all stakeholders—customers, should come up with new ways for the we live today have slowly, step by step, employees, suppliers, communities, better functioning of economic system. moved away from each other. The and shareholders.” The idea is simple: The imperative of the 21st century is worldwide political polarization, based Everyone affected by the policies and to build a new economy that recognizes on the same economic problems, bears practices of a firm should have a voice the role of business and corporations eloquent witness to this. The Brexit in shaping them. in creating value in ways that better vote, like Donald Trump's election, is This is the value reset that many benefit society. We owe it to the next widely understood as an outcry and of us have been clamoring for, a shift generation—to ensure that they have protest by those who feel disconnected from late-20th-century capitalism run just as many reasons to be optimistic from social developments. These amok to more equitable 21st-century about their future as we used to. people feel alienated in their own capitalism. country. They have lost a sense of Moving to stakeholder capitalism belonging. is not only a matter of doing the General Studies Paper- III In constitutional democracies, the right thing. In many cases, it’s also Topic: Effects of liberalization on market economy and capitalism are economically more efficient—which the economy, changes in industrial driven by personal freedoms and are will in turn help everyone’s bottom policy and their effects on industrial supposed to lead to independence line. It’s less expensive to not pollute growth. and through education to prosperity. the environment than it is to clean But this has come to a dead end. And up pollution. It’s less costly to not sell because political participation no addictive opioids than it is to provide mmm
20 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7
SEVEN SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS
emphasizes the notion of 'Patient Rights' has been Telecom Sector in India : Needs Revival developed across the globe in the last few decades. There is a growing consensus at international level that Q 1. Indian telecom sector is currently facing its worst all patients must enjoy certain basic rights. phase ever. Critically discuss the reasons behind the One of the big health debates that continue in 2019 is present crisis. the the protection of patients in India’s poorly regulated Hints: medical sector. One move that can help strengthen India is currently the world’s second-largest such protections is the adoption and implementation telecommunications market with a subscriber of base the Charter for Patient’s Rights. of 1.20 billion and has registered strong growth in the Patient autonomy is affected by a number of factors, past decade and half. including severity of illness, socio-economic status But despite this, the sector is currently facing its worst and dependence. Many patients find that they are not phase ever and needs the government to step in. The treated with due consideration and compassion, and sector is currently finding it increasingly difficult to also have no control over their own care. manage its cumulative debt of almost `4 lakh crore, This is especially important and an urgent need at with revenues of less than ` 1.8 lakh crore, and steadily the present juncture because India does not have a falling, due to intense competition. dedicated regulator like other countries and the existing Available spectrum is less than 40% as compared to regulations in the interest of patients, governing the European nations and 50% as compared to China. healthcare delivery system is on the anvil, some States Hence, it is imperative that spectrum auctioning at have adopted the national Clinical Establishments Act, sustainable prices is the need of the hour. 2010, certain other States have enacted their own India has very little penetration of fixed line in its State level legislations like the Nursing Homes Act to network whereas; most of the developed countries regulate hospitals, while a few other States are in the have a very high penetration of fixed lines (telephone process of adopting / developing such regulation.
line that travelled through a metal wire or optical fibre This charter would also enable various kinds of health as part of a nationwide telephone network). care providers to actively engage with this framework of patients’ rights to ensure their observance, while A Charter for Protection and also benefiting from the formal codification of patients Promotion of Patients' Rights responsibilities.
Q 2. Critically discuss why patients' rights charter is Crime in India Report, 2017 : neccesary for India. An Overview Hints: Q 3. Critically discuss the key highlights of '2017 Crime in The commercialisation of India’s health sector in the last two decades has exacerbated the traditional India Report.' power asymmetry between healthcare providers and Hints:
patients. Health activists and doctors have pointed out The recent NCRB report, published after a delay of that the existing codes of medical ethics are insufficient two years, included 88 new categories including to protect patients from excessive misuse of medical sexual harassment of women at the workplace/public power. Based on the concept of fundamental dignity transport, offences relating to elections, obscene acts and equality of all human being, Human Rights (1948) at public places, circulation of fake news, chit funds,
November 2019 A Issue-1 21 Current Affairs : Perfect 7
cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Politically, New Delhi and Riyadh acknowledged each Mental Health Act, noise pollution and defacement of other’s core interests and accommodated them. Saudi public property. Arabia showed an “understanding” of recent Indian
According to the latest NCRB report, there has been a actions in Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike Turkey and 30 per cent rise in incidents of offences against the state Malaysia, it has cautioned Pakistan against escalating as compared to 2016. This category includes offences the crisis. Similarly India has “strongly condemned” such as sedition, waging war against the country and the various attacks on Saudi civilian facilities. Their damage to public property among others. bilateral defence, security and anti-terror cooperation
The total number of crimes committed against women has intensified and the first naval exercise is to be held country-wide increased by 6% since 2016, while those soon. against Scheduled Castes went up by 13%. India’s strategic collaboration with Saudi Arabia and
Uttar Pradesh (UP) recorded the highest numbers the UAE has been possible because of convergence of in highest number of dowry deaths and murders interests across a wide template. The success of India’s categories and Bihar in the second place in both foreign policy in the West Asian region is underscored categories in the country after UP. Madhya Pradesh, by successful strategic partnerships with all countries which has come third in dowry deaths. In murder regardless of regional rivalries and conflicts.
cases, Maharashtra holds the third position. Both India and Saudi Arabia are re-defining their The number of crimes against Scheduled Castes also foreign policy priorities at a time of global and regional registered a marginal increase from 40,801 in 2016 to turmoil. For New Delhi, Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf 4,3203 in 2017 with Uttar Pradesh (11,444) recording states are becoming key interlocutors in the Middle maximum number of cases. East. For Riyadh, India is one of the eight major powers
The new category of offences committed by various with which it wants to forge strategic partnerships as categories of “Anti-National Elements” showed that part of its 'Vision 2030'. the maximum offences were committed by Left Wing Extremist (LWE) operatives (652), followed by North 15 Point Reform for Better East insurgents (421) and Terrorists (Jihadi and other elements) (371). Functioning of Parliament NCRB report provides much relevant, information and Q 5. "Based on the experience of the last seven decade useful for the parliamentarians, policy makers, States/ of our partiamentary democracy, we need to evolve UTs, researchers, academicians and other various a new normal to enable effective functioning of the stakeholders. The scope and coverage of the report Parliament and state hegislatures." Discuss. has significantly improved as NCRB has attempted to Hints: capture the emerging trends and patterns of crime. After seven decades of parliamentary democracies, the present pitfalls of our parliamentary democracy are too India - Saudi Arabia Ties : well known to be elaborated. Briefly, these include the Scaling New Heights declining number of sittings of legislatures, persistent disruptions, declining quality of debates, growing Q 4. Both India and Saudi Arabia are re-defining their number of legislatures with criminal record, high foreign policy priorities at a time of global and degree of absenteeism, inadequate representation of regional turmoil. Discuss it in the context of present women, rising money and muscle power in elections, geo-politics situation. lack of inner democracy in functioning of the political Hints: parties.
Today’s Indo-Saudi cooperation is no longer restricted Poor knowledge, low argu-mentative power of the to the traditional sphere of oil-energy trade. Instead, masses, negative influences of poverty and economic the relationship has become multifaceted thanks to disparities, faulty ‘First Past The Post (FPTP)’ election the impetus given by the leaderships of both countries system and society’s perpetual habit of accepting all to other areas, including defense, maritime security, permeable State to control public and private affairs counterterrorism, science and technology, strategic oil are the sources of some concerns about the efficacy of reserves, investments, tourism, and so on. our democracy.
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The four fundamentals on which any democracy of “greenwashing.” Greenwashing is the intersection thrives are; majority rule, recognition of minority of “poor environmental performance and positive rights, constitutional government and governance by communication about environmental performance.”
discussion. While democracy has taken deep roots in The impact of climate change poses a significant threat our country, there is still a large set of concerns thatto the everyday lives of people, at both local and global need to be addressed. levels. To prevent the loss of human and economic At last, Parliamentary democracy thrives only when the capital, mitigation and adaptation measures require electorate is mature, informed, intelligent and vigilant, urgent financing. This can be achieved by channelling and that can be done only by intensive and continuous corporate, government and retail funding to the green education of the public of their obligations and rights sector. as citizens of a democratic republic. The Analysis of Capitalism Green Bonds : Key to Fight Climate Change Q 7. Discuss the reasons behind the increasing world-wide protest against capitalism. Q 6. What are 'Green Bonds'? Can green bonds be a viable Hints: alternative for financing of green projects in India. Critics of capitalism associate the economic system Hints: with social inequality; unfair distribution of wealth and power; materialism; repression of workers and According to the accepted global definition, green trade unionists; social alienation; economic inequality; bonds are “fixed-income financial instruments, where unemployment; and economic instability. Many the proceeds are earmarked for financing green socialists consider capitalism to be irrational in that projects.” They have the potential to attract capital production and the direction of the economy are that can generate a positive investment cycle for green unplanned, creating many inconsistencies and internal projects. In the Indian market, the Securities and contradictions. Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced certain Despite the idea of a “level playing field,” capitalism guidelines for green bonds. It has allocated eight does not promote equality of opportunity. Those high-level categories as “green projects”—renewable without good nutrition, support, and education may energy, clean transportation, sustainable water never make it to the playing field. Society will never management, climate-change adaptation, energy benefit from their valuable skills. efficiency, sustainable waste management, sustainable Capitalism ignores external costs, such as pollution and land use, and biodiversity conservation. climate change. This makes goods cheaper and more Various studies have indicated a need for innovative accessible in the short run. But over time, it depletes solutions to boost domestic and international natural resources, lowers the quality of life in the investment through green bonds. A sound policy affected areas, and increases costs for everyone. The framework for green bonds can be a viable alternative government should impose Pigovian taxes to monetize for financing of green projects in India. In this context, these external costs and improve the general welfare. India can learn from the global experience. Capitalism only works if it works for everyone, which India has the potential to become a leader in the makes it our obligation to push it to be better. The green bonds market. However, it must first formulate a present issues of capitalism need to be reimagined. comprehensive national policy framework, which can For this leaders, thinkers and workers from around the identify areas to promote issuance and investment world should come up with new ways for the better of green bonds as well as minimise the possibilities functioning of economic system.
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SEVEN BRAIN BOOSTERS
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30 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7
SEVEN MCQ's WITH EXPLANATORY ANSWERS (Based on Brain Boosters)
a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only 1. Ease of Doing Business Report 2020 c) 2 only d) 2 and 3 only 1. Consider the following statements with respect of Answer: (c) ‘Ease of Doing Business Report 2020’: Explanation: Statement 1 is not correct. The National 1. It has been released by the World Economic Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released the report Forum. ‘Prison Statistics India 2017’. The A N Mulla Committee on 2. It has ranked India at 63rd out of 190 countries on jail reforms recommended uniform, nationwide collection the back of ‘sustained business reforms’. of prison statistics in 1983. The National Crimes Records Bureau undertook this task and, in 1996, published the first 3. India also figured in the top ten most improved Prison Statistics India, for 1995. Thereafter, the statistics countries in the world for the third consecutive were published without interruption until 2015. year. Statement 2 is correct. As per latest report, the Which of the statements given above is/are correct? national average occupancy rate in India’s prisons stood at a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only 115.1%, highest in three years from 2015-17. c) 1 and 3 only d) 2 only Statement 3 is not correct. Uttar Pradesh has reported Answer: (b) the highest occupancy rate (165.04 %) followed by Bihar Explanation: Statement 1 is not correct. Recently, (157.23%) and Delhi (151.22%) as on 31st December, 2017. the World Bank has released 17th edition of its flagship report titled 'Doing Business 2020'. It measured aspects of 3. Edge Computing business regulation affecting small domestic firms located in the largest business city of 190 economies. 3. With reference to the ‘Edge Computing’, consider the Statement 2 and 3 are correct. India has improved its following statements: score in this edition, rising 14 notches to be placed 63rd out 1. Edge computing is an extension of cloud of 190 countries on the back of ‘sustained business reforms’. computing but differs in terms of time taken in India also figured in the top ten most improved countries processing the information. in the world for the third consecutive year. Much of India’s 2. Edge computing, essentially manages the massive performance over the past year can be traced to significant amounts of data generated by Internet of Things gains made on three parameters, namely, consutruction (IoT) devices by storing and processing data permits, getting electricity and resolving insolvency. locally. 2. Prison Statistics India 2017 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only 2. Consider the following statements with respect of c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 ‘Prison Statistics India 2017’: Answer: (c) 1. It has been released by the Ministry of Home Explanation: Both statements are correct. Edge Affairs. computing is an extension of cloud computing, and differs 2. The national average occupancy rate in India’s in terms of time taken in processing the information. It prisons stood at 115.1%, highest in three years enables data to be analysed, processed, and transferred at from 2015-17. the edge of a network. 3. Uttar Pradesh has reported the highest occupancy The idea is to analyse data locally, closer to where it is rate (165.04 %) followed by Bihar (157.23%) and stored, in real-time without latency (ability to process very Delhi (151.22%). high volumes of data with minimal delay), rather than send Which of the statements given above is/are correct? it far away to a centralised data centre.
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4. National Health Profile 2019 6. Nanopharmaceuticals
4. Consider the following statements in respect of 6. The word ‘nanopharmaceuticals’ is recently in news. ‘National Health Profile 2019’: Consider the following statements in this regard: 1. The average life expectancy in India has increased 1. Nanopharmaceuticals offer higher efficacy, lower to 68.7 years in 2012-16. toxicity in many disease conditions and are safer 2. The infant mortality rate (IMR) has declined than the conventional drugs. considerably (33 per 1,000 live births in 2016), 2. Nanopharmaceuticals have enormous potential however differentials of rural (37) and urban (23) to deliver the appropriate dose of a particular are still high. active agent to specific disease site. 3. Dengue and Chikungunya are a cause of great Which of the statements given above is/are correct? concern to public health in India. a) 1 only b) 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct? c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only Answer: (c) c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation: Both statements are correct. Nano- Answer: (d) pharmaceuticals, which are derived by application of Explanation: All statements are correct. As per nanotechnology in medical therapeutics are expected to National Health Profile 2019, life expectancy in India has bring about a revolution in treatment strategies as they increased from 49.7 years in 1970-75 to 68.7 years in 2012- would enable targeting specific delivery of drugs and 16 and for the same period, the life expectancy for females therapeutic molecules and thus offer higher efficacy and is 70.2 years and 67.4 years for males. lower toxicity in many disease conditions. They are expected to be of great use particularly in cancer treatment. The infant mortality rate (IMR) has declined considerably (33 per 1,000 live births in 2016), however Because of nano size, nanopharmaceuticals have differentials of rural (37) and urban (23) are still high. enormous potential to deliver the appropriate dose of a particular active agent to specific disease site. Generally, Further, Dengue and Chikungunya are a cause of great traditional therapeutics offers site-specific targeting of concern to public health in India. active agents. 5. Lymphatic Filariasis 7. Pegasus Spyware 5. With reference to the ‘Lymphatic Filiarisis’, consider 7. The word ‘pegasus’ is recently mentioned in news in the following statements in this regard: reference to 1. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as a) a spyware, which is identified by WhatsApp as a elephantiasis, is a fungal infection. malicious code 2. Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing b) a malware that recently attacked one of the hidden damage to the lymphatic system. computers in Kudankulam nuclear plant Which of the statements given above is/are correct? c) a antivirus, which is developed by Kaspersky a) 1 only b) 2 only d) a family of encrypting ransomware that was c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 developed by Russia. Answer: (b) Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is not correct. Lymphatic Explanation:Pegasus is a spyware that can hack any filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected iOS or Android device and steal a variety of data from the tropical disease. It is a parasitic infection spread by infected device. Pegasus is transmitted by calling the target mosquitoes. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are phone on WhatsApp. It enters the phone even if the call transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. is not answered. Once installed, it can send the target’s Statement 2 is correct. It is usually contracted in contacts, calendar events, phone calls and messages on childhood, often before the age of five. It causes hidden communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to the damage to the lymphatic system. spyware’s controller. mmm 32 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT FACTS FOR PRELIMS
1. Who has been honoured with 'Icon of Golden Jubilee Award' at the 50th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2019? –Rajinikanth
2. Which city hosted 25th Conference of Parties (COP 25) 2019 of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)? –Spain (after Chile backs out)
3. Which country hosted the first-ever India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise namely, 'Dustlik 2019'? –Uzbekistan
4. Which city hosted the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on November 4, 2019? –Bangkok, Thailand
5. Who has been appointed as the 47th Chief Justice of India? –Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde
6. Who has been appointed as the first Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir? –Girish Chandra Murmu
7. Who has been appointed as the first Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh? –Radha Krishna Mathur
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November 2019 A Issue-1 33 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR MAINS EXAM
1. Recently, India decided to hold off, signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) over “significant outstanding issues”. What are the issues? Also discuss its implications on Indian economy.
2. Discuss the concept of 'Quantum Computing'. How it can be useful in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0.
3. What is 'Lymphatic Filariasis'? Discuss the government's initiatives to eliminate the disease from the country.
4. "India needs a more informed debate, better policy design to address population growth." Discuss.
5. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?
6. What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective?
7. "Niti Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme is a laboratory for ernance gov reform." Comment.
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34 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7
SEVEN IMPORTANT NEWS
1. 18th meeting of Council of Heads and Governments of the SCO
The Defence Minister of India has Successful multilateralism alsoIndia will host the meeting of attended the th 18 meeting of theneeds adherence to core principlesCouncil of Headsof of Government in Council of Heads of Government respect for sovereignty and 2020.territorial (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperationintegrity, non-interference and mutual Organization (SCO) onnd November, 2 cooperation. About SCO 2019 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. India is ready to share its The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was created by the Kazakhstan, Key Highlights experience and expertise in skill development and capacity buildingChina, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, India has called upon the member in areas such as telemedicine, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on 15 June countries of the SCO to strengthen and medical tourism, resource mapping,2001 in Shanghai (China). implement all existing international launching of satellites, agricultural Currently the SCO comprises laws "without exception and double education and effective and affordableeight member states, namely India, standards" to combat terrorism and its pharmaceuticals. Kazakhstan, China, the Kyrgyz enablers. India will soon hold Joint Republic, Urban Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, India has reiterated its's Earthquake Search and Rescue exerciseand Uzbekistan. Four observer states, commitment to a transparent,of SCO member States alongnamely with the Afghanistan, Belarus, rules-based, open, inclusive SCO and Expert level meeting on Iran disaster and Mongolia. Six dialogue non-discriminatory multilateralprevention and also emphasisedpartners, on namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, trading system with the Worldthe importance Trade of SCO joint Camb militaryodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Organisation at its centre. exercise ‘CENTER 2019’. Lanka. ¢
2. National Unity Day 2019
The National Unity Day or ‘Rashtriya switched to wearing only khadi clothes. of his 143rd birth anniversary. It is Ekta Diwas’ is celebrated on October 31, He rose to the leadership of the Indian located on Sadhu-Bet Island in Gujarat, which is the birth anniversary of Sardar National Congress and organised the the 182-metre tall statue occupies Vallabhbhai Patel — an Indian politician party for elections in 1934 and 1937 over 20,000 square metres and is who played an instrumental role in and continued to promote the Quit surrounded by a 12-square-kilometre India’s struggle for independence, India Movement. After India gained artificial lake. and later during the integration of the independence from the British, In September, 2019, the country. To commemorate Patel, the Sardar Patel represented India on the government of India has instituted new government which was formed Partition Council. Sardar Vallabhbhai the highest civilian award in the at the Centre in 2014 decided to Patel was given the mammoth task of field of contribution to the unity and celebrate 31 October as Rashtriya Ekta the political integration of India and is integrity of India, in the name of Sardar Diwas – in an announcement made by responsible for unifying 562 princely Prime Minister Narendra Modi. states in the country. This earned him Vallabhbhai Patel. The Award seeks the title of 'Iron Man of India'. to recognize notable and inspiring About Sardar Patel contributions to promote the cause Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on Other Facts of national unity and integrity and to October 31, 1875, in Gujarat. Sardar In October, 2018, Modi inaugurated reinforce the value of a strong and Patel supported Mahatama Gandhi's the 'Statue of Unity', sculpted in Patel's united India. Non-Cooperation Movement and honour in Gujarat, on the occasion ¢
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3. Jammu and Kashmir Bifurcation
In accordance with the Jammu and or a state bifurcating into two states. Their tenure will be determined by Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,The total number of states in the the President. the state along with its democraticcountry will be now 28 while the total The High Court of Jammu and institutions recently reorganised intoUTs will go up to nine. Kashmir shall be the common two Union Territories - Jammu & High Court for the Union territory Kashmir and Ladakh. This is for the firstKey Highlights of Jammu and Kashmir and Union time that a state is converted into two The Constitution of Jammu and territory of Ladakh. UTs even though there are numerous Kashmir and the Ranbir Penal Code Background example of a UT becoming a full state will cease to exist. On August 5, through a Presidential The Union Territory of J&K will Order, the government has declared have a legislature while the UT of that Article 370 would cease to be Ladakh will have no legislature. operative, and specifically overrode a Both the Union Territories will previous order that made Article 35A have Lieutenant Governors a part of the Constitution of India, as administrators who will be thereby ending the special status appointed by the President of India.accorded to the region. ¢
4. EU Delegation in Jammu and Kashmir
Recently, a delegation of 23 Members India’s efforts to end terror and The Controversy of the European Parliament has visited establish peace in the Valley. Terrorism Earlier, opposition politicians including Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) to “assess in Kashmir is not only the matter of Rahul Gandhi of the Congress Party the situation” in Jammu and Kashmir. India but also for the international who tried to visit the region while it The delegation originally comprised of community. We do not want Kashmir was in lockdown were turned back at 27 leaders but four of them returned to become another Afghanistan. the airport. Those who were allowed to their respective countries. This is the in, like former Chief Minister Ghulam first time the government has allowed Government's View Nabi Azad, could only do so after a foreign delegation to visit J&K after it The government functionary approaching the Supreme Court. stripped the state of its special status has dismissed "criticism" of the under Article 370 on August 5. Hence, several experts has termed government's move to allow a the EU MPs visit to Kashmir the Key Highlights delegation of lawmakers from the "biggest diplomatic blunder" in India's Underlining that it was important European Union (EU) to visit J&K, history and said the government had not to let the region become hub of saying the move was a counter to deliberately internationalised the international terrorism, European Pakistan's propaganda in the West, issue. Union parliamentarians have backed especially Europe. ¢
5. Semi-Dirac Metals
Researchers from IIT Bombay have are good conductors of electricity. A the momentum. This difference is discovered special properties in a class key aspect that decides the quality of responsible for their unique properties. of materials called “semi-Dirac metals”. conduction is the way energy depends Semi-Dirac metals behave like Dirac on the momentum of electrons. Dirac metals in one direction and like normal What are Dirac Metals? metals differ from normal metals in metals in the perpendicular directions Normal metals like gold and silver that the energy depends linearly on (since their microscopic structure is
36 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 different along the two directions). determine the conductivity and otherpolarisation when it is incident along a Within any material, charge carriers, such properties. This is also trueparticular of direction. The material would such as electrons, acquire an effective a semi-Dirac metal. In particular,be opaque to the same light when it mass which is different from their bare the effective mass becomes zerofalls for on it from a different direction. mass depending on the nature of the conduction along a special direction. There are many known applications material. The effective mass and the for transparent conducting films – the number of states available for the Properties common example being touch screens electron to occupy when it is excitedSuch materials would be transparentused in mobiles. by an electric field, for example,to light of a given frequency and ¢
6. Health Emergency in New Delhi
Recently, the Environment Pollutionscore of New Delhi crossed 500 mark. (Prevention and Control) AuthorityAccording to government agency (EPCA) has declared a public healthSystem of Air Quality and Weather emergency in the Delhi-NCR regionForecasting (SAFAR), the share of and banned construction activity stubble till burning from the neighbouring November 5 as the air quality dippedstates of Punjab and Haryana in Delhi's to “severe-plus” levels and left citizenspollution rose to 46 per cent, which it gasping for breath. Further, Supremereferred to be the highest this year. registration number will ply on odd Court also banned all construction Other polluting factors include days and those with even last digit on activities and garbage burningmeteorological in and atmospheric even days. the National Capital Region (NCR),factors, road and construction dust, The Central Pollution Control with a fine of Rs 1 lakh and Rsand 5,000 automobile emissions, etc. Board has also implemented the respectively for those violating the Graded Response Action Plan to curb Government Initiatives order. air pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP Recently, the government of Delhi measures include increasing bus and Key Highlights has implemented the third edition of metro services, hiking parking fees and According to the Central Pollution odd-even scheme. Under the scheme, stopping use of diesel gen-sets when Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI vehicles with odd last digit in the the air quality turns "poor". ¢
7. Tamil Nadu has become first State to get Law on Contract Farming
Tamil Nadu has become the first state in would not be covered under contract permanent structure or creating any the country to enact a law on contract farming. kind of leasehold rights or any kind of farming with President Ram Nath The law, which covers over 110 charge of whatever nature” on lands of Kovind giving assent to the Agricultural items of agricultural produce, requires farmers. Produce and Livestock Contract every purchaser to register himself Farming and Services (Promotion and or herself with a designated officer. What is Contract Farming? Facilitation) Act. Likewise, every agreement has to be According to Tamil Nadu Agricultural recorded with the officer concerned. University, contract farming refers to Key Highlights There are two types of contracts — one varied formal and informal agreements The law would safeguard the interests for production support (such as inputs’ between producers and processors or of farmers during times of bumper supply) and purchase and another, buyers. It may include loose buying crop or when market prices fluctuate. only for buying. arrangements, simple purchase However, any produce that is banned The Act, while permitting farmers agreements and supervised production by the Centre government or the to lease out their agricultural land with input provision, with tied loans State government or by the Indian or premises to buyers, however and risk coverage. Council of Agricultural Research, prohibits the latter from “raising any ¢
November 2019 A Issue-1 37 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS FROM PIB
1. 29th BASIC Ministerial Meet on Climate Change
Recently, the BASIC countries— a grouping of Brazil, South significant contribution to global efforts in combating Africa, India and China — held their 29th Ministerial meeting climate change. on Climate Change at Beijing, China. Ministers expressed their deep concern on the insufficiency and inadequacy of the support provided by Key Highlights developed countries to date, and underlined that the climate BASIC Ministers expressed their concern for the global finance should be new, additional, and with significant challenge of climate change and its adverse effects, public and funded component. They urged developed countries confirmed their commitments to multilateralism in toorder fulfill their climate finance commitments of providing to address the issue and to foster climate resilience and USD 100 billion annually by 2020 for developing countries promote greenhouse gas emissions reduction, low-carbonin a transparent and grant-based manner. and sustainable development, with a view to collectively working towards preparedness of international communityAbout BASIC for the wellbeing of all. The BASIC group was formed as the result of an agreement Ministers highlighted that developing countries, signed by the four countries on November 28, 2009. These including BASIC countries, notwithstanding the multiplenations have a broadly common position on reducing challenges including food security, poverty eradication,greenhouse and gas emissions and raising the massive funds insufficient and uneven progress of domestic development,that are needed to fight climate change. The BASIC countries have been implementing ambitious climate action basedconstituted on one of the parties in the Copenhagen Accord their national circumstances in the context of reachedsustainable with the US-led grouping; the Accord, was, however, development, and have achieved great progressnot legally with binding.
2. Global Bio-India 2019
The Global Bio-India 2019, one of the largest biotechnology sectors in the 'Make stakeholders conglomerate will be held for the first time in in India 2.0'. The India. The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science ambition of the & Technology along with its Public Sector Undertaking, event is to showcase Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) the strength in the is organizing this event. sector and let the world know India is Key Highlights the destination to The event has been structured to bring together stakeholders invest. from 30 countries, 250 start-ups, 200 exhibitors. Central and state ministries, regulatory bodies, investors, totalling to Background 3500 participants is anticipated. Biotechnology is recognized as the key driver for contributing The event is expected to strengthen the indigenous to India’s USD 5trillion economy target and is identified research capabilities, bio-entrepreneurship, investmentsas one of the thrust areas for driving GDP growth of our and last-mile-delivery of technology across rural Indiacountry. India is positioned today at about USD 51billion and and tier-2, 3 cities. Biotech is one of the identified championis marching towards USD 150billion.
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3. Gottiprolu
The 1st phase of excavation by a team of Archaeological they were comparable with the Satavahana and Ikshvaku Survey of India at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore (now dynasty periods, which could be dated back to either the renamed as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh has 1st or 2nd century BC. discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded ¡by During excavation, a series of broken conical shaped a massive brick enclosure. terracotta pipes were also found. These pipes, fitted into one another, may have been used for drainage purposes, Key Findings and revealed that civic amenities were maintained by ¡ A 2,000 year-old brick structure and a life-size Vishnu the occupants of this site. sculpture was unearthed, besides a wide variety of ¡ Another interesting find is the small rectangular brick materials made by pottery. tank exposed near the inner lining of the curved brick ¡ A massive sized brick enclosure wall was also discovered, structure. that ran to a length of more than 75 metres, with an ¡ The proximity of the site to the seacoast suggests that average width of about 3.4 meters, which rose to a the site could have served as a strategic settlement height of nearly 2 meters in a curvilinear pattern. involved in maritime trade. Further research will reveal ¡ After analysing the brick sizes, archaeologists said that interesting facts about the site as trade centre. 4. India and Germany Relations Recently, German Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel For both countries, the Sustainable Development Goals has visited India for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental and the Paris Agreement serve as guiding frameworks in Consultations (IGC). India and Germany inked over 20 their cooperation. They underlined that for a successful agreements, including in the field of Artificial Intelligence energy and transport transition in India and in Germany (AI), green urban mobility and agriculture, and resolved to both countries need to closely cooperate, to learn from each jointly combat terrorism. other and to capitalize on the economic potential of climate protection. India welcomed Germany’s keenness to join the Key Highlights International Solar Alliance (ISA), with a view to promote India and Germany aspire to build a collaborative partnership sustainable climate friendly and efficient energy solutions by leveraging advantages on each side recognising increasing internationally. integration of hardware and software in developing Internet The two leaders further welcomed the meetings of Things (IoT) and AI solutions for societal benefits. of the Joint Working Groups for collaboration in Water Both leaders underlined their determination to enhance Management, Waste Management/Circular Economy and Climate Change as well as Biodiversity held in 2019. The bilateral trade and investment. Both sides confirmed the leaders welcomed the launching of the initiative "Closing importance of a balanced Free Trade Agreement between the Loop of Marine Litter in Ecosystem”. They expressed India and the EU and agreed to deepen efforts to restart confidence that the initiative will support ongoing efforts to negotiations between the EU and India on the Bilateral achieve SDG 12 by encouraging adoption of resource efficient Trade and Investment Agreement. and circular economy approaches, using technology-based Both sides also reiterated their strong support for a solutions and in partnership with all stake holders. Both rules-based international trading system with the Worldsides welcomed the signing of two Joint Declarations of Trade Organisation (WTO) at its centre. Intent on Marine Litter.
5. UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Recently, UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of Significance UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of 'Film' By joining the UCCN, the cities pledge to share their best and Hyderabad in the field of 'Gastronomy'. Previously, 3 practices and develop partnerships involving public and Indian cities were recognized as members of UCCN,namely- private sectors as well as civil society to strengthen creation, Jaipur-Crafts and Folk Arts(2015), Varanasi-Creative city of production, distribution and dissemination of cultural Music (2015) and Chennai-Creative city of Music(2017). activities, goods and services.
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About UCCN They work together towards a common mission: UCCN was created in 2004. It is a network of cities which placing creativity and the creative economy at the core are thriving, active centres of cultural activities in their of their urban development plans to make cities safe, respective countries. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United now counts a total of 246 cities. Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The The member cities that form part of the Network come network covers seven creative fields namely crafts and folk from all continents and regions with different income levels arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and and populations. music.
6. First ever Movement of Container Cargo on National Waterway -2
In line with government’s focus on improving connectivity to aimed at providing a fillip to North East Region’s industrial the North Eastern Region (NER), a landmark container cargo development by opening up an alternate route for consignment has started its journey on inland waterways transportation of raw material and finished goods. from Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) terminal at Pandu in Guwahati. About IBP The inland vessel MV Maheshwari carrying 53 TEUs The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) (containers) of petrochemicals, edible oil and beverage between India and Bangladesh allows mutually beneficial etc. The 12-15 days voyage will be an integrated arrangements IWT for the use of their waterways for movement movement via National Waterway-1 (river Ganga), NW-97of goods between the two countries by vessels of both (Sunderbans), Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route andcountries. The IBP route extends from Kolkata (India) on NW-2 (river Brahmaputra). NW-1 to Silghat (Assam) on NW-2 (River Brahmaputra) The 1425 km long movement is expected to establish andthe Karimganj (Assam) on NW-16 (River Barak). The technical and commercial viability of IWT mode using thesedevelopment of these two stretches is expected to provide multiple waterways even as a series of pilot movementsseamless navigation to and from North East India through are planned on the stretch. The latest IWT movementwaterways is via the IBP route.
7. 'Wastelands Atlas’ – 2019
Recently, in an effort to productively use India’s wastelands, The changes in wastelands between 2008-09 and 2015- the Ministry of Rural Development has released the fifth 16 have been presented in the Atlas. During this period 1.45 edition of Wasteland Atlas -2019, eight years after the Mha of wastelands were converted into non-wastelands last edition was published in 2011. The Department of category. There is a net conversion of 0.84 Mha (0.26 per Land Resources in collaboration with National Remote cent) of different wasteland categories in the country during Sensing Centre (NRSC), Department of Space has published 2008-09 to 2015-16. Wastelands Atlases of India - 2000, 2005, 2010 & 2011 A reduction in wasteland area was observed in the editions. categories of land with dense scrub, waterlogged and Key Highlights marshy land, sandy areas, degraded pastures/grazing land and gullied and ravinous land. India with 2.4% of total land area of the world is supporting 18% of the world’s population. The per capita availability of The wastelands have undergone positive change in agriculture land in India is 0.12 ha whereas world per capita the states of Rajasthan (0.48 Mha), Bihar (0.11 Mha), Uttar agriculture land is 0.29 ha. Pradesh (0.10 Mha), Andhra Pradesh (0.08 Mha), Mizoram (0.057 Mha), Madhya Pradesh (0.039 Mha), Jammu & Unprecedented pressure on the land beyond its carrying capacity is resulting into degradation of lands in the country. Kashmir (0.038 Mha) and West Bengal (0.032 Mha). Therefore, robust geospatial information on wastelands Majority of wastelands have been changed into assumes significance and effectively helpful in rolling back categories of ‘croplands’ (0.64 Mha), ‘forest-dense / open’ the wastelands for productive use through various land (0.28 Mha), ‘forest plantation’ (0.029 Mha), ‘plantation’ development programmes / schemes. (0.057 Mha) and ‘industrial area’ (0.035 Mha) etc. mmm 40 November 2019 A Issue-1 Current Affairs : Perfect 7 SEVEN IMPORTANT CONCEPTS THROUGH GRAPHICS
1. South China Sea Disputed Islands
Key Facts
¥ The Paracel Islands, also known as Xisha in Chinese and Hoàng Sa in Vietnamese, are a group of islands, reefs, banks and other maritime features in the South China Sea.
¥ They are controlled and occupied by the People's Republic of China, and also claimed by Taiwan (Republic of China) and Vietnam.
¥ The archipelago includes about 130 small coral islands and reefs, most grouped into the northeast Amphitrite Group or the western Crescent Group.
¥ They are distributed over a maritime area of around 15,000 square kilometres (5,800 sq mi), with a land area of approximately 7.75 square kilometres (2.99 sq mi).
¥ Spratly Islands are also disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. Composed of islands, islets and cays and more than 100 reefs, sometimes grouped in submerged old atolls.
¥ There is an ongoing territorial dispute between China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam, concerning "ownership" of the Spratly Islands.
¥ They are important for economic and strategic reasons. The Spratly area holds potentially significant, but largely unexplored, reserves of oil and natural gas.
¥ It is also a productive area for world fishing.
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2. Agalega Island
Key Facts
¥ Agalega are two outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) North of Mauritius Island.
¥ The islands have a total area of 2,600 ha (6,400 acres).
¥ Agaléga island is leased to the Indian military for the development of strategic assets.
¥ India signed a MoU for “improvement in sea and air transportation facilities” at Agalega island in Mauritius.
¥ This pact provides for “setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity at the Outer Island of Mauritius
¥ The government increased its commitment to Mauritius from Rs 350 crore last year to Rs 1,100 crore.
3. Tulagi Island
Key Facts
¥ Tulagi is part of the Solomon Islands, a sovereign country consisting of 6 large islands and over 900 smaller islands to the northeast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean.
¥ The island is considered important for its natural deepwater harbour. Because of this advantage, Tulagi during World War II served as the Pacific headquarters for the Allied forces.
¥ After World War II, the Solomon Islands remained close to the West, but the equation began to change with the rise of China as an economic and military giant beginning in the 1980s.
¥ China Sam Enterprise Group, a company with close connections to the Chinese Communist Party, has been given a renewable 75-year lease by the Solomon Islands.
¥ The provisions of the agreement explicitly include the building of an airport, a fishery base, an oil and gas terminal, but some clauses could be interpreted to allow for the building of strategic assets.
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4. Assumption Island
Key Facts
¥ Assumption Island is a small island in the Outer Islands of Seychelles North of Madagascar.
¥ It is located about 27 km South of Anse Takamaka on Aldabra Atoll and is part of the Aldabra Group.
2 ¥ It is a single coral island 11.6 km (4.5 sq mi) in area.
¥ In 2018, Seychelles and India signed an agreement to build and operate a joint military facility on a portion of the island.
¥ The plan caused public protests by activists who believed that the islands should stay out of the brewing India-China regional conflict.
¥ Assumption Island was once home to a great diversity of seabirds. The island is also known for its rich fish life.
Key Facts
¥ The Kuril Islands or Kurile Islands is a volcanic archipelago in Russia's Sakhalin Oblast
¥ It stretches approximately 1,300 km (810 mi) northeast from Hokkaido, Japan to Kamchatka, Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean.
¥ There are 56 islands and many minor rocks. It consists of the Greater Kuril Chain and the Lesser Kuril Chain.
¥ All the islands are under Russian jurisdiction. Japan claims the four southernmost islands, as part of its territory known as "Northern Territories".
¥ In 2018, Russo-Japanese talks on reunification of islands with Japan resumed.
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6. Reunion Island
Key Facts
¥ Réunion Island is an overseas department and region of France and an island in the Indian Ocean, East of Madagascar and 175 km (109 mi) Southwest of Mauritius.
¥ It is known for its volcanic, rainforested interior, coral reefs and beaches.
¥ Within the first few months of 2020, India will deploy a naval aircraft, here, as part of join surveillance mission with France in the Southern Indian Ocean.
¥ As far as maritime security in Indian Ocean is concerned, Reunion Island holds a strategic importance.
¥ Earlier both sides signed an agreement for “Provision of Reciprocal Logistics Support” that would allow each other to access the other’s military facilities.
7. Marawah Island
Key Facts
¥ Marawah is a low-lying island off the coast of the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
¥ The island is 15 km (9.3 mi) North of the Khor al-Bazm (lagoon) along the Abu Dhabi coastline in the southern Gulf.
¥ Although privately owned, the island is a key center of archaeology. Recent excavations yielded a small natural pearl, claimed to be the oldest, was carbon dated to 5800/5600 BCE.
¥ Experts indicate that ancient pearls were possibly traded with Mesopotamia in exchange for highly-decorated ceramics and other goods.
¥ The island people knew navigation and how to herd sheep, fish, make jewellery and even create decorative art which dates back to pre-historic era.
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