19Th Feb 2021 Current Affairs Analysis by Iastoppers' Editorial Team | 2021-02-19 17:00:00

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19th Feb 2021 Current Affairs Analysis By IASToppers' Editorial Team | 2021-02-19 17:00:00

Polity & Governance Delimitation Commission holds first meeting

The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir held its first meeting recently, to seek suggestion/views on the process of delimitation in respect of the union territory.

The meeting of the commission was attended by two of the five associated members. Other three associate members skipped the meeting on the ground that the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, is currently under judicial scrutiny.

Delimitation:

Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. The job of delimitation is assigned to a high power body. It is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats to represent changes in population. In this process, the number of seats allocated to a state may also change. Objective: To provide equal representation for equal population segments, and a fair division of geographical areas, so that no political party has an advantage.

Delimitation Commission of India:

The Delimitation Commission for four north-eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir was constituted by the Centre on March 6, 2020. The Commission will delimit the constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and those of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland in accordance with the provisions of the Delimitation Act, 2002. The commission seeks views and inputs of its "associate members"- a group of Lok Sabha members and MLAs. The Delimitation Commission’s orders cannot be questioned before any court. In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times: 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002

Key Fact:

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir came into being on October 31, 2019 after the state was reorganised.

[Ref: Hindustan Times]

Puducherry L-G orders floor test

The newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry directed the Assembly Secretariat to convene the House.

Background:

The House strength stood altered as a result of disqualification of one member and the resignation of four others. A single agenda of the session is to determine whether or not the Chief Minister enjoys the confidence of the House.

What is Floor test?

A floor test is primarily taken to know whether the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature. It is a constitutional mechanism under which a Chief Minister appointed by the Governor can be asked to prove majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly of the state. As per the Constitution, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor of the state. When a single party secures the majority of the seats in the house, the Governor appoints the leader of the party as the Chief Minister. In case the majority is questioned, the leader of the party which claims majority has to move a vote of confidence and prove majority among those present and voting.

The Chief Minister has to resign if they fail to prove their majority in the house. This happens both in the parliament and the state legislative assemblies.

What is Trust Vote?

A confidence motion, or a vote of confidence, or a trust vote, is sought by the government in power on the floor of the House.

What is composite floor test?

There is another test, Composite Floor Test, which is conducted only when more than one person stakes claim to form the government. When the majority is not clear, the governor might call for a special session to see who has the majority. The majority is counted based on those present and voting. This can also be done through a voice vote where the member can respond orally or through division voting. Some legislators may be absent or choose not to vote. In division vote, voting can be done through electronic gadgets, ballots or slips. The person who has the majority will form the government. In case of tie, the speaker can also cast his vote.

[Ref: The Hindu]

Delhi can designate human rights courts

The Delhi High Court (HC) has ruled that Delhi, as a Union Territory, can designate human rights courts in each district.

Highlights of the case and ruling:

Last year a notification was issued by the Delhi government specifying human rights courts in each district of Delhi signed by the Lieutenant Governor or L-G. The argument filed against the notification argued that Delhi is a ‘Union Territory’ and not a ‘State’ within the meaning of Constitution and the rule says that a Court of Sessions as a Human Rights Court under The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 can only be issued by the Centre. The rule also means that the Lieutenant Governor or L-G is not authorised to issue it as the power is vested with the President of India.

What did the Delhi HC say?

The bench of Justices said that merely because the enactment is a Central legislation, it does not follow that its implementation can only be undertaken by the Central Government. The court also said for the purposes of Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, the

expression ‘State’ would include the Union Territory.

The Court of Human Rights

The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 provides for establishment Human Rights Courts. The objective of these courts is providing speedy trial of offences arising out of violation of human right. The Act does not define or explain the meaning of "offences arising out of violations of human rights. Section 30 of the Act that the state Government may, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification, specify for each district a Court of Sessions to be a Human Rights Court to try the said offences. Whereas Section 31 of the Act provides the State government to specify and appoint a special public prosecutor in that court.

[Ref: Indian Express]

Speeding up disposal of cases under IBC

The central government plans to take measures that will help accelerate the disposal of cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The cases have been suspended until March 31 to avert fresh bankruptcy filings against cash- strapped borrowers who defaulted on loans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Key Highlights of the decision

The measures will begin after the suspension period ends i.e., on 31st March. In order to provide relief from the pandemic, the government temporarily suspended the initiation of corporate insolvency resolution processes starting on March 25, 2020.

It aims to improve the proportion of cases disposed under IBC as well as to reduce their backlog. Only 8% of 2,278 IBC cases filed with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) since April 2020 have been disposed so far. The number of pending cases in NCLT has meanwhile mounted to around 21,250, from 19,844 cases as of July 31, 2020. 12,438 cases are related to the bankruptcy law. The Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown led to an accumulation of cases on account of a reduction in staff and the number of working days available.

Why speedy disposal of cases is required?

Delays in disposal of IBC cases are having an adverse impact on efforts by banks and financial institutions to recover non-performing assets (NPAs). The latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) states the gross NPA ratio of all scheduled commercial banks may increase from 7.5% in September 2020 to 13.5% by September 2021 in a baseline scenario and even up to 14.8% in a severe stress scenario. As per the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) quarterly report, the average time taken for insolvency resolution by an adjudicating authority is 433 days against the statutory mandate of 270 days. He said the delay in resolution of insolvency cases will lead to continued provisioning, which is a strain on the capital of banks that will stifle the ability of lenders to extend further credit to productive sectors.

[Ref: Hindustan Times]

Government Schemes & Policies PM launches connectivity projects in Assam

The Prime Minister of India launched multiple initiatives in Assam recently.

The initiatives include the Mahabahu-Brahmaputra inland waterway project and foundation stone of two bridges across the Brahmaputra.

Major Highlights:

Mahabahu-Brahmaputra initiative is a Rs 3,200 crore initiative to improve water transport connectivity.

Three Ro-pax vessel operations were launched between: Neemati Ghat (Jorhat) and Majuli island North Guwahati and South Guwahati Dhubri and Hatsingimari. The foundation stone of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa was laid. Various tourist jetties on the Brahmaputra were inaugurated aimed to promote river tourism and employment. Dhubri-Phulbari bridge: The foundation stone for a 19-km-long four-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra was laid to be constructed at the cost of Rs 5,000 crore. It will be India’s longest bridge over a river. It will connect Dhubri in Assam and Phulbari in Meghalaya. It will reduce the distance between Meghalaya and Assam to just 19-20 km, which is about 250 km by road. Majuli-Jorhat bridge: The ground-breaking ceremony was performed for a 6.8-km-long two-lane bridge that would connect Kamalabari in Majuli (world’s largest river island) to Neematighat in Jorhat. Earlier, the Asom Mala, a major road network project was launched and foundation stone for two medical colleges was laid. The PM had distributed land allotment certificates to landless indigenous farmers in Sivasagar.

Significance:

The projects aim to make life easier in Assam and improve the connectivity in Assam and North-east of India.

It will strengthen the internal security of the country and boost economical development of the region. It will reduce distance between the other North-eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Assam.

Key Fats:

Major bridges in Assam:

Bhupen-Hazarika Setu Bogibeel Bridge Saraighat Bridge

Connectivity issues in North-east of India:

North East has historically suffered from poor transport connectivity within and between the seven states as well as with the rest of India and neighbouring countries. They include:

Poor transport connectivity in the North East Scarcity of all-weather roads Lack of physical and institutional infrastructure Supply-side constraints due to difficult terrain and institutional capacity

Causes:

Difficult geographical terrain and isolation from mainland India Low Financial outlay Historical neglect and absence of political will Militant insurgency Conflict with tribals over developmental and land acquisition issues Regional divide and problem of migration

[Ref: Indian Express; AIR]

Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge

Under the Smart Cities Mission, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has announced a list of 25 cities for the ‘Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge’ cohort.

About Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge:

It is an initiative hosted by the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Bernard van Leer Foundation and WRI India. Objective: To enable Indian cities to adopt an early childhood lens in designing neighborhood-level improvements that promote the health and well-being of young children and their caregivers To make streets safe and walkable To reimagine public open spaces for play and interaction To adapt public spaces with early childhood amenities To improve access to early childhood services Eligibility: The Challenge is open to all Indian cities with population above 5 lakhs, Smart Cities, and capitals of States/Union Territories. Over the 3-year initiative, selected cities will receive technical support and capacity-building to develop, pilot and scale solutions that enhance the quality of life of young children.

Smart Cities Mission:

The smart city mission is a flagship scheme of the Union government that covers 100 cities across the country. Objective: To promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'Smart' Solutions. Bottom-up approach has been the key planning principle under Smart City Mission. Under the scheme, each city gets Rs.500 crore (Rs. 100 crore per year) from the Centre for

implementing various projects. The implementation of the Mission at the City level is done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created for the purpose. The SPV will plan, appraise, approve, release funds, implement, manage, operate, monitor and evaluate the Smart City development projects. Each smart city will have an SPV which will be headed by a full time CEO and have nominees of Central Government, State Government and ULB on its Board. Eligibility: The selection of the cities was based on scores of cities for carrying out urban reforms in areas including sanitation and governance. Cities that score highest were picked for the project, to be implemented over a 10-year period.

[Ref: PIB]

Issues related to Health & Education Bird flu alert in Bihar

Recently, dozens of crows died in Bihar’s West Champaran district in January 2021 due to pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) viruses.

Infection in humans has not been reported in India, though the disease is zoonotic.

Avian influenza:

Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Classification:

Influenza viruses are grouped into three types:

Type A:

Only type known to infect animals and is zoonotic, meaning it can infect animals and also humans. They are further classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins: Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) For example, a virus that has HA 5 protein and NA 8 protein is designated as subtype H5N8.

Type B and C:

Mostly infect humans and typically cause mild disease.

Classified into two categories according to the severity:

Low pathogenic (LPAI) strains: Typically cause few or no clinical signs in poultry, and may go undetected due to the lack of symptoms in some species of birds. Highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains: Causes severe clinical signs and potentially high mortality rates among poultry.

About H5N8 Influenza A virus:

H5N8 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus (sometimes called bird flu virus). Although H5N8 is considered one of the less pathogenic subtypes for humans, it is beginning to become more pathogenic. While H5N8 presents only a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry.

[Ref: Down To Earth]

Economy U.S.’s financial contributions to WHO

U.S. announced to pay the World Health Organization (WHO) $200 million by the end of February 2021.

The announcement is significant as former U.S. President had begun the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO. The U.S. is the largest funder of the WHO, contributing more than 15% of its total funds.

How WHO is funded?

WHO gets its funding from two main sources:

1. Member States paying their assessed contributions (countries’ membership dues) Assessed contributions (AC) are a percentage of a country’s Gross Domestic Product (the percentage is agreed by the United Nations General Assembly). Member States approve them every two years at the World Health Assembly. They cover less than 20% of the total budget. 2. Voluntary contributions from Member States and other partners The remainder of WHO’s financing is in the form of voluntary contributions (VC), largely from Member States as well as from other United Nations organizations, intergovernmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, the private sector, and other sources.

Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE):

WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) allows WHO to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks and health emergencies- often in 24 hours or less. WHO also funds its emergency responses from specific appeals as well as allocations from joint funds such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and Humanitarian Response Plans.

About WHO:

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Objective: The attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. The WHO was established by constitution on 7 April 1948, now celebrate every year as World Health Day. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with six semi-autonomous regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.

[Ref: The Hindu]

Bilateral and International relations India Reiterates call for Rule of Democratic Transition in Myanmar

Recently, a ministerial meeting under Quadrilateral grouping was held among India, Australia, Japan and United States.

Major highlights of the meeting:

Participants reiterated Democratic values for the region and the Military takeover in Myanmar. India emphasised on its commitment to “uphold rules based international order” and “peaceful resolution of disputes”. It also discussed contemporary challenges, especially impact of COVID-19 and exchanged views on issues across the Indo-Pacific. Upholding of rule of law and the Democratic transition was reiterated. The American statement highlighted for urgent need to restore the democratically elected government, and the priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region. The Ministers emphasised their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes

QUAD:

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is an informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is maintained by semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between member countries. QUAD was first mooted by the then Japanese Prime Minister in 2007. With the aim to counter China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. India, Australia, US and Japan, formed the “quadrilateral” coalition on November 12, 2017, and held a meeting a day before the ASEAN Summit. Officials from four member countries met for consultations on issues of common interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Soon after the meeting, India, Australia and Japan issued separate statements listing the Indo- Pacific as the major area of the deliberations and resolved to expand cooperation; To uphold a rules-based order and respect for international law in the strategically important region.

Significance:

It underlines the rising significance of maritime geopolitics in an increasingly integrated world.

The participants discuss the direction for cooperation, including with countries in the region, in upholding the rules-based order and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific. The four countries shared a vision for increased prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region and will work together to ensure that it remains free and open. Economically, the strategy is regarded as an answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is establishing a China-centric trade route.

India and the QUAD:

[Ref: The Hindu]

Art & Culture Whistling language in Canary archipelago

A whistling language known as Silbo Gomero is still in use in the Canary archipelago.

About Silbo Gomero:

The language substitutes whistled sounds that vary by pitch and length for written letters. It is the only whistled language in the world that is fully developed and practiced by a large community. In 2009, the island’s language was added by UNESCO to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. However, there are fewer whistles than there are letters in the Spanish alphabet, so a sound can have multiple meanings, causing misunderstandings.

Location of Canary Islands:

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, in a region known as Macaronesia. They are the southernmost of the autonomous communities of Spain, and are located in the African Tectonic Plate. Geographically the islands are part of the African continent but from a historical, economic, political and socio-cultural point of view, they are part of the European Union.

UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage:

The list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance. It was established in 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect. It has two parts viz. Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. The list is published by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Aim:

To create awareness and ensure better protection of important intangible cultural heritage across the world.

This list has been classified into five broad domains:

Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage. Performing arts. Social practices, rituals and festive events. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe. Traditional craftsmanship.

What is Intangible Cultural heritage?

Intangible cultural heritage means skills, knowledge, expressions, representations, practices, artifacts, objects, instruments, and cultural spaces associated with various groups, communities and individuals recognized as a part of their cultural heritage.

13 Intangible Cultural Heritages of India:

UNESCO has recognised 13 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) traditions of India as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include:

[Ref: NY times; UNESCO]

Key facts for Prelims Marsoulas Cave

A conch shell found during the excavation of a cave with prehistoric wall paintings in France is believed to be the oldest known seashell instrument.

A Shell trumpet from 18000 years BP found in the Marsoulas cave (France) in 1931 is currently adapted by Magdalenian people as a musical instrument. During Upper Paleolithic time, the inhabitants of Marsoulas Cave turned a sea snail shell into a wind instrument and used it during important social events and rituals.

About the Marsoulas Cave:

The Marsoulas Cave are in Southwestern France, near Marsoulas is a small cave notable for its archaeological wealth, including Paleolithic cave paintings and ornaments from the Magdalenian. It consists of a straight gallery about 100 m long with parietal art along the entire length of the cave. The art includes human and animal (bison and horses) figures as well as geometric forms and has been described as being of profound stylistic originality with few equivalents in the region from the same period. The prehistoric artists who produced these used the varied topography of the cave and ceiling to produce three-dimensional engravings and paintings in scales ranging between 2.2 m to tiny miniatures. Excavations have been carried out since at least 1883 by a number of researchers. Public entrance to the cave was closed in 1996 due to Vandalism and Graffiti (Graffiti is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface). Engravings and paintings found in the cave have been dated to around 17,000 BP (Before Present) and an extensive program of photographing the decorated panels has been undertaken.

[Ref: The Hindu]

TECHNOGRAHIS

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched an enrolment module for TECHNOGRAHIS. TECHNOGRAHIS are students from IITs, NITs, engineering, planning and architecture colleges, faculty members, academicians, and stakeholders. MoHUA is promoting six Light House Projects (LHPs) as Live Laboratories for transfer of

technology to the field. The LHPs are model housing projects. About 1,000 houses at each location are being built with allied infrastructure facilities.

Charminar

The Charminar, constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is declared a Centrally protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

Why in News?

A Right to Information query has sought clarity on the subject – whether the Bhagyalakshmi Temple and the chilla (a Muslim religious flag like structure) are authorized structures or not. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated that the Bhagyalakshmi Temple abutting the Charminar came into existence after the merger of Hyderabad State with the Union of India. No records are available to ASI about the Chilla adjacent to Charminar.

The encroachments in and around Charminar and their removal have been hotly debated by heritage activists. The area has been a flashpoint of communal activity. Due to these very structures, the monument has lost its bid to be on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list.